ye Gods who both see and heare my unjust sorrowes and my just complaints either bestow a welcome death upon me or else take away the memory of so many displeasures from mee The Gods said the Servant doe use to favour those who by their courage and Prudence endeavour to helpe themselves in their misfortunes and to decline those who losing their heart and courage have recourse only to prayers and weake tears why doe you thinke did they bestow upon you a soule of a higher generosity then upon others doe you thinke it was to make use of it only in prosperity and not to encounter the gusts of adversity Certainely Sir you ought to shew the effects of it upon all occasions especially in adversity to the end that those who â—ee that vertue in you may praise the Gods for imparting so much perfection unto man and considering it in you they may come to the knowledge of the great Giver Will you offer to abuse the favours and the hopes which every one hath in you I have heard some say who knew you in your infancy that you promised a noble courage even from the very Cradle and shewed so much generosity of soule as every one conceived that you would prove an example unto the world of an invincible spirit will you not Sir answer all their hopes and expectations There are some women who thinke it a shame to shrinke at the blowes of Fortune though their natures be pusillanimous and timerous yet being disposed unto vertuous ends they often change their Natures you Sir are a man that very word commands you to be couragious you who are a Cavelier brought up in Martiall wayes and hath looked grim death in the face you who have acquired great reputation in the greatest dangers you I say who are Damon who never started at any difficulty now faint at such an accident as this Will you offer to die before you doe an act worthy not only of a Cavelier but of a common man Halladine Halladine answered the Cavelier these considerations are good in another season or in any other man but my selfe alas what act can I doe which will doe me any good only dying excepted for all others are displeasing unto her for whom only I desire to live Thou knowest that Madonthe is the only aime of all my desires and since all my hopes of her is lost what can I desire but death But Sir said Halladine how doe you know that all your hopes of Madonthe are lost Thou thy selfe said the Cavelier dost know as much give me leave to tell you Sir replyed Halladine that I doe know how the case stands better then you doe for Sir when you commanded me to carry your letter and Thersanders Ring unto her and the Handkerchief full of your blood unto the hellish Leriana by chance I met with them both together and though that divellish wretch who was the cause of all your misery did stand immovable at your message which I declared from you unto them yet I observed Madonthe first to grow pale afterwards to tremble and lastly when shee heard of your death and saw the blood she was surprised with so much sorrow that had she not beene held she had sunke downe so as had I thought you alive doubtlesse I had brought you very good newes from her Oh my friend Halladine said the Cavelier what a weake conclusion dost thou make Didst thou but know the nature of women thou wouldst confesse with me that such alterations in them doe proceed rather from Compassion then Passion for certainly all women are naturally pittifull and compassion is an ordinary effect of their weake soules so as what thou observest in Madonthe proceeded from the pittifulnesse of her Nature But Halladine it is not pitty or compassion but passion and love that I doe desire from her and this thou didst not discover in her soule Alas Sir said Halladiâ—e unto what a miserable condition are you reduced since you your selfe are the very worst enemy that you have I wonder such an accident should worke such an alteration in your judgement Admit the worst that Madonthe does not love you yet if you desire to overcome her and obtaine her favour why doe you not goe where she is but shun all community with mankind or habitable places Since hatred is the higher said the Cavelier for seeing the person hated have I not good reason to shun the sight of Madenthe because she hates me and so being deprived of her whom onely I desire all things else that I see are displeasing unto mee why then shouldest thou thinke it strange that I should disrellish all others since I cannot see Madonthe Good Sir said Halladine what comfort can you expect to finde in Wildernesses and uncoth savage places Death said the Cavelier for that is all the comfort I hope for since it is so said Halladâ—ne is it not better to go and die before Madonthes face that she may see you die for her then to languish away your life amongst Rockes and Caves and solitary Woods where none knowes what you do Thou sayest well Halladine answered the Cavelier but thou knowest that Madonthe is fled away with her darling Thersander and to enjoy him with more security keepes close from any finding them Dost thou thinke that I would not have had recourse unto some desperat act if I had not had such an intention as thou speakest of Upon these words teares hindered his speech and pitty moved Halladine unto the same so as for a while they both stood speechlesse Paris who listned attentively hearing Madonthe named could not at the first imagine it to be her whom he had seen disguised in the habit of a shepheardesse with Astrea and Diana But when he heard Thersander named he made no doubt but that it was she and therefore he hearkned more attentively when Halladine began to speak thus For my part sir said Halladine were your case mine I would never die for one who changes me for another but if the displeasure of it did so far transport me as to resolve upon death I would first send death to the man who is the cause of my losse before me and he should die by no hand but my owne For beside the sweet of revenge I would let her who changed me for him see what a bad choice she had made I would never suffer him to inherit my happinesse after my death Therefore I advise you sir if you be resolved upon death that first you give Thersander his death who is the obstacle of your happinesse and cause of your death I must confesse said the Cavaâ—er that in this thou speakest reason but Halladine thou knowest he conceales himselfe he is afraid of such a designe and to prevent it He Madonthe and her Nurse keep so close as none knowes where they are Whilest he was saying so and whilst Paris was listning with an inquisitive eare the poore distracted shepheard Adrastes came singing
Oh Tirintes Tirintes Canst thou know who did this damned act and live or breath without revenge This Shepherd in this mind went as fast as ever he could to seek Alciron transported with so much fury that had he met him he had never told who hurt him In the mean time Silvanire grew worse and worse and none looked for any thing but death Amongst those that were in the Chamber and who sadly resented this loss was the sad Aglantes whose grief was so great that he swooned almost as soon as she Menander also and Lerice whose hopes and comfort was in this Fair Daughter seeing her in this sad condition they repented that they had lived so long and accused the Gods of cruelty in bestowing so many rare endowments upon Silvanire and depriving them of her so soon all eyes that saw her in this state were turned into tears in such abundance that nothing could be heard but sighs groans and great lamentations At the last she being in extream agony and not looking to live she forced her self to speak thus unto her Father and Mother who stood sighing and sobbing by her bed side Father said she I am afraid lest the Gods should be offended at your excessive sorrow for my death you know better then I call tell you that life is not more natural then death and those who begin to live begin it with a condition to dye why then should you be sorry that I am now ready to pay that debt which all humanes are obliged to pay unto death Perhaps you are sorry the Fatal Sisters have spun the thred of my life no longer and your good nature makes you desire that as you preceded me in life so you might in death But Oh my dear Father consider how good and wise the Gods are who foreseeing the miserable condition of a young woman that is deprived of Father and Mother they would not leave me in this wicked world without a guide if you do but consider this favour which they do me you will acknowledg it to be the greatest they ever gave me But perhaps you will complain that having taken so much care and bestowed so much cost in my education I should now be taken from you when I am best able to render you those services which I ow. I must confess that if any consideration can move me to desire longer life it is this for it is a kind of ingratitude not to desire the payment of that debt which I ow at this word her pain forced her to stop and recover a little strength and she gave leisure unto all that heard her to admire her wisdom and courage thinking her to resemble a Candle which gives greatest light at the last end this consideration forced so many sighs and tears from all that heard and saw her as they were not able to speak so as when she had recollected a little strength she spoke again unto Menander and Lerice in this manner I have many things to say but my end which I perceive approacheth does hinder me only I beseech you both my dear Father and Mother to conform your selves unto the divine will of God and assure your selves that I should depart from hence more contentedly then ever I lived were I but eased of two burthens which extreamly oppress me Menander then forcing himself to speak discharge your heart my dearest child said he unto her and assure your self that as never Father had a better child then I so never child had a Father who loved her more then I do you This permission said Silvanire is the only thing that can make me leave this life with contentment which since you are pleased to allow I shall tell you Father and Mother also that I was extreamly troubled having received so many favours and benefits from your goodness and having been hitherto so unhappy in my return of that service which I ow unto you both as I shall grieve in my very soul if your good natures does not make it appear that you accept my good will and desires in recompence of so many infinite services which I ow. Then Menander kissed her and with flowing eyes said your good desires sweet child are accepted far above the duty or service which you ow great God be praised said she but alas dâ—â—e I discharge my self wholly Indeed best Father and Mother I want courage and must ask a new permission or else I cannot Lerice and Menander also and all that heard her could not forbear their sighs to see her pain and their admiration to hear her speak even when every one judged her to be at the last gasp all that were about the bed pressed Menander to give her a speedy permission which he freely did and then Silvanire fetched a deep sigh and lifting her eyes up to Heaven to shew her extream contentment and forced her self to utter these weak words You have both of you so often taught me that ingratitude is the most detestable vice amongst humanes as I think the Gods would never forgive me if I presented my self before them stained with that horrid sin Therefore I cannot hide the extream contentment which this your permission brings me since by it I may not only wash away the crime but also the thought that I was guilty of it Then taking a little breath and striving against the violence of her disease she continued thus You see said she and pointed at Aglantes that Shepherd who stands at my beds-feet and who seems to resent my sickness so sadly be pleased most dear Father and Mother to know that ever since the infancy of our days he has had so great affection to me that perhaps not any about the River of Lignon can equal him and yet all this while I do protest I never could observe in him the least action or word that could offend the most modest maid upon earth but the great Gods who know my actions my words and my most secret thoughts are my witnesses and judges whether in all this time I ever let this Shepherd know that his amity and affection was pleasing unto me And yet Aglantes do not think that any scorn was the cause of it for I know you deserve better then what you desire but it was only the duty of a maid as I am which constrained me to use you so Upon this word feeling her self extreamly in pain Oh death said she with a deep sigh I beseech thee stay a little longer and give me leisure to end that discourse which I began Then taking a little breath Oh Aglantes said she though I have been brought up in these Woods and amongst wild Rocks yet am I not so insensible as they your Virtue your Love and your Discretion did work that effect in me which you desired but knowing that my Father had a design to 〈◊〉 me otherwise then with you and being resolved never to dis-obey my Parents I resolved also never to let you know that good
nothing but truth it is reason you should know it from her since she accuseth me and would have me punished T is true said Delia it is your part to speake first I shall let you understand it in few words replyed she for our discourse was not long he spake these words unto me How Madam doe you command me to live I answered him I would not have you live as you have done for the time past for if you doe I shall never pardon you after I have given you such testimonies of my good will He answered this is a most strange command and I doe vow that I will never obey it and when I charged him with his disobedience you entred and hindred me from knowing what he would answer Then Delia turning towards me Has Daphnide told the truth said she Yes my Judg answered I and upon these words I require justice as for the injury she offered in calling me perfidious and Traytor I say nothing because you heard them and besides that they are but consequents of the first offence But said Delia which way hath she offended you For Cavaler answer unto these questions doe you not prosesse your selfe a lover of this Lady Yes answered I so that when I cease to love I cease to live Then replyed Delia do you not know that it is one of the principallest laws of Love for a Lover to obey the person loved Yes answered I and so the commands be not contradictory to his affection as if she should command him not to love her she is not to be obeyed T is true replyed Daphnide for every thing doth naturally fly that which would destroy it but how can you excuse your selfe as not offending against this Precept in this occasion where you have not onely thought the command which she made that you should love her to be strange and hard but also has vowed to disobey her My Judge answered I I did protest it and I vow and protest it still and with this resolution that if I could die and die againe aâ— many times as I have lived houres since my first birth I would rather chuse all those deaths then not vow and protest it You hear said Daphnide being extreamly angry how he speaks and judge whether he does not deserve punishment My Judge said I and smiled let my Mistresse command me to fight against a whole Army of men let her appoint me to cast my selfe into the fire nay if she please let her presently put a dagger through my heart I will immediately obey her And to let her see what dominion she has over me let her put me to what test she pleases for I am sure she cannot command me any thing be it never so dangerous or full of difficulty but my love will prompt me immediately to obedience Doe you not remember that when you first admitted me entrance and enjoyned conditions upon me how I promised to performe them all provided they did not contradict my love I doe remember it answered Delia Then my Judge replyed I methinkes you should not take it ill that I should make this vow and protestation of disobedience unto my Mistresse for had I done otherwise I had been perfidious and a Traytor both to her and Love I asked her how it was her pleasure I should live I would not have you live answered she as you have done for the time past Now if I did love her for the time past as much as a heart could love in commanding me not to love her as I did for the time past is not this to command me not to love her and should I not be disloyall and perfidious if I should obey such a command No no Madam I cannot doe it I loved you when I was a Child I have continued it when I was a man and shall love you till death nothing can divert me from this resolution it is so rivitted in my heart that it will never out as long as I live nay it will be found in my heart after my death Delia then began to smile and said I see that Love is a Child and a little thing will set him a crying my sentence is this I doe ordaine first that all differences shall cease then that Alcidon as a punishment for his fault in answering Daphnide so peremptorily that he would disobey her that presently he doe kisse the hand of his Mistresse and that Daphnide as a punishment for commanding him a thing which she would not have done had she rightly understood it that she shall kisse Alcidon as a testimony of her repentance This judgement was executed to my great contentment and we spent all the rest of the night in such pleasant discourse as when I heard a clocke strike me thought that it did not make quarters of hours I should never make an end should I relate all the discourse we had amongst us I will therefore onely tell you that being ready to depart after I had deferred it as long as possibly I could I took the hand of my fairest Mistresse and kneeling downe I said thus unto her I am now Madam upon the last minute of my happinesse for Delia and the time forceth me to depart I perceive that neither of them are sensible of my passion and for ought I perceive you who are the cause of it are as insensible as they Alcidon answered she doe not complaine of me but consider that if I did not love you I should never run the hazard of my honour and your life which is dearer to me then my owne and you thinke that the passion which blinds my eyes unto all these considerations must needs be very great Madam said I unto her this is it which most amazeth me that since you have already done so much for me you should now doe so little Then her Sister being at a little distance doing something in the Chamber Daphnide answered me Remember Cavalier that the conditions betwixt Delia and you at your first entrance into this adventure were that you should not be too importunate in your demands but to be patient and persevere At this word she held her hand unto me which with a sigh I devoutly kissed Then said I unto her all that I have to doe is to pray unto the great God Saturne who is the Governour of time that he will make it passe away quickly so as I may arrive at my happinesse before my death otherwise that if I must never arrive at it then that my life may quickly passe so as I may not live and languish too long in paine Live Cavalieâ—â— said she unto me and live contentedly and consider that I doe love you These were the last words she then spoke unto me for the clocke strucke twelve which was the hour of my departure by appointment And Delia lest he who stayed for me at the doore should be perceived would not let me stay any longer Besides I was so extreamly grieved that the
present and the evening in things future and the last of these would last so long as they would take most of the night being invited thereunto by the solitude of the place or by the silence of the night or by the pleasure I took in thinking upon my displeasures For Madam life was a thing of so little value to me at that time as there was nothing I desired more then to see the end of it And being now resolved to use no violence against my selfe I wished that some accident or other would be so friendly to me as to doe that good office for me without my contributing unto the homicide of my selfe And I had an opinion that if sorrow increased on as it had done of late it would doe the worke for me so as I suffered this opinion to sway so much in my mind as I could seldome begotten unto my lodging unlesse the good old man or my servant came to fetch me This kind of life was so agreeable to my humour as I was oft in a mind to quit both Arms and Fortune and stay here all the rest of my dayes And in order to this designe I acquainted my servant advising him to retire himselfe with those goods which fortune had given me which I would freely bestow upon him if he would leave me in this place where I would despise fortune and bid her defiance But Halladine in a flood of teares could say nothing else but that nothing under heaven should separate him from me unlesse onely death and that he wished for no greater wealth then to serve me Then presently after he had gotten me to bed and hearing me sigh he came unto me and since he perceived I could not sleep he said thus unto me Is it possible Sir you should harbour such strange thoughts of ruining your selfe Ah my friend said I unto him I shall not be so ruined here but griefe and sorrows will find me out And so they may very well sir said he unto me as long as you doe thus forget your selfe and what you were wont to be in so much as you will not endeavour your happinesse and try if you can restore your selfe unto that state which you have lost Halladine said I and sighed It is the height of imprudence to attempt things impossible Why sir said he should you give the name of impossible unto that which you have not tryed nor has any reason to be so perswaded For my part I have such an opinion of my selfe that any thing which a servant can doe is not impossible and I am much more certaine that whatsoever any Cavalier in Europe can obtaine you can if you will If this Thersander who is the cause of your misery had this consideration he would attempt to remove you from Madonthe And why should not you doe as much for him you were once in her favour and he removed you and believe it sir so may you him for that which has once been done may be done againe Dost thou not know said I unto him that Madonthe loves him Yes said he And did she not once love you But now answered I she wishes me ill Have I not seen sir answered he her scorn him and scorn is much further from love then hatred Hatred replyed I is further from friendship then scorn 'T is true replyed he but there is much difference between love and friendship for Love is more proud and never looks upon things that are despiseable but alwaies upon the rarest highest and most estimable things And this is it which makes me thinke that Madonthe after she had scorned Thersander so much as she did and afterwards did love him so she may as well you against whom she had onely hatred but never the least shadow of scorn Friend replied I It is the love thou bearest unto me moves thee to talke thus in my advantage I talk Sir replied he as any that is without passion may Well said I unto him what is it thou wouldst have me do My affection sir said he is it which moves my tongue and I beseech you sir receive my language as proceeding from thence And since you command me let me tell you I would have you assume the same kinde of life you were wont to live and try if any happy encounter will help you to recover that happiness which is ravished from you For I cannot see how it should any way advantage you to stay here I have ever had an opinion that Madonthe does not hate you or if she doe hate you yet that she does not love Thersander so well as you imagine or if she doe love him yet as she has changed once so she may change againe For I have heard say that the whole world is nothing but change but say she should change and yet believe you dead this change would not availe you at all whereas if she doe but see you it is impossible but she should revive her first sparks of good will unto you Put out a Candle Sir and bring it to another that is light you shall see how suddainly it will light againe The heart of one who once loved is of the same nature when it comes in the presence of the person loved whereas absence puts all hopes out and is the very ruine and death of love Well well Halladine said I unto him we will thinke upon it and see what the heavens will advise us unto then turning me about I seemed as if I had an inclination to sleep and yet it was onely because I would not heare any more disswasions from my solitary humour but the Candle being put out and I not being able to sleep so soone I began to consult and consider upon the reasons and arguments which Halladine urged and finding them upon serious consideration to be very solid and good I was almost in a mind to leave this place being especially invited unto it out of a puissant desire of dying For I hoped that being in quest after adventures I might perhaps meet with one that would bring me to my death Besides this I considered that it was impossible for me to stay long there and not be known since certainly those Fishermen would be blabbing out all they knew of me And being not far from the place where Thorismond kept his Court I could very hardly conceal my self any longer These considerations and some others which I will omit lest I should be too tedious in my discourse did move me to take the advice which Halladine gave And as soon as it was day I walked then told him that I would take his counsell and that he should look out to buy Horses for himselfe and me also to provide me Arms and other things requisite Away he went immediately the gladdest man in the world to see me in this mind and though he made all the haste that possibly he could yet he stayed some twelve or fifteen dayes before he could get my Arms
answered Clidemant I do not want courage but yet I am not able to resist the power of death Guyemant with tears in his eyes then said unto him I hope that Tautates will not afflict us so much as to ravish from us a Prince so necessary for the happiness of men but will let us enjoy him longer to our happiness and comfort Guyemant answered he we are all in the hands of the great Tautates he may dispose of us as he pleaseth and for my part so he will be pleased to let me leave this life with that good reputation which my Ancestors did leave unto me I shall be well contented and satisfied with the time that I have already lived Then calling Lindamore unto him who was wounded though not so mortally as he and who was all in tears to see his Lord in this extremity You two said he unto Lindamore and Guyemant are the persons in whom I have greatest confidence Guyemant I conjure you to tell Childerick that I do die his servant and am very sorry that I have given no greater testimony of my affection yet tell him that if the services which I have done unto the King his Father have any influence upon him I hope he will not take it ill if you tell him from me that if he do not leave this ignominious life which he hath lived since he was King he must expect a punishment from Heaven And you Lindamore as soon as I am dead or at least as soon as your wounds will permit you carry back all the Segusian Cavalry into their own Country restore them back from me unto the Nymph my Mother unto whose service I conjure you to continue faithful as you have begun desire her not to grieve for the loss of me since it is the will of Heaven to have it so and desire her to comfort her self with this that I have imployed the time which I lived in the way of honour and die without reproach Also tell my dear Sister that if any thing make me unwilling to die so soon it is my desires of seeing her more then any thing else then causing us all to be called for and seeing most of us standing by his beds-side with tears in our eyes he stretched out his hand unto us and commanded us to obey Lindamore as himself but above all to serve you Madam and the Nymph Galathea with all the fidelity of true Cavaliers assuring us that we should receive from you a full recompence for all the services which we had done unto him He would have said something more but his Spirits fail'd him and he dyed in the arms of Lindamore who seeing this for grief fell into a swoon I cannot express our sorrows nor the sorrows of all the Court when they heard of his death the very people of the Town who commonly are very dull in such resentments did lament him and also applaud him to the Heavens saying that the death of this Prince was a great loss unto their Nation and Crown they were sure he never consented unto the Violent Extravagancies and Tyranny of Childerick and doubtless our condolements had been much more but for the imminent peril and danger which presently after did threaten us the fear of our lives forced us to stand upon our guard And at the same time as fortune was all the Lords and Grandees which were assembled at Province not knowing of this accident came all to feel the pulse of the people and finding them to beat after their own tempers and with Arms in their hands they put it into the peoples heads to go and clamor at the Palace Royal with abundance of Drums and Trumpets which making a great noise Childerick began to fear the fury of these mutinies And because he had a great confidence in the valour of Lindamore and in the advice of Guyemant he sent for them both to advise about his safety neither of them both would in this juncture of danger upbraid him with his faults but both offered him their aid and assistance to the hazard of their lives Lindamore though wounded advised to fall presently upon the enemy and counselled the King to die like a King and a man of courage But Guyemant like a wise and prudent Counsellor advised the contrary Sir said he let us not too desperately precipitate our selves till there be no hopes of safety though we were near a thousand men yet we were nothing to the number of the enemy time is the master of occasions and may unexpectedly fit us with them it is wisdom therefore to submit unto time and sail with the wind nothing is now to be done but to use our best endeavours for the changing the mind of this tumultuous people since we see all the Grandees both of Gaul and of the Franks are joyned with them it is to be expected Andrimartes and all his Friends will also comply for he is already sent unto Gillon the Roman likewise with all his adherents will doubtless be stirring and who knows whether Renauld and his Brother the Sons of Clodion will not be fishing in these troubled waters And therefore what good can we ever hope to do by force I advise therefore and Sir if you will follow my Counsell I will engage my life to restore you unto the Crown of your Father I advise you I say to yeild unto the violence of this averse piece of Fortune retire your self out of this Kingdom and rest quiet with Basin in Thuring he is your Kinsman and your Friend he will be glad to have you in his house and ready to assist a great affied Prince In the mean time I call the Gods to witness that when you are absent I will imploy my whole interest and endeavours to reconcile you unto the People and I make no doubt but to effect it if you will follow the advice which I shall give Guyemant had no sooner done speaking but they heard a Trumpet which being come neerer the draw Bridge sounded thrice and afterwards they heard these words uttered in a loud voice The Druides the Princes and all the Cavalry of the Franks and Gaules assembled and united do declare and proclaim GILLON King of the Franks and Childerick a Tyrant and incapable of wearing the Crown of his Father Childerick and Guyemant upon this looked out of the window into the street and they saw Gillon carried according to the custom upon the peoples shoulders with such loud acclamations of the people that Childerick saw Guyemant told him truly and therefore fearing lest his own servants should betray him he retired himself with the faithful Guyemant and after some short discourse together he parted from him carrying with him one half of a piece of gold for a token that when Guyemant sent him the other half he might return into his Kingdom in safety the Figure of this piece being joyned together was on one side a Tower to express constancy and on the other a
Alciron who could not endure to see his friend in such torment had not interrupted him with intentions to give some comfort The Gods Tirintes said he unto him do know our weakness and imperfections and out of their infinite goodness will excuse and pardon them But they will not endure the crime of those who will make them guilty of their own errors Therefore dear friend Do not by any such blasphemies provoke their just anger against thee Oh my dear friend replied Tirintes with a deep sigh since they do know our imbecilities and imperfections and will pardon them doubtless they will not impute that crime for which you reprehend me for it is weakness only which makes me commit it protesting that my intention was not to transgress their commandment but when I could not obey them And to make it appear that it is so good Alciron tell me who is he that can love such a most amiable piece less then I do And in loving her so passionately who can blaspheme less then I if it be blasphemy to say that I cannot chuse but love her Oh Tirintes replied Alciron Do not flatter thy self in thine own fault for this passion which you say is so potent in thee is indeed only thy own Will which if thou wouldest surmount thou hast power enough to do it I do confess said Tirintes coldly that it does depend upon my own will But do you not see that I cannot will any thing but what she please So then it seems said Alciron you will cease to be a man that you may become a Lover If being a man said Tirintes be not to love Silvanire I neither am nor will be a man Not to make use of Reason replied Alciron is not to be a man and can there be any thing more unreasonable then to cease loving ones self to love another Is not self preservation the great and principal law of Nature Oh dear friend said Tirintes let me not see the greatness of my wound I hope it is not incurable but you take the course to make it more desperate But the stone is thrown it is resolved upon that I will die in loving Silvanire and be assured that I wish for nothing now but to end this life quickly for here I hope for no mitigation of my pain And I conjure you Alciron to promise that when I am dead you write this Epitaph upon my Tomb Here lies he that was murdred by the Fairest Eyes under Heaven I hope that one day this cruel Fair One will in these few words read my affection and her own cruelty and the Gods to my satisfaction move her unto some repentance Oh how happy should I be if in the other life I hear one say that her Fair Eyes was once wet or that one single tear did trickle down her Fair Cheek Fie fie Tirintes said Alciron why this talk of death and Tombs Love is the God of life and nothing can ruine his empire but death Live live man though it were for nothing but to preserve a faithful Lover for this Silvanire whom you Love so well and for my part I will promise you that if you will follow my directions and do as I bid you I will quickly give this Fair One unto you Oh Alciron said Tirintes impossible promises never oblige those unto whom they are made this which I do promise replied Alciron is no impossibility provided you will but do as I say then he continued thus Tirintes said he I desire as much as I do my own life to see you rid of this tormenting passion but since I see all perswasions are in vain I promise to give you this woman in a very short time she shall be so much your own that it shall be long only of your self it you do not dispose of her according to your own will do not think it a thing impossible for you shall presently find it effected and confess that I never promised but I performed In order to this within a few days after he came unto him again and brought him a Mirrour in which he forbad him to look and assured him that if by any artifice he could so contrive it as Silvanire might cast her eye upon it certainly she were his own How said Tirintes is it an enchantment No answered Alciron but it is a natural power which is in this glass and what effects will it cause asked Tirintes Nay nay said Alciron be not too inquisitive be contented she shall be yours And what said Tirintes will she Love me Still too much curiosity answered Alciron can you not be contented that she shall be yours But Tirintes take special heed that neither you nor any other whomsoever look into it for the consequence will be very bad and if you should before you are aware cast your eye upon it come presently unto me that I may remedy the fault which you shall commit Tirintes took this Mirrour with much contentment and thanks and to lose no time went presently unto Silvanire unto whom he presented the glass with many supplications she would be pleased to take it And because she made some question whether she should receive it from him as thinking it not handsome for any maid to take any thing from a young Shepherd without the knowledg of her Parents he pressed her with so many humble entreaties and arguments of perswasion that at last she would give him that satisfaction but upon condition that she would keep it no longer then she pleased So after she had looked in it and much commended it she gave it him presently back he who saw his design was attained he pressed her no farther but was well satisfied that he had done as Alciron appointed him but his contentment lasted but a while for presently after Silvanire was taken with such a giddiness in her head and such a drowsiness that she fell a sleep and they could not awake her she was troubled above three hours in this manner and none knew her disease The noise presently ran about the Town that this Fair One was poisoned and no hopes of life left in her you may imagine that Aglantes and Tirintes did run with sad hearts to see what the matter was but as soon as Tirintes saw her in that condition he knew it to be an effect of the Mirrour which made him so extreamly angry against Alciron that had he met him doubtless he had dyed for it This villain said he to himself designed her death to deliver me from the affection which I bare unto her but cruel wretch that he is he never considered that my life depended upon hers and that when she dies it is impossible for me to live O thou most inhumane Tiger Couldst thou find a heart to hurt this Fair One Who never thought thee the least hurt Certainly the blackest fiend in Hell was thy Nurse and gave thee suck but Barbarian thou shalt receive a death by no other hand but my own
all considerations and like a Torrent which is stopped in its course will at last overflow its own banks and all the fields about it So I say your forbiddance may for a time be a stoppage unto the stream of his violencies but his affection will at last break down all before it and overflow all your commands that obstruct it and perhaps with such violence as every one shall see it If it should so fall out as you may very well expect it will what can you doe more but still renew your first forbiddances Perhaps your language will be more sharp but alas words are but words and too weak to give a check unto one that really loves as I believe Silvander does Sister said Diana faintly I never yet met with any such obstinate Lovers which you speak of and when I doe I shall find out a way to be rid from them Heaven has not made us so miserable but though they have denyed us strength yet have they given us prudence enough to preserve our selves Thus these faire shepheardesses discoursed while they were dressing themselves and when they were ready they went towards the field of Mercury where they were all to rendezvous then to go unto the Temple of the good Goddesse and from thence to Alexis Silvander was before all the rest finding no contentment but when he saw Diana When they came there this shepheard was singing and was so rapt up in his own imagination as though they were very near him yet he perceived them not Diana seeing him in this condition she knew very well that Astrea and Phillis had spoken truth and that he prepared himself for a great Combat with her who since the death of Philander had never any spark of good will unto any man but this shepheard but not enduring that Silvander should serve her being a person altogether unknown she resolved upon extream rigor against the affection of this shepheard and perhaps something against her own inclination Whilst she was in these thoughts Phillis who loved Silvander for causing the jealousie of Lycidas to vanish She pittied him and turning towards Diana whispered thus in her eare I doe ingeniously confesse Mistriss that this shepheard does love you better then I doe and I am affraid that if you be judge the cause will go against me Dianas mind being directed another way she did not reply but as soon as Silvander had done singing How now shepheard said Phillis unto him doe you value this company so little that you will not daign them a look Silvander being roused out of his deep thoughts by this voice as out of a profound sleep he started up and saluted the shepherdesses I must confesse said he that Phillis hath obliged me though perhaps contrary to her intention Your ingratitude answered Phillis is such towards me as I shall never advise any to oblige you since you doe so ill acknowledge it doe you thanke me thus for advertising you of your duty and for bringing her unto you whom you say you love methinkes common civility should prompt you unto a more handsome acknowledgement then this Phillis answered Silvander you put me in mind of those Cowes who when they have filled the Paile with milk doe throw it downe with their foot for when you had in some sort obliged me you cancell the obligation by upbraiding me with it I must confesse that what you have done does merit acknowledgement but what acknowledgement is due the very same that Diana useth unto her little Dogge Driope when he hath done any thing which pleaseth her and if you aske her what recompence she gives him she will tell you that she onely chocks him under the chin and strokes him half a dozen times upon the back and since you have done no more for me methinkes you should be content with the same paiment Astrea and Diana could not chuse but laugh at his merry answer Upon which Silvander stepped towards her and offered to stroke her as Diana did her Dogge but she pushed him away and with a frowning look said unto him If you use to pay your debts with such money I believe all your Creditors will cast you off as I doe since your payment is so bad but ungrateful person you cannot deny your Obligation unto me to be great for changing your melancholly thoughts into a sight of the fair Diana This Obligation said he I must needs confesse to be very great if it was done intentionally but it was done with a quite contrary designe because all that proceeds from an enemy may well be suspected What ill designe could I have in it replyed Phillis Perhaps you thought said he that the severity of my Mistress would more perplex me then my melancholly thoughts or because you know that the more one sees the person loved the more is love augmented you thought there was no speedier way to kill me then by the sight of this faire shepheardsse But Phillis doe not think that I will ever shrink from such a death since I am sure I cannot avoid it and since no life can be more desireable then such a death is This dispute had lasted longer between this shepheard and shepheardesses had they not seen a company coming towards them and very neare all with intentions of going together as visitants of Alexis One of the company to make the time seem lesse tedious did sing and the substance of his song was against an unconstant shepheardesse Silvander and Diana listned with silent attention unto the words of the Song the finger was presently known to be Corilas who being stung with the perfidious tricks of Stella he could not hide those resentments of hatred which he had conceived against her That shepheardesse also after addresses in hopes of regaining him finding all her endeavours to be in vaine she also turned her amity into hatred which was so publiquely known unto every one as they were commonly called The Friends Enemies The shepheardesse did not at that time returne any answer because Hylas as she began did silence her with singing out these lines Of loving many JF love be good then it must be confest That God communicable is the best What crabbed Timon then can me reprove Or check me for communicating love If love be bad then certainly none will Condemn me for avoiding what is ill But be it good or bad to me all 's one I 'le either many love or else love none The Universe doth change and all that 's in 't The life is dull tha't 's tasked to a stint Natures delight is in variety If all sublunaries doe change faith why not I At these last words this Company was so neare Astrea and her Companions that they all saluted each other and left singing to enquire of each others welfare Hylas he applied himselfe unto Silvander Oh my good friend said he unto him I see that here is not one in all the company that knows how to love but I for
could delude the eyes of so many persons All the people of your owne Towne your friends your familiars have seen you and been deceived your owne Brother himselfe is mistaken but the favours of Tautates rest not here for hee inspired Astrea to come and see you what can you desire more for a prosperous beginning Yet I see such is your ingratitude that still you complain or at least receive not these benefits with a thankefull heart Take heed Child you provoke not a Diety too sarre least they should withdraw these favours and give you a just cause of condolement Father answered Alexis I doe most gratefully acknowledge the goodnesse of Tautates and your indulgent care over mee but still I cannot chuse but complaine for I am yet like unto a poore afflicted man who hath a thousand torments at once upon him though one or two of those torments be taken away yet the rest which remaine are enough to move complaint The Druide was ready to answer when he saw Paris coming towards them who being clad in his shepherds habit made it manifest that Love prompted unto the dresse Leonide also flattering her selfe in an opinion that her beauty needed not to submit unto the beauty of Astrea she used all her art and trimmed up her selfe to the best advantage that Alexis seeing her in that dresse and comparing Astrea with her the artificiall lustre of the one might dimme the naturall simplicity of the others beauty Alexis in her usuall habit seemed to care least for this visit though she had the most interest and because she desired not to be knowne by any shee added nothing to her ordinary dresse besides she knew that her happinesse was to be expected from fortune and not beauty but however she appeared so fair in that simple habit without any artifice that Leonide could not keep her eyes off her After some common discourse Paris who was passionately in love with Diana to make himselfe more pleasing in her eye he assumed the habit of a shepherd and not being furnished with so much patience as to stay till their coming he told Adamas that if it pleased him he would goe and meet those fair shepherdesses who were to visit his Sister and conduct them to the best and neerest way The Druide knowing what affection he had unto Diana and not disallowing it for some reasons which hereafter shall be declared did commend his designe hinting unto him that courtesie and civility of all the vertues did most attract the hearts of people and that it was the naturall quality of persons well borne Paris upon this leave went presently towards Lignon and going down the Hill unto the bridge of Boteresse he followed the River taking into a little path upon his right hand which led him into the Wood where the empty tombe of Celadon was erected and passing on he came unto the Meadow which is before the Temple of Astrea He had no sooner set foot in it but he spyed on the other side of it two Horsemen the one of which was armed he had on his right hand a Gantlet and on the other a Buckler a Plume of black and white which waved over the Crupper of his Horse his Corslet was set with Lions his Sword Falchion like which turned up at the end like to a demi-circle hung by his side in a rich scarfe As soon as Paris perceived him he remembred what hapned unto Diana when Filidas and Filander were slaine and therefore retreated into the Wood yet being very desirous to know more of them he still kept his eye upon them through the thick Wood. He saw that as soone as they were entred into the Meadow and spyed the pleasant Fountaine which is at the entrance into the Temple the Cavelier lighted from his Horse and the other whom he judged to be his Servant ran to him held his stirrop tooke his Horse unbridled him and without any respect unto the place let him eat upon the sacred Grasse Meane while the Cavelier went to the Fountaine dranke of the water and washed his hands and face Paris by his deportment did imagine that his intention was not to offer harme unto any and this opinion made him so bold as to go neerer him yet still concealing himselfe in the thicke Wood so as he unseen came so neere them that he could both heare and see all that they said and did He saw that the Cavalier was both young and faire though extreame sorrow appeared in his face then looking upon his Armes he thought him to be a Gaule and that he was in love for he bore upon his silver Sheild a Tyger feeding upon a Hart with this Motto Thou gav'st me death and I maintaine thy life Perhaps he had observed every thing both longer and better had he not beene prevented by the sighs of this Caveller who looking fixedly upon the Fountaine rowsed himselfe as out of a deepe slumber and lifting up his eyes towards Heaven he taxed his courage with Pusillanimity for supporting so many misfortunes his words were seconded with many a sigh and sighs seconded with showers of teares which trickled downe his cheekes into the Fountaine Presently after lying along upon the ground and letting his arms hang loose he grew pale and his complexion changed so as his servant who kept an eye upon him seeing him in this condition he was affraid least he should swoone he ran therefore unto him cast a little water in his face and recovered him before he lost his knowledge or strength But hee opening his eyes and lifting them faintly up to heaven made such sad Lamentation that his servant could not chuse but sigh which he observing what Halladine said he dost thou sigh Sir said the Servant I sigh more to see suchan alteration in you then for the distaster of which you complain for to be deceived by a woman to be betrayed by a Rivall that virtue should procure envy and that fortune should favour the designes of enemies is not at all strange because it is ordinary But I must needs wonder to see the courage of Damon which hitherto I believed invincible and which hath made him esteemed and feared both of friends and enemies should now shrink at a common accident which inferiour courages are wont to resist A thought of revenge if nothing else methinkes sir should move you to preserve your selfe untill you have found out Madonthe that you might in herpresence call them to an account who are the causes of your displeasure For Gods sake sir consider that a Calumny which is not disproved may well passe for a truth and consequently Madonthe had reason to treat you as she did Paris observed that at the name of Madonthe the Cavelier assumed a little vigour and that looking upon him he answered with a faint voice Ah Halladin didst thou but know what torments are upon me thou wouldst say that I doe want courage since I doe endure them any longer and live Oh
that ever he loved so he ought to be the last is not this true Hylas Consider Carlis said he unto her that every thing wil most certainly return to its first beginning and as the first time that ever I did see you I did not love you so shall I not love you the last time I see you None could forbeare laughiâ—g at the answers of Hylas which continued so long that Alexis and Astrea had time enough to talke but though Alexis might have imployed that time very well yet she was so long before she could begin being hindred by severall considerations that perhaps the opportunity had been lost if Astrea had not begun to speake first For this disguised Druid seeing her before her eyes who had commanded her never to see her fearing to be known by her voice or some other of her gestures was so mute that she durst not open her mouth which Astrea attributed unto the little acquaintance that was betwixt them or else considering that she had beene alwayes conversant with the Virgin Druids she knew not how to talke of Country affaires But the shepherdesse was much mistaken for the reason was because she knew too much and because that face which did represent that of Celadon as well in her memory as before her eyes it made her extreamly desirous to gaine the favour of Alexis which was already but too much gotten and therefore shee was the first that broke silence thus When I doe consider the beauty of your face and the Graces wherewith the heavens have adorned you above all the Beauties of our age I am almost ready to tax them with injustice in depriving this Country so long of that which it produceth most rare and in hiding you amongst the Druid Virgins so farre from us But when I call to mind that the whole Universe is not too good to serve that great God who made it I must confesse that the choice of you was most just being the most perfect peece in the World I wish said Alexis that those perfections which your civility puts upon me were as truly mine as yours are in you that I might in some sort be worthy to serve the great Tautates Idoe not blush faire shepheardesse to heare you use this language which rather puts me in mind of my imperfections then represents unto me what I am I am sorry replied Astrea that you should have so ill an opinion of mee as to thinke that I suppose any imperfections in you For though the heavens have made me a shepheardesse and have given me no more wit then suits with a rurall life yet as the Sunne is seene by all upon whom it shines by some more some lesse according to their Capacities so may I see your Perfections and know them so farre as to admire them though I must confesse that many others unto whom Tautates hath given better judgement may discerne them better but cannot admire them more then I doe I shall not contradict a judgement so favourable replied Alexis only I pray God that when you know me better you doe not revoke it For though neither my intention nor profession will let me be long in this place yet I shall alwayes thinke my selfe exceedingly happy in the favour of all those who resemble you particularly your selfe whose acquaintance I have so long desired and I assure you that this desire will make me leave my Companions with lesse griefe when I know that I shall see Astrea Madam answered Astrea this favour is transcendent For if you have a will to be with us our happinesse is immeasurable or if it be out Complement onely to oblige us yet we are happy in that you entertaine such thoughts in you But I may most truly say that the newes of your coming filled the Country both with joy and sorrow sorrow in hearing of your sicknesse and joy to hear we should be so happy as to see you It is so long before you came hither said Alexis that if any other but you fair shepherdesse had told me so I should not have beleeved it but to let this discourse alone I beseech you tell me how you use ordinarily to spend your time for I am told that the shepherds and shepherdesses of Forrests doe live the happiest of any people in the World It is certainly said Astrea very happy unto such whom Fortune hath not forsaken and you know Madam that those who were once happy when they lose part of what they injoyed are more miserable then those who alwayes were miserable T is true said Alexis but I doe not thinke your rurall and solitary life doth meet with any rubs of Fortune Not so much said Astrea as those who live in Court and in the transactions of the World but as Lakes though lesse then the Sea have their stormes and tempests so it is with us we also have our misfortunes and miseries and for my part I may well say that having within the space of one month lost a Father and a mother my affliction is so great that I am not yet recovered of it Is it long said Alexis since you had this losse About foure or five months since said Astrea and upon this she fetched a deep sigh It is a very sad affliction said Alexis to lose such friends but nothing is more naturall then for Parents to dye before Children and this may be your comfort that they left you at an age wherein you are able to governe your selfe One thing said Astrea doth most exceedingly trouble me which is that I am partly a cause of their death Truly said Alexis you bring it into my memorie that I have heard something concerning it and I thinke they told me that they were drown'd in endeavouring to helpe you out of a water into which you were falne Pardon me Madam said Astrea it is true that I fell into that fatall River of Lignon as I endeavoured to helpe a shepherd who was drowned there and the newes being carried to Hippolita my Mother that I was drowned she was surprised with such a fright that she did never recover it but dyed presently after and my Father for griefe of her followed her Thus was I at once deprived both of father and mother Astrea could not relate these accidents without much griefe and Alexis also seeming as if it were out of compassion I pray said she who was that poore shepherd which was drowned I know not said Astrea sadly whether you heard of him but his name was Celadon brother unto Lycidas whom you see there Was it Celadon said Alexis who was sonne unto Alcippes and Amarillis The same said Astrea I have often heard talke of him said Alexis truly it was a very sad accident I assure you Madam said Astrea that all manner of delights hath been ever since banished out Coasts For when he was alive there was nothing but mirth and jollity amongst us and now such a dulnesse reignes as if it were not the same
owne Picture as when she was about the age of eighteen or twenty yeares she kept her eye long upon it and afterwards casting them upon the Portraiture of Euricke she could not chuse but sigh and say Oh great Euricke how fatall was the expedition which ravished thy Scepter from thee and what great cause have I to grieve since it is not permitted me to follow thee Madam replied Alcidon it must needs be confessed that the losse of Euricke was a generall losse but it would have beene much greater if yours had followed and doe you not thinke that the Gods in preserving you had a great care of me Such is their goodnesse Madam that they never reject the prayers of the just I doe wonder at that the more said Daphnide because mine are not received which were made with so much justice and reason For is it not most just and reasonable to accompany in death those whom they loved in life Adamas hearing his discourse was very desirous to heare more so as beseeching Daphnide to submit her will to the great Tautates he desired her to sit downe and to beleeve that all things are so wisely disposed by him that all humane wisdome was constrained to confesse it selfe ignorant and blind in comparison of his omniscient Providence Then Daphnide sitting next unto Adamas and all the rest of the company taking their places she began thus The History of Daphnide Euricke and Alcidon I know very well reverend Father that the great Tautates does all things for the best For loving us as the workmanship of his owne hands it is not likely he will withdraw his love from us But let me tell you that as Phisique though for our good is yet very bitter and loathsome so those afflictions which wee receive from the hands of the Gods though they be very good for us yet are they very heavy upon those that receive them Those who murmur against his will are indeed much too blame but if when they feele the smart they shrinke and bewaile it they doe but pay the Tributeâ— of their weaknesse and humanity I doe confesse that the goods which I have received from his hands are innumerable and his favours are above his punishments but we being all of a nature more sensible of the bad than the good I am forced to say that the afflictions which I have received have almost blotted out the memory of the blessings And being resolved to retire my selfe from the stormes of the World there is nothing which hinders me but the pursuit of this Cavalier whom I call troublesome This being the occasion which brought me into this Country I beseech you Father give me leave to let you understand how the case stands betwixt us that since the Fountaine of loves Verity is shut we may by your wise Counsell and advice finde some ease in our troubles Know therefore that Thierry the great King of the Visigots dying honourably in the battle sought in the Cathalaunique fields he left many children behind him successors not only in his Crowne but also in his courage and valour He who first succeeded him was Thorismond his eldest Sonne he being received King and crowned in Tholouse he made it his principall study not only to enlarge the limits of his Kingdome but also to replenish it with Cavaliers and Ladies Heaven was at that time favourable unto his will for neither Ataulfes nor Vulalia his Predecessors nor the great Thierry his Father had neere so many accomplished Gallants nor so many faire and wise Ladies as this great and generous King had It was my Fortune at that time to be brought unto the Court by my mother when I was about fifteene or sixteen yeares of age I must confesse that I did not yeild unto any of my age in the good opinion which I had of my selfe either by reason of the confidence I had in my own beauty which the flatteries of men infused into me or by reason of that love which every one is apt to have of themselvs which made me thinke all things more perfect in me than in others But so it was that me thought I did attract the hearts as well as the eyes of all in the Court The King himselfe who was one of the most accomplished Princes that ever the Visigots had daâ—gned to cast a favourable eye upon me and to carrasse me but there being a disparity in our ages he did withdraw himselfe conceiving and considering that such a love was more fit for one that was younger than himselfe At the same time Alcidon was with the King and I may without flattery say before his face that then he was the very Sun of the Court the beauty of his face his stature his hansome proportion his garbe his becomingnesse in every thing his sweet disposition his courtesie valour vivacity of spirit and wit his generosity and his other perfections did get him the onely esteeme of the time The King who was infinitely desirous that his Court should flourish in the bravery of Cavaliers above all other Courts of Europe he observing the merit of Alcidon in his youth did take a particular care of him assuring himselfe that if this hopeful Plant wat carefully pruned he would prove the glory of his Court. Never blush Alcidon to heare me speake so advantagiously of you in your presence I would have you know that my just hatred of you shall not hinder me from speaking the truth and because she paused a little as if she expected he should answer I do admire said he that you should see in me such secret qualities which perhaps all that know me would contradict and yet that you should neither see nor beleeve my extreame affection it being so great as all that know me cannot be ignorant of it I have long debated this in my soule and can find no other reason for it unlesse that perhaps you resemble those that make their esteem to appeare highest when they would be shut of the person whom they seem to esteem We shall debate that said he another time then returning to her discourse she thus cotinued Thorismond intending to furnish Alcidon with all possible accomplishments and knowing that the bravest actions and noble designes doe spring from love to sow the seeds in his soule he commanded him to love and court me Alcidon who was not so young though not above eighteen yeares of age but he was apprehensive of the favour which the King did him and knowing also that his advancement depended upon his obedience he undertooke his Commands and applied himselfe unto me as much as any one of hils age possibly could and to traine up his Youth in all compleat exercises the King caused Bals to be kept very often also Riding at the Ring and Tilting It chanced that presently after Alcidon had received this command the Ball was kept in the presence of Thorismond and the Queene it was the custome at those Bals to dresse
themselves with their best art It hapned that day day as if it were done upon design that both he and I were in white And because he would let the King see how willing he was to obey his commands when the Ball began he tooke me out which the King perceiving and observing that the youngnesse of both was such as we had not confidence enough to speak unto each other he began to laugh and say unto those about him I cannot tell who put that couple together but if it was Fortune it appears in this that she is not blind for I thinke they could not possibly be better maâ—cht They are both as innocent as their habits speakes them and I beleeve they have not so much boldnesse as to speak one word And it hapned as the King said for young Alcidon whether out of bashfulnesse or because some sparke of love began to kindle in his soule which kept him in that respect off me did pass away all that night and spoke not one word unto me And I having no designes at that time did study to please the eyes of all in generall and had no particular aimes Ever since this day affection increased and to that height that as his heart was inflamed so his tongue told his disease And I must confesse that his merits and services gave such eloquence unto his language that I was perswaded he did love me and ere long that he did deserve to be loved In the meane time he advanced himselfe so high in the favour of his Master that there was no office about him so great unto which he might not aspire and indeed after he had given him free accesse unto his Person and in all privacies how great soever he bestowed upon him the greatest office belonging to his Crown though perhaps his minority of age was not so fit for it as some other The truth is so many amiable qualities and noble perfections did so much 〈◊〉 his youth that envy it selfe did not blame the Kings choice But oh wise Alamas them is nothing in this world durable Fortune may well be painted with two face one for prosperity another for adversity For this great King in the midst of his owne Kingdome and Forces was most unfortunately killed by a Chyrurgion This wicked 〈◊〉 being to let the King blood whether by chance or villany he so cut the vein that he could not stay the bleeding The King perceiving this accident he took a 〈◊〉 in his left hand and in anger killed the Chyrurgion but that did not help him for he dyed presently after to the great griefe of all his subjects Judge Father whether this suddain death was not terrible unto my Mother and me It caused us to retire as soon as we could into the Province of the Romans where our estate lay fearing some 〈◊〉 in this Kingdome which was deprived of so great a King As for Alcidon his griefe was such as it was believed he would not live He knowes how I resented his sorrowes and grieved for his losse as our amity commanded me yet he had so forgotten both me and all his promises as I never heard of him all that time Unto Thorismond succeeded his brother Thierry who took upon him the Crown of the Visâ—gots with a desire to augment it And to that end hearing that the King of Swedes would needs extend their limits unto Spain he sent him word though he had married his sister that if he would not desist from this enterprise he would oppose him of which Richard making no account for so was the King of Swedes called Thierry passed over the Pirenian hills fought him and was victorious Thierry dying presently after Eurick his brother succeeded him who by his valour quelled all the 〈◊〉 or the people and afterwards seeing that the Romans who called us their ancient friends and confederates would submit unto us as the rest of the Gaules he turned his Armes against us I mean in the Province of the Romans I shall not insist upon particular description of these Victories since they are not pertinent to our discourse But I must tell you that after he had taken the City of the Massilians he besieged Arles because until that time I never heard of Alcidon and he had no more memory of me then if he had never seen me But then as if he was newly waked out of a deep sleep he bethought himselfe and writ unto me You may imagine Father how a young spirit that had a very good opinion of herselfe could resent this long silence which I could not call sâ—om because I valued my selfe at such a rate as I thought I could not be scorned Now thinking very often with my selfe that he cared not for me I vowed a hundred times not to care for him and that though he should return unto me with all imaginable submission yet would I look upon him onely with an indifferent eye I will not deny but this losse was a very great griefe unto my soule and I must confesse I love him so as when I received this Letter from him the memory of his former merit made me break open the seals and I found these words Alcidons Letter unto Daphnide I Cannot tell Madam whether you will know my hand or have yet in memory the Name of Alcidon so long has my misfortune separated me from you and hindred me from keeping my selfe in your memory by any good service If you have yet any memory of me and if the losse of two such dear Masters and if the long imployments in a continuall warre will be admitted as good excuses I beseech you Madam to pardon my long silence until I may with your permission let you know by word of mouth the unfortunate occasions which have all this while deprived me of my chiefest happinesse If your goodness can surmount my hopes and grant me so much favour I beseech you appoint some place which you shall thinke most convenient where I may receive that happinesse and you shall find that Alcidon never was more yours then still he is and that he has yet still preserved himselfe most faithfully for you and you will now find him more able to doe you service then in his green yeares when you did him the honour to admit him your most humble servant These are the flatteries wise Adamas by which love useth to abuse youth I had no sooner read his Letter but though I did very well know the hand yet I could not presently consent to the seeing of him for mistrusting the ayrie leightnesse of men especially young men and most particularly of Alcidon whose unsettlednesse was yet fresh in my memory I would not at the first entreat shew my selfe so very pliable to his request but resolved to let him champ a little upon the bit purposely to sharpen his desire knowing very well that love aspires alwaies most at that which he thinks is forbidden And in this resolution I took pen
would not deprive him of his contentment by staying him any longer Thus I remained all alone unlesse accompanied with so many dismal and mortal thoughts as it was above an hour before I would return but at last night constraining me to retire into the Towne I went unto my lodging with a defigne to depart all alone the next morning and so shun all manner of humane Company as none should ever deceive me againe And to begin I went unto my Chamber by a backe staires and having none but my Page with me I went presently to bed and commanded him to tell all the Company that expected me how I was not well and that I sent him to bid them all good night I closed not an eye all the night long and Aurora began to blush before any mind of sleep came upon me And being in a full resolution of departure a Feaver seized upon me so violently as I was constrained to deferre untill my recovery I had not yet looked into the Letter which Daphnide sent me having neither so much courage as to see what was in it nor hate enough to cast it into the fire but not knowing which of these two I should resolve upon I held it in my hand and kept it two dayes before I brought it to light At last being transported with choller one night when I was alone I must said I to my selfe I must needs see the treachery of this perfidious woman and afterwards so exclude her out of all memory that nothing may remaine of her in me but eternall scorne Upon this raising my selfe up in my bed I opened it and by the helpe of a wax Candle which stood by my bed side I read what she had written unto me But wise Adamas unto what purpose should I repeat here those words which were writ onely with an intention to delude me the longer And againe why should I not repeat them since it is requisite the Phisitian should know the wound before he can apply right remedy I will therefore rehearse them not any thing to my consolation but onely to let you see how I was used Daphnides Letter unto Alcidon SHall I never heare anybetter newes but that Alcidon is still sicke Shall I never see him as he was when he undertooke the adventure of Perfect Love Have all my Prayers no efficacy in them will the Gods be eternally deafe unto all the supplications that I make unto them for your health Oh ye Gods if so then either abridge my griefe or else change my heart that it may not be so sensible of his sufferings and you Alcidon either resolve upon a recovery or else to kill me with griefe See reverend Father what a cruel Letter I received after I had discovered her treachery to me unto which in a transport of anger I returned this answer Alcidons Letter unto Daphnide THere is nothing can cure Alcidon but death since he findes no fidelity either in his Master or his Mistresse and therefore to what purpose should I live any longer amongst a Company of perfidious people Never complaine that the Gods are deafe for they have heard your prayers and in not giving health unto him whose life could do nothing but grieve for the breach of so many oathes they have made your heart insensible of me but too sensible of another who perhaps will one day revenge so many perâ—idious oaths for the Gods are more just then not to revenge me and punish you I gave this Letter unto my servant who carried my first and did command him to returne presently and not stay for any answer The smart of this displeasure was such that my disease increased very much of which the great Eurick hearing although he was ashamed of his filching away this faire one from me contrary to all his promises made unto mee yet after dinner he condescended to come and visit me I was indeed very sicke and yet my greatest paine was the remembrance of his theft so as when I was told the King was coming to see me I trembled as if a new fit of an Ague had seized upon me and when I saw him there appeared not a drop of blood in my face but perhaps those who observed did thinke my palenesse was onely an effect of my sicknesse He came to my bed side where after he had asked me all circumstances concerning my disease and I answered as civility and honour commanded he sat downe then turning his backe upon all the Company he began to speake in a lower tone and seeing that I scarcely spoke one word he thought to waken me by talking of Daphnide little thinking that I knew how squares went betwixt them He asked me how that fair one did and how long it was since I heard from her I answered him very faintly that I thought she was well and that I never heard from her since the day that she writ unto him by such a man and then I named the man who brought me the last Letter The King blusht and at first would have denied that he received any from her but I beseeched him to pardon me for I knew he did and that the same man who brought him his Letter brought one to me also How said he then unto me did she then send one unto you Yes Sir answered I and moreover I know of the honour which you did her in seeing her at her house At this he was a little confused when he saw I knew what he thought me ignorant of and after a long pause Alcidon said he unto me I must needs confesse my fault though to my shame T is true I did see that Lady of whom you speake and have received Letters from her and more then all this I must confesse that I doe love her above my own life I cannot deny but that in this I am a very bad Master and a worse friend to treat you thus after so many promises to the contrary but in my confession of this perfidie I can say no more in my owne defence but that I was deceived my selfe before I deceived you I was perswaded that as I never met with any man living who could overcome me so much lesse that a woman could be able to doe it and in this opinion I promised you that which since I find my selfe not able to performe The confidence which I had in my owne strength against men did drive me into the errour of despising all women in general and of this Lady in particular and my sorrow is so much the greater in that it reflects upon Alcidon to his prejudice Alcidon I say whom I loved so well and it is to be beleeved that since I have been so perfidious unto him it is a thing absolutely impossible for me to doe otherwise Alcidon my dear friend I freely make confession of the wrong which in spight of myselfe I have done you protesting that if I could any way in the world pay that debt unto which
I am obliged I would presently doe it with as good a heart as ever I received any favour from heaven The King uttered these words in such a discomposed manner and with such a countenance as testified that his expressions did not come from his heart And because I saw him stand silent I answered him Sir said I all that is in the world were created to serve your greatnesse especially Alcidon who is ready to sacrifice himselfe upon the Altar of your contentment And the Heavens foreseeing it impossible I should be deprived of Daphnide and live will take away my life lest it should be any obstacle unto you And therefore welcome death since my life cannot conduce to your contentment Upon this I could not restraine my teares and the King being moved at them after a while of silence said unto me You cannot Acidon wish me so ill as the injury I have done you does merit I doe most ingeniously acknowledge it and wish that my blood could remedy it perhaps I shall doe it in time but for the present there is no thought of it And yet for your satisfaction I am resolved upon any thing you would have me onely take heart and recover of your sicknesse and beleeve to your contentment that I will doe all I can to procure it After this the King went out of my Chamber leaving me in such a sad condition as it is incredible any other than my selfe should live under such a load of sorrowes and despaires Alcidon turmoiled with the memory of these painfull passages and the wrong which he received both from his Master and his Mistresse he lost his speech so as after a while of silence when he offered to speake he could not and therefore he was forced for a long time to be silent at last striving with himselfe he broke out with much adoe and said You see Madam how in obedience to your commands I make my old wounds bleed afresh but when I consider all is by your command I doe patiently indure all but if your Rigor be not greater than my Patience I beseech you helpe me to beare the burthen which you have imposed upon me I meane in the continuance of this relation of my misfortunes of which you may speake with more assurance than I can for in all that is hereafter to be told I am only the sufferer of what you were pleased I should endure Methinks my request is not unreasonable that the wise Adamas may understand from your mouth the truth of those things whereof you only are the Author Adamas not staying for the answer of Daphnide turned towards her and said Methinkes Madam the motion of this Cavalier is reasonable and that by your owne ordinance imposed upon him you are obliged unto it Reverend Father answered she the law is not equall betwixt him and me yet since you thinke it fit I shall doe as you please and I must tell you that though Alcidon hath spoken the truth yet as good Orators use he hath inserted some words to the great advantage of his cause Then after she had paused a while she continued the discourse thus The Sequel of the History of Daphnide and Alcidon IT is a Proverbe full of reason that Parties interested or prepossessed with any Passion can never be good judges because their judgements being offended they can never performe their perfect Functions no more than a leg or an arme can which has any great wound Alcidon has made good the Proverb by the consequences which he hath so often drawne to my disadvantage being byassed thereunto more by passion then by reason And because my discourse would be very long if I should answer all his particular rovings into Passion I will omit them and truly relate the remainder of our Fortune and leave you to censure of his passions And to begin where he left I will tell you Reverend Father that having received the Letter which he sent unto me unto which I returntd no answer because the Messenger according to his command went presently away without bidding any adieu I became the most desolate person in the world being taxed with a crime and with some colour of reason which I could not helpe I understood presently after by the Kings Letters all the discourse which they two had together and afterwards by Alvian whom I sent purposely to see how he did though I did not write who told me how ill he was I discoursed long with my selfe what I should doe in the businesse for on the one side his affection to me invited me to goe unto him and tell him how he was mistaken on the other side I durst not doe it for fear of being blamed I was long wavering in the ballance between these two considerations before the Scale would turne to either side but at last the returne of Alvian constrained be to goe unto him for bringing me such very bad newes of his sicknesse I cast off all other considerations and resolved to see him In this determination I sought out for some excuse to colour my Voyage And presently after a very good one presented it selfe For Peace being made my Brother-in-law was constrained to goe to Avignon about getting of a Cozen of his who was a Prisoner in the Towne which was rendred unto the great Eurick and who because he would needs contradict the generall resolution those of the place seized upon him and though Peace was afterwards published yet they would not set him at liberty least if the warre should breake out againe he should interprise something against them And seeing there was some difficulty about his inlargement and that the businesse by consequence would take up a long time he would carry his wife with him and he had a great desire of my Company that I might be seen with him if he was forced to make any addresses unto the King As soone as the husband made the motion unto me I consented with a condition of my Mothers consent The good old woman gave her consent as soone as ever she understood the cause so as within two dayes after we set forward and as fortune was our lodging hapned to be directly over against the lodging of Alcidon His sicknesse was much spoken of and the King went oft to see him for he loved him very well but when he was advertised of my arrivall he shewed himselfe more desirous of his health than before For whereas he was wont to see him but once or twice in a weeke since I came he went to him every day and as he went or came backe he commonly came to my lodging As for me the same day I came I sent to Alcidon and told him by Alvian that if he was pleased I would willingly come and see him and as soone as I received his answer I went thither I found him very ill and his Chamber full of Phisitians and Chyrurgians so as at that time our talke was onely of his malady unto
shall treat Calidon in such a sort as I shall drive him out of any such fancy Not but that I know the shepheard is a man of more merit then I deserve but for all that my genius is not agreeable nor can suit it selfe to his How is it possible Madam I should ever believe Calidon loves me when I know he loved Celâ—dea above his own life and this with excesse of disobedience to an Uncle who was unto him in lieu of a Father and from whom he hoped for his estate But I have heard say replyed Alexis that now he is out of this humour and does not love her I believe it true answered Astrea but it was when she had lost her beauty and then his flame extinguished so that as soon as my face changeth his affection to me will change also What a sad disaster would it be to me if I should live to see such a change nay the least diminution of good will to me But Madam continued she with a deep sigh that is not the principal difficulty for perhaps I should hope to keep his mind in due amity having not so low an opinion of my self but that with a little study I should hold him within compasse of duty to me But there is another obstacle in the way which hinders me from ever marrying far greater then all these Yet Madam I dare not trouble you with any such ralations and what would you think of me for being so familiar as to talke unto you of such trivial matters Alexis then shaked her hand and said Did you but know how infinitely I love you certainly you would never speake thus unto me who am infinitely desirous to know your businesse and intentions that I may the better serve you in them whether it be by my own endeavours and by the meanes of Adamas or any other way you shall please to imploy me Madam replyed Astrea I am very sensible of the great honour which you are pleased to confer upon me in your love and thinke it to be so high a happinesse unto me as I value it infinitely above my life but as for the offer you are pleased out of your abundant goodnesse to make unto me concerning Adamas I humbly beseech you never to speake unto him in it because I would not have him imployed in a businesse of so small a consequence and which I can well enough bring to passe my selfe assuring my selfe that I can deal well enough with Calidon I wish you may said Alexis but I am affraid you will find it a difficulty when I looke upon the beauty of your faire face for beauty faire Astrea is Glue or Bird-lime which will never let go those wings which are touched with it Madam replyed Astrea I am not owner of so much beauty or if I were I hope my resolution is stronger then all the violencies and wilfulnesse of Love And be pleased to know that I will die a thousand death rather then I will ever marry since it is the will of heaven or rather my bad fortune so to have it At this word she stopped and pulled out her Hankercher to wipe her eyes for she was not able to withhold her Teares And when she was beginning her discourse againe the coming in of Adamas prevented her who coming into the Chamber by chance and finding this good company there he was sorry that he had interrupted them for there was nothing he desired more then to see Alexis and Astrea together in hopes that this way would remit Alexis into his former condition and consequently that his old age should be very happy and contented according to the Oracle Yet seeming as if his coming in was of purpose and after he had saluted all the shepheardesses he said thus unto Alexis What Daughter in bed yet What will all these faire shepheardesses say seeing you such a sluggard Sir answered Alexis the fault is in my sister who brought them hither without giving me any notice The fault replyed Adamas is in your selfe who are yet in bed and if they served you aright they would pull all the clothes off and teach you to rise sooner in the morning Then Astrea who was risen off the bed in reverence of Adamas Reverend Father said she There is reason why we should rise early because we have flocks to look unto Moreover it is fit Alexis should preserve her beauty without taking any paines You may say what you please replyed Adamas But my opinion is that if she will be fair she must doe as you doe for your beauty may tell her that your Receipt is a very good one Astrea blusht a little and would have replyed if one had not come to acquaint Adamas that Daphnide and Alcidon stayed for him in the great Chamber And therefore he taking the shepheardesses by their hands they all left Alexis to dresse her selfe whilst she went to shew unto this good company the rarities of his house which indeed were curiosities of much admiration After all the Company was assembled together and that to the great contentment of Hylas Alexis was come unto them Adamas thought it best before dinner to shew them the Walkes and the rather because the Sun was masked with many Clouds Every one applyed themselves unto those that best pleased them except Silvander Hylas and Calidon For Paris tooke Diana whom Silvander out of respect was constrained to quit Alexis still was with Astrea which kept Hylas and Calidon from the happinesse of talking unto this feigned Druid and faire Shepherdesse As for Calidon and Silvander they durst not shew the least discontent But Hylas who was not accustomed unto any constraint Mâ—stresse said he as soone as they were out of the house I beseech you let Calidon wait upon Astrea Who then said Astrea shall keepe the faire Alexis company Pray good Shepherdesse said Hylas never take you any care he that cares for the birds of the Aire will not let her be without helpe and for want of a better I will tender my service unto her and at the same time he took Alexis by the other arme Truly said Astrea halfe angry that she could not be alone with Alexis it is easie to know Hylas that you are none of the Shepherds of Lignon for they doe never use to be so impudently bold I doe beleeve it said Hylas and it is very likely that they being Shepherds are not so couragious as I am Methinkes replyed Astrea that since you assume the same habit you should also assume the same courage No no Shepherdesse answered he a Hero is not lesse hardy for having a rusty Sword but on the contrary if examples of vertue have any influence upon Shepherds Calidon whom I see there looking upon you as if he would began Alms would doe as I doe Astrea looked downe with her eyes upon the ground fearing least if this discourse continued that young Shepherd should imitate Hylas and so of one fault she should make two
by my beds side and looking a while upon me he began thus to speak My Son since the great God hath made his love unto you evidently appeare by sending you such unexpected Assistance you are the more obliged unto thâ—nkes for so great a mercy and favour and to be obedient unto whatsoever he commandâ— For as the acknowledgement of favours received from him does invite his hand unto more liberality so ingratitude provokes him to slack his mercies and in lieu thereof to chastise Take good heed of this my Son and let us see how you will expresse your thankes by your words and with what demonstrations you will acknowledge the particular Cure which hath been over you upon this he was silent to see what I would answer This good old man had a very venerable and grave aspect a pleasing look a sweet Physiognomy and so mild a voyce as it seemed as if some God had spoken by his mouth But yet my amazement was so great as it was long before I returned him an answer He fearing that it was my weaknesse or the pain of my wounds which hindred me Son said he if your paine and weaknesse will not permit you to answer yet make a sign in testimony of your desire and God will so well accept it as he will give you further strength Then recollecting my spirits I forced my selfe to answer him with a feeble voyce in these words Father it is not the wounds of my body hath brought me into this condition wherein you see me but it is the wounds of my soul which expecting no other cure or remedies but such as death useth to give unto those that are miserable made me look for an end of my life from a River which it seems is so pittilesse as she will not not afford me that help which she never denyes unto others These things are still in my memory but I cannot tell how I came out of that River wherein I threw my selfe nor how I came into this place and in your presence Son replyed the Druid I perceive your crime and the favour of Tautates are greater then I did imagine them For I had an opinion that some of your enemies had thus used you and that the great God had saved and delivered you out of their hands but for ought I see you would have procured your own death a sin so great execrable both unto God man as his mercy is infinitely abundant in not chastising you in his anger Fratricide Patricide are â—innes of a very high strain because they are neere unto us How monstrous then is the murther of our selves since none can be so neer us as our selves are Madam should I relate all his instructions I should be too long and he would have continued longer if he had not been prevented by the Fishermen who came into the Chamber and brought with them a man tyed with cords so as at the first I did not know him as well because my mind was distracted another way as because he looked with a strange affrighted looke and his habit had so disguised him as he was much changed As soone as ever he saw me he would have falne upon his knees but he could not because he was bound At last looking more earnestly upon him and hearing him say Aâ— my Master my Master I knew him to be Halladine my Servant You may imagine Madam whether I was amazed to see him in that condition for I could remember how I pulled him into the water and thought he had been drowned but I was much more amazed when I heard one of the Fishermen addresse unto the Druid assure him that this was the man who had brought me into the condition I was and that he was not content with what he had done but he was looking about for the corps that he might hide it and his wicked act together The good old man would have spoke when I interrupted and told him No no my friends you are mistaken he is innocent he is my Servant and the most faithfull Servant I ever had set him at liberty I intreat you and let me imbrace him once more The poore men wondered to see me hug him so affectionately and he falling downe upon his knees at my bed side with eyes showring tears he was so transported with joy that he could not speake But when he was unbound I embraced him as tenderly as if he had been my borther I was extreamly desirous to know whether he had delivered my message as I commanded him and how he came to be brought thus unto me but I durst not aske him least I should discover what I desired to keepe secret The Druid who was discreet and wise did perceive as much For presently upon it seeming as if he would go and enquire the manner of their meeting with this Servant he went out of the Cell and carryed with him all but us two My curiosity would not suffer me to be any longer without asking him whether he had seene Madonthe what she and Lerianâ— had said and done and how he fell into the hands of these men He answered me a farre off that he had accomplished my commands and failed in nothing that all those who heard of my death did extreamly lament me that had he thought to have found me alive he would have brought me an answer unto my letter but being desirous to doe me the last service he could he came to looke for my corps along the River side that he might give it buriall intending afterwards to retire himselfe from that Country and all habitable places And this morning going along the River side he met these Fishermen of whom he enquired for what he sought And they after they had looked upon him and whispered a while together they fell upon him and bound him as I saw he was thinking it was he who had treated me in that manner that doe all they could he would not tell my name nor give them any light by which they might know whom I was But Sir said he I beseech you by what good fortune came you hither and what good God was it that restored you unto life againe Then joyning his hands together and lifted up his teare swelled eyes to Heaven for ever happy may he be said he that did this good worke Halladine my Friend said I unto him I thanke thee heartily for thy good will and I am very glad thou hast not revealed my name for I would not have any know me to be alive And as to thy question how I came hither you must enquire of some body else than me for I am as ignorant as thou art And yet let me tell thee that though Heaven has preserved my life against my will I cannot chuse but thank it since I can by thee heare of Madonthe Madonthe whom I beseech the Heavens to preserve and unto whom I wish all happinesse and contentment Oh Heavens said Halladine
medicines replyed Halladine then that love which was caused by vertues and favours may be cured in you by the injuries which you have received from her and by the knowledge of so foule a fault That which causeth love said I unto him is fate and destiny unto whom the heavens have submitted it and therefore there is no thought that it will change untill the very heavens and destiny themselves doe change And as for matter of shame I am resolved to be her Champion against all those who shall oppose her fame with any Calumny Heavens forbid it Sir said he unto me for you will have to deale with two of the sturdiest Cavaliers in all Aquitane besides you will too apparently wrong your selfe and exceedingly offend a just God in maintaining a quarrell that is unjust As for the valour of Leotaris and his brother said unto him it is not unknowne unto me and it shall not be that which shall divert me from the Combate But as to the offence which you mention to be against God I doe referre it unto him since it is his pleasure to make me love Madonthe so passionately as it is a thing impossible for me to doe otherwise Good Sir said he will you offer to imploy your courage in taking arms for the defence of one who has most unworthily used you are you not sensible of such injuries and would you have all the World take notice of this insensibility Doe you not remember how insupportably rigorous she was to you whilst she was in the arms of Thersander and loaded him with more favours than he could desire Will you against all reason expose your life in defence of one who to content another scorned you Shall it be ever said that you did unjustly arme your selfe to preserve the pleasures and delights of Thersander He would have continued longer had not I interrupted him Enough enough Halladine said I unto him no more of this language to me the stone is already throwne and it cannot be recalled I am fully resolved upon it all that thou hast said or can say cannot unresolve me When I doe thinke upon Madonthes death and that I shall never see her more whom I doe love so well when I consider the paine and confusion in which she is and the shame which is prepared for her and when I doe remember it is she whom Damon hath so long served and that she must now be throwne into the Fire Oh God oh Heavens Halladine dost thou thinke I am able to indure it and can any injury or scorne hinder me from giving her all the assistance I can No no Halladine Damon must either cease to live or else he must not cease from doing what is his duty It is the duty of a Cavalier to relieve afflicted and distressed Ladies whether this Lady be accused justly or unjustly God knows as for us we ought rather to think the best than to suspect the worst And since Leriana is her accuser I must thinke Madonthe wronged knowing the extreame malice which she beares unto her I will therefore render Madonthe this proofe of my affection I know Halladine thou wilt say that she will thanke me no more for this service than for others she hath received from me but friend it is no matter if she do not I shall satisfie my duty in it and then I have the recompence I expect My Servant seeing me so fully setled upon it he told me that since I was so resolved he could doe no more but pray unto God for a blessing upon my intentions and endeavours but if I would execute my designe I must not lose a minute of time For the last hour which the King had given unto Madonthe would expire to morrow by noone and that from the place where we were the neerest way was five Leagues at the least unto the Towne of Tectosages and above eight Leagues to passe by the place where my Arms lay so as it was full time to depart that very hour Upon this intelligence I resolved to take Horse presently and least the good old Druid should make me lose any time I thought it best to depart without acquainting him untill afterwards and then if I proved victorious I would make my excuse and thanke him for the great obligations wherein I was bound unto him I tooke Horse then and made all haste I could to the place where my Armes lay I tryed them and found them to be very good and fit they were blacke and on the Shield a Tyger feeding upon the heart of a man with this Motto Thou giv'st me death and I sustaine thy life Then without more delay I rode to the Town of Tectosages and made such haste as I came a little before noon I alighted to give my Horse a little rest for indeed he was weary and this might well have been Madonthes ruine for when I came to the lists I found the Combate already begun but one Cavalier against two and certainly had I stayed never so little longer that Cavalier had dyed and Madonthe been convicted for he fell into a swoon when I was entred not ten paces into the lists and had he falne before I had entred the Combate had been ended and it would not have been permitted me to begin it againe But God was pleased I should arrive so opportunely as the innocency of that Lady was made known For to omit the particulars of the Combate it will suffice to tell you that it pleased God to give me victory over these two valiant Brothers who were overcome rather by the innocency of Madonthe then any strength or virtue in me unlesse so that being armed for the life and honour of my mistresse the whole Universe could not resist me Thus I was victorious and when I least though of it the truth was manifested Leriana detected Madonthe cleared the Childe known to belong unto one that was Neece unto Leriana and to be briefe all things so cleared that the wicked Leriana was cast into the same fire which she had prepared for Madonthe Madonthe set at liberty and I the gladdest man that ever was to see she had beene wrongfully accused and that though she had injured me yet it was without the least staine unto her honour or chastity This was such a high contentment unto me as I esteemed all the paines I had taken in her service more then recompenced Seeing this thus settled and thinking it not expedient to make my selfe known untill I knew a little better whether or no she loved Thersander or whether all that I had seen concerning it was onely the artifice and subtilty of Leriana I went unto her scaffold to know whether I could serve her in any other occasion She gave me many thanks and had two requests unto me the one was to tell her who I was the other to conduct her unto her house As for telling her my Name I excused it as well as I could and as for conducting
drive their Children and see what came on 't The five dayes being expired and making no question but Arimant was at his lodging according to appointment I trimmed my selfe up like a man and Clarina also and disguised our selves so well as meeting my mother when she came from the Temple she knew us not but I was much amazed when I came to Arimants lodging and found no Arimant there and much more when night came upon us and could heare no newes of him Then did I begin to repent of my rash act and being so hasty as to stirre out of the house till first I knew he was in his lodging But the greatest trouble was the report spred abroad all over the Towne that I was lost and could not any where be heard of that I was searched for all over This made me tell Clarina that come what fortune would we must some way or other get out of the Town and that since Arimant was not there certainly some great mischance had hapned unto him When we were thus consulting extreamly perplexed and knew not which way to turne our selves I saw the young man who waited upon Arimant enter into the Chamber imagine Hylas how great our contentment was when we saw him Oh my good friend said I unto him where is thy Master He is in his owne house said he unto me but so wounded as he cannot come unto you Who wounded him replied I and trembled every joynt One answered he whom he has kild and to be short you must know that my Master not being ignorant of the designe which Clorangus had upon you he challenged him they fought and he killed him but yet he came not off without two great wounds which though not dangerous yet are so troublesome that he can neither ride nor go the one is in his thigh and the other in his leg Now seeing he could not come hither as he promised he sent me to wait upon you and conduct you where he is having furnished me with horses and all things necessary Friend said I unto him I knew some great occasion hindred thy Master from being here I am glad both he and I are rid of the trouble of Clorangus but I wish it had not cost him so deare when thou wilt we will be going that we may the sooner be with thy Master and see his wounds dressed Truly said he I thinke there is no better salve than your selfe then calling Clarina we consulted what we should doe to escape it being probable strict guards would be at the Gates and after a long debate we concluded that the young man should goe unto the Pallace of Rithimer to heare what people said and to learne if it was possible in what manner they searched for me and that in the mean time we should cut our haire to the end that if they did search for us they might not so soon know us This being resolved upon the young man went accordingly and was so nimble and subtle as he mingled himselfe amongst the Domestiques of Rithimer where he heard all their discourse to be of nothing but upon me some said I was fled and had good reason for it because they would needs force me to marry Clorangus the ugliest fellow amongst all the Cisalpine Gaules others who thought themselves more wise murmured against the wife of Rithimer saying she had packt me away being jealous of her husband and me and this opinion went so far that Rithimer beleeved it remembring she had served him such a tricke before and this was the reason that when my Mother fell downe upon her knees and beseeched him that a strict search might be made for me he answered her with an angry smile Go go Madam if you doe not know where you daughter is aske your Cozen and without further answer turned away from her This was the reason that my mother telling this unto his wife and how Rithimer slighted the search for me she beleeved that Rithimer had sent me away and hid me in some place for his pleasure As for my Mother she knew not whom or what to suspect one while she thought Rithimer had ravished me away another while that it was his wife who out of jealousie had done it and to thinke of Clorangus she could not imagine he should be any instrument in it And so not knowing which to be the cause she suspected both Rithimer and his wife Hence it was that all three being jealous of each other they were not very hot in searching for me but rather laughed at one another when such a thing was propounded This gave we the opportunity of getting out of the Towne by noone for it being the market day we easily passed amongst the crowd none being at the Gates who had any charge to looke or take any notice of us So when we were out of the Suburbs of the Towne we tooke Horse and when we came to a Wood we fell to eat such Victuals as the young man had provided for us Then setting forward we travelled all the night and the next day till noone then the young man brought us into a House the Owner whereof was a friend unto Arimant and unto whom the young man delivered a Letter from him for whose sake we were entertained with all possible welcome but I was so weary with my travell as I fell asleep almost with the meat in my mouth so as we went all to bed and rested our selves here all that day and the night following For my part I doe not thinke I ever wakened all the time at least I am sure the Sun was up before I opened my eyes and before I got out of my bed then the young man called me and methought the night had been shorter than usuall As soon as we were all ready we set forward againe and travelled untill night when we came to the Towne of the Libicians with all contentment But I cannot expresse the joyes of Arimant when I came unto his bed-side it was such as his wounds did open again and began to bleed afresh as he was forced to keep his bed still his joyes were so great to see me in the house as I beleeve if I had not taken notice of it he had said nothing for fear of affrighting me but seeing his colour to change I asked him whether he did not find himselfe ill It is nothing Brother said he for so it was agreed we should call each other onely I beseech you let a Chirurgion come to me whilst you pull off your boots for though I be in bed yet I will sup with you Then after I had imbraced him I called for the Chirurgion and retired my selfe a little to my Chamber But oh how jocund were Clarina and I when we were together for having passed over so many frights we now thought our selves returned even from death to life Whilst we were thus rejoycing together one came to advertise us that Arimant had lost so much
him strength enough to repell the fury of these souldiers some were killed others taken and the rest fled The Captaine seeing himselfe out of danger and not knowing Arimant Cavalier said he unto him I am obliged unto your valour for my life and in requitall of this assistance which I have received from you command me any service within the compass of my power and I shall be most ready to doe it Sir said my Master I was obliged unto all I did and if I have done you any service I desire no other recompence but that you will take me as your Prisoner and use me like a Cavalier as both you and â—are The Captaine upon this looking better upon him and seeing by his habit that he was no Burgundian he said thus unto him Sir I do receive you as you desire not to use you as a Prisoner but as my friend and a Cavalier of merit Also I passe my word I will rather die then you shall receive any displeasure from our Army Thus was Arimant and I under the protection of this Captaine whose name was Bellimaâ—t a man indeed of great Credit but much devoted unto his wealth as afterwards we found and who according to the custome of the Visigots did seldome remember any benefits for though he was a Visigot yet he followed the King of the Burgundians as a person who sought for fortune wheresoever he was in hopes to find it The first day we received all the kind usage we could expect upon such an occasion But the next day being better informed of the quality of his Prisoner by some in the Town he began to keep us under better guard pretending it was because he would have us keep our Chambers that our wounds might sooner heale forbidding any to speak with us Afterwards seeing the Army was to move and he not knowing whither he took my Master apart and told him that in performance of his word he was forced to send him over the Alpeâ— because the King being informed that it was he who had raised the opposition in the Town and had caused the death of many of his men he has commanded him to be searched for throughout all the Army intending to put him to death as a terrour unto the neighbouring Towns that perhaps he could make a shift to protect him against any but the authority of the King That he would willingly let him passe free amongst his own Souldiers if he durst but it would hazard his life if the King should heare he permitted such a thing without his consent yet on the contrary he could without any exceptions send him beyond the Alpes since it was permitted unto all the Souldiers to send their Prisoners and Pillage thither But as soon as the Army was returned unto Bungundie he would send him back unto Eporedes or any other place he pleased Arimant then asked him whether the Queen had sent her Prisoners thither also The Queen answered the Captaine is not here but they have sent their Prisoners thither to the end the Army may be discharged of them My Master looked upon me as if he had said you are mistaken and afterwards continued I will go said he whither you please assuring my selfe that a Cavalier so courteous and noble as you are will not use me otherwise then is fitting for a person of my quality and as one may expect from such a Cavalier as you are Do the next morning betimes not without great danger of my Masters life by reason of his wounds we were carried away by aconvoy which guarded many other Prisoners not knowing Madam what was become of you onely that the King had put all the Ladies together lest they should receive any injury After we had passed the Alpes they brought us unto this Town and presently after being parted from the rest they carryed us into the Segusian Country by the Mountaines of Gebennes And at last they put us up close into a little Castle neare the Town of Gergovâ—â— Well may I say close up for we were guarded so close that we hardly saw any light and so we continued for a time but the merit and sweet conversation of my Master did work so well upon this harsh Keeper and the promises I made to gratifie his courtesie when Bellimart gave him liberty did move him to let me go out and treat with him about our enlargement This Madam has been my Masters fortune but nothing touches him so at heart as being ignorant of your estate hearing onely in generall that you were in the hands of the King It was not any desire of his enlargement or treating with Bellimâ—â— which brought me hither but only to know in what part of the world you were or whether you still retained any memory of him How replyed Cryseide any memory of him what should I else have an my memory but him Yes yes Bellaris I must be dead before Arimant be out of my memory The Gods doe know there is not a day nor an hour nor a minute in which Clarina and I have not talked of him with eyes full of teares Now my deare friend I will declare one thing unto you which I have not yet mentioned unto any but finding my selfe in this condition and foreseeing that it will be worse with me I am forced to tell it unto you that by your Counsell I may find a remedy Know Bellaris that Gondebunt the King of Burgundie is faln in love with me I know it both by his deportment towards me and his expressions I would not upon any termes reject him at the first because an incensed love may drive a man unto violent courses but after I had given him many thanks for the honour he did me I told him that I was none of the common sort of people but extracted out of the best Families amongst the Sallasses Rithimers wife who was sister unto the Emperour Anthemius was my near Cousin That this consideration might well move him to treat me according to my quality and by this meanes â—e might not onely make Rithimer his friend but Anthensius also who was allied unto me Unto this he returned no other answer than this that I did him great a favour in telling him as much and that upon his returne he would make it appeare how much he esteemed my merit and my alliance Now Bellaris I do foresee a sharp Combate For I am told that the King is upon his return and I see all preparations are making for him Perhaps he may change his humour and fancy to me and perhaps not Now if he doe continue it judge you how I shall be persecuted To marry him I had rather die To refuse him he is a young arrogant manâ— and blown up so high by so many victories obtained and alâ—s what can I doe so as I doe foresee a most dangerous storme of misery hanging over my head and know not how to shelter my selfe from it unlesse you advise me
liberty nay more yet she is coming to you Clarina and she doe stay for you in Gergovia Bellaris said the Cavalier and smiled is this all true thou sayst Doe you thinke Sir said this faithful servant that I would bring you any lies The goodnesse of the Gods be praised said Arimant and lifted up his hands and eyes to heaven Then turning himself towards Bellaris But friend is it possible all this should be so Can so much happinesse come all at once Sir answered he doe not make any doubt of what I say and to testifie my affection and fidelity you may to morrow if you will see this fair one who has taken so much paines to give you contentment but then I am afraid it will be the last service I ever shall doe you Alas said Arimant I would not buy my contentment at so dear a rate as the losse of thee but if it could be any otherwise I should be most heartily glad of it I will tell you Sir said he what I did determine to doe Then he began to relate unto him how he met with Cryseide in the Temple and in the Garden her resolution to escape how they got away how she was in Gerâ—â—via in the Gaulish habite where she expected him and briefly all the whole passage Then he continued Now Sir you must make all the haste you can to get from hence for doubtlesse King Gondebunt is even very now upon his return and then you may assure your selte that Bellimart will either come or send for you you know his covetous and greedy mind and God knowes how he will use you you may remember his ingratitude towards you and you cannot hope for any courtesie from him who has shewed himselfe already so unworthy Besides it is impossible that Cryseide should stay long where she is and Gondebunt not be advertised of it and you must know how that King is so much in love with her as he has declared some intention of marrying her You see therefore it is full time to make all possible haste out of this Country and judge whether or no Cryseide love you chusing rather to run all these hazards for your sake then to marry so great a King You must therefore desire the Captaine to let me return this night to Beâ—limart you must seem much displeased with me for not staying till his returne he will easily grant it Then as soon as the doors are open you may put on my cloathes and I will stay in your room Oh Belâ—arâ—â— said Arimant I am afraid these men will doe you some hurt and if it could be contrived some other way it would be better No no Sir said Bellaris there is no other way For in the first place time does presse you and there is no probability that this man who guards you will be corrupted by Gifts because he thinkes your Ransome will be very high and it is probable that Bellimart has promised him a share And as for me never let it trouble you for I am confident the Gods will help those who hope in them and are faithful to their Masters by some unexpected meanes Can I doe you any better service Sir then in a businesse of this importance But suppose the Barbarian should use me with the worst of his cruelty shall any danger whatsoever deter me from doing you service If I die it is no more then I ought to doe for you And I can never doe it with more honour then in gaining your liberty and contentment If on the contrary I should not I may be upbraided all the dayes of my life for losing so faire an opportunity of testifying how much I am devoted to you Doe not ravish from me this Glory I beseech you sir I aske it in recompence of all the service I ever did you and onely require three things from you The first That if I die you will remember you never had a more faithfull servant Secondly if I live that you will give Clarina unto me for my Wife And lastly That when you are got out from hence you will make all haste away that possibly you can lest you should be taken againe Thus continuing his discourse with so much urgency he prevailed so far with Arimant as not to deny him his request though it was with abundance of sorrow to leave him in so much danger Night then being come Arimant entreated the Captaine as Bellaris proposed to give him leave to goe again who the King knowing would ere long beat Lyons and desirous to be fingering of the Ransome as soon as he could whereof he was to receive a good share he did not onely give leave but advised him unto it and that he would send a Letter by him unto Bellimart Thus the departure of Bellaris was resolved upon and the Gate was ordered to be opened for him when he would Bellaris informed Arimant in all things to wit where he shoulâ— find Cryseide in what place the Horses stood and which way he should passe telling him it was better to go a little about and go more safely In such discourse as this they spent a good part of the night another part in shifting habits and taking order for all things requisite so as when it was break of day after Arimant had embraced his faithful servant with many teares and recommending himselfe unto Mercury he set forward towards the Gate in great feare of discovery for though he had the clothes of Bellaris yet he was not like him being much bigger and faces so unlike as it was impossible not to know the one from the other if the least notice was taken yet he passed without any rub it being dark and speciall order being given for it Bellaris looked after him out of his Chamber window as farre into the plain as his eye could reach and he observed how Arimant looked often back to see whether any followed him At last when he was out of sight then the danger wherein he was began to present it selfe before his eyes and he thought upon the horrors of death But neither death nor danger nor any thing could make him repent of what he had done or be sorry for it in the lest manner Yet as every one desires to prolong his life as much as possibly he can so soon as he had got his Master away he would now try what he could doe for himselfe He turned the Doublet and the Stockings of Arimant the wrong side outward and sullied his Hat so as it had a resemblance of his own As fortune was Arimant had left his Cloak behind him perhaps on purpose to be the lighter To be briefe he tricked up himselfe as well as he could and with a confident countenance he went to the Gate and offered to goe out The Corporal who commanded there denyed him saying that one was already gone out and he had no command for any more But Bellaris shewing him a Letter which
friend of Tautates who with his family saved himselfe 〈◊〉 the generall inundation Now this man taught them that there was but onely one God whom he called Tautates whom by severall surnames he sometimes called Hesus that is to say God omnipotent and omniscient sometimes Bellinus that is to say God and Man because of all mortal Creatures man onely does acknowledge him sometimes Thamires that is to say God purging and taking away the sinnes of the living and this beliefe has beene ever preserved pure amongst us untill this time And we may boast that we are the onely people of all the Gaules who have had this happinesse for some by compulsion others voluntarily and by converse with the Romans Visigots Vandalls Almains Picts and Burgundians have lost this purity which we have still retained both in our beliefe and practice Whilst Adamas was thus talking unto Daphnide and Alcidon discovering unto them the secret mysteries of his Religion Astrea shewed unto Alexis the rarities of this Temple which she had seen before the shepherdesse and yet seemed to admire them especially when Phillis told her that this Temple was made by an unknown hand and that there was not a shepherdesse in all the Country who knew him that made it 'T is strange said Alexis for it is not the work of one day and yet said Astrea none took any notice of it untill it was finished as you see But I beseech you Madam said she tell me whether your opinion doe agree with ours look well upon the Picture of the Goddesse and tell me whom you thinke it doth most resemble It does resemble said Alexis the fairest shepherdesse in the world Then replyed Astrea you are not of the opinion of us all for these shepherdesses assure me and I thinke they are something in the right that this face doth much resemble mine Most certaine replyed Alexis For the Picture does extreamly resemble you and yet that doth not at all hinder but that you are the fairest shepherdesse in the world I receive this commendations said Astrea from Alexis because I desire to be the more pleasing unto her and because she being no shepherdesse but a Druid I doe not any injurie unto her in accepting of it Though I were a shepherdesse answered Alexis yet you ought to accept it since it is so much your due And though you refuse it out of excess of modesty yet reason will force you unto it by the judgement of all But fairest shepherdesse let us talk no more of that which cannot be denyed by any and let us see I beseech you what is upon this Altar which I think have been dedicated unto you by the Pans and Egypans of this Country under the name of the goddesse Astrea The shepherdess hearing Alexis she thought that she heard the very voice of Celadon as he was wont to discourse unto her and she was infinitely joyed at this resemblance as she could not hide her joyes from her companions And at the same time when they came unto the Altar Diana and Phillis came also having Daphnis with them who being astonished at what her Companions said concerning that place went along with them looking upon all the rarities in it and by fortune Diana laying her hand upon one of the little Roles of Paper of which there were many upon the Altar she opened it and found certaine Verses in it and shewed them unto Phillis and Astrea Methinks Sister said she unto her that I should know this hand It is Celadons answered Phillis and I cannot chuse but be ravished with wonder at what I see in this place Astrea blushed at the name of Celadon and Alexis much more who to disguise it the better did ask who this Celadon was of whom they spoke He was said Diana one of the most courteous shepherds in all this Country and by unhappy misfortune was drowned In what place said Alexis It was said Astrea in the fatal River of Lignon but said she let us talk upon some other subject and look upon these other Roles Then taking one which was in the hands of Daphnis she saw some Verses which were written in another Character for they were written by the Nimph Leonide when not being able to perswade Celadon to forsake the melancholly life he led in that place she did visit him almost every day and because she could not conceal her passionate affection to him she writ those Verses as a testimony of it When Phillis heard the name of Celadon certainly said she this is the place of wonders for there is no question but every thing in it relates unto Celadon and yet we all know that he is dead How do you know that said Alexis Nay said Astrea it is but too true for I saw him die and since have seene his Ghost but I beseech you let us leave off this discourse and then offering to go away Diana stayed her and looked in another Paper which was written in the same Characters the first was and contained these words Sighs I. Sighs the Children of that thought which so incessantly torments me why doe you not either blow out that fire which is in my soule or else s◠inflame it as it may quite consume me II. Sighs which were wont to be the Cordialls of him who gives you being why doe you now change your customes of comforting into a course of tormenting III. Sighs which do come from my heart why doe you not carry that heart unto her for whom you are created that so you may either give me a death by taking it from me or a lif◠by carrying it unto her who is the originall of my life IV. Sighs why doe you come from my heart since all my hopes are gone and all my desires ought to be quenched These faire shepherdesses had not left one Role unopened which was upon the Altar if Adamas who was shewing unto Daphnide and Alcidon the mysteries of the Temple of Amity and the Temple of the Goddesse Astrea had not interrupted them They to give him place went all out though none of the company knew more of them then Alexis yet she seemed as much amazed at these things as any and was as inquisitive to be informed in every circumstance When they were come out they found Hylas at the Fountaine and would not enter into the Temple now no more then the first time As soon as Alexis saw him and not knowing the reason why he did not follow them How now servant said she What makes you stay here whilst we have been viewing the rarest place in all the Country Mistresse answered he my intention was to make you more desire the sight of me in being a little deprived of it That needed not answered she for I cannot desire it more then I doe If you had replyed Hylas you would have stayed here with me and not have preferred your curiosity of viewing a woody Grove before your contentment in being with Hylus I had thought
said Alexis and smiled that my servant had been more religiously devoted unto these sacred Groves and had been the first that would offer himselfe at the Altars so as thinking him gone before me I went after to seek him You saw me when you entred in as I did you said Hylas and if your affection to me had been equall unto mine to you you would have stayed behind them Good Servant said Alexis may I not as well tax your affection in not following me for I should willingly have stayed behind had I known your intention of doing so Nay nay answered Hylas this is but an excuse you might well see that the God of this place was not pleased I should enter if you had looked upon the inscription over the door Then Alexis seeming not to see it before looked up and found written That no prophane persons who were not inspired with a constant love should not enter into that sacred place And what of all this said Alexis his meaning is said Silvander That since he is not inspired with a constant love he dares not set his foot into the sacred place lest he should prophane it and in this Madam he shewes himselfe more religious then a perfect lover Servant said Alexis Is this true which Silvander saith Mistresse answered Hylas Do you desire I should love you Yes said Alexis with all my heart Then said he Lend not any eare unto any such sowers of sedition in love as Silvander Then turning towards him Do you think Silvander said he that I did not enter into this sacred Grove because I was no perfect lover as well as religious What else would you have me thinke said Silvander I think you were afraid of punishment and therefore durst not enter now no more then the first time we came unto it I will not deny answered Hylas but that I do stand in fear of angering the Gods and let me tell you thâ— this my feare is more commendable then your arrogance For is there any who have not a Tincture of some humane imperfections Ah my good friend Dost thou thinke thy selfe unsullied and therefore how 〈◊〉 you be so impâ—â—ent as to set◠〈◊〉 in this forbidden place I confesse my selfe said Silvander subject unto humane imperfections but am not so grosly follied with them as some men are I know thou it 〈…〉 company without common imperfections and yet for all then they 〈…〉 into this sacred place since the condition of their entrance is that there be no fault in their love Now I â—m most certaine there is none in mine for I had rather die a thousand deaths then suffer the lest stain of imperfection in it A very fine fancy believe it said Hylas Good Silvander tell me if there be any such pure pieces in the world as you doe imagine your selfe and if there be any pray tell me where they are You may very well ask where they are said Silvander for I doe believe you know not any though there be many in this place Pray tell me What doe you take Phillis to be She said Hylas is too merry What then of Astrea said Silvander She answered Hylas in too sad What then of Diana said Silvander she replyed he is too wise What do you say unto Alexis said he She said Hylas knows too much Lâ—â—nide continued Silvander she said Hylas knows too much 〈◊〉 too little What faultin Celidea said Silvander Her virtue replyed heâ— is 〈◊〉 unto me What do you say of Florice said Silvander That fine has a jealous 〈◊〉 answered he What of Palanice replyed Silvender She said Hylas does too soon believe that she is loved Of 〈◊〉 said Silvander She said Hylas is â—â—â—soluto What fault in Carlis said Silvander She loved me too much answered he What do you think of Stilliana said Silvander She is too subtile said Hylas What of Dâ—â—phnide continued Silvander That she has lost him answered Hylas who would have made her esteemed more faire What do you say oâ— Lâ—anies said Silvander I say replyed Hylas that I do not love her And of Maâ—â—â—â—he said the shepherd She answered he is too like Diana Oh Heavens said Silvanderâ— Can I propose none in whom you will find no fault You have forgotten one shepherdesse amongst us said Diana and that is Stella Very true indeed said Silvander what do you say of her I must confesse said Hylas then that if she continue pleasing me as well as she hath done this morning I think that I shall find her according to my own mind How how servants said Alexâ—s presently will you quit me for her Hylas after he had thought a little bâ—â—ter with himselfe answered very faintly No no Mistresse I would not quit you but I hope I may let you have some company Why replyed Alexis cannot you content your selfe with me Fie fie I must needs complain of you to all the world 〈◊〉 you are too blame answered Hylas for have you not alwayes told me that our loves should be equall Most true replyed Alexis Then replyed he if it be equall you should let me love another besides your selfe since you doe the same Whom do you see me love said she besides your self Whom said Hylas What 〈◊〉 you doing all the day upon this Country wench called Astren Oh servant said Alexis she is a womanâ— Well then said Hylas may not I also love a woman Servant said Alexis if you were a woman as I am it were then allowable to love a woman but since you are not I have great reason to be jealous I beseech you Mistresse said Hylas let 〈◊〉 law be equall betwixt us No said she I can never consent unto so much wrong to my self And believe in Mistresse said Hylas I will not lose any of my priviledges I peâ—â—cive said Diana there is like to be a divorce betwixt you For my part said Astrea I shall be 〈◊〉 gaâ—â—ner by it which way soever it be for if they do break off I shall possesse that 〈◊〉 one to my selfe alone and if they doe not yet since she 〈◊〉 Hylas to love Sreâ—â—a I shall have the more opportunities of talking with her whilst he is entertaining his new Mistresse And for my part said Hylas I shall be also a gaâ—â—er By it for if we be divorced then I shall be free and if we continue then I shall have 〈…〉 to love me 〈…〉 of one I perceive said Alexis that the losse will be onely 〈◊〉 For if Hylas doe cease loving me I shall lose the friendship of a person whom I value an a high rate of esteem and if he do still love me with a condition of loving another I shall have but one half of a servant whilst Stella has the other 〈◊〉 as which way soever the wind blow it will be against me But servant is there no meanes to make you 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Stella from having a share Alexis spoke this in such a resenting manner as one would have thought her in
being deficient in other things which should make you loved and which she finds in me she has declared me to know better how to make my self loved then you do And this Shepherdesse if you do rightly understand it is most just and not at all dis-advantagious to you For all three must be considered Diana is she who was to receive our services and our passions And you and I were to serve and Court her It is the property of a man to serve and Court a fair Mistris I have done according to the duty and office of a man in my Courtship of Diana and she has done the right office of a woman in receiving my services But it is preposterous and absurd for you who are a woman to Court a woman and therefore it is not at all strange that though you be more amiable yet Sylvander should know how to procure love better then you since it is his part to court and yours on the contrary to be courted and certainly our just Judge did so intend it when she placed you in her room intimating that as it was hers so it was your part not to serve but to be served Confess therefore Phillis that I have won the wager and I will confesse you to be more amiable then I And let us both say that never was a more wise and just Judge nor a fairer Mistris then Diana whose judgement has given me the victory and whose perfections have made me eternally hers Thus Sylvander ended leaving every one very well satisfied with his reasons and modesty Phillis her self was forced to yeild unto him and therefore Diana seeing there was no need of a second judgement she said no more Hylas only who jeared at all he had said and held Stella under the Arm seeing all was silent he began to talk Well Sylvander said he To what purpose is all this long Discourse And what can we learn from it You may learn answered Sylvander that the just judgement which Diana gave upon such solid reason had like to have suffered the same injury by the mis-interpretation of Phillis that most Oracles do receive from those who will turn them according to their own desires and wrest them so as they suit with their own passions And Stella and you may learn That as there is but one Sun which resembles Love so all ought to have but one Love If it be so said Hylas that Love like the Sun gives life and that none do live without it and that you never loved any until of very late then you have been alive but very lately And if so good Sylvander tell me how you did being dead to look so well to your Flock to hunt to talk to sing to run and wrestle I should be very glad to learn that trick of you that I may do the same when I am dead for I have seen some assoon as they are dead cast presently into the earth and there 's an end of them but I must confess you are the finest dead man that ever I saw and if I could but do as you did before you were in love I would not care a rush for death Sylvander could not chuse but laugh at the discourse of Hylas but by way of answer he said 'T is true that Love is the life of our souls if it be rightly understood and to that end you must know Hylas that there are two kinds of life in a soul The one is that which it lives in the body and the other which it lives with it self The first doth animate the Body makes it walk talk eat and do all those things which you knew I did before I had the happiness to love Diana And the other gives life unto the Soul and makes it live in it self For it enlightens the Understanding forms the Imagination and takes up the Will The first kind of life is common unto man as unto all other animals for all living do produce the same actions But the other soaring higher then the Body does give the Soul another kind of life which is common unto those pure thoughts of which we spoke before Now Hylas when I said that Love gives life unto Souls I did not then say that the Body was dead in that sense which you apprehend it for then I had said things impossible Impossible because none can die before he live and he who never loved never lived and he who never lived cannot die Ask me no more therefore how being dead I came to talk sing leap run and such like for all those actions do depend upon a life which love daigns not to meddle with Then I perceive said Hylas that your love is only in thought and imagination No question of it replyed Sylvander and as for other things I leave them unto that instinct which Nature gives unto every one Then replyed Hylas It is pity but we two should love one Shepherdess for we should both agree excellently well You in the Favours which she should shew you in thought and imagination and I in those which your love leaves unto that instinct of Nature Alcidon and most of the Shepherds did laugh heartily at the merry humour of Hylas and especially Sylvander who at last returned him this answer Ah Hylas Did you know how to Love you would not speak thus nor confound things as you do Though my Soul doth live in its own thoughts yet for all that it gives life unto that body which it animates The Sun which as I told you is the true Embleme of Love though it do shine upon Celestial things yet it does also cast his rayes upon Bodies here below And why should not Love which enlightens our Understanding and forms the thoughts of our souls give such desires also unto our Bodies as are natural unto it No no Hylas here lies all the difference Those who love as I do they have none of those desires whereof you speak but because they love And those who love as you do do not love but because they have those desires But Sylvander said Stella who was a little netled at this discourse since you have these desires Are you not very bold when you consider who you are and who Diana is I must needs confess answered Sylvander That when I do look upon my self with eyes of equality I think you are in the right but when I consider my extream love and the hopes which she was pleased to give me I think my self not too blame Your extream love said she and your hopes also are things invisible But the actions of my fairest Mistris answered Sylvander may make them visible And though mine have not hitherto been so great as to demonstrate them yet I hope to render her such service as shall evidence it to her and all the world that my Love is the greatest that ever was But had you observed her actions as well as I you would not have upbraided me with my hopes as you have done
which this Cavalier speaks of was made by some piece of glasse or some other counterfeit stone and not with a right Diamond the wound he speaks of was dressed and the receipt applied unto it as soon as it was made but mine is old and out of all hopes to be helped But suppose it possible I may recover this so much despised beauty by the torments which you will put me unto and which at best is but doubtful yet Thamires since I do not value it and since it is only to procure your self a little more contentment will you buy that contentment at a price which is so dear unto me In the first place you must carry my blood but alas the blood is nothing I would give it all to keep you with me but Oh? how many tears will your absence cause What sighs What sorrows What mortal displeasures shall I have in this sad separation Oh Thamires didst thou know how thou wilt torment thy Celidea by it I cannot think that for such a fading thing as this beauty thou would be so long from her When all is done Thamires when after a long and wearisome journey ful of dangers thou hast brought back with thee this beauty what will it avail thee Shepherd if a Feaver or sickness or sorrow or the happiness of a child bearing should take it away again But admit it do escape all â—â—ese has not time wings Will not age creep on a pace and ravish away this fading flower almost as soon as thou art returned Celidea tears did so accompany her words that Damon was moved unto much compassion Wise and discreet Shepherdess said he your virtue makes you admirable unto all those who know you and obliges every one to serve you not only upon this occasion but in all other I must confesse you have reason to desire the presence of Thamires but me thinks you might well dispence with him upon such an occasion yet to satisfie you both I will promise to bring this Chirurgion hither ere it be long and he shall cure your face without parting you from your dearly beloved Shepherd Oh Sir said Celidon if you will do this favour for a poor Shepherdess the great Tautates will reward you for I shall never be able but I will pray for your happiness as long as I live Damon admired the virtue and affection of this Shepherdesse assured her that Thamires should not be put unto the trouble of parting from her And it being late the Nimph retired with a resolution to offer her sacrifice the next morning and the day after to see these Shepherdesses conceiving that Damon would be in a condition to stir abroad and by his means she would try if she could bring back Daphnide and Alcidon with her that she might do them all the honour their merits deserved and having made her design known unto Damon he prepared himself with an extream desire to know what his Fortune would be The morning being come and all things ready for the sacrifice Cleontine put upon her head a Chaplet of Flowers girded her self about with Vervine took a branch of Missleto in her hand caused the fire to be kindled and after the white Buls were sacrificed she sprinkled her self with some of the blood afterwards she sprinkled some upon the Nimph and then upon Damon Then throwing the Savine the Missleto and the Vervine into the Fire she ran to the Vault of Bellinus and touching the Lock with the Branch of Missleto the door flew open with a great noise and she leaning her self as far into the Cave as she could she received the Wind which with a kind of murmuring voice came out of the Cave Then as if inspired with Enthusiastique Rapture she ran unto the place where the Sacrifice was offered which was in a little Grove near the Temple according to the ancient Custome There she found the Nymph and the Cavalier upon their knees expecting the answer of Bellinus Then laying one hand upon the Altar and holding the branch of Missleto in the other with staring eyes disordered hair and trembling hands and head she uttered a voice far different from what it was wont to be in these words The Oracle GO Nymph and know that thou shalt find Ere long the Errour of thy mind But still beware Incensed Love Should Fury turn and worser prove And thou O perfect Lover when Thou hear'st a Diamond speak Oh then From Death to Life thou shalt return By help of him whom thou didst scorn The Nymph and the Cavalier having received this Oracle they studied a long while upon it but it being impossible for them to understand it perfectly one of the ancient Priests who was present and who was accustomed to interpret such ambiguous answers he came unto the Nymph said this unto her Oracles which are the words of the great Gods are ordinarily rendred very obscure because future things ought to be concealed from Humanes For did we know the hour of our death we should not relish the sweets of life but live as if we were going to our graves Great Tautates who â—ves us as his children does advertise us of future accidents but darkly and will not let us know more then is fitting for us to know that we may have a dependency upon him The great Tautates does foretel you that ere long you shall see your errour and your sin and this in words so clear that nothing can be more manifest Also to shew that he does love you lest you should be surprized by the evil which â—e foresees is to fall upon you he does advertise you of it betimes to the end you may prudently prevent it or patiently receive it Furthermore I must needs tell you That by the corrupt Intralls and blood of all the Sacrifices which we have offered we expect some strange accident ready to fall upon our heads For the Victims do fall all upon the left side and when they did fall did beat themselves extreamly upon the ground and died very impatiently their blood would hardly come out and was defective both in quality and quantity and as for their Intralls their Hearts and their Livers were rotten To be brief we see so many apparent signes from heaven that it is manifest unless we do appease the great Tautates by humble and fervent Prayers we must expect some heavie judgements ready to fall upon us As for the Oracle which is rendred unto you O valiant Cavalier you may expect great contentment from it for it speaks good unto you In being called from death to life is to be understood your coming out of some eminent danger Death signifies some deep displeasure out of which you are ere long to be released by the assistance of him whom you scorn and hate And therefore Madam and you generous Cavalier it is your parts to render thanks unto Bellinus for the favour he hath done you both to the end your gratitude may oblige him to continue his
some ill design as of late she began to think he was apt to do Galathea was no sooner come to the house of Adamas but the Messenger from Polemas came also and delivered the message of his Master very bluntly unto her but she not being able to hide the displeasure which she had conceived against him answered him very sharply Go and tell your Master said she that I am very much displeased with those that belong unto him and if he do not take some better order I shall be very angry with him In the mean time Damon was got into bed and when the Chyrurgions searched his wounds they found them to be more painful then dangerous For though he was run through the Thigh in two or three several places yet as happy luck was no Nerve nor Vein was hurt which joyed Madonthe beyond all expressions The Chyrurgions knowing that the contentment of the mind was highly conducible to the cure of the body they intreated Madonthe not to stir from him and because she was desirous he should know all her adventures since she came out of Aquitane she did not only answer unto all his questions but related all the plots and subtilties of Leriana which she had contrived to the advantage of Thersander But when she came to rehearse the grief which she conceived at his death when Halladine brought the Handkerchief full of blood unto Leriana and Thersanders Ring unto her she was not able to refrain from tears then she related the horrours of that ignominious death which she was to dye and the unlookt for relief which she received from the Knight of the Tiger And his departing unknown continued she was the cause of my resolution to seek him out But cruel Damon said she for I must give you that Title how could you find a heart to go away and never tell me who you were Why should you after you had given life to my body ravish away the life of my soul Why would you not let me know you were alive Oh Damon how many sad sighes sorrows and tears had you spared me if you had Afterward she related unto him her resolution of seeking out this unknown Knight whom she was in quest of though she knew no reason why she should be so earnest after him But the all-wise providence of Heaven would have it so that I might find Damon under the name of another The truth is continued she I had a far fetched conceipt that I should find him thus or else I should never find him and you see how happily God brings all things about Thersander was the first cause of our separation and Thersander is the last cause of our conjunction how faithfully has he waited upon me and kept himself within the limits of a respectful distance maugre all the falacies and false hopes that Leriana had insused into him by which the best advised man might well have been deluded Upon this she acquainted him how her Nurse dyed at Mount Dor how she met with Laonice Hylas and Tirsis and how the Oracle caused her to come into this Country where she had spent her time in the Company of Astrea Diana Phillis and other Shepherdesses of Lignon from whom she departed that morning with a design of returning into Aquitane and there spend the rest of her days amongst the Vestals and Druides Daughters To be brief she omitted nothing but made a most faithful relation of every passage unto Damon who hearkned unto it with so much joy and contentment as he knew not which way to be thankful enough unto his good Fortune for this favour and after a while of ravishment in this contemplation he said unto her I shall Madam another time give you an exact relation of my life since I had the happiness of seeing you last but at this time the Chyrurgions forbid me speaking and therefore I will not use any long discourse only let me tell you that I hope our future Fortunes will be better then they have been For the Oracle which I consulted with at Mount Verdun assured me that I should be restored from death to life by that man whom I most hated and contemned And see how this poor Cavalier brought you hither where I find you For the Truth is I might most rightly be said to be dead when I was deprived of you and alive again in the happiness of being with you when I do consider the passage I cannot chuse but admire at the wise providence of the Great Gods who has ordered Thersander to give me a double life the life of my body by that relief which he brought me and the life of my soul in conducting you Madam unto the place where I was There is only one doubt in the Oracle which I do scruple at The Oracle AND thou O perfect Lover when Thou hear'st a Diamond speak Oh! then From Death to Life thou shalt return By help of him whom thou didst scorn I see said he that all is most perfectly accomplished except this hearing a Diamond speak unless the Oracle will have me to take you Madam for a Diamond in constancy and excellency of amity Adamas hearkned unto this Discourse very attentively Sir said he and smiled if I had been known unto you the obscurity of this Oracle would vanish for my name is Adamas which singifies in the Roman Language a Diamond so as this Oracle let you know that as soon as you hear me this accident shall befall you and so indeed it did For at the very same time that Alcidon Daphnide and I came unto the place where you were you met with Madonthe I must confess said Damon the Oracle is fully cleered and I am most humbly thankful unto that Deity which ordained me this happiness when I least expected it But Reverend Father continued he and looked about the Chamber I heard you name two persons whom I infinitely esteem and should think my self very happy to see in this place Then Alcidon stepped to him and imbracing him said yes Damon Daphnide and Alcidon are here and are conducted unto this Country of wonders by the same Love which brought you into it At the same time Daphnide came unto him and saluting him said yes yes Damon Madonthe can tell you that Daphnide is also here and presents her self unto you under the notion of one of your best Friends Damon being surprised to see this Cavalier and this Lady thus clad in the habit of Shepherds he knew not at first whether he was asleep or awake but afterwards touching them and hearing them speak he embraced them and cryed out O Alcidon I must needs confess with you that this Country is a Country of Wonders but they are wonders full of joy and happiness greater then ever I could hope to see Whilst Daphnide and Alcidon were saluting Madonthe and they were all rejoycing together at their happy meeting news was brought unto Adamas that the Nymph Amasis was entred into the Court
more then he Loves me and I vow by all the Nymphs and Deities of the River that I will never Love any else Only one thing Brother I shall request which is that you will promise me upon your Faith never to desire of me any thing which my honour and decency may not allow Let all the torments of Hell fall upon my head answered Andrimartes presently and may Heaven blast all my hopes and desires if ever I do entertain the least thought of offering beyond those Limits which you shall freely allow me When this discourse passed betwixt them Silviana was about thirteen or fourteen years of age and Andrimartes about sixteen or seventeen an age so apt to take all amorous impressions that Love did imprint in their young hearts all the characters of it self so as ever since that time they did both so grow in affection that had not their young and familiar education together been an umbrage for all their amorous actions and shadowed them with a vail of courtesy and long acquaintance certainly many had taken notice of it but since this familiarity did begin when they were little children none did wonder at their kindness unto each other especially both of them being yet but very young Thus they did live together in all possible satisfaction and contentment waiting until such time as they could handsomly procure the consent of their Parents unto a marriage And this happy condition lasted until such time as Childerick did unluckily cast his eye upon this shinning Star for seeing her at a Ball where Silviana was disguised according to the custom of the Romans he took such a liking to her that ever since he loved her most desperately Silviana took notice of it presently and because she thought it would be a sin unpardonable in her if she did not impart all that she knew unto her dear Brother as soon as ever she saw him she acquainted him with all passages Andrimartes was apt to believe it Sister said he unto her it is no wonder if all the World do Love you but must your ambition to be the Mistris of a Kings Son extinguish your affection unto a Brother And must I be the widdowed Turtle left desolate without a Companion Brother said she then unto him and took his hand be assured that you shall never be the Turtle which you speak of until death do ravish me from you and if I thought any such doubt did enter into your soul the affection which I bear unto you would be extreamly angry be confident Andrimartes that death it self shall not alter my affection for I will preserve it unto that second life which our Druides tell us of after this Here Brother said she take this Ring and if you be the same Andrimartes which I take you to be summon me by it either in this or the next life to keep that promise which now I do most solemnly confirm for ever unto you I want words Madam wherewith to express the joyes of young Andrimartes he fell down upon his knees he kissed her hand and the Ring which she gave him a hundred times with a vow to present it unto her at that time when she commanded him Then taking a pin and pricking that finger whereon he wore the Ring he caused it to bleed in several places and making his handkerchief all bloody he presented it unto Silviana Madam said he unto her I do seal the vow which I have made with my blood and I conjure you to restore me this handkerchief when you command me to restore unto you this Ring to the end that by these marks both the living and the dead may know how great the affection is which Andrimartes bears unto Silviana and how happy this affection has been above its merits in meeting with her reciprocal affection Thus did Love link the hearts of these two young Lovers together with faster knots as if all the powers upon earth were not able to unty them But for all that Childerick continued his begun Love which grew to that height that he could not enjoy any contentment nor rest but when he was with her At the first lest Merovius should be advertised of it he hid his passion as much as he could and this was the reason why he durst not in words declare it unto Silviana though all his actions did make it so apparent unto every one as it was a thing superfluous to tell her that which none was ignorant of At the same time taking infinite delight in looking upon her he commanded an Artist to take her Picture unknown unto her thinking that she would not permit it otherwise and the Picture-drawer was so ready to satisfie this young Prince as he took her Picture very exquisitely at two or three times seeing her in the Temple when Childerick saw it he kissed it a thousand times and thinking that his happiness was not compleat unless Silviana did know what â—ewel he possessed and meeting her in the Anti-chamber of the Queen his Mother he took her aside and said thus unto her Fair Silviana I can tel you some news which perhaps you are ignorant of for you think your self to be the only Daughter of your Mother yet let me tell you that you have a Sister Did I think this news to be true Sir said Silviana I should think it the best that ever I heard and think my self much obliged unto you for telling me of it You have good reason to be glad of it said Childerick for though she be not so fair as you are yet she does very much resemble you and because your self shall be judge whether or no I speak the truth pray look upon this As soon as ever Silviana saw it she presently knew it and started to see her self in any other hands then those of Andrimartes and desiring to look upon it he gave it unto her After she had a while looked upon it and not knowing how to get it handsomly from him she threw it into the fire and it was burned before Childerick took notice of it yet she did not cast it into the fire so soon as she repented of her haste when she saw that young Prince stand as if he were planet-struck with amazement and to excuse her self in some sort Oh God Sir said she it was so ill-favouredly done that I could not endure to see my self so ugly Silviana answered Childerick you have angered me to the soul and I cannot tell whether I have patience enough to endure it Sir answered Silviana and blusht I am extreamly sorry for it but the truth is it was so very ill done that I had rather have seen the Picture of death then it Love and anger had now a great debate in the heart of this offended Prince but Love at last triumphing I shall see said he whether that was your reason or no or whether you did it as an affront unto me for if it be as you say then you will
dayes in rest At his return every one received him with all imaginable honour and caresses Merovius who treated him already as Duke of Gaul Armorique was very glad that one of his own nation and one over whom he had so much influence should command so great a People and become his Neighbour thinking it to be a great security unto his Crown and in this consideration he commanded Childerick to make much of him and to love him not as his Vassal but as his Neighbour and one who might give a great settlement unto his conquests But all these caresses were nothing unto Andrimartes in comparison of that welcom which he received from his dearest Silviana who now took him for her Husband and lived in all honest liberty with him and though she did not conceal any of her actions or thoughts from him yet she would not acquaint him with the discourse of Childerick as well because she knew that all he said was false as because she thought that it would much discontent him But she resolved to retire her self with him as soon as possibly she could into the dominions of Semnon and so avoid that Tiranny and those insolencies which she expected from him when he should be absolute Lord of the Franks There being no stop in the accomplishment of this so much desired marriage Methina by the Kings authority and by consent of Semnon caused the articles of marriage to be drawn and about eight dayes after the ceremonies were accomplished to the contentment of all and with so much joy and satisfaction unto Silviana and Andrimartes that never two Lovers were better contented Childerick only sighed whilst all other rejoyced But as if Heaven stayed only until this marriage was past before all Gaul should become all sorrows within seven or eight dayes after Merovius fell sick and presently after dyed full of glory and honour and infinitely bewailed by the people Childerick was presently set upon the Throne and proclaimed King of the Franks in false hopes that he would be the Imitator of his Fathers virtues Silviana remembring the harsh language which she had received from him advised her dear Husband to get out of the reach of this young King and to retire into Gaul Armorique as well to avoid the malignity of Childerick as to keep his promise with Semnon But Andrimartes who was ignorant of the last language which he had used unto Silviana and who thought himself obliged to stay a while with this new King and see the Crown setled upon his head he would not hearken unto the counsel of Silviana thinking it against his duty to retire before all was setled and so delayed the time under pretence of furnishing himself with all things necessary for their journey in the mean time he was alwayes with the King and so full of affection and care in all his expressions as any other but Childerick would have thought himself obliged But he on the contrary remembring the injuries which he thought he had received deferred the resolution of his soul only till the Ceremonies of his Coronation were past In the mean time news was brought unto the Valiant Andrimartes and Silviana that the good Duke Semnon was dead and that all his subjects earnestly desired them to come into their dominions Silvianas grief was very great and that of Andrimartes was no less for having received so many benefits from that Prince it grieved him extreamly that he should die before he had done him any service But when their first tears were almost dryed up Heaven gave them cause for new ones and more bitter then the first Childerick now thinks all well enough and his Crown fast upon his head and he fell into such a licentious course of life as every one was out of hopes to find his Fathers virtues in him The People complained the Grandees grumbled and his best lovers lamented him After they had a while endured his shameful kind of life and suffered many Pressures and Tyrannies obtruded upon the people the Grandees of the State assembled themselves together at Province and afterwards at Beauvois where after deep debate and serious consideration they resolved to declare him unworthy and incapable of the Crown of Franks and at the same time to make choise of one who though a Roman yet they thought to be a person of great merit and worthy to be their King his name was Gillon who had long since left the Roman Empire and followed Merovius unto whom he had done very great and faithful service and had added unto the State of the Franks the Town of Saissons of which he was the Governor But for my part I believe they made choise of this ambitious man because there was not any Frank that would take the Title and charge upon him and maintain it against their natural and legal King For treason was a most detestable sin amongst them and abhorred by all But you may see Madam how when the great Tautates has a mind to chastise men for their faults he can furnish out unexpected occasions Whilst Giâ—lon was secretly preparing and arming himself and all the Grandees confederating and plotting together Childerick drowned in a dull security was most indiscreetly contriving how he should get Silviana by force from Andrimartes not by any design of marrying her for that he could not do she being married already but to use her at his pleasure as he had done some others since the death of Merovius This young Prince was much induced unto these disorders by the poisonous advise of some base Flatterers about him who cryed up that all things were Lawful unto a King that Kings made Laws for their Subjects not to tye up their own hands and that since the lives of his Vassals were in his power he might do what he would with their estates or any thing of theirs These flattering but false maximes moved him to offer this injury unto Silviana and the Valiant Andrimartes The Queen Methina retired her self to Remois because she would not be any witness unto the dishonourable and debauched actions of Childerick and because she desired to comfort her self after her great loss by the consolations of one Remy a person who shined in all virtue and one who though the God whom he adored was unknown unto the Franks and us yet never any afflicted person parted from him without much comfort Childerick taking the opportunity of his Mothers absence he desired no more but to make Andrimartes leave Silviana by her self in order to which he took him aside and told him that he had matters of very great importance to imploy him in and such as he would not commit unto the fidelity of any one but himself he told him that the business so neerly concerned his Crown and required such extream haste that he hoped he would not deny him but prepare himself for a sudden departure Andrimartes who did not think the Son of Merovius should ever entertain any such
any harm for she spoke very simply and innocently I beseech you said Sylvander what did she say She said answered Phillis that you your self were instrumental to your own hurt of which afterwards you could not cure your self for meeting Madonthe you acquainted her with the coming of that stranger who had some bad designs upon her It is most true answered the Shepherd I did so and I thought my self obliged unto it by the Laws of Civility The Laws of Civility did not enjoyn you to accompany her as far as Aquitane replied Phillis much less when she denied you to fall upon your knees and with a torrent of tears beg nay force her to give leave you might wait upon her at the least part of a dayes journey telling her after your tears had obtained leave that she might well permit you the happiness of so short a time since you were to endure so long a torment of absence from her But here comes the misery of it when she answered you with a smile that though her absence did grieve yet the presence of Diana would comfort you you answered again Diana merits much more then my service but I pay them unto her only upon a wager I wish she were to go this journey in your room and you to stay in hers here in this Country Do you think Shepherd that any Laws of Civility oblige you to use any such discourse unto Madonthe and to speak with such scorn of Diana Do you think it strange she should be offended at you and resolve to take all occasions from you of treating her so unworthily Oh Heavens Oh Earth Oh God! Oh Diana cri'd Sylvander What treason is invented against me Treason said Phillis why Can you deny it How replied the Shepherd presently I say or do any such things as these I had rather my Sheep-hook were run through my heart then any such thoughts should be in it do you deny replied Phillis that you accompanied Madonthe as far as she would permit you I must confess answered Sylvander that it is true I did accompany her but it was upon such reasons as if I have done otherwise I had been blamed by all those that heard of it and that you may know the truth give me leave to make a short relation of it unto you Diana hearing Sylvander prepare himself to speak I am confident said she to her self that if one word of truth be in his discourse it is against his will and design but see with what a brazen face he sets himself to lie Then Sylvander began thus Shepherdess said he it is long since Paris was telling how that stranger was come into the Country with a bad design upon Madonthe and when I saw him much troubled how he should acquaint her with it I took upon me to make it known unto her he does not tell replied Diana to her self how ready he was to offer himself in this service lest any other should undertake that charitable office In the mean time Sylvander went on with his story Yesterday morning said he I met her with Thersander and I thought the blame of all the accident might be charged upon me if I did not acquaint her I told her therefore as it was told me and seeing her eyes flow in tears I must confess I was much moved unto compassion nay passion you should have said replied Diana to her self And I to assure her said Sylvander against the injuries of this unknown person I offered my self to accompany her with some of my friends if she pleased He is her Champion said Diana and will defend her against all her enemies And so I did said Sylvander but it was no further then the place where Paris saw that stranger It was said Diana because she would not suffer him to go any further Could I do any less said Sylvander unless I transgressed against the Laws of Civility and Humanity If I did any more then what I have told you Shepherdess may I be denied Heaven and perish eternally as a punishment of my crime But said Phillis did you not follow her as far as Aquitane or would you not if she had permitted you Had I thought answered Sylvander that she had stood in need of me I must confess I had accompanied her farther thinking it the duty of man to help any in distress Henceforward said Diana we shall have this Shepherd become the Hercules of Gaul and wander from Province to Province to fight with Giants and Monsters But continued he that I should be importunate or press her or do any more then civilly desire her is a thing so false as I admire any should be so impudent as to invent it or say it None more likely then Sylvander said Diana 'T is true I did offer my self said Sylvander to be her convoy and guard her till she was out of Forrests But is it true replied Phillis that you did not shed any tears nor kneel down nor speak of Diana nor lament her departure Now said Diana is he pumping and preparing himself for a lie Shepherdess answered Sylvander if any one sillable of all these be true let the Justice of Heaven strike me dead immediately let the earth swallow me up alive and never let me see the face of men again let the anger of Gods and men do all their worst against me if all that you have said unto me be not false and invented by some who wish my death and has some designs upon Diana Now has he hit upon it said Diana for what pretensions or designs can Laonice have upon me or his life Shepherd said Phillis when you know who it is certainly you will be of another mind But you must needs confess a fault in accompanying this Shepherdess without asking leave of your Mistris Ah Sister said Diana I beseech you give no such Name unto me that Shepherd shall be none of my Servant You know Sylvander said Phillis that one who loves truly ought never to dispose of himself without the Will of the party loved why then would you go away and never tell her He is at a non-plus said Diana and knows not what to say Certainly answered Sylvander if the journey which I was to take had deserved the name of a journey I had done as you say but since it was not above two or three miles I thought neither she nor you could take any exceptions Besides Madonthe departed so suddenly as it was impossible for me to have done it unless I had failed in doing her that civil office Observe said Diana that rather then fail Madonthe he will fail in his duty to us But it is impossible said Sylvander that the excellent wit of my Mistris Raze out the words said Diana unless you speak of Madonthe It is impossible I say continued he that the Judgement of Diana which is never deceived Unless in you said Diana should so easily believe such a falsity But good Shepherdess tell me If it
will which I wished unto you and from hence proceeds all those incivilities and discourtesies which you have erceived from me But now since the Gods who are all goodness and wisdom have by my death untied those knots which tyed my tongue as since those who have the power over me do give me leave Know friend that never was any greater affection conceived in the heart of any human then the affection which Silvanire does bear unto you And that I may be cleerly purged from that ingratitude wherewith I might be charged give me a little farther leave Oh my most dear Parents which they permitting and she thanking them she hasted to utter these words Alas said she I can do no more Then holding out her hand unto the Shepherd she said unto him here Aglantes â—ake my hand and my heart in assurance that though I cannot live the Wife of Aglantes yet I will die the Wife of Aglantes and as the last favour I shall ever ask or you give O most honoured Parents I beseech you consent unto it The Father who had another design would not have been so forward if he had thought she would have lived but thinking her even dead he thought it good to let her die contentedly and indeed he had no sooner consented but she turning her head gently towards her Shepherd Oh Gods said she I die but Aglantes I die thine Upon this word she grew speechless and lay as dead in the arms of Menander and Lerice To relate here all the lamentations and cryes of the Father and Mother and principally of Aglantes I conceive it not pertinent for it will easily be imagined they were extream but so it was that they were forced to take them oft her even by plain force and carry them away for grief did enrage Aglantes to remove the occasion of so much sorrow they intended to bury her out of hand without any Pomp or Solemnity and had according to the custom embalmed her had not Alciron prevented them who told them that it was not humane to bury people especially of her quality before they were quite dead at the least quite cold so as upon this they left her without pulling off her clothes in this sad condition Tirintes on the other side he was in raging quest of Alciron that he might open his brest and pull out his heart and so â—e revenged for the wrong he had done him and afterwards with the same sword sacrifice himself upon the Tomb of this Fair One. And doubtless if he had met him he had done so though he was the greatest friend he had but the Prudent Alciron he went to him in bed because he feared the anger which Tirintes might conceive against him At the first when Tirintes saw him enter he roused out of bed to run upon him but Alciron holding the door half open half shut Tirintes said he unto him can you possibly imagine that he who loves you the best of all the world should ever deprive you of that which you hold most dear And yet cruel Tyger said Tirintes and interrupted him the Fair Silvanire is dead Silvanire replied Alciron is alive and I will die the most cruel death your rage can invent if I do not put her into your hands alive and well within this hour if you will let me go where she is Tirintes all amazed at this is not Silvanire dead said he and did not you cause her to be let in the room by her self It is true answered Alciron and smiled but she is left there for you Oh good Gods Alciron said Tirintes Silvanire to be dead and to be for me are two things that cannot hold together I confess replied Alciron that they cannot but to be alive and be yours may Surely said Tirintes you do deceive me why should I deceive you said Alciron or indeed how can I when I offer if you will go with me to put her into your hands alive and well the same hour And if it were otherwise why should I come unto you You see I do not shun you nor fear meeting with you Come come set your mind at rest dress your self and come with me and you shall presently see what I say punctually performed But prethee tell me said Tirintes and shrugged his shoulders can you fetch souls back after they be once wasted over the Stigian Lake Will Charon suffer that No no I cannot answered Alciron but Tirintes know most assuredly that Silvanire is not dead but by a secret virtue of nature which is in that glass which you had of me she is so stupified that every one thinks her so Oh Heavens cryed out Tirintes what wonders do you tell me I tell you nothing but truth replied Alciron and to satisfie your wonder and perplexity know Tirintes that the glass is made of a Stone called the Memphitique Stone which has a virtue to stupifie the senses so extreamly that as soon as it is touched by the eye it presently takes away the understanding And unto this Stone is added some of the bones of a Fish which is called the Torpedo extracted by such art and concocted together that as the Torpedo benums the arm of the Fisher when it touches the hook that is fastned to the line so also as soon as the eyes are touched by this glass they receive a poyson so subtile that first seising upon the brain it dilates a general stupifaction all over the body as every one would think it dead Now Tirintes judge whether I have not reason to complain against you who ever found my extream affection flowing towards you and yet can think I would offer such a mortal displeasure what advantage could you imagine I could draw from the death of this woman If it be so said Tirintes and went neerer him you were to blame Shepherd in that you did not acquaint me with it By that replied Alciron you may better know that I do love you for did I not know Shepherd that thou neither wouldest nor couldest live after thou wert deprived of Silvanire and couldest thou hope ever that thy services or thy merits could gain her I know that having but that only remedy thou wouldst never have used it if I had acquainted thee with all the effects of it consider seriously with your self and answer me should I have told you that as soon as ever Silvanire did look in the glass she would fall into such extremity of pain as she would fall down like dead and being so judged by all that see her they will embowel her and put her into her grave answer me I say Tirintes durst you have executed such an enterprise upon her No no I know what power a person that loves hath to make any such attempts upon the party Loved Tirintes hearing this and knowing that Silvanire was not dead he held out his arms and went to embrace Alciron with such abundance of contentment that he was almost speechless but recovering himself
did give poison unto the Fair one but it was because I was deceived by the words of him whom I could not suspect to have any such thoughts Let the fair Silvanire tell you how she found Alciron and me about her when she awaked with a Bottle of Water which we cast in her face to awake her All those of Menanders house can testifie that it was Alciron who hindred that Faire One from being embalmed lest it should have hurt her Oh Cloridamantes Could I but be declared innocent of this imposture I would willingly confess all the other crimes which are charged upon me I value not the torments of death a rush so my love and my fidelity be preserved pure and innocent for them do I extreamly desire to carry with me unblemished into the other world Thus spoke Tirintes leaving all the Auditory ravished at his resolute alacrity and pittying his mis-fortune Alciron who could not endure to see his friend thus at the stake and himself the author of the crime Sage Druide said he Tirintes is not only cleer and free from any guilt against Silvanire concerning the glass which I gave unto him but also from all the consequents of it for first though the glass be broken yet the pieces are to be seen and easily tryed whether the composition be mortal poyson or only of a stupifying quality It is compounded of such ingredients as Fossinde hath named here are the pieces and tryal of them if you please may be made then he pulled out his handkerchief wherein he lapped them up when Tirintes in anger against Fossinde broke it Every one turned away their eyes lest they should be tainted by the virtue of this Stone and Cloridamantes himself commanded him to put it up no no said he I cannot believe that either you or Tirintes had any such abominable intention because it is an act so extreamly horrid as it cannot be imagined it should enter into the thoughts of any in this Country but if you have any thing to say which will quit Tirintes of the violence which he offered unto this Shepherdess you may speak it before all this Assembly Then Alciron offered to speak as to that when Tirintes interrupted him Peace peace friend said he unto him for I will dye and happy is he that dyes who cannot live happily Yet I thank thee hartily for thy good will and evidencing that it was not my intention to make Silvanire dye whose life I beseech the Gods preserve to eternity But for all this the affection of Alciron made him begin to speak yet he had no sooner uttered the first word but Tirintes interrupted him again Oh sage Druide said he it is only compassion upon his friend and not the truth which makes him strive for some arguments to defend me for my part I disavow what he says and beseech you not to believe him but to do Justice according to the Law Cloridamantes then after he had imposed silence upon Alciron and the rest he arose from his seat and went to gather the voices of the other seven Druides for when the life of any one was in question they were to call that number at the least to assist them The time which he imployed in taking their votes was very long because there was some difference of opinions concerning the judgement Tirintes being resolved to dye since he had no hopes to obtain Silvanire all delay was tedious unto him Aglantes and Silvanire who thought the pain no less then a death to be separated one from the other they expected the issue of their enterprise with incredible impatience at the last the Druide after a long dispute and debate of the matter came and took his seat then pronounced these words The Judgement of Cloridamantes WE Cloridamantes being established in the absence of Adamas our Arch-Druide by the Great Tautates by Amasis and by all the order of Druids and Cavalry to do Justice in this Country of the Segusians after a full hearing of the difference that is betwixt Menander and Lerice of the one part and Aglantes and Silvanire on the other and also of the accusation preferred against Tirintes for an attempt against Silvanire after a long solemn and serious debate and consideration of the premises We do Sentence and declare that a Father and a Mother have by the Laws of God and Nature all that power and authority which can be had over free persons and that their children in this quality cannot disobey them without offence against Laws both divine and humane but withal we Sentence and declare that children are not born slaves but free for otherwise it were a shame for Fathers to get none but slaves and it would be a most miserable blemish to the Country that it of all Gaul should produce none but people of such vile quality for these causes therefore and for many other just and good considerations us thereunto moving we do ordain publish and declare that marriages be free and that no contract be but with consent of both parties that are to tye themselves together with that holy knot and that the rigour and compulsion of Fathers in such cases be held as tyranny and be null Upon these grounds this contract betwixt Aglantes and Silvanire is declared to be firm and indissolvable all due circumstances and conditions being observed And furthermore as in Justice to Tirintes since slights subtilties and artifices are permitted by the Laws of Love we do publish and declare him free and absolved from the fault which he is charged with by the artifice of the glass but in as much as all manner of force and violence is expresly forbidden by the Laws of Love and since it is averred that he hath made violent attempts upon the person of her whom he loved we do declare him guilty of high Treason against that great God and his Laws and therefore we do doom and condemn him to be thrown down headlong from the Fatal Rock The faces of all the Company were full of great joy and of great sorrow at this Sentence Aglantes and Silvanire and their friends seeing their marriage was declared according to their wishes their joyes were tryumphant on the other side abundance of Shepherds and Shepherdesses grieved for poor Tirintes for he was a very kind and courteous Shepherd and such an accident had not hapned of a long time So as every one was very sorry for him and blamed Fossinde for her bitter and malicious accusation Tirintes himself was the only one who seemed not to be troubled at it for he received the Sentence of death with a smiling and contented countenance and turning towards Silvanire Shepherdess said he unto her I hope that now you are contented and indeed so should I be if I did but go out of this world with a pardon from you Tirintes said she unto him with tears in her eyes if your life were in my power as well as a pardon be assured you should
live many years for I do not only pardon but pity you and shall grieve for you as long as I live Then Tirintes kneeled down upon the ground and most hartily thanked her and said that he should be more happy in his punishments then ever he was in his services In the mean time Fossinde seeing her design did hit according to her wish she went unto Tirintes Shepherd said she unto him It joyes my soul to see you reduced unto this point which I have so long and so much desired and I said Tirintes am also very glad my death will give you so much contentment and I shall leave the world without any rancor or malice in my heart Oh Tirintes Tirintes said she unto him you shall know ere it be long that I am as free from any malice or rancor as you and that my own life is not so dear unto me as yours alas all that I have done is only out of the excesse of my love then addressing her self unto Alcas her Father Father said she unto him you promised that you would very willingly give me leave to chuse my Husband most true answered Alcas and I will perform it for I do not approve of the humour in Fathers to be tyrannical towards their children Then addressing her self unto Cloridamantes and the other Druide Oh sage and just Judges said she unto them you have according to the Law condemned Tirintes to die and by the same Law I do demand him for my Husband and by that means free him from that punishment unto which he was condemned Upon this all the Assembly shouted and clapped their hands in sign of joy and said with an universal voice Thanks thanks Then did all the friends of Tirintes run to imbrace him and rejoyce with him Every one commended the good act of Fossinde for it was a Law most religiously observed that if any woman came to demand a condemned person for her husband he should be delivered unto her Menander and Lerice only looked but half contented and could not consent unto the marriage of Silvanire but seeing the publique joy and Aglantes upon his knees with Silvanire at their feet their anger began to cool and they imbraced both Aglantes and Silvanire with a joyful countenance and confirmed the Sentence of the Druides Then all the Assembly rejoyced and Cloridamantes who by the force of the Laws had condemned Tirintes was very glad of such an occasion to deliver him and therefore causing some Chaplets of Flowers to be brought he first put two upon the heads of Silvanire and Aglantes and afterwards turning towards Fossinde here Shepherdess said he unto her take this which I put upon your head and I leave the other in your hands give it unto Tirintes for a testimony that you have given him both his life and Fossinde The Shepherdess rendred most humble thanks for the favour and said I do take this which you have given to me and put it upon the head of Tirintes and I do take his and put it upon my own in witness that we will never be separated And now since such an universal joy was unexpectedly fallen upon them all it was thought fit to go into the Temple and thank the Gods And since the impatience of these two Lovers were very great it was resolved upon that they should then be married and the rest of the ceremonies be performed afterwards when they returned to their homes But Sylvander who could not endure to be amongst so many joyful and contented persons after he had received many thanks from Aglantes and Silvanire he left the company and went into the Woods to lament his own miserable fortune Diana and Phillis who dined that day with Astrea to keep Alexis company being risen from the Table and the question being put how they should spend the rest of the day they were advertized that a certain stranger was come who was exceedingly desirous to see Astrea so as said they that did advertize them unless you make very great haste away assure your selves she will be before you which if she be you must resolve upon her company all the day Alexis who was extreamly afraid of any such diversions oh God good Servant said she let us not stay her coming for we shall not be rid of her all the day and if I be in so long a constraint I shall most infallibly be sicker then I was in the morning Astrea laughed to hear her say so Dear Mistris said she command and be obeyed I think it best answered Alexis to take our own habits and go to meet her This motion was no sooner made then executed and the more speedily because Diana who conducted them did make more haste then usual because she was exceedingly desirous to see this stranger who inveighed so much against men of whom shâ— had as bad an esteem though she knew how to cover it discreetly When Florice saw these Shepherdesses afar off see Dorinde said she how courteous the fair Astrea is who knowing your coming prevents you in civility and is coming to meet you I should be ashamed answered she that all those discreet Shepherdesses should take so much pains for me but I must confess I have an extream desire to see them Since it is so said Circinea and if you would not be over-loadned with curtesie let us go as fast as we can to meet them to the end they may know that if you had known their designe you would not have put them to that trouble Upon this the four strangers taking hands they went as fast as they could towards these fair Shepherdesses who received them with such free expressions and testimonies of good will that Dorinde could not enough admire them both for their Beauty and their Civility Alexis also was not a little in their esteem who knew how to play the woman so well that not one of her actions did belye that name and because Dorinde observed that every one did bear a great respect and honour unto the Druide she thought it becoming her to do the same so as addressing her self unto her Madam said she one of my wishes is accomplished for I have very long desired to see Lignon and all those Beauties about it and I see heaven is very favourable to my desires in letting me see the best first I confess said the Druide that when you see Astrea Diana and Phillis you have seen the glory of Lignon which heaven hath favoured above all the Rivers in Europe and there is none precedes these whom ye see before your eyes These commendations said Astrea which it pleases the fair Druide to bestow upon us are testimonies of that honour which she confers upon us by her love my companions and I do receive them upon that account though they be much above our merit But fair Shepherdess I would not have you deceived by them lest that belief should cause you to esteem less of the Shepherdesses of
there is that remedy said he presently all hopes are not gone and without saying any more or hearing me he went so suddenly out of my chamber as made it plain he intended some violent course I called him several times and then run after him as far as the gates fearing left in that fury he should do himself some harm but all was in vain for he was gone out of sight upon a sudden as if he had wings My Father who was not far off hearing me speak so loud he came to me and hearing how this young Cavalier was gone he feared lest he should make some attempt upon Bellimartes and afterwards the King cast all the blame upon us upon this consideration he went unto the house of Bellimartes he let him understand in as discreet a manner as he could all the passage betwixt Merindor and me that if any ill hapned we might be discharged of it Bellimartes who was a man of courage and had all the authority and power in his own hands did answer that the businesse did not trouble him at all and that if Merindor was extravagant he knew how to tame him In the mean time Merindor transported with extream passion did go unto his chamber where shutting the dore he began to walk a great pace so much out of himself as he knew not either what he did or where he was then after he had walked several turns and thinking none could hear he began to speak with a loud voice in this manner Must Dorinde be enjoyed by another and Merindor sit tamely and endure it Can the authority of a Tyrant prevail above all my services and most unjustly take that from me which is my due Is there no remedy against this wrong and I with hazard of life and limb not make use of it And here making a sudden stop he began to say must this depriver of my happiness have it to himself at any other rate then the price of my blood and life No no if I live he must dye that 's positive Dorinde was in the right when she said there was no remedy but death But said he as much enraged as at the first if it be so why do I stay any longer And why do I not put my hand to a work that must inevitably be done Do it then Merindor quickly unlesse thou hadst rather turn the sword against thy self Merindor thought he had been alone in his chamber and that there was none to hear him but wals but as good luck was his Wise and most dear friend Euphrosias being come a little before to seek him was said down upon the bed in expectation of him and falling a sleep did not wake till Merindor began to talk loud so as seeing him in such a fury he was desirous to know the caust and let him empty his heart by the words which he uttered knowing very well that to stop the overflowing of our souls at the first gush will make the deluge bigger and to oppose fury in the first does but inflame it the more But when he saw him ready to go and execute what he had spoken he started up and took hold of his arm desiring him to hear him speak Merindor not knowing whether it was a man or a spirit he was struck with such a fright that his fury was a little cooled but recollecting his spirits and knowing him to be his dear friend Oh my God! said he Euphrosias from whence come you Come come said his prudent friend let us walk a turn togetherâ— and when you have answered me to a few questions I will satisfie your curiosity and wonder Then he continued Is it possible Merindor that the friendship which is betwixt us can suffer you to run into such extream resolutions without imparting them unto me and without making use of me Do you think I do not Love you Or do you take me for such an useless thing that in affairs of this importance I neither will nor can serve you Why said Merindor should you use any such language Because said he I heard all you said and the dangerous resolution which you were going to execute without imparting it unto me Do you think I know not how the King intends to marry Dorinde unto Bellimartes And that her Father consents unto it Why man it is all the Town talk and I came hither to acquaint you if you were not acquainted with it before to the end you might resolve with your self not only unto the Kings will but also unto the will of God against which there is no resistance for Merindor you must know that marriages are made in Heaven and accomplished upon earth How how said Merindor hastily do you say that marriages are made in Heaven There is no doubt on it answered Euphrosias and thereupon it is that so many unexpected marriages come to passe I assure you if it be so said Merindor it may be said that as bad a market may be made in Heaven as in Earth but from this I do not conclude that Bellimartes must enjoy Dorinde and Merindor live It must be concluded replied Euphrosias that whatsoever the Heavens will ordain for you must be done but tell me Merindor what is your design To take away his life answered he that takes away all my contentment But said Euphrosias What will that advantage you Oh said the young Cavalier revenge is sweet Revenge replied the Wise friend is indeed very sweet when it does not make the offence greater but if you should kill Bellimartes the least punishment you can expect is banishment from all places where Gondebaut has any power and if so what will become of your Love unto Dorinde Will not then this revenge make your offence which you receive greater I do not hold him wise who to put one of his enemies eyes out will put out both his own What then said Merindor must I sit down tamely without resentment and see Bellimartes enjoy that which in right ought to be mine I do not say so answered Euphrosias but on the contrary but if you will be ruled by me I hope we shall obtain for you this so much desired Dorinde Do you think that the King is so passionate in behalf of Bellimartes as that he would do you any harm No no it is only to gratifie Bellimartes in a business wherein he does not think any has any interest but Arcingentorix and of him the King makes no account though he be one of the chief in all the Country because he is old and not able to serve him and on the contrary Bellimartes is young and may for you must know that most Princes do with their Subjects as we do with our horses when they are old and unserviceable then turn them to the cart believe it Merindor Princes put a great difference between those that are young and able to serve them and those that are antiquated and cannot This consideration moves me to think that if you
man resist this violence The Captain and the Souldiers would quickly have dispatched him had they believed him to be a man but thinking him to be a woman Druide their respect unto that sex and the reverence they bore unto her habit made them take it into their consideration All the rest of the women seeing this attempt of the Druide after her example did their endeavours to save Dorinde and perhaps this feeble defence had held them long in play had not the Captain being grown into choller made a sign unto the Souldiers that without any consideration of these women they should use force and carry her away As Celadon was holding the arms of this man so as he could not stir Astrea and Diana were on both sides of Dorinde and held her by the arms but the Souldiers who had received the sign from their Commander pushing them both very roughly away they constrained these Shepherdesses to let their hold go and with such violence that Astrea fell to the ground Who crying out and the Druide turning about her head seeing her so unworthily used she grew as furious as any raging Lyon and letting him go whom she held and ran upon him who did the affront with such violence and gave him such a blow upon the face as she constrained him to let Dorinde go who was already pulled out of the door and after he had reeled two or three paces he fell amongst the horses feet which trampled him so as he was not able to do more harm unto this fair company the Captain in the mean time being out of the Druids hands and seeing they had carried Dorinde out of the place he went out also to see her carried away according to his design but when he was out he saw his companions on foot and running after her in the fields for fear made her so swift as she seemed to have wings at her heels At the first he laughed for he confidently believed she would be taken again But whilst he was looking and laughing at this chase for so may the flight of Dorinde be termed they saw appear six Cavaliers who being very well mounted and armed came riding the same way At the first they rid in file as Travellers use in a Journey but when they saw so many men running after one woman they drew up together and galloped to oppose the violence which they thought would be done unto her Yet they could not come in so soon but Dorinde was first taken and because she had no other defence they saw her fall down upon her knees hold up her hands and make lamentable prayers and supplications to them The Souldiers on the other side without any compassion took her and would have carried her away when these Cavaliers came up unto them they out of pity though they knew not Dorinde opposed this violence but one of them upon a sudden casting his eye upon her did know her Oh ye crew of villains said he unto the Souldiers and unworthy to bear arms since you imploy them so ill cease wronging her whom ye all ought to honour and serve or else by Heaven said he and drew his sword I will chastise you according to your merits Sir answered one of them King Gondebaut commanded us to do what we have done and none ought or can oppose his will Upon this not caring for the menace of the Cavalier and seeing him so slenderly accompanied also his Captain and company coming to his relief he continued on his way at which the Cavalier was so incensed that he gave him such a blow upon the shoulder that for all his Coat of Male it gave him a deep wound and being a little distant from Dorinde he rid upon him with his horse and trod him to the ground In the mean time the rest of the Cavaliers advanced against the Captain and his Souldiers who without any expostulations did assault them very furiously The Cavaliers being better armed and better mounted and having more courage though they were interior in number yet gave them such a hot salute that the combat did not last above a quarter of an hour for the Captain being killed the rest were quickly routed and fled some one way and some another as fast as ever their horses could carry them This victory was the sooner gotten by reason that most of one party was on foot and were running after their horses which were broken loose in the fields But of these six Cavaliers two of them were killed and one so wounded that he could hardly sit his horse Dorinde seeing this unlook'd for relief although she thought she knew the voice of him who spoke yet not being sure because his head-piece covered his face she retired as fast as she could in a trembling and panting pace unto her companions though not so much affrighted as when she was first seized upon But when she was told of the end of the combate for she was gotten into the cabbin and that one of the Cavaliers who defended her was much wounded she went out of the cabin with watry eyes and cheeks to receive him and help him all that possibly she could And because his three companions took off his helmet to give him Ayr as soon as she cast her eye upon him she knew him to be Bellimartes at which she was so surprized that she knew not whether she dream'd or waked But whilst the three Cavaliers were laying him upon the Bed and one of them stayed with him the other two pulled off their helmets and kneeled down before her shewing all signs of humble obedience she all the while was so surprized at the sight of them that she could not utter a word for the one was Merindor and the other Periander Oh heavens cryed she out at the last when she could speak Oh heavens Is it possible I should be thus much obliged unto three men who have made me hate all men living for their sakes Merindor then began first to speak Oh Dorinde said he unto her do not by your disfavours lessen that contentment which heaven has given us in rendring you a testimony that we do love you more then you would be loved by us After this Periander continued Heaven fair Dorinde has made choice of us to render you this little service and believe that the choice could not be made of any others who have vowed so much affection as we Receive we most humbly beseech you the willingness we have to expose our lives in repulsing that violence which was offered unto you I do protest said Bellimartes and turned his head towards her I shall leave this world the most contented man that is in it since I have lost my life in your service and if you will have me think my death more welcome then ever was my life fair Dorinde Do but only say Go in peace Bellimartes Dorinde turning her eyes upon Bellimartes and seeing a mortal paleness in his face she only embraced
Merindor and Periander and not having leisure to speak unto them she ran unto Bellimartes who expressed such signs of perfect contentment as every one observed an alteration in his eyes and countenance but especially when she took his hand and said unto him If heaven hath decreed that you must end your days in this relief which your Valour has given me be assured Bellimartes that it shall never be forgotten and if it be the pleasure of the Gods as I shall pray it may to prolong your life unto my contentment be confident that I will never be ungrateful unto Bellimartes Madam said he and forced himself to speak to give you my life which is so much your due deserves no recompence but I beseech you accept also of my soul which I do most religiously devote unto you and will never take it out of the fair hands of Dorinde Upon this he would have kissed her hand but he wanted strength for he grew pale and cold and immediately died in the arms of that Cavalier who held him in the bed and whose tears and lamentations made all beholders pity him This last action of Bellimartes did so mollifie the heart of Dorinde that forgetting the fault which he had committed against her and reviving the memory of that affection which by so many addresses he had expressed unto her she could not chuse but accompany his death with tears of compassion and amity an office which she continued long in performing and had continued longer if the company moved unto pity had not removed her by force from the Corps so seeing her self constrained to leave him Adieu Bellimartes said she unto his corps if thou didst think it a happiness to have my love go contented into the Elizian fields be assured that thou art happier in thy death then in thy life These expressions were accompanied with tears to testifie they were real and that he had gotten her love in dying more then he could have obtained by living Whilst all these things thus passed a great number of Shepherds in the neighbouring Vilages came running with Pike-staves and such Arms as they used in hunting and some brought Bows and Arrows such as they used at their general Assemblies in the Forrest of Isoures and other meetings so as in a little time there was a great Army about this little Cabin Their astonishment was not a little when they heard of the violence which was offered unto that fair stranger by the first company and when they heard of the relief which the last brought her so opportunely and their wonder was more yet when they saw those marks which the Cavaliers left of their courage and valour Merindor and Periander seeing Dorinde in the hands of the Druide and Shepherdesses they thought it fit to leave her a little to dry up her tears whilst in the mean time they went to pay that office unto their dead companions which the survivors were obliged unto and the more because Periander had lost a cosin german and Merindor a brother whom they exceedingly loved Leaving therefore the other Cavalier with the corps of Bellimartes they went out of the cabin accompanied with many Shepherds and went afterwards amongst the dead to look for their kinred They found them both close by one another the one was run through with a Javelin which pierced his heart and Merindor's brother lay under his horse with a wound given by a sword through his breast but as a note of their valour four dead enemies did lie about these two who held their swords still in their hands with visages which seemed to threaten as well dead as alive The griefs and lamentation of Merindor and Periander were indeed very great and had been greater if some Druides had not at the same time come thither and this great number of people were sent by their authority to appease the tumult as upon such occasions they used to do These Druides understanding the just and generous defence which those Cavaliers had made in relieving this stranger after that they had highly commended them and in the name of the Country given them many thanks they endeavoured by all manner of ways to comfort them and therefore they desired them to leave their immoderate grief and also leave the care of their friends interment unto them which after many entreaties they permitted but not without embracing and kissing their dead kinred several times and bidding them their last farewel The Druides being advertized that there was yet one of their companions dead in the next cabin they went and brought him thither and there washed their Corps in the River Lignon afterwards interred them in the place where the combate was and lastly they raised up monuments of Earth upon their graves and decked them with all the rural Art that is imaginable This Funeral ceremony was performed with so much honour and order that Merindor Periander and the Cavalier who was friend unto Bellimartes had reason in some degree to lessen their mourning Dorinde during all the time of this ceremony never stirred out of the cabin because she had not yet recollected her self nor was rid of her fears The Shepherdesses Astrea Diana and Phillis with the disguised Druide did keep Florice Cercinea and Palinice company all whom could not sufficiently wonder at this unaccustomed accident And when Periander and Merindor returned to give an account of that charitable office which they had performed they saw a Shepherd coming who seemed to be in very great haste when he was a little nearer he was known to be Hylas Periander no sooner heard him named but he cryed out Oh God said he is it Hylas of the Isle of Camargues the best humored man alive and the most jolly companion The very same answered one of the Druides that came with them he has sojourned in this Country several moneths and he found every day so delightful as I do not think he will ever leave it Periander then turning towards Merindor Brother said he I beseech you go you unto Dorinde and tell her if she ask for me that you left me with Hylas I am confident she will be very glad to hear it for I must needs go and meet and embrace him as one of my best friends Upon this he went a great pace towards Hylas who seeing him coming did not know him as well because of his Arms as because he little expected to find him in that place Periander held out his Arms and embraced him he not knowing that these caresses came from Periander But when he said unto him Is it possible Hylas that you should be turned a Shepherd of Forrests and quite forget your good friends His voice made him know that face which he had forgotten and therefore he took him about the neck and kissed him and was so transported with joy that he seemed to be almost out of himself Then Periander said unto him see Hylas whether I have not good reason to
Good God said Diana keep us from any such friends Now Diana replied Phillis learn from hence that all which is said is not always true though never so probable Most true answered Diana for who could avoid believing this piece of wickednesse Consider I beseech you how cunningly she made her relation and upon what likely probabilities she grounded it How subtilely did she take her time when Madonthe went away and Sylvander accompanied her So as every circumstance was a confirmation of what she had related Oh Sister said Phillis those that live with such turbulent spirits as these had need be well advised I must confesse said Diana that I was deceived but the falshood was so contrived as I was not to blame but on the contrary had been blamable if I had not been deceived by it for I did thereby make it appear that my pure and innocent soul was free from any such wickednesse so as I could not imagine any such thoughts could enter into any other But Diana said Phillis what shall we do to poor Sylvander whose sorrows may be his death and who perhaps is looking for some way to finish his disasterous life I should be very sorry answered Diana that Sylvander should receive any harm for I plainly see he is not culpable and the first time that I see him that same hand which gave the wound shall cure it I pray God replied Phillis that despair do not drive him into some desperate course No no said Diana Sylvander is not in any such danger despair will not easily work upon such a spirit as his Yet let me tell you replied Phillis that persons of such a cold constitution as his when griefs seises upon them are apt for strange resolutions Sister said Diana as strong constitutions when a Fever seises upon them have fits more violent then those that are weak so also can they resist them better and endure them longer It is the same with such strong spirits as that of Sylvander it is certain they are more sensible of pain but then they are more able to endure and resist it However Sister said Phillis let not this confidence make him endure any longer pain I am confident said Diana that we shall see him sometime this day and then he shall not depart without a good remedy if he be in any such necessity of it as you think he is But in the interim I conceive it best to take our way towards Astrea and Alexis and acquaint them with the mornings adventures Upon this they made their course towards the house of Astrea whom they found still in bed For as soon as these two companions were gone out of the chamber in lieu of dressing her self she was talking with Alexis and shewing her such abundance of good will that the disguised Druide was hardly able to resist so many expressions of favour and the truth is never was any lover so near delights without a taste as Celadon was under the guise of a woman which he durst not throw off This constraint went so against the grain of this disguised Druide that she blushed several times which Astrea perceiving Mistris said she I am afraid that you are not well for I have observed your colour to change several times I beseech you use no constraint for you cannot be in any place of the world where you have more power then in this house Servant answered Alexis I value not the pain as I do the favour which you do me in observing the colour in my face 'T is true indeed I am not well but it does not much trouble me for it is only a dreg of my last great sickness which I am often troubled with but it will be past immediately and I am sorry that you took any notice of it Ah Mistris replied Astrea you suffer no pain which is little unto me and you do me wrong in concealing it from me since I might as your servant have sought out for some remedy Servant replied the Druide I perceive that you do love Alexis more then she deserves but never trouble your self at her pain for my body is not in so much disorder as my mind Your mind said Astrea I beseech you Mistris what is it that can be a trouble to it Does not all things comply even to your very wishes Have you not a Father that loves and cherishes you above all his children Are you not supplied with every thing your heart can desire Moreover are you not esteemed and honoured by all that see you What then is it that can possibly trouble your mind You have forgot one thing said Alexis which would be a greater contentment unto me then all the world and which I desire to possesse before it which is that Astrea will love Alexis Oh God answered Astrea and embraced and kissed Alexis it is a sin impardonable if Mistris you do not think I love you Yes yes Mistris I do love you and love you so that I wish Heaven may never love me if I do not and punish me with eternal torments when I have the least thought of any ceasing to love and honour you Do not say that you do love me answered the Druide but that you do love Alexis I do not understand said Astrea what you mean by that but I am sure that if I do love Alexis it is not the name for if you had any other my love to you will be still the same and if you will know what it is that I do love it is your person your spirit and your merit Suppose I were not a Druide replied Alexis would you love me then I would to God answered Astrea that without any prejudice to your self you were for my contentments sake a Shepherdess of Lignon for then I should hope that the equallity which would be betwixt us would more invite you to accept of my affection Suppose also said Alexis that I were a Shepherd would you still continue the same good will unto me Unto that replied Astrea very soberly I will answer very freely that it is absolutely impossible for me to love you any otherwise then I doe And truly it would not well become me to love a man so well as I do you and though it were permitted me yet I think that I could not it is enough that I did love one and therefore will love no more men Alexis was sorry her curiosity had gone so far but since the Ice was broke she would step a little farther I knew servant said she unto her that it was only Alexis whom you loved and not her person for otherwise if the Gods should make me become a Shepherd why should you then cease to love me If the Gods should do so answered Astrea I should have an occasion to complain against them for depriving me of all the happiness that I hoped ever to receive and from that time I would bid adieu unto all delights and contentment But why should you not
not his custom to sit still upon such an occasion But coming to him and seeing no signs of any sicknesse in his face because he dissembled the anguish of his looks and mind when he saw him approach how now Sylvander said he unto him who would have thought you so backward in pursuance of the common enemy to our flocks I know not of what enemies you speak answered Sylvander soberly for there are so many sorts of them that he who undertakes to pursue them all has work enough truly said the Officer I know that the Gods do intend some great and miserable mis-fortune towards us and there is not any more certain sign of a Countries ruine then when Tautates takes from it great and eminent persons by whose counsels and valour it was preserved and when the rest are carelesse of its welfare and defence And why said Sylvander do you speak these words Because answered the Officer all the victimes which we Sacrifice are found so defective that they do astonish all the Sacrificers such misfortunes never hapned in my dayes I say mis-fortunes because it is a presage of the worst mis-fortunes that can befal us and now at this time I see that Sylvander who was wont to be the most careful man in all the Country in the preservation of his estate and flock is now grown careless and seems as if the publique loss did no more concern him then if he had no share in it You ought not replied Sylvander then to conclude of an augure from my actions for first Heaven would not have them take notice of a person so miserable as I am and next I am worth so little that it ought not to be considerable The Officer then answered there is an excess as well in too much despising as in too much esteeming ones self and somtimes as much vanity and pride in the one as the other as the Philosopher told him who to shew how much he despised rich and costly habits did wear an old rotten cloak full of holes take heed said the Philosopher that your pride do not appear through the holes of your cloak and so Sylvander take heed lest in speaking lesse advantagiously of your self then you deserve you be not chargeable with the same fault all that knows Sylvander knows also his merit and his capacity and what esteem he is in this Country and therefore to speak against the opinion of every one is either that he would declare himself his own enemy or else would give occasion to be commended more upon this without any stay for the Shepherds answer he went on his way leaving Sylvander in some sort ashamed of the esteem which he had of him This thought stayed him a while in that place at last returning unto that which most touched him to the quick and considering the inevitable accident which was faln upon him that was so innocent he thought that Heaven was certainly incensed against him and that by this correction it would make him re-enter into the consideration of himself to the end that submitting himself unto him from whom all true consolations can come he might receive that remedy which he ought to expect only from him This thought caused him to fall down presently upon his knees and holding up his hand to Heaven he implored aide and at the same time resolved to consult with the Oracle of Cleontine in order to this design he passed over the River Lignon went to Mount-Verduâ—â— consulted with the Oracle and received this answer THE ORACLE THy present grief shall quickly cease But she who only doth thee please Paris must marry her N'ere pretend To compasse thy desired end As long as thou hast any breath But only by Sylvander's death When the sad Shepherd received this cruel answer he stood as immoveable but not so insensible as a rock for such was his resentment that after he had folded his arms he fell down and for a very long time gave no sign of life unless by the tears that flowed from his eyes so that the Vacies and Eubages there present were exceedingly moved to compassion but he answered them all with silence turning his eyes only upon him that spoke but in such a pitiful manner that he forced tears from the eyes of all the company At last a good part of the day being past he went from Mount-Verdune without speaking a word and so retired himself into the great wood next the long walk not with any other design but to be in that place where Phillis delivered that cruel message unto him thinking that the sight of this place would augment his grief and so much the sooner end his miserable life in which he hoped for no manner of content But by fortune Alexis Astrea Diana and Phillis came thither at the same time to passe away the heat of the day according to their custom Phillis was the first who spied the Shepherd and shewed him presently unto her companions she would have called unto him but Diana did prevent her saying I would not have him think that I have been jealous for such a spirit as his would draw no small consequences from such a thought What then said Phillis would you have us do We must and so must you have compassion upon his pain True answered the Shepherdess but you must also have compassion upon me and me thinks it is not a matter of such smal concernment unto me but it deserves very great consideration upon this she turned towards Astrea and Alexis who were a little retired and propounded unto them the difficulty which she found in the business It is a hard case said Alexis that one should take so much pains to conceal truth What truth Madam replied Diana do you speak of You would not have Sylvander know that you love him answered Alexis and to hide this truth from him you are pumping for some tricks and artifices to delude him is it not much better to live freely with him as you see this fair Shepherdess and I do Madam said Diana you and Astrea are both of one sex and therefore allowed But said Astrea what do you think then of Phillis and Lycidas I do think Sister said Diana that if Belinde my Mother would approve of Sylvanders marriage and mine as Artemis does of that between Phillis and Lycidas perhaps then I should make no difficulty to do as Phillis does but knowing that this a thing impossible why should I make my good will appear unto this Shepherd It would not perhaps avail him any thing at all but perhaps bring much harm unto me for I know that I will never chuse a Husband without Belindes consent and I am most confident that she will never consent unto a marriage betwixt Sylvander and me Alexis then began to speak I do not know said she of what mind and humour Belinde is having never seen her but I do find Sylvander to be a man so very well qualified as I cannot think
to your advantage To his advantage said Diana yes said Sylvander to my advantage so far as by my death to take me out of this misery No no said Phillis it is clearly in favour of Sylvander if Diana will Either I do not understand the words of this Oracle said Diana or else the words of it do not at all relate unto my will But said Phillis if they do relate and depend upon your will will you let this will consent unto his cure Diana made a stop at this and did not answer which gave occasion unto Alexis and Astrea to speak and addressing themselves unto Diana they told her that if this Oracle had any relation or dependency upon her will it was an argument and will that the Gods did command her to consent If the Gods said Diana do command me and Alexis and Astrea desire me I cannot in all reson refuse Will you consent said Phillis unto whatsoever the Oracle would have you I will answered Diana Nay said Phillis I will not trust you without an Oath swear therefore by the God of Lignon and by the Misleto of the New-year that you will consent unto any thing that shall be necessary for the rendring this Oracle advantagious unto Sylvander I do said she provided that I may not contribute any thing but my will Then Sylvander said Phillis rise up thank Diana for the favour she has done you and henceforward esteem your self the happiest Shepherd of all Lignon and hearken how the Gods have pronounced unto you all manner of contentment by this Oracle As for the first verse which tells you that your present pain shall quickly cease there needs no better interpretation then the event which you have already found As to the second which seems such a fatal saying unto you it is delivered in an ambigious manner as most Oracles are the ambiguity rests in this word Marry which has a double sence and may be taken two wayes first we usually say that a husband does marry his wife and secondly we say that the Druide does marry the husband and the wife and it is in this last sence it is to be understood that Paris must marry Diana he shall become a Druide like unto his Father Adamas and it shall be he who shall marry you together But said Sylvander and sighed I must not expect the accomplishment of my desires but in Sylvander's death Ah thou ignorant Shepherd replied Phillisâ— have you not told us a hundred times that he does dye in himself who does perfectly love another And therefore the Oracle does advertise you that you must not expect the accomplishment of your desires but by the death of Sylvander that is by loving Diana so as thou shalt dye in thy self and become her Astrea and Alexis hearing this doubtlesse said they the Oracle is to be thus understood and there wants nothing to make good her promise but adding her will Diana who perhaps was as well pleased with this interpretation as Sylvander could be though she made it lesse appear do you not see said she that I am not concerned at all in the businesse Nay nay said Phillis never deny it for it is plain that the Oracle refers wholly unto you do â—u not see that Sylvander can live in you and dye in himself if you will Love Sister is one of those misteries which cannot be in a single person moreover do you think that Paris can marry you unto Sylvander unless you will Unless you will give the Gods the lie and unless you break your Oath you must make good all that the Oracle would have you which is that you do not only let Sylvander love you but also that you love him so as he may live in you and you in him Ah Sister said Diana and turned a little the other way no no said Phillis and took her by the arm let me hear no more of your ah Sisters there is no middle way to be taken you must either be perjured or do as I say otherwise there is no recovery of this Shepherd Sister said Diana with a becoming blush and holding down her eyes what would you have me do I would have you observe the Oath answered Phillis which you have sworn and promised what did I promise said Diana and smiled you did swear answered Phillis to do all that was necessary to make this Oracle advantagious unto Sylvander 'T is true said Diana and what ought I now to do You must as I told you before replied Phillis love Sylvander in such a manner that he may live in you and you in him That answered she is above my Oath No said Phillis for amity consists in nothing but the will Diana said Alexis and Astrea you must needs give your consent Well said Diana after much importunity since you command me I will this will said Phillis must be a little better explained and say that I will love Sylvander so that hereafter as he lives in me I will live in him Oh Heavens said Diana is not that too much Yes said Sylvander too much for my merit not for his merit of affection replied Phillis nor to satisfie the Oracle Well said Diana I will do all that Alexis Astrea and Phillis would have me but if it be a fault let it be yours and upon the counsel which you give me so be it said Phillis but furthermore I do ordain that for assurance of your words Sylvander by your consent do kiss your hand with a protestation never to depart from your obedience Sylvander fell down upon his knees ravished with too much joy and was so surprised at this unexpected happiness that taking Dianas hand and kissing it it was a long time before he could speak one sillable and looked as if his eyes were dazled with too much light this inexcessive joy did almost take away from him the use of reason but his silence and his raptures had more eloquence in them then he had and better-spoke the grandeur of his affection then his tongue could and had it not been for Alexis and the Shepherdesses who helped him up he had continued long in this amorous extasie not knowing so much as what he did Diana her self was no less moved though she set a better gloss upon it but Phillis who observed all this and helped him to recover come Sylvander said shee unto him must I be still your enemy Do you see how fully I can revenge those wrongs that are done unto me The Shepherd being a little returned to himself I must needs confess Phillis said he unto her that you are the sweetest enemy that ever was and confesse also said she that I have as much power as the greatest Gods for wherein is their power more seen then in the good and bad fortune which they give And have not I when it pleased me made you the most miserable and then when it pleased me the most happy man upon earth What is it that fortune can
not out of habitude yet at the first he seemed to take no notice but dissembled his passion as discreetly as possibly he could Asphales also whose head was full of that news which was written unto Thomantes concerning the affection between Androgenes and me he also made a fair shew and set himself to be a spy over our actions out of which he drew no consequences to my advantage I know not how it came to pass but I being at that time in Ericanthes chamber where there was a great number of Shepherds and Shepherdesses Androgenes desired to talk with me as it is usual at such assemblies for every one to address themselves unto such as they have familiarity withall rather then unto strangers but because I took notice that Asphales observed us being unwilling to give him any occasion of discontent I turned another way and would not speak unto him and see how one is somtimes deceived in their design this action being observed by Asphales it made him suspect all that he saw not and think that all was true which had been written concerning Androgenes and me and the worst was Androgenes observing how I declined speaking unto him in consideration of Asphales he never sought for any opportunity of speaking unto me during all that Assembly but there being a great Looking-glasse upon the table which was fixed to the wall this discreet Shepherd did cast his eyes into it and as fortune was I looked into it at the same time Androgenes shrugged his shoulders as if he complained of my behaviour to him and I not utterly to disoblige him did wink upon him with one eye which perhaps was some contentment to him but I protest it was only out of desire to hide the odd humour of Asphales but as ill suck would have it he took notice of all these signs and supposing thereby that there was some close correspondency betwixt us he was so netled that he went out of the house and was not seen all night Perhaps you will think it strange discreet Shepherdess that Thomantes and Asphales who at their departures had such small shares in our good will should at their returns pretend so absolutely unto them but you must know that they obtained our affections during their absence more then whilst they were continually with us for when they were amongst us and served us we supposed they did it because they saw no greater beauties then our selves but when we heard that after they had seen the world and in it many beauties superior unto ours and yet kept themselves constant unto us we esteemed their affections at a higher rate so as by our Letters to them they knew that their absence obtained that which their presence had denied them This was the reason that the least favour which we shewed unto others seeming unto them a taking away their dues they could not endure we should so much as look upon any but them If we chanced to cast the least glance of an eye upon any one then these Shepherds or rather these Tyrants were ready to flye in our faces and would oblige us to such a constraint as was intollerable but because Delphire and I did not like to be banished from all the world we continued our conversation not only with Filintes and Androgenes but also with any others that addressed themselves unto us the number of which was not small and behaved our selves towards them as was fitting lest we should give occasion unto any of speaking ill of us which they did take so ill that after they had called a counsel amongst them two as if they were to govern and direct us they resolved to put a face of coldness and afterwards to seem as if they loved some others But not knowing whom to chuse for such a business they would only seem to stand as Neuters and be indifferent and for a conclusion they came at last unto down right incivility for so may their behaviours unto us be termed since they did not only leave off addresses and courting us as they were wont but when they met us at any time in Ericanthes chamber or any where else they would not so much as look upon us If at any time we found them in a place where it was impossible for them to turn away their eyes from us it was with so much scorn and they rendred their salutes in such a disdainful manner as was not civil This strange way of behaviour and proceeding caused every one to take notice of it and almost all that heard of it did tax them with inconstancy and levity but they on the contrary maintained that they were the same they were always wont to be that they had not changed but loved us and honoured us as much as ever they did that it was business which they were constrained to follow concerning the estate which belonged to their family which did divert them and hinder them from imploying all their time in those trivial services which they were wont to render Delphire and I must confess oh sage Diana that after we had several times talked together for our fortunes were the same and required the same remedies we resolved to take all manner of excuses from these two wavering minds by retiring our selves from all those who might give them the least umbrage and to do it the more handsomly we took this occasion Eleaman and Ericanthe took great delight in seeing Comedies acted by those in their own house and Delphire as she that had the best wit had commonly one of the best parts It hapned that Delphire in the play was to tell a Shepherd that he was never to hope for any thing in her affection by chance she spied Filintes very near the Theater harkning and admiring her action and conceiving him to be the greatest cause of jealousie in Thomantes when she was to speak unto the Shepherd in the Comedy she turned her self directly to Filintes and as if he had hore a part in the play and said thus unto him I do swear unto thee Shepherd that I can and will sooner die a hundred deaths then love thee cease all thy hopes trouble me no more with thy love for Shepherd I do hate thee The face of Delphire being turned towards Filintes and her eyes and gestures addressed unto him was a cause that not only the poor Shepherd knew her meaning but also Thomantes and almost all the Spectators which caused all eyes to be cast upon him who durst not before all that company let his anger appear A few dayes after when we were upon the banks of the Christal River of Lignon and as we were passing away the time upon the Sands by the River side Asphales Androgenes and many other Shepherds and Shepherdesses were all about me and I writ upon the Sand I LOVE Androgenes looking over my shoulder and seeing what I had writ upon the Sand is it I said he and smiled for whom you writ that word