exclaimed on his misfortune cursing the tydings bringer of the Kings repaire to the Park and his tongue for not revealing his griefe his Physition being so readie to heare that despairing of his hope he was likely to mischiefe himselfe yet Reason affirming That the learnedst Phisition could not discover the disease of his patient without he shew it how neare soever he ghesse Entring further into consideration of her favourable speaches shaking off feare like a hardie Souldier he determined in writing to let her know his love since he had no hope to meet her againe at the like advantage Therefore like the condemned hoping of pardon lived Eliosto yet desirous to be resolved either of comfort or despaire he called for pen and ynke and wrote thus To the onely mistresse of my heart the most beautifull Cleodora happinesse and hearts content IF Iupiter being a God was vanquished by love and many mightie Monarches have beene forced to seeke the love of beautifull Ladies I have lesse cause to accuse my fortune or exclaime against his soveraigntie who hath framed my heart to like and love your excellencie how long I have honoured you onely I omit and desist to impart the many griefes endured for your sake Now as you are by nature pitifull so vouchsafe to credite the lines of me your sworne servant and by your favour reclaime from the gates of death my soule which vpon deniall is readie to leave her earthly mansion Therefore peerlesse Ladie if thou holde the life of thy servant in any regard grant me thy love and with thy love gratious liking so shall I live to honour thee or die through thy crueltie I write not as a Poet but as a passionate lover of your highnesse and therefore if thou dislike these lines atâ—…ribute the shortnesse of my stile to my ardencie which without flatterie hath delivered the summe of my miserie and hope shal be by your gracious courtesie mitigated So attending your answere either of life or death I wish thy ioyes never to have end and my selfe a speedie death without your liking Your Graces in life most humble Eliosto What man living hath either heard or read of such sensuall and incontinent designes such libidinous and incestuous affection Thou Hyppolite for not yeelding to the lust of Phaedra thy Stepmother wast through her false accusation by thy father pursued till the Charioâ—… wherein thou fleddest brake and thou miserably among the sharpe stones rent to peeces but by thy fall thou hast preserved thy name from blacke mouthed infamie who onely is delighted with her brazen Trumpet to sound the harsh tunes of our foule defame as for thee Eliosâ—…o whom the Fates likewise have reserved to perpetuitie must with thy licencious Phaedra abide continually the detestable brand of vnspeakable ignominie But I digresse When he had ended these lines sealed and directed the same he could not find by many devises which hee sought how it should be brought to his mothers hands at length after many and sundry wayes invented this was thought best calling to mind Lucilâ—…a the Queenes Maid which he often noted to be in some regard with her determined to procure her either for courtesie or reward to deliver it And verie early in the morning as soone as he could get readie addressed himselfe to the Court attending the comming of his mother thither as she vsually did but vnhappie Elâ—…osto it â—…ell not out so well with him that day for the Queeâ—…e distempered in her thoughts had her mind so much on loue as she enâ—…oyed no sleepe by night nor content by day so that she was enforced with weaknesse to keepe her Chamber to the great discomfort and griefe of all the Ladies But Cupid which is alwayes benigne to them that serve him brought him this pleasure It fortuned that Lucilla with whom Eliostoes chief desire was to have some speech passed into the Garden either to walke or for some occasion of the Queenes I know not whether whom he followed with a fearâ—…full countenance more like a novice in Loves schoole then any way skilfull in such enterprises yet whetâ—…ed on by the hopes which his heart conceyved he saluted the Gentlewoman who was not a little abashed to see the Prince so neare her nor could she iudge any cause of his comming vnto her Lucilla being willing to heare what he would say with a face blushing shewing a kind countenance she enquired of his health with other ordinarie prattle vnto which hee answered and returning her many thanks said Mistresse Lucilla though my deserts have never merited favour at your hands yet let me crave your furtherance in a sute for that I heare my mother is weake and not willing to bee troubled so that I cannot attaine vnto hir speech and besides my businesse of importance compelleth me very shortly to leave the Court to deliver this Letter into her owne hands and at your leysure to returne me such answer as she shall please to deliver in doing which you shal both do me a favour of great esteeme and cause me her eaâ—…ter not to wound this your kindnes with oblivion The Gentlewoman which did know where the Queenes shooe did wring her began immediatly to coniecture his disease and to shootâ—… at that which indeed she hit without any great aime supposing the Prince to be wounded with like affection was glad to become so happie a Messenger to her who could willingly vouchsafe him as partner of her best fortunes yet making a kind deniall she said Sir though I could willingly doe you more service then modestie will I acquaint you with yet it is not the part of our Country Gentlemen to make poasts of women having Pages fit for that purpose if I refuse your request attribute it to no discourtesie in me which am verie loath to offend her hâ—…ghnesse not knowing whether the sentence of your Paper may breed any discontent or no. That many Messengers have incurred displeasure yea and losse of life as the cause hath deserved I hope it is not vnknowne vnto you yet hath the harmlesse bearer knownâ—… as little what he carried as I desirous to know of you Sweet Lucilla quoth the Prince that it is wisdome by others harmes to beware I denie not yet notwithstanding it is discourtesie not to fulfill the request of a Gentleman which hath evermore shewed himselfe most dutifull vnto her Maiestie can I therfore frame my heart to preiudice that Ladie of incomparable vertue No no heavens never permit me life if in the least thought I once offend her Lucilla noting by the often change of his colour in telling his tale that his heart was not his owne but had some more businesse in hand then willingly he would reveale loath to move his patience by her deniall answered Sir perswading my self of your loyaltie I will for this time become your Embassador although it should impaire my credite with her Excellence whose favour I hold as deare as my life and that
shee might espie her beloued sonne what ioy it caused let them iudge which haue made better experience in louers delights The Queene hauing the sight of her so long desired obiect sent Lucilla to entertaine him and to conduct him vnto her presence Cleodora staying to frame her countenance for his welcome bethought her selfe of sundry meanes eâ—…tsoones doubting by hir too pleasant and kinde vsage to be held too forward in loue than what discontent her lowring aspects might mooue vnto him whom she most desired to please In this quandary sitting vppon a pallet and leaning her head on her pillowe Lucilla had brought the Prince in who doing his duty very feebly for the remembrance of his attempt had astonisht him was by the queen againe saluted attending like the guiltie condemned his sentence from her mouth which was to giue him either life or death Eliosto thus at a non plus ouercome with the beholding of her excellent perfection was by her the mirror of affabilitie and courtesie remooued out of his dumpes in this maner Eliosto whether I should chastice thy presumption in writing to me so boldâ—…ly or no I am not yet resolued but before I acquainted my Lord therewith I thought good to heare thee speake for that I would not so sodainly disgrace thee whome so often I haue fauoured as well to heare thy intent in committing so great a foly as what thou canst say in excuse thereof Princes are not to be ieasted with nor in such maner by their kinred to be assailed therfore thou hast greatly erred in that which is committed incurred the danger of our chiefest lawes by which were thy fact knowne thou art already condemned The prince standing at the barre where Beautie sate chiefe iudge was surprised with many griefes so that hardly he could vtter a word yet reuiued by the hope of those comfortable and sweete sayings pronounced by Lucilla hee shaped her this reply Gratious Lady in that I haue presumed faâ—…e I â—…an not but acknowledge yet that I haue incurred such punishment as your Highnesâ—…e would iâ—…flict vpon me I denie vnlesse death be the guerdon assigned the saithfull for duetifull seruice and entire affection vrged me to seekethy fauor in loue without the which I cannot liue so deepely are thy vertuous perfections imprinted in my heart which if Ienioy not I desire no longer to breathe Therefore madam if thou disdaine his loue that liuing dieth continually for thee doe but say the word and this blade so often embrued in the blood of 〈◊〉 enemies shall sacrifice his masters owne true heart before thy face that thy cruell selfe may witnesâ—…e how faithfully Eliosto hath loued thee The Queene grieued to heare these speeches moued with great compunction could hardly forbeare shedding of teares yet modestie the ornament of womankinde caused her to faine a counterfeit shewe of displeasure to him whose teares wroong drops of blood from her tender heart yet that snee might not too suddainly confesse her desires nor giue him cause of vtter despaire made this answer Eliosto that thou maist see and seeing report in all places where euer thou shalt become of womens pittie I graunt thee pardon for thy fault and with it that life which was wholly at my disposing For louing mee as thy prince I heartily thanke thee but in seeking to obtaine my loue as thy Concubine in that I defie thee let each estate frame it selfe in affection as it becommeth equalitie so shall men sooner obtaine their desires and their loues in more tranquilitie be maintained Thou knowest that such absurde actions are in the extreamest degree of sinne Wilt thou therefore wish me in violating the faith which I haue plighted vnto thy father purchafe vnto my selfe such a name the remembrance whereof is not lesse grieuous vnto mee than death No no desist not any further to prosecute thy suâ—…te let reason vanquish thy brain-sicke humour which so affâ—…icts thâ—…e in doing which thou shalt make demonstration of that true nobilitie wherewith thou art endued for no greater conquest can be imagined than that which vpon a mans vntâ—…med affections is atchieued Do this and thou 〈◊〉 finde Cleodora thy louing and faithfull friend who 〈◊〉 be as carefull with fauours to aduance thee as I haue found chee prompt and ready by thy seruice to pleasure me Aâ—…as good Madame answered the Prince it is a thing farre more easie to giue counsell than once giuen to follow it The full gorged Churle little regardeth the staruing creature at his gate but could you conceiue the leasâ—… part of many thousand griefes that afflict me you would at the length pittie me though further fauour from you I receiued none If thy heart be not harder than the Adamant yield thy grace sweet Lady to augment my life or vtterly for euer deny me your good will I expect but your answer for my resolution is no other than I haue protested dastards feare to die but the noble mind preferreth death which endeth all sorrowes before a life to be continued with discontent The Queene as full of anguish as hee of sorrow beeing at her wits ende turned her speeches to an other matter and requested him to contriue as cunningly as he could his fancie in a fiction willing therefore to shew his Mistresse for such I must now tearme her that he was not ignorant in musicke taking a Lute in his hand began to warble out this Roundelay Loue was arm'd with fatall bow Shafts which Mother did bestow Mother gaue but Father fram'd Father Mother both werâ—… blam'd Wantâ—…n Goddesse did beguile Husband with afained smile For a kisse shee did obtaine Labour neuer spent in vaine Thaâ—… her sonne by Vulcans trade Might the chiefest God be made Thus shee wonne him to her will Wily worke of Womans skill But the Boy more prowd then wise Waues his wings and forth he flies Soone as he on earth had lighted Thus the fondlâ—…ng was despighted As he vaunted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 olde Thinking all that glistered gold Tearming in a 〈◊〉 thought Which his selfe conceit had â—…rought Heau'â—… his footstooâ—…e gods his marke Men his obiects Earth his parke Gods and men his hunting game Beautie natures darling came Beautie clad in natiue hue Whom the Graces did indue With rich plentie of their gifts Beautie cause of wittie shifts Beautie with whose worth delighted Poets haue sweete Hymnes 〈◊〉 Faire as is thâ—… ruddie morne Leauing restfull Bowre forlorâ—…e Mâ—…rne did with Vermiâ—…ion redde Rising from â—…ld Tithons bedde Thus the fairest of all faire Denide to grace the liquid aire Passing by where Loue did stand Holding powerfull bowe in hand Not saluting as shee went Him that ragde in discontent Boyliâ—…g wrath must issue finde Wrath that boyld in troubled minde For the ease of whose vnrest Thus his furie was exprest Loue said he was Beauties better She said Loue was natures debter Loue exclaimde on Beauties pride Which all duties force denide Shee said Loue receiu'd no wrong Where no dutie did
plea therefore omitting all friuolous prattle know that as well at the sight of thy Beautie as by the report of thine Honestie affection hath so fettered me in the snares of fancie that formy best refuge I am come to thy sweet selfe to craue a salue for those passions which no other can appease I deny not but thou hast both Loue and Law to withhold thee from this perswasion and yet we know women haue their seuerall friends Venus though shee loues with one eie yet she can look with th' other Cupid is neuer so vnprouided but he hath two arrowes of one temper Offences are not measured by proportion but by secrecy Sinon castè tamen cautè If not chastely yet charily thou maist both winne a frind and preserue thy fame yea Ballinea such a friend whose countenance shal shrowd thee from enuy and whose plentie shall free thee from penurie I will not stand longer vpon this point let it suffice that in louing me thou shalt reap preferrement and in denying my suite purchase to thy husband and thy selfe such an hatefull enemy as to requite thy deniall will seeke to preiudice thee with all mishaps Ballinea who knew the length of his arrow by the bent of his bow resolued rather to taste of any misery than for lucre to make shipwracke of hir chastity returned him this sharp answer Indeed my Liege a lesse haruest might haue serued for so bad corne that how warily soeuer you gleane it will scarce proue worth the reaping Tru it is that preambls are friuolous that perswade men to such follies therefore had you spar'd this speach your credit had bin the more your labor lesse If on the sodaine my beauty hath inueagled you for as for my virtue you hazard but a suppose sith ofttimes report hath a blister on her tong I must blame your eye that is bleer'd with euery obiect accuse such a mind as suffers honor to be suppressed with affection my Lord soone ripe soone rotten hot loue is so one cold Mens fancies are like fire in straw that flames in a minute ceaseth in a moment But to return you a denial with your own objection true it is that I am tide to my husband both by loue law which to violate both the gods and nature forbids vs vnles by death Venus may loue look as she list at last proue hirselfe but a wanton hir inordinate affections are no presidents wherby to direct my actions And whereas you say Offences are measured by secrecie I answer Euery thing is transparent to the sight of the gods their diuine eyes pierce into the hart and thoughts they measure not reuenge by dignity but by iustice For preferrement knowe mighty prince ther are no greater riches than content nor no greter honor than quiet I esteem more of fame than of gold rather chuse to die chast than liue rich threatnings are small perswasions little is her honesty that preferres life before credit Therefore may it please you this is my determined resolution which take from me as an Oracle that as preferment shall neuer perswade me to be vnchaste so death shall neuer disswade me from being honest Amazias hearing this rough replie of the woman was driuen into a maruellous choller so that skarce affording her a farewel he flung out of dores and going to horse he hied home to the court The good wife glad that he tooke the matter so in snuffe commanded her maid to say nothing to hir master lest it should disquiet his minde But the King impatient of this deniall thought that the Citie which would not yield at the parley might be conquered by an assault and that which intreaty could not command force would constraine therefore he commanded one of his Peeres whom he made priuie to his practise to giue him warning to depart out of his house but with this prouiso that if his wife were found tractable then she should remaine there still The Noble man fulfilling his Soueraignes command proued straight by experience that it was as possible to force the streame against his course or the earth to ascend from his center as to draw her minde from vertue and honestie and therefore contrarie to all law and conscience charged them to leaue their liuings The poore man after his wife had made him priuie to the cause of their suddaine calamitie tooke it very patiently chose rather to liue poorely content then richly discredited so that the prefixed time of his departure being come he quietly departed from the farme to a cottage where his wife and he liued as perfect louers in vnfained affection Amazias seeing his pollicie tooke small effect impatient stil in his restles passions accompanied one day with 5 or 6 of his nobles taking the aduantage of the time perforce brought Ballinea away priuily left two of his guard in ambush to kil Lewesohiln The neighbors hearing of this mischiefe secretly sent to Lewesohiln where he was at plow forewarnd him of all that Amazias had done and intended The poore man seeing that to striue with him was to shoote against the Heauens preferring life before wealth euen as he was apparrelled went farre from the place of his residence and as a man in distresse seeking seruice went to a Collier who entertained and gaue him such wages as hee deserued where quietly although disquieted in minde for the absence of his wife he passed away a few daies Diuerse were poore Lewesohilns thoughts for when hee considered the Chastitie of his wife Suspition hidde her face for shame but when he saw that womens thoughts are aspiring and gape after preferment and that the greatest assault to honestie is Honour he began to frowne so that thus betweene Dread and Hope he liued disquieted But poore Ballinea whose miserie was redoubled by hearing of her husbands mishappe powred out such continuall fountaines of teares as not onely Amazias but all men tooke pitie of her plaints But the vnbrideled furie of Lust that while it runnes headlong into a Laborynth of mischiefes feeleth no remorse had no consideration of her daily sorrowes but resolued if not by intreatie at least by force to come to the ende of his lasciuious desire Which resolution beeing knowne to Ballinea from Praiers shee went to Pollicie and therefore on the suddaine became more courteous desiring Amazias that he would giue her some space to forget her old Loue and entertaine a new choice Hee whose fancy was somwhat appeased with this good speech granted her the tearme of a Moneth with free libertie to walke in the garden and else-where at her pleasure Ballinea enioying her wish so fortunately taking Time by the forehead earely in a morning stole secretly from the Palace and fledde into the Countrie where in the day time hiding her selfe amongst bushes and in the night trauelling as fast as shee could at last shee came to the place where her husband was with the Collier and there
the most a kisse wherby finding occasion shee sealed the same with her bright sanguine lippes saying that now she had given him his desired guerdon to which Amasias smiling replied after this maner Either my arrivall in this place is suspected or not suspected if suspected certes the outwardmost is suspected if not suspected neither will this be revealed Nay cut off my head quoth he if now I reape not the fruit of my hope I but it is sinne said Florinda Sinne quoth he It is sinne not to swallow in delights dangling at our lips it is sinne to abstaine from pleasure if that only may preserve our life Yet would I not preserve my life by doing wrong answered Florinda Nay thy selfe earst did dest say quoâ—…h Amasias that thou weâ—…t mine by right therfore where are now your weake reasons weake they were God-wote and scarce currant but let me see whether your selfe be as stout to resist as your gentle perswasions were substantiall to make mee desist This being said Amasias as it best beseemed Amasias offred her gentle violence and violent gentlenes which as some say seldome comes to women vnaccepted shee againe for fashions sake combated but willing to bee conquered for indeed ere long Amasias rode in triumph and which some men may maruaile at he behaved himselfe like Hydra whose neckes pared off with the heads were renued with two in each place like Anteus by each fall gathering more force or as the stone of Thracia which dipped in water to be cooled waxeth most fervent After this Florinda feasted him with as daintie and delicate dishes as her selfe could devise wherevnto wanted no Vâ—…num Cos the Whetstone of his fortitude Which done Amasias thanking his goddesse for his entertainment they both tooke their leave as though they had lost their lives especially Florinda who often wringing him by the wrests with her whitest handes kissed him as if her heart had desired to meete with his and his soule to joyne with hers and thence betaking her selfe into a window like the fairest garden flowers which beholding the departure of gladsome Phoebus to his purple bed whose being earst was their light and life some hanging downe their heades as deprived of all pleasure and others more erecting vp their loftie and leavie crests strive to injoy his sweete sight so farre as poâ—…sible they may so Florinda now pearched aloft to possesse his beloved sight as far as her watry eies could suffer and now againe hung downe her head in her bofome as not able to sustaine to behold his departure Now Amasias ever after was so wedded to the vaine suppose of pleasure and delight that his Peeres sorowed at the course of his vnbrideled follies and his subjects groned not vnder the burden of his covetous desires but were taxed with the griefe of his voluptuous appetite for such was the incontinencie of his life as sacietie of wanton affections never glutted his minde with content but as the Serpent Hydaspis the more he drinketh the more he is a thirst and as the Salamander the more he lieth in the fire the more desirous he is of the flame so Amâ—…sias the more hee offended in this intemperate concupiscence the more his thoughts were addicted to the vice insomuch as everie man did wish hee might fall headlong into the Centre of some deepe misfortune Wallowing thus in the selfe conceit of his wickednesse his â—…ife Clâ—…odora through over much impatience not sufficiently commanding his constancie or greatly moderating his affections began palpably to feele extraordinary passions within her to be praedominant For fond Affection like a heady ruler possessing the chiefest portion of her interests over-ruled her more honest resolutions at the entertainement of incestuous lust Which when she most evidently perceived for the better effecting of her purpose manifested her griefe vnto a damsell whom shee had brought w th her out of Lemnos and in whose confidence she reposed much Lucilla for so was the maid named being vpon a day in her Mistris chamber seeing that beyond measure she was melancholie and that her health not a little impeached through sorrow strained modesty and with these words interrupted her mournings Ah Cleodora more loved of me then mine owne life and more deere vnto me then my selfe would God I might be plagued with all earthly diseases so I might see thee free from distresse how can Lucâ—…lla be without sorrow to see Cleodora oppressed with sicknesse how can she but sinke in calamitie to see her but once touched with care alas vnfold vnto me thy sore and I will adde the meanes to apply the salve make me privie to thy malady and I will procure a medecine The regard which ever since my first being with you I have had of your welfare I had rather leave it to your consideration then with the rehearsall of it but wearie your patience Which endevours of mine if your Majestie shall recompence with advertisement of your griefe I will not onely studie to procure your contentment by my industrious resolutions but my selfe also not a little satisfied shall rest in great security Alas quoth the Queene it is not vnknowne not only to vs but to the whole Kingdome how my Lord seduced by the flattering allurements of strumpets hath not onely violated the law of our gods in prophaning my nuptiall bed made sacred by the holy law of matrimonie but also the law of Cyprus which vtterly forbiddeth such disorder and wanton actions But sith in a Monarchie the wills of Princes may bide no checke but their reasons howsoever vnreasonable are the principles that may not be infringed it resteth onely for me to complaine but not to redresse lest venturing too farre I set my rest on the hazard and so desperately throw at all What Madame answered Lucilla have you no other cause to disquiet your selfe then the foolish love of the King Truely this is a very small occasion and a cause more then frivolous after this manner to vexe your selfe remove away these dolorous passions and endevour to live joyfully with those amongst whom your reputation and credite shall be honourable attending til Time shal coole his ardent desires and enforce him to change his affections with this proviso that by vnlawfull acquaintance your honour likewise be not depraved Indeede replyed the Queene the whole can with facilitie minister counsell to them that are sicke but if thou didst but feele that distemperature which permitteth me to take no rest in my minde and the cause of the anguish that doth deprive me of sence I am assured that having pittie vpon me thou wouldest otherwise comfort me or else help to execute that which should serve for the intire solace and contentment of my spirit The King hath led this life a long time and it is now impossible but by death or extreamity of age he should alter it in the meane while I passe my time away in vaine no waies comforted which maketh my griefe seeme more intolerable Lucilla
thy life then win thy Love Ah haâ—…lesse Cleodora would to God thy vertues were lesse then thy beautie or my vertues greater then my affections so should I either quickly free my selfe from fancie or be lesse subject vnto folly But alas I feele in my mind fierce skâ—…rmishes betweene Reason and Appetite Love and Wisdome Dangâ—…r and Desire the one perswaded him to hate the Queene becausâ—… his fathers wife the other constrained him to love her as a friend If I consent to the first I end my dayes with death if to the last I shall leade my life with infamie What shall I then do Ah Eliosto either swallow the juyce of Mandrake which may cast thee into a dead sleepe or chew the hearbe Carysium which may cause thee to hate everie thing so eyther shalt thou die in thy slumber or dislike Cleodora by thy potion Tush what follies are these Wilâ—… thou with the Woolfe barke at the Moone or with the yong Grâ—…phons peck against the starres Thinkst thou to quench fire with a sword or with affection to mortify love No no if thou be wise suffer not the grasse to be cut from vnder thy feete strike while the yron is hote make thy market while the chaffer is to saâ—…e Eliosto bâ—…ing thus resolute in his opinion began to cast beyond the Moone and to frame a 〈◊〉 devises in his hâ—…ad to bring his purpose to passe fearing everie shadow doubting everie winde stumbling at the least straw yet at the last pricked forward by fancie he purposed not to omit the least occasion which he thought would redound to his content Fortune who had long spurned at him with her foote gave him this oportunitie to raise him whom she had like to have overthrowne chaunciâ—…g to looke out at a window â—…hich opened into a Parke belonging to the Court he espied the Queene pleasantly passing away the time with her traine of Ladies which oportunitie he was not wilâ—…ing to loose but with all such speed as his faint legs could make revived by the sight of his sweete chase with all sayles spread in short time hee recovered his wished desire who was no sooner of Cleodora seene his humble dutie done and she having requited the same giving him the time of the day with a most pleasant and friendly countenance she chalenged him of negligence whom in two or three dayes shee had not seene and leading him politikely pretending matter of importance to impart vnto him from the companie she broight him neare the side of a faire copesse which so overshadowed them that the Sunne beames could no waies be offensive vnto them where they might both boldly say whatsoever it pleased them without being heard or seene of any whose presence might interrupt their conference which caused her to take oportunitie to discusse with him thus Sonne quoth she I pray thee say of the dutie which thou hast vowed me and by those sweete thoughts which are best pleasing vnto thee what is the Ladie to whom thou hast dedicated thy love For love doubtlesse thou doost thy countenance bewrayeth it which I have noted with more regard then becommeth mee yet of care to thee whose health I tender for thy courtesie and good service done which I would requite in the best maner I might and for because thy lookes shew that thy heart craveth to be pitied of thy Ladie let mee know her who may chance stand thee in some stead for women may prevaile much with one another Eliosto wrapt into a heaven of joyes hearing the goddesse of his devotion with such favour and kindnesse to grace him with a blushing countenance standing at the barre before her whose sentence pâ—…onounced was either liâ—…e or death sayde Honourable and gracious Madame That I love I cannot denie which argueth your skill in phisicke to be great but if your highnesse could iudge whose love I most adore and love have and judging ease me I should have cause to say no Aesculapius on the earth whatsoever might stand in comparison with you for skill I dare say no more fearing to offend The Queene all this while gazed on the perfection of her Sonne as deeply enamored on his feature as he inveagled with hers for her eye made a generall survey of his excellent proportion which she found more exquisite by how much the more she had bent her liking to love him Thus Affection which had assailed both their hearts indued them with such a sympathy of content beholding themselves all alone that with overmuch joy they were stricken mute so that how much soever â—…heir hearts desired to let each other know their loves they could not reveale the same In this heaven of happinesse they had not long been but a Ladie that attended the Queene brought her word the King was comming into the Parke which place hee had chosen to recreate himselfe where resting on a hill that over-peered the great Mediterraneâ—…m hee noted how Phoebus fetched his Lauoltos on the Purple plaines of Neptunus as if he had meant to have courted Thetis in the royaltie of his Robes the Dolphins â—…he sweete conceitors of Musicke fetcht their carreers on â—…he calmed waves as if Arion had touched the strings of his silver-sounding Instrument the Mermaides thrusting their hâ—…ades from the bosome of Amphâ—…rite sate on the mounting banks of Neptuâ—…e drying their watrie tresses in the Sun-beames hee marked likewise howe Aâ—…olus forbore to throw abroad his guests on the slumbring browes of the Sea-god as giving Triton leave to pleasure his Queen with desired melodie and Proteus lâ—…bertie to follow his flockes without disquiet Amasias looking over the champain of Cyprus to see if the continent were as full of smiles as the Seas were of favours saw the shrubs as in a dreame with delightfull harmonie and the birds that chanâ—…ed on their branches not disturbed with the least breath of a favourable Zephyrus Seeing thus the accord of the land and sea casting a fresh gaze on the water Nymphes hee began to consider how Venus was faigned by the Poets to spring of the froth of the seas which drave him strait into a deepe conjecture of the inconstancy of love that as if Luna were his load-starre it had everie minute ebbes and tides somtime overflowing the banks of Fortune with a gracious looke lightned from the eyes of a favourable lover otherwhiles ebbing to the dangerous shelfe of deâ—…paire with the piercing frowne of a froward Mistresse By this time nights duskie mantle shadowing the earth with a darksome coverture had bewrayed heavens disguise and the twinckling starres whose sight the Sunnes brightnesse doth in the day time obscure did now plainly appeare while Phoebus reposing in his Palace waited the dewie-vprising of Aurora so that the King was for that time constrained to desist his walke In the meane time Eliosto whose extreames were vehement after his abrupt parting with his mother grew so melancholy as that nothing was able to delight him so that in outragious maner he
you shall assure your selfe of my fidelitie herein if you please to meete me in this place to morrow by that time the Suns power shal have drawne the deaw from off the earth I shall returne you answer as you desire Thankes good Lucilla for thy courtesie assure your selfe I will not die in your debt if ever Eliosto may requite it by any industrie In the meane time quoth he favour me so highly as weare this for my sake and pulling off a Diamond of great price gave it her which she was loaâ—…h to accept yet giving him thanks for his kindnesse replied Sir I prize not my paines that you should reward me with hire or do you good in hope of benefiâ—…e for as it is vnfitting a Gentlewoman to take gifâ—…s in such mâ—…ner bestowed so is it discourtesie and no part of womanlike condition to reiect the gift of a friend therefore accept my thanks vntill such time I shall better deserve it Thus time passing away Lucilla taking her leave went towards the Queens Chamber and Eliosto to his lodging where ministring fuell vnto his follie hee began in his imaginations most strangely to be perplexed for his propheticke soule layd downe before him both the enormitie of the fact and the condigne punishment which alwayes accompanieth such a crime yet notwithstanding he was so blind with outragious lust as that no such sacred sâ—…ppositions were of force sufficient to reclaime him from his intended resolution Vnto which I leave him Lucilla seriously bethinking her selfe of these rare and abhominable accidents thought good since they were committed vnto her secrecie to smoother them vp in silence lest by their detection both their safeties vtterly might be ruinated Vpon this she came into the Queenes presence where being of her perceyved shee was demaunded where shee had spent the time so long from hir knowing that all her attendants besides her selfe were combersome Madame having beene to search some daintie that might yeeld delight to your weake stomacke and cause better disgesture by chance prying in the garden for such things I was encountred by the best Phisition in the Dominion of Cyprus who gave me a receipt which I judge by my simple skill will give your Majestie great ease yet doth the man doubt whether your stomacke will disgest it yea or no this gracious Ladie quoth Lucilla hath beene the cause of my absence and no other Alas good wench how am I beholding vnto thee that regarding my health searchest the depth of thy skill but Lucilla in vaine seekest thou her redresse which no Phisition with all his hearbs drugs and simples balmes emplaisters or what Art may provide can remedie the gods only by their grace must finish my desires or give evidence that life hath left within me the due possession of her field What Madame ever in this tune once alter these discords which maketh your Musicke jarre and sing the beleefe with a cheerefull voice so may your minde be a little eased and the receipt I have to minister worke with the more effect I speake this of experience for everie cunning Phisition will prepare the body of his patient before he minister any thing therefore if you will shake off this melancholie you shall have a taste of what I promise if not your Grace must pardon mee it were great pity so precious a thing should be cast away Wel quoth Cleodora thou art disposed to crosse me with thy wordes which in yeelding small comfort do nothing else but aggravate my disease therefore leaving these jeasts tell mee if thou hast aught will doe me good if not vse me no more thus vnkindly lest vanquished with the extremitie of my griefe I chance to say that with my tongue which my heart will repent or exercise my hands in such severitie as shall not beseeme my person The Gentlewoman seeing the wind blow so warme at the view of the Queenes impacience feared as much as shee promised thought not good above her strength to moove her for women being by nature hot vpon small occasions oft times become vnreasonable wherefore making a preamble to her discourse like an eloquent Orator began thus Eliosto with that word making a long pause to note her countenance on the sodaine naming her beloved was thus interrupted Eliosto Lucilla What frantike humor in this maner causeth thee to nominate him with whom as yet thou never hadst any conference Madame said the Gentlewoman 〈◊〉 the rest before you either dislike or commend me then proceede quoth the Queene This Eliosto as I am credibly informed loveth a Ladie but whom I know not and as a dear friend of his certified me is so tormented in his passions that the night naturally ordained for rest restlesse he consumeth in great discontent the day wherein all creatures delight is vnto him loathsome insomuch that through watching and refusing his diet his lovely visage from the sanguine is altered into the yellow coloured saffron yea Madame these mine eyes are witnesses of it who this day saw him passe into the Court so feeble that his weake legges could hardly support the weight of his bodie No more of this Lucilla lest thy tongue busied too long on this tragedie I in the meane time be compelled to seeke an end of my torments by dispatching mine owne life Is this thy comfortable confection Is this the reliefe thou preachest of which would yeeld me such quiet of minde Why should I live to see another enioy my loue have I made choise of him and shall another no wayes worthie of him enioy my â—…elicitie Peace Cleodora whither rovest thou let reason subdue rage let not every one be privie to thy incestuous love but conceale it as thou maist and seeke some secret device by death which is the best remedie to give contentation to thy heart But hearken Lucilla that thou mayest in time when my bodie shall be intombed among the dead report vnto my sonne how deare I held his love as my countenance often shewed though hee carelesse of Loves toyes never regarded it do but this for me by his frind to learne the Ladies name with whom Eliosto is so inthralled this is all the service that ever I will exact of thee that knowing her I may become an intercessor for him whom my heart more desireth then all the worlds possessions With this tears which trickled downe from her opticke instruments restrained her tongue In which sorrowfull passion her Maiden became a partner and grieved for her follie which indeed was none committing so heynous a fault in procuring the same excused her selfe in this manner How much I grieve to see you so discomforted I cannot tell but relying vpon the hope of your graces free pardon if you vouchsafe to peruse this Letter you shall know what shee is with whom your sonne is so strangely affected This Letter I received at his hands who hearing of your disquiet desirous as it should seeme to acknowledge his dutie coniured me by many faire
altogether vncertaine as soone the enuious ennemie as the well-willer may haue the perusall thereof in which some word simply meant of you or me may be by them at their pleasure construed whereby both a slaunder which is not easily suppressed may be raised and your name brought into question Writing is a thing whereof the subtill Lawyer takes no small aduantage To auoyde all which casualties this may you doe pretend some matter of conference with him and appoynt the time when he at your lodging shall attend you whither comming secretly and at such a season as the king your husband shal be employed in serious affaires you may vse your speech at your pleasure This would Lucilla doe your grace may vse your discretion I like thy deuise well quoth Cleodora therefore faile not to meete him for thy promise sake Now in faith Madam said Lucilla you haue made a good choise for a sollicitor but take me as I am this is the first suite for which I euer was retained and I doubt not if I now speed well of many cliants As they were thus pleasant betweene themselues they heard which caused the Queene to send forth her page for the enquirie of the matter who returned her answer that the King with his traine were setting forward to hunt a wild Boare which his Forresters had roused this newes gaue them cause of ioy hoping that fortune had fauoured them with a happie time which doubting the like opportunitie they were loath to omit Cleodora especially who could not be quieted in minde vntill shee had heard of the Princes answer wherefore a Page was presently commanded to search for him willing him with such conuenient speed as he could to meete Lucilla in the garden the Page vsed such diligence that speedily he was brought vnto his presence whom he found solitarie as a holy father at his Orizons whom the Page awaked with his ioyfull message which was albeit doubtfull whether of weale or woe most welcome vnto him The suddaine hearing of which caused him to pause a while when hauing determined courteously returned answer to the gentlewoman that he would incontinently attend her The boy he so bounteously rewarded as that he had cause to boast himselfe of his well emploied seruice Lucilla hauing receiued his answer aduertised the Qu. thereof who commanded her to haste least by her absence she should giue him cause of disconteÌ„t but for al her speed Eliosto was long there before attending her comming who was no sooner of him perceiued to enter the place but his heart presaging some good hap was thence more delighted then at al the motions that euer could be imagined After his courteous salutations done he encontred her thus Sweet Lucilla I know not what to imagine of thy suddaine message yet willing to bee resolued as one that by thy answer expecteth his doome either of life or death I attend thy pleasure say therfore what saith the Queene to my letters Lucilla purposing to be pleasant yet not to cloy his stomacke with such pleasant confections that there with hee should surfet but framing her countenance to her speech shee tould him that of all the gentlemen in the Cyprian Court her good opinion was such of him that vpon his word shee thought shee might haue hazarded her greatest credit which expectation of mine being deceiued Thou art not worthy quoth shee to bee accounted among such honorable men at armes which deeme their chiefest reputation to consist in the perseuerance of their word to gentlewomen At the deliuery of which hee that had viewed the Princes countenance might haue supposed him to haue bin past Physicks recouerie and withal standing so mute Lucilla was verely perswaded that he was ready to deliuer his lifes interest which made her in altering her words with a smoother methode to file them suspecting that her Comedie begunne in mirth might prooue to the great griefe of the whole countrie who generally honoured him a dismal Tragedie Wherefore taking him by the hand shee said Sir I am sorie I haue charged you so farre but it is womanlike to be slaine with words and for one of your calling no fit Passion in such sort to be vanquished That you may comfort your selfe I first pardon the offence against mee committed and enioine you as you tender your credit with the Queene to repaire at such conuenient time to her lodging as you can best which if you performe the messenger wil be excused Oh Lucilla how haue thy speeches tormented me filling my entrailes with such a confusion of comfortlesse thoughts as haue ouercome my sences Yet if thou haue any sparke of gentilitie abiding within thee informe me how the Queene did countenance my bashfull paper vouchsafed she the reading of them What else quoth she for to discomfort you any longer it were pittie beeing already at so low a datum which not a litle troubles me Comfort I can giue none to thy desires but this thy suite is loue as your letters import in which albeit vnlawful despaire not for thy mother is a woman though a Qu how compassionate our sexe is I will not boast but wish thee not to diffide for since it is ineuitable I wil be a faithful solicitor Mis-take meâ—… not Eliosto I speake as a friend and so leaue thee vntill thy comming to my Lady which detract not for time lost is such a pretious thing as that it can againe neuer be recalled Before whom when thou shalt come plead thine owne cause and discouer thine owne griefe but with this caution alwaies thinke that whatsoeuer you goe about your aduersaries eies to be fixed ready to take any exceptions which may blemish the lustre of your estiâ—…ation Eliosto which by these her last words had some greater hope of his content was so surprised with ioy that he could not bidde her farewell yet after his memento past farewell quoth hee the faithfullest friend that euer I found in my distresse Oh Lucilla happie maist thou be in thy loues and highly regarded amongst men by whom my cares are thus lightened trustie Lucilla the worker of my hearts happie content by whom past all hope I am by thy fidelitie and trueth in deliuering my message freed from such a heauie burden which was likely to haue beene my vtter ruine Thus applauding Lucilla hee had almost forgotten his word But leauing further to descant vpon this plaine song returne we to the Queene who was aduertised by her woman of that which had passed between the Prince and her not omitting his heauie lookes and pittifull speeches And then againe as glad to please the Queene whom shee was assured loued him spared not at large to set out his honours gained his comelinesse of person 〈◊〉 and whatsoeuer else the world admired in him shee admirably aduanced to the greatest content of Cleodora who thought euery minute a yeare vntill shee saw him whom with heartie desire ardently shee expected and with that looking out at the casement
perplexities had not the sting of griefe recalled and reclaimed his â—…leeting and fugitiue spirits Alas if I should flie quoth he I were guiltie of her death for leauing her destitute in such danger if I remaine some one of her guard may take me and fâ—…om me my life O vnfortunate loue which minglest my sugar with salt my sirrope with aloes my gladnes with griefe thou giuest me a nosegay of nettles hid amongst a few roses thou shewest mee a faire picture drawne with infectious paint thou offerest to kisse me and in kissing to stabbe mee Into how many daungers hast thou drawne mee Into howe many deathes hast thoâ—… driuen mee with how many blowes hast thou annoyed my â—…orrowfull head what plague now remained for thee to exercise vpon my vnfortâ—…nate â—…elfe but this the worst and woâ—…ullest to murther a Lady in mine armes why hadst thou not rather tried thy cruelty and tyred thy selfe with tyranny firsâ—… on Eliosto why hadst thou not first butchered my body and stanched thy thirst with my blood happâ—…er had I â—…ied laying mine head in heâ—… lap than liuing to haue held her dyâ—…ng in my boâ—…ome This saâ—…d he beeing ouercome with pitie and kindnesse cast away all care of his owne 〈◊〉 and often bowing vp her speechlesse body often kissing her and more often watering the garden sometimes a faire garden fairely deck'd with freshest flowers of her face with deaw from his distillant eyes Ah Cleodora quoth he where art thou why hearest thou not Or hearing why answerest thou not Open thine eies and see thy Eliosto and seeing smile on him and smiling as thou arte woont kisse him it is thy Eliosto who is present with thee speaketh to thee and kisseth thee alas and arte thou dead my heart soone shall my sworde make passage for my soule that it might meete thee againe in the faire Elizian fieldes Ah my life my delight blessed hope my dearest ioy shall I so leese thee Yet vnfold those beautiful carbuncles of thine eyes yet heaue vp thine head or at least bid me farewell I see thou arte not yet departed thou yet retainest vitall heate thou yet breathest thy heart yet beateth O Cleodora leaue not thy Loue in so lamentable distresse are these the ioyes vnto which thou bidst me these the delights to which thou bringest me these the pleasures to which thou inuitest me is this the night which thou affoordest me Ah blackest night fit witnesse of my woes because best resembling my sorowes Therewith fixing his eyes on Cleodoraes face he rained foorth teares in such aboundance that they washing her temples somewhat pierced and quickened the surprised senses whereby weakely starting vp and garishly staring about especially on the face of Eliosto Ah where haue I bin said she why didst thou not rather suffer mee quietly to departe blessed had I died in thy embracings and happy to haue breathed foorth my soule into thy mouth but now must I liue to be left of thee and now must I die for being left of thee But within a while she being appeased they entred their bed chamber and hauing layd aside their apparrell as some men vse to doe their friends vntill they had neede to vse them againe they reposed their dainty bodies in the prepared bed In which bed it might seeme that Cupid had taken vp his lodging and yet not to rest he came naked and without all armor and yet not without his dart He was her Mars Paris Ganymedes she his Venus Helena Polixena Aemilia Nowe he praised her faire eyes commended her soft cheekes her full swelling pappes and yet not satisfied with delight hee often lifted vp the sheete to make the sence of his sight partaker of those ioies which his feeling had before possessed And what disaster said he so desperate that could deterre me from ventring for such a conquest Now is my fortune in the pride of her estate now am I placed in the height of felicitie now am I seated vpon the throne of happines But alas why flies th' enuious houre away so fast why fleets the winged night so hastily why doth Apollo gather his starued steedes so soone to their daily labor Giue me a night such as thou didst to Hercules and Alcmena certes if aged Tithon were as much delighted with the company of Aurora as I with Cleodora hee would longer detaine her in her watry couch Neither was the queene all this while silent who repayed him his owne both in word and action By this time the blackest night had his jeaty beard changed into an hoary gray whereby Eliosto perceiued that hee was waxen old and departing ready to resigne his scepter to a better successor Wherefore though detained with the loue he bore to his mother yet forced with feare of both their ensuing infamies he tooke his fainting farewell Thus by these two infortunate louers as in the progresse of this Historie shall be shewed wee may see How through our owne will and too much libertie that small inclination which we haue to vertue to be vtterly extinguished and brought to nothing The palme tree pressed downe groweth notwithstanding but too fast the hearbe Spattania though troden on groweth very tall and youth although strictly restrained will proue but too stubborne The vessell sauoreth alwayes of that liquor wherewith it was first seasoned and the minde retaineth those qualities in age wherein it was trained vpâ—…e in youth The tender twigge is sooner broken than the strong branch the yong stem more brittle than the old stock the weâ—…ke bramble shaken with euery winde and the waueâ—…ing will of youth tossed with euery puffe of vanitie ready to be wracked in the waues of wantonnesse vnlesse it bee cunningly guided by some wise and warie Pylot Whersore seeing youth is so easily intrapped with the alluring traine of foolish delights and so soone intangled with the trash of pernicious pleasures let vs not passe away our time in idlenesse least happily beeing taken at discouert we become carelesse captiues to Securitie For when the mind once floteth in the surging seas of idle conceipts then the puffes of voluptuous delights the stifling stormes of vnbrideled fancy the raging blasts of alluring Beautie and the sturdie gale of glozing vanity so shake the ship of reckles youth that it is daily in doubt to suffer most dangerous shipwracke But let vs spend our time in reading such ancient Authors as may sharpeÌ„ our wits by their pithy sayings learne vs wisdome by their perfect sentences For where Nature is vitious by Learning it is amended and where it is vertuous by Skill augmented The stone of secret vertue is of greater price if it be brauely polished the gold though neuer so pure of it selfe hath the better colour if it be burnished the mind though neuer so vertuous is more noble if inriched with the gifts of Learning But to my purpose Not long after Amazias hauing quatted the quesy stomaks of the rebels setting all things
wilfully the fury of his owne frantike fancie O that the date of his birth had beene the day of his buriall or that by some siâ—…ister storme of fortune hee had beene stifled on his mothers knees so that his vntimely death might haue preuented my ensuing sorrowes and his future calamities For I see that the yong frie will alwayes prooue olde frogs that the crooked twig wil proue a crabbed tree how that which is bred in the bone will not easily out of the slesh that hee which is carelesse in youth will be lesse carefull in age that where in prime of yeeres vice raigneth there in mature age iniquitie beareth sway Why Amazias if thou seest the â—…ore why doost thou not apply the salue and if thou perceiuest the mischiefe why doost thou not preuent it with a sublimatum Take away the cause and the effect faileth if Eliosto be the cause of thy ruth cutte him off betimes lest hee bring thee to ruine better hadst thou want a sonne than neuer want sorrow Perhappes thou wilt suffer him so long till hee fall sicke of the father and then hee will not onely seeke thy lands and possessions but life and all if thou in time pâ—…euent not his purpose yea and after thy death hee will be through his lasciuious life the oueâ—…throw of thy house the consumer of thy kingdome the wracke of thy common-weale and the very man that sâ—…al bring the state of Cyprus to mischiefe and miserie Sâ—…th then thy sonne is such a sincke of sorrowes in whose liâ—… lies hid a loathsome masse of wretched mishappes cut him off as a gracelesse graft vnworthy to growe out of such a Stocke Alas most miserable and lamentable case would to God as I said the Destinies had decreed his death in the swadling-clowts or that the Fates had prescribed his end in his infancie then should not I my selfe haue beene as I will be so vnnaturall as to seeke the spoile of mine owne child or more sauage than the bruite beastes in committing such crueltie Herevpon Amazias stumbling as fast as he could to his Peeres reuealed vnto them the whole cause of his distresse requiring their fauourable assistance in these his determinate proceedings Who with rage incens'd promising in what thing soeuer their allegeance hee commanded that his wife and Eliosto should be carried to straite prison vntill they heard further of his pleasure The Guaâ—…d vnwilling to lay their hands vpon their Queene and Prince and yet fearing the Kings furie went very sorrowfull to fulfill their charge Comming to the Queenes lodging they found her playing with her sonne and other Ladies at Cardes vnto whom with teares doing their message Eliosto and Cleodora were astonished at such a hard censure and finding their galled consciences sure aduocates to pleade in their cases went to Lymbo most willingly where with sighes and teares they past away the time till they might come to their triall Especially Cleodora who after shee had almost blubbered out her eies for griefe fell at length into this passion Infortunate Cleodora and therefore infortunate because thy sorrowes are more then thy yeares and thy distresse too heauie for the prime of thy youth Are the Heauens so vniust the Starres so dismall the Planets so iniurious that they haue more contrarie oppositions than fauourable aspects that their influence doth infuse more preiudice than they can inferre profit Then no doubt if their motions be so maligne Saturne conspiring with all balefull signes calculated the houre of thy birth full of disaster accidents Ah Cleodora thou maist see the birds that are hatched in winter are nipt with euery storme such as flie against the Sunne are either scorched or blinded and those that repugne against nature are euer crossd by Fortune Thy faithfull seruaunt Lucilla foresaw these euills and warned thee by experience thou reiectedst her counsaile and therefore art bitten with repentance Such as looke not before they leape oft fall into the ditch and they that scorne admonition can not possibly auoyd punishment The yoong tygres followe the braying of their olde sire the tender fawnes chuse their food by the old Bucke These bruite beasts and without reason stray not from the limites of nature thou a woman and indued with reason arte therefore thus sorrowfull because thou hast beene vnnaturall Better hadst thou beene borne a Beggar than a Prince so shouldst thou haue brideled Fortune with want where now shee sporteth her selfe with thy plenty Ah happy life where poore thoughts and meane desires liue in secure content not fearing fortune because too lowe For fortune thou seest now Cleodora that Care is a companion to Honour not to Pouertie that hie Cedars are frushed with tempests when lowe shrubs are not toucht with the winde pretious diamonds are cutte with the file when despised pearles lie safe in the sands Delphos is sought by Princes and not by Beggars and Fortunes Altars smoake with Kings presents not with poore mens giftes Happy are they Cleodora that curse Fortune for contempt not for feare and may wish they were not sorrow they haue beene Thou arte a Princesse and yet a prisoner borne to the one by discent assignâ—…d to the other by despight accused not without cause and therfore oughtest to die without care for patience is a shield against fortune Ah but infamy galleth vnto death and liueth after death Report is plumed with Times feathers and Enuy oftentimes soundeth Fames trumpet thy detected incest shall flie in the aire and thy knowne vertues shall lie hid in the earth One moale staineth a whole face and what is once spotted with infamy can hardely be worne out with Time Die then Cleodora Cleodora die for if the gods should say thou arte guiltlesse yet Enuy would heare the gods but neuer beleeue the gods After that she had many sighs and sobs most bitter teares passd ouer many melancholy thoghts one while seeing death ready to execute the last part of sorrow another while seeing sorrow increasing now looking towards heauen and anone seeing the kinde of hell that she liued in now reuiuing with a hope of some vnlooked for happinesse and by and by stroke dead with the despaire of all hope almost whatsoeuer In fine so beset with sorrowe as she had almost no thought of comfort in the midst of all this misery throwing herselfe vpon her bed after shee had laine a while musing vpon her incomparable crosses shee tooke penne and incke and paper and as a woman halfe bestraught wrote this issue of her humour being indeede a fancie which that learned Author N. B. hath dignifiâ—…d with respect Among the groâ—…s the woods and thickes The bushes brambles and the briers The shrubbes the stubbes the thornes and prickes The ditches plashes lakes and miers Where fish nor fowle nor bird nor beast Nor liuing thing may take delight Nor reasons rage may looke for rest Till heart be dead of hatefull spight Within the caâ—…e of cares vnknowne Where hope of comfort
perceiving without casting of her water where she was pained shaped her this reply For mine owne part Madam as yet I never had experience of what force Love is and therefore ignorant of the disdaine and sorrow which such as you are sustaine yet neverthelesse I verily beleeve that the passion both of the one and the other is so great and vnmeasurable that the surplusage of the alterations that trouble and moleâ—…t the spirit is nothing in respect of this inexplicable distresse But I behold and perceive the imbecility of humane minds and how soone through vnlawful desires they are disquieted which with no lesse tranquilitie are digested in the stomacke and thoughts then the sea sands when they are encountred with the tumultuous blasts of powerfull Borâ—…as Ah Madam where is the great chastitie that made you once more renowned then all the Ladies in Lemnos I beseech you labour to containe your selfe in that honest estimation wherein hitherto you have lived to the great content both of your parents and frends But if Reason be curbd by incontinency and that you deliberate to follow the vice of wantonnesse for the accomplishment of your desires then by all meanes let diligent regard in such sort intimate secrecy that neither the house from whence you are descended be dishonoured nor your selfe merit infamy or ignominious punishment While they were thus talking a page brought word that divers Ladies were come to visit the Queene which caused them to surâ—…ease their talke When the Ladies salutations were ended and Cleodâ—…ra againe left to her cogitations she could not feele one minute of such ease as was requisite for vnâ—…essantly she rolled the stone with Sysiphus turned the wheele with Ixion and filled the bottomlesse tubbes with Belides in so much that when shee could finde no meanes to mittigate her maladie shee fell into these bitter complaints Ah Cleodora ah wretched Cleodora how art thou without reason which sufferest reason to yeelde vnto appetite wisedome to sensuall will and a free minde vnto servile love but I perceive when the Iviâ—… risâ—…th it wreatheth about the Elâ—…e when the Hop groweth hie it hath neede of a poale and when virgins waxe in yeares they follow that which belongeth to their youth Love love yâ—…a but they love expecting some good hap alas both love and live without all hope for Eliosto is my sonne and yet if he were not he liketh not me Sith then Cleodora thou art pinched and hast none to pittie thy passions dissemble thy affection though it shorten thy life For better it were to die with griefe then to live with shame The spunge is full of water yet is not seene the leafe of the tree Alpina though it be wet looks always dry a wise lover be she never so much tormented behaves herself as thogh she were not toucht Yea but fire cannot be hid in the flax without smoke nor musk in the bosome without smell nor love in the breast without suspicion Then seeke some meanes to manifest thy love to Eliosto for as the stone Draconites can by no means be polished vnlesse the Lapidarie burne it so thy mimd can by no medcine be cured vnlesse Eliosto ease it Thus resolved without longer stay she called vnto her Lucilla her chiefe attendant who from her infancie had bin brought vp with her In this Lucilla shee conceyved her greatest hope vnto whom she said Lucilla since I had reason to discerne good from evill thou knowest how I have tendered thee and how willing I would be to seeke thy preferment make triall when thou please so shalt thou be assured of that which justly thou maist hold in suspence But leaving these conjuring words I must Lucilla commit vnto thy secrecies a matter of import whereon my honour and reputation dependeth for I tell thee Lucilla I have made choyse of thee amongst all those which I may commaund as of her I love and have best cause so to doe having had such societie else should I rather choose to die ten thousand deaths then reveale it Luciâ—…la which had her whole hope of good from the Queene hearing her speeches with teares standing in her eyes proceeding of joy for the honour done her by the Queene protested vnto her by heavens Maker and what else he framed to be secret in her determinations and doe her best endevour to accomplish whatsoever shee commanded Cleodora taking her word for currant in whom she never found deceit said Lucilla that it is incident to all creatures in their kind to love I know thy wittes be not so simple but thou canst conceive and he that made vs directeth our likings as best pleaseth him be it Prince or Beggar from the highest to the simplest and he my Lucilla hath linked my liking albeit extraordinarily to a most bravâ—… Gentleman on whom I think if Affection which is blind deceive me not is worthy to be favoured of the most beautifull To keepe thee with idle speeches is now no time having other matters enow whereon wee must discourse therefore that thou mayst know to whom my love is intended Eliosto my sonne is he Eliosto famous for his valour renowned for his bountie and admired for his courtesie He he Lucilla is the joy of my heart and my hearts sole delight without whom I cannot live nor I wil not live neither may I live such is the service which my heart hath vowed in love vnto him therfore if thou love me as thou hast professd by thy industrie seeke to save my life which cannot but perish in not obtaining my desires Lucilla listning to her discourse willing to become second in this tragedie had her braines alreadie beaten in the search of the charge committed vnto her yet would she not sodainâ—…ly answer any thing Considering how displeasing speeches spoken out of time be to lovers corasives yet chering the Queene she requested vntill the next morning respite for answer which willingly she granted affying greatly in her whose jâ—…dgement above all others she esteemed most sound and perfect whom to her studie we leave Eliosto by reason of the affable countenance and courteous vsage wherewith dayly she did gratifie him had his intrailes so fried with the scorching flames of his methoâ—…s beautie O inspeakable wickednesse that his colour was châ—…nged and his streâ—…gth impaired and he through great griefe â—…nd extremity of his love enforced to withdraw himselfe into his Chamber where casting himselfe on his bed with a million of carefull thoughts he determined to seeke her favour and then by contrary motions fearing the successe of his suit by reason of affinitie which might give cause of great dislike and disparagement thereof said Ah thrice vnfortunate Eliosto what strange fits be these that burne thee with heate and yet thou shakest with cold thy body in a shivering sweate and in a flaming ice melting like wax and yet as hard as Adaâ—…ant Is it love then woulde it were death for likeher it is thou shalt loose