other should be separated but though I have command to sever you yet I will not this night yet do not think it is because of this ring which you have given me but because I know by your faces that you are not guilty of this crime whereof you are accused for we can tell at the very first fight who are criminal and can read their faults in their very eyes After this he went away and presently sent us a good Feather-bed and good Bed-clothes with so many kind expressions as we could not chuse but admire that a heart which was as hard as any stone should be softned so suddenly by gifts After the door was shut and I think a hundred locks upon it Amerina after a deep sigh Friend said she unto me for I lay upon a Matteras a little dis tant from her are you yet asleep No answered I will you command me any service The service I would command said he is that to morrow you petend to go and solicite for my enlargement and when you are out then to make an escape and tell me the place where I shall find you But replyed I would you have me leave you alone in this condition Friend said she the condition wherein I am would be pleasing unto me were it not for my fears of you and these chains and fetters since for your sake would be more sweet and welcome to me were I certain of your safety in lieu of hating them I would kiss them a thousand them since by them I can testifie the extream affection which I bear unto you But tell me dear friend when you are gone from hence will you ever think upon Amerina Will it not come into your thoughts that Silvia cannot love you so well as I Oh how great would be my felicity if it should But Friend I will not oblige you unto so much only promise me that in the midst of all your contentments you will give me leave to love you and that you will not call my affection troublesome nor be weary of it Upon this condition go and enjoy the felicities of that happy Silvia and tell her amidst all the kind embraces which you receive from her that it was poor Amerina which preserved Lidias for her She would have talked more if tears and sighs would have suffered her which moved me to so much compassion that to comfort her I went nearer unto her as well to oblige her by it as to avoid being heard by any having heard that somtimes walls have ears First I fell upon my knees by her Bed-side and taking her hand which I found fettered I offered to kiss it but she pulling it back caused me to sit down by her and then I said unto her These testimonies of that affection which you have unto Lidias and for whose sake I receive so many favours do oblige me so far fair Amerina that I will swear I shall never enjoy any perfect contentment until I see you undeceived and convinced of that errour wherein you are Oh most cruel man said she yet harping upon that false string which jars so extreamly in my ears I most then at one blow cut off all your impertinent excuses Upon this raising up her self in her Bed I conjure you said she in the name of truth to tell me who was it that rescued you out of the claws of Lyons Who sav'd your life upon condition of Marriage To whom did I give my person and all my estate For whom have I left all my kindred and friends Tell me who it is I have followed through all these strange Countreys not valuing my reputation nor any thing else Tell me I say for whom do you think I suffer these Irons upon my hands and feet and am ready to endure all the torments that mortals can devise I must needs confess said I unto her that it is I who am obliged unto you for all these Then replied she presently if it be you who is obliged unto me for your life and all these testimonies of my affection whoever you are you are the most ungrateful man that ever breathed if you do not render me amity for amity and love for love I do not exact this from you as Lidias nor bid Lidias love Amerina But I say friend whomsoever you are love her who loves you and her to whom you are more obliged then ever any man was unto any woman These words did a little surprize me and was the cause why I paused a while without returning any answer and gave her occasion to continue on O most ungrateful heart said she O the most insensible soul that ever was what canst thou do more to make me die why dost thou not open my brest and pull out that heart which loves thee too well perhaps you think it has not suffered enough yet for the fault which it hath committed I beleive she had not so soon ceased her reproaches though sighs and tears made her cut her words in the midst if I had not beseeched her to hear me and give a little truce to her passion What canst thou say unto me insensible man replied she dost think I know not what answers thou wilt make Amerina wilt thou say were I not already Silvias and given my self and my faith unto her I should endeavour to satisfie all my obligations unto you but I am already tied up by the Laws of fidelity and I were a most unworthy man if I should offer to break them This is the answer I expect from you but O thou unthankful person dost think to pay thy debts thuâ— Canst thou believe such coyn as this will content Amerina No no ungrateful wretch I summon thee before the throne of Justice and ask whether such obligations as these ought to be cancelled upon such shallow and unreasonable pretences For pray thee tell me has this Silvia whom thou thus preferrest before me obliged thee with stronger chains then I have Did she ever save thy life has she wholly given her self unto thee Did she ever follow thee through strange Countreys Was she ever in prison for thy sake Did she ever setter her hands and feet with Irons to set thee at liberty if ever she shewed such testimonies of her affection then I am silent and must only complain against my ill Fortune which would not let me be the first of thy obligers but if she never did then I must say and say again with abundance of reason and truth that thou art the most ungrateful most unjust and most insensible person that ever lived At last I interrupted her in this manner It is most true fair Amerina that I could alledge all those arguments you have instanced and were we before any uninterested impartial Judge perhaps those reasons would not be contemptible But now I will not urge it so far knowing as well as you can tell me that never any was more obliged then I unto you This I only must say that
I tell you my fidelity will not suffer me to give you lesse but if it be my presence which vexes you you shall not long languish in that displeasure for I do protest not to present my self before you until I be well assured that you desire my company In saying so he went from her and would have gone out of the chamber but Palanice who followed him with her eye called him back as he was opening the door As soon as Sileines heard himself named he turned back and coming to her she said unto him with a scornful look since you intend to retire your self Sileines it is not reasonable you should keep a companion with you that may trouble you in your solitude therefore said she pray râ—store me back my bracelet for I will have it again I wish with all my heart answered Sileines that I were able to give you that contentment but having sworn never to part with it as long as I have life you must if you would have it back command me to die Die or live said Palanice I am indifferent so I can but obtain what I ask and have my own hair again Fair peice of cruelty replied the young Cavalier can your rigour find a heart to kill me before I know the cause of it Will you use me with more Tyranny then those whom they use to doom unto death before they be convinced of any crime Do not accuse any for the treatment which you receive answered Palanice but the shallownesse of your own merit and unlesse you will most mortally displease me restore unto me immediatly the bracelet which you had of me But Madam replied Sileines you gave it unto me freely without any condition therefore replied Palanice I would have it freely again without any condition As long as I have done nothing said Sileines which renders me unworthy to enjoy it is it not extream injustice to ravish it from me tell me no more of injustice replied Palanice all the reason in the world allows me to take my own where ere I find it I am afraid replied Sileines that you will have much ado to unty it for there are a thousand knots upon it No matter no matter answered Palanice I have a pair of Scissers which will do that office excellently well if you will but hold out your arm Well well persidious woman said Sileines in a rage and holding out his arm satisfie your fury and take your fill in ruining me I will not give you so much advantage as to say hereafter that ever I opposed your will in any thing Upon this Palanice did cut the ribband which tyed it together and having put it into her pocket Go now said she unto him even whether you please and say that you are beholding unto me for cutting your chains and setting you at liberty in saying so she went to the window not so much as casting a look upon him and poor Sileines sunk in sorrow went away but quite cured of his lamenesse for his rage had made him forget his staffe and to counterfeit a cripple as he did when he came His humour said Hylas who sat and said not a word till now point blank contrary unto mine could I with any patience ever endure she should call me troublesome and accuse me of too little merit for her Let me dy if I would not have given her not only the bracelet but dublet shirt and all to be delivered from the Tyranny of such a peevish piece Sileines did not so replied Florice but being enraged at such treatment from that fair one he resolved to come no more where she was and began to prepare himself for travel so find some remedy against his sorrows As soon as the running at the ring was ended Palanice came to give me an accompt of all she had done and because I knew by her looks and speech that she repented of it I advised her to think upon a remedy We went therefore to see Cercinea and though that fair one was his sister yet she knew nothing of his secrets for Palanice durst never trust her because she was very young Though we had known nothing of what had hapned unto her brother yet we might well have imagined it by the disorder in the house for the inquietude wherein Cercinea was and those tears which somtimes fell from her eyes did give us sufficient knowledg of it yet seeming to be ignorant of all we beseeched her not to conceal from us the cause of her sorrow She was not at all shie in telling us all very freely how about two hours ago she had seen her brother so extreamly troubled and offended that it greived her very heart for said she he asked some money of me which he gave me to keep he caused all his clothes to be packed up he commanded his horses to be made ready and I saw him in such strange disorder as it troubled my very soul I wish said Palanice that he were here for he would not hide from me the cause of his discontent Alas said Cercinea innocently never believe that I think he loves me very well and that I have as much power with him as any in the world but all my prayers and desires could not get one word from him In saying so they saw Sileines enter and passed by not seeing who was in the chamber Palanice thinking all that Cercinea said of her brothers despair was true she seemed to have something to do out of the chamber and went unto the Hall dor out of which Sileines must of necessity passe before he could go out of the house Sileines so troubled in mind that he never took any notice of me he took his cloak and sword but when thinking to go out he saw Palanice at the door he was extreamly astonished She who stood in the midst of the door-stead and held out both her arms to stop the passe with her face from the house as soon as she heard him coming who is there said she and turned a little about Sileines then not so much as lifting up an eye it is I answered he that would go out Out said Palanice what out of my heart or out of the house out of the world replied Sileines since your cruelty will not suffer me to live after this striving a little wiâ—h her as being desirous to passe whether she would or no Palanice catched hold of his arm I wonder said she you should so much forget the Laws of civility as to force those that have taken the pains to come and visit you No no replied Sileines you love your own contentment better then to take any pains to come and visit a man that is so troublesome and of so shallow merits as I am Palanice who knew well enough what he meant whether you be troublesome or welcome unto me said she unto him I will not now dispute but be it which it will I would have you stay in the house and if I
Godomar being to attempt the preservation of Dorinde the Prince Sigismond commanded us to follow him and we thought our selves obliged in honour to obey him so we came hither where we found these three Ladies but we know not yet how Love will dispose of our affairs Thus ended Alcander and it being very late Hylas who began to be very sleepy bade them good night went to his own Bed and slept till the next morning Important affairs did so take up the mind of Adamas and interrupted his sleep that he oft left his bed before he had closed an eye and though his age required rest yet his affection to the service of the Nymph and the publique safety did make him strain his weak and wearied body beyond belief such power has desire of doing well upon a generous person The greater he saw the danger and the more difficult he found the remedies the more did he rouse up his generous spirit and judgement to oppose the designes of Polemas And indeed the difficulties he saw were not a few nor small for he saw the Nymph destitute of men and money and to have no place of security but Marcelle where he made no question but her enemies had many friends and good intelligence That she was to defend her self against a great Souldier who had all the men the Forts the Intelligence and all the money of her Dominions in his power His greatest difficulty was to make his preparations to oppose this Treason so secretly that the enemy should not perceive it a thing so difficult that it seemed impossible For Polemas had so corrupted all those which he had drawn to his faction as Adamas hardly knew whom to trust The truth is the unexpected coming of Prince Godomar in a time so opportune and of all those Cavaliers who were with him as also of Damon and Alcidon did much encourage him thinking it a most infallible signe that the Gods intended to preserve the Nymph against the tyranny of this wicked man When he was deep in these thoughts those of the Guard sent to let him know that there was a good Troop of strangers who desired entrance who not being willing to tell their names stayed there yet their designe seemed not to be bad since there was many Ladies in Coaches This intelligence was no sooner given unto the Druide but two Cavaliers were conducted unto him to let him understand what men they were These two Cavaliers were well in years and seemed to be persons of great respect which caused Adamas to do them much honour And because they desired to talk in private with him he carried them into his Closet where the elder of them began thus Prudent and sage Sir Argira Queen of the Picts hath sent us unto the great Nymph to let her know that she is entred into her Dominions before she gave her any notice of it because not desiring to be known for some reasons which she will shew her she thought it would not be displeasing unto her And because she is constrained to obey an Oracle she has sent us to beseech you from her you would be pleased to permit her entrance and to let her pass unknown assuring her self that when the Nymph does know the reason of her desire she will think it most just How said Adamas and interrupted is the Queen of the Picts at the Gates And being answered she was Oh God said he how sorry will the Nymph be if she should not know it and will be extreamly displeased that so great a Princess should be no better received in her Dominions He would have gone on in his excuse if these two Cavaliers had not interrupted him Sir said they the Queen desires not to be known upon any terms and beseecheth the Nymph to conceal her We are not shye in acquainting you with it because we hear great reports of your wisdom but we beseech you from the Queen our Mistris to take no notice of it and to let her see the Nymph as a stranger unknown that she may communicate the cause of her Voyage unto her I know Sirs said Adamas unto them that the Nymph would not upon any terms in the world displease the Queen but will be extreamly joyed to see her within her Dominions and since you desire to have it so we will go all together unto the Nymph and acquaint her whose pleasure I know is that the Queen may command any thing here as freely as amongst the Picts Upo this they went all three together and Adamas acquainted her with the news which being so unexpected did not a little astonish her and causing the two Cavaliers to enter she understood from them what Adamas had briefly hinted unto her and more that the principal cause which moved Argira to come thus unknown was that misfortune of Rosilion whom she brought with her and whose mind was so distracted as moved much compassion from all those that formerly knew him For his reason she desired that he might be lodged by himself where none might see him but his domesticks The Nymph would have gone her self to meet her but the Cavaliers fell down upon their knees and besought her not to do so because the Queen would be extremely offended at it for Rosilion would sometimes commit such gross follies when he was in any company that Argira was constrained to come almost alone having brought with her but the Princess Rosanira the daughter of Poliander King of the Boyers and Ambaries and a small company of Cavaliers to guard them Since said the Nymph unto them the Queen is not pleas'd to let me pay that honour which I ow unto her my daughter Galathea shall go in my room to wait upon her unto her lodging in the Castle where she may be seen by none but whom she please No said the Cavaliers she will not be pleased with that she will accept of the lodging which you are pleased to offer because she would be near you but we most humbly beseech you not to let the Nymph your daughter meet her Madam said Adamas unto her since it is her pleasure so to have it be pleased to content her in it and tell her that all your Dominions is in her power and that you will obey her in all things If you please to command me I will wait upon her to her lodging and seem as if I went only to command the gates to be opened for her entrance Thus was Argira brought to the Castle and all those that came with her which were about a hundred Cavaliers were lodged in the Town with all fitting accomodation Adamas did most heartily rejoyce at the arival of the Princess thinking it a great advantage to the Nymphs affairs for he could not imagine she came to stay only a few dayes and that if Polemas did attempt any thing she would be engaged in the Town with them which would invite the Picts to come and relieve her Besides having heard of
Nymph in this publick Action which she intended Polemas had been already advertised of Prince Godomars ' coming by his correspondent but because the cause of his coming was kept close he could not know it yet imagining that so great a Prince would not come with so small a train unless upon some great importance he passionately desired to understand what it was but not daring to discover his curiosity too much unto Clindor he conceived that their discourse did give him a good occasion to talk a little more of it But dear friend said he and interrupted him upon that point what great action is that which is intended For though I know Prince Godomar did not come thither for nothing yet I cannot imagine what it should be The Action replied Clindor will be very great for the Queen desires that whatsoever the high Priest and Colledge of the Augustalians shall command may be exactly observed About three or four dayes since a Lady whose name is Dorinde came unto Marcelles upon some occasion which truly I do not know but so it was that there came in her company some shepherds and shepherdesses who brought one with them who ran mad for love The Nymph was desired that a nail of brass might be driven into the wall of the Temple for him a Ceremony which they say is a common cure for madness Now the high Priest does tell her that for the driving of this nail she is to make choise of a Soveraigne Magistrate for it can be done by no other hand but his Who do you think said Polemas she intends to chuse for that Ceremony I think answered Clindor she is not yet resolved but when you come unto her she will tell you and I am confident she will do nothing without your advise Clindor replied Polemas unless she intend utterly to disgrace me she will not think upon any but me For it belonging to my office she cannot without extream offence prefer any other but I perceive she thinks her contempt of me not enough unless it be done to my face and therefore she would have me present at this publick Ceremony that all the world may laugh at me It is enough that I have spent my age and my estate in her service and not lose that little reputation and credit that I have amongst men Tell her therefore that as long as I can I will conceal from every one that small value which she sets upon my services and that I had rather hear say she slights me then be witness of it Clindor perswaded him all he could to divert him from this resolution but he stood obstinately upon this and beckning unto Ligonias Pelidontes Argonides and Lysander to come unto him he acquainted them with the cause of Clindors coming and with the answer he had sent unto the Nymph And all four did so approve of what he had done with so many complaints and imaginary injuries that at last he was constrained to come away with this answer to wit that if the Nymph would chuse him for this solemn Ceremony and gave him the title of Soveraign Magistrate he would come and serve her with a good troop of his friends otherwise he would keep at a distance and rather hear what was done then see it with so much dishonour to himself But in the interim the Nymph as soon as she had dined carried Prince Godomar unto a great plain where scaffolds were erected and there in the presence of all the Druids Priests Flamins Augustalians and others as also of all Cavaliers Sherifs and Majors of the Town she declared him Soveraign Dictator in all her provinces and in order thereunto gave him a Scepter He afterwards taking an oath to govern the State with Justice and equity as long as his commission lasted and not to spare any pains life or limb in defence thereof Then the Trumpets sounded and the people with shouts of joy accompanied him back to the castle and as they passed through the streets though it was night yet it was as light as day and not a door but had two Torches burning before it Clindor returned when all these lights were set out and supposing it to be for joy of this election he hoped that the Nymph did it upon good consideration though he knew it would extremely incense the spirit of yonder ambitious man When he came before Amasis he would have given her an account of his journey but she would not hear him until the Prince Godomar Damon Alcedon and Adamas were present who hearing the resolution of Polemas did not wonder at it knowing very well that he would find some excuse or other for his not coming hither but charged Clindor to be secret in it for some reasons which afterwards he should know But all these Ceremonies were no sooner solemniz'd then Meronthes the confident of Polemas sent his son to acquaint him with it and the arival of the Queen Argira though he knew not her name only let him know with what a Train she came and how she was lodged in the Castle All these things did extremely trouble him for being ignorant of the cause which brought Prince Godomar thither with the Cavaliers which troop after troop followed him and then the great number which belonged unto the Queen Argira for the hundred souldiers which she brought were reported to be three he was the most confounded man in the world and but for the hopes he had in the nimble wit of Climanthes certainly he had hastned his design and attempted upon the Town but the assurances he had from him and the execution at hand was the reason of retarding the business and slacking his design wherein he had such great hopes And the rather because tomorrow was the day appointed by Leonide for Galatheas resolution which the Nymph remembring very well she appointed her and Silvia over night to go the next morning and know his resolution which they failed not to do and because they were very desirous to be at this solemn sacrifice of driving the nail a Ceremony never seen before and therefore invited with the more curiosity they got up so early in the morning that they were almost the first at the opening of the gates and yet they found Climanthes already expecting them at the door of his Temple where seeming as if he saw them not he began to adore the rising sun and the heavens and endeavoured by such counterfeit devotion to get an opinion of his sanctity But when he perceived that they saw his dissimulation he arose up and came towards them Nymphs said he unto them the Divinity who I adore is pleased with the prayers of Galathea and the sacrifices which I offered for her and therefore have permitted me to go unto her and render the Oracle which she desires and which is one of the greatest favours that ere was done unto any mortal I assure you therefore that three dayes hence I will come about this time of
Ligdamon at that time did testifie that the man escaped and though they saw him when he went away yet they had so many other prisoners in their hands that they could not follow him O most omnipotent Tautates cried out the stranger lifting up his eyes to heaven and would have done so his hands had they not been tyed is it possible I should be so happy and that my despair should help that person to escape Certainly said all the company we saw him out of the ditch I am very glad on 't said Ligdamon But to see the strange effects of inward joy one might perceive the eyes and the countenance of this man so to change that he seemed not the same he was a minute before and addressing his speech unto Ligdamon Cavalier said he unto him with a mild and temperate voice in giving life unto one you have given it unto two for if she of whom I complained had died nothing could have kept me alive I say she for you must know that though you saw her in the habit of a man yet she is the most generous and brave woman that ever was upon the earth and that you may see what cause I had to love and admire her give me leave to relate the history of all my troubles Ligdamon who saw him much changed and his speech more moderate and discreet he had an opinion that this news had settled his mind and pittying to hear him talk so tyed Stranger said he unto him I should be very glad to hear you but am sorry to see you in that condition and yet I dare not suffer you to be untyed lest you should do some act of inhumanity against your self No no Sir answered he your courtesie has more obliged me then so and the assurance of so many persons that she is alive whom I so much lamented does command me to live that I may serve both you and her Upon this assurance said Ligdamon I will command you shall be untyed you shall go with me to my lodging where you shall find better accomodation then in this place This unask'd for favour said the stranger obliges me to pass my word never to forsake you until you dismiss me and to tell you that being neither any Officer nor Souldier unto your enemies nor having passed any promise to serve them I would never whilst I live bear arms against you nor ever go into your enemies army but with a sword in my hand to fight your quarrel were it not that she for whose sake I am your prisoner is in their Camp and I cannot dispose of my self until I have found her Upon this the corporal untyed him and he went with Ligdamon unto his lodging where he was put into good clothes for his own were plundered from him by those who took him and those which remained upon him he had torn to pieces in his rage afterwards Ligdamon causing him to sit down and they two being alone in the chamber he began thus The sequel of the History of LIPANDAS THose who never knew the Grandure and Puissance of that god which is called Love ought to learn by my example how to honour and reverence him unless they will incur the same punishments which I have for abusing those who did adore him and for not doing so great reverence unto that great Deity as is due for know Sir that as soon as I left my Nurse I began so much to despise love and all that followed him that to tell me one was a lover was enough to make me scorn him when at any time I chanced to hear of any extraordinary effect of that passion I used by way of mockery to say that they changed the name of things and that this which they called love was indeed madness and so ought to be called When I was at any meetings where I saw many idolizing a fair face and were so tyed by the eyes that they could not move out of the presence of those fair ones I was wont to say that the men did but mock the women and the women the men when some would needs prove that he was forced to a beauty and that her charms were inevitable I presently concluded him to be only a Sophister that to shew his wit would argue for or against any argument that was propounded Nay more then al this from my very infancy to the Autumn of my age I could never find in any of those who were cryed up for such high beauties any thing more amiable then in other women So as I may say that as there are some who are born blind others deaf others without a taste or at least a taste different from others so was I born without any sentiment of love or beauty and all my delectation at that time was in hunting or in wars which I followed wheresoever I could see the seat was Now Sir I lived in this contempt of love and beauty until of very late when that God who would not suffer any mortal to trample his honour and his laws so under foot did make me know his power by a way as extraordinary as my crime Those who knew me called me by the name of Lipandas born in a city of the Neustrians called Rothomagues and of Parents who there held the prime rank And whereas my countrey maintained great wars against the Romans and they against the Franks I had occasions enough of shewing my valour without stirring out of the Neustrian limits or at least out of our Army and therefore a place of great concernment being in the power of our Lords which was called Callice the government of it was committed unto me and I kept it several years About a month since one whose name was Lidias coming from great Brittain unto which he was fled for Sanctuary landed in this place Ligdamon upon this laying his hand upon the strangers stay a while Cavalier I beseech you said he unto him are you the same Lipandas who being Governour of Calais did imprison Lidias for the death of Arontes I am the very same answered he but what knowledge could you have of me in a place so distant from the Neustrians Content your self replyed Ligdamon that I know what you tell me and more that a young woman of great Britain called Melander armed like a Cavalier did fight with you about the liberty of that Lidias afterwards to deliver him did put her self into prison and when the Franks surprized Calais was delivered out of your hands I perceive replyed the stranger that you do know almost all I have to tell you and therefore my discourse will be shorter then I intended Then looking upon him a little better Oh heavens cryed he out why do I make any relations of it unto you for if I be not much mistaken it is Lidias unto whom I speak To Lidias answered Ligdamon No but to one that has paid very dear for his resemblance unto that Lidias as you shall understand
when you have done your discourse The credit which I give to your words replyed the stranger makes me give my eyes the lye for I durst have sworn you had been Lidias but since you do deny it I will return from whence I digressed and then he replyed thus Oh Sir since you are acquainted with these accidents perhaps you know also that this Melander was no sooner out of my prison but she went after that ungrateful Lidias who having forgotten all those extraordinary favours which he had received from that generous woman went unto Rothomagues to marry Amerina her for whom he had killed Arontes my neer Kinsman As for me I remained a Prisoner in the hands of one Lindamore a Cavalier of Gaul the most accomplished that ever came into Neustria and the cause of it as afterwards I understood was this fair Melander whom I retained Prisoner for Lindamore hearing I know not how what testimonies of generosity and affection this woman had expressed unto Lidias and being informed that she was a prisoner in the Castle as soon as the Castle was taken he ran to deliver her But not finding her for the doors were set open and she with many others escaped I think there was not any corner or hole which he did not seek continually asking me where she was I who could not tell him nor knew Melander but under the notion of the sad Cavalier I knew not what to answer him At last making me understand that he sought for a woman in the habit of a Cavalier who fought with me for Lidias and was afterwards imprisoned As for the sad Cavalier answered I he indeed was my prisoner but as for any woman there was none in my hands Well replyed Lindamore that sad Cavalier is the woman I mean How replyed I the sad Cavalier a woman Why said Lindamore was she so long in your hands and you not know it Why it was she who loved Lidias and in defence of him armed her self and vanquished you and afterwards with a most heroique courage bought the liberty of Lidias by the loss of her own Now Sir you shall hear how that puissant God of Love was revenged upon me I who always mocked at his power and despised his Laws no sooner heard that this sad Cavalier was a woman but I fell into most extream admiration this admiration bringing into my memory the generosity of that woman I began to esteem her and at last contemplating upon the sweetness of her face and aspect her modest behaviour her admirable patience and her unparallell'd affection I fell from esteem to love her a thing which I ever thought impossible But learn O all ye mortals to reverence the supreme Deities for I not resting in an ordinary affection Love had stuck his arrows so deep in my heart that I became all passionate flame so as I may serve for an example unto all such Atheists as do not acknowled the puissance of this great God who above all the rest ought to be called Hesus that is strong and puissant In the mean time Lindamore understood that Melander was no sooner at liberty but she hasted after Lidias who was gone to Rothomagues and the very truth is had I been free as Melander went after Lidias I had gone after Melander but having passed my word unto that Cavalier not to stir out of his house I was able to do nothing but languish and think my self worthy of that punishment which I endured for having so fair and so sweet a woman so long in my hands and never knowing it I found then that this passion made me have a different opinion of things and was forced to say that none was able to resist the god of Love I that was wont to laugh at those that begged any trivial favour from her they loved could now be contented to kiss and adore the very chains which touched the fair hand of my Saint Melander And therefore I desired one of Lindamors men to go with me into the prison where she was wont to be The man like the master being all Courtesie went with me and not being well able to discern which chains had fettered her I desired him to put them all upon me as soon as I had them upon me O chains said I which once fettered the hands of her who now has fettered my heart yet less cruel then I since you were broken to let her go at liberty whom I so unworthily kept in my prison you may with abundance of reason upbraid me with the crime which I have committed for I was the cause and the Authour but you more insensible then I was had some pity upon her and knew that she to whom the liberty of all hearts is due did not deserve to be so imprisoned O you most happy bonds said I and kissed them happy in the touch of her fair hands shew me in what place you received that honour that by kissiing it I may express the devotion which I bear unto them upon this I kissed them again and beseeched those that were about me to fetter my arms and my hands with all the shakkles in the prison and because out of pity they refused to do me that office O good gods cryed I out is it possible that he who had no compassion upon the fairest and most generous woman upon earth should find any so compassionate unto me Upon this their denial I spoke and did many things that were ridiculous some could not chuse but laugh and others seeing a man so lost in love did resent my condition All these passages were reported unto Lindamor and Lindamor related them unto Clidemant and both out of curiosity would needs come and see me The condition wherein they found me was such that any that saw me would say I was out of my wits I had fettered both my feet with as many chains as covered them and one hand was tying the other as well as it could as many chains were about my neck as could hang and thus hardly able to stir I kissed those that my mouth could reach reverencing the rest because they had touched that fair one Although I saw them enter yet I continued my devotion of kisses as if I saw them not which held them a while admiration at last Clidemant came nearer unto me Cavalier said he what are you doing with all these chains and why are you thus fettered with them Sir answered I I do not only desire them to be continually upon me but I wish I could hang them about my heart About your heart said Clidemant you know that then they would kill you for any thing that touches the heart is mortal O Sir replied he that rule is false For Melander doth not only touch my heart but has pierced it with a hundred arrows yes has pull'd it out of my brest and yet I do hot die That touch of your heart replied Clidemant is only in imagination but if these chains should touch
and yet this shall contain no expressions of my sorrows for it but only tell you that Polemas has besieged me in Marcelles where I am like to see the loss of my son seconded with the loss of my state Lindamor is now all the hopes I have in my affections he need not now any longer shew his valour in a strange countrey since he has a more glorious occasion for it in his own I conjure you therefore by the tears and sighs I spend in the memory of Clidemant to come hither and give liberty to a Princess who is deprived of it by a rebellious Subject O thou most impious wretch said Lindamor if heaven do not punish thee it declares it self a sider with the unjust Upon this opening Galatheas Letter he found these words GALATHEAS Letter unto LINDAMOR THough the Letter of Amasis should not have any power over you and though I were deprived fo the command which once I had upon your will yet I am confident that the delight you take in glorious actions will invite you to relieve us Polemas will needs triumph over Galathea without any other pretence or title but the injustice of his Arms and whilst Lindamor is striving to crown himself with Laurels he is striving to ravish from him those Mirtles wherewith love would recompence his fidelity Iudge then my Cavalier whether any punishment can equal his crime or any interest more considerable unto you then that of your own good Come therefore and visit Polemas and Galathea both to keep him from living and me from dying both will be equally advantageous unto you since in ruining an enemy you will save a lover who will no sooner be out of hopes of your relief but will have recourse unto sword or poison as thinking them not so bad as the presence of Polemas in the disobedience of Lindamor Think therefore upon what I say Come and all the gods be with you Lindamor read this Letter twice over and thinking a while upon it Yes yes fairest Galathea said he and pulling his hat over his eyes I will come through fire and blood to pull down the arrogance of that rash man Upon this he presently sent for two or three of those in whom he had greatest confidence and communicating the Letter of Amasis unto them it was concluded that Lindamor who had appointed all his troops to meet a Rendezvous to pay and dismisse them off should now keep them on foot for the service of the Nymph The Cavalier thought this to be the best expedient he could chuse so as having paid all his Souldiers and asked them whether they would continue still under his command there was not one who thought it not an honour to serve him And therefore he resolved to go and relieve Amasis with all possible haste and vowed not to take any rest until he had done that Princess some service worthy of his valour but his had been very small if it did not surpasse that of Polemas all that while and particularly that night wherein Peledontes was taken for though he lay upon the bed with endeavour to sleey yet could he not reconcile his eyes and before he could compose the ingratitude of his mind the night was gone The Moon shined very clear and Astrea waking in the middle of the night and having no mind to sleep again she rose out of her bed and went to the window as soon as she was there she began to study a little at last upon a sudden she said as this night will not be long so mine methinks ought not to be eternal and then I should receive some consolation But what a desperate condition is mine for my sun once set will never rise again afterwards fetching a most profound sigh Ah Celadon said she is it a signe of love or hatred that I should suffer my self to live so long after I have been the cause of thy death Alas I am afraid it is a testimony of hatred in thee since thou dost now want the company of her in the Elizian fields whom thou didst court in this world with so much passion but also it is an argument of thy love since thou dost still suffer her to love thee and in her tears to wash away that crime which she committed against thy fidelity upon this tears flowing in great abundance down her cheeks and dropping upon the window where she leaned Alas poor tears said she why do you not the same unto me that Lignon did unto my dear Shepherd and drown'd me but I know the cause you are dryed up too soon by the fire of my love With such thoughts as these she entertained the memory of her Shepherd and the window where she was being towards the place where Polemas gave the last assault upon the Town the good office which Semires had done her came also into her mind Poor Semires said she thy death has well repaired the wrong which formerly thou didst against me and presently remembring the last words he uttered but why said she didst thou pray heaven to keep Astrea for her happy Celadon Didst thou imagine that Shepherd to be still alive since I am so thou hadst indeed some reason for thy thought since the soul of Celadon does still live in me or wast thou deceived by the resemblance of Alexis and took her for him If thou wert I would to heaven I could be so mistaken also and that I were not so sure Alexis as the daughter of Adamas as I have some kind of suspition that Alexis may be Celadon But alas alas I know too well that Celadon is dead and I have not so much forgotten his favour unto me but I well remember how I saw his Ghost Why then Simires who in this I must call cruel shouldst thou offer to torment me thus May heaven didst thou say preserve Astrea for her happy Celadon If none be happy till after death and if Celadon be happy then it follows he is dead and how can I be happy then unless I be dead as well as he Perhaps and I believe this is thy meaning the heart of Celadoa and mine being but one and the same thou prayest heaven I may preserve it intirely for him and not suffer my soul to take the impression of any other object but his If this be thy request Semires assure thy self it is granted and heaven it self cannot warm me with any other flame But pardon me valiant Alexis for pleasing my self in these vain fancies and for remembring the name of this Shepherd so much as in some sort to forget my duty to you I have but only two contentments in thr whole world and they are to think upon him and see you Astrea entertained her self long with these thoughts after which seeing the night was far spent and knowing by her eyes that she wanted sleep she went back unto her companions where insensibly she fell asleep and waked not until the rayes of the Sun jealous of
say thus The Law of death is so common unto all men as you ought not to think it strange I should pay that debt which I ow unto Nature Did not Kings use to die as well as other men you had some reason to wonder I should be excluded from that priviledge and that my Scepter and my Crown should not defend me against the blows of death but a Monarch has no more right to live then the poorest Shepherd we do dayly see their ashes and their Monuments as this methinks should be a great consolation unto you all to know that I die because the gods will have it so and that they never made any man who was not subject unto death therefore my dearest Argira if you have any consideration of my rest and have any desire to please me I beseech you stop the current of your tears which do but grieve me I do not require any greater testimonies of your love then those you have already given me and wish for no more but leave to die Policander uttered these words with such a dying voice as if his soul had gone out of his mouth at the last word the Queen was deeply overwhelmed in sorrows as Rosilion whose groans did testifie the sadness of his soul The wrong Celidontes unto whom Policander had already given the Crown of the Ambarres of the Boyers and of the Lemovices upon condition he would marry Cephise was so extreamly afflicted that he could not rejoyce at the return of Argira nor resent that contentment which at another time the recovery would have been unto him At last the King perceiving himself every minute to grow weaker and weaker and finding himself not able to hold out any longer he began to strive with himself Argira said he with a deep sigh I conjure you by that which you love best and I think that is my memory to have a care of those whom I leave under your tuition Make them by your example of virtue to abhor vice and considering that riches are as fading as our selves remember that all the good or bad which we are to have in the other world depends only upon the merit of our actions in this life And you Rosilion said he holding out his feeble hand or rather the true Celiodantes forgive that crime which in my ignorance I committed against you Do not accuse me of ingratitude and may Rosanira whom I give unto you long enjoy those Grandeurs wherein you shall share as King of the Santons and Picts Love him for my sake who hath so long usurped your name In saying so he turned towards the wrong Celiodantes and you my son said he unto him pay back with interest the good will he shall bear unto you Love Peace Never take up Arms but in a just cause Have God still on your side and above all carry your self well towards Argira This is all I desire from you Farewel my Sons farewel dear Argira farewel Ro At this word he expired and his eye remaining still fixed upon Rosilion they knew his intention was to have named him but could not pronounce the last part of his name which the Queen perceiving and finding Policander to be as cold as marble it was an hundred to one but she had followed him that very hour All former considerations of her voyage which should have been consolations unto her were quite forgotten and not one thought could keep her from a present despair one would have thought that she had drowned her reason in her tears and that she had sought for the soul of Policander in the roots of that hair which she pulled from her head The wrong Celiodantes was almost out of himself and though the death of the King did leave him an Empire yet he testified that he thought the loss of his person made him no gainer Cephise and Rosilion were no less afflicted and all the Cavaliers present expressed abundance of grief for the loss of their Prince They came all unto the Queen and swore fidelity unto her and Celiodantes but she was not in a condition to hear what they said unto her and if the Ladies had not got her into bed perhaps she had died Thus they all retired almost as sad for the sickness of the Queen as for the loss of the King But as in the vicissitude of things nothing is durable so the sorrows of Argira of Celiodantes and of Rosilion at the last lessened and their reason having escaped the shipwrack of the first resentment the Queen began to remember that aid which she had promised unto the Nymph and she thought upon nothing more then her preservation At the end of a few days the people over whom Policander reigned did put the Scepter and Crown upon the head of Celiodantes with the same ceremonies as they were accustomed to crown their Kings and Rosilion making all haste to the Picts did levie by the Queens permission twelve thousand men and afterwards taking leave of Celiodantes his brother did take the field with his Arâ—â— being resolved to relieve Rosanira and oppose all violence that should be offered unto Amasis The Sequel of the History of LIPANDAS AMERINA MELANDRE and LIDIAS DUring this while Lipandas recovered of his wounds but not of his passion and though this Cavalier had not much acquaintance with Melandre yet did he know her spirit and that she was the most generous woman in the world This was a cause that as soon as the Truce was concluded and Polemas raised the siege he was grieved to the very soul He was not sorry that Amasis had great hopes in that relief which was promised unto her but when he considered that this took from him the means of shewing his courage and of overcoming the soul of Melandre by those testimonies of his valour which he intended he grew almost desperate yet knowing no remedy he resolved to wait with all possible patience until the end of this cessation of Arms and afterwards to perform such glorious exploits as she should in some sort of think it an honour to be served by a Cavalier so full of courage and affection In the mean time it was permitted him to see her and because in this liberty he lost not a minute of time which afforded him the opportunity of entertaining her he endeavoured a thousand times to make her sensible of his passion But she would never be moved unto any further then pity for she appeared always so prepossessed with the thought of Lidias as he could hardly ever hope for any alteration in her inclination As oft as he considered by how many Laws he was obliged rather to die then leave loving her he was confounded â—he mentioned the combate wherein he was overcome when she exposed her self unto the fury of his Arms for the liberty of Lidias and telling her it was a kind of miracle she should go off the field with that advantage which she had he endeavoured to perswade her that it was
then formerly your valour hath encountred withal and gloriously executed but you must know that as the state of the Town is at the present it is not in any necessity of either your or my being there My brother writ me word at the beginning of the siege that there are so many brave Cavaliers in it and I believe Philander told me as much that without any assistance they could defend it for two moneths and since so it is much better for us to make up a Body wherewith we may keep the field and as we see occasions either give battel or enter into the Town Lindamore thought this advice so good that he resolved to follow it the only difficulty that he found in it was left Gondebauts Army joyning with Polemas before they had formed a considerable body should violently fall upon them and therefore he propounded it unto the Prince whether it was not best to advance a little forward with those men he had to amuse the enemy whilst he stayed in Vienna to receive those men who came to take his part The Prince answered that it was very necessary so to do And upon this resolution Lindamore spent the rest of the day in giving orders for their departure as in the morning he did with all his forces The same day those that Lindamore sent unto Lions arrived there who having told unto five or six persons that Sigismond was in Vienna all the Town knew of it before it was night Gondebaut was vexed at it to the very soul and doubtless if he had not sent away all his Forces he would have besieged him there for his humour was barbarous enough to prompt unto any violent resolution But on the other side most of the Nobility and Cavalry of the Town were so joyed at the news that they spent all the night in nothing but preparing themselves to go unto the Prince in the morning The King whose passion had blinded his judgement and who never feared any harm could happen unto him did permit the Gates of the Town to be opened for they had been shut ever since he heard of Sigismonds flight so as there went out several ways no less then five thousand men who the same day came unto the Prince The next day after he went to joyn with Lindamore who had appointed Boen for his Rendezvouz In the mean time Gondebauts Army was advanced within a little of seeing the walls of Marcelles Polemas who was swelled with joy and proud with the title of General over such a puissant Army did promise unto himself no less then the conquest of Galathea and went half a days journey to meet these Auxiliaries There he received Gondebauts letter which he kissed two or three times and having received the oath of Fidelity from all the Captains he swore that the greatest interest that he had in this war was only for the glory of Gondebaut After this he made a speech unto the Souldiers in which he omitted nothing that might move them to fight valiantly and got so much credit and authority amongst them that there was not one amongst them all which was not very glad to be under his command And lastly being desirous to know certainly of what number this new come Army consisted he wondered to find of thirty two thousand not above four or five and twenty thousand for the rest had disbanded themselves as soon as ever they heard of Sigismonds intention As this was prejudicial unto Polemas so it was serviceable unto Sigismond who in less then three days found himself sixteen or seventeen thousand strong comprising those which Lindamore brought from Childerick Rosilion on his side he made all the haste that possibly he could for his love unto Rosanira was such a spur unto him that he could not rest until he had given some signal testimony of his valour so as he was within a days march as near Marcelles as the Burgundian Troops The Truce was to end the next morning so as the retardment of Rosilion the arrival of these forces unto Polemas and no intelligence of Lindamores return did put Amasis into a most extream perplexity she knew nothing of Fleurial and Philianders success so as she grew even desperate of all relief and was excessively afflicted Adamas surprised her as she was almost drowned in sorrows and though he knew them to be but just seeing so little hopes of any remedy yet having a firm belief that the Gods would never abandon so just a cause he candemned her excessive sorrows as out of season Which the Princess not being able to relish Alas Adamas said she how can I chuse but be sensible of all these sad accidents which are even ready to ruine me every thing contributes unto it Strangers deceive me my Neighbours assault me and my own Subjects betray me Upon this she pulled out he handkerchief and wiped her eyes which notwithstanding the Grandure of her courage did send forth a flood of tears which the Druide perceiving and desiring to comfort her Madam said he unto her I must needs confesse that you have some causes to fear but pardon me if I tell you that you have no cause to dispair A high born soul as yours is cannot be culpable of such a crime which is a mark of a base spirit that is dâ—ffident in the goodnesse and omnipotence of the gods by the grace of Tautates our affairs are noâ— in such an extremity as to expect nothing but certain ruine and though we were all to perish infallibly methinks it should be a great comfort unto you to know that though the gods have permitted it to be so yet it is not for any crime which you have committed I do know Madam that Estates have sometimes their revolutions and changes but I know also that it seldome happens without some legetimate cause have drawn the anger of the gods upon them Now Madam no such cause can ever be found in you whose piety has ever been so observable that the least shadow of any crime could never be found in all your actions The most religious of all my actions answered the Princess is as bad as a crime since I do suffer the punishment of them This is no good conclusion answered the Druide no more then if you should say you never did any good act since the gods do not recompence you But Madam you must know that the eye of man is too weak to see the secrets of the gods nor can our shallow thoughts reach the sublimity of theirs and it is a thing most difficult to find out the causes of the good or the bad which they do send unto us sometimes they are pleased to suffer the good to be overwhelmed with miseries and calamities whilst the bad do swim in good Fortune and prosperity but alas Madam it is because they think that the prosperity of this world is not recompence good enough for the good and therefore their reward is referred unto the
Nature has placed in my cheeks Alas they require some nourishment that is a little more mild and sweet you cruel tears are too sharp and bitter for them you do proceed from a cause too sad and would in any other then my self be a cause rather of death then life In saying so she stopt a little and afterwards broke out again Alas continued she you are arguments of my faint courage since I dare not have recourse unto no other remedies then you as if Nature did not offer unto me other arms wherewith to revenge my self upon the injuries of Fortune For what use were poysons created what are swords for what Precipices what flames what waters but to be imployed in the relief of miserable wretches Courage therefore Diana make use of some one of these remedies to ease thee of thy misery make choice of the most violent that the act may be the sooner done and endeavour to prevent this very minute which is to blast all thy hopes of any joy Upon this she went out of the Garden not to go into the house of Adamas for that was odious unto her but to go into the wood in hopes to meet with some of her companions to whom she might without fear sigh out the cause of her grief She was almost at the very banks of Lignon before she met with any but at last she spied Astrea who was set under an old oak holding a handkerchief in one hand and leaning her head upon the other Diana much wondered to see her self out of the company of Alexis and Leonide because she knew they went out together and knowing that she would never have parted from them without some reason she was very desirous to know the cause and made so litle noise in coming to her as she was within four or five paces of the Shepherdesse and was never perceived The sighs and groans which Astrea sent forth made Diana believe that she had received some extraordinary displeasure especially when she heard her say with a deep sigh traiterous and persideous wretch durst thou be so bold as to offend me so extreamly Cruel Shepherd wouldst thou offer to abuse my innocence so long as in the end to blast my reputation Then stopping as if the violence of her sighs would not let her speak any more miserable wretch that I am said she again how dare I ever appear in the world again I see my self now obliged to blush eternally and to seem as if I were guilty of a crime which I never committed Upon this flowing with tears again and still lifting her handkerchief to her eyes she fell into a deep study and that so deep as Diana came and sit down by her and stayed a long while before Astrea ever perceived her at last Diana being desirous to apply some remedy to her troubled mind though she stood in as great need her self Sister said she and pulled her gently what new affliction is this that is fallen upon you Astrea then rowsing her self as out of a deep sleep and seeing one so near her whom she so much esteemed yet never answering to Dianas question for she no sooner heard her voice but we embraced her and fell into such a flow of tears that Diana was no lesse afflicted then she and finding such an object of pity could not restrain her tears neither so being both silent they sate a long while embracing and crying together At last Astrea in a voice interrupted with sighs ah Sister said she unto her ah Sister Sister I am utterly undone Why Sister said Diana what 's the matter and who has caused all this sorrow unto you Celadon replied Astrea Diana then imagining that the death of this Shepherd came fresh into her memory and that being so near Lignon she could not chuse but resent the sad accident Sister answered she I will not condemn your tears but you must give me leave to tell you that if all the tears which you have shed for him since his losse were all together they would make a river as big as that wherein he was drown'd Come come companion believe it you have wept enough Ah me dear Sister said Astrea and interrupted her you know not what cause I have to weep I would to God when he threw himself into the River I had been drown'd with him then should I not at this hour be so grieved as I am nor should I have been the common talk of all the world as now I must Diana not being able to understand her meaning Believe it Sister replied she I shall be long ignorant unlesse you do better inform me but I beseech you speak freely unto me and let me know the cause of your displeasure assuring your self that I shall as freely discover a thing unto you which troubles me extreamly and the more because I am out of all hopes to find any remedy I will tell you what it is which troubles me answered Astrea beginning to wipe her eyes and sit down in her place again for though I would not render that duty unto the affection which is common betwixt us yet should I do it out of another prevalent consideration which is that we two having been almost all one and our very thoughts no more hid from one another then our actions it is necessary that you should answer for my deportment and that those who shall make any doubt of my virtue may cease to entertain any ill opinion of me by the reports which you will make in my advantage I do not think replied Diana any man can be so simple as to blame you for any thing you ever did but if there should I promise most faithfully to vindicate you and to speak in your behalf as I ought to do And therefore my dear companion I conjure you to conceal nothing from me but freely open your soul unto me with this assurance that I will never deny any thing you shall desire of me Then Astrea having dryed her eyes I ever thought said she unto her that your affection unto me was as perfect as I could desire nay more then I could deserve and to the end you should not exceed me in love I will make a discourse which none but you or Phillis should ever get out of me Know therefore my dear companion that whilst Paris was talking with you Leonide came unto Alexis and me and after she had asked what was the subject of our discourse she said unto me what will you give me Astrea if I do tell you as good news as you can possible desire Fair Nymph answered I I have nothing that I can dispose of for all that I have is this day transferred into the power of my dearest Mistresse but I shall be very obliged unto you if you will tell me any thing which imports either her contentment or mine what I have to tell you said Diana does equally relate unto you both and to hold you no longer in suspence Adamas
more loud and a tone more grave then ordinary she said thus unto us Here Astrea is the place where the gods have ordained that Celadon shall be restored unto you be sure you be very attentive unto the ceremonie and resolve with your self to keep silence for a while least you should prophane it with your words upon this she began to open her book and kneeling on the ground with her left knee her face turned towards the sun rising she took a knife out of her pocket and engraved some characters then pronounced some words which I understood not after this ske rose up and coming to us Remember Astrea said she unto me you punctually observed all that I shall command you be sure you faile not in the least tittle upon pain of offending those spririts whose assistance I have invoked In saying so she turned her self towards the East afterwards towards the South then the West and last of all towards the North and at every removal muttered something At last she came unto me and after she had made a circle upon the ground Stand here fair Astrea said she unto me and prepare your self to receive far greater contentment then ever you had Afterwards turning her self towards Alexis and placing her in another circle Oh ye most puissant gods said she in a loud voice ye who command the destinyes especially thou puissant god of Love by whose favour I do put a secret into practice which was never known unto any mortall but only Adamas oh ye most blessed spâ—rits who do enjoy those pleasures which does produce an inviolable amity oh ye gods oh love oh ye spirits I do call you all for witnesses or rather for authors of this miracle and conjure you to restore back unto the shepherdesse Astrea the Image or rather the person of Celadon upon this looking upon me with a smiling countenance and coming to me with a very grave pace I perceive said she unto me that the only reason why Celadon does not present himself before you is because you did forbid him ever appearing in your presence untill you did command him Will you therefore be pleased to command him I will sage nimph answered I did I but know in what manner and in what termes I should pronounce it To save you that pains replied Leonide do you only repeat what I shall say Then she beginning in a loud voice Celadon Celadon said I after her I command you said she I command you said I after her to present your self before me said she to present your self before me said I after this first looking upon me and then upon Alexis Now fair Astrea said she do you not see Celadon I see nothing yet answered I then was I afraid that to punish me for the offence which I had committed against his love he would deprive me of the Joyes of asking him pardon Then I cast my eye upon Alexis and seeing her in a trembling posture perhaps Mistresse said I unto her that you do see him Alas alas answered she indeed I do see him and touch him but as soon as ever she had said so her voice failed her and Leonide speaking probably Astrea said she you have failed in something which I commanded you though not in words yet perhaps in thoughts I assure you fair Nimph said I unto her I do not think I have failed in either Then having made me repeate these words three times over Celadon I command you upon pain of my displeasure to present your self before me Oh heavens my Companions what shall I say I saw wretch that I am Alexis or rather Celadon prostrate at my feet and kissing them here my fairest Astrea said he unto me here is your son whom the waters have spared and could not extinguish the least spark of his zealous flame I who thought still that it was Alexis oh Mistress said I unto her and embraced her could you be so cruel as mock me thus Fairest Astrea replied Celadon it is not now fit I should be called your Mistresse it is glorie enough for me to bear the name of your most humble servant and in testimony that formerly that honour was conferred upon me see here said he and pulled out the same riband which he snatched from her the same day he cast himself into Lignon this is the last testimony of your anger Then opening the case wherin my Picture was and presenting it unto me be not so ungratefull said he as to dilown your own fair face and though I be so unfortunate as to be worn out of your knowledge yet do not execute your rigour upon your self upon this he was silent and his silence was such a cause of mine as I stood still and was not able to utter one sillable Truely said Phillis and interrupted I do not wonder at it for well may you be surprisd when we that only hear of it can hardly tell whether it be a dream or a truth Alas said Astrea it is but too true that this cruel traytor thus betrayed me And to make it only a dream I would it would please the gods I might sleep an eternall sleep why why replied Diana are you troubled at the knowledge of that which you so passionately desired I did not think answered Astrea that it would ere have been so disadvantageous to me nor that it was possible it should fall out so I was ignorant of Leonides artifice and of Celadons triumphing over my innocence under a pretence of Alexis nor did I think that Nimph would have abused my credulity under couler of a science which was never known unto her However it be replied Phillis it is very happy newes that Celadon is alive and will be no smale Joy unto my Licidas However it be answered Astrea it is a misfortune unto me to be thus deceived and that this perfideous shepheard should be the cause of a thousand crimes which I have committed to the great hazard of my reputation I do not believe said Diana that any in the world has any cause to blame your actions But if any be so malicious as to condemn you you have a good way to stop their mouthes by marrying Celadon who I said Astrea in a great rage perhaps he is out of the world by this How said Phillis what should take him out of it have you committed a second fault after you payed so dear for the first I do not think answered Astrea I committed any fault when I testified my ressentments against him for deceiving me For god sake sister said Diana let us have the full relation of the matter I will replied the shepherdess provided that Phillis will afterwards Judge without passion whether I had not reason to do as I did Proceed then said Phillis and doubt not but I shall freely tell you my opinion Then Astrea continued her discourse thus As soon as I had cast my eyes upon my Picture upon the ring and the riband which Celadon presented unto
fortune offers you some hopes of contentment But whether I do marry Celadon or never see his face again yet still I must bear all the faults that every evel spirit can charge me withall But said she and sighed I am resolved ere long to find out the remedy which dispair uses to teach such souls as cannot bear them Upon this she was silent and Diana began Companion said she unto her you do find your misery to be greater then mine because you think it so But I do find mine to be greater then yours because I know them to be more stinging assure your self the causes which make any calamity intolerable are more easily to be found in my affliction then in yours For as the state stands with me I have the same displeasure which you have which is not to enjoy the person whom I love yet I have one which you know not which is that I am constrained to submit my self unto the tyranny of her who can dispose of me yet sister I am resolved as well as you to have recourse unto that common remedy which cannot be denied unto any and I will sooner die then pronounce that fatal word Yes which will be the first munite of my misery With such discourse as this these fair ones came so nere the Druides house that they perceived Lycidas coming out with Phillis and seemed by his countenance to have some very earnest business in hand Astrea desired Diana to step a little aside and avoide the meeting them which Diana easily consented unto and they went into a by walk on the side of that where they were to pass and hiding themselves behind a bush It was not long before they heard Lycidas walk a great pace and say but Phillis do you not know from that cruel woman in what place this tragedy is to be I protest answered she it is the only thing I have forgot But look well about you perhaps we shall meet Leonide and she can tell us all Oh heavens replied Lycidas and hasted away if Astrea would she might spare me all this pains But I think she was born to be the ruine of our house This was the last word they could hear and when they thought them out of sight they came out again And were no sooner entred into the great walk but they saw Phillis returning alone They therefore stayed for her and as soon as the was come unto them Well Phillis said Astrea unto her I beleive Lycidas is very angry with me has he not good reason answered Phillis do you think he has so little interest in Celadon as not to hate all those that are the cause of his ruine Alas sister replied Astrea I must confess that I was the cause of his first being lost and that I was to blame in condemning him so lightly But now he may blame himself for his misfortune unto whom can be impute any fault but unto his own scurvy humour which moved him so indiscreetly to obtain a thousand favours from my innocency under a false disguisement Indeed Phillis the preservation of this shepherd ought to be very dear unto me But my honour ought to be no less considered you have seen how oft he has imbraced and kissed me insolently abusing the liberty which I gave him under the notion of Alexis and whereof I might have been blamed had it been from the person of Celadon Not but that I beleive I should in a little time have pardoned the offence But when I call to memory the Image of things past I am so transported as I could ordain him a worse punishment then I have if I could think upon it sister said Phillis is this your repentance for distroying Celadon before Come come Astrea you had better abate something of your rigour then be put to the pains you were before Sister replied Astrea those that can temper their passions and motions are more then Men we are all too weak to have that dominion over our selves we must whether we will or no observe such lawes as our passions will impose upon us we cannot upon a sudden foresee such accidents as may happen Do you think if at that instant honour had told me Celadon was unworthy to live can you think I say that I should repent bidding him die No no beleive me but on the contrary I should have thought that I owed such a revenge unto my reputation and should have been glad to have preserved it at the rate of that very shepherds life But on the other side said Phillis perhaps you would not have been angry with him but have received him with Joy a little before Leonide presented him unto you I wish answered Astrea that he had never undertaken to delude and deceive me that I might without any harm unto my self have paid what I owed unto that affection which he bore me but since that misfortune is hapned I must confess that what regret soever I resent I cannot condemn my self for whaâ— I have done In saying so Astrea went forward as being desirous to retire into the house because it began to grow late But Diana who observed it and who had no less horror to that place then to a dark Dangron having no mind to go into it till the obscurity of night did force it Companion said she unto her me thinks we have yet time and light enough to go as far as the labyrinth I beseech you let us go and walk so far as it I will go answered Astrea whither you please Then they turned a little upon the left hand and being entred into the walk which led that way presently they spied Leonide coming a great pace and having the countenance and garb of one that had some great cause of sorrow This wrought a strange effect upon the soul of Astrea for she being in some hope that Leonide would hinder Celadon from attempting any harm unto himself as soon as the saw her return alone she was even ready to fall down for greif First her greif appeared in her face and afterwards beginning to sigh Oh my Companions said she yonder is Leonide coming to tell of Celadons death That answered Phillis does not much trouble you because you desired it and did absolutly command him to die In saying so the Nimph came so neare unto them that they could easily perceive the trouble wherein her mind was And because Leonide was a little angry with Astrea for treating Celadon so ill as soon as she perceived her she offered to turn into another walk to avoid meeting with her But Phillis ran after her and entreated her to stay which she condescending unto as soon as she came into the presence of Astrea You have reason sage Nimph said the shepherdess unto her to shun the Company of a miserable woman who yet has more cause to complain against you then you have to hate her You have reason to complain against me said Leonide a little faintly as against one who
has taken abundance of cure and pain to procure you a happiness which you have rejected and which you will never enjoy For the gods are most just and will punish your cruelty by some strange chastisements The gods replied Astrea do know my soul and all my thoughts It they do find any crime there I do not refuse any chastisement they will impose upon me But I am most confident they will compassionate my innocency and will not find any cause to condemn me None of all this discourse said Phillis is satisfaction to my mind I would gladly know where Celadon is and therefore good Leonide tell me Do you know then answered Leonide that Celadon is alive I do know replied Phillis some part of this dayes passage and how cruelly this peevish peice condemned him the second time unto dispair Since so said the Nimph I will acquaint you with what has hapned unto him since that you may judge whether Astrea have any cause to complain against me upon this Leonide sate down upon the grass and Diana Astrea and Phillis sitting about her the Nimph began thus Did I not se the day almost done and that I have not time enough to say much I would satisfie you all in every doubt that can arise in your minds concerning the life which Celadon hath led since he was taken out of the water But refferring the relation of that History untill we have more time I will tell you that as soon as ever Astrea parted from us I ran after Celadon and quickly overtaking him because he did not think I followed and taking hold of his arme as if I had some fears he was in a condition to do himself some harm Shepherd said I unto him Astrea commands you to live and to love her he was a little surprized at this for as I told you he did not dream I was so near him since he saw me go after Astrea but turning himself towards me and gazing upon me with a strange amazment Astrea answered he does not desire that I should live for she has commanded me to die and she does me wrong in commanding me to love her for maugre her sharpest rigour my soul cannot chuse but adore her more religiously then ever I must confesse I wondered to see him so calmly composed for I expected to find him all fury but yet still fearing the worst Celadon said I I tell you nothing but what Astrea her self will say if you will take so much pains as to see her again who I cried he and started back alas Leonide it is not in my power you heard the sentence which she pronounced against me it is my full intent to execute it nor do I make the least dor at it I am at all times ready to observe all her ordinances and the delight I shall take in living is not so great as that which I shall take in obeying her but replied I what do you think will become of me can you imagine that I will leave you in this transport assure your self Celadon I will not but will hinder you as much as possibly I can from doing any harm unto your self Sage Nymph answered he though you do not intend to leave me yet the night will force you unto it and will be more prevalent with you then all my entreaties nor will I take much pains to sollicite you the horrour of darknesse and solitude of these woods will not agree with the soft and tender mind of a woman and therefore you ought to value your own safty and rest above mine and not to be more careful in preventing my death then in preserving your own life all this will not do said I unto him for I am resolved upon it and will not part from you as long as you are in so bad a humour If the horrour of this solitude do beget any fears in my soul I hope the gods will enable me to overcome them In this you are much mistaken answered he presently for the best office that you can do unto me is to let me do as the justice of Astrea hath commanded believe it Leonide that Shepherdesse never was nor never shall be disobeyed by me give me leave therefore to do as she did bid me and give her no cause to hate you for hindering me Whilst he was using all these perswasive arguments unto me I called into my memory the words which you spoke unto him in the heat of your anger and conceiving I had found out a good invention to comfort him Celadon said I unto him I will not hinder you from rendring unto your Shepherdesse all that obedience which you do ow unto her but withal I would not have you go beyond it nor to afflict your self in imagining such things as never were I pray let us see what it was which she commanded and if we consider well upon it we shall find no great cause of complaint nor said he will I so much as murmure against it it is sufficient I know she would have me out of the world and death being the only way I must I ought and I will take it I do not think said I unto him she ever had any such thought for if she had she would have otherwise expressed her self I do believe indeed her intention was to shew you how much she was ashamed at her being so deceived and at her affording you some perhaps over particular privacies but when any matter of pennance came into question believe it Celadon she never intended any unto you To whom then said he to Alexis answered I ah Leonide replied he presently you are much mistaken I did so clearly read in the face of Astrea her desires and intention to ruine me that if she did name Alexis in lieu of Celadon it was only because that name was more frequent in her mouth then mine but however it was I am sure it was unto me she spoke it was me that she condemned by the fury of her looks and it was from me she broke away with more hatred then if I had been some Tiger or some Satyr With such expressions as these he still went further from me and I seeing the night coming on and knowing that as good a face as I set upon it yet I was not able to undergo the horrours of the night but good Celadon said I unto him what is it that you resolve upon to conform my self answered he unto that which Astrea hath commanded me Then said I you must not attempt any thing against your self for though she did command you to die yet she did not command you to kill your self Upon this he began to consider a little and when I saw he did not answer me I cannot conceive said I that this command of hers ought to trouble you no more then that command which Nature gave when you came into the world for Nature as soon as you began to live did command you to die and certainly since
pity her and to wonder that Belinde should so tyrannize over her will In the mean time Adamas who was very desirous to hear of Leonides negotiation and hearing what successe she had O heavens Astrea cried he out what do you mean will you be the cause of the losse of the most amiable and faithful Shepherd that ever lived upon the banks of Lignon Father answered Astrea it will not be long before you will be rid both of him and me for if I be the cause of his death he shall be the authour of mine only it angers me that his way of treating me hinders me from dying with honour for I am extreamly afraid there will be such a blame upon me for permitting him so many favours unto which he would never have aspired unlesse he had been faulty both in his love and discretion Daughter replied Adamas these faults whereof you accuse him are the perfections which might well make him hope for a better entertainment then he hath received from you but he never failed either in his respect or in his love and were you well acquainted with the actions of his life doubtlesse your opinion would concur with mine Father replied Astrea I never enquired after him since he threw himself into Lignon for never thinking he had escaped that danger I thought upon him only as a person whom I did esteem and unto whom I had a greater inclination then the enmity that was between our Parents required Well said the Druide I will better inform you as soon as I have commanded some to follow him Lycidas said Astrea is already gone to that purpose it is enough replied the Druide for that Shepherd will not neglect any course that is requisite for his preservation in saying so he took Astrea by the hand and leading her into a corner of the room he commanded Leonide to go and entertain Diana and Phillis and then began his diâ—â—â—urse thus I have told you my dear Daughter so many passages of this shepherds passion that though you had no other testimonies of his love then such as I shall give you it were enough to make you love him above all Men living you think him deficient in his love and in his discretion but in the relation which I shall make you will observe such strange testimonies both of the one and the other as you will admire his constancy and wonder at his virtue You must not think Astrea that I am ignorant of any accident in the whole course of your life I have been instructed by him who caused and resented them and who would not tell a lie for a world And that you may not wonder why I have been so carefull for his preservation you must know that the gods have linked the happiness of my old age unto that which this shepherd is to enjoy and the tranquility of my dayes is to be such as I procure unto Celadon Judge therefore whether I have not good cause to complain against you since you have ruined all my hopes and under a scrupulous pretence of honour you have put me into such a condition as never to enjoy any contentment in the world Yet I dare not despair of the goodness in the gods least they should render me unworthy of their blessings and therefore I take all in good part and resign my self wholly unto their wills But that you may not accuse Celadon as any way accessary unto the misfortune that may happen unto me but that on the contrary all the fault may be imputed unto your rigour I will acquaint you with her life ever since you banished him from you You know very well Astrea that then he threw himself into Lignon But yet he was no drownd for the current of the stream having cast him upon the sand on the other side of the river he was ayded by Galathea Silvia and Leonide who carried him secretly into the Pallace of Isaures then he related unto her the passionate affection of Galathea unto him the lamentations which Celadon made when his letters were filched from him his constraint in not knowing how to avoid the offers of the Nimph his sickness his relappes and in fine his coming in the habit and under the name and notion of Lucinde After which he told her the life he began to lead in his caâ—â— the stratageâ—â— which Leonide invented to get him out The laborious industry he used in erecting the Temple of the goddess Astrea his ravishments that morning when she erected an emptie monument for him in the Company of all the shepherds and and shepherdesses of Lignon and lastly by what meanes he perswaded him to pass in the habit and name of Alexis Now said Adamas and continued you know better then I all that has hapned unto him since But that you may be no longer angry at him and your self for permitting so many privacies let me tell you that those things which another would have taken for high favours he received them as extream punishments and I have seen him so often afflicted and greived as I have wished a thousand times that you had not so much affection to him as you expressed And indeed Astrea if you will but take so much paines as to examine your memorie you will find that it was you alwayes which began to Carress and to kiss for I dare lay my life he had rather have dyed then ever offer it and he did restrain himself least you should suspect any thing of his disguisment This Daughter has been the life of Celadon whom you have most earnestly desired to enjoy and of whom you have set so great a value though now make no accompt of him when it is permitted you to obtain him If heaven do help Lycidas to bring him backe good Astrea promise me to look upon him with a kind aspect and that you will forgive and forget all the injuries which you think he has comitted against you Astrea who did not forget one syllable of all the Druides discourse and who by the consideration of so many successes was confirmed in a belief that her shepherd was really innocent Father said she unto him if Lycidas do bring him backe which I do not expect knowing how sudden he is in all his resolutions I do promise to behave my self towards him as you will appoint me and upon the least sign that I shall see of his repentance I shall be ready to acknowledge that as severe as I have been towards him I will not here after be difficient in the remuneration of all his services Upon this promise Adamas kissed her cheek and carried her backe unto Leonide Phillis and Diana then went into Bellindes Chamber to entreat her that the marriage might be deferred until the next day when he thought he should not have any cause of sorrow in hopes to hear good newes of Alexis Unto which Bellinde consenting Diana was presently advertised of it who seeing his misery one night further off
degree able to requite so many good offices done I am constrained to seem ungrateful towards you Methinks Madam said Rosilion that you ought not to take any care how to recompence us since we have reason to think our selves infinitly obliged unto you for furnishing us with the means of acquiring glory and given us an honourable subject wherin to exercise our arms lawfully Sir replied the Nymph your reputations were before at as high a pitch as they could attain unto and this last occasion wherein you have made your courages to appear can be nothing else but arguments of that pity which you had of me the truth is I am she that only reaps the benefit of it and am most obliged unto you and when I consider that after so many benefits and favours received I must lose you and suffer you to depart without any testimonies of resentment it does grieve me so to the heart as I do hardly enjoy that happinesse and well being which you have gotten me And your departure is almost as sad unto me as all those fears which the insolence of Polemas did cause unto me Madam said Godomar probably our departure does a little trouble you because it takes out of your presence two persons over whom your merit gives you a most absolute power but there is no reason in the world it should grieve you because in what parts of the world soever we live our affections and services shall alwaies testifie that we are most perfectly yours The truth is said Amasis I have already received so many testimonies of your good will as I have no reason to doubt but you imploy it for me upon all occasions wherein your assistance is requisite but this does not comfort me in those sorrows which this sad separation causes in me for I would have you depart better satisfied from me and would gladly acquit my self in some measure of those obligations wherein I am bound unto your valour Madam replied Sigismond the care you have had of Godomar and Dorinde since they came into Marcelles is no way inferiour then that which I have imployed to serve and help you though I dare say that the favours which they have received from you does much surpass all that I have done because you were less obliged to receive them then I was to free you from all such inconveniences as might have hapned unto you for their sakes so it is I who am the obliged party and am most concerned to complain that Fortune offers me no better means of grateful returns Yet Madam continued he if it be your pleasure I should attribute this unto your civilitie and that I should think what I have done for you deserves some kind of recompence I will believe it so since it is your pleasure and to the end I may have some kind of right to hope that you will be pleased to grant two humble requests which I have unto you Sir answered Amasis with a countenance lesse sad then before no greater pleasure can come unto me in all the world then to do any thing you shall desire I beseech you therefore and conjure you unto it to command me whatsoever you desire that I may testifie how great a desire I have to obey you The first thing then that I desire Madam said Sigismond relates unto the Interest of Dorinde whom I beseech you permit to stay a while with you I think there is no need I should tell you my reasons for you knowing both her life and mine doubtlesse you know them also as well as my self Only I assure you that the favours which she hath already received from you and those which she expects from your amity shall be put upon my accompt of obligations to you and shall be so well imprinted in my memory as I will never forget them As to the other humble request which I am to make it conceirns as well the Interest of Rosilion and Godomar as my own for they also engaged themselves to present it but yet it conceirns a Cavalier whose virtue may without ostentation aspire unto the highest degree that Fortune can raise a man And Madam to leave you no longer in a dubious suspence I will freely tell you that Rosilion my brother and I do must humbly beseech you to give the possession of Galathea unto the merits of Lindamor You Madam do know better then any the qualities of which he is owner and what proofs he has given you of his valour and courage you know all that if your Estate is to be sustained by the valour and judgment of a man none can more legitimately pretend unto it then he Therefore Madam if it be your pleasure to confer upon him any recompence for the perils he hath undergone and whereunto he exposed himself for your sake and if you will not shame us with the denial of a request so just we conjure you by the memory of Clidemant whom he hath so faithfully served and by the prosperity and welfare which you and your dominions are to enjoy to approve of this his humble desire and of our motion in his behalf As he said so Sigismond took the hand of Amasis and stooping to kiss it the Nimph smiled Sir said she unto him I doe with all my heart consent unto all you ask Dorinde shall never far worse nor be less dear unto me then Galathea her self And though I were not obliged to give Lindamor what he desires of me as a recompence which I owe unto his courage yet I doe know his quallity and merits so well that I would grant him what he now requests I doe desire only to consult with Galathea and know her mind yet assuring my self she will not disapprove of any thing I shall doe Madam said Rosilion though Sigismond only did present the request unto you and you have been pleased to grant it yet I must needs give you must humble thanks and do protest I doe think my self no less obliged for any favour you do unto Lindamor then if I had received it my self this shall make me hasten my return that I may be present at this happy marriage and I dear say the dayes that Lindamor does spend in Lions he will not think the most pleasant of his life Indeed said Godomar neither you nor he will take much pleasure in being there but however you shall be bid most kindly welcome and if the King will give me leave I will return with you to be a witness of Lindomar or your happiness Indeed said Amasis and sighed I should be happy if you would be as good as you say That Madam replied Godomar does wholy depend upon the will of Gondebaut I should think my self infinitly happy said Amasis if he would be pleased to consent unto it nor should I ever be possesed with frights and terrors as long as I should be so happy as to have your presence It shall not be long of me Madam said Sigismond if
into his thoughts All those objects were so sad unto her apprehensions as they did steal from her eyes many a tear but as sad as her soul was yet she could not chuse but look upon the testimonies of her Shepherds inviolable love At last after she had looked all over and had left no place unsearched she found in one of the corners a bottle wherein Celadon kept this ink and also finding a pen near it Alas said she and sighed here doubtlesse is the very same pen wherewith he used to expresse his amorous thoughts and passions This is the faithful pen which has so often received all his secrets and which hath been partly a cause of my knowing the despair of my dear Shepherd Without thee dear pen said she and kissed it I had never known in what part of the world he had been and in that ignorance I should never have found out the means to recal him But dear pen what shall I do unto thee in recompence of that good office These tears and these sighs can do thee no good for thou art not sensible of them yet perhaps they will be acceptable unto thee because they relate unto him that was once thy master and who by a high priviledge of Love did perhaps take away thy insensibility Upon this she was silent and Diana looking upon the ground Sister said she unto her I see something lie at your feet then Astrea stepping a little back Diana stooped and saw that it was a sheet of paper lapped up she presently took it up and saw it superscribed in large Characters THE SORROWS OF A BETRAYED SHEPHERD and within it these words I Once thought fair Astrea that the river of my tears would have washed away the crime of your infidelity But now when I think upon the many dayes which my eyes have spent in that miserable office I am quite out of all hopes and see that it is death only which can bring any remedy to my griefs â— and it only do I call for to cure those wounds which your inconstancy have made It is it only unto whom all my sighs and groans are addressed and it is it which a thousand times more pitiful then your self will receive such prayers as I make unto it to rid me of my pain Thus do I look for help from it which Nature bids me fly and I expect my ruine from her whom reason commands me most religiously to love A strange effect of your ingratitude Astrea since to be exempted from your persidies I must fly unto the pity of my enemies But will if you expect from my disgrace only the ruine of This half ended sentence made Diana think that Celadon intended to fill the whole sheet with the like compliments but that he was diverted perhaps by the command which Licidas brought him from Astrea he had not time to write any more then what you see Astrea who was the Reader of it she was very sorry that it was no longer for it was very pleasing unto her yet putting it into her bosome This complaint poor Celadon said she which thou makest against me for a crime whereof I was not guilty shall serve to condemn me for that which I committed in the last sentence which I pronounced against thee and that it may be a witnesse to publish my injustice I beseech the gods this paper may survive me and that it may have as much power to withstand the injuries of time and weather as I have to punish her that has offended against the fidelity of Celadon Upon this she found a great weaknesse in her self and Diana who saw her look pale and feared she would swound she run unto the river side to fetch some water she had lesse ado to go out of the Cavern then she had to enter in for Licidas had made the passage more easie she made haste to the river but could not return so fast for fear of spilling so as she had time enough to see Licidas lying at the root of a Willow This sight did extreamly astonish her yet observing that he was asleep she went unto the Grotto as fast as ever she could and finding Astrea a little better Sister said she unto her let us fly away as fast as we can unlesse we would have Licidas surprize us Why asked Astrea because replied Diana he is still in the same place where he talked with Phillis and I fear he has heard our discourse or at the least will come into this place to passe away the rest of the day Is it possible said Astrea that this Shepherd should be there yet Doubtlesse he is answered Diana and if you have a mind to see him it is but going to the entrance of the Cavern and casting your eye unto the river side I would gladly see him once more said Astrea and in saying so she went unto the mouth of the Grotto and saw him lie all along upon the grasse which Nature had covered with a little Moss As soon as ever she had seen him she would have retired for she was afraid to be seen but growing a little more confident she began to fix her eyes so stedfastly upon him that it was a quarter of an hour before she removed them Diana who all the while observed she pulled her by the coat Sister said she I think you are ravished with looking upon that Shepherd Truly answered Astrea his innocence makes me to compassionate him extreamly and I am beyond expression sorry he should be so sensible of Celadons sufferings for being conscious of my own fault it grieves me he should have so much cause to complain against me yet continued she I mean to try his good Nature and if there be any spark of pity in his soul I am confident he will have much ado to deny that pardon which I shall ask him In saying so she went into the Grotto and taking the pen which she found she dipped it in the bottle of ink which was half full also tearing a little piece of paper which she had put in her pocket she writ a Letter unto Licidas which was no sooner finished but seeing the day almost done she resolved to leave the Grotto and that paper in the hand of Licidas Unto which Diana consenting they went out with as little noise as they could and coming to Licidas Astrea kneeled down upon the ground she pinned the paper to the sleev of the Shepherd O Love said she even for pities sake give good successe unto this Letter let it not be lost but if it be possible let it touch the very heart of Licidas Then she arose and looking round they continued their journey Phillis was already returned to the house of Adamas very sorry she could not hear any news of her companions Leonide came presently after her and a little after that all the Shepherds and Shepherdesses which were at the house of Adamas so as all of them having given an account unto the
Druide and Belinde of their strict inquisition after Diana and Astrea they began to conclude that they were both fled together upon some dangerous design Adamas was much troubled for the Shepherdesses but for all that he could not forget the interest he had in Celadon Enquiring therefore whether any could tell where he was Phillis answered very plainly that she thought he was dead since Licidas swore he had not lest any place in all the plain unsearched The Druide then seeming to be very angry at her answer but said he let us at the least save Licidas and prevent any new disaster that may happen unto him Father said Phillis I left him lying upon the ground a good way from hence yet very near the river Lignon and to go unto him one need but go streight up by the river side perhaps said Adamas you left him asleep if so it is possible to find him and bring him back I believe one may replied Phillis but then it must be by command from some whom he dares not disobey Paris said the Druide may perhaps perswade with him Upon this commanding Paris to go thither this new Shepherd went and found Licidas a little before the Sun was set Almost at the same time he awaked and knowing Paris he started up upon a sudden not taking any notice that the Letter which Astrea pinned at his sleev did fall to the ground Paris perceiving that Licidas did not see it he stooped to take it up and having it in his hand here Licidas said he unto him this is doubtlesse some expression of your Love I cannot tell what it is answered Licidas but it can be no expression of my affection unlesse Phillis gave unto it you Nay replied Paris but on the contrary it may be I that must give it unto Phillis and will be willingly the Carryer of it since you have writ it Who I answered Licidas I swear I have not seen either ink or paper this two dayes However said Paris you did let it fall perhaps said Licidas it was your self for I am certain that I had no papers about me That will be quickly cleared answered Paris for I believe you will acknowledge your own hand In saying so he presented the Letter unto Licidas and the Shepherd casting his eyes upon it alas said he this Character is as much contrary unto mine as the cruelty of her who writ it is contrary unto my contentment Paris not understanding what he meant Licidas continued This Letter said he came from Astrea â— but I cannot imagine which way it should come into my hands perhaps said Paris you have had it long No answered Licidas I never saw it till now and believe she writ it very lately for the ink is fresh Then he began to read what was within the paper and found these words ASTREAS LETTER unto LICIDAS YOur anger against me dear Licidas I find to be most just and the more because not having heard any of those reasons which might plead my justification it is impossible but your judgement should be byassed by the interest of your brother I do excuse your resentment as I do blame his disguisment And to leave you no longer without some satisfaction for the crime whereof you accuse me I am going to die since the juglings of Celadon are a cause that I cannot live any longer in the world with honour I do verily believe that in the heat of my transport I have used a little too much rigour but how I impose a petty pennance upon him when I conceived his sin beyond all parallel or pardon yet since you will needs say that I have done amiss I will say so too and confesse that my fault deserves no less a punishment then death I tell you therefore once more Licidas that I am going to die and that your anger against me is to blame if you do not take my death for a sufficient revenge If for the rest of my soul a pardon may be obtained from you grant it good Shepherd my tears do beg it and the love which Celadon once bore unto me do forbid you to deny it Adieu Licidas I have but a moment to live and let Phillis take it in testimony of my remembrance Adieu At the reading of these last words Licidas could not chuse but melt into tears and pulling out his handkerchief to wipe his eyes Alas alas said he how great reason she has to confesse her self culpable for all the misfortunes which have fallen upon us had their beginnings from a trivial jealousie which once she conceived and conceived it upon the weakest grounds in the world I do wonder said Paris that she mentions not a syllable of Diana since it is thought they are both together I cannot tell answered Licidas what may be the cause of it but doubtlesse they are both together for if Diana had not been with Astrea then Astrea would have mentioned her in the end of her letter as well as Phillis whom you see she remembers however it be said Paris I conceive we cannot take a better course then to go speedily and acquaint Adamas to see what he will conceive upon this last accident Heere is Astreas letter replied Lycidas you may communicate it unto him and if you please I will waite heere for your commands Lycidas said this because he had no great mind to go unto the house of the Druide but Paris did so well perswade with him that at last he prevailed and carried him along It was now night when they came at the house of Adamas so as Bellinde being out of any hopes to hear any news of Diana she grieved extreamly and all the consolations the Druide could invent to flatter her sorrows did nothing but make her more sensible of them In this condition she was when they told her that Paris and Lycidas were returned so as she ran unto them as unto her last refuge but hearing nothing from them which gave her any hopes she relapsed into her first sad apprehensions Adamas he looked upon the letter which Lycidas received and finding no mention of Diana in it he let Bellinde know that in this incertainty of things she had no reason to dispair That it was credible Diana was not so senslesse as to expose her self unto death since it looks with such a grim and horrid face and since Diana being but a woman there was no likly hood her timerous disposition durst ever attempt to graple with it what resolutions soever she had Perhaps indeed Astrea might infuse some desires unto her off attempting it but when it came too 't neither of them both had so much courage as to execute it Adamas used severall other arguments which Bellinde did not take as absolutely good nor could she absolutely condemn them and the Druide having waited upon her unto her Chamber he went unto his own where calling for all the Shepherds and Shepherdesses he desired them to be all up betimes the
sent forth a thousand sighes of love whatsoever you make conjecture I am fully perswaded but she has done some violence to keep her self from falling into the power of Paris and the condition wherin now she is me thinks is a strong argument that the marriage is not consummated For why should she come with Astrea unto a place so little frequented since the inchantment of the fountain but only to conceall her self from Bellinde for some dayes and to give her time of consideration how little inclination her Daughter has unto that alliance alas said Silvander and interrupted her this small absenting her self and this self are arguments more strong to confirm me in a beleif that my dispair is just and that her infidelity is true For may I not well think that this ungratefull woman did absent her self to kindle the flames of Paris the more and that this sleep is part of that rest which my rivall would have stoln from her the first night by his carresses oh what dismal causes of jealousy do I find and how this passion transports me into fury Can you think it just Celadon that I should live to be a witness of all those kisses which this husband will gather from those lippes which have pronounced the sentence of my death and his happines Do you not think that those favours which this fickle one publiquely conferres upon him as innocent as they are yet do not appear unto me most horrid crimes alas you do not love aright if you think they are not enough to kill me assure your self every look she casts upon him is a dagger to my heart No no shepherd I had better let them alone to enjoy their delights freely my presence will but disturbe them every thing does invite me unto this design more then you who has no legall warrant to authorise the resolution which you have taken but only the bare passionate humour of Astrea which perhaps has made her weep a thousand times since and repent she ere concealed from you the good though secret acceptance she had of all your services Therefore dear Celadon if my prayers have any prevalence with you I beseech you let me only run this adventure it is a faithfull lover who ought to die do not dispute the matter any longer with me And pardon me if I say out of the knowledge I have of my love and humour that it is most impossible to find one man in the whole world who can excell me In saying so he embraced Celadon and conjured him again to let him obtain this favour which he required but Celadon seeming ill satisfied with his request truly Silvander answered he you do resemble him who received as a sharer only in a treasure yet will needs become the sole master of it and drive out him who first admitted him only at a sharing Companion in his fortune It was I who first designed this disenchantment by giving my life and now I have communicated my design unto you it is you that would hinder me from the execution of it and would your self take all that glory which the gods reserved only for me Dear Celadon said Silvander and interrupted him do not blame me for desiring to take that advantage from you which will procure you a far greater I mean the enjoyment of Astrea I dare swear that fair shepherdesse would think your presence at this hower her greatest happiness Take my advice Celadon present your self before her once more if she do not forbid you to die I will confess my self injurious in advising you to live Nay answered Alexis that cruell one shall never have the pleasure of condemning me the second time I know what obedience I owe unto all her commands and will not put her to so much pains as to pronounce them often But as for you Silvander live and live for Diana since you know she desires it and did never command the contrary all the arguments perswasions and reasons that you can possibly devise can never alter me from that resolution which I am fixed upon to die by the mortal claws of these furious Lions which cannot be so cruel but will leave me so much time as they are tearing me in pieces as to remember that Astrea is more pittiless These last words stole some tears from the eyes of Alexis who seeing how contrary her end was unto those sweet hopes which she had conceived in the beginning of her affection her heart could not chuse but melt at the memory of those kind promises which Astrea once made unto her and Silvander who also had the same considerations he began to embrace Alexis and saw those tears which dropped from her eyes they embraced each other a long while and perhaps had done longer if Alexis who alwayes looked towards Astrea had not espied a great company coming towards them he presently advertised Silvander of it and both looking earnestly at them it was not long before they saw it was Adamas Belinde and Phillis but Silvander knew not Galathea Rosanira nor the rest of the Nymphs because of the change in their habits Fearing then that if the Druide saw them he would hinder them in their designe Come come dear Silvander said Alexis and rose up hastily let us not dispute any longer upon this point let us go and see to which of us the gods will judge the price of fidelity and since they only can decide our difference it is folly to consult upon it any longer here Upon this she went towards the Fountain and Silvander following her if it happen said he that we both die we shall have this advantage at the least to shut up in one Tombe two friends who have almost the very same Fates in their loves would suffer the same deaths In saying so they were come so near the Lions that those fierce Animals heard them and looked upon them with most affrighting looks but the Shepherds were so far from any signes of fear that there was a fresh vermilion in their cheeks and as if an horrid object were an object of joy and felicity they began to smile and to shew that their courages were not lesse then the Ferocity of those mercilesse Guardians Alexis who came thither only to die and not to fight did at the first prepare her self to receive their cruelty whilst the Lions at the sight of this new prey did beat their sides and the ground with their tails and were rowsing up anger enough to devour these Lovers she kneeled down upon the ground and looking up to heaven O ye merciful gods said she who have inspired me with this remedy to keep my miseries from being infinite as is your power accept I beseech you of this sacrifice which I offer unto you of my body and I would say of my soul also did you not know that it is still a captive in the charms of the fairest but most ungrateful Shepherdess that ever was even for pities sake O most
how he should appease the God of Love so as he might excuse that Shepherd but finding no way he rose up resolved to obey and returned to his house They were not gone far before Thamires who was near unto Hylas I do not think said he but if you would speak according to your conscience you would confesse Hylas that the death of Silvander does not so much trouble you as you make a shew of why do you think so asked Hylas because answered Thamires it is natural to wish ill unto those that vex us and well unto such as please us now it is Silvander only that hath convinced you of errour and has let the world see the falsness of your opinions so as I believe you will be very glad that this thorn is taken out of your foot Ah Thamires said Hylas and sighed how far are you from my thoughts since as two contraries do give a greater luster unto each other I am confident that my wit opposing hier it would have been in a greater consideration and esteem amongst the Shepherds and Shepherdesses but I fear heaven does punish him for maintaining such evil Maximes And if by the tranquility of our lives it be lawful to judge of the love of the gods unto us observe I beseech you which of us two has most reason to think our selves in the right First he came no sooner into the world but he was punished for the offences which he was to commit for the gods unto whom future and present are all one were pleased to make him feel the weight of their punishments betimes and since he has been the very tennis ball of Fortune jolted to and fro like a vagabond whom Nature would not so much as own if ever he had any inclination unto any Shepherdesse there was a thousand obstacles to oppose his contentment and why all this but only as a recompence of that fine constancy which he hath preached with such zeal and devotion Whereas on the contrary at my very birth good Fortune smiled upon me health and wealth vowed never to forsake me nor have I ever been troubled with so much as a fit of the headach as soon as ever I had any mind to a young and fair Shepherdess she met me half way Thus have I lived alwayes in abundance of contentment and swimmed in all delights and why all this but because I never preached any such severe Laws as might tyrannize over our spirits but on the contrary that one may love indifferently all that one finds fair and never by tyed to dote long upon one and the same But Thamires continued he though Silvander has deserved the misfortunes which follow him yet do I infinitly lament him and though his humour was alwayes contrary unto mine yet I do wish his Destinies were as kind unto him as mine are to me In this you shew answered Thamires that you are not in all things an enemy unto reason I conceive it therefore our parts to lament his loss and in him the loss of all the Shepherds that are to survive him for I am afraid that if they be left to the mercy of your extravagant opinions you will corrupt and debauch them and get an Empire of their minds That had been long since said Hylas had all things been governed by reason With such discourse as this they all came unto the house of Adamas into which they were no sooner entred but Celadon who shared with Silvander in his sorrows he beseeched Galatheas leave to go back and meet that Shepherd whom he thought was still with the Druide which the Nymph consenting unto he went and Licidas seeing him go he followed him They were no sooner out of the house but they met him all alone Celadon who did most cordially love him did a long while embrace him but was not able to speak for sighing which Silvander perceiving Celadon said he unto him for god sake let not my misfortunes be any trouble to those contentments which the gods would have you enjoy in the possession of your Mistresse Take your full taste of joyes without a mixture of any sorrows and if it be my death which only troubles you if you love me think it a cause rather of joy then sorrow since the gods themselves would have it so and since I cannot go out of the world with more glory then in obeying those Dooms which they have pronounced However answered Celadon I cannot chuse but sadly resent this separation as the only thing that was able to molest my joyes upon this Silvander would have answered but the Druide came and interrupting them did carry them to his house Diana on the other side who had Astrea and Phillis with her was not able to resist her sorrows which every moment grew more and more violent so as to avoid all other discourse but that of her companions she would go to bed under pretence of taking some rest which she wanted and certainly there needed not much artifice to perswade Belinde that she stood in need of that refreshment for besides now knowing what interest she had in the misfortune of Silvander the very face of that Shepherdess had the features of one that was not likely to live above two or three hours She consented therefore that Diana should retyre her self unto her chamber and though she was in her soul sorry for the obstacles that hindred the contentment of her Daughter and the merits of Silvander yet did she a little comfort her self when she fancied that after the death of this Shepherd Diana could not then have any excuse but to marry Paris Amasis also had not been in the house above half an hour but she remembred Dorinde and knowing that she was not at the Fountain she sent to seek her in the Gallery in the Garden and every place where it was likely she should be but hearing no news of her she sent to enquire of the Porter who said that a little after all the company was gone she and Merindor were together in a Coach and went towards Bonlieu At first she thought that since she left her indisposed she might be gone to divert her self by walking but afterwards remembring that since the return of Merindor Dorinde had been in a very ill humour she began to doubt something And being amidst her variety of thoughts upon a sudden she heard the noise of some horses Upon this she went to the window and knowing her Coach she ran to the stairs to meet Dorinde but finding only Merindor she was much amazed and to encrease her wonder she saw him look like a dead man pale as ashes his eyes red and countenance so dejected as he was hardly able to go As soon as she had asked where Dorinde was and the Cavalier made a low Conge Madam said he unto her in a tone that testified the disorder of his soul here is it which will inform you In saying so he presented a Letter unto her which
a little in her bed she crossed her arms and had such evident signs of transport in her face that Silvander after he had a little considered them began to feel all his courage and his strength to fail That great resolved soul which he had shewed till now was vanisht and he was not able to resist those sorrows which the presence of Diana caused Thus this poor shepherd was no sooner gotten into the midst of the Chamber but his legges failed him upon which falling and finding himself to swound he fell upon his side some two paces from the bed of his Mistresse Diana in the mean while seeing him lie as if he were dead was grieved to the soul that she could not help him yet thinking it no time to stand upon nicities she rose out of bed in her smock and would have helped him to rise but finding no motion in him she was ready to tender up her soul her dispair was then at the last point and doubtless if grief could have killed her she had dyed but being still reserved for more miseryes this accident did not deprive her of speech for after she had laid her mouth close to the face of Silvander Poor shepherd said she aloud am not I a most miserable woman in being the cause of all thy misfortunes Without me the destinies had spared thy life and if my interest had not been enterwoven with thine they would never have made thee miserable Upon this she was silent and love succeeding pity after she had looked about her and saw none to observe her actions she kissed him as if she would inspire new life into his lippes or as if she would waken him with the water of her tears but which soever it was the shepherd opened his eyes as a sign he was not dead And though Diana had not taken all that paines but only to revive him yet was she surprised because of the condition wherein she was that she rose up in all hast and went into bed but never minding what she did she made more hast then good speed and knocked her head so hard against one of the bed posts as she fell a cross over the body of Silvander Her crye and the noise she made brought Astrea and Phillis into the room and seeing such a pityfull spectacle they made no question but they were both dead for the love of each other yet comming nearer they saw Silvander move his arm as if he endeavoured to get it from under the body of Diana and therefore they took up their Companion and put her into bed as they were lifting her up she returned out of her swound but because she lay her hand upon her forhead where she felt pain they took a handkercher and pressed it so hard to the place where she began to swell as little or no mark appeared afterwards Silvander also returned perfectly to himself and comming near Dianas bed as soon as Astrea and Phillis were gone to the window I thought fairest Diana said he unto her I should have been so happy as to die in your presence But I see the doom of heaven is irrevokable and I must die by the hand of Adamas This last action which seems to oppose my felicity would not much trouble me did I not see a trouble unto you But dearest Mistresse of my soul do not let it trouble you at all that I am to be sacrificed the gods would have some part of me as well as you and as I have already sacrificed my soul unto you so they would have me this day sacrifice my body unto them In this division the best part is yours for you having my heart my will my soul and all its faculties they have nothing but a bare carcasse which is meat for worms or crows Oh dear answered Diana with a deep sigh yet in this they take part of my happinesse from me for when you did sacrifice your soul unto me it did not imply any such condition that I should not pretend unto your body you did give it unto me without any manner of reservation and gave me full power to do what I would with it and though I have no power to make you live yet they do most tirannically usurp it from me but Silvander since they are sole Arbitrators of our lives I will yeild this right unto them and will not grieve for your death if you will but grant me one consolation the hope of which is all the happiness I have The shepherd who desired nothing but to please her did promise to deny her nothing Then said Diana I would have you let me die as soon as ever I hear that you are out of the world Diana uttered these words with great resolution and Silvander was so charmed with this last testimony of her love that for a while he was not able to open his lips At last taking her hand and kissing it Ah my fairest would you sign your affection and my misfortune with your blood have you so much courage as to follow me in this fatal passage and does it not grieve you to leave Paris and your life Cruel Silvander replied Diana and interrupted canst thou doubt but that my passion dare attempt any thing In saying so she seemed to be a little troubled and the shepherd knowing that she had reason to be angry with him Dear Diana replied he pardon my love if any sparks of jealousie seemed to appear in it It is the will of the Gods that you should be the wife of Paris and if I do fear it has not my fears a very lawful ground I know reylied Diana that they have so ordained it But in this matter I swear that I will be my own destinies You know Silvander that I can be no bodies but yours and you shall never go into the Elizian fields without me I will go then said Silvander and die with content in hopes that our absence will not be long I will go my fairest Diana and offer unto the God of Love that which belongs unto you happy shall I be in ending my days if by my example you be not afraid to follow me Adieu my fairest Diana for pities sake spend these last munites in remembrance of my services and confess that Heaven is too barbarous in consenting to our separation Then Silvander embraced Diana ond that Shepherdess was so moved with these last words that hardly being able to speak Adieu said she and broke out into tears Adieu dear Silvander be constant unto thy Diana and leâ— her see thy love can last longer then life Upon this her voice failing she offered to embrace him but had not strength to lift up her Arm Silvander in the mean time got up and seeing Astrea and Phillis near Oh dear companions of my fairest Mistress said he unto them I leave you possessors of all that happiness which the presence of Diana afforded me And as you have been the only Confidents of her secrets and