by a new creation fall to my old place againe These and some other open disgraces truly changed my heart or wrought so much in me as I grew to loue lesse then not to loue and now am come to be more careles of him and faine almost would shun him yet I cannot directly do that though I hate the fortune I am fallen into and this is the cause I am vext with hauing this Lot Vrania and Philistella pitied her especially when she cryd Alas said she why was loue so cruell or rather to clothe loue in such cruelty as to giue hope of purpose to ruine as if one would giue a delicate banket and poyson the Guests when he had done els might hee haue left mee despaire for charities sake and not luld me with hope to martyr me againe The Queenes perswaded much with her and so at last she was pacified so farre as to giue him the Iewel and accept the name of his Mistrisse as other faire Ladies doe the like name further their friendships increased not so long as this story lasted Philistella was left heere with her deare Selarinus shee being crowned with all solemnitie as hee had been before Steriamus and his Vrania iournied on to their Kingdome where likewise shee was crowned and liued the rest of their dayes in all happinesse and ioy the like did Selarinus and Philistella Antissius and Selarina in their voyage by Sea meta fine Aduenture in a sweet and dainty Iland where they staid the Queeue not well brooking the Sâ—a in which time they walked vp into the land comming into a delicate Pallace built curiously of white stone a braue Riuer or arme of the Sea running a little on the other side of it Gardens were round about it or walkes which made it appeare the Pallace of delight and much perfecter had it bin but the Lord of it was called by lifes concluder to obedience dying and leauing two sonnes and one most faire Daughter with his noble Lady whose vertues were such as shinned in her for the honor of all other women and examples to Maydes to liue Virgins and wiues and widdowes as she had done and did She met the King and Queene at the first Gate being enformed who they were with all reuerent respect welcommed them attending them into the Gardens shewing them the pleasures of them and giuing them such fruits as that time yeelded then waited on them into the house which they admired for curiositie sitting downe to rest them in a braue Gallery which delighted them infinitely by reason of the sweete prospect which though not so far as others yet was it as pleasing beeing able to iudge of what they beheld which was one way delicate meadowes and that great Riuer beyond it fields and hills downe the Riuer an ancient and famous Citie well built and of many miles compasse vp the Riuer pasture grounds and fine inclosures thus were all sorts of delights round about and in sight of this place but the richest and finest sight was the graue Widdow the sweet youthes and the excellent young Lady whose perfections were such as no description can come neere or any thing but admiration tell whose fulnesse will not permit expression Her stature was of the brauest and best chosen height her skinne although her hayre was browne white as milke soft as downe and fine as silke her eyes black as if mourning for the murders they would commit yet so spritefull as gaue comfort and blessed content to him should bee honourd with their fauours and hope of life to the dying if they repented their ambition She was sixteene yeares of age but of such beauty as if each minute had biâ— employd to fetch excellencies to her a graue and braue fashion she had which to strangers seemd pride but to them that knew her true noblenes abounded in her which they published else she had bin vndeseruingly condemned With the King there was a braue Lord but somewhat in yeares exceeding her he yet had a young and new desire to obtaine her his worth would not seeke her but as her worth warranted him a strangers name hee feared would be distastfull yet he was so neare a home borne man in affection as that might speake for him he was an experienced man and therfore knew time the most pretious of any thing wherefore he applyd himselfe vnto her Her fashion was discreet like herself respectiue according to his owne hart which was not the meanest but such an one as might haue dwelt for noblenes in a king but being in him made him a king for bounty A Cosin-german shee had who trauelling with this Lord was so imped into the quills of his loue as he was himselfe and so wooed for him she was confident of her Cosins loue and trusted his iudgement so receiued the Romanian as on trust from him he was in great fauour with the King who spake for him and of purpose stayed in that Island belonging vnto his Crowne till his seruant had gaind his desire the weather so temperat and pleasing as his Maiesty resolued to stay there and lodge in tents for pleasure and the more commodiously to let his Fauourite court his Mistris although the Lady most earnestly besought his gracing her house with lodging in it but the delightful Island carryed him about to view it and so left him to woe and win if he could In his Progres he met many fine aduentures the Island being large and plentifull of all delicacies but the king fel to sports the Queene affected only prety delights none so violent as hunting the house where they then kept court was a large and auncient house belonging to an Noble-man built square of stone standing rather vpon a flat then a Hill for the highest of the ascents was scarce sencible There ranne behind the Garden and Orchard wall a sweete Brooke on each side whereof fine and enamiled Meadowes lay shewing their finesses to each eye in this place Selarina tooke delight and heere walked but she was with-drawne a little from the Brooke and plaine to a little hill which had some few trees to grace it selfe withall and helpe others from the scorching heate a voice to this place inuited her whither being arriued she found two men in Shepheards weeds their countenances spake for them that they were not borne to that estate yet their complexions shewed that they had not beene curious to preserue them selues from the Sun but followed their fortunes or choyce as men ought to doe any profession they take they were not so young as it might bee said they had want only taken that life the ripnes of their yeares tooke away that suspition for they were towards forty so as iudgment to content them selues or discontent one might see had brought them to it they were together when the Queene first saw them but they seeing her soone parted one as if flying company the other remayning to yeeld account of his going
followes We had as many such meetings as true or fained meanes could compasse vs â—till our miserie was such as this wild man her husband whether out of true consideration of his great vnworthines or proceeding from his froward disposition I know not grew iealous an humour following base minds as readily as thunder doth the lightning then had he rashnes to accompany the other which fram'd a determinatioÌ„ which was soone altered froÌ„ that name by performance that she should stay no longer with her father but go with him to his own house this I had notice of but all that we could doe could not hinder the accomplishing his will and saue her honour which to me more deere then mine owne life was esteemed But the night before her going I came thither where I found the accustomed entertainement he vsing me with al shew of respect which in that kind I embraced our hearts being as farre from meaning truth in giuing or accepting as truth is from bare complement but greatnesse in me made him vse it and care in me of my better selfe receiue it my heart swelling with hate and scorne euen almost to breaking when I did see him That night I saw her and but spake to her so curiously her husband watched vs yet could he not keepe our eies but by them we did deliuer our soules he onely able to keepe her daintie body in his wicked prison The next day they went and so went all worth with this odd man to haue her delicacy kept like a Diamond in a rotten box yet she considering it to be to no purpose to contend where she was miserably bound to obey obserued him as well as she could bring her spirit to consent to yet did he begin for her welcome to grow curst to her with her Seruants he first began finding or better to say framing occasions to be rid of them all placing of his owne about her which she suffered onely contenting her selfe with the memorie of our Loues yet wanting the true content which was in our conuersation shee grew sad and keeping much within grew pale her rosie cheekes and lippes changing to wannesse but this was all the change her noble heart free from such a sinne This was but part of her affliction still vexing her sweete disposition with speaking slightly of me and then telling her of her loue to me which brought her to that passe as at last I was not named but she would blush then would he reuile her and vilely vse her but she patiently and silently bare all not suffering me to haue notice of it lest it might as it should haue done moue mee to reuenge her wrong for my sake endured Thus it rested she restlesly bearing all the ills that froward Nature mixt with peeuish and spitefull iealousie could afflict vpon the purest mind vsing no other meanes but gentle and mild perswasions which wrought no more in him but that still his madnesse increased Now was his house not farre from the way which I must passe betweene the Campe and the great Citie of Siracusa being one of the chiefe of that kingdome and which at that time had yeelded it selfe againe vnto the King I hearing Philargus for so was this vnworâ—hie man called was at his house with his truly vertuous wife whom my soule longed to see I resolued to lodge there that night not alas mistrusting the misfortune but coueting to see her whom more then my heart I loued or lou'd my heart the better for being hers So I went thither where I was by him exceedingly well welcom'd in outward shew though his meaning was contrary which I should haue found had his diuelish plots bin readie Iealousie hauing now blinded him to all good nature or iudgement She poore Lady poore onely in this fortune sad and grieu'd all her smiles turn'd into sighes and thinkings which made me feare and wonder wondring at the change of her beauty which yet in pâ—lenes shew'd excellency and feare I did lest my absence had offeÌ„ded herâ— but I was deceiu'd while I lest thought of the true cause or could imagine such villanie plotted against so rare perfections Desirous to know the cause I remain'd almost impatient not venturing to speake to her before her husbaâ—d for hurting her but he going out of the roome after wee had supped either to couer the flames which were ready to breake out in huge fires of his mistrust or to haue the company fitter for him affâ—cting stil to be chiefe his absence howsoeuer gaue me opportunitie to demaund the reason of her strangenesse She sigh'd to heare mee call it so and with teares told me the reason concluding and thus doe you see my Lord said she the torments I suffer for your loue yet do you more torture me with doubting me who haue no happines left me but the knowledge of my faith to you all afflictions being welcome to me which for your sake I suffer Betweene rage and paine I remain'd amazed till shee taking mee by the hand brought mee more wofully to my selfe with these words And yet am I brought to a greater mischiefe with that fixing her weeping eyes vpon mine which affectionately answered hers with lookes and teares I must my Lord said she intreate you to refraine this place since none can tell what danger may proceed from mad and vnbridled iealousie Refraine your sight Commaund me then to die said I Haue I deseru'd to be thus punish'd Shall his brutishnes vndoe my blessings yet this place I will since you will haue it so hoping you will find some meanes to let me know Philargus house is not in all places That I will doe or die said she Miserable wretch cry'd I art thou borne to such fortune as to haue this Lady loue thee and her vnmatched goodnes to suffer for one so worthlesse as thy selfe No no my Lord said she in this you wrong me and that iudgement which heretofore you said was in me since if you were vnworthy then my choice was vnperfect but you are worthie and I worthily chose you I lou'd you and constantly lou'd you and in this doeâ— I best allow of my owne iudgement I hope that loue is not cleane gone cri'd I my speech by loue directed to say thus nor will you forget me though from our most desired meetings we must be barred My loue my Lord said she had and hath too sure a ground to know remoue I too truly lou'd and doe loue you euer to forget it or to let it haue least shadow of lessening though vailed in absence but rather if increase can be where all is already possest it shall increase Loue liuing best where desert and sufferance ioyne together and for witnes of it take this said she bestowing her picture vpon me which is all the Limenas I shall now enioy or euer did more then her lou'd and best bâ—loued sight The case was blew commanding me withall to loue that color both because it was hers
in his armes He soone alas and so foreuer left his deare imbracement turning on him who hurt him repaying the wrong with giuing him his death but then soone followed his owne the wound being mortall which he had receiued yet not so suddenly but that he saw the destruction of his enemies We being as fierce as rage and reuenge could make vs then he remaining alone besides my selfe aliue and yet dying giuing me infinite thankes for my loue and willing rescue lent him with many dolefull and in affection lamentable groanes and complaints he tooke his leaue of his onely and best beloued then of me to whom he committed the care of her and his body then kissing her departed But what shall I say of her imagine great Prince and all this braue company what she did You will say she wept tore her haire rent her clothes cri'd sobd groand No she did not thus she onely imbraced him kissed him and with as deadly a palenesse as death could with most cunning counterfeit and not execute She entreated me to conduct her to the next Religious house where shee would remaine till she might follow him I admird her patience but since more wonder'd at her worth O women how excellent are you when you take the right way else I must confesse you are the children of men and like them fault-full The body we tooke with the helpe of a Litter which passed by hauing before conuayd a hurt Knight to the same Monastery next to that place and in that we conuayd it thither where we buried him and almost drownd him in our teares Thinking then to haue remou'd she fell ill not sicke in body but dead in heart which appear'd for within two dayes she dyed leauing this world to meet and once more ioy in him who more then a world or ten thousand worlds she loued and still desired which made her choose death being her then greater ioy burying them together a little without the house the order of that place not permitting them to be layd within it After this sad but honest performance of my word I went on in my Iourney meeting within few dayes after a Page belonging to my dead friend who with his Masters Armour followed him loue and obedience bringing it into his mind The armor was good being that which I now weare mine owne hackt and cut in many places With much sorrow the youth receiu'd the wofull tidings of his Master then obtained I so much as to haue those armes which with violeÌ„t sorrow he consented to helping me to arme my selfe in them though so as had I been any but his dead Lords friend he sooner and more willingly would haue wound into his funerall shirt He tooke my armour and laid it together vnder a tree which grew in the mid'st of a faire and pleasant plaine then although against my will he kist my hands and with as much true-felt sorrow as could lodge in so young yeares tooke his leaue of me only beseeching me when I remembred my vnfortunate friends I would also with some pity thinke on his misery this was my aduenture And then past I by sea till on a rock I suffered shipwrack being taken vp by this famous Pirat whom you so valiantly haue slaine being I assure you none of your least victories he hauing had as much strength and skill as in any one man need remaine but knowing me and some power I haue with the king of Cecile my deere and worthy friend Pâ—rissus his Vncle whose excellent company I gain'd in Achaya he then being there and with whom I trauelled many moneths almost yeares till I began this search this man on condition I would mediate for him to the King or his Nephew let me goe at libertie and arm'd in his ship till such time as we fortunâ—d to land alwaies concluded that while I was with him I should defend him with my best meanes This made me resist you till heauen told me my error which I repent and heartily aske pardon for and this sure was the reason that my Page imagined my death if hee found as by all likelihood he did my armes Then did Parselius againe imbrace Leandrus turning to the Squire of Amphilantus he demanded what he knew of his Master Truly replide he nothing but the ioy I conceiue to heare by this gentle Knight that he is liuing I parted from him in a great storme hauing been in Germany sent thither with an army from the Pope to assist the Emperour against the Duke of Saxony who was slaine by his hand and for this act was by the Emperour and the other Princes made King of the Romans hauing protected the Empire against such an enemy since till now neuer hauing heard newes of him but he ment to seeke still for you and therefore left Germany and in the Mediterran sea my selfe ship and all my Lords treasure was taken by this Pirat whom your valour hath destroyed Thus with prosperous wind and infinite ioy for Amphilanthus his new title and honâ—ur they sailed towards Italy hoping to land not farre from the Towne where the king of Naples at that time kept his Court which was at that great Citie but being within the sight of the shore because it then was euening they resolu'd not to land till the next morning and so take the day before them This thought the best like mens counsells proou'd the worst for in the night rose a terrible and fearefull storme being so violent as it tooke not away rest only but knowledge from the Pilot being onely able within some howers to assure them that they were far distant from Italy The tempest continued in as great iâ— not greater furie nor any more comfort had they saue that now they enioyed light and yet could that light scarce be counted day being but as day-breake before the Sun-rising so as it was but as to distinguish the time of day from night or as if it were to hold a candle to them the more to see their danger so thicke cloudy and vncomfortable as they could discerne nothing but what was nearest them which was perill Cunning now preuail'd not for the most skilfull confessed that now he was artlesse heauenly powers working aboue the knowledge of earthly creatures which way they were by force carried was vtterly vnknown to them sailes tackling were gone the mast either by force or hope of safety cast ouer-board thunder lightning wind raine they wanted not none being able to expresse the desperatenes of this storme but by saying it was the picture of the last day for violence but like the world for strangenes and vncertainty Thus they continued in the day hauing only the shadow of a day and in the night feareful flames which yet they thankt because by theÌ„ they could discerne themselues When heauen did think this storme had lasted long enough crosse to those though crosâ— yet still most louing louers it commanded the seas to be at quiet which
that the Queene wrought cunningly enough vpon it to mixe iealousie with the fathers loue to his sonne shee neuer ceasing to wish the subiects loue as great and firme to his Maiestie as shee and all others saw their hearts were placed vpon his worthy sonne which though he for his affection to him did not yet make vse of yet it is a fine thing said she to bee a king and a terrible matter to be tempted were you not safely blessed with so honest a son And therefore you must trust more to the loyaltie of Antissius then the faith of his people who he might perceiue regarded nothing lesse then their due respect to him Sparingly she spake well of him but freely to make suspition Thus now was he falne into the path which led to the court of her malice for buzing these things in his old and fearefull eares shee at last brought to this fulnesse of ill One day as she had appointed being priuately with the King in a Gallery two of the Counsell came in in hast yet a dissembling feare in their faces counterfeiâ—ing need but doubt and vnwillingnesse to discouer what mou'd in them this sudden approch The King vrg'd them when with teares they told him that they had gaind knowledge of a dangerous conspiracy which was plotted to be instantly executed vpon the persons of his Maiesty and his most royal Queen by Antissius and my self the treason being this to depose him kil the Queen banish the Counsell I make himselfe Monarch of Romania dispose the offices already disposed of among his fauourites and the whole realme as he best liked to his followers and associats and in this kind make a conquest of it Then alas sir said they what will become of poore Romania when your vertue and wisdome shall be put by their gouernment and his greene capacity and those young wild headed Counsellors shall rule ouer vs who were fitter at schoole to learne obedience and loyalty then to sway a Scepter besides the wrong and sin of taking the lawfull Prince from among his people This related and seconded by the Queen who stil in a double maner clear'd condemn'd poore Antissius whose iust and vertuous heart neuer thought of such a treason nor of her if not with sorrow for her wickednes It wrought so far in the iealous brest of the old man as he manifested his crediting it and with all the feare hee conceiu'd of it expressing as much hate to his son as such a wicked practise might iustly challenge Then hastily as feare is alwaies sudden he demaunded aduice with the best and readiest way to auoide the danger They yet hauing gone but halfe way of their diuelish progresse replied That since it pleased him to haue such confidence in them as to aske their aduice in so great a busines they would as honestly discharge themselues and this they held the safest and the best course which was that the Prince who they must still loue and reuerence and whose fault cut their hearts to thinke of should be sent for but in such manner as he should haue no cause to distrust lest then he went about to gaine by force what they before had been inform'd he hoped to compasse by a priuate conspiracie This aduice and the plot it selfe he imparted to some more of the Counsell who already were sufficiently instructed in their parts and so accordingly agreed consenting nay commending the graue carefull and honest aduice of the other two Then was a Messenger straight dispatched to the Prince who like a braue but innocent Hart came into the toile with order to come himselfe his wife and Soâ—ne vnto the King whose age and weaknesse being great and his affection only left strong in him towards him and his would haue them neerer to him and for that he would recompeÌ„ce him for the iniuries in former times done to him I was not at home for had I bin the iourney surely had bin hindred while Antissius doubting no treason his noble heart being free from thinking any in haste hoping that way to expresse the ioy hee felt by these vnexpected glad tidings posted to the Court leauing word that I who was to returne in a very short time after should with all conuenient speed accompany his wife and sonne to the King Few daies he had rid before he was encountred with a troope of horse vnder the commaund of an ancient friend of his and a friend indeed he was in this action being betrayd as well as he sent vnder colour of loue to the Prince who since hee had or at least it being thought hee had so much dislik'd his father as hee had forbid him his once heeld-deerest sight and that the people had taken notice of it in a dangerous kind to preuent any bold or hazardus attempt might happen by a rude multitude the Queene had sent this troupe to guard him and that she knowing the loue this Gentleman bare Antissius had made choice of him to conduct his person thither Antissius was somewhat troubled with this accident wondring why she should be on the sudden so kind knowing thâ—t there was none whose ruin she and her godly crew more shot at yet could not he who saw only with the eies of vertue pierce into this plot Mildly and gratiously hee saluted the Captaine and his men yet telling them his innocency had been guard enough for his person They went on but when they were within â—ight of the great Citie of Constantinople the Court then being there they perceiued a farre greater number of Souldiers with which sight hee saw his end and soone heard he sentence of his death for then did they set vpon him crying Downe with that Traytor that disobedient child the incurable griefe of his louing father the dishonour of our Countrie and the Canker of the States quiet With these cries they rushed violently vpon the Prince The first troope seeing this Treason did their best to defend Antissius but their liues could not buy his safetie in vaine striuing to alter destiny the period of his dayes being come with a blow giuen him by a trayterous villaine which strake his head in two Griefe of this accident turn'd to fury his party â—ighting as if Antisius had beene in euery one and so to bee defended but that was past their loues onely liuing to him Yet dyed it too for none were left of the whole Troope but the Captaine and some tenne more The Queenes men hauing gain'd almost what they sought fully to giue her satisfaction in his death yet wanted part since they could not get his bodie to be made a present to her cruelty For the Captaine perceiuing their drift hinder'd them of it taking him vp when he saw the vnluky blow giuen and in the heate of the â—â—ight fled away with it knowing this a better piece of seruice then to haue lost his life in reuenge at that time since to better purpose he might saue it in
diligent prying that bringing him to discouer her going into her Cabinet with his stranger pretending there to shew him â—ome iewels They were no sooner within the roome shee hauing but put the doore a little to not close but her inraged enemy came and finding meanes of discerning what was to be seene lost it not but stood still looking inâ— She whose thoughts caried her to higher points then care took no heed of that which most concern'd her for there hee saw her with all passionate ardency seeke and sue for the strangers loue yet he vnmoueable was no further wrought then if he had seene a delicate play-boy acte a louing womans part and knowing him a Boy lik'd onely his action then with much adoe he brought forth these words Alas Madam why seeke you at my hands your dishonour and my shame How dare you venter your honour in the power of a stranger who likely would vse it to his glory and your reproch Besides you know I loue one whose worth and truth must not be hurt or blotted in my fault my life not worthy to satisfie the crime should her vnspotted loyaltie suffer for my sinne Yet satisfie my desire said she and then loue whom you will Loue whom you will cry'd out the furious forsaken rushing into the roome as much vnexpected and vnwelcome as thunder in winter which is counted prodigious The Queene stood amazed while hee vsed these speeches Fie faithlesse Woman verifier of that fault whereof I hoped women had been slandred and not subiect vnto haue I obeyed you in your wicked and abominable treasons thus to be rewarded She finding hee had not onely found her but also had discouered her false-hood withal considering his rage she fell at his feet asking pardon Pardon your selfe said he if you can and me who want it as drought doth water Be your protestations vowes and daily giuen oathes come to this With that most furiously hee ran towards he but the Morean in humanitie sau'd her from hurt by him but to hinder that he was forc'd to struggle with him who was a strong man and then had double power This noyse cal'd in some that waited without others ran to tell the king either to shew forwardnesse in seruice or indeed busines not caring what they carry so it be newes wanting the chiefest part which is iudgement to know where when and what to tell But in briefe the king came and finding this vnfortunat disorder not being able to win from them by faire meanes the truth to auoyde all ill committed them to prison from whence for the speedier and so more secure proceeding the next morning they were brought to publike arraignement but the King was not present fearing those things which after brake forth would then be blowne forth And indeed it was so for the accused being demaunded what he could say in his owne defence said Nothing but wherein he must accuse himselfe Being vrged to that hee confest all finishing his speech thus For her sake by her consent knowledge and command I slew the King shee hauing giuen mee her faith which as a faith I esteemd but alas it was a shadow put in a false light that she would marry me this added to a naturall ambition I had to greatnesse not iudicially weighing how heauy in iustice this weight of honor should bee so diuellishly sought for or attained For this hee was condemned to die the manner by foure wild horses but before his execution she was examined with whom few words were vsed before she confest her selfe guilty She was likewise condemned for being a subiect shee was vnder the law and so had her head struck off the stranger was deliuered free againe Many pitied her to whom she had done good for none can be found so ill that some will not commiserate yet the most like the base world left her hauing held with her while her power shin'd but now set with her light running to the rising strength not to the declin'd few said shee was wrongfully put to death either for loue to her or to make busines for no sooner was she dead but one of her antienter fauorites rose in rebellion the people apt to take any occasion to stirre new afflictions but a great party he hath goâ—ten and so much gaind as the King is now shut vp in the great City of Constantinople the Rebell as the vnlawfull king doth call him besieging him and vowing neuer to lay downe Armes till he hath gotten him in his power and now do they all cry out for Antissius honouring the very name as a god wishing for you Sir and vowing if they can recouer you to make you their King Thus haue I left them the Generall for so he is called hauing inioyned me to find you out they are infinite strong and want but you and some braue men to gouerne them Goe now I beseech you neuer had Romania more need nor shall you euer finde a fitter time The Princes sat a while in consultation at last they resolu'd presently to take the iourney in hand not holding it good to loose so fit an opportunitie The Squire of Amphilanthus was sent to find Parselius in Italy and to acquaint him with their affaires withall to entreat his company This concluded on all went to rest Steriamus desiring that because his name was not yet knowne by desert it might be still kept secret and most he desired it by reason of his vow They agreed to it and he was only call'd The true despis'd which was all the deuice in his shield Amphilanthus did desire to be held vnknowne too but his reason was that it was not so safe for so famous a man to be commonly knowne in so great imminent dangers besides the renowne of him might make many refuse the combate with him who else hee might for sport or profit encounter hee had Loue painted in his shield and was call'd The Knight of Loue. Towards Romania with prosperous winds they sailed chusing the way by sea as the shortest and lesse troublesome In a fit and short time they arriu'd in Romania landing a little from the Towne for feare of vnknowne dangers and so they past to the Armie where Antissius and his Vncle being knowne vnspeakable ioy was made the Generall yeelding all into his hands and taking his authority from him Vpon this the Vsurper sent for a Truce but that was denied then hee desired rather then to continue immur'd in that kind besides ready to bee famisht that they would bring three Knights into the field the which number hee would also bring himselfe being one and those sixe to end the businesse which side ouercomming the other should depart with peace and neuer make more warreâ— one against another This was accepted Amphilanthus and Steriamus being two the third they had not yet appointed nor would till the day of combate still expecting some famous Knight or Parselius himselfe might come to fill the number if none then
skilfully mixed could but frame such an one and yet but such a one in shew like a Picture well drawne but the subiect more perfect apparelled in greene her haire hanging carelesse nothing holding it but a delicate Garland which she wore vpon her head made of Pansies and Wood-binds Her face bare boldly telling me not I onely but all hearts must burne in that purenesse Eyes like the perfect'st mixtures of heauenly powers not to be resisted but submitted to Lipps fully commanding the plenty of duty when they seem'd to demaund obedience Her neck the curiousest pillar of white Marble breast of Snow or smooth waues of Milke swelling or falling as the sweet gale of her most sweet breath did rise or slacke All other parts so exquisite as none saue onely she can be so excelling This I found in her who me thought came to mee vsing these words Arise leaue Bohemia and rescue me from the hands of Rebels I cride out stay O stay and tell me how and whereâ— In Hungaria said shee with that I wak'd hauing her Image so perfect in my breast as nothing can remooue it from me A pretty while I lay still wishing to sleepe againe so once more to haue beheld her but she was too rich a Iewell slightly to appeare to such worthlesse eyes Contented with that I had seene I lay feeding on that and my resolution which was to seeke her When day began to appeare what ioy was it to meâ— But for my greater comfort I found hard by me this Armour laid with this Shield and Sword I staid not but put it on thinking with myselfe how to attaine to the honour of Knight-hoode my Father hauing refused it to me because my elder Brother being weake and sickly had not demanded it resoluing I should attend his encrease of strength my Fathers whole content being in that Sonne Considering this I knew it no way to goe to him wherefore arm'd my Squire carrying my Sword I passed vnto the Emperours Court who without delay gaue me what I demanded honoring me with the gift of an excellent Horse and furnishing me with all conueniencies Then tooke I my way for Hungarie which Kingdome I had no sooner entred but I mett the newes of a great rebellion made by the vncle Kings Bastard sonne called Rodolindus against the Daughter and Heire of the second brother called Melasinda who was Crowned Queene after the decease of her Vncle and Father But hee enuying her greatnesse and ambitiously seeking the honour himselfe claym'd a contract betweene the King and his mother with all vowes and protestations of marriage Witnesses he produced true or false they made a terrible stirre and brought the fairest Malasinda into great danger Troopes I continually mett some with the Queene some against her with much difficultie I passâ—d till I came to an ancient Lords Castle within two leagues of the City of Buda whereshe was inclosed this nobleman held with his Soueraigne and after much discourse of those affaires he led me into a Gallery where he shewed mee the picture of that distressed Princesse truely I will not say so well drawn as that which remaines figur'd in my heart but so well as none but her Counterfeit could appeare so beautifull and such as I knew it to be the same which in that blessed night in the Forrest shewed her selfe to me This made me conclude the aduenture was reseru'd for me wherefore carefully examining all things that had passed and curiously and affectionatly weighing the businesse and meanes to atchieue the finishing not leauing any thing vnask'd that might auaile concluding to aduenture what ere came of it The good Lord aduised me perceiuing my purpose to bee ruled by him which I consented to when I found hee meant honestly for his Princesse good and circumspectly for my safety by no meanes suffering me to enter the Towne as my selfe by reason of a great hate had been betweene our Parents but as an aduentrous Knight who hearing of her troubles offerd my seruice to her She most faire most louely â—hee accepted me into her seruice where I performed what was put into my trust in two dayes killing two of the mightiest and strongest knights of all his party In the ende the Councell of both sides and the people weary of war aduised and agreed vpon a peace on those conditions that he should lay downe all claime to the Crowne yeelding it wholly to her but in requitall shee should take him for her Husband This was bitter to her but this she must doe or be left alone people-lesse and kingdome-lesse I was but one and vnable to set the Crowne and keepe it on her head against the whole state wherefore louing her so much as not daring to thinke of any harme to her in giuing ill aduise nor could my soule allow her lesse then the kingdome with the rest I perswaded for him till shee told me She was sorry she no better deseru'd my loue but that I would thinke another fitter for it or she vnworthy of mine I swore and truely the world had not that treasure I more couetously sought then her enioying she vrg'd the vnkindnesse betweene our Parents made me doubt I firmely vow'd her loue made me secure and happy but what I did or said in this was onely for her good and safety With much adoe and long perswasions I wonne her loue to mee her yeelding for the other so the match was concluded and peace on all sides I leading her the day of her marriage to her wedding Chamber where I left her to her husband the next morning shee came downe into a little Garden whereinto no window looked but that in her Cabinet nor key could open but her owne Into this place I was conuay'd by her woman a little before where meeting her we passed some houres together Thus was I the blest man inioying the world of riches in her loue and hee contented after hauing what he sought Thus I liued a while till I found him alter'd and the face of the Court a little chang'd towards mee for former causes they pretended forgetting me and what was done by mee for them which made me fearing her harme leaue the Country for a while which little time to me already seemes ages being yet but moneths and few in number though in loue innumerable She was sad and grieu'd for my going I playd the woman too and wept at our departing but soone I hope againe that we shall meete howsoeuer I will see her though in priuate and venter life for it After that I left Hungary I came through many Countries till I came into Italie and so hoping to meete you there but hearing of your being in Moreaâ— I went crosse the Sea into that Countrey and so had mist you but that I fortunately met your Squire who seeking Parselius enquired of me for him and I for you of him Wee resolu'd each other I telling him where I had left him which was in Elis
it were to be famished there Pamphilia most patiently tooke it at least most silently She climbing the Rocke till at the top she discouer'd a fine Country and discerned before her a delicate plaine in the midst whereof was a most sumptuous building of Marble shee ioyfully cal'd to the other who followed her and viewing it I feare this storme and aduenture said Vrania euer since I was carried to Ciprus if it be an inchantment woe be to vs who may be bewitched to the misery of neuer seeing our desires fulfil'd once was I made wretched by such a mischeife Let it be what it will said Pamphilia I will see the end of it led as in a dreame by the leader not with bewitching dull spirit but craft You may said Vrania hauing had such sucâ—esse in the last yet take heed all aduentures were not framed for you to finish Nor for you to be enchanted in answered shee So they went on the two other marking what they did who sent some one or two of their seruants to discouer what this was They found a round building like a Theater carued curiously and in mighty pillars light they might in many places discerne betweene the pillars of the vpper row but what was within they could not discouer nor find the gate to enter it With this they returnd the Ladyes proceeded and arriuing there found it iust as the seruants had described but more curiously beholding it they found in one of the pillars a letter ingrauen and on an other another letter They vnderstood not the meaning while Pamphilia more desirous of knowledge then the rest went as far behind that pillar as she could and there perceiued a space as if halfe of the pillar and then a plaine place so halfe of the other behind it had left a passage through theÌ„ She came backe and finding her imagination likely she lookd ' vpon the middle plaine which made the space while the foure pillars making a square and therein found a key-hole She looked for the key while the other three did likewise busie them selues in such search hauing found in euery plaine such a place Pamphilia at last found the key at the foote of one of the pillars She tooke it and tryd to open it which presently it did as if opening it selfe willingly to her power or renting it selfe asunder to let her goe into it Instantly appeard as magnificent a Theater as Art could frame The other Princes seeing it open came to Pamphilia and all of them stood gazing on it there was a Throne which nine steps ascended vnto on the top were fowre rich chayers of Marble in which were most delicate and sumptuous imbroider'd cushions a Carpet of rich embrodery lying before and vnder them Needs this richnes must be neerer beheld and like women must see nouelties nay euen Pamphilia was inticed to vanity in this kind In they goe and venture to ascend the Throne when instantly the sweetest musicke and most inchanting harmony of voyces so ouerruld their sences as they thought no more of any thing but went vp and sate downe in the chayers The gate was instantly lock'd againe and so was all thought in them shut vp for their comming forth thence till the man most louing and most beloued vsed his force who should release them but himselfe be inclosed till by the freeing of the sweetest and loueliest creature that poore hahits had disguised greatnesse in he should be redeem'd and then should all bee finished To say these braue princes were in paine I should say amisse for all the comfort their owne hearts could imagine to them selues they felt there seeing before them as they thought their loues smiling and ioying in them thus flattering loue deceiu'd the true and brought contrary effects to the most good and this those braue Princes felt when at the concluding of the last battel iust as they had takeÌ„ possessioÌ„ of the greater townes of that Kingdome and setled all things in quiet receiued the people into subiection taken their oaths to Steriamus crownd him as their manner was in the Army and so returnd to the cheife Citty resoluing thence to send newes to Morea and euery one to their loues of their braue and happy successe there arriued a messenger with the heauy tidings of the losse of the whole worlds beauty Steriamus fell into such passion as none thought he would haue enioyed the Kingdome longer then one doth their loue in a vision crying out haue I loâ—t the Kingdome of my hearts content to gaine a poore Country of earth and durt haue I gain'd to loose more then earth can giue mee must I bee crowned King to dye a begger neuer was man in such perplexity nor any so molested as Amphilanthus who wisely couered his passions much condemning their indiscretions that went with them to Sea lamented and hartily greeued for the misaduenture and so resolu'd to goe instantly in search of them Olorandus had arriued there some weekes before and well for the last battaile was hard and terrible as being the last the Rebells could hope on all but this last ouercome He helpd well and so had Perissus in the former without whose asistance the businesse had not so cleerely pass'd yet did they not fully end with their victory but with the losse of almost as many men as the other partly lost in that battaile so as only their gaine was by the noble valour of the peerelesse Kings but now must they vndergoe a more dangerous businesâ— Amphilanthus and Ollorandus went together Steriamus and Selarinus parted Antissius going with him Steriamus would goe alone and by none could be disswaded Leandrus with Parselius Dolorindus was gone before neuer shewing his face after his folly concerning Amphilanthus Perissus and Philarchos ioynd companions Excellent care was taken in the choice of the Lieutenants the two first met Knights by Amphilanthus had the charge as principall of the Counsell of Albania being of great bloud and Tireneus of Epirus Philarchos and Perissus went to Morea to comfort the King and Queene and to see Orilena Rosindy and Polarchos tooke together but first went to Macedon to see Meriana Thus all deuided Amphilanthus must first be attended who hauing the part allotted him to goe to the Sea as if the businesse most concerned him and the hopefullest shipped in Epirus as soone as he could and came all along the Coaâ—t visiting euery Iland and searching in all ships for tidings complaining in himselfe that such misfortune should be and at so much an vnlooked for time when all happinesse appeared ready to embrace them As hee passed his heart on a sudden leaped within him but straight againe teares followed to see how he was void of all comfort yet did it truly offer him helpe but he must not take nor giue it for by the fatall Rocke he passed when that ioy was in him and no sooner passed but was possessed againe with sorrow Alas Pamphilia his helpe was neare thee but thou
Riuall and the Lady in truth I was sorry for her because she had been friendly and kind to strangers and whose bloud I would haue reuenged but mine told me her husband had but righted himself Then came her women crying and tearing their haire them he took and sent to prison only I got liberty for my friend and when all this stir was ouer I took my leaue and left the Country and louing also for the good man telling me how he was wrongd made me see her damnable falshood so as he was but the chiefe of many abused by her we al his followers and alike vsed for in the very abusing him he seased on them kild them both This great Queene is a story scarce fit for your Excellency to heare but this is the truth which you desired and thus you haue it now if men be faulty you see women can be so likewise if wee erre your sex will not let vs passe vnrequited The Queene said little to it but on they went in their iourny much kindesse affection and respect vsed and increasing among them at last in Bulgaria they arriued where at the first entry they were entertaind with multituds of people to welcome them the King liked it well so did the Queene for the part of humilitie but shee could not indure their rudenes in pressing which she said made her hot and the smell of the folkes troubled her whose daintines could not brooke any sauour but perfumes with little patience therefore she sufferd this hearty welcome To their great citie they came there they were againe met with the chief and people but she was now vsed to it and so a little the easelier boare it Then the King feasted the Prince of Iambolly and triumphs were made which lasted sixteene daies in which time the seruant and proud Mistris had many prety fine passages A hunting they went he attending her who sometimes would bee fierce vpon it another while rid softly as if onely to make him learne to ride fast or slow as her pleasure was but still to bee her attendant it was his principall lesson to obserue At her comming backe to see her ride betweene her husband and her seruant what a sight it was but what a glory to her onely her imaginations which were aboue any height of pride could tell but he must goe now to his owne command a pitifull thing yet necessary he could not dissemble but shewed with a sad or dull countenance he was sorry she with Maiestie and greatnesse but no mirth gaue testimonie shee reioyced not if in this time hee had no strickt assurance of her loue none will pitie his parting howsoeuer she carried her selfe like a braue and commanding Queene ouer her owne and his passions The King brought him some part of his way then parting louingly and some thought most willingly on the Kings side The Prince with the Prince of Thiques going together who after neuer or seldome parted the King returned and with his wife liued as such a couple could doe Leonius and his beautifull Veralinda returning towards Frigia first going to Argos by the Kings directions wherein they met a delicate Aduenture as they were within some few leagues of the Sea a Lady on horseback attended on with many other Ladies and as many Knights but by her side rode one who seemed to be the chiefe and yet his countenance sad and melancholly said for him that he commanded not himselfe how euer hee did the rest his Hat off freely left to view a delicate curld head of haire browne but bright in delicacy a faire forehead amorous though then sad eies which yet in sadnes soueraignized his mouth not needing to speake but only seene allured vnto it what hearts it pleased to take and refuse enough he had of each sort his lips being so louely and louingly ioyned as one may belieue would not willingly part from their mutuall kissing The Lady was great and therefore faire full of spirit and intising pleasing and richly shee was attired and brauely seru'd an excellent hors-woman and hunts-woman she was though these be no properer commendations as some haue said then to say a man is a fine Semster or Needle-man yet qualities that were and are commended at this day allowed of and admired When they came nearer to them they sent to know if they might bee so bold to present themselues vnto them whom by inquiry they had obtained knowledge of The new louing couple admitted them Veralinda kissing the Lady and Leonius embracing the Knight Veralinda then soone after askt the Lady what those many Doggs and Bowes were for which she perceiued amongst them She answered they were her Hounds and that shee was going to hunt when her better fortunes brought her to her presence the Bowes were either if a Stag came fairely to her to shoot at him or to saue the Dogs from death at a bay by giuing his death to him Veralinda had neuer seene hunting and therefore was desirous to enioy that sport Leonius was as well pleased because hee was best pleased when giuing her content the old King trauelled on the young folkes promising soone after to ouertake him The Lady then brought these dainty Princes to a large Wood about the sides they placed themselues the Doggs and Hunts men were put into it to beate and bring forth the Deare which in short time the Hounds came forth with a mighty Stagge the Hunts-men following incouraging their Doggs with Voyce and Horne that Veralinda thought this Consort was the delightfulst that euer her eares had heard and such life it put into her as she spared neither horse nor way but followed with great affection the sport through Woods ouer Plaines through Thicks Brakes ouer Hills no place staid her The Lady kept with her and commending her euen vnto a fury for riding at last by a Pond side where the Stagge had taken soile he gaue a bay to the Doggs then came in the sweete sad Gentleman and with so temperate a brauery shot the Beast as euen his hurt reioiced him turning his face to him fully beholding him and as his last piece offerd himselfe a sacrifice vnto him falling by degrees as a great house will doe but yet runnes to the place it came from so to the earth fell hee Veralinda was then cald to take the say shee was ignorant of those ceremonies yet apt to learne and willing to instruction she did as she was directed Then the Hounds must bee rewarded and the Hunts-men giue him a peale of Hornes melody in stead of Bells harmony for his funerall All which ended the Lady besought the Prince and Princesse to honour her so much as to goe with her to her house which not farre off was â—it to lodge in night being growne vpon them They consented and rode thither where they found an ancient house hansome great and where it seemd good hospitalitie was kept but little curiositie obserued for all roomes appeared
in loue with a dead man can such fire rise out of ashes if not kindlied by loue the truest fyre she who hated loue loues in the most miserable sort she who contemned affection affects an image of a man nay she who chid her friend for this fault as she calls it falls into a greater and more to be disliked for she doth not only loue but loues hopelesly not only a man but a stranger and not but which was aboue all a man fittest to be for his worth beloued but her friends chosen loueâ— here is loue iust in powre and punishment Now may Rossalea not only blame her friend but her selfe for had she not instructed her and wisht her captiuity she had neuer thought of it had shee not commended loue shee had still continued an enemy vnto it but had shee not so passionatly loued and shewed the way by her affectionate and deare expression shee had not knowne how to entertaine those flames or practise the vse of them Now Rossalea sigh's rubs his temples layes her lips to his as if to feele if he breathed Câ—lina doth so also but when she toucheth his lips shee finds a new paine and yet she stayes on them and thinkes nay sweares Loue was a fine powre and that she infinitly offended while she did not loue and then vowes if life come againe to him she will loue him and needs must I said she for if in death he be thus louely and winning how rare will hee be in life then shee considers he may be the man her friend loues seeing her vnusuall griefe for him and care of him frendship then comes in but loue preuailes and to giue her due punishment deluds her as she before told and described the truth of loues falshood and in the same kind she had told Rossalea he vsed her thus she falleth into the snare she perswaded her to auoyd being fedde with hope by this blinding spirit that this might be the much admired brother of that Lady but hope had not heere so setled a ground but that some other of loues followers came in also iealousie appeares in yellow mantles drest against Rossaleas kissing him why said sheâ— if hee bee her brother doth she so afâ—ectionatly kisse and imbrace him with such deerenes as I doe who loue him and if her loue why should shee doe this before mee who so much affect him Or why should shee bee so vnkind to her friend to manifest her passions before my face to vexe me at last so full of raging loue she was as shee would scarce let the Lady touch him who poore woman could hardly doe it griefe so abounding in her and what ease shee had was only that she saw she should want nothing Celina her friend being so carefull of him this care she imputed to loue loue indeed it was but not as shee tooke it to her only but meerely to him here did that little though great conquerour play a master prize the poore Venetian stroue as much by way of helping as either and at last searching about him found a wound in his left side whereout issued into his cloathes much blood the wound hee stopped and bound neatly vp then with the continuall rubbing him and throwing water in his face he came a litle againe to himselfe breathed and in a smal space looked vp and seeing his life in his Mistresse before him stroue to expresse his ioyes what could shee doe weepe and wash his face with her teares holding each other in their armes twined like bowes wee call twins one dying the other but a little flourishing hee weake and his armes though shaking yet withall her affections power held her shee louing as much as hee with her armes incircled him and withall tendernes and loue closed him in her breast Celina embraced both louing both as their kinds were in excesse on the other side the Venetian held all three so as the foure made in their crosse embracements a true louers knot and so it was on some parts poore Celina I pitty thee but what helpe can be found for thee alasse none insolent thou wert to loue scornfully peeuishly reviling him and now but deseruedly thou art pâ—ined and he iustly reuenged this is scarce the enterance what will be the successe paine torment losse affliction mourning lamenting pining nay dying and this will be the conclusion wofull profits but such as reuengefull loue allotteth thee let neuer woman especially hereafter be so bold to contest nay contemne so powrefâ—ll a godhead when this small remainder of life had a little stayed and gained some other poore addition to it the Lady with all loâ—e and care entreated Elina to call some boy of hers as some she had to looke to her flocks aâ—d send him to her house for her Coach to carry him thither she called a lad but loath she was to goe on the message both for going fâ—om him and by that meanes to haue him carryed from her but the Venetian tooke his horse and being directed by them to the safest foord rode to the house and speedily with the Coach returned bringing a bed in it the easelier to carry him without shaking or opening his wounds the faire sheepheardesse mourned much at this parting but one must suffer and now it is her part and time being come to the house Chirurgions are presently sent for and soone brought for a great Citty was not far off life was then assured him but a long time they thought it would be before he recouered so much blood he had lost and the long lying in the water had hurt the wound and would hold it something longer from healing mother neuer was so tender of a child as Rossalea of her loue the Venetian as ready as a frend to expresse care yet was he amorous and in the morning after he had seene the Gentleman had taken rest he walked forth to find his heart houering about the body of the Sheepherdesse passing downe the walke which went to the Groue he heard not far from him two discoursing earnestly the one as repenting the other threatâ—ing he haâ—kened though scorning that trick if vpon any occasion but profit to his friend wherein he was most iust and obseruant this besides leading him by their owne inducing speeches on saying did I consent to so detestable a fact led by thy wickednesse Oh Framinâ—us that not only thy selfe may curse but I already find the hellish tortures for it my soule boyles and burns in the flames of my offence yet thou wickedly sayest thou hast but reuenged thy selfe and done but right in that my breast swells with sorrow and I pine in dispaire of pardon a religious poore thing said hee thou art and as reâ—igion tyes me I must not suffer thee too long to languish then did he with a Dagger in many places stabb him the youth for so the Prince after saw him to bee patiently yet sadly taking his ende committing himselfe to God and admonishing the