made happy with that they most on earth required A braue Fleete of Ships were straight prepared for their Voyage feasts continuing till that time in all the Kingdome ioy now like the Summer flourishing brauely among them Amphilanthus hauing bin long enough in Germany so lawful an occasion offer'd him for his return into Morea established Ollorandus whoÌ„ he made his Deputy with the Princesse to gouerne in his absence which hee promised should bee but short aud his returne speedy his way he tooke of purpose through Dalmatia to see the King and the Lady had been offer'd him for wife being after many aduentures arriued there hee was entertain'd like himselfe which is expression enough for the rarest entertainments Dauncing there was among the Ladies one appearing as much excelling as she deseru'd admiration for her beauty and that quality All the Kings and Princes beheld her with one fauourable opinion but Amphilanthus did enquire who she was and how bestow'd in marriage He was informd that she was Daughter to the Master of the horse married to a great man but wedded in affection to a young noble-man in the Court who also had a brother that lik'd her they both loued her shee vs'd them both so indifferently as they could not in two yeares tell whether she loued The elder doubted the younger he feard his brother both were affraid to offend her and so remain'd vnsatisfied till at last whether more boldnes or truer and cleerer affection grew in the elder hauing beene beloued and likewise louing one another though desiring this Lady out of a couetous humour of enioying all that worthy was in loue he found it was himselfe shee affected he embraced it she then liberally declared her selfe and so they were both happy The younger from the first doubting could not be more then formerly since now he saw but what hee fear'd and by this might the better auoid a furâ—â—er danger which he did choosing an other leauing this couple most contented in themselues though discontented with many others for his other Mistris grew spitefull his wife froward and suspitious her husband iealous and troublesome yet what were all these only meanes to make them loue the better their loues to be the more pleasing like stoln fruit which is alwayes sweetest In this estate they then were but the question may be asked how these secrets were knowne it may be easily answer'd and not vniustly said that surely it came from the happy louer who with fulnesse of ioy and content could not be so neere miserablenesse as to keepe such a treasure hid to kimselfe and thus doe many times such discoueries come The Emperour commended them all and especially the Lady whose part he was apt to take the newes of his being there brought Dettareus to kisse his hands and to see his fellow-Hermite Parselius with the other two his good companions but one of them he miss'd for Dolorindus was gone to Antissia againe He had not beene long there when one day the royall assembly being in the Hall and ready to see dauncing there came in a graue old man of good fashion and birth as he after proued his beard and hayre white his face something with sorrow and age wrincled resembling a faire tree in frost he kneeled vnto the King beseeching iustice hee promised it and bound it with an oath being vrg'd vnto it by this Gentleman then rising Sir said he hee that hath done me iniury and the man I seeke reuenge of is Dettareus who I know will not nor can forget the wrong he did me which although I will not particularly name not louing to take vp the ashes of the dead or staine a long quiet graue with guilt or infamy I will onely touch thus farre as to remember him of the breach of hospitality and the noblest band of friendship in trust this is that I call reuenge for and these I must bee satisfied in The King call'd Dettareus forth who couered with shamefull sorrow appear'd like the sonne had rob'd his father of his greatest treasure holding his eyes on the ground as iustly condemn'd The King was sorry to see him so deiected but his word was ingaged wherefore hee demanded of him what he woâ—ld answer to this He replied that is life was not sufficient to satisfie so foule a fault as he confessed himselfe guilty in yet he was to answer none for that businesse since the wrong'd was dead Dead indeed cryed the other to all content and yet saw his honour dye before him otherwise Dettareus I am the man iniur'd by you not kil'd as you imagin'd but recouered againe by skilfull Chirurgions from all your blowes but one which cannot bee cured but by the balme of your heart bloud or mine I therefore desire that you will in the presence of these braue Princes then before whom none can haue a noblier end fight with mee and honour mee with death which I assure you shal be as welcome to me as your ouerthrow we are neither so young as to vndertake a rash businesse our age hath made vs perfect and free from that nor are we so old that death should claime our suddaine yeeldings let then the life and strength wee haue bee spent before this royall company and let Iustice at last haue sway Dettareus casting his eyes vp beholding him knew him and wept yet would not deny what the other demanded so they went forth and arm'd themselues the King and all the Court did greatly pitty them and especially Dettareus who appeared already dead to their eyes kil'd by his owne foretelling ill Instead of dancing they went into the lists where the strangest Combaâ— was fought that euer in Dalmatia was seene yet did they seeme but like braue old armes of trees whose fruite was yet faire and good so was their strength and the maner of their fight so exact and perfect as young men had more cause to admire and learne then scorne their skill or courage but Dettareus though in sight and fight continued a good space with the better yet a conscience he had gnawed within him and made his outward powers like an inward taken poyson shake and faint so as the other got the victory and life of Dettarreus This had been hard and much to be lamented if Iustice came not in to tell vs 't was her act and right which made the Court satisfied yet did they lament and mourne for his losse the Emperour and the other Princes his old friends going with his body to the graue The other with as much content as could be for such an accident where honour was gain'd from the death of an once loued friend return'd with liberty from the Court but soone after in Apulia from whence he strayed after the certaine tidings of Dettareus liuing was discouer'd and neuer stayed any where till hee learn'd where he remain'd hearing his religious life he would not molest him nor call him out of charity from his Beads to the sword
on their mistaking did arise you shall heare that some other time Nay sweet Vrania said Amphilanthus let vs heare it now where can we be better then here what company so pleasing or dearer to vs If Pamphilia be agreed said she I will continue it Take no care of me said she for belieue it I am neuer so happy as when in this company eyes then spake and shee proceeded Wee sat then downe and Alanius kneeling before vs began The first part of my life and the happy part I am sure this Shepherdesse hath related and brought it to the full period of it nay to the height of my misery wherefore I will begin with the succession of that and as I imagine where shee left which was with her leauing mee in the plaine or better to resolue you of the deceit with the night before wee were to meet she coÌ„ming before me to the place appointed saw as she imagined my selfe her louer wronging my loue and her well and ill for me she might conceiue of it so but thus in truth it was There liu'd a Shepherd then and my companion he was who bewitched with a young maydes loue that vnluckily had plac'd her loue on me plotted to deceiue her and in my shape to winne what his owne person could not purchase him wherefore that in that vnlucky night he came vnto my lodging and stole away my clothes I vsually on solemne dayes did weare in these habits he went into the Groue being so like in stature speech and fauor as he oftentimes was taken euen for me Knowing her walke in the euening to be towards those woods in the Plaine he saw her and followed her into the Groue ouertaking her iust in the same place appointed for our blisse being a little darkish she mistooke him and hoping it was I was content to be blinded but wherein I doe most accuse him was he vsed some words to giue her true assurance 't was my selfe concerning deare Liana These vnhappily â—hee heard and these I must confesse gaue full assurance of my faulsest fault I cannot blame thee sweet loue made thee feare and feare inraged thee and yet my heart thou mightest haue heard thy poore Alanius speak yet as this honest Ladd told me thou didst neuer hate my person though condemne my disloialtie which in my greatest misery gaue yet some easie stopp vnto my paine and that thou didst assure me of for in all thy fury and flight thou seemedst to wish me bless'd She hauing made more hast then I came thither first and so perceiu'd as shee mistrusted my amisse I following my first directions likewise came but in her stead onely I discernd the footesteps of a woman hauing gone in hast I had no thought nor end of thinking but of Liana fear'd some danger to her selfe or harme which had ensued as the night and vnfrequented places might produce Not dreaming on this harme I followed those steps for hers I knew they were her foot so easie was to be discerned from any others as a dainty Lambs from any other sheepe long had I not persued and euen but newly in the meadow when I did see my deare but she as much offended therewithall as I was ioyd at first fledd from me giuing mee such language as my fate appear'd by that to be vndone I cry'd to her shee â—ledd from me accusd me and yet did wish all happinesse attend me this was comfort in despaire I followed still till I lost not my selfe but my witts growing as madd and doing as many tricks as euer creature distracted did or could committ From Pantaleria I got into Cicilie in a boat taken vp by a Pyrat for a booty but finding in what estate I was he landed me at Naples There I passed some time where yet the fame liues of my madnesse distemper'd as I was I fell in company with a louing Knight as since I vnderstood by this my dearest friend who was in the next degree to madnes louing ouermuch and with him came into this kingdome where I haue lost him but heere gained my friend Menander who conducted me vnto a vertuous Lady skilfull in Physicke who neuer left with curious medicines and as curious paines till I recouer'd my lost wits againe Then being sensible and most of my distresse I tooke my leaue and with Menander came vnto this place being directed by as sadd a man as I then was now come againe to life by you my deare forgiuer and my onely ioy What man directed you so neere the Court said Liana an vnlikely place to finde my sorrow by A poore and miserable Louer too said Alanius who we found laid vnder a Willow tree bitterly weeping and bewailing the cruelty of a Shepherdesse who had vnwillingly made her selfe mistris of his heart We went to him to demand some things of him which as well as griefe would suffer him he answered vs but so strangely as appear'd he desired to speake of nothing but his Loue and torture for it telling vs that he was a man whose Destiny was made to vndoe him louing one who no griefe teares praiers or that estate they held him in could bring to pitty hauing setled her loue so much vpon another as shee hated all that sought though for their good to worke her thoughts to change By the discourse and description we soone found it was no other then your sweetest selfe my deare Liana that brought vs hither where wee are assur'd of you and what we hoped for before vnder that tree we left him where he vowes to remaine while he hath life and after there to be buried that being his bed and then shall be his Tombe Liana modestly denied the knowledge of any such matter so with much affection and such loue as I yet neuer saw the Image of the like they welcom'd each other hearts eyes tongues all striuing to expresse their ioyes Then did they returne with me to the Court and were those two strangers you deare brother commended so in the Pastorall Menander I tooke to waite on mee who confâ—ss'd hee had as Liana told me left Pantaleria to finde me and now is hee here attending in my Chamber This sweet discourse ended they rose and went into the Court the Princes liking this which so kindly concluded with enioying But that being so blessed a thing as the name is a blessing without the benefit must be now in that kinde onely bereft some who deserues the richest plenty of it Ollorandus continuing in the Morean Court newes was brought vnto him of his Brothers death by which hee was now Prince of Bohemia and besides desired by his old Father to returne that he might see him if possible before his death which both for age and griefe of his Sons death was likewise soone to befall him The Prince met Amphilanthus iust at his returne from the walks hauing left the Ladies in their chamber and was going to seeke him to discourse some of his passions to
consideration that it was the roote of it selfe that the Deuill inuented it and then pitty her and mee who vniustly suffered or indeed onely her since shee alone deserues pitty being iniur'd and for one so vnworthy yet to her iust This was none of my least aflictions since it was the course whereby her fate was gouern'd leading her to her end and making me part of the mischiefe The State on this imprison'd me shut her vp in her lodgings suffering no accesse to her but such as they permitted hee might and would against her will haue liberty this so gall'd her sweet nature a staine in reputation being so terrible to her as shame to another was not neere it besides knowing my imprisonment And lastly seeing how shee was and had beene betrayed none being neere her that shee had not found farre from faith to her ouerpressed with griefe and grieued with oppression shee writ vnto the State finding meanes to haue it deliuer'd safely looking often to that end out of her window and at last seeing a Gentleman whose faith shee thought vntouch'd threw the letter to him not commanding but beseeching him to deliuer it the nxet Sunday when the Counsell sate and not to giue it to any one but to them all nor to nominate the person so vnfortunate that sent it lest the knowledge of the sender might hinder the reading of it The Gentleman promised to doe it and with honest care and carefull honesty performed it as shee could haue wished Much dispute there was about it the Counsell were diuided and seuerall opinions held the iâ—solent wooer who would hee said for all the knowledge of her ill take her to wife if shee would bee good and true to him afterwards was much against the granting her request but most voyces carried it and her desire was consented to in part which was that being accusâ—d and as shee protested falsly and shamefully wrong'd by slander none being able to accuse her but by wicked surmises shee might haue the law that no ordinary subiect was deny'd which was that shee might bee clear'd by Combat that he whosoeuer it were who would maintaine that shee was guilty might bee encountred by one whom shee should nominate which was my selfe but that was refused for they said so it might bee but a too honourable concluding of my dayes who had so iniur'd the State in her dishononr as no punishment could bee sufficient for mee but if shee could finde one who would defend her shee should haue leaue to send in search of one whom if by the Champion ouercome shee should be left to his disposing and I should bee deliuered to him to haue what seuere punishment hee should inâ—lict on mee these were hard conditions yet shee yeelded vnto them rather then still remaine in the ill opinion of the world and both of vs as prisonâ—rs Three Gentle-women were then sent forth to seeke a Knight that would venter in her defence none in the Countrey would either so frighted they were with the strength of the Prince or doubtfull of the cause he hauing made it so foule on her side so as abandoned of her seruants strangâ—rs must relieue her and from such must her good as her hope proceed The time grew on halfe being expired when one of the women fortunately met the vâ—lâ—ant but proud King of Celicia a young man haughty and ambitious of honour And who lately dyed for his ambitions said Perineus if I bee not deceiu'd seeking the Starre of women the Queene of Pamphilia for wâ—fe It may bee so said Alarinus but this was some yeares before that misfoâ—tune could befall him being in the spring of his aduentures the blossomes but appearing scarce blowne of his valour or the discouering of it this being the first great tryall of his strength But is he then dead said he Yes truly said Peryneus I saw him slaine by my Master the Emperour Amphilanthus being in Pamphilia and in the sight of the Queene whom hee much loued or seemd to doe so but I pray goe on This King comming and hearing the truth still spread by euery good tongue vndertooke the businesse partly for Iustice partly for gaine of honour Being arriued at the Court the insolent wretch the robber of my Ladies honour and my blisse made little account openly of him though I vnderstood afterwards he wished any other of those parts had vndertaken the quarrell and indeede hee had reason for hee was a braue Gentleman for strength valour and all things required in a Prince no fault in him but that he had too much for his pride might haue beene spared The day was appointed and the two Combatants came foorth my Lady and Mistris was in a strong Towre placed onely to see my selfe right ouer against her able to see but not discerne her perfectly though such were our loues as our eyes pierced further then any oâ—hers could haue done so as wee sawe each other and clearely discern'd our miseries with open eyes to misfortune the Combat beganne betweene them while imprisonments our eyes beheld each other as greedily and earnestly the continuall Combate indured in our hearts against our vniust as those did who contended for victory we striuing but to giue expression her due I saw me thought in her imprisonment Vniustice Wrong Iniurie Slaunder nay all wickednesse and so I call'd them all by their names and reuiled them but what answere had I Wickednesse is strong and hath a more powerfull command in this age then honesty or worth O me cryd I must I liue and onely hope that this man shall giue vs life or shamefull death her honour already is dead killed by that yet liuing Villaine whose death can neuer re-giue life or recouery to that murdered honour O deare Honour how nice art thou and precious yet how soone harmd Like the daintiest skinns soonest Sunne-burnd Shall these Lockes cryde I combat for such a Iewell Can shee not or may shee not liue without these rude helps Must her sacred vertue bee tryed like other questionable or shee be named as if in a Romancy that relates of Knights and distressed Damosells the sad Aduentures O Myra thou art and wert euer without compare wherefore should thy honour bee calld on but for Honours sake thy deare breast being the richest tabernacle for it but what auailed this Alas nothing I might sigh and grieue they fight and bleed but what of all all came at last to one ende the Villaine was kill'd by the braue King but my Lady dyed also for such a deuice they had as the battell being hard and questionable who should haue the victory the King fell but soone recouered at which instant it seem'd that I threwe my selfe out of the windowe which was high and the Ditch infinite deepe into which I was to fall so as no hope could be of escaping for any that fell there Myra might and did see it but as most it concernd her so did it worke in her for shee
sensibly doe know the blessing you inioy But what will you doe when she shall leaue you leaue this pleasure pine starue and die with so great miserie Alas I pity you for such a change will bee And what wilt thou sweet Iland doe let in the sea be drown'd and lose thy pleasant solitarines Hauing thus said he left the desolate rock and went to meete her who with equall loue and kindnesse met him such indeed was their affection as can be expressed by nothing but it selfe which was most excellent When the first passion was past which ioy gouern'd for sight loue taking the place of speech Ah Vrania said he how did the Sun show himselfe in his brigâ—teâ—t and most glorious habits to entertaine thee in these meades coueting to win thy fauour by his richnesse triumphing in his hope of gaine What mou'd thy sight then in my soule Think you not it grew to rauishing of my sences The Sunne said she shin'd mee thought most on you being as if so fond as he did giue himselfe to be your seruant circling you about as if he meant that you should be the body and himselfe serue for your beames With that he tooke her hand and with an affectionate soule kissed it then went they together to the Caue where the two yong sauage Princes and their Sister attended them then did they priuately bury the old King promising if businesses went well that they by Parselius fauour might recouer their right to fetch his worthy body and lay it with the other famous Kings of Albania This being agreed vpon they went out of the Caue Steriamus and Selarinu for so the yong Princes were called went first in their sauage habits which they resolued to weare till they came where they might fit themselues with apparell and Armes befitting their Estates Parselius then promising to knight them Next after them went the Morean Prince leading Vrania and she holding Selarina by the hand Being come into the Plaine Parselius againe speaking to Vrania vrged the likely-hood of her being the lost Princesse besides assuring her howsoeuer of no lower an Estate if she would goe with him She made him this answer A Prince said she can demand or promise but Princely things I beleeue you to be so because you say so and that face me thinkes should not dissemble out of this I credit you and so consent to goe with you then nobly and vertuously as I trust you dispose of me He casting vp his eyes to Heauen Let me nor my attempts prosper said he when I breake faith and vertuous respect to you now let vs to the Ship Nay I beseech you first said shee permit me to take my leaue of my good friends and formerly supposed Parents lest my absence bring their death if ignorant of my fortune besides wee will carry the mantle and purse with vs. He soone agreed vnto it and so together they went to the house the late abiding of the matchlesse Shepherdesse where they found the good old folkes sitting together before the doore expecting the returne of Vrania But when they saw her come so accompanied they wondred at it and though poore yet were they ciuill wherefore they went towards them and hearing by the faire Shepherdesse who the Princes were kneeled downe and would haue kissed the hand of Parselius but he who respected them for their care of Vrania would not permit them to doe so much reuerence lifting them vp and imbracing them told them the same story of his trauell and cause thereof as he had done to Vrania and then concluded that the likelihood of her being that sought for Princesse was the reason why they agreed to goe together he promising to conduct her safely into Italy and if she proued the Princesse to deliuer her to her father which verily he beleeued he should doe and seldome doe mens imaginations in that kind faile especially hauing so good grounds to lay their hopes vpon The old folkes sorry to part with Vrania yet knowing she was not ordain'd to tarry with them would not seeme to contradict their wills wherefore fetching the mantle and purse with the little writing deliuered them to Vrania whose good disposition was such as she could not refraine from teares when shee parted with them they wishing their age would haue permitted them to haue attended her but being feeble it was not for them to trauell especially to go so vncertaine a iourney but in their place they desired their daughter might serue her which she willingly consented to Thus euerything concluded they tooke their leaues and way to the Ship which they found where Parselius had left her but not as hee had parted from her for much more company was in her and a strange encounter he found his Seruants Prisoners his Armes possess'd and all his goods in the hands of a Pirat yet had he gouern'd it so as this mis-aduenture was not dicouer'd till they were aboord Parselius alone in regard of his company and some women would neuerthelesse haue ventured his life to haue kept Vrania free such was his loue by none to be surpassed his compassion likewise was great on the other Princesse in himselfe feeling the iust cause as he thought they had to mistrust him and his promises to be value-lesse this accident being the first of their hoped for ioyes But shee whose truth in beliefe would not permit her to haue the least part of suspition to enter much lesse lodge in her breast against him hindered that braue but doubtfull attempt vsing these speeches to him Be satisfied my dearest friend said she and hazard not your selfe in this kinde seeking to alter what is ordain'd by Fate and therefore not to be changed but rather giue vs example as confidently and mildly to suffer this aduersity as happily we might haue enioyed the other we expected He onely with a languishing but to her louing looke answer'd her when the Pirat contrarie to their expectation came and kneeling downe before Vrania vsed these words Let not fairest Princesse this accident trouble you since your imprisonment shall bee no other then the command of mee and mine neither most noble Sir be you or these other offendedâ— for sooner will I doe violence on my selfe then any way wrong those that come with this Lady Bee patient and you shall soone see the cause of my taking this noble prey this said he rose and placing them all on fine seats in the Cabine where lately the Prince had sate free from both the bands of loue and imprisonment himselfe sitting before them began his discourse in this manner while the ship vnder saile was guided the way which he directed the Pilar My name said he is Sandringall borne and bred in the land of Romania being seruant to the King thereof this King liued long as one may say the fauorite of fortune being blest in his gouernment with peace and loue of his people but principally happy in two children a son and a
but the neuer daunted King espying his error soone amended it yet was he forced to leape out at the window which was but low to aide him the dore opening outward was held so close by the enemy but when he was got among them againe he was like a thunder-bolt piercing and killing all resisted him who but like poore feeble dogges that snarld for their best defence could not biâ—e him Once more he rescued his friend from apparent death and thus performed the prophecy Mellissea had made with double ioy to saue him and thus soone to be at liberty to returne to his heart for he found that now he might be priuiledged to part This businesse done the old and young Dukes kild the two honest brothers slaine hauing gaind the fame to die and be laid in the bed of honor allotted such as die in their Kings sight and quarrell they staid a while in the Castle seeking for any such vnfortunate man or creature as had fallen into the cruel power of this man Many they found and among them some of their acquaintance then setting them all at libertie they departed towards Prage the chiefe towne of Bohemia attended by all those released prisoners Ollorandus then openly discouering himselfe troops of his subiects came daily in to him and so within few daies he was crownd sending some forces against those scatterd troopes were raised by the dead traytor and his confederaâ—â—s to oppose the Kings quiet possession who now setled and all solemnities past he sent his Dwarfe into Hungary with a letter to his loue The Dwarfe knowing his Lords mind as wel he might iâ— by nothing but that hast gesse it performd his part being feareles of al things now but the Lord of Strombolly as he arriu'd in Hungary and so by inquiry got to Buda thence hee was directed to a Castle some ten leagues off in a Forrest whither the Queene was gone to take her pleasure the King staying at Buda the Dwarfe being benighted was glad to take his lodging in a poore house and happy so to find one in a wild place hauing lost his way The next morning hee had no sooner taken his horse and rode halfe a league but he met some Knights and others riding with great speed and apparreld all in greene demanding of him if he met not the Stagge hee told them he met nothing except themselues since he tooke horse They passed on and still he met more who made the same inquirie At last hee saw a Lady comming at full speed attended on by many more whose riding and horses shewed they could more willingly haue heard of the Staggs fall then any other tidings But this Dwarfe witty and carefull of his charge imagining this Lady by herselfe more then her attendants though many and brauely clad to be the Queene hee stay'd and of one who came within some two or three of her person desired to know if that were not Melisinda hee answered it was whereupon hee stay'd and so iust in her way as shee must stay too She offended began to correct him but he kissing the letter deliuerd it vnto her Soone she knew the hand and so commanded him to stay and attend her answer Loue now expresse thy selfe is the hunting pleasing the sport she most delighteth in is it not now tedious and wearisome was it feared but now the Stagge would fall too soone Is it not now required and wished for Rude Beast would shee say to her selfe that knowes nothing but bruitishnesse canst not thou finish thy dayes with my best wishes to thee for fauoring me Faine she would see what was in it and sometimes a little slacke her speede but then fearing the company would know why her stay was guiltinesse ouer-ruld her and she went on sometimes meaning to mend her seate and so counterfeit cause of stay then not liking that againe in furie against the beast pursuing him Thus she rid and traueld her thoughts irresolutely till iust before her as if to claime a pardon for the former offence hee fell yeelding himselfe and life into her power Quickly shee alighted and performing those Rights required by the Huntsmen in honour of Victorie and Funerall shee walked into a little Groaue while her horse was stirring vp and downe being hot and sore ridden When shee was there shee kissed the letter then opened it but hauing read it kissed it often O deare Paper said shee welcome as heauenly blessings to mee thou bringest mee word my Ollorandus liues and more that hee thinkes of his poore Melysinda liue still dearest loue and let honour glorie in honouring thee Happie newes to heare my Deere is a King but most happie that hee crownes himselfe with constancy the perfect lawrell for louers Doest thou most loued remember wretched mee Nay make mee see thy mindfulnesse by writing to mee and such sweete lines where expressions rather want then loue and yet such louing expressions testifying nothing but absence makes the want Blessed bee my Destenie that brought me thus to hunt mine eyes thrice happy that haue seene these words written by the best of men and yet sigh'd she when al is done the fire must consume you that is the cabinet must hold your truths and you most loued must to my beloued and mee prooue a sweet sacrifice for our safeties O iealousie that spreads it selfe so farre as onely memory can bee safe but no reliques saue ashes remaine safe in keeping thy ashes yet shal be preseru'd and as most sacred still continued Then came shee forth and so returnd vnto the Castle many examining the Dwarfe from whence he came what hee would haue and to whom he came or whether he would goe Hee had his errant well and told them he was a wandering youth once seruant to a knight who now imprisond he was free but from ioy bard for the losse of him he lou'd Many desired to haue him but he refused all saying he would now returne into his owne Countrie and there end his daies if so his Master could not bee set free Thus hee put them all off till a day past he was dispatched by the Queene whose letter was no sooner ended but with teares with the same light shee sealed hers she also gaue the death to the other or rather the safer life sacrificing it vnto their loues carefully putting the ashes vp in a daintie Cabinet and inclosing them within these Verses she then made witnessing the sorrow for the burning and the vowes she made to them burned YOu pure and holâ— fire Which kindly now will not aspire To hot performance of your Nature turne Crosse to your selfe and neuer burne These Reliques of a blessed hand Ioynd with mutuall holy band Of loue and deare desire Blame me not dearest lines That with loues flames your blacknesse twines My heart more mourning doth for you expresse But griefâ— for sorrow is no lesse Deepest groanes can couer not change woe Hearts the tombe keepes in â—â—e showe Whicâ— worth from
wofull a misfortune O Philistella treasure of the truest sweetnesse why art thou lost and I in thee Why was euer cruell fortune turned on thee and why alone wert thou made excellent to bee fallen into this misery Deare loue canst thou not yet send thy spirit to mee to tell mee where thou art I feare thou hast long since parted from it and too highly is it prized where it remaines to bee permitted mee I mourne for thy losse I dye for thy want and assure thy selfe will indeed end when I shall know that thou art not whâ—ch yet I trust I shall not doe nor liue to that heariug Why waile you thus said Rosindy since shee is but inchaunted But enchanted why call you that nothing Shee is your Sister and you should thinke it a hard fortune for her to suffer such a mischance but to mee it is death but inchaunted and but for euer for any thing wee know what old fables blind you lest by enchauntments when shall the best louer and best beloued be found till then which will be neuer neuer being able to decide it she must liue inclosd in dull walls Were not my louing armes fitter to embrace her Am not I a more proper Keeper for such excellencies then a marble house and is not Epirus a more conuenient place for her to passe her time in then a stone Theater where should shee play her part but with her loue where liue but in his brest and yet you make nothing of this but an enchantment When Meriana was iniur'd it was something when her head appear'd then there was cause of mourning but now that Philistella the earths star is lost she is but enchanted This passion said Rosindy so well fits your loue as I must commend it and be no way angry with your choller your constant affection to my sister moues in mee as much loue as I desire to haue from my best friendâ— yet I would haue you temperate in your sufferings Why should not the best louer be found Neuer was any such thing made for I dare not name it againe for feare of displeasing but to be ended was not that at Cyprus concluded by Amphilanthus and my Sister Yes said Selarinus but there bee now both your Sisters in this and Vrania and my Sister who shall fetch them out neuer think of it there liues none now they are there that hath worth enough to venture to haue a thought of gaining end to it A disguised creature I sure disguis'd fortune hath caused all this let me not liue if I beleeue this tale Wil you for more certainty goe and see it said Rosindy With all my heart said hee if I were sure to be shut vp where I might but still behold Philistella That you may doe if you please and I will carry Meriana to aduenture it Ah said he now doth truth in friendship shine in thee most braue Rosindi when shall we go as soon as I can prouide said he theÌ„ went they back into the court where Rosindy acquainted the Queene Meriana with his purpose She who would not refuse any thing he lik'd or mou'd gaue consent and so appointed habites of purpose disguising her selfe into the shape of a Forrest-Nymph to Sea they went and by the directions giuen by the seruants arriu'd at the rocky Iland the Pylot knowing the place being able to bring them the safelier to it without danger To the Pallace they went and round ahout it beholding it with all curiosity and care at last came to the gate againe which as soone as Meriana touch'd opened to her who no question had ended it for all points but the disguise which was forced Rosindi and she passd to the Throne and Selarinus with them who would not be shut out nor can any be that will venture though alone he strait ran to Philistella who met him and together fold in each others armes sate downe vpon one of the ascents right beâ—ore the other Rosindi and Meriana in her new habits hard by them No content can be compared to these happy people because they esteeme themselues so Polarchos would not attempt alone for feare he should sit likewise alone within therfore he wish'd for his sweet Lady he last parted from or any other would be alike to him so she were faire and kind he walk'd vp and downe alone in the Iland til he saw another ship ariue then he went towards her to see what company she had in her he found many all determined to try their fortunes glad he was of that and they reioyced to finde one could direct them but among these who should be one but his old loue and late enemy the Princesse of Rhodes shee was asham'd and grieud to see him he was angry as much displeas'd to see her and therfore was leauing the coÌ„pany almost ready to forswear the aduenture because he should behold her too long if one hower for his hate She sought by meanes of her selfe and friends there to purchase some discourse with him he shun'd it and despised the humblest intreaties shee made hee saw her weepe and smil'd at the falling of those teares shee quak'd for feare of his frownes hee said he shooke so long time in his iron Cage for colde shee sigh'd and pittifully beg'd with eyes and heart for pitty He scornefully said there was not a more foolish thing breathing then a louing woman nor lesse to be pittied for said hee their sorrowes are but like exhalations in a hot euening odde to behold but neither hurt nor burne like lightening no more should womens passions touch our hearts to scorch them or tâ—rne them to any pitty Shee confessed her fault to bee vnpardonable Hee answer'd it was strange then her iudgement would let her aske impossibilities hee alone shee cryde might absolue her shee alone hee said deserud no good from him Shee offer'd to throw her selfe at his feete for pardon Hee said hee would take her vp but to no commiseration from him Shee protested her heart had suffer'd innumerable stormes of passionate sorrow since his departure Hee answer'd his body and heart both had suffered by her tyranny Shee repented and implor'd pitty He slighted and denyed what euer shee petition'd for Could there bee such cruelty imagined against such a Suiter none but cruell man could doe it and yet was not hee to be blam'd for what punishment could bee sufficient to bee inflicted vpon a woman that not only left louing but hated to that extremity none can be enough and yet surely shee now beares the greatest this world can let her know The other Ladies that were with her were the Princesse of Samos the refused loue to Philarcos and the Lady of Stalamina Sister to Nereana all Iland Ladies and of purpose ioyn'd to try their fortunes the Princesse of Rhodes was like a Pilgrime of Lemnos like a Pastora and the other like a Shepheardesse they had seruants or louers as you men call them who by their
and let mee perish in perpetuall accursednesse What shall I say I cannot say I am worthy of thee then should I flatter my selfe and wrong thee I cannot thinke I merit speech for mee yet since thou gracest mee why should any els enuy or grudge my fortune As thou art matchlesse so are thy fauours and I am blessed inriched and enobled with them why then should purblind chance or fond policie hinder me tricks of state as being tricks are to bee condemn'd I am true thou excellent I loyall thou affectionate what Crocodile treason should howle to bewray and destroy our contents weepe not deare eyes with that hee kiss'd the teares and like Nectar dranke them corsiues to see her shed them but cordials as shed for him and hee permitted to take them O my deare life cryed hee teare not my soule with thy sorrow let mee not see thee mourne vnlesse I may with that dye hee still kiss'd her I know not whether more molested with her paine or ioyed with that liberty of kissing shee at last kissing his eyes which likewise accompanied hers in showres My ioy said shee why make you these questions may there be any accident that can hinder our loues our wills and desires 't is true there may but be confident no further then absenting can gaine for neuer shall I bee in heart and soule but yours the least thing that belongs to you is deare to me how infinitely deare then is your selfe mine eyes are not so deare my heart so well belou'd but that you cherish it as is your sight and dearest selfe to me I thinke not of a fortune which is not with you and for you I dreame not but of you I ioy not but in you nor am I ought els but your selfe metamorphosed wholly into you and your loue Then sate they downe by a delicate Fountaine at the side of that walke there they wailed againe there testified their woes in sighes and teares at last cryed shee but if my Father take mee hence will not you forget mee shall not absence worke in you Yes said hee in admiration of thee to think how chast how excellent thou art how happy I was in thy loued sight and so by that see more and more cause alwaies to lament other effects when absence brings to me let ruine follow or come ioyntly with it if roome be found for foule forgetfulnesse let mee of Heauen bee vuremembred thy beauty printed in my heart shall still before my soule call thoughts of loue mistrust not me sweet life vnlesse thou meane to martyr me I can loue none I nere lou'd any or ere will liue to think so shamefull detestable a thought as change in loue procures no I was borne iust I am iust and will dye iust Shee wrung his hand and these am I cryed shee they then embraced with which the Mother came vnto them who seem'd like a great showre in haruest grieuous to their couetous desires of being by themselues the Moone shin'd so as all things appear'd as cleare as in the day They were in innocence asham'd to bee heard and found alone yet loue made them onely desire that affection in a Mother made teares to fall for feare and loue for him respect vnto the other as childe of him she most loued made her weepe also for her both brought passions as for both shee suffer'd shee could not speake her breath was stopped and shee was choaked with kindnesse shee fell vpon their necks as they together kneeled vnto her their eyes did say they faine would speake and they begged for them hers promised will to grant and sorrow to deny all three were in an extasie not knowing what to doe speech failed senses lost their vse and they were like the Images that in resemblance of the substances implored good but dumbe as they were gain'd little and thus did they remaine till hee spake Madam said hee the bringer of me forth the kinde nourisher of me in youth and till this time vndoe not your first worke nor make mee wish I neuer had beene borne which I must doe if I bee hindred from inioying this sweet Lady Mistris of my life You haue tenderly bred me with affection and can bee as tender ouer me still then let my sufferings in loue be as the dangers you sought to preuent and so protect me still I did amisse in beginniug without your knowledge but she loues me Madam that speakes for me and therein am I richer then in Kingdomes if els where she wishes what I seeke and desires what I wish you haue charity to strangers let not your sonne bee a greater stranger to yoâ— his life lies on it and so yours if you doe hold mee but as deare as yoâ— did lately protest I was you haue power and meanes to effect this What can you desire of my Lord that he will not consent to what intreat of her father that he will refuse we both petition both beseech your ayd you may assist and saue vs els let vs faint and perish in dismay The Lady then grew more passionate at his speeches then before the plaine sute confession being deliuered by his own tongue desirous she was to helpe and succour him but assured she was it lay not in her power nor had she vse of speech only teares freely seru'd her so as if one would dreame of the ancient changes one might think she had been instantly ready to be transform'd into a Fountaine her silence gaue the young Lady opportunity who thus discoursed her passions Mother said she to my perfecter selfe disdaine no nor refuse the petition of my heart thus made while that is prostrate to you heare and grant my sute vse the power of loue that no question you haue imployed by your own sufferings iudge mine and for them both command redresse Loue dares not deny you who can and haue in my hearing giuen proofes of his respects due vnto you let him now show what is your â—ure and allow it you but imploy it to our profits seeing thus before you the two purest Louers his power euer touch'd orâ— brought vnder his obedience behold our pains as yours for so they are since ioyntly his and pitty mine as hers bred by your hand like a Lambe till seazed by the wolfe of Loue which though fierce yet kind and sweet are those clawes that hold me fast to him he hath told you your power I can but beseech your fauour and beg it for loue your own Loue 's sake thinke how miserable the death of Louers will be how vnfortunate when caused by a mother a friend to loue A friend to loue cryd the old woman and a mother 'T is true I am both they baue brought my miserie O my children how miserable am I in this I might did not my own guiltines condemne me think my selfe call my selfe your mother but my shame makes my sorrow and your losse must proceed from my infamy
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
I take the authoritie of banishing you while our beasts are so beastly naturall as to loue one anothers conuersation so well as not to be willing to part so as though tyred with your suite and wearied with the noise of your loue yet I must by a tired beasts fault longer remaine to weary my selfe withall I know not said hee whether I shall thanke your beast now or no since against your will I haue this fauour but I see I may chide and blame mine iustly whose lasie or vnfortunate body keepes me here to offend you I see not said the young Duke of Wirtenberg why you should be vncontent with beeing still together since I neuer saw in contrarietie so much agreement Wee haue these two yeares liued thus said the old man and for all I see must weare out more time in wrangling The Lady seemd wondrous strange and would scarce looke on them outwardlie yet she leared vildly vnder her Hat at the smug Youth shee thought his daintie round pretty mouth deserued kisses and when he spake imagined they parted but to procure kisses and so they did for they kissed kindly at returne to meeting Shee was faire and as wanton as beautifull and as beautifâ—ll as would intice most to her wantonnesse shee was in fashion as chaste as in minde and bodie lasciuious and lasciuious as a wicked soule could bee in a damnable body so as a rare example shee was of the worst kind of an ill woman dissembling excellent in craftie beyond measure false beyond expression and what not that might make a woman change nature with a beast Another mans wife shee was yet a wife or wâ—rse to all men that would hunting after them as Nimrod did after Deare and more deare were they to her and indeed to many of them when they payed for their courtesies or ambition to meddle with such a creature who was not onely great in birth but as great in ill This disguise shee had put on to trie Aduentures not beeing any otherwaies knowne then to bee a franke Gentlewoman this old man she had with her had been her seruant made elder by her seruice then his yeares called him vnto and so much hers as shee made him an instrument to bring in others to her seruice Natious she had knowne manyâ— yet not so many as shee desired wherefore she would yet trauell a little farther and learne though not by experience yet familiar knowledge her worst ends Lord how shee smircked on the young sweet Youth but he in whom before beliefe of fauor sprang would yet not shew to loue if not mooued handsomly to it so he saw it not or regarded it not but Clauterino more heeded her eyes and as them his owne fickle mind which soone thought shee was worth winning to his purpose which was but for discourse and neuer held Constancy in absence worth obseruation wherefore hee began to complement with her She rather then misse both would take either acccepted of his fauour and after some busines of his intreaty and her modest-like bashfulnes she told her story thus shaking her head like a bowgh in a storme of wind or nodding like and old wife sleeping in an afternoone licking her lips and glaring like a Cat in the darke Sir said she alasse what shall I say I am as you see a woman but as I know an vnfortunate one I was marryed by my owne consent though little knowledge of my friends to a young Gentleman I chose for loue but little I found in him since so as I feare he had only the face of Venus but not the affections much busines I had to get him and great ones vsed in it for my sake and some whom I could for all my loue to him haue wished they would a while haue kept me rather then giuen mee away yet willingly for one end or other I studied to gaine and got him but alasse it prooued the beginning of the marryage betweene Ifis and Inath He was a Youth t is true and not a man for which I married him but this was my Destiny which finding and the want of what I hoped for I complained and iustly I thinke some of my owne Sex spake loudly of mee for itâ— but were it their cases I assure my selfe they would doe as I did but this was my ill and heerevpon I seeing my friends what with matching without their consents and since taking this course leaue me I vndertooke a iourney into Pamphilia where it is said there is a water that will recouer all diseases ease all griefes especially take away all melanchollies I chose a Troope fit for mee but I met some few dayes since an vnruly consort who mooued with my beauty as they pleased to call this poore part of mee would needs haue that and all but my men defended mee so well as they left mee not but for death and in death so as I could not blame but only pitie them there remained none of them neither but this old man who louing more then hauing reason for vndertooke to ride with mee to the next Citie where I meane to prouide my selfe of company and in truth I must needs say of the poore man hee hath carried himselfe honestlie but foolishly loueth mee who cannot requiâ—e him So it seemed by your Dialogue answered the Dukes but said the Brunswick Duke though you loue not him you may in time and by desert like another That is not forbid mee said shee While they were thus discoursing came another Damsell riding fast and looking with as much haste who indeed needed succour The Duke of Wirtenberg seeing her demanded what shee so earnestly and speedily sought Helpe Sir said shee a thing wee may all want and I at this present stand in great neede of What troubles you said hee The life of a Villaine that seekes my dishonour How said hee Hee hath long sued to mee but refused replide the Damsell sought to betray mee and this day laid an Ambush for me but with the speed of my horse and the assistance God gaue mee out of his mercie I fled hither more spirit then being in mee then I could euer haue thought I should haue found in my selfe and pray Sir euen now for honours sake assist mee at least keepe mee from the danger of those Creatures You are I see by your habits a Stranger heere yet let not iustice or pitie be set as strangers from you you seeme a braue worthy Gentleman I can appeare but a miserable creature that I hope or beseech to gaine compassion Faire Damsell said hee guide mee to these men and I will loose my life or saue you Nay Sir said shee that needeth not for let mee by your fauour be safely at home and I desire no more nor so much as that you should meete them or I euer see them againe Direct mee and I will condâ—ct you said hee so together they went shee telling part of her tale to him while the other three tooke
our selues yet hee did not absolutely in two yeares giue ouer his former fashion though alasse his loue was dryed and like Roses by mee kept for the colour they had and sweetnesse the remembrance still held but wither'd and not themselues to bee knowne by sight At last such a quarrell hee had against himselfe as if for euer louing mee as hee grew discontented in my company snapt mee vp if I aduentur'd to speake frown'd if hee caught mine eyes on him and withall plotted disgrace carryed himselfe to mee that his brother and his owne friends said it was too much I bore it and truely for all that left not louing nor grieuing for it yet at last I got so farre as my sorrow exprest it selfe not so openly in show though as neere in acquaintance for it was an houshold guest with mee But so it happened at last that this Lady hee had taken and cast mee off for loued another which was to him discouer'd hee liked it not yet made no show of it because hee had said when euer hee mistrusted his loue hee should hate her and that might hee for heere hee was assur'd or might bee but other reasons held them together yet it gaue him leaue to look on me a little again and to me those lookes were like the sweet euenings wherein the Larke delights her selfe so much as shee flyes into it neuer satisfied with the delicacie till at the height shee is forced to retire bidding that farewell So did I for I was forced to part againe from that but in that halfe day of blisse hee tooke occasion to speake of old matters I was as willing to that as hee and so wee discoursed temperately in the end hee said for that cause said hee speaking of a friuolous and vnwaighty businesse God knowes I lost you all You had left vs said I before that time with that hee sate a little neerer to mee and it seem'd would haue proceeded which I wish'd for I made no question then of satisfying him if euer wee came to speake but one of the wicked Ministers of my ouerthrow as destin'd to spoyle mee had such a spell as in absence shee had a spirit able to ruine mee sent for him hee went but promised to come againe I attended as resolu'd neuer to giue cause of dislike but hee was stayed and I in a mighty fret return'd to my lodging Another time he tooke occasion being inuited which then he must haue beene if he were desir'd at my fathers which before had been his ordinary table to a dinner my father made to many of his friends and hee esteemd by him so hee was solemnly inuited He came and at dinner sitting by me fell into discourse of loue and of womens inconstancie as if I had beene guilty I knowing my innocencie spake like that and so vnderstood him not in shew Then hee fell to other kindes yet on the same theame and at last hee came to say how poore Paris was vs'd for choosing well for said he Iuno because a Queen wonld be belou'd Pallas a boystrous woman would fight if not chosen poore Venus onely loued and for Louessake wan the Aple thus was he punished for loue I thinke not for that so much replyed I by your Lordships fauour that he was distresse but for being false before to Enona He said no more and by that I saw he vnderstood me yet after againe he had another Ierke at it but in another sort speaking of loue and returning to their former loues There may be hope then said I. Introth little said he for if euer I shall come tatterd and torne not worth looking on Yet then said I if to me you come I will welcome and cloath you He looked pleased with me for yet it opportunitie gained by the other lost by mee held him as shipps tossing in a Hauen but winde-bound Well I grew desperate and indeed heeded nothing that befell me in the conclusion I spake something or something was said for me which brought me vnder the compasse of the law as farre as life came to I was condemned but he though an Officer sat not on my Iudgement some thought out of pitie yet I tooke it not so for his presence in such a cause wherin I protest I was altogether wrongd might haue ayded me at least his sight would haue comforted me in the condemnation so much I loued him but he was absent and my misfortune so present as I was adiudged to death yet the Prince of Nicaria being mercifull would not take my life according to the Countrie Law but after another fashion would haue it as hee meant for hee censured me to this from whence you haue relieued me When I was to be put into this Tombe as was meant me the chiefe Lords and Officers came to see me according to the Prince his order committed to the Sea into the Ship they put me with meate for three dayes no man nor creature with me but my Dog which would not forsake me and they allowed with me not for loue but hope of harme to me for my Victuals they imagined he would haue share of and at last deuoure mee being one of the fiercest in all the Country But in this they deceiued themselues for since wee came aboard which is now eight dayes he hath satisfied himselfe with very little and neuer troubled me A Fisherman came by and would haue had the Dog he entised him but his faith to me more then I euer found in man his distressed Mistris held him with me hee threw him then a large piece of meate which though stale was good enough for a Dog he tooke that and fed a little on it but as if weighing his estate left part for other times the man also gaue mee something pittying my case but not daring to helpe mee left me Among the Officers that came to my liuing execution my Lord was one though he stayed not to see it performed but came among vs hastily stept to me whispered and bad me farewell and be like your selfe said hee resolute die confidently and cherfully this will comfort you and honour your end I heard him but could not answere him onely I looked vpon him and with teares told him his censure was harder then the Prince his for I loued him the cause of all my miserie but he scarce looking on me as hastily went away againe leauing mee to the fauour of the Windes his constant Rulers to the Seas furie and Fortunes hazard yet all kinder then hee haue ioyned for my good and I am saued by you braue Princesses yet would I beseech you again to let me obay his commands which because his I would doe They refused that yet so neare they came to fulfilling it as they left her on a Rock in a little Iland with an old religious father there shee remained and spent the rest of her dayes in prayer her Dog still garding her which at her death brought her who out-liued
the old man to haue a Christian buriall by his howling and crying calling passengers in and buried her but could not win the Dog from the graue but there he died Philarchos and his deare held on their way for Mytelin where with ioy and feasts they were welcomed and liued euer till their ends happily but Philarchos thought his end the crueller because faire Orilena was taken from him desiring to die together The King of Bulgaria with his braue Queene as sumptuously as their owne minds required and their minds were no lower then such Princesses should be but as much higher as ambition and all the dependances of that folly could carry them and that was high enough to make them aboue iudgement proud such Coaches Liueries furnitures for horses were neuer seene before yet they but poore as her Maiestie esteemed them who surely would haue been contented to bee starued so all shee had touched had been Gold and Diamonds In this magnificence they tooke leaue of the King and Queenes in Morea and so tooke their iourny towards Bulgaria they only riding in one Coach two other went spare one for each the traine so richly prouided for as ordinary Kings and Queenes would haue been well contented with that furniture but yet these were scarce good enough for their seruants Out of Morea they went without aduenture and so passed till in Liuadia this fine accident befell them A young Gentleman attended on by six Pages apparreld in coates of Grasse-greene Veluet laid with gold Lace and twelue footemen in the same colours all with Plumes of greene and yellow in their Hatts the young Gentleman in a sute of those colours imbroidred with Gold the trappings for his Horse and all furniture answerable came towards the most glistering troope of Bulgaria then being instructed accordingly he presently allighted and on foote presented himselfe to the Queen humbly making a reuerence to her liking the like he did to the King then he deliuered these words Great and most happy King enioying such a treasure as hauing the worlds riches composed in this vnestimable Iewell the Earths admired Starre and mans wonder your Queene I am sent vnto you both but if I faile in performance of my message blame your owne glorious aspects that take from mee the true abilitie of speech and boldnesse a Messenger should be armed with all but who can without trembling speake to the Gods or touch the Sunne if he descend within reach no more can I speake to you whose Maiesties strike me dumbe or make me to say better faulter like an vnperfect Schoole-Boy saying his lesson They heartned him wiâ—h ioy flattering pride nourishing their proud hearts when he proceeded Pardon and grace said he from you so heauen-like creatures giues life with speech to me againe I am sent from the Prince of Liuadia my Master who hearing of your comming this way doth desire the blessing I his Vassaile haue already enioyed humbly beseeching you to honor him with your royal presence in his fathers Court an old Prince but good where hee is within two dayes to haue a Triumph by meanes of manie strangers and happie he is to haue such an occasion at this time to be the fitter to giue entertainement to such persons he earnestly desires not to be refused and I pray I may not be sent but with the soules-like-comfort of blisse which is your grant The King was the finest speaker in Court language of the World and so complemented as the youth had enough to doe to returne halfe his good language to his Lord for the Queene shee soone had granted to shew her beauty and scarce could hold within the bounds of expressing what she felt of ioy knowing shee must bee admired but at last said she would obey her Lord and accompany him to waite on his Prince thanks she returned none for she esteemed this honour but due to her and knew it should be offered her Forwards they passe 〈◊〉 within the â—ight of the Court where the Prince and many Noble-men attending him met them in arming suites and conducted them to the Court but yet there wanted though all this honour was done that whereto her Pilgrimage was made her Saint was not among them and yet vnproperly that is said for she respected him but for adoâ—ing her it was but earely in the day being scarce foure in the afâ—ernoone wherefore the Prince asked her if she pleased to goe first into a rich Pauillion raised from the ground at one end of the Lists and see them practise for that was their houre She was very willing yet stayd till her husband with curious words and phrases had consented so they went in from whence at the other end they discernd the old Prince and Princesse with the graue Lords with them then did the Prince arme himselfe and the Prince of Iambolly as not thinking of the good fortune to see her but as if by chance led thither came into that place to arme She would needs goe forth and leaue the roome to him but so she did it as al eyes might see good manners noâ— wil to leaue him made her offer it He as curteous would rather he said arme in the field then be so rude She blusht and smiled â—imperd all to auoid expression expressed what hee desired and she granted Her husband was gone with the Prince and so saw not this encounter Well he at last got another roome right ouer against that and armed came downe into the lists his Beauer open but to see how he stood gazing on her and she in what perplexity shee was to the window shee would come and a while stand still looke on him he stare on her then retire red with content and yet finding fault with the heaâ—e as that the cause of her distemper Many Ladies were there likewise to see the sport who lost not that better pastime in marking her yet took no notice of it lest offence might follow but shrewd wits there were that after made pretie mirth at it To the place againe she would come and looke though ouer them and see in spite of seeing and as if whether she would or no take content The Prince came also and stood there beholding as the rest did while some others ranne at last came a great man of that Country and desired one of the Ladies there to bestow a fauour on him She did so Now you are engaged said the Prince to runne well else your fauour will be shamed and you for not better maintaining it I will doe gallantly replyd he The Iambollian then cast his eyes crauingly towards her she onely lickt her lipps that when they returned to sight they might looke like cherries after raine red and plumpe and totterd her head which made a feather shake she had on it Hee with that it seemed vnderstood her and lifting vp his Bases a little of one side as if to take out his Handkercheif shewed her his points were of same