seeing I might not trust my â—elfe vvith mine owne government I chose manie friends and being by nature given to hate pride to eschue a vice so loathâ—ome thinking it might not be done otherwise I began to affect popularitie But I had scarce liv'd thus a twelue-month vvhen my cousin the kings sonne a yong man who besides the hope of succession for vvhich the Courtiers did adore him had nothing more then ordinary in him grew suspicious of my practises as he term'd them to which humor besides the mistrust of his owne little desert his Sycophants the bellowes of this fire did daily add further causes to encrease his jealousie But seeing the discoverie of his suspicion vvould little please the king vvho ever since the death of my father had doubled his care upon me he vvas compel'd to dissemble a good liking towards me In meane time a truce made for some few yeares vvith the Duke of Amasia being expir'd the vvar grew hote on both sides at length after the triall of manie changes in fortune necessitie mediating a peace betweene them my selfe being given as hostage for performance of certain coÌ„ditions of my uncles part a perpetuall league vvas concluded onâ— 't was now and not before mischiefe began to unmaske her selfe and take a pride to grow terrible There vvas at Court during my abode there attending upoÌ„ the Dutchesse a Lady by name Alcida whose many excellencies won as many hearts as she had beholders nature making her beautie shape but the most faire Cabinet of a farre fayrer mind To her mine eyes at first sight gave up my heart with so fortunate an encounter in affectioÌ„ that this surrender vvas but a mutuall exchange she having in a mercifull gratefulnes fixt her love one mine But her parentage though not base was so meane in respect of my birth that thence vvhole armies of afflictions did invade my mind equally distracted betweene my desire to enjoy this my best of happines and feare of my uncles displeasure on whom this match for his care and love of me I was sure vvould draw on an untimely death But before I could determine a doubt of â—o great consequence the conditions of the league being faithfully performed I was safely at a day prefixt sent back to Natolia desirous even in my soule desirous I am sure rather by their breach of covenant to have hazzarded my life then thus cruelly to be taken away from her presence vvho far beyond my life was most deere to me Soone after my returne the king as if the Gods had stay'd him to see the quiet of his State now that vvas brought to passe worne vvith age and much broken vviâ—h travell care in his last warrs left his kingdome to his degenerate sonne successor who had no sooner seized upon the government but meaning to begin his raigne vvith an admirable act of policie now his power vvas unrestrain'd limits me to the absence from my countrey declaring my bloud for ever uncapable of succession and not content vvith this to such a height his undeserved malice to me vvas raised that he dealt vvith some bad ministers of his wickedness secretly to make me away To prevent therfore vvhat vvas plotted against me disguising my selfe I hastily fled away making use of necessity to further my affection I put my self into the service of a Nobleman here in the Court of Amasia easily remaining undiscovered among them who vvould sooner fall out vvith their eyes then beleeve that the greatnesse wherein they lately had seene me could admit so great a change By meane vvhereof I enjoyed the presence of my Alcida whose constancie neither time nor abseÌ„ce the mothes of affectioÌ„ nor vvhat is more this my change in fortune could alter Thus vvhile I liv'd in this happinesse of servitude Mermidon brother to the Duke having commanded with fortunate successe against the Dazians returned to Court vvhere seeing this Lady he became enamoured of her to no other end then to satisfie his lust and thinking at first because he vvas in good esteemâ— vvith himselfe she vvould have strain'd her modestie to sue for the acceptaÌ„ce of a present so gratefull to him a while he was silent but when he perceived the vanitie of his fruitlesse expectation found that this delay encreas'd the fury of his passion dispensing with the Matie he had taken on he began to make known his love to her for such a title did he give to so base a desire forgetting not vvithal to tell her that to excuse her modestie he had first spoken her wishes But the vertuous Alcida loathing as much the thought of such a sinne as shee loved the memorie of me together with a â—esolute deniall let him know how base his minde was that made so injurious a request Wherat Mermidon because this answer came unexpected was so much the more amazed But bringing arguments from his late practise in the warre he began to think his honor would be the greater if after long resistance he did surprise a well defended for t therefore daily both by rich gifts the base enamell of affection manie promises which to win the more upon her were sent by one of her owne sexe who if example might move her could tell of such a president in her â—elfe did he seeke to undermine her resolution Meane time my constant Alcida seeing the inteÌ„perance of Mermidons lust to bring the threats of force with it not daring to speake with me because our conference began to be suspected sent me a letter to hasten her carrying away appointing this the fatall place of our meeting I much rejoyc'd to be so neere my happinesse the rather that since our last conference I received intelligence that my young cousin of Natolia being made away by one whom he had rais'd to an undeserved height in his favour the countrey was in great distresse by the factious ambition of the Nobilitie and that the best affected to the State much desired my presence But these meanes how well soever as I thought conducing to my happinesse by the unmercifulnesse of my hard destinie were prevented as one of those whom 't was my fortune to kil at his death revealed for Mermidoâ— having intercepted the messenger mad with rage to finde his hopes crost by so meane a man as he tooke me to be having again seal'd up the letter he caus'd it to be delivered and determining to be reveng'd sent these men to apprehend me himself intending to follow presently leading with him my deerest Alcida whom in my presence to ad a glorie to the execrablenes of the offence he means to ravish And now sir you have heard said he all what my selfe knowes of my birth fortune ever till this time when I am well assur'd my end is neere at hand kept secret He scarce had clos'd up this lamentable storie with a heartie sigh the compendious abridgment of his sufferings when we might discerne Mermidon with twentie
speech But Hellen not able longer to restraine the overflow of her panting heart began to cry out Vnkinde Amphialus This also did the Eccho repeate But shee hearing by the rebound of the words Amphialus accus'd Discourteous Nymph said shee how is Amphialus unkinde can the harmonie of such excellence admit so foule a fault to beare a part with his vertues Yet wo is me he is unkinde could his hard heart else suffer this love of his which I onely name because it is the onely part worth naming in me thus long unregarded Could not my Crown crown'd in being a foot-stoole to Amphialus have purchas'd some respect Alas no how could unhappie Hâ—llen expect the Fates reserv'd so great a blessing in store for her She had not long debated the reasons of her misfortune when Rinatus the onely brother to Timotheus but yonger by manie years chanc'd to passe that way a man on whom Fame had bestow'd deservingly the name of Valiant yet of disposition so mischievously cruell ambitiously proude that where his deeds might well have claim'd so great an honour there his conditions as well weighed brought a reproachfull burthen to the ballance of his reputation Hee his father dying yong unwilling to dismember his estate and unable otherwise to satisfie the hopes of his sonnes ambition hearing of the vvarres of Laconia went thither where soone he purchased the opinioÌ„ of a man resolute to undertake fortunate to execute what he had undergone and serving under Eborbas chiefe coÌ„mander for the King because of the sympathie of humours betweene them whereby Nature did insinuate for Rinatus and taught him flatterie without dissimulation he grew great in his favour Soone after this Eborbas in a conflict between him the Helots being mortally vvounded yet in death carefull of the vvelfare of his countrey recommded this Rinatus partly for his good liking of him but principally for his experience in vvarres and well-seconded judgemeÌ„t to the King vvho though with some opposition the countrey men repining at his a strangers advancemeÌ„t after his trustie Eborba's death preferred him to the same place his discharge of which outwent so farre the envie of the jealous Noblemen that well might their King and they in the death of the valiant Eborbas deplore the losse of a private man but must confesse that his watchfull care and undanted well-ordered courage did survive in this their Generall In this esteeme he had scarce lived a year when hearing of his brother and nephewes death together vvith his undoubted right to the large territorie which his brother in his life time had enjoied he notwithstanding coÌ„tinued in the charge to which he vvas lately advanc'd framing in his conceit his new-acquired greatnesse but as a step to clime the soveraigntie of Laconia which being elective he thought the easier to be compas'd having by his bounteous affability gain'd â—he hearts of the souldiers and being alreadie possest of the chiefe Forts the best strength of the countrey wherein he had plac't such who had their devotions link't to his will because they ought him the benefite of their creation But finding the accomplishment of these practises to depend upon the death of the King which his youth promised was unlikely soone to happen and fearefull to draw on the discovery of his practises by seeking any secret meanes to make him away whoÌ„ the vvatchful eye of dutifull observance did vvarrant secure from anie trayterous plots he solicites the King to dispence vvith his presence who seeing the ground of his journey to be the just cause of his long-deferr'd revenge for Timotheus his brother and Philoxenus his nephewes death Now a peace vvas lately concluded vvith the Helots and therefore his absence the more excusable upon condition of a speedy returne though unwilling yet for his satisfaction grants his request vvho now on his journey and having in his vvay to crosse this valley met the unfortunate Queene vvhom though her habiâ—e might disguise her words overheard did assure Rinatus his vvillingnesse to beleeve that she vvas the same she so often spake her selfe to be the unfortunate Hellen. A while hee stood doubtfull of the person a vvhile amaz'd at so fortunate an encounter and a long time perplex'd vvhat punishmeÌ„t his revenge would judge fit for the conceited heinousnesse of his brother and nephewes death At length the Queen now first vvithdrawing her thoughts from that object vvhereto affection in sweetest contemplation had bound them suffering her mind before retyr'd vvithin it selfe now to be inform'd by her servants senses seeing this stranger neer her began as her maner vvas to finde by enquirie vvhat he knew of Amphialus Wicked vvoman replyed Rinatus the all-seeing Iustice hath now deliver'd thee to receive fit punishment for Philoxenus Timotheus death using no more vvordes presently caus'd her to be mounted on horseback prolonging her life to make her death the more miserable Thus farre hath Mylama discover'd vvho poore Lady vvas there left most cruelly beaten to be the reporter of Rinatus revenge and her Mistris hard hap The last act of this Tragedie my Master had the fortune to know by one of trust great esteeme in the Court of Laconia to vvhich Rinatus had conveyed Hellen vvhere for a time she vvas honourably entertain'd finding no vvant but of command and libertie the King belike fearing the power of the vvronged CorinthiaÌ„S preserâ—ing her as a sure Card for a dead lift But vvhen he understood that one Tenarus a man apt to practise innovations and at thâ—s time able vvhen the many-headed multitude vvanted the awfull presence of their soveraigne tooke upon him the governmeÌ„t pretending a title to the crown as descended froÌ„ those from whoÌ„ Hellens ancestors as he alledged had trayterously forc'd it Then did the Tyrant of Laconia finding the vvay secure for his mischievous practise vehemently importuned by Rinatus and urg'd forward by the politick vvickednesse of his owne desire to pleasure the new King secretly cause Hellen to be poysoned Such vvas the end of this great Queene justly belov'd of all vvho heard the fame of her vertues therefore justly to be deplor'd of all vvho heare the unredeemeable losse of so many perfections Basilius the rest of the Princes vvere much mov'd vvith so tragicall a story especially Musidorus who in search of Pyrocles having the fortune to see her could vvitnesse that though fame had borrowed all mens mouthes to proclaime her many excellencies yet it vvas far from doing right to her desert But this vvas no fit lodging for pitty to dwel in vvhere joy had so great command The Messenger therefore being permitted to part vvith free leave for his Master to enter the lists Iudges vvere appointed and the Challenge proclaim'd The Challenger understanding of the Kings liking of his demand came forth of his Pavillion vvith Armour so lively representing nakednesse vvounded in manie places vvhere the staunchlesse blood in the course the vvorkeman had allotted
in few dayes the Court was sill'd with forraigne Princes whom either the tye of a long observed league of amitie or a neerenesse in blood to Basilius at such a time brought thither to congratulate with him or were such whose honour-thirstie minds hunted after occasions to make knowne their skill in acts of Chivalrie And now was the Marriage day come when Pamela attyred in the stately ornament of beauteous Majestie ledd by the constant forwardnes of a vertuous minde waited on by the manie thoughts of the forepassed crosses in her love which now made up a perfect harmonie in the pleasing discord of indeer'd affection was brought to Church whom soone after her sister Philochea being in the same degree of happiness clad in the bashfull innocencie of an unspotted soule guided by the shamefac't desire of her Pyrocles satisfaction attended on by manie Graces of a milde cheerefulnesse followed both equally admired both equally lookt upon The Temple where-to in triumph Beautie and Majestie were ledd prisoners by the famous sisters was a fit dwelling place for the Arcadian Deities fenc'd from the Sunne and Windes too free accesse by manie rankes of even growne even set trees neere which in divided branches ran two cleere streames whose sweet murmure as they tumbled over their bed of pibble stones did much adorne the religious solitarinesse of that place And that nothing should be wanting that might set forth the carefull judgement of the builder it was seated in such a neere distance from the Palace as might not presently burie the gloriousnesse of the show nor cloy the beholders with the tediousnesse of the sight In the way on both hands vvere manie altars on vvhich the crowned intralls of the much-promising sacrifices vvere laide At the doore the two sisters vvere received by as manie Virgins attired in a vvhite Lawn liverie vvith â—arlands on their heads of Lillies and Roses intermixt holding in their left hands a paire of Pigeons the gratefull offering to the Queene of Love Soone after the accustomed Rites in the Arcadian nuptials being ended the King and Evarchus with the rest of the Princes returned unto a stately Palace sumptuously furnished vvhere both Art and Nature seem'd to be at variance vvhether should bestow most ornaments to enrich so rare a vvorke seated vvhere the earth did rise a little as proud to be the supporter of so curious a building by meane vvhereof the sight had freedome to overlooke a large territorie vvhere the greene levell of the Arcadian Plaines beautified by the intercourse of manie Forrests represented the delightfull mixture of a civill Wildernesse The building of Marble where vvhether the Art in carving into manie formes the in-vaine-resisting hardnesse of the stone the cunning in knitting these dis-joynted members or the invention in contriving their severall roomes did excell was hard to be judged of The inside also might well be the inner part of â—o glorious an outside for besides the well-matcht largenesse of the roomes and lightsome pleasantnesse of the vvindowes it was all hung with the choyce rarenesse of farr-fetcht Arras in which the ingenious workeman vvith the curious pensill of his little Needle had limm'd the dumme records of reviv'd Antiquitie Here did he present the memorable siege of Thebs vvhere the ruines of her vvalls seem'd yet to hang and make the beholders feare the downefall of the lively stones There you might see how cunningly he had expres't the constrain'd flight of the Trojan Prince and the cruell sacrifice of enraged Dido's love Nor vvas the story of Silla forgotten vvho there stood before Minos with the present of her fathers fatall hayreâ— vvhile you might perceive by his bent browes and disdainfull countenance the just reward of her unnaturall attempt With these and others vvherein cost and invention strove for the masterie vvere the Hangings adorned yet these manie Stories did so stealingly succeed each other that the most curious observers eye though his admiration might dwell on each peece could find no cause of stay untill he had overlookt them all But neither these nor what Art or Nature could have added did set forth so much the Palace as the gracefull presence of the Arcadian sisters whose beauties till now of long time had borne a part with their troubled minds in a sweet pilgrimage to a happie event And therefore at this present so far disburdened of those thoughts as 't was to be setled in the most desir'd enjoying of unspeakable blisse the imagination would needs perswade if it were possible were bettered Dinner being set ended while the Knights who to honour that day with Tilting and to shew vvhat they dar'd and could affect in the service as they thought of unresistable beauties were putting on their Armour there entred the Hall a Page who with submissive humblenesse told the King he was sent from his Master the naked Knight who desired there to be received as a Challenger to eternize as the justnesse of his cause required the famous memorie of his deceased Mistris Hellen the Queene of Corinth Basilius much pittying the before unheard death of so excellent a Queene will'd the Page to relate the circumstance which being strange in it selfe and of so great a subject wrought a passionate willingnesse in the hearers to be attentive After that fortune said he had bestowed by the conquest of Amphialus at Cecropia's Castle the victorie on his adversarie the black Knight this Queene having long time by the command of Love her inward Tyrant made all Greece a Stage for her wandring passions at length vvent thither where the end of her search vvas the beginning of her sorrowâ—s Finding the curtaines of eternall night readie to close up his eyes who in the voyage her affection made had alway beene the Port she steered too yet hoping shee knew not what that if perhaps Proserpine should meete in Elizium his departed soule she vvould in meere compassion of her sorrow send it back to reinhabite her ancient seate shee carried the life-little-desiring bodie to Corinth vvhere at that time liv'd an aged maÌ„ by name Arteliâ— one vvhose fortunate experience in desperate cures had made famous Him by the powerfull command of his Queene and the humble teareâ— of a still-mistrusting lover she conjures to employ the uttermost of his skill in preserving him in whom she liv'd Some time there vvas ere his vitall spirits almost now prov'd strangers to their wonted mansion would accept the tye of hospitalitie but when the haâ—d of Art had taught them courteâ—ie and that each sense though faintly did exerâ—ise his charge Amphialus returning to himselfe from that sweet ignorance of cares wherein he liv'd began to question in what estate the Castle was against the besiegers thinking he had alwaâ— been there when Hellen entred the room with a countenance where beautie appear'd thorow the cloudes of care and feare of his danger Her the double and deepely wounded patient bearing still about him the inward picture of Philoclea vvhom long
no such mischiefe should after happen They well weighing whence it arose being fully satisfied by the Oracle enact this law That neyther private nor publick respect shall detaine a virgin from revealing her love if her friends or pareÌ„ts thinks another then she hath chosen more fit for her the combate between them two shall determine the Gods pleasure How unwilling I was to hazzard my Persidas in this triall love that bleeds in the thought of a danger can best assure you but his earnestnesse that it might be so and the hard constraint that it could not be otherwise won me to it The day therefore being appointed Fluento upon whoÌ„ Fame the flatterer of greatnesse had pin'd the opinioÌ„ of valour entred the lists mounted on a bay Courser whose armour all over represented a greene Plaine through which ran little rivelets of bloud that sprung froÌ„ the wounds of manie Centaures dispearc't over all the field In his shield he bore the counterfeit of Hercules Deianira with this word â—ndeer'd by Conquest From him my Persidas drew the eyes hearts of all the company his horse was a fierie sorrell his armour like the azure skie curiously spotted with manie starres vvhose glimpse the vvell set Diamonds by reflection of the Sun represented shewed as if night had flowen thither to end in that assembly some controversie betweene her her brother In his shield he caus'd Andromada and Perseus to be ingraven vvith this vvord Never too deerly bought But I must hasten to the event said she for long I finde you may not enjoy your Historian Know therefore that my Persidas contenting himself only with the victorie vvhen he might have taken wo is me that he vvas so mercifull Fluento's life vvas accepted by my father for his sonne in law good fortune as I then thought changing my husband not my day of marriage In meane time Fluento repining at his disgrace and desirous even upon the basest teaâ—mes to be revenged plotted a treacherie unheard of against him This morning having before heard we were to hunt in this forrest Fluento with that companie your valor hath brought to their deserved ends lay in wait for us and when my selfe my Persidas Count Bruniâ— my father and the rest having followed the chase were left alone behold these bloudie villaines coÌ„ming unawares upon him with manie vvounds sent hiâ— soule to that place vvhither mine hoping to finde a more lasting union in that life then our loves hath found in this doth also hasten with this word her dull languishing eyes began to roll as if they strove to reserve motioÌ„ in spite of death yet raising her selfe a little her love found breath to say this Let me be buried by my Persidas and so grasping my hand as it vvere to put me in mind of her last words alas she dyes But manie teares I could not have bestowed as obsequies upon her vvhen some of her fathers traine vvho by chance crossing that way vvhere Persidas lay dead guided by Fidutio who vvith their helps had now taken my horse came to this place to whom vvhen I had related all vvhat I learn'd from Leaucade of Persidas his death together vvith her last vvill vvee all join'd hands in carrying her to the next village vvhither also certaine of their fellowes vvhom they had left behinde to that end conveyed the bodie of Persidas from whence soone after Count Brunio having begg'd of griefe a little respite of life to fulfill his daughters testament brought them both with all funerall pomp to his chiefe citie Coniga vvhere he â—aus'd a stately Tombe to be built for them on which this Epitaph vvas ingraven Love Beauty Valour when their death drew nye Consulted long where they should buried lye At length with one consent they hastned hither And chose this place to be intomb'd together Leaving the wofull kingdom of Argos no better accoÌ„panied then with Fidutio yet better guarded by Satibarsis armor my sorrow I think that bore infection with it made all places where I came fit stages for tragedies for descending unto a green valley where of each side the rocky mountains threatned the humble earth with the frowns of their downe-cast browes I might see a young man leaning with both hands on his sword breathing as overtoyl'd with labour and round about him foure or five cast prostrate at his feete who vvere dead or thoght their counterfeiting so to be vvould prove their best defence against this young mans furie But the clashing of my armor had no â—ooner made known my approach then he came running towards me uttering vvords whereby I might gather his quarrell to me brought the excuse of mistake with it Not to draw on therfore his misconceived opinioÌ„ that his breathlesse companions did witnes would be dangerous for me Sir replyed I I am so farre from maintaining their cause vvhose revenge upon a lone man being so manie mine owne eyes do perswade me vvas injurious that had I come at the beginning of your fight though this event shewes I should but have rob'd you of part of the honour of this action I vvould have joyn'd my selfe to you Alas sir said he to oppose your selfe against me though it vvere the more unjust would be the most secure vvay for vvhat you see is but a fore-runner of a certain destructioÌ„ soon at hand Leave me therfore courteous â—ir seek for safety death to me is so gratefull that I envie you should be a partner in so great a gaine But it were a fault unpardonable to have abandoned the most accomplisht man that ever mine eyes before that time beheld my resolution therefore though hard against his will must have prevail'd vvith him so that intreating to know the cause of his former fight further doubt I found his courtesie as forward in the relation of his own danger as it was obstinate in the care of my safetie Sir said he seeing my storie will be but a heape of misfortunes I shall do wel to lay the foundatioÌ„ my selfe then vvhom the Sunne looks not upon a more miserable creature My name is Cariâ—lio nephew by his brother Castor to the king of Natolia brought up in my youth in the good opinion of my uncle and the great expectation of manie Fortune then belike proroguing my miseries until a more serious age should make me more sensible of themâ— vvhich time had no sooner brought on but that my ill fate to traine me up for the burden of the mischiefe that vvas prepar'd for me began by little little to make me acquainted with the course I vvas to run first taking away my father vvhose vertuous age deserved if that may be thought a recompence for desert a longer time in this life vvhen he vvas dead that the slipperie steps of my rash youth vvanted the stay of his fatherly advice presently not knowing vvhat one mans hands I should put the raynes of my then unbridled youth into and yet well
knowne his death the magistrates of the towne striving vvho could be best sighted in the discoverie of the murther hoping to have the reward of their diligence from their Queene Artaxia soone found out as a man to be most suspected the messenger come from Court vvhom Plexertus had till late in the night kept in his chamber to know of him the particulars oâ— Arguto's revolt This fellow because none more likely in the vvilde form of their popular justice vvas to dye a thousand manner of deathes But he making just protestations of his innocencie being questioned vvhat occasion he had so long to stay the last night vvith the King if not for that end He plainly let them know vvhat Arguto discover'd which he then reported to Plexertus The many-headed multitude called not the truth much in question of vvhat they heard but vvith the same violence as before every one in this also thinking to gratifie the Queene ran to as uncertaine a forme of execution on the dead as they did before to a judgement of the living first they stript the bodie naked then dragg'd it through the streets now they open his belly and suffer his gutts to marke forth his progresse doing many mo indignities to him vvho had deserved many more I much rejoyc'd to heare Plexertus had beene so just to himselfe yet I determined to join Erona's revenge on Artaxia to Plexertus his judgemeÌ„t on himselfe but her an untimely death had freed from my revenge for taking to the heart Plexertus his treacheries her brother Teridates unrevenged death she calmely gave her selfe over to a life oppressing griefe leaving her kingdome young sonne to the care of Salindor vvhom she appointed Protector during the minoritie Returning therefore somewhat grieved that both Plangus and Erâ—na's death without my help had beene revenged I conveyed the bodies to Lycia vvhere the sumptuousnesse of their Tombes shewes their estates and their everlasting fame their everliving vertues From hence I vvould have parted private but remembring Plangus his last will I pass'd thorow â—masia restoring his son to the Duke and comming to Byzantium I gave up my charge into the hands of Lisantus a Macedonian leaving the souldiers full of heartie sorrow for the death of Plangus their Generall Soone after hearing of your death and resolv'd to sacrifice my blood to your memorie to disingage my selfe of some part of my faultinesse leaving Fidutio in Thrace lest by him I should be discovered disguising my selfe in an armour fitly as I thought presenting the massacre of my naked heart passing the Courts of Elis Argos lastly comming hither I met what should I more say with thee my Hellen reserv'd to be a blessing beyond vvhat most I could desire And so vvith a sincere fervencie kissing her hand they both walk't towards the Pallace where having ended Supper vvhile Basilius and Evarcus vvith the rest expected a Maske prepar'd for them the Queene of Corinth let them know what she had heard of Plangus Erona together vvith Plexertus deserved end and the death of Artaxia The audience greatly pittied their fortunes especially Pyrocles vvho much griev'd to heare of Plangus his death for the love he bore his vertues vvas no lesse troubled at Plexertus his mischance for his deere servant Zelmanes sake But the entry of the Maskers caus'd him put over those thoughts to more solitarines his eye being fed vvith a daintie varietie of representations and his eares vvith most harmonious well-agreeing musick to which the footing kept so good time that doubtfull it was whether the musick conform'd it selfe to the life of their motion or the Maskers their motion to the musicks livelinesse But night mask't in these sports crept on undiscover'd and though Pyrocles and Musidorus at other times would dispence with the length of the sports yet now in respect of the armfulls of joy they vvere to expect in bed they thought them tedious which once perceiv'd their dances were sooner at an end then was intended Thus dayes nights past over as if they had no other Spheare then delight to move in the appointed time for Amphialus his marriage was at hand to which Basilius invited the Shepheards both to chaÌ„ge their daily pleasures as also to shew Evarcus that though a greater cause had mov'd him to the solitarie course of life by him imbrac't yet the witts of Arcadia and the pleasantnesse of their harmelesse life might have drawne him to that retirednesse The Eclogves Kalydolus now minded to marrie his daughter and uncertain whether he should bestow her on the contented young Arcadian Menaleas or the much-having much-wanting Thessalian Coridon who both vvere then present hearing of this summons puts over their cause to be determined by Basilius And Strephon and Klaius no lesse desirous to bring Vrania's name to Court joined themselves to the rest Nor was Agelastus waÌ„ting who not for a Mistris but Heraclitus-LIKE thinking man was made to mourne repining at the vanitie of greatnesse had maintain'd a religious sorrow No sooner was the companie set and that their silence began to proclaime their expectation but Strephon who before his comming had prepar'd an Epithalanium began thus to sing Str. Sweet linck of hearts joyes surest anchor-hold Loves peacefull Crowne the harbour of desires Hymen approach but think not Pan too bold If to invoke thy name our love aspires Dwell heere for ever that this couple may Renew the blessings of their marriage day Firme be their roote of love and cause a blisse From forth this royall happie stock to spring That all the world may justly say he is Vvorthy to be and to succeed a king But shorten not their dayes for 't is decreed The best can be but worthy to succeed Amphialus thankt Strephon for his heartie wishes but he had scarce ended when Klaius looking upon him with as sower a countenance as their friendship could allow thus said Kla. I pray thee Strephon if these glorious showes Of Courts admired greatnâ—sse do not close Thy mind froÌ„ former thoughts where can thy layes Finde other subject then Vrania's prayse Or dost thou fondly thinke thou wert too blame To breathe among these Lords Vrania's name Or is it certaine that her flames in thee Are quench't that lately doubled were in mee Str. Nor so nor thus that verse I last day made As with my flock I sate in Hestars shade I studied it yet all my studie was I vow to strive to let Vrania passe For'twas the only name my pen would write My thoughts imagine or my lipps indite Am I not bold when nights vast stage is set And all the starres and heavenly audience met To speake my mind while their bright twinkling flame Seemes to rejoyce to heare Vrania's name And shall I feare that what the heavens approv'd By men though great men should be disallow'd But where you thinke that I have check't mine eye And freed your Strephon from their treacherie O no mine is
delight Her Band her Gowne be envious vayles that â—ide Her stately neck her round and slender side Yet now a while againe that cloud remove And draw her hand the adamant of love Here meare the soft and alabaster plaines With the neat windings of her azure vaines And cause them first from forth five Rocks of snow As from their springs in manie streames to flow And let them still encrease as swolne with pride Nature had made them through such fields to glide Now Painter you may draw her outside downe Your Art without my helpe can paint a gowne O draw it not so long 't will hide her foot These graces sweet support and gracefull root Paint not a spangled Rose to show the In Where such a neate fine guest is lodg'd within Now all is done but Painter you must censure If this come neere my Mistris portrature P. Yes sir this colour and this forme of face Resemble somewhat but the life of grace Life's active motion in her rowling eye Her humble state and courteous majestie What art can paint or what mellefluous tonguâ— Can fit the subject with a worthy song Then to conclude good sir I must confesse Your tongue did little and my hand did lesse Finis The description of a Tempest Bound for my countrey from the Cambrian shoreâ— I cut the deepe the Mariners implore With whistling prayer the winde growne too milde To hasten to beget their sayles with childe The humble Sea as of our ship afraid Pale breathlesse prostrate at our feet is laid The Morne scarse out of bed did blush â—o see Her rude beholders so unmannerly She scarse had blusht when she began to hide Her rosie cheekes like to a tender Bride To sute Aurora all the heavens put on A mournfull vayle of black as shee had done And gave the garments to the Sea they wore Wherewith it growes more blew now then before This stage being set the lightnings tapers were The drumms such thunder as affright each eare Vpon this summons great King Eolus Attended on by Nothus and Zephirus Enters and where the King his steps doth place The waves do swell trod with so proud a grace He was to speake but opening of his mouth The boisterous winde did blow so hard at South I could not heare but as the rest told me He spoke the prologue for a Tragedie Behold huge mountaines in the watry maine That lately was a smooth and liquid plaine Ore which our Sea-drunke Barque doth reeling ride She must obey but knowes not to which tyde For still she plowes that rugged mutinous place All skilfull Pilots call the breaking race A while ambition bare her up so hie Her proud discoloured flagg doth touch the skie But when the winds these waves doe beare away She hangs in ayre and makes a little stay But downe againe from such presumptuous height Shee 's headlong borne by her attractive weight Into the hollow of a gaping grave Intomb'd of each side with a stately wave Downe poure these billows from their height of pride Our Barque receives them in at every side But when they finde no place where to remaine The scuddle holes do let them out againe At length as Castles where no force can finde A conquest by assault are undermin'd So in our Barque whose walls no waveâ— could breake We do discover a most trayterous leake To this though much our hopes do now decline We do oppose the Pump our countermine That midway breakes whereat our Master cryes All hope is past the Seas must close our eyes And to augment deaths hideous show the more We in the Poope can scarse discerne the Prore Such ugly mists had overcast the ayre That heaven I thought had meant we should despayreâ— But in the last act of this Tragedie Behold our great Gods all-dâ—sâ—erning eye Caus'd in an instant these thick mists disbandâ— The windes are calm'd and we at Skerries land Dread ruler of the floods whose powerfull will Each thing that hath a being must fulfill Whose hand markes forth the end of each mans dayesâ— And steers our humane ship in unknowne wayes To thee great guide this incense I present Thou gav'st me time to live and â—o repent To his neere kinswoman Laid in my bed to give each wearied sense For â—ormer paines a drowsie recompence My â—aking minde â—o whose ill hap it â—ell To be my care-tyr'd bodies Centinell Borne on the winged Chaâ—â—st of my thought Vnto the bankâ—s of Acheron was brought Where greedy Tantall makes a vaine puâ— sâ—â—te To catch the coâ—sening falling flying fruite Sometimes his watry mouth and downecast eyes For pittie craves the ebbing stood to rise But in his prayer he deceipâ— prepares And strives to catch the Apples unawares They at his motion as a shadow fly And give a surâ—eâ—â— only to his eye I smil'd â—e lâ—ok'd and wâ—sht I might remaine Another Tantall with as little gaine I fâ—igâ—ted si aâ—â— and straight my curious eye Prov'd Tantals wish a â—atall prophesie I see the sweetnesse of your ruddie leere And cannot taste and yet I am too neere Neerenesse doth dull and set my teeth on edge Your blouâ— restraines affection's priviledge I love to looke upon you yet lesse deere You never are then when I see you 're neere Distance in some doth quench affections â—ire But neerenesse is the death of my desire Thus neerenesse hurts O that the Fates allow'd That You or Love a little were remov'd On her lipps Shamefac't Cherrie blush no more Nor esteeme your beauties store To be lessened cause you see Her lips excell much worth may bee In your Vermillion though no eye Can discerne a parâ—lie You worthy were to set at odds As did the Apple all the Godds But then had nature showne this payâ—e These rosie lips so sweetly fayre Both would be prizelesse and the blisse That crownd reward had been a kisse He showes his Mistris how he came to love her before he saw her Deare fayre the blinde boy loath to be depriv'd Of seeing her whom fame so much admir'd Assum'd mine eyes to gaze on that bright day Which to the world your orient beames display And now returnes them fraight with love to meâ— To make me smart for what the wagge did see Thus I though absent love do not despise What Cupid gives for interest of mine eyes On the beauteous black Ophelia Heavens glorious Senators of late To mend the worlds confused state Met on Olympus where the wrongs By Poets over-studied songs Done to the Gods they must redresse And after comming tongues represse Vnshorne Apollo showes his hayre By thousands cut â—o make her fayre Whom they adore The Sunne doth say He scarse hath time to serve the day They hale him so who poetize Into their Mistris beauteous eyes That he is hid with meere disgrace To see two Sunnes in every face But mother Earth to move the more Vnlac'd the garment she then wore Then said Behold â— doâ— complaine Who most have cause I feele the paineâ— My Alabaster and my Pearle Make up the parts of every gyrleâ— See all the roomes of Poetry Hung round with my embroydery They all were mov'd a meane was found To helpe the Gods and save the ground With one consent they do decree The chiefe of beauties black should beeâ— Then Iove to see how beautie might Become that colour brings to light The sweet Ophelia whose black eyes The Stage whereon loves tragedies Be daily acted show they erre Who bring their similes so farre The Sunnes bright rayes Apollo's hayre Fit not this new well chosen fa'yre No gorgeous lemms no earthly pelfe Black hath no likenesse but it selfe A Farewell Live ever happy let my love remaine A pledge for me till I returne againe Let not these lips whose sweetly yeelding tucâ— With one deare kisse reward my love too much Be made a sponge whence each man may be free To suck the Nectar only due to mee Seale up these eyes let not them wound each heart I doe desire few fellowes in my smart Let these thrice-happie gloves still shade the plaines Thus sweetly interlac'd with azure vaines Cut not their singers lest the curious eye Perhaps these shafts of love chance â—â—espie What would it then avayle to hide the rest When that sole part inslames his wounded brest Be alway sitting no that posture â—ills The steadie eyes with that that charmes that kills Walke then awhile alas that motion gives Life unto beautie it by moving lives What can you then observe what may I wish That helpes not to betray where beauty is Then dearest since no art can hinder love I will make you famous if you constant prove O gaine that praise add that unto your feature You are the fayrest be the faithfull'st creature To his BOOKE There is a Saint whom you may â—inde If you have eares or be not blindâ— Even shee whose speech and beautie charmes The blinde boy from his mothers armes Not that O what a foole thou art Come back and reade her in my heart And then before you flye away I le teach you wâ—ere and what to say I le show you wayes that though I fayle To gaine a kiâ—â—e you may prevayle Tye up in knots your strings and lye Neere her in gilded braverie Shee l looke and with her snow-white hands Strive to untye your knottie bands Yeeld not if she aske the cause Say that such are womens lawes Then will a prettie rage incense Her teeth to offer violence Be happie then enjoy a blisse I want you have you gaine I wish Shee kiss'd in anger you 'l complaineâ— Would I had kisses of disdaine What if a niggard cherries have Of which his friends a few doe crave The cherries taste nothing the worse That he bestowes them with a curse Let others have I know not what I le buy such fruite at any rate But be not proude forget not me Thou silly peece of Poetry Say that my Love my only store Is gone and can returne no more Shee 'l send it back shee 'l say but sweare Shee cannot till her eyes forbeare To wound anew else like a boy That lets his hopping Sparrow toy In new-go freedome and againe Restraines him with his flaxen rayne Shee 'l give and take and loose and tyeâ— And make a sport of victorie O no â—faith I am more wise I le never leave to love her eyes Finis Pag. 8. lin 7. for laughing reade languishing