falling into that way which brought them directly to the Castle where young Antissius and his Vncle were by Parselius left There they found them and met the honest Captaine who was brought thither by the Romanian Knight who after the whole discourse was told to Amphilanthus as before it had been to Parselius by the old Prince and young Knight continued the story thus After that deuill of women the Kings wife had wrought the ruine of Romania Proclamations out for the bringing of either or both of you for which large summes of money were offered but if you could be deliuer'd in aliue those summes and great honours with braue possessions you my Lord made a Traytor and you Sir hauing your head at sale Then obtained she that her sonne was made heire apparant to the Crowne and that if the King happned to die while the new Prince was vnder yeares that then she would gouerne as Protectresse till hee came of age This sure shee grew wearie of the old man whose age and dotage she hauing imploy'd them to her vse was now cloy'd with them troubled her to bee rid of him was then her study At last finding an easie way as she thought shee cald one of her seruants to her being one who ambitiously sought to win the honour of being her fauourite leading him into a priuate Cabinet where she plotted al her wickednes there she began with false and forged flattrings to intice him to her purpose dissimulation and protestation of her affections she wanted not to draw him into the yoke of her witch-craft And what said she though the world doe taxe me for louing many doe not you accuse me my onely deere for sooner will I die then wrong your loue If my fashion which is free and familiar make you doubt me consider why it is since it were neither wisdome nor safety for vs to vse you only kindly in al sights The graces others haue is but to blind their eies which els would be cleere sighted to our ill and this euen by the loue you beare me I coniure you to belieue and this should you well find were I at liberty and free What freedome would you aske To be my selfe said shee and so to take a husband I could loue as I loue you and so would make you were the old man dead Is that the bar cride he deere Lady He is dead or euen as good for two daies is his longest terme of life That done enioy me who am onely thine and verily the thing is easie safe and doubtlesse doe it then and by it purchase me He long time bewitcht with her craft allur'd by her beautie and continued in error by her falsehoods beleeu'd she spake vnfained from her heart letting himselfe couet that which with murder and treacherous murder they must gaine froÌ„ the true owner But he lookt no further then his loue to compasse which no meanes seem'd ill so partiall was he to his vild desires Thus was his word engaged and the kings life limited which end of time being come they inticed the graue man into a Parke where they murdred him bringing home the old body besmear'd in his owne bloud couerd with their mantles as the fault was with their fained talles which were that in the Wood certaine men hired as it was likely by you set vpon him killed him and wounded them shewing some slight wounds which they had for the greater shew of truth giuen themselues The Queene being brought to this sad fight tooke on strangely rending her clothes crying and euen howling so as most did pitie her and few or none accuse her guilty of the crime so cunning was she in her deepe deceits Then was the Councel cald who came in shew sad but in harts ioyfull wicked men louing nothing more then change they brought also the young king to his mother The people being assembled and the false report of the kings death deliuerd wherwith they were satisfied pitying the wounded body yet crediting the murderers Thus was the poore doting King rewarded for his fondnes A funerall was made with all ceremonious cost and pompe the young vnlawfull king being that day crowned as soone as the body was interred This was yet but one part of the play the other soone followed She thinking her selfe no way secure so many knowing of her sin to auoide punishment on earth would run yet faster to meet more punishments cause in the other world by heaping murders vpon murders for inuiting all those except her Minion to a priuate banquet she poison'd them reseruing the fauourite for some other vertuous purpose who being in the pride of his desires expecting when he should be made her husband often vrg'd it but shee put it off with pretence of feare least that the too sudden marriage might giue occasion to the world to doubt what was most true and what their guiltinesse made them mistruâ—t Thus it past a while like a calme tide after a tempest her sonne and shee being in full possession of all the neighbour kings sent to condole the death of the king and to congratulate the other whether out of loue or desire of peace a sweete thing to spritelesse Princes Among the rest came one who accompanied the Embassadour of Morea a Gentleman of excellent parts winning the loue of all that conuersed with him hauing a modest gouernment ouer a strong and daintie wit but as hee was in this happie hee was crost with the violent loue of the chastlesse Queene who affected him after her wonted fashion but so fondly and intemperately as shee caus'd most to looke with gazing eyes on her hee was not of the highest stature though farre from being low his haire faire and that beard hee had something inclind to yellow Shee saw this Gentleman who since I learnd was Sonne to the Duke of Mantinea and Captaine of a troope of Horse which was part of the Kings Guard and the Noblest part because that Companie must euer bee choice men and all Gentlemen Shee wooed him plainely said Shee loued him Yet could not this preuaile wroth in him withstanding all her baites which being meant as refusals prou'd inticements to bring her on like a Spaniell that fawnes on the mans crueltie Her passions then growne immoderate and vngouernable yeares increasing in her and strength of iudgement failing her more then in her youth gaue such open testimonie of her loue as her latter seruant but companion in mischiefe perceiu'd it his confidence hauing been such as that blinded him long time giuing libertie and assurance in that to her and her ends which neuer were but either politike or lasciuious But he as hauing new sight giuen him to see her shame and his owne together hate taking the place of loue his desires flew to the ruine of her as before to the continuance of their dayes in their owne pleasures neuer enough enioy'd Hee plotted to vndoe her and watched the opportunity which he obtaind by his
you gaine perpetuall glorie and repay the honor to her dead which could not bee but touched by her vntimely end Her honour toucht and toucht for mee O immortall God cride he thou wilt not I hope let a slaue liue should touch on such a thought nor me to liue after it were borne if not to sacrifice my bloud to wash away the staine But I pray you since you vndertake thus to aduise mee how can I doe this and yet obey my Limena's commaund in not reuenging her death Why that replide the discreet Vrania proceeded whollie from the loue shee bare you which rather is another motiue to stirre you if you consider it since the danger shee apprehended you would runne into to right so delicate yet vnhappilie iniured a Ladie and for you iniured forced her to vse her authoritie for your safetie But let not that preuailâ— nor hinder a deadlie reuenge for so detestable a fact Thus shall you approoue your selfe a braue and worthie Louer deseruing her who best deseru'd but let it neuer be said Perissus ended vnreuenged of Philargus and concluded his dayes like a Fly in a corner These wordes wrought so farre in the noble heart of Perissus as rising from his leauie Cabine then thus said hee Is Perissus the second time conquerd I must obey that reason which abounds in you and to you shall the glory of this attempt belong now will I againe put on those habites which of late I abandoned you hauing gaind the victorie ouer my vowe But I beseech you tell mee who my Counsellor is for too much iudgement I finde in you to be directly as you seeme a meere Shepherdesse nor is that beauty sutable to that apparell My name said shee is Vrania my bringing vp hath been vnder an old Man and his wife who till lately I tooke for my Father and Mother but they telling me the contrary and the manner of their finding me makes mee find I am lost and so in truth is much of my content not being able to know any more of my selfe I delighted before to tend a little Flocke the old paire put into my handes now am I troubled how to rule mine owne thoughts This doe I well credit said Perissus for more like a Princesse then a Shepherdesse doe you appeare and so much doe I reuerence your wisedome as next vnto Limena I will still most honor you and therefore faire Vrania for so I hope you will giue mee leaue to call you I vow before heauen and you that I will neuer leaue off my Armes vntill I haue found Philargus and on him reueng'd my Ladies death and then to her loue and memory offer vp my afflicted life but first shall you haue notice of the successe which if good shall bee attributed to you if ill but to the continuance of my ill destinie But if your fortune call you hence before you shall be found by them I will imploy since the world hath not a place can keepe the beautie of Vrania hidden if seene then will it not bee adored they shall not leaue till they haue found you nor will you scorne that name from mee who shall now leaue you the incomparable Vrania With these words they went out of the Caue hee straight going to a large Holly tree the place rich with trees of that kind on which at his comming to that melancholy abiding hee had hung his Armor meaning that should there remaine in memorie of him and as a monument after his death to the end that whosoeuer did finde his bodie might by that see hee was no meane man though subiect to fortune Them hee tooke downe and arm'd himselfe but while hee was arming Vrania entreated him to doe one thing more for her which was to tell her how he came to that place And that was ill forgot most faire Vrania said hee then know that as soone as I had receiued that letter so full of sorrow and heard all that miserable relation I was forced notwithstanding the vow I had to my selfe made of this solitary course you haue reliâ—ued mee from to goe against the Enemie who with new forces and vnder a new Leader were come within sight of our Army I thinking all mischiefes did then conspire together against mee with an inraged furie went towards them hoping and that onely hope was left mee in that encounter to ende my life and care together in the battaile yet not slightly to part with it in my soule wishing euerie one I had to deale withall had been Philargus This wish after made mee doe things beyond my selfe forcing not only our company and party to admire me but also the contrary to bee discouraged so as wee got the day and not onely that but an end of the warres for the chiefe Traytors being either kild or taken the rest that outliu'd the bloudy slaughter yeelded themselues to mercie whom in my Vncles name I pardoned on condition that instantly they disbanded and euerie one retire to his owne home This done and my Vncle quietly setled in his seate in the midst of those triumphs which were for this happy Victorie I stole away leauing a letter with my new Seruant directed to the King wherein I humbly asked pardon for my priuate departure and with all the intreates that I could frame perswaded him to entertaine that seruant of mine and to accept of him as recommended by mee and accordingly to esteeme of him Then tooke I my way first to her Fathers to know the manner and certaintie where I found vnspeakable mourning and sadnesse her Mother readie to die with her as if shee had brought her forth to bee still as her life that though two yet like those eyes that one being struck in a certaine part of it the other vnhurt doth lose likewise the sight so she hauing lost her lost likewise all comfort with her the seruants mourn'd and made pitifull lamentations I was sorry for them yet gratefully tooke their mourning for mee thought it was for mee none being able to grieue sufficiently but my selfe for her losse When her Mother saw me who euer she well lou'd she cry'd out these words O my Lord see here the miserable Woman depriu'd of all ioy hauing lost my Limena your respected friend Full well do I now remember your words when with gentle and mild perswasions you would haue had vs stay her going from this place vnto his house Would we had then fear'd or beleeu'd then had she bin safe whereas now she is murdred Murdred criâ—d I O speak againe but withall how Her husband said she led her forth where in a Wood thicke enough to shade all light of pitie from him hee killed her and then burnt her her clothes found in the Wood besmeard with blood and hard by them the remnant of a great fire they with such store of teares as had been able to wash them cleane and quench the fier were brought to the house by those who went to
Lamentation braue Princes is that which I must treat of but first I must tell you as one of the parts of this story I am called Seleucius brother I am to the king of Romania Lord to this young knight and thus from me the most vnfortunate of Princes heare the wofull'st and most disastrous history that euer Princely eares gaue attention to I was brother and somtime heire to this vnhappy king being thought lost but after found in such an aduenture of enchantment as this seemes to be Return'd married and was blest with two children of whom I am sure this Gentleman hath already discoursed vnto you wherefore that part I wil leaue and come to the last My Nephew Antissius being come from the fruitles search of his sister Antissia my brother would needs marry him to a Lady in the country which he although neuer hauing bin in loue might haue questioned yet he euer loued to obay his father and so they were married O Antissius worthy Antissius with that the teares ran downe his long white beard resembling drops in snow stopping his breatâ— that scarce the last word could bee heard In this time did all the Princes ioyne concluding it with sobs and groanes euery one hauing equall feeling of sorrow though for seueral things At last he cry'd out these words Pardon great Prince this sad interruption in my story which I am forst to do heart-rending sorrow making me euer doe so when I think of much more name my deerest Nephew and his vnfortunate losse being such a wound to that country as none can imagine but our selues who daily feele the misery He being married by his fathers commaÌ„d who longed to see some fruit from so worâ—hy a stock his obedience hauing mastred his affection which rather was to follow Armes then fall into the armes of Loue he worthily lou'd his wife and louingly liu'd with her within that yeare being blest with a Son whom after his father they called Antissius with this ioy'd-at birth began the ruin of all yet not because of his birth for in him we haue yet our last hope but by reason that the Grandmother liu'd but to kisse her babe after whose death the king again maried and her whose wickednes I am sure hath come vnto your eares This malitious creature after â—he had caused Antissius to bee banisht and most honest men to lose their liues or places she yet not satisfied with such sins as neuer the earth sufferd in one body the waight of more treason adultery witchcraft and murder were plentifully in her yet while he liu'd she was not contented Wherefore to bring this to passe was now her only study In this time some one or two honest hearts were left who gaue the king warning of her ventring their heads to saue his body from harme her immoderate desires so much knowne as they cried out against her shee being a Queene salued not nor couered her sin which in her greatnes appeared the greater fault a spot being more markt in a Diamond then in an ordinary piece of glasse Long time it was ere his honest and vnspotted loue would belieue it or hearken to it while shee delighted her selfe in her owne shame and his dishonor At last â—hough extreame loath he seem'd to see it slaking his violent loue to her oft refraining her bed made her discerne it though delighting her self so much with others had somewhat blinded her from seeing what but for policy she cared little for But then did shee neuer leaue the poore man with her flatterings and disfembling falshoods till she had gaind the cause and ground of his most iust offence and deserued mistrust and vnusuall strangenes which at last vndone by her bewitching fawnings she gained Then had she enough vowing to be reuengd on al and vnder this colour to execute her malice and purge her spleene vpon the famous Prince his son which by her cruell practises she at last vnfortunately brought to passe For first by meanes as she pretended that she was slandred she got her good honest husband to banish any who had in the least spoken of her lightnes putting into that number those whom she hated hauing suffred as she alleagd as much by their slanderous reports as almost if it had been a truth shee had merited wishing she had still continued widow rather then to come to this height of honour and hauing it to fall so low as into the shame of dishonor beseeching him throughly to reuenge her or to permit her to retire to the most lonely and priuate lifeâ— rather then there openly to sinke vnder shame and infamie or if she could be found faulty then to cut off her head farre vnfit to liue wife to so vertuous and good a king To satisfie her whose dissemblings were of force to bring new heate into his aged heart which like old wood will presently kindle he strooke off the heads of those loyall seruants who had honestly though vndiscreetly told him of her sinne men not louing that discourse of any This done he came to receiue thanks but she telling him this was nothing and vnlesse hee would doe more to right her so shamefully wrongd she would go away and execute some mischiefe on her selfe her spirit and conscience not being able to sustaine themselues induring such abuse and then if euer he lou'd her he would be sorry he had wrongd so true and faithfully louing a wife while he did credit pickthanking Counsellors He seeing this passion in his deere wife vowed reuengefull iustice on all she could accuse Vpon this vow and some other assurance which was giuen by execution her holy Maiesty seem'd somewhat satisfied and then contenâ—ed as it were to liue hauing new life giuen in her iustice and faith-trying honour She came abroad but oft-times blushing modesty was the colour put vpon it when indeed it was affection to a young Lord in the Court who after shee found she could not win with all inticements and loue-showes shee accused him for seeking her and so with many more lost his head Now was Antissius and his vertuous wife confind to a Castle some twenty miles from the Court he being accused of popularity and aspiring to the Crowne This was the power of that insatiable Monster as shee could and would banish from him his best and onely true comforts My Nephewes misfortune increasing and his hate to liue growing euery day stronger in him he gaind for all this the Queenes leaue to goe and liue with me She willing to it hoping his former ill vsage would prouoke him to that hee might die for else shee would finde a meanes to compasse it But few plots needed this being the beginning and his soone following ouerthrow for the people finding her gouernment absolute and that being bent to the ruin of the land followed the vertuous Prince in great numbers and at al times which he as much as in him lay did put off auoid yet not so but
whom they called to them and so together went from that place meaning to ascend the mountaine but then came the seruant of Mellissea to them intreating their companies from her Mistrisse to the Pallace where they should meete their companion They soone consented to that inuitation whither being come they told all their aduentures one to another then were they brought into a faire roome where after they had eaten Mellissea againe thus spake My Lords the time calls vpon you occasions being such as your presences are required in seuerall places wherefore first to you my Lord Steriamus I must say you must haste hence and as you desire your owne happie ends in loue obserue what I aduise you Goe from hence into Arcadia feare not for nothing shall encounter you of harme Dolorindus doe you the like for much is your being there requisite from thence goe to Saint Maura and in a rocke which lies iust against it towards Cephalonia priuately remaine till fortune call you thence by helpe which shall appeare death this may seeme hard and terrible but feare it not since it shall bring your happinesse then goe into Greece againe and helpe your friends and your selfe in the Conquest of Albania They tooke her hand and kist it on it swearing to obey her Counsell Amphilanthus was sorry for his vow especially that his iourney was staid to Morea but hee made the cause of his griefe for parting with his friends Then to Ollorandus shee thus spake The good that shall come to you must proceede from this braue King who shall giue vnto you both securitie of life and your onely loue life hee shall venture for you and saue yours by the hazard of himselfe keepe then together and still be your loues firme and constant assisting one another for a time will bee when you shall merit this from Amphilanthus giuing him as great a gift And credit what I say for it is as true as by my meanes you receiued the Armour in the Forrest when you were fast sleeping it being laid by you from which you haue taken the name of Knight of the Forrest For you my Lord thinke not but I am as carefull or more of you then any though I haue left you last for as yet I can say little but feare nothing except what I haue already warnd you of my Art shall attend you and I neuer faile to serue you make haste then to Cyprus and be carefull Then all promising to performe her will with teares in their eyes they tooke leaue of each other Steriamus and Dolorindus demanding what seruice Amphilanthus would command them He answered They should honor him much in remembring him to the King and Queene to whom by Steriamus hee sent the olde Dwarfes and the youngest Sonne called after his Fathers name hee desired Dolorindus to present to Pamphilia from him Thus they parted and Amphilanthus Ollorandus and the other two dwarfes who seru'd them for Squires tooke their way for Cyprus Quicke was the iourney of the other two arriuing in Laconia and so hasting to Mantinea where then the King was but being neere Steriamus began to faint fearing the sight of her he most desired to see yet incouraged by Dolorindus to performe what he had ingaged his word to doe they went on comming to the Court when the King and all the Princes were assembled to iudge the Traytors But Steriamus whos 's same was now farre spread for his noble Acts at Constantinople and diuers others was soone knowne in the Hall and as soone with great ioy brought before the King to whom he deliuered the Present and seruice of Amphilanthus The King infinitly reioyced to heare of his braue friend and taking the Dwarfe the Queene with as much loue accepting the other desired before they passed to the Iudgement to heare of their aduentures Then did Steriamus openly relate all that had happened him after his depart vntill their comming thither in so good words and Princely a maner as all admired and loued him especially for doing it with such affection and truth to the eternall renowne of incomparable Amphilanthus Then presented he Dolorindus to the King whose name and presence was welcome to at that time especially assuring himselfe now to haue an end and true knowledge of the Traytours who were lead at their comming in aside so as they neither sawe them nor heard the relation of the aduenture at Sio which was extreame strange and wondred at by all the more the cause of admiration was the more still increased their honours that atcheiued it Then went the Princes to Pamphilia who much commended Steriamus for his discourse kindly of Dolorindus accepting the Dwarfe promising to loue him for his Lords sake then were all placed againe Rosindy taking Steriamus and setting him betweene him and his friend Selarinus who was true ioy it selfe to see Steriamus againe the traytors then entrâ—d to whom the King thus spake Without any more falshood truly declare vnto me who you are and your true names for those you tooke vpon you I know are false then discouer the cause of taking my daughter deale truly if any pitie be expected by you to be shewed vnto you The old man curstly replied Hee wondred a King should haue so ill a conceit of another of his owne ranke as to thinke falshood could be in a royall breast and more did he admire that the King of Morea who before had beene counted iust would offer that iniustice to the King of Negropont who hauing beene ill vsed by an vngratefull Childe and comming thither for succour should be made a Prisoner like a Traitor and vsed like theeues Then answered the King behold my Lords before you the vildest of men and falsest of Traitors to proue which Dolorindus stand forth and witnesse against him Dolorindus indeed came foorth the Traytor seeing him straight too well knew him wherefore roring out hee cryed I am vndone for now all is betray'd Then did Dolorindus againe tell the manner of his trecherous taking and imprisoning him and withall the winning and destroying of the Castle and his seruants the burning of his wicked wife and the bestowing of the Island vpon Berlandis and the other two their Squires whom they had matched to the three Sisters These creatures being past helpe to be saued fell downe on their faces confessing the truth which was this The Sonne to this wicked man seeing the picture of Pamphilia which was sent some two yeeres before by Pamphilia to her Vncle but taken away by Pirats who after landed at Sio and among other things sold that He fell in loue with it and so longed to enioy her as nothing but death appear'd in him which the deuill his Father perceiuing plotted all waies hee could to which end he inuented that false Bridge hoping to get some of her brothers or friends if not some that might bring them meanes to finde a tricke to gaine her Tenn monethes this continued then came the poore
attend you and to you doe the seruice we owe him which by him I know will be a like taken as to himselfe such is his affection to you such admirable perfections liuing in him as loue and affection to his friends are plentifully flourishing in him wherefore we beseech you to accept of our affectionate seruices which shall euer next to Parselius bee most deuotiouslie obseruing to your commands Him wee loue for his vertues and the benefits wee haue receiued from him you were loue for him and your owne merits whose name doth duly claime all eies and hearts to loue and admire Pamphilia whose modesty neuer heard her owne commendations without blushing pretily did now expresse a bashfulnesse but her speech deliuered with confidence shewed those words nor the speaker of them neede for them blush they were these Braue and renowned King of whose vertues mine eares haue long since been witnesse bee pleased to heare your seruant say shee doth blesse her eyes that presents such worth vnto them and esteeme this as my chiefest happinesse that for the first encounter in my iourney fortune fauours mee with the meeting of such excellent Princes in whom are all the powers of true worthinesse that can be in either or both sexes and in you most happy Queene the rare vertue of matchlesse and loyall constancy and much doe I blesse my destine thus to enioy your companies which Parselius shall thanke you for and I him for you Then she presented them both to her Vncle who kindly welcom'd them being glad such royall company would â—ttend his Neece to honour her Coronation which he meant should be with all speed after their arriuall he determining to retire to a religious house he had built to that purpose Thus with happy and pleasant content she sailed towards Pamphilia while Parselius all this while continuing in sweet delight it is now fit time to let him see his fault committed in the greatest kind of ill being breach of faith in loue One night in his sleepe Vrania appeared vnto him seeming infinitely perplexed but as if rather fild with scorne then sorrow telling him hee was a Traytor to loue and the subtillest betrayer of truth Now may you ioy said she in your shaâ—e and change your cruell falshood hauing vndone my trust but thinke not this troubles me farther then for vertues sake so farre are you now from my thoughts as I study how I neuer more may heare of you and to assure you of this you shall see me giue my selfe before your face to another more worthy because more iust This in soule so grieued him as he cried sobd groand and so lamentably tooke on as the kind Dalinea lying by him awaked hauing much adoe to bring him out of his wofull dreame But when he recouered his sences they were but to make him more truly feele paine continuing in such extremitie of weeping as she feared his heart would breake withall which made her heart euen rend with compassion Much shee intreated and euen besought him to tell her the cause but this of any secret must bee kept from her shee begged hee continued in laments till at last he saw hee must not leaue her thus in feare Wherefore after hee had a little studied how to bee more deceitfull or as equally as he had bin before weeping still and she accompanying him in teares seeing his fall so fast which hee finding made him weepe the more both now kindly lamenting each other they remayned the most perfect soules of affliction that euer had earthly bodyes about them Compassion he had in great fullnesse to Dalinea torment for Vrania's scorneâ— affliction for her losse hatefull loathing his fault condemning himselfe more â—ruelly then she would haue done all ioyning as it were for his vtter destruction yet remain'd hee in his bed framing this excuse to satisfie his wife telling her that he imagined hee saw all Arcadia on fire the earth flaming and in the midâ—st his father burning who with lamentable cryes demanded helpe of him wherfore said he certainely some ill is befallen or befalling him which makes me resolue instantly to goe vnto him O take me with you said she My deere said he pardon at this time my leauing you for should I carry you where troubles are no Sweet remayne you here and be assur'd you soone shall heare of your Parselius and if all be well in short time I le returne for you besides our marâ—yage not yet knowne may wrong you if not carefully carryed then deere loue bee patient and stay heere She could not deny for words fail'd her only she sob'd and washed his face with her teares who was as much afflicted Then rising he sent her Maides vnto her and so departed to his chamber where he arm'd himselfe then being ready to goe to her hee thought the word or shew of farwell would but giue new wounds wherfore writing some few lines he deliuer'd them to the Steward so with charge to giue the letter to her owne hands he tooke his horse hasting he knew not whither regarding neither way nor any thing else then came he to the Sea side his Squier nor daring to speake one word to him all that iourney when he sent Clorinus so was he cald to prouid a boat for him he thought it not fit to deny nor durst he venture to councell In the meane time came a little Barque into which he went turning his horse loose not considering what griefe trouble might come for his misse But he who sought for death thought of no earthly content he being in they put againe from the Land and at Clorinus returne were quite out of sight He finding his Masters horse without his Lord fell into pittifull complayning not being able to guesse other then the worst mishappe long he was resoluing what to doe but in conclusion hee vowed to spend his life in solitary search of him and so to dye but by no meanes to goe to Dalinca nor to bee an ill newes bringer to his Parents Heauily and afflictedly hee pass'd on by the Sea side till hee mette the Squier of Leandrus who ioyfully asked him for his Lord hee as sadly replied he had lost him then followed Leandrus who knowing the youth asked for his friend but to him hee could make no answer but in teares Sraight feare possessed him the youth still wept Leandrus sigh'd and taking him aside coniured him to tell what he knew of his Lord. Then did hee relate all vnto him hiding onely what might touch Dalinea this much mooued the Prince yet he sought to comfort Clorinus telling him he did not see by this any other harme likely to follow but some priuat grief had made him take this course and therfore willed him by any meanes to make no busines of it but goe and seek him as carefully as hee could aduising him by reason of his loue which he knew he bare to Vrania to goe to Ciprus least thither hee were gone to
as many dayes iourneyes as wee could still to win of time at last wee there arriued where want was none if fault onely I found the continuall company of her good man that which I disliked yet wee conuersed freely as well wee might before him hee being as free as noble courtesie could desire expression in but we were not fully contented with this wherefore wee would venture for more which cost all for hee lying from his Wife that night by reason of care to her lest continuall businesse might disquiet her I hauing notice of it when all were in their beds and sweete silence spread with sleepe ouer all the house I rose out of my lodging and softly went vnto her Chamber where I found her sleeping at my comming to the bed side shee awaked but how did shee blame mee and yet truly I belieue it was the hazard I had put my selfe in shee more accused and chid then my selfe for shee did not too cruelly reiect mee though earnestly she intreated nay coniurd my sudden retyring which I after some howers yeelded vnto taking my leaue of her with as sad and dying affection as if I had foreseene the ensuing harme which thus happened I had at my rising lighted a Candle which careleslie my mind onlie on my aduenture I left burning on the Cubbord in my Chamber this light by miserable mischance wasting it selfe to my ruine burned so into it selfe as not being able to sustaine or in mallice falling downe to throw mee to the bottome of all destruction tooke hold of the Carpet so setting that on fire the blaze aspiring to my ende fired the hangings they hating the iniurie the guest they honoured had done to their owne Lord in angrie flames made testimony of their loyaltie to their Master giuing him knowledge by their light to see my fault and to bee as torches for the conducting him vnto my misery The fire great the smoke greater and which more hastily flew about to call witnesses of their innocencies raised the seruants they their Master he carefull of me sent to my chamber to call me to safetie but more respecting his wife as dearest to him went himselfe to saue her when at the doore how vnwelcome a meeting had he encountring in mee the robber of his honor Hee stood still and in truth I must euer say hee beheld mee rather with â—orrow then fury nor would he suffer any to be witnesse of his ill but seeing me vnarm'd and onely in my Cloake he intreated me to passe into the next roome which I did and seeming cheerefull enough to all els tooke care of his House to preserue it if possible Then brought he vnto me a suit of Cloathes and hauing caused me to make my selfe ready together we went forth vnnoted by any as well wee might considering the businesse they had to saue the place from destruction When wee came into a faire Field he with teares thus â—aid Till now had I neuer the misfortune to be acquainted with the worst of offences which is breach of the true law of Friendship but since I am falne into the wretchedest experience of it I must like the most miserable seeke a way out of it You cannot deny but you haue deseru'd death and in the worst kind yet though I may haue it yet will I leaue the fault where it is and in the brauest manner wipe away the staine which cannot be washed but with your bloud or cleansed by my ende Take then this Sword throwing one to mee and said he defend your selfe I besought him not to put me to such a triall I had deseru'd no fauour nor wishd I any to my selfe onely that hee would honor me with giuing me my death and spare his wife who was for all my shamefull attempt vertuous and vntouch'd He onely shooke his head and fetching a deepe groane bid me leaue speach and goe to the conclusion which must bee death Wee fought for my part with so much foule guiltinesse as me thought strength cunning all good and vnderstanding had abandon'd me hee furious reuengefull and as I preceiu'd greedy of ende pursued me who onely held my Sword not to offend but to defend me till some who I descern'd not farre off could come to part vs but he likewise seeing them ran â—o fiercely at me as I must either lay my selfe open to take death or holding but my Sword out giue him his end which I most vnwillingly did forc'd to it by the frailty of the Flesh which in the apparent dangers is alwaies kindest to it selfe Those I saw came and iust to take vp his body and who alas followed them but the poore Lady extremity of shame bringing her to shew her shame She seeing him slaine cry'd out O spare not me who am the wofull cause of all this misery let me at last be thus farre blessd as by your hand to be sent againe vnto him from whom your sinne and mine haue parted me neuer let so detestable an offence rest vnpunished Shame calls vpon you and calls to me for satisfaction The seruants amazedly beheld vs till she neuer ceasing accusing her selfe nor vrging death seeing she could not get it kneeled downe and taking a cold kisse from his lips that were to her doubly dead in affection and pale death suddenly rose vp and in rising taking his sword with furious and hatefull spite to her selfe and wrong done him threw her selfe vpon it falling downe vpon him ioyning in that manner her broken vow againe in a new one with their ends Then did the seruants finde the cause whereupon they set on me for I would not yeeld to goe with them choosing and deâ—iring rather to dye with them then outliue them in such shame but too happy and contrary to my wish was my destinie for I slew them Being then left with the two dead bodies I fell into such complaints as sorrow and shame could procure in me crying out where affliction hath iudg'd it self in being excell'd as in my misery why should it not haue end in death then gaue I my selfe many wounds neuer ceasing wounding while my wounded soule abided in my body at least the soule of humane sense for so it onely prou'd for others following their Master and Mistris found vs all in the entertainment of wounds palenesse mixt with bloud in the outside in stead of the more naturall habitations the veines hauing made open flouds to drowne themselues in as a riuer may swell against it selfe to loose her owne name and yeeld it to a greater by her owne Pride Their bodies they carried away mine remain'd like a tatter'd Ensigne rather a glory of gaine then losse and so poore a thing was I but a charible man more louing goodnesse then me and yet louing me for goodnesse sake to make me haue a better ending then in bloud tooke my martyr'd body away with bathings and many more fine curiosities he brought mee to know I liu'd to be more knowing my dayly
the priuatest places and striuing to gaine the sea which soone after I obtaind getting the opportunity of a youths passing into Italy who had sought Perissus to bring him notice of his Vncles death the King of Sicily with him I passed and so came into this country where euer since I haue romingly endured neuer in any one place setled The youth Menander and I parted at the sea he I thinke going to seeke his Master or rather you then did shee close her speech with multitudes of teares which truly mooud mee to much compassion beginning then to hold her deare to me I perswaded her to leaue that life and liue with me who would accompany her sorrowes rather then afflict her with mirth and besides it might bee in my company shee might gaine remedy for her torture No remedy but death said shee can I haue and too long O me haue I sought that yet to obay you I will abide some time here and but here in these woods beseeehing you not to vrge me to the Court when the poorest place much better doth agree with my estate I to enioy her conuersation granted to any thing concluding that I should often visit her and so passe our times together in louing discourse This said Amphilanthus by your fauour sweete sister prooues you loue the water it seemes hath not so thorowly washed away your affection but reliques remaine of the old passion No truly dearâ—st brother said shee all those thoughts are cleane droun'd but yet I will goe on with my story Doe deare Sister said he and begin againe at But yet She blusht to find he had taken her and yet daintily proceeded That promise most religiously was kept betweene vs euery day I visiting my Shepherdesse But one day as we were together discoursing and walking in the wood we heard one not farre from vs sadly to sing an od kind of song which I remember getting afterwards the coppy of it and if I bee not deceiu'd sweet Cosin said she you will like it also the song was this speaking as if she had by him and the words directed to her as his thoughts were YOu powers diuine of loue-commanding eyes Within whose lids are kept the fires of loue Close not your selues to ruiue me who lies In bands of death while you in darkenesse moue One looke doth giue a sparck to kindle flames To burne my heart a martyr to your might Receiuing one kind smile I find new frames For loue to build me wholly to your light My soule doth fixe all thoughts vpon your will Gazing vnto amazement greedy how To see those blessed lights of loues-heauen bow Themselues on wretched me who else they kill You then that rule loues God in mercy flourish Gods must not murder but their creatures nourish Pamphilia much commended it which pleased Vrania infinitely touching as she thought her one estate while a proper song and well composd truly said Amphilanthus is this to be so much liked but my cosin only doth it to please you No in truth said Pamphilia it deserues in my iudgement much liking he smild on her Vrania going on you seeme Brother said she a little willing to crosse me this day but I will proceed in discourse The song you are pleasd to iest at being ended the same voyce againe did begin to lament in this manner If scorne be ordaind the reward for true loue then I am fully requited if firme affection must be rewarded with contempt and forsaking I am richly pay'd but if these deserue a sweet payment which alone consisteth in deare loue then am I iniurd and none more causelesly afflicted or cruelly reiected Loue suffer what thou wilt faith indure all neglect but euer be your selues pure and vnspotted Vnkind Liana yet pardon me for calling thee so since my heart grieues at that word vnkind yet giue me leaue to tell thee I haue not deseru'd this punishment from thee nor merited this rigor if anothers offence may make me faulty I am most guilty els as free as my loue still is to thee from blame or thought of staine in it art thou not then vniust sweete Iudge of all my harmes to punish me without a fault committed Pitie me yet and recall the censure wrongfully giuen on me condemned without a cause and still led on towards execution in daily tortures without merit Did any man die for anothers act then I must also suffer that tiranny else consider falfe iudgement is a shame vnto the Iudge and will lie heauy on his conscience call backe then e're I die this vnmerited verdict since my truth with-stands thy cruelty I would with Liana haue gone to see who this was that thus accused her but that we heard him againe say some Verses which being concluded we went to him but as wee went we heard another speake vnto him thus Alanius why doe you thus accuse Liana and torment your selfe with that which were shee certaine of shee would and must pity you nor can you blame her for flying you seeing as we both belieued your vnkindnesse and foule error Alas said Alanius farre be it from me euer to blame her nor can my soule permit me to loue her lesse though she were curst nay were she false I yet should loue her best but being by you assured of her truth giue me leaue to blame her rashnes and curse my owne ill fortune and vnluckie life which gaue and giues such dislike and smart vnto my dearer selfe and my sad daies Liana now knew not what to doe when she was certaine this complainer was Alanius and the other as she did imagine Menander but I willing to reconcile such broken fortunes made her goe towards him accompaning her sorrowes my selfe When being neere him and he looking vp perceiuing her without ceremony or regarding me ran vnto her and kneeling downe cry'd out these words Alas my deare Liana what hath your vnhappy slaue Alanius deseru'd to be thus pitilesse tortured heare but the truth and before you rashly censure me consider my great wrongs which I still suffer by mistakes in you Liana who loued as much as he and was as equally perplexed yet now a little more if possible bearing her owne and his sorrow for her affliction as being his and caused by her she lifted him vp from the ground and with teares said Think not my Alanius thy Liana can be other to thee then thou wilt haue her be yet blame me not directly for these things since here Menander can resolue thee of the cause yet let that passe and now bee confident thy loue hath such command mee as hadst thou been false she would not say as we imagined thy repentance and thy loued sight should haue destroyd all those thoughts where in offence might haue been borne to thee and so forgetfulnes in mee had gouernd with the memory of thy loue Then rising with a kisse the louers reconcil'd themselues and cast away their mourning but the story being strange where
no weight but switnesse allowed her feet Ollorandus followed her shee fledd still till shee had lead him a good distance from his freind Oh Ollorandus what misfortune now befalleth thee What Witchcraft made thee forget thy vowe and Melissea's command Thy friend was carefuller of thee and with more constancy accomplish'd thy desire how hast thou abandon'd him in greatest neede For he sitting by the Lady as she had done speaking out of the deepe part of the Quarry came many armed men and all set vpon the King He thinking they had beene her enemies defended himselfe and willed her to take heede take that counsell thy selfe cride shee thou hatefull murderer of my Husband and dye for killing Terichillus Then he found he was betrai'd wherefore taking the best courage he could and that was the best of the world he resolutely withstood their fury but at last their company still increasing and his wounds and weakenesse growing with them the place besides ill to fight in being vneuen full of bushes and all disaduantages that might be to him he was brought into infinite danger and so much as giuing himselfe lost he recommended his last loue and best wishes to his deere selfe and so resolu'd brauely meant to end But what did Ollorandus all this while He was held with discourse by a like deceiuer as his friend had mett till he heard the noyse of the Dwarfes who calld him to that place with fearefull and lamentable cries where he found Amphilanthus now ready to fall among the bodies of those he had slaine as if he had kild them to lye the hansommer on their bodies in that ill fauored place and to haue an easier bed in death When he saw this sadd sight how did he curse himselfe Then remembred he what he had been warn'd to doe then sawe he the fault committed in beleefe and their treacherie all these togeather made such a full consent of fury as hee flew amongst them with blowes like shame for villany heauy and thicke and such good did he as what with his valour and the new courage his presence brought Amphilanthus his weake linâ—s they gaue a little respite to him who sate downe within the clift of the Quarry but then an other mischiefe followed for that diuellish causer of all this beholding him and hauing the power as she thought to hurt him shee rolled a stone which was loose of great weight and bignesse staying but vpon the edge of a clift downe vpon him which gaue him though falling not directly vpon him but a little part vpon his shoulder such a cruell stroak especially to his weakenesse as he fell with it on his face Ollorandus seeing it verily thought hee had beene dead whereupon he cried out damn'd Countrey that must be the death of that which all the world enuied Italy for the blessing of nursing braue Amphilanthus farewell and farewell all worth with thee Then did his fury encrease and to that height as but two being left of all the number the Neapolitan Prince hauing brought them from many to almost none yet fewe too many then for him sore wounded he dispatched the rest one onely suruiuing who much molested him soarely handled him going as he thought to take vp that vnmatched King he saw him stirre and rise With greater ioy he then ranne to him who embraced him and welcomd him as the sauer of his life but the other craued pardon of him euen vpon his knees acknowledging his vnpardonable fault Amphilanthus quickly forgaue him and seeing the one suruiuing man againe set on them finish'd that noble dayes worke and kill'd him with his owne hand Then did Ollorandus looke about and with wonder admire that exploit wondring that such a multitude set vpon the King and that his strength and courage had withstood and ouerthrowne so many this indeed being one of the greatest victories and without comparison the most hazardous and dangerous that euer he fell into As they were thus beholding the slaughter and thinking how to goe thence to cure their wounds they heard one speake these words Accursed fortune that still hath crost my desires now will I not be more crossed in this wicked world farewell cruell men all mischiefs attend you both and curst be your best wishes With that shee threw her selfe from the topp of that huge Quarry into the place where Amphilanthus sate when she for this was the Princesse threwe the stone vpon him and against the same stone stid she breake her necke Then did they striue to bring some of them that lay on the ground to life if but to tell the plot but in vaine for they were all dead yet for their better fortuue the same woman who had lead Ollorandus away they saw againe wherefore he ridd vnto her and not purposing to be any more abused by her brought her to Amphilanthus then did she confesse all the villany but yet not till she saw her Lady dead the Treason was when the Princesse saw her Husband dead kild by Amphilanthus she one of the wickedest liuing set some to enquire what course these Knights would take and so gaining notice that they were to goe into Hungary shee appointed one of her seruants a fit creature for such a mistresse to offer his seruice to them They not knowing the way were very glad of such a conueniency and so entertain'd him who brought them to this place where they mett this terrible encounter the Princesse her selfe contented to act a part for the getting of her deuillish purpose and as a perfect actor did performe the last act best of her Tragedy Then did she warne them of passing on that way for said shee an other ambush is layd for you but if you will credit me though I confesse I may be ashamed to expect it hauing beene already one that deceiud you yet as I haue any faith I tell you now but truth and will aduise you to the best goe not this plaine way for by yonder Abbey is as dangerous a troupe layd for you but crosse this Hill which though rough and vneasie yet is the way secure and safe They thanked her and for her punishment onely appointed her to goe to the new Princesse and to her discourse all this businesse and then if shee could turne good from so much ill as she had been bred in theyâ— should be glad and so they parted the false and treacherous Princesse hauing no other Tombe then the Quarrey nor rights but her owne actions nor monument but the carkasse of her wicked seruants The Knights following the Gentlewomans directions passed with much difficulty the hill and craggy rocks getting on the other side which was a fine and pleasant Country to a graue Knights house where they continued till they were cured of their wounds The Gentlewoman performing their command arriued at the Court where she related the whole treason danger and successe of it telling withall how that was the onely punishment allotted her The
after hee had gain'd her firmest loue and so by vowes obtained what he sought most vildly he beganne to change and fell inamour'd of a Princes maide who being neere allied vnto my Lady often came to visite her at Court this Gentlewoman truly was most faire and I thinke good till then if not then too we sawe it and were vex'd with it yet knowing that no curster cor'siue can bee to a louer then to be dispised especially by him that once did loue at last she found it miserable knowledge how then was she grieued if I should offer to discouer I must say I am a louer and forsaken to otherwise can none or ought any to presume to tell a farlorne creatur's woe First in silence she did beare her paine and with attendance and continuall kindnes striue to win him back or rather that he might not thinke she did mistrust she stroue to hold his loue But that vngratefull man which name is more then her gentle affection will yet permitt her to giue him discerning her respect and loue would seeme to see neither yet faild he not in all outward shewes to manifest his change She writ vnto him she wept before him she complayned she bewailed others that were forsaken he heard and not regarded he answer'd but slighted he ioyned in pittying them but neglected her that most wanted she lost her beauty with sorrow with weeping whole nights and sobbing that I haue my selfe come in vncalled but by those sorrowes to her the greatnesse of her heart though able in the day to couer them yet was forced at night to borrow assistance of breathing out what her spleene was ouer charg'd withall and what saue teares sobs and silence would shee trust for her associates Forgetfull man that so abused her who wrong'd her selfe alone in trusting him nay wrong himselfe in such a base vnworthy change I aduentured to aduise when I saw all misery ouer take her shee tooke my counsell which was to vrge the marriage He slighted her and told her she was growne old and her beawty alter'd willed her to recouer that and when he return'd from a iourney that he had in hand he would be as he was Alas what torment was this to her who was only his she tooke it to the heart though hee smilingly deliuered it as if in iest till all considered it aprooued true then faign'd he an excuse that the King his father sent for him and that at his returne he would not misse to performe what hee had promised so he found her as he expected His leaue he tooke of her which went as neere her heart as marrow to the bones yet staid he afterwards with the other wench som certaine daies We vsed al meanes to hold her ignorant of that and many more his passages but what more cleare and perfect sighted then true loue She knew all and yet knew her faith so cleare to him as she would blind her sight rather then touch his truth O faithles Amphilanthus accursed man that brought this hard insufferable wrong and harme vnto the faithfullest and the worthiest louer that euer loue did wound But to proceed he went and left my Lady quite forsaken and forlorne who since vnhappy woman liues in groanes and daily sorrowings But where now is the Prince said Amphilanthus Truly Sir said she where the falsest ficklest waueringst and vnworthiest man doth liue and there is hee and else where know I not No such vnworthinesse liues in that Prince I know him well said he and lately saw him but I will not say 't is the same you speake of for it may be some such creature hath abused his name and for these ends giuen out to be the man Know you the Prince then said she if you doe hee is a faire false man a treacherous well shap'd man not tall though high in mischieuous ill nature slender but full in wickednes curld haire and thicke yet bauld in vertue and this is Amphilanthus as he cald himselfe The Prince knew straight it was another man she meant yet grieued to heare his name so much abused and that a Princesse should beare wrong for him This besides his owne interest in the matter made him vow reuenge wherefore hee desired to see the Princesse the first Lady told him that if hee would attend her comming forth of the Wood hee should be admitted to her sight he would not further vrge and so with them sat downe while one of them sung this Song telling him it was made by her Lady who was as perfect in all noble qualities as subiect to loue and so to bee for too much faith deceiued FRom victory in loue I now am come Like a commander kild at the last blow In stead of Lawrell to obtaine a tombe With triumph that a steely faith I show Here must my graue be which I thus will frame Made of my stony heart to other name Then what I honor scorne brings me my tombe Disdaine the Priest to bury me I come Cloath'd in the reliques of a spotlesse loue Embrace me you that let true louers in Pure fires of truth doe light me when I mooue Which lamp-like last as if they did begin On you the sacred tombe of loue I lay My life neglect sends to the hellish way As offering of the chastest soule that knew Loue and his blessing till a change both slew Here doe I sacrifice worlds time of truth Which onely death can let me part with all Though in my dying haue perpetuall youth Buried alone in you whereby I fall Open the graues where louers Saints haue laine See if they will not fill themselues with paine Of my affliction or striue for my place Who with a constant honour gaine this grace Burne not my body yet vnlesse an Vrne Be fram'd of equall vertue with my loue To hold the ashes which though pale will burne In true loues embers where he still will moue And by no meanes let my dust fall to earth Lest men doe enuy this my second birth Or learne by it to find a better state Then I could doe for loue immaculate Thus here O here 's my resting place ordain'd Fate made it e're I was I not complaine Since had I kept I had but blisse obtain'd And such for loyalty I sure shall gaine Famebeares the torches for my last farewell To life but not to loue for there I dwell But to that place neglect appoints for tombe Of all my hopes thus Death I come I come Did Emilina said the Prince write this sure Amphilanthus could neuer be false to such a creature He was and is said she and truly doth hee make good his name that signifieth the louer of two That name said he was giuen him e're he knew what loue was or himselfe The latter sure he knowes not yet said shee You will I doubt not shortly haue a better opinion of this Prince Neither of him nor those that be his companions said she vnlesse I grow
Burnt like a Phaenix change but such could shake And a new heat giuen by your eyes did make Embers dead cold call Spirits from the pits Of darke despaire to fauour new felt fits And as from death to this new choice to wake Loue thus crownes you with power scorne not the flames Though not the first yet which as purely ries As the best light which sets vnto our eyes And then againe ascends free from all blames Purenesse is not alone in one fix'd place Who dies to liue finds change a happy grace These I did learne for these did fit mee best and from that time contented was to let him see I entertaind his sute which was his kingdome wonne in sweet delight then was that as an Empire to my gaine when I first saw him rudely yet innocently clad like a Lamb in wool for colour and softnesse to the eye or touch his face blushing like modesty after his arme had showed manly power his delicacie asking pitie but his commanding absolutenes disdaining it as much as the bright Moone if we should say wee were sorry in a frostie night to see her face in the water least she might bee cold rather might I say I feard the Sunne would burne him when hee enamourd of his dainty skinne did but incloase him with his power from other haâ—me touching him not to hurt but to make difference twixt his fauours shind and shielded him while others he did burne kinde in embracements and soft in his force The language he did speake was milde so were his lookes loue shaddowing all himself within his eyes or in his face keeping his greatest Court because most gaining Ah sweet Philistella had you seene the vn-relatable exquisitenesse of hiâ— youth none could haue blam'd me but euen chid me for not instantly yeelding my passions wholly to his will but proud ambition and gay flatteriâ— made me differ and loue your brother thus if I changd t was from sweete Steriamus to Parselius for his excellency wonne me first so this can bee noâ— change but as a booke layd by new lookt on is more and with greateâ— iudgement vnderstood You need not said Philistella striue to make me seâ— your loue and cause thereof to Steriamus since I truely speake I thinke none worthyer to bee truely loued except my Lord then I imagine him nor can I much or any way defend my brother who had you still continued louing I should haue blam'd he prouing so vniust yet this only salue and good excuse is left Desteny did and euer still must rule Now for mee deere Vrania all I aime is loue if I discourse what is it of but loue if I walke out what trauell in but loue if I sit still what muse I on but loue if I discoursed be withall what answere I but loue so as being made maintaind by loue and in loue shaped squared only to his rule what neede excuses but plaine truth and say if I doe speake from purpose or extrauogantly fly from the matter we were talking of if cleaue to other â—ubiect â—diuert the proferd speech say this and only this Loue who is Lord of all braue royall minds hath like the heauens beheld my lowly breast and in it taken lodging gracing it with humbling his great Godhead to embrace a true and yeelding heart in comparison of his supreame authority most meane should I not thus without excuse be freed nay euen respected when loue is adored As if hee spake from me so heare me now loue dwels in me hee hath made me his hoste then if I only doe remaine as sure I shall wholly affection and his humblest slaue scorne mee not but still reckon mee a seruant nearest wayting on great Loue. Others like Painters better can set him forth in his coulers Kings we see haue pictures drawne to be eternised by but t is them selues for which the picture is drawne not for the workemans skill so fauor me for Loue nor blame me though an ill peece 't is the best though by an ill hand drawne t is to the life others may smoother bee and fairer none more like nor iust vnto the perfect true resemblance of pure loue thus see you before your royall selfe the humblest vassall Cupid cherisheth Vrania in her soule coÌ„mended the pretty confession faire Philistella made admiring her sweetnesse of disposition as much as before she woÌ„dred at the beauty of her person embracing her my deere companion in true loue said she now shall we with more ease and freedome serue our Master dayes must not passe without our seruice done to him nor shall my deere Vrania said the other let our most priuate thoughts be to each other plaine and open seacrysie to all others held and only loue and we know what we think thus they did liue and loue and loue and liue Nerana still remaining in Cicely now growne as humble as before proud and ashamed as before scorning liuing in a Caue alone and feeding on hearbs roots and milke of Goats which fed on those rocks playing the milke-mayd better then before the Princesse extremity forcing her contented with patience and patiently contented nothing troubling her but her loue which was and is enough to vex the greatest and best gouernd Spirits hers being none of those the exactliest ruld To bring her from her misery Loue hauing sufficiently tyrannised the King Perissus came thither who in loue to his friends the braue and matchles Princes meant to assist them iournying towards them hee happned to that place where he beheld the sportfull exercise of Fortune a Princesse without a Country cloathes or seruants a Lady that must tell her selfe to be one else not to be mistrusted a miserable woman and the more so because she felt it experience and sufferance making her sencible of misfortune She sought to shunne the King at first but afterwards considering her good might come from him her hurt likely if kept close to abide with her she came vnto him and with much humility made her aproach who beheld her with a gratious and pittying eye seeing in her more then ordenary behauiour and a countenance that might carry greatnes with it and had it in it though shadowed vnder pouerty Perissus tooke her to him and demanding some things of her shee answered with these like words Said she this estate may iustly merit contempt and scorne from you or so great a Prince as you appeare to be I am a creature liuing by ill chance able to relate my misery which if you please to giue an eare vnto I shall tell you I am cal'd Neraena Princesse of Stalamina made in myne owne Country and in the most perfect time of my rule subiect to a stranger both to me and I feare good nature so far scorning me as it brought me to this estate you see me in for after with curst and scornfull words he had refusd my loue and louing petition for pitty left me and with his friends as
fell into the greatest fearing the deliuery of my letter I sent it to him who was the only bar of the deliuering of it or theÌ„ I sent as at his death I found in a Cabinet deliuered by his owne hands vnto mee with teares and humble petition for pardon that so hee might die quietly which as he lamentably protested hee could not doe nor peaceably leaue this world I forgaue him and in that Cabinet found three of my letters which close me in the misery I now suffer thereby I saw manifestly I was betrayed loosing the enioying of what the losse brought my vtter ruine for I assuredly confident in him sent my letters still to him trusting him contrary to iudgement neuer receiuing answere of them but excuses from him selfe as since I find were framed by him sometime saying he could not then write but in short time he would send one of purpose to me I remained as louers enioying their like quiet But many weekes hauing passed I writ againe setting downe how I was solicited by him hee knew of almost threatned by my parents yet had they nor should they gaine more then this that he like all others should be refused for his sake if it would please him to accept of me and my truest affection wholly dedicated to him This vnfortunately I sent as the others and so kept comming the same morning before hee was by his Villany contracted to the great Heire of the Forrest Twise I was sending it by a trusty seruant of my mothers but Desteny preuailed and I destined to mischiefe could not withstand my ills Perplex'd I was with my fortune when I saw or thought I saw my faith reiected mad at my patience that forced me to beare such iniuries cursed the harme yet loued the harmeâ—maker till one night my father and many of his friends at supper the procurer of my miserie came in who was beloued and respected by my father for his learning and for his seruice to his friend and so was entertained by him placing him next vnto himselfe while I with vncertaine lookes and doubtfull blushings cast mine eyes on him yet stayed them not long there lest they might bee vnderstood my heart guiltie of the loue my soule bare to his Lord causing such a mistrust of discouerie in my owne conscience as that modestie hindred mee from discouering my harme which his countenance had else been ready to bewray as since I vnderstood by some that marked him as they sat at meate My father asked how his most noble Lord did fare Well my Lord said he but growne of late too cunning for vs al for would you thinke it he hath finely got a wife This made me boldly to looke vp for what would not such a deadly wound cause in one if it were but only to look boldly on their end life lasting in mee but to know certainely my death being so eager of it as I my self had demanded it had not my father soone preuented me asking who it was Why said hee the fly Youth hath got the mighty Heire of the Forrest I hearing it discernd my hast to bee like theirs that run to the top of the highest Rock to throw themselues from thence so did I for those words strake me dead my spirits falling and failing me encountred with the depth and bruise of fortune aduerse to me I fell from the table in a swound All ran to me or about me none because none thought I loued being able or willing to guesse the reason except the Serpent whose poyson strake me I was with care and diligence brought to my selfe againe which when I had sense to know I blamd that sense that brought that knowledge to me condemning fortune who would not permit one of her owne sex so much fauour as to die hauing such cause Then came my speech againe which I onely employd to this purpose to desire some of the seruants to leade me to my chamber beseeching the company not to stirre assuring them that there was no danger for vsually I had had such fits my father and mother especially whose loues were most vnto me and dearest to me would haue gone with mee but I preuaild the moouer of my torment looking on me with as much pitie as the Master of a good Dog doth on him when he is hurt by his owne setting on vpon either Bull or Beare When I came to my Chamber I pretended a desire to rest which made me abler to dwell in any vnrest Sir if euer you haue felt loue so perfectly as to deserue your name imagine to your selfe what I felt seeing scorne disdaine presented to mine eies nay what of all is cruelst vnkindnes Vnkindnes to a perfect louing heart is indeed said he of all miseries the cruellest and most murthering Haue you alas Sir said she felt that griefe That only said he perplexeth me I cannot say I was disdain'd for I was cherished I was not scorned but receiued I lou'd and was beloued but now I feare she is vnkind Let not feare without assurance said shee molest you lest it make you indeed loose by mistrust what is yet but mistrusted to be lost I beseech you said hee proceede and let my misfortunes remaine in me by none else thought on Yet said shee being forsaken is a greater miserie for such a losse is losse of all hope or ioy in life the other may bee helped againe with kindnesse and this I finde for had I not enioyed a heauenly happinesse I neuer had complained But to goe on being come to my chamber and hauing liberty by priuatnesse to exercise my sorrow in the absence of all but it selfe I thus began to mourne O loue cride I was it not enough that thou didst win mee to thy power and that thou didst possesse me in those yeares when first it was possible for maiden thoughts to entertaine thee to make mee chuse guiding mine eyes to the choice of one where perfections linked themselues to chaine my powers and enuy from all such that thinking I loued thee maliced my happinesse as if I had enioyed Yet cruell you cannot thinke all that I suffered by passion hatred of others enuy paine torment and all miserie sufficient but you must turne crosse and find a greater to afflict me Why did you grant me Paradise of hope to throw me downe to bottoms of despaire Why did you glory to inuite my heart to yeeld vnto the winning power of eyes eyes which were able to gaine moreâ— then hearts thrice doubled could repay with loue Fie intising eyes why wan you mee onely of set purpose to kill me with your frownes this was pretended murder your sparkling conquest seemd to gaine by vnresistable darts soules to your will and their smiles promised vnresistable darts soules to your will and their smiles promised to saue when won but triall proues you win alone to spoile Was it a victory sufficient to get and worthlesse of keeping It seemes so since you leaue
an vnlook'd for meanes for Amphilanthus at his first comming into the Caue being confident of not being knowne pulld off his Helme while Bellamira was gone to the monument at her returne seeing his face she fell on her knees blushing at her errour My Lord said she the afflictions which make me ignorant of all â—hings but themselues haue caused my forgetfullnes vnto you which I most humbly craue pardon for He admired how she knew him desiring to bee made certaine of the cause and meanes of her knowledge being extreamely sorry to be discouered Be not displeased great Prince said she that your seruant my poore selfe knowes your excellency since heere you shall command what it shall please you and be knowne but as you name your selfe only giue me leaue to expresse what ioy my afflicted heart did little expect in beholding in this my sad dwelling the most matchlesse Prince the earth carryes and may glory in bearing But Madame said hee how doe you I beseech you know me My Lord said she I attended on the Kings Neece in â— iourney she was pleased to make out of too much pride and conceit of her beauty being enough to be liked but too little to be defended in field Into Italy among other places shee went and then it was my happines to see you and the honor of chiualry in you which the poore Prince my Ladies seruant found for after you had cast him to the ground she cast him out of her fauor scorning any after but your selfe yet not louing you because you wonne the prize from her beauty to your Mistris The King did very well remember that accident and so discoursing a little more to that purpose they concluded with her promise not to disclose him or to know him to be other then the Lost Man and that was the reason she so freely disclosed her passions to him Shâ— tooke her way towards Saint Maura the two Kings higher into the Country though no way likely to finde the Ladyes yet first for them who could lay those memories apart trauelling through the delicate parts of Greece till they came to Romania passing many aduentnres vnder the name of the Lost Man one being necessary to be remembred On the skirts of Romania they came into a place Rockey and hilley nothing but Heath and some small shrubs to shelter rayne Sunne or any thing from one the mighty Rocks which shewed their swelling sides appeard like Swannes in their neasts when breeding and angry at passengers for troubling them white as they and fringed with Holly trees the wayes stony and troublesome so as they walked on foote and their Squires led their Horses Defirous to see rarities Olorandus went among them Amphilanthus keeping on in a path The braue Bohemian seeking among them at the last hapned to one which was wonderfull to behold a Rocke of great height and bignesse the midst of which was cleft to the bottome so euen and iust as if cut by hands yet was it impossible for hands to doe it Nature shewing how neere she can come to Art and how far excell it Beyond this was an other Rocke in which was a little Caue and in that a man lying it was so shallow in the body of it as he might discerne him to lye on his left side his face from the light in Pilgrims cloathes his staffe and bag by him and to add to this sad sight his voyce agreed to make him knowne miserableâ— breaking into these complaints Vngratefull wretch monster of manâ—kinde why liue I still to poyson the sweete Aire with my vild breathing what wickednesse is there that I abound not in and haue committed false trecherous and vngratefull I haue beene dye then with shame wrap'd round about thee dye Dolorindus and neuer let thy vnworthy face be more beheld nor thy false eyes behold the light let darkenesse not so blacke as thy sinne infold thee and be as thou art a creature vnfit for Heauen to looke vpon Olorandus knew he had beene lost strangly the manner and cause was vnknowne the other Kings keeping his councell til they could finde meanes to worke for his good He stole away softly and calld Amphilanthus who presently came with him where they heard him continue in his moanes crying out O Villaine that had a thought to wrong thy worthyest friend to be vngratefull to al-deseruing Amphilanthus nay more to plot his ruine and conspire his death Antissia thou art the cause of this and I the more miserable to be brought by a woman to be a Beast Amphilanthus pardon me my soule begs it let the fault be where it is laid iustly on vniust commands in loue But what excuse can I make say Antissia bad mee kill Amphilanthus is that enough O noe truth tels me that he saued mee from ruine from staruing from death shall a woman then make me forget these benefits and only because I loued her loue should not extend to hurt or procure murther I haue offended beyond pardon mercy must be shewed if I continue but mercy cannot I aske so far hauing forgone truth as my offence flyes higher then any hope can ascâ—nd to Antissia I now hate thee more then once I loued thee and more iustly for thy loue hath made me worth-lesse and spoyled my name honor and content shame is the reward I haue gain'd for my loue to thee and the heauy waight of vngratefulnesse lyes on my heart They were both amazed to heare these words not being able to coniecture whence they came the voyce they knew and the name but how this sorrow was could not imagine In the end they concluded to speake to him and Olorandus began Repentance said hee merits pardon for the greatest ill if you truely repent doubt not but you shall receiue what you seeke and the neerest way to that is to confesse freely your fault and then pardon will follow Pardon cry'd he I cannot be pardon'd I cannot hope I cannot be forgiuen You may said he And for that I will ingage my honor if you will be ruld said Amphilanthus With that hee rose and looking on them knew them which so much oppressed his weake body as he fel to the ground in a swound Amphilanthus took him vp and Ollorandus went to the next Spring for water wherwith they rubd his temples and brought him to himself but to what end only to die again for so was he afflicted as impossible it was for him to liue as they doubted then Amphilanthus vowed vnto him at his second comming to himselfe that whatsoeuer he had done or thought against him was then forgiuen desiring onely to be resolued of the griefes cause My Lord said he how shall I dare to tell you what I haue done when no shame is so great so infinite so ill as my faultâ—â— I am a Traitor to you take reuenge or let me giue it you Stay Dolorindus said he fall not from one ill to a greater speake to me plainely tell me
heart shee was sorry shee had giuen them that distaste other Phrase shee would not vse Then did shee take her Chariot againe but discharged all her Knights as vnworthy to attend her and with her Women and Footemen continued her iourney to the next towne where shee entertained new seruants one of her old ones trauelling with Rosindy telling him this story This Lady you saw and once my Mistris is Queene of Bulgaria but Empresse of Pride shee is married to a Prince who only out of affection sought her being a discreet braue Gentleman and for his vertues chosen King of Bulgaria shee was daughter to a Duke in that Country no lesse arrogant then shee so as it is a successiue ill hanging ouer and inheriting in that Family She at first loued the Prince shee married very well or seemed to doe so and shee still doth vse him kindly but often haue they quarrels shee no way yeelding to him accounting her selfe farre aboue him in birth though his honour haue gained the precedence hee is infinitely fond of her nothing being too deare for her but lately hee hath been abroad in Hungary and other parts that way going to visit Ollorandus when he came to the faire Melysinda in which time she carried her selfe farre better then in his presence shewing what shee can doe rather then what shee would doe for wee all know shee loues the Prince of Iambolly much better then the King and introth for my part I excuse her since no greater difference can bee betweene men for outward beautie and sweetnesse then is twixt them yet on my conscience shee is vntouched and iust to her Husband it may bee Pride holding her honest for much she is laid vnto At the Kings going away she got leaue of him to goe into Morea to visit an excellent Lady there being her Cosen-german and married to the Prince of Elis there shee hath been till within a short time and now is returning with all speed to meete her Lord and if shee can perswade him to goe with her to trie the Inchantment of the Rockie Island where all the beauties of this part of the World except her selfe are said to be enchanted Where is that Iland I pray Sir said Meriana Madam said hee in the Gulfe of Venice not farre from the mouth of the Gulfe of Lepanto Who are all there said shee and how are you certaine of their being there He nameth them and the certainty of their being there answered hee was brought by some of their seruants who after they had seene them inclosed came stored with griefe to the Sea side againe where they stayd til a ship came by and in the Cock-boat took them aboard landing them at Corinth where the king of Morea is and al his Court attending the end which he hopes for as soone as his sons and cosins returne from Albania who he purposeth to intreat and command to aduenture for their deliuery Doe you know the manner of it said the Queene Truly Madam replyd hee onely as I haue heard my Mistris speake it it is a place by their relation of Marble built like a Theater round and curiously wrought at their comming thither they discerned nothing on the gate but now there is an inscription which shewes it an inchantment and the end how to bee gained which must be by the man most louing and most beloued hee shall partly doe it for hee shall release them from their charmes that holds their senses as it were sleeping but cannot bring them forth till the fairest creature in disguise come and she shall finnish all many are gone thither and some put on disguises of purpose but that will not serue surely Fate hath no deceit My Lord said Merianâ— surely you may end the one part I beleeue you thinke so said he but shall I try it I cannot consent to that cryd she for so I may be God knowes how long bard from you no my deere heart we must not so be parted Charmes shall not try our loues we are assured what need we farther venture Thus they rid till they came to a plaine where they found one peece of Armour then an other so many at last a sheild which was presently knowne by Polarchos who tooke it vp and cryd out alasse said hee heere is Parselius his shield and armour what is become of him Rosindy was instantly call'd vp with that voyce from the lipps of his Meriana and seeing it also knew it then tooke he his horse and kissing his deere wife gallop'd along the plaine following the tract of horses and some blod which hee fouund in the way to a wood he came by the â—ide thereof were some horsemen Polarchos demanded of them if they could giue them any notice of a wounded Knight or of any combat that lately had beene fought in the place behind them They said they were not to yeeld account to any but if they desired to try them selues they were Lads would shew them sport Rosindy replyed that they were strangers there and ingaged to attend some Ladyes therefore they were not hasty of fight only hauing found an armour which they knew they desired to know what was become of the Master of it Why he Sir said one of them is hurt and his companion likewise both of them being carryed into a Castle within this wood where they are likely to remaine a while for their wounds are great held dangerous May we see them said they at least heare of the aduenture You may doe both if you please Sir said one of them but know and remember I told you so for there is hazard in it I feare nothing said Rosindy to serue my friends be they of your acquaintance and friends said the Knights yes indeed answered Rosindy then said hee you shall heare the story first and after you may the better resolue so they lighted and sate vnder a Tree the stranger Knight the rest leauing them beginning thus I doe neuer vse to tell a story to any but I first know to whom I discourse wherefore I pray Sir let me be so much fauored by you as to haue your name and you shall haue the relation Rosindy began to doubt therefore meant not to trust too much wherefore he answered his name was Caudalus a Bulgarian the other his companion Larchos Then proceeded the other this wood is called the Forrest Gulfe that plaine you pass'd the pleasant way for there doe all delight to ride and yet none but are swallowed vp when past that plaine and arriued heere within this deuouring throat a Lady dwelling within heere who maintaines her selfe and her pleasures with the ouerthrow and death of such miserable Creatures as passe this way being ambitious of the destruction of all that call themselues or are called vertuous but she is my Mistris and I am one of her vnfortunate seruants held in a manner a prisoner a Guard still on mee yet I am appointed one to guard her I was of
comming that way which brought such good as the deliuery of Parselius who at her intreaty deliuered the misfortune he ran into in this manner Most excellent Sister after we had deuided our selues to followe in search of the lost Ladies it was our ill chance to take that way that led vs hither into this country I meane where first we met a pretty aduenture a liuely Shepheardesse blaming a lusty Lad for falsehood she chid him he answered for himselfe and so cunningly as though he surely were faulty yet he cleared himselfe so finely as she grew patient but then he waxed surly so as introath some houres we were pleased with their discourse especially to see that when they had vsed their best wits they concluded with kissing and friendship After that wee met a Lady extreamely amorous and of her wee had a story whom afterwards we conducted to the town from thence wee fell into the plaine where you found my Armour and where wee lost our selues for nothing doe I remember after I fell till I saw my selfe in the caue where I was visited by the chast Lady of the Castle finding me so weake as she pitied me she said for me she knew and after Leandrus I had I confesse once before merited her displeasure but now surely had died in it had not your husband succour'd me the manner was this I in my youth passed this country and was brought with much kindnesse to that place where as shee dwels entertained I was like any King and cherished like a Louer shee inuited me to loue by lookes and alwayes that an amorous woman can intice withall but I requited not she yet more charitable to mee then I merited would perswade her selfe it was want of experience made me so slacke in not vnderstanding her wherefore at night she came vnto my chamber the doore I had made fast on the inside she pulled hard at it and was no question angry to be deceiued in her hopes At last I waked and suddenly asked who was there but in such a voyce as she coniectur'd some other had also laine in her chamber whereupon she went backe and the next day told mee of it I answered I was sorry for such a losse but it euer was my fashion to haue one of my Squires to lye by me in the roome where I slept Truely my Lord saide shee had I imagined that I should not haue attempted but loue vrged me and the better may you thinke of that loue which neuer before was offered nor till that time had I euer any ill thought I saide I trusted she did not blame her selfe for that fauour shee had shewed to me her seruant but I had cause to curse the ill custome which caused my losse shee tooke that well and so kindly as I might haue receiued recompence for the former misse but I was honest and after kept my doore fast for two nights more that I lay there brought thither by a Cousen of hers with whom I got thence but since I heard how she euer railed at me saying I had dishonour'd her with telling the story of her and thereupon vowed reuenge which now she had taken Meriana smiled to heare Parselius tell the tale so hansomely and all but Polarchos liked who cried out that for his part he liked her forwardnes nothing ill giue me such a Lady still said he that needs no busines to woe her but merrily yeelds loue for loue and rather before then after it is asked This loue matter held them all that day with talke making good sport with Polarchos and his opinion of louing while the Lady was in all the disorder in the world for first she wanted her woman then rising and going into her chamber finding her bed made and vnus'd she grew somewhat troubled sent another of her seruants to call her Morean Knight his chamber doore they found lock'd then they thought she might be there for they had perceiued loue betweene them they call'd she vow'd to put them both to publike shame if shee found them together the fault consisting in not well ordering their affections from sight not in affecting but the doore broke open there was onely found on the table a letter to the Lady and in it nothing but this liue better and speede better search then was euery where for him when it grewe towards Noone shee went her selfe to the roome where Polarchos had laine to tell him of this businesse being loth to awake him any sooner there she found losse and so in the Caue and euery where missed what shee â—ought and found what shee shunn'd which was want then she tore her haire called her Knights sent them all abroad seuerall wayes till they got knowledge which way they went and with so braue a troupe then all was discouered the Bulgarian knowne and the other she was as madde as rage could make her vowing nothing but death should satisfie her Meriana held on her iourney and all happily arriued at Corinth where they were with as much ioy as that sad time could afford entertained the Queene being so excellent a woman as she won all to loue her and striue to deserue her fauour Dalinea grieued and ioyed and all at once as her passions present and passed rann about the round of her thoughts Orilena wished for Philarchos who with Perissus had taken likewise their way in search but made some hast to Corinth knowing it was bootlesse to trauell in those further Countries to seeke them who no question were either carried by Sea to some remote place or Kingdome farre off or else by shipwracke cast vpon some Iland neere the Gulfe As they came towards Corinth they met a Lady much distressed complaining of a Knight that had abused her Philarchos was willing to ayde her and so demanding what the matter was she thus told it vnto him demaunding and being satisfied who he was I am saide she Wife to a Knight married against my will vnto him by my brothers command whom I obayed hauing no father he was a man of great esttae but no way hansome neither was he deformed but in his disposition which was crooked with him I liued an vnpleasing and discontented life suffering his iealousie and all other froward humours which tooke away the litle show of loue I bare him I fell then into the way that discontentâ—d and so vnfortunate women often doe for not able longer to abide his fury I parted with him hee being forced in recompence of my portion to allow me a certaine stipend during my life which hee at last was brought to with willingnesse as hee saide Some yeeres wee passed in this manner I going to a friends house where I remained some time and was kindly intreated by him but his courtesie was at last discouered and finding to what end it tended I purposed to leaue his house and did so yet like a woman did not so much dislike his loue making which was the cause I tooke against
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
ignoble when ioyed with feare basestealing a life or if he meant really how it might be effected These coÌ„trarieties put me into a great perplexity yet I stil held conuenient discourse with him who finding me vncertaine in my answers and suspitious of my selfe brake out in these termesâ— I see my Lord my fortune to be so ill as you whom I most desire to serue mistrust me alas if loue moou'd mee not what plot should I haue to put my selfe into so eminent a danger it is onely that hath wrought mee to this and yet I am mistrusted by you I sought to appease his passion he then went on I haue my Lord said he layd the way and a youth of my acquaintance stayes below with the cords shall if you please deliuer you from death and this place it is more then time wee were about it therefore resolue what you will doe and that speedily I hearing this and looking on a clocke was in my chamber found it past midnight straight led by a bold beliefe gaue consent to goe vp and downe at all houres went forth telling the watch hee was sent for a Gowne for mee to weare the next day at my death vnder colour of this within a long robe hee brought the ropes which hee fastened to the barres of the windowes which were not so thicke placed but one might easily get out the reason was the heighth made the feare of getting thence nothing At the bottome stood the youth hee spake of and made the lower ends fast out hee went first to shew mee the way and try if the cordes were fast then came vp againe and helpd mee forth staying till I was safely on the ground then vntyed the cordes and the youth loosed them below so hee drew them vp and in a fire in my chamber burn'd them shutting the window and himselfe comming downe the ordinary way againe without suspition to any Gate hee duâ—st not bring mee for they were all so strongly guarded as no safety would be there but knowing all the passages brought mee to a little Garden then vpon the wall and there was a Posterne doore low and little but bigge enough but then another danger was how to goe downe on the outside the Castle standing on a maine Rocke but the danger wee soone passed for with some scrambling wee got downe holding by one another the youth though weake yet hauing a strong heart to saue mee help'd beyond expectation this man my keeper had a brother dwelt hard by this place thither he led vs and telling his brother hee was sent of earnest busines concerning the State got horses of him and so wee posted the youth riding behinde me holding me with so much affection as I imagin'd it had beene his care for feare of slipping but I iniur'd him in that for his worthy selfe could neuer slip Wee rid thus till wee arriu'd at a Castle of mine but that not being of strength sufficient wee left it and our wearied horses furnishing our selues better the youth rid well and I was carefull though hee still besought mee to heede my safety hee weary as weake his horse being little lesse they fell wherein hee was hurt but at last hee sure wounded and tyred I pittied him and more when I saw his teares which were not for his approching end as after I saw letting some from mee to accompany his hee seeing them my Lord said hee weepe not for mee nor shed those deare teares for one who once might haue had a life giuen by one of them but those dayes are passed and now my ending as fast as may bee the bruise and death this fall brings mee not being yet so cruell to mee as the fall of your fauour was nor vnwelcome since chanced to mee in your succour I am to tell now the cause of my seruice Loue my Lord hath brought me to this and all other miseries your scorne neuer hauing had power sufficient to make mee leaue louing you which procur'd this action censure me then a louer and not immodest no disguise could euer disguise me but still I lou'd you nor put I any on but for your good and so forced to alter my habits what haue I taken but habits of the much worthier Sexe the noblier to serue you not out of any wantonnesse which heauen can witnesseâ— for had I ecaped this harme and you once safe you should not haue knowne mee but as a poore youth affectionate to your safety I would againe haue returned after the time of your imprisonment I tooke this resolution putting my selfe to waite on one of the guard and neuer left prying vp and downe to finde how I might assist you till happy fortune brought me to this man whose affection I saw such towards you as I ventur'd and hee likewise to attempt what now I ioy to see perform'd and more that my end is brought by so louing an occasion farewell my Lord and I beseech you mourne not for mee whom you thought so little worthy of your loue couer any fault in this I haue committed with the vaile of feruent affection then shall I bee secure and you noble Weepe not deare Lord for mee I must bee gone and in going shall bee molested to see you sorrow for mee bury mee I beseech you not heere but in some of your owne commands that as I am yours my dust may bee also held in your ground and then lest you shall grieue for mee I can now giue you leaue to forget mee then did shee faint for this was my first and truest Loue. I got her with much paine againe to life shee blam'd mee for it yet told mee such kindnesse had preserued vs both if timely giuen then with many prayers for my safety wishing all the blessing that heauen granted to any to bee powred on me shee dyed in mine armes breathing her last into my breast for I kiss'd her when her breath left her I buried her as she desir'd at a Castle of mine whither we rid that night and there remained till my peace was made with the King which hee was willing to and honour'd me so much as I had satisfaction oâ— my enemy but what was this to my losse hauing lost the wonder of her Sexe for loyalty Besides my second Lady for whom I had left the faire patterne of vertuous loue did shew me my ill by requiting me according to my merit but not from her for of her I had deserued well she neuer sent to me neuer seem'd as I heard by all sorry for me but superficially quickly chose another and like the worst of her Sexe thought sorrow would hurt her complexion and so she might liue vnlou'd grew merry and thought no more of me though at the first she wept but why onely to shew how sweetly shee could looke in teares not shedding more then became her were safe from hurting her though euery one because they were hers had if seene wounded mee When I
as still visited with company and gaue by the fauours testimony of quantity of victuals which well ordred had been noble now a little troublesome but it pleased reasonably well this company who free and hauing rid hard had gaind good appetites it appearing to them like a Garden full of fruite when the hot weather troubleth them they sat downe the Lady most kindly freely and busily bestirring her self entertaining them the fine Gentleman ciuilly discoursing with them Leonius at last growing so farre in with him as he got him to tell this story I am great Prince said he called Curardinus borne of a good Family in this Countrie beloued and serued but as all things must see conclusions so did Fate appoint our greatnesse to conclude thus My father liued after his fathers death many yeares will esteemed of by the King oâ— these Countries emploid in office by him and held among the best in ranke of his fauour but matching himselfe after the death of his first wife with a young Lady of a great and noble family but too great as the King imagined or was perswaded by his enemies suspition grew into his heart or rather shewed it selfe for few Kings are without that seruant to attend them against my father who to auoide all cause giuing left the Court and retird himselfe to his owne home where he liued pleasantly and was for an addition of his happinesse blessed with children a blessing to a father what euer the being borne proue after to the children I was his first and after some yeares before I came to perfectablenesse to gouerne his estate at least according to the lawes of this place hee died leauing mee heire to his fortunes honors and dislikes of the King I then desired leaue to trauaile that was refused me and all things as offices commands and places soeuer my father held of the Crowne giuen away to others This was a disgrace and truly a vexation vnto me and most that hee would not permit mee the fauour granted to euery subiect but obedience taught mee patience and I was contented by necessitie In this forst pleasure I went vp down among my friends where I was desird and so liu'd a solitary and priuate trauelling life where remouing imitated trauell and each odde accident an Aduenture By my mothers side I had and haue many noble and braue friends as any man can haue the men equally or aboue any valiant and wise the woman in that height of excellency for beauty and witt among them I haue much liued who haue found the like fauour so as we are not only neere it in blood but allyed in thwart fortune kept backe by all meanes from any aduancement or honor vnlesse the imployment were such as might giue a blow if not a certaine ruine to any of vs a comfortable estate when Subiects liue in such dislike with their Prince yet did he vse vs openly well let vs come to waite vpon him wee shall be welcom'd and smil'd vpon sometimes but aske any thing and bee surely denyed after not for a good space look'd on this hath cast vs much downe and greeued vs more then hurt vs. Are you a single man said Leonius No Sir replyed the dainty melancholy I am married and haue beene long the more my misfortune in some kind because I haue with that marryage lost one loued me more then I could aspire to hope of requitall and loue 's me still I was not altogether to blame indeed for I knew not her affection so great to me she not aduenturing to speake it I not thinking my selfe so happy daring to imagine it but after some time she tould me of it How did I then curse all my fortunes and yet at last chid my selfe for it since said I I was borne to be wretched and all other crosses haue beene but as forerunners of my misery this the only Master peece of affliction wee met wept many times together and yet those teares produced pleasure because so shed and then we could be merry and neuer but in the highest griefe contented because together for therein our last happinesse consisted But her father marryed her whose iudgement told her obedience was requisite to a rich but worthlesse fellow this was an other vexation to her and doubly by that meanes it wrought in me to see her greeued and such a Clowne to posses what I most loued and held deere he no more esteeming her nor indeede vnderstanding her worth then a Beast or one of his Goats Miserable Lady but most miserable I that saw and could but grieue for it besides this he grew yet more brutish and vsed her ill growing so intirely iealous as none went away vnsuspected her worth beauty and noblenes inuited all eyes and hearts to her seruice but so chast and iust she was as but with courteous requitall any preuailed but her worthlesse Mate thought so ill of himselfe as that made him thinke well enough of any to wrong her withall Iealousie 's roote being selfe knowledge of vnworthynes Thus most sweete Creature she liued discontents brought her to many harmes bringing diseases and the worst sicknes of mind finding still additions to her first disquiet and miserable losse as her affection was pleased to call the missing of me which surely she could neuer haue know had I but guessed her thoughts A good space I held in with him but at last fell like the rest and most dangerously in that time I met her my hearts ioy and soules delight at her fathers she was sad but most louing to me I sad to see her so but most glad to see her loue holding her I remember by the hand if said I thou wert vnmarryed would'st thou not marry againe No I protest said she but liue wholy to be directed by you which I had euer don had I knowne how to liue with honour and fit to be your seruant Yet should you bee free you would not doe so much Yes I vow said I and bound it with a kisse vpon her fairest hand deerest remembrance how dost thou yet please me to bring before me these pass'd yet sweete delights to make tryall of her faith and word keeping she was by heauenly assistance vntyed from her bond and freed from her clog the rude and brutish Thing her Husband being taken from her no hand but the hand of the best and highest parting her as from aboue seeing and commiserating her estate all that were vnmarryed in the whole Country came and sought her shee refused all Widdowers Batchelers all were alike to be denyed old young middle-aged runne one race of being refused Her father much disliked it her friends and kindred and such perswaded but endlesly her resolution was like the Earth fixed and her constancy like the Sunne certaine and richly faire some also came to me seeing the grace I had with her to get mee to preferr them alasse how far they went astray yet I answer'd all of them
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
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
fairest Maide in this Kingdome the vnfortunateliest married and vnhappiest wife this Countrey had the most desolate and grieued Widdow for in all estates that euer shee was in if shee had a shew of good shee had substances of ill and mischiefe to succeed In her youth or indeed infancy shee loued a braue Knight who deseru'd all loue and respect but yet hee had a fault as most men haue I was his companion and knew as much of him for some time as any did yet that was a secret and I neuer intruth mistrusted it till I was gone into a retyr'd life and a change growne among vs all being diuided seuerall wayes and scattered like Hayle Shee callâ—d to the Court continued her begun loue hee fell in loue with her and so much as hee raged almost with passion till hee discouer'd it being for a while as hee vowed himselfe neere madnes but as passions are hot and in youth more flaming then afterwards mature iudgement will permit hee grew slacker shee grieu'd lost her content and yet thinking to please him as that being her onely end refrain'd fearing as seeing his dislike and scorne to her his presence hoping to content him with giuing liberty to his new choyce This whether offending or as hee tooke the matter making it seeme an offence shee lost his loue and not onely that but hee made it appeare that hee loath'd her Shee sweet Creature whose heart to him was but as the softest part of his to his new Mistris so grieuously tooke this curst hap as shee melted into griefe as Virgins waxe with the heate of fire will into water and yet thereby the coldnesse of that Element grow hard as frozen by coldnesse So was shee clos'd in cold despaire yet not hardened but with that not with hate or dislike suffering as patiently as a dead body permits handling by any rude standers by shee onely felt paine of loue and into that was metamorphosed All delights shee cast from her all exercises left couer'd her misfortune with the losse of her Husband when as if her loue had continued true shee had in the other losse beene happy but as it fell out a most vnhappy creature shee was and is An ancient Lord old in age and antiquity of honour made loue vnto her shee was not only perplex'd with him but with her friends and Parents hee being infinitely rich but shee finding that her heart as shee cal'd him and as that was subiect to him cal'd it selfe his would not consent shee refus'd and with great ioy that hee lou'd her so well as hee could not thinke of imparting her to any other though sure enough that hee could not hold her long Death being gaping for him After she denied men of all sorts for age and fortune who durst take the boldnesse to sue to her Lately a young Duke of this Countrey made profer of Loue to her but shee not willing to entertaine him would not beleeue hee meant it and so perswaded him out of it yet he lookes after her followes her when hee may meets her where hee can haue opportunity smiles on her seekes to please her in all he may and in some things doth for he neuer speakes to her but by lookes of Loue his company she allowes of out of noblenesse and out of true loue will not heare of his loue An ancient Lord also and a mighty rich man for estate but in yeares seekes her shee will not vnderstand it He sends to her inuites her to his dwellings Shee finds still excuses and neglects ciuilly Hee vowes to finde her out and court her She flyes and takes iourneys vnthought on to shun him and al this is for loue that so she flyes Loue willing to warme her hands at the fire of honour but dares not come neere the loue-fire for feare of scorching while shee burnes in her owne flames neuer any more belou'd woman breath'd nor euer will or can breath so true a louing woman What hath shee left vnexprest to manifest her affection in all kindes life shee hath ventur'd honour lost beauty and all happinesse dead while shee growes old in her truth of loue and hath but that for her owne satisfaction to content her selfe withall and that is riches vnspeakable when in her owne soule shee can say I am iust yet suffer for it as if a fault what is then a vertue when such perfections are errors One pretty tale shee now as you came told me her still beloued friend came into her company by Aduenture hauing with him a deare companion of his newly growne into that league of friendship and brought by him into the same with all his friends This Gentleman seeing her discreet grew into discourse with her she louing all that loued her lou'd euen his Mistris for his sake was well pleas'd with his conuersation and so neâ—re they grew as he spake freely to her and she coufidently to him so much she saw in him as she knew he knew most of her fortune she grudged not his knowledge for a nobler man breathes not as shee sayes except her owne friend and hee must before her haue no Competitor nam'd for worth or any goodnesse though shee suffer for his ill so excellent hee yet appeares to her But this braue Gentleman at last with frâ—edome began to perswade her to leaue her constancie which would but hurt her and continue no other wayâ—s true then truely to say shee had lou'd longer and iustlier then hee but seeing no returne nor hope no longer to bee a slaue when she might beâ— free nor to him who deseru'd so ill from her as if shee lou'd ill so well as to bee bound to it yet did hee neuer name his friend though by discourse said he knew him euer protesting to name none in such kindes Shee only answerd this that so much she lou'd and honour'd truth as shee desir'd shee might liue in that if a fault and grow old with such a vertue whose worthines would giue her youth and eternity in comfort and honor to the world her wrincles by truth would bee closed and shee seeme as faire as euer her palenesse and losse of complexion restor'd by the rarenesse of such a vertue and her Age as by Medeas charmes turn'd to infancy in the cleerenesse and ablenesse of such worth Hee lamented her misfortune shee smil'd to heare him so much mistake and told him 't was her perfection this is the error said he of women and yet not generally doe they erre in this kinde so as I may only say of a woman and of one of the best and therefore the more to be pittied The Florentine did naturally loue strange things and such as could hardly be compass'd wherefore hee had a great desire to see this Lady againe and to court her and so resolu'd to trye his fortune hauing as he thought as much boldnesse and winning power as any man To helpe him on the same talking Knight came againe the next day