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
love this Cavalier who complaines thus of me I should neither be in these feares wherein I am nor he in the danger wherein he is I answered her If you speak from your heart Madam then cure me of the malady which proceeds from your selfe and never doubt that I can receive any harme as long as I am in the honour of your favour Delia then smiled and said I perceive that when you have been together a little the pain of the one will be changed into contentment and the feares into confidence But lest fortune should hinder your designes speak as low as you can and I will go and sit by the Candle seeming to read that I may put it out if any chance to come or else I will fall in talk with them and tell them how you doe without bidding enter But Cavalier said she and addressed her selfe unto me Remember the promise which you made when I opened the door unto you and admitted you unto this adventure which was to performe the conditions then proposed and if you be worthy of the name of a Cavalier you will keep your word You have kept your promise so well with me answered I that I were a most unworthy recreant if I did not the same with you Then said she unto me you are obliged according to the conditions established not to attempt any thing upon any occasion nor for any respect or reward whatsoever against the honour of the Ladies who are here but on the contrary you ought to be contented with those favours which they confer upon you not seeking or desiring any greater I will sooner sheathe my sword in my heart answered I then entertain a thought against this ordinance Every Cavalier of honour is obliged unto it by his very Name for that respect is due as unto one of the principal statutes of love I ever thought answered Delia of Alcidons discretion and I doe exceedingly rejoyce you doe thus second my thoughts since the law had not been established but for you How said I not established but for me was it made onely to restrain my indiscretion Is it thought that I am more impudent than any of the Knight errantry That is not the reason said she unto me but is it not reason this constraint should be established for you onely in this adventure which you terme the adventure of perfect love since you onely are permitted to attempt it But since before you have done you are to deal with a fiercer Champion then I am I will leave you together with your enemy lest you should complain of disadvantage Upon this not staying for my answer she went away and sat down with a book in her hand and left my fairest mistresse and me together as she said she would At which I being transported with abundance of contentment after I was set down upon the bed by her I tooke her hand and kissing it many times I said unto her Madam I am most sensible of my extreame obligations and my life is too little a price to be paid for such a happinesse Did you knoâ— what paines I have taken said she to give you this testimony of my good will doubtlesse you would set a good value of esteem upon it For though my sister does now shew her selfe so stout in the matter yet believe me Alcidon she is not alwaies so and it was not weak perswasions which could make her consent unto it Oh what artifice and tricks have I used to deceive not onely my brother in law but all his kindred and friends or indeed all the whole Province Consider Alcidon what a strange resolution I had in putting my honour and your life into so great a danger For to permit your coming into this place is no lesse Madam said I and kissed her hand if you consider my extream affection unto you Love and You were unjust if you did not answer it by extraordinary proofes of your good acceptance and I doe confesse that this is above my merit though it doe not equall my affection For it is such that most certaine death cannot make me start from your service Alcidon answered she if your affection be such as you say I wish it may continue as long as I live But I doe much feare the love of a young heart Madam said I unto her doubts use to enter into the soules of those who are not well grounded in their Faith and these in you give me more cause to fear weaknesse of affection on your side for the principal effect of true love is to remove out of the Lover all manner of mistrust of the person loved and it is impossible to love one whom they mistrust By this replyed she you may know the grandure of my affection since having so many occasions to doubt you yet is it still stronger then all those doubtfull occasions and makes me still give you such testimonies of my good will Yet Madam said I unto her give me leave to say in mine owne defence that you doe wrong my love in taxing it with youngnesse for I am twice ten years of age Ah Alcidon said she before any good assurance can be you had need be twice twelve At this I laughed and said that Madam were indeed requisite in those who love common beauties but for you and I time is not so much to be insisted upon for our ties and obligations are as strong now as they will be foure yeares hence She would have replyed when Delia began to cough as an advertisement that she heard some coming presently after her brother in law came to the doore unto whom she made a signe with her finger and went as softly to him as she could as if she were afraid to wake her sister her brother in law asked her how Daphnide did She complained a long while said she unto him and now she is fallen asleep What said he will you not come downe and dance to what end did you else dresse your selfe in that habit I hope brother answered she that my sister will be well after she has slept a while and if she be I will come and finish our designe with the rest but if she continue ill we must deferre it until another time and if you will come up againe about halfe an hour hence I shall tell you more upon this her brother in law went away and she came unto us to tell us what he had said and when I desired her to defer it until to morrow she answered me I perceive Alcidon that you are all for your selfe and care not for the interests of another so you can enjoy your opportunities as long as you stay you care not what becomes of us when you are gone You doe not well said Daphnide to make this construction of what this Cavalier said for I am most confident he has more care of us then so but if he love us as I beleeve he does he will not take it ill if we leave
any either generosity or love in this woman or any other quality or condition which you can desire And thus I ended extreamly astonishing the father who walked two or three turnes without speaking one wordâ— whilst I was in expectation of the sentence either of life or death At last lifting up his head which he had all the while hung downe he answered thus I must confesse Cleomire you have told me most strange things which may well plead my excuse for being a little pensive But considering that there is nothing in this world which comes by chance but by the wise providence of the Gods I will beleeve that all these things which you have told me have happened by their wils since it is so I should be very harsh if I offer to crosse them My Son you say loves Cryseide and I do beleeve it for I have heard that his voyage to the Libicians was only to make addresses unto her and fight with Clorangus who pretended unto her Cryseide hath also given very great testimonies of her love to him I doe conclude from hence that the Gods do never make such contraries to meet and sympathetically agree but they are contented with the good will which is betwixt them Friend I do commend my Sons choice for Cryseide doth highly deserve to be loved and now I know her reasons which induced her unto what she did my esteem of her is double unto what it was Tell therefore my Son as much for I see that it was he who imployed you to speak unto me Tell him that since according to his duty he has respected me so much as not to contract with Cryseide without my consent I doe take it so kindly as I both approve and commend his choice and pray unto the Gods that I may soon see them both together And though I doe foresee that Richimer will rage more hatred against me and colour it with my Sons offence in ravishing his wifes Cozen out of his house yet that shall not make me alter my opinion being resolved to countenance and maintain them in spite of all danger that can come unto me I beleeve Hylas you thinke that this answer did give me as much contentment as I could desire and well you might for after I kneeled downe and thanked him in behalf of his Son and Cryseide not daring to declare my selfe without the advice of my dear Arimant I thought he would never have satisfied himselfe with thanking me hugging and kissing me Then I parted from him and went to acquaint Arimant with my happy successe which ravished him beyond all expression At last it was resolved amongst us that since I had told his Father I was amongst the Vestals I should not yet declare my selfe lest I should be taken in a lie For all lies have this quality that when they are known they make truth it selfe suspected And to avoid the rage of Rithimer and my mother we thought it best to conceale our marriage for a while whilst in the mean time endeavours were used to pacific them Arimants Father approved of this and from thence forward referred the whole matter unto the will of his Son Now Hylas see how men purpose and God disposeth who would have thought but that their businesse was brought to as good a passe as we could wish or expect And yet all our crosses hitherto were but playes in comparison of what ensued For Arimant and I desiring to consummate our design pretended to go unto Cryseide and after we had provided womens cloths and all that was necessary for our marriage and were come into a Towne of the Caturges we intended to stay there so long as to make the father beleeve we were gone unto her whom we had with us But as ill luck was Gundehunt King of the Burgundians having passed over the Alps with a puissant Army did fall into the Territories of the Taurinois and Caturges so unexpectedly as he found them without any defence or thoughts of any Enemy And by fortune the very next day we came into this Towne he fell upon it where all they could do was to shut the Gates against the surprise of the first Comers but when the maine body of the army came up all the inhabitants could then do was to render their Town upon such pittifull condition as little mended the matter unlesse that the women were not ravished nor their Temples pillaged as they were in other places and all the rest left to the discretion of the ravenous Souldier â— Oh heavens Hylas what a lamentable sight was it to see women carried away Captives out of the arms of their husbands No intreaties no tears nor no offers could redeeme them So sadly did I resent this misery as I can speake it experimentally as fortune was I was that day in womanâ— habit and as I thought not ill dressed though my haire was so short that I could not trim my selfe so well as I desired and poor Arimant did carasse me as if he did foresee it should be the last time The Towne was presently distributed into quarters and every place assigned unto some troope who by degrees turned the Owners out of doors both men moveables and horses Arimant hearing of this base capitulation went crying through the Towne that it was better to dye than submit unto such unworthy termes telling the people that their wals were yet up that the Enemies had no wings to fly over them that their arrowes were not all spent nor their bowes broken he promised them that he would defend their Towne till Rithimer came to relieve them who was already upon his march and that they should never be branded with so much ignominy But seeing there was no remedy and that none stirred upon his words he drew his Sword and cryed in the open streets that the principals of the Towne had betrayed and sold the people that for their parts they would receive no harm but all would fall upon the poor people so as it was better to give them up to the Enemy and save the rest And thus he cryed out so lowd as he was followed by some with whom he seized upon a Gate which he defended so well that Gondebunt was forced to retreat and fall on upon another Quarter where the Inhabitants did let him in And thus betrayed by those of the place whilst he was repulsing those Enemies which were before him he was assaulted so furiously upon the backe as at last vertue being over powred by number and he receiving many wounds he was taken and killed though he would never yeild chusing rather to dye then fall into the hands of those whom he called Barbarians As for me to my misery though I may call it good fortune that part of the Towne where I hapned to be was assigned for the Quarter of King Gondebunt and those who were with him tooke me and many other Ladies prisoners and all committed to safe custody where we stayed
when Cryseide passed by Oh heavens â— cryed he out Is this Cryseide Oh most unfortunate Mother can she endure this losse then speaking still Italian and falling down upon his knees before her Madam said he aloud I should think my self the happiest man alive if I could do you any service being so much obliged unto it as I should thinke all my misfortunes nothing if I could but have that contentment for having received my education under your family I thinke my selfe commanded unto it unlesse I were the most ungrateful person that lives Cryseide was a little surprised and not knowing how to speak was a little silent and this made those who looked upon her to be lesse suspitious And because Bellaris saw she was surprised It seems Madam said he you have forgotten poor Bellaris who was brought up in the house with you and who had not left you if a fond desire of serving men when they travell into strange Countries had not moved me to follow the Noble and Generous Martiantes Oh my friend Bellaris said Cryseide then as if she remembred him who could expect to see you here what is it which brought you hither Until now Madam said he I thought that â— bad fortune brought me hither but now I say it is the greatest happinesse I could wish for since I have the honour to see you and offering my selfe unto your service I thanke thee good Bellaris said she unto him but we can expect no helpe but onely from God for being in the hands of King Gondebuâ—â— who but God can take us out Why Madam doe you not try to â—ansome your selfe said he I offer my selfe to go to Eporedes unto your friends and 〈◊〉 any thing I can for you Friend answered Cryseide I doe not refuse your helpe but we must stay untill the King return and then we will see what may be done The rest of the Ladies hearing this man speak Italian they gathered about him as very desirous to know what he was One of them did aske him the question Madam said he I am a Sallassiaâ— brought up under the family of Cryseide and one who does so well remember the benefits I have received as I would at the perill of my life doe her any service I was brought into this place not as a Prisoner but as a servant unto Martiantes a Cavalier well known in that Province he was taken and killed by a company of Souldiers at the foot of the Pirennian hills who left me for dead by him but the Gods Kept me alive to bring the sad newes unto his friends and to lament the losse all the dayes of my life Alas said Cryseide seeming to be sorry is Martiantes dead He is Madam answered Bellaris I assure you said he I am very sorry for it for he was a Cavalier of great merit Upon this all the Ladies divided themselves into severall walkes leaving Cryseide alone with Bellaris and when she saw none were in the compasse of hearing Ah my friend Bellaris said she unto him in a low voyce now tell me how does my deare Arimant and through what fortunes has he passed Madam answered he Arimant is in health but as for his fortune it hath been very various and I doubt I shall not have time to relate it I believe we shall answered she and if we have not we will take another time for the rest Then Madam said he I will be as briefe as I can Be pleased to know that Arimant being so basely forsaken by the Townsmen where we were he still defended himselfe most valiantly a long time and at last was left for dead Doubtlesse but for me he had never escaped but I being near him I used such care as I was obliged unto though I was much wounded yet not being so bad as he I feigned my selfe dead and fell at his feet for he was faln to the ground The enemy having other designes then riffling the dead all the Plunder of the Town being theirs they left us and when I saw the cost cleare I rose up and bound up my wounds as well as I could afterwards went to my Master and by the help of a young man of the Town I carried him unto an uninhabited stable which was neare not daring to carry him into any house because all were full of Souldiers I had an opinion that he was not quite dead thinking the Gods would never suffer such a brave man to go out of the world in the flower of his age I searched his wounds and to the best of my poor skill I did not thinke them mortâ—ll but not knowing well what to do and seeing him bleed still I tore my shirt and tyed up his wounds as well as I could and laying his head in my lap it pleased God that he revived when he opened his eyes he wondered to see where he was and I fearing his astonishment might do him hurt courage Sir said I unto him the Gods will send us better fortune The Gods Bellaris said he are indeed very good but my destiny is bad so as I can hope for no rest but in death But Bellaris what is become of Cryseide Cryseide answered I is safe the wife to the Burgundian King who followes him all about caused all the women to be put into the Temple there to be preserved from disorder and keeps Cryseide particularly with her Heaven be her reward said he forso good a deed I feigned all this Madam lest his griefe should have caused his death But Sir said I unto him doe not trouble your selfe too much No no said he now Cryseide is out of danger I care not for any thing else Then though with a little difficulty I got him upon his feet which was no sooner done but we heard many Souldiers quarrelling at the stable door and presently after drawing their swords they fell to fighting about some Plunder which they had gotten and could not agree about the Division The dispute was so hot that many were killed and the noise encreasing many others assembled who as soon as they came took sides at last a Captain passing by and seeing this disorder he would needs regulate the matter But the Souldiers thinking he would take all their Plunder from them in lieu of obeying fell upon him and so as he was forced to save himselfe by running to the stable door where we were The Souldiers who had laid aside all respect and knew that if he escaped their hands he would have them all punished they resolved to kill him hoping then to be safe and enjoy their Plunder In order to this designe they endeavoured to enter in which Arimant considering let us defend this Captain said he perhaps heaven sent him for our assistance so as if we doe him a courtesie he will doe the like for us Upon this drawing both our swords we took his part and though my Master was much wounded yet his courage which never failed him gave
one Shepherd who is to be blamed for all the miseries that befal all the Shepherds of this Country in this kind Sylvander is he I mean for he having a very subtile wit does insinuate himself so in the good opinion of the Shepherds as by his false and sophistical arguments he perswades them That a Lover is a man lost in point of reputation if when he is ill entertained he change his affection as if a man were a Rock immoveable and able to abide all the angry blâ—sts and storms of a raging Sea so as a Shepherd becomes so much enslaved as in spite of all injuries he cannot discontinue his service and good will but he must presently be branded with inconstancy and thus all become subjects unto the Tyrany of Women whereas if these maximes were not they would not delight so much in seeing their servants to languish but would add every day fresh favours in hopes to keep us from changing Unto all this Calidon answered thus you are much mistaken Hylas if you think Sylvander to be the first Author of these opinions The Shepherds of this Country have for many ages observed the same Laws and though custome did not oblige us unto it yet the beauty of our Shepherdesses would constraine us For is it possible to Love them once and not alwayes I see replied Hylas that now you do Love Astrea and therefore one must not argue the matter with you according to the rules of reason But I hope to see you as far from this affection as you are from that of Celidea Several reasons answered Calidon did divert me from her you last named and many more do oblige me never to cease loving the other unless I cease to live for besides the accident which took away the beauty of Celidea and which was the first cause of my affection I was obliged to restore her unto Thamires in point of honour but setting this and all other considerations aside having submitted my self by oath unto arbitration doubtlesse I should have drawn upon me both the anger of Heaven and hatred of men if I had not been obedient unto it On the other side all things do induce and invite me never to change my affection unto Astrea for in the first place her beauty is such as cannot be equalled She is so much the prouder for that said Hylas No matter answered Calidon a little pride in a Woman makes her the more amiable Yes said Hylas so she be proud unto others and not unto us but is not beauty very subject unto the injury and blasts of time Oh Hylas answered Calidon when age has blasted the beauty of Astrea the same age will make Calidon not much care for beauty moreover Parents who have the government of her and those who have the power over me do allow of this affection The contentment of Parents replied Hylas is often a cause that Women will not Love those who otherwise are not displeasing unto them as well because they cannot abide Parents should be courted more then themselves as because constraint is odious unto them For Love never comes by constraint nor the opinion of others but only by the will of those who love But Astrea is so wise replied Calidon that she will be conformable unto the opinion of her friends May be not replied Hylas Astrea is able to build upon her own resolution I should easily believe it said Calidon did I not see that she is disengaged and free from loving any and as yet I have not done her service sufficient to engage her so as should she be easily won she would not be so estimable Oh Calidon said Hylas Do you think long service will make her love Alas alas poor Shepherd I pity you if you be of that opinion you had need to make provision of Spectacles to see her Beauty withal at that time for when it comes I believe you will not be able to see without them Did you never hear how Celadon loved her Yes replied Calidon but he being dead that makes nothing against me Nothing against you said Hylas Yes yes perhaps more then you imagine For why else according to Sylvanders doctrine should she preserve the memory of him so freshly as Tyrcis does of his dead Cleon But this is not that I would say Do you know how long this Celadon Courted her Some four or five years answered Calidon Well friend answered Hylas Do you not think a pair of Spectacles will do very well at five years end I do not think said Calidon that so long a time is requisite to win her but though it be yet I should not be reduc'd unto any such necessity as you speak of Shepherd shepherd replied Hylas you may flatter your self as long as you please but you may consider that nothing is more certain then experience and what you have formerly seen come to pass Consider if you be wise that it may come to pass again You say she is not engaged in her affection unto any Why this is it Friend which makes me think worse of your business for those women which will love any may be drawn and won to love us but these insensible Creatures are such things as do not so much as know what and whom is to be loved Calidon began to boggle at the reasons which Hylas urged and thought them very strong I assure you Hylas said he I stand in need of all these consolations which you give me I think my self happy in meeting with you If you would have me flatter you said Hylas I could speak in another dialect but if your judgement be sound you will see I speak like a friend If you desire to find comfort in your misery you must use the like remedies which I alwaies did in the like cases which if you do I will warrant you from taking any harm from such a disease as this But let me tell you answered Calidon that if you mean quitting Astrea or loving any other I had rather lose my eyes then look upon any other Beauty then hers and lose this heart which gives me life then ever love any other Shepherdess then Astrea Upon this being a little angry with Hylas he would have gone away from him But Hylas held him and smiling said unto him Nay said he if you be upon that lock and desire so much to see Astrea you may go into the Grove of Hazles For I saw her there alone but would not tell you because I feared you would but lose all your labour For a woman is somtimes like unto death which comes upon us before we be aware and least think upon it Hylas said Calidon It was not friendly done to keep me so long from my happiness in being with her Nay nay said Hylas take heed you come not soon enough to receive a course entertainment Calidon having not so much patience as to stay so long to reply he went as fast as he could to the place which
and which said thus WHen Paris is the Prime of Gaul A Gaulish stranger govern shall Now Merovius and the Franks thought that their Ancestors being Gaules this Oracle was spoken of them and I assure my self that Madam you know how this delectable River of Seine runs round about that City And when the Queen went to walk upon the banks of it all the Ladies and Cavaliers waited upon her and walked also two and two where and how they pleased One evening therefore after supper Methina went to take the Air and Andrimartes taking Silviana under her arm he entertained her as he was wont with his young affections unto which she answered in as innocent Language as infancy it self could imagine As they were wandering amongst the thick of the wood they sate down at the first under an old Willow which grew by the River side but the young Lady not liking to stay too long in a place and being weary with sitting she rose up and went unto a little tree of Osiers and making choise of one whose bark was smooth and tender she had a mind to engrave her name upon it so as taking a Gold Bodkin which she wore in her hair she engraved the Letters of Silviana Andrimartes seeing what she began to do he went upon the other side of the tree and write upon the same stalk as if it were in the very same line these words I Love so as what he writ meeting with what Silviana had written both together made I Love Silviana but she going on his side she could see only what he had written how Andrimartes said she do you Love I beseech you who You may see Madam said he unto her if you will please to read on the Line For my part said she I see nothing but what you have written look a little better Madam said he and you may find that which is engraved upon my heart as well as upon that bark where is the name said she that you speak of Look well said Andrimartes and you will find it not far off I do not understand you answered she for I see nothing but that which you writ what then is this answered Andrimartes and pointed unto what she had engraved That is Silviana answered she Then said Andrimartes joyn what I writ and what you writ together I see replied she that by joyning them together there is I Love Silviana but it was my self that wrote it Most true answered Andrimartes and it is you who has engraven it in my heart Your heart replied she and wondred how could I do that for I never saw your heart I know not Madam how you did it answered he but I am sure that with you Fair Eyes you have done it Fie fie cryed she out I cannot believe it for my eyes cannot engrave or if they could I should surely have seen when they did it had they that quality I should not have used my Bodkin to engrave upon this bark This childish answer did plainly shew Andrimartes how ignorant she was in matters of Love yet for all that he continued on It is no wonder Madam said he that your Fair Eyes cannot engrave your Name upon a bark because it is a thing insensible but said she I have often looked upon the Queens little dogs which she loves so well and can you find one letter of my Name upon them No no replied he they are animals without reason it is only upon the hearts of men and men who are most worthy of that character How said Silviana can I do it and not perceive it I beseech you Madam said Andrimartes do you perceive your self to grow Alas said she I do that naturally and you do naturally replied Andrimartes make wounds in hearts Oh my good God replied she I have heard say that all wounds upon the heart are mortal and if my eyes have wounded yours I shall be the cause of your death and you will have all the reason in the world to hate me T is most certain replied he that all wounds upon the heart are mortal and those which you have given me will cause my death unless you give me a remedy but however I cannot hate you since on the contrary I think that I cannot love you so much as I desire and as you deserve I conceive the best way will be answered the young Silviana that since my eyes do hurt you so much to hide them from you for the future By no means Madam I beseech you answered he unless you would have me die as soon as you begin that mortal remedy for you must know that if any thing under Heaven can save my life it must be by giving me new wounds This remedy said the young Silviana is very strange and least you should dye I will not only do as you say but desire all my companions to do the same in hopes that the multitude of wounds which their eyes do make may ease you in those you receive from me The eyes of your companions answered he can neither hurt nor heal me what difference said she do you find betwixt my eyes and theirs For my part I know not any There is so much replied Andrimartes That I had rather be dead then want the least wound which I have from you and I would accord theirs as much as I can I do not understand said she why you should think so for wounds are wounds from whomsoever they be received There are replied Andrimartes wounds that are honourable and pleasing and others that are ignominious and painful those which I receive from you are of the first sort and those which your companions can give are of the other I cannot imagine answered the young Silviana what the difference should be If there were other Silvianas said Andrimartes as Fair and full of Excellencies as you are and as able by their beauty to make such welcom wounds I should then agree with you that they would be all desirable alike but since that cannot be assure your self Madam I shall think nothing to be a favour or a remedy which comes not from your Fairest self Silviana was very young and yet not so young but hearing Andrimartes speak thus she understood his good will unto her for self love is so natural unto us that nothing does oblige more at what age soever then a good esteem which is held of us and that made him to return this answer the good opinion which you have of me moves you unto this language but believe it Andrimartes you are as much obliged unto it by the good opinion which I have of you Perhaps their discourse had gone farther but for the coming of Childerick who with a great number of young boyes came running and leaping through those woods and parted them for this young Prince carried away Andrimartes almost by force to leap and exercise with his companions as he who excelled them all in agility and nimbleness He left the Fair Silviana
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
damnable thoughts did freely answer him that he was ready to serve him in this occasion or any other and that though he loved Silviana as his wife yet he loved Childerick as his Soveraign and to shew that these two affections were not incompatible he would testifie that he held nothing more dear unto him then his service Upon this Childerick gave him some colourable instructions and gave him no longer time to prepare himself for his journey then that night and therefore Andrimartes acquainted his dear Silviana with his imployment and told her that he hoped to return within five or six dayes at the furthest The wise Silviana gave a patient hearing unto what Andrimartes told her and having a quick and apprehensive wit she answered him with a deep sigh thus This journey I am afraid will not bring me any contentment and I beseech Heaven I be deceived in my thoughts Andrimartes you may remember that Childrick did once love me or at the least seemed so whilst his Father lived and he has used very strange expressions unto me such as I never did impart unâ—o you but such as make it manifest that he slights all those services which you have done for him and Merovius and having all the power in his own hands Heavens know how far he will extend it you see what kind of life he lives and how apt he is to be hurried unto any violent act and therefore what good can we ever hope for from him for my part I am extreamly afraid of the man and he has two qualities which may well make any to fear him that is a wicked will and absolute power what imployments can he have for you that are good Why should he be so hasty in packing you away I beseech Heaven it be with a good design upon this she took him about the neck and kissed him but bathed her kisses in a flood of tears which did exceedingly move the heart of this Generous Cavalier unto compassion then seriously thinking upon the discourse of Silviana and finding much reason in it he answered her thus These teares my dearest do infinitely swell my soul with sorrows and I must confess I find all your words so full of reason that I wish some other were imployed in my room but since I have already taken it upon me and have his instructions in my keeping what excuse can I make to come off withal And how can I be quit of my imployment without an extream displeasing him It cannot possibly be but since I have gone thus far I must go further and do as well as we can and therefore I will tell you what I think we ought to do First I must go and return with all the haste that possible I can make in the mean time go you unto the house of Andrenick our old and trusty servant yet unknown unto any If Childerick have any bad design doubtless he will either come unto you or send for you by this his intentions will be known unto us if they prove good I shall be very glad that no more noise is made of our jealousies of him and if they be bad I shall give him but a very smal time to execute his design for he shall not live a day after my return because I will give his wicked soul a passage out of his body in the midst of all his guards and souldiers but being yet in doubt of it I would not have 〈◊〉 said that ever Andrimartes committed such an act upon a bare jealousie This was the resolution of Andrimartes who setting forward in the morning very early acquainted the trusty Andrenick with his purpose concerning Silviana commanding him to keep it secret from all the world This Andrenick was an old servant who had the government of him in his youth whose affection was so great and his fidelity so well known as Andrimartes was as sure of him as of himself His house was neer the house of Andrimartes and he took it because he thought that ere long his Master would go into Gaul Armorique and he having a wife and children could not go with him As soon as ever Andrimartes was gone Silviana without acquainting any of her maids went unto the house of Andrenick and commanded them that if any Ladies came to visit her to say that she was not well and desired to see no body Silviana in the interim locked her self up with the wife of Andrenick trembling at every noise which she heard and thinking that she saw Childerick at her Chamber door It is very strange to observe what a blind knowledg we shall sometimes have of accidents that are to happen Silviana indeed had reason to fear the exorbitant insolencies of Childerick but yet since the death of Merovius she needed not have any such deep apprehensions since his insolencies fell upon some others so as she might well imagine his thoughts to be diverted from her and carried another way but I cannot tell some good Genius told her that she should never see her Husband again and that some mis-fortune would befal both him and her this was the reason of her fears and study to prevent all manner of disasters and because she had a great confidence in the wife of Andrenick she acquainted her with her fears and they two plotted together what course was best to be taken Silviana asked her what they should do if Childerick not finding her at her own house should look for her there First of all they sought out for some private place where she might hide her self for it was impossible to resist the power and force of the King but finding the house to be very little and very inconvenient for such a purpose there being no places of privacy in it she began to think upon having recourse unto death as her ultimate refuge but the good woman loving her very well and knowing that Andrimartes would never survive her No no Madam said she never think upon any dying but if you will follow my directions I will secure you from all manner of violence You are young and tall you have a good leg and no big brests I would advise you to disguise your self in the habit of a Cavalier I have here a suit of Clothes which is newly made for one of my Sons he never wore them and therefore none can know them and I am confident that none who sees you with a Sword by your side and a Feather in your hat will ever take you for Silviana as for your hair what if you did cut it though not till we see an absolute necessity of it in the mean time therefore whilst we have leisure let us put you into this trim for however there is no harm in it whether you shall stand in need of it or no. Oh Mother cryed out Silviana blessed for ever may she be that bore you for now by your prudence I shall hope to preserve my self for my dearest Andrimartes there is
down at the feet of Gondebaut who pardoned her Husbands fault upon condition he would live with her as he ought Whilst these things hapned it seems the Gods were pleased to mock Periander for the spring coming on and some remedies which a Phisitian gave me did so restore my complexion and features that it was much better then before and indeed my companions said she unto the three strangers I believe you will confesse it better then ever you saw it before but so it hapned that as my deformity did chase away Periander from me so my recovery called him back I cannot express the joy and contentment of Merindor when from day to day he saw my complexion return and not being able as he said to endure any longer delay in our marriage he entreated my Father to give him consent that he might go unto his Mother for hers there being nothing else which could hinder it Oh Heavens what new protestations did he make to my Father and me when he departed I have wondred since a hundred times that the earth did not open and swallow him alive I should but trouble you Madam did I relate the whole series of his actions but so it was that going away he lost all memory of me and all his oaths about three months after his departure he sent one of his Brothers unto me with a Letter which I will read unto you for I keep it still about me to convince him of his falshood and perjury then putting her hand into her pocket she pulled out a paper and read these words MERINDORS Letter unto DORINDE I Would to God Fair Dorinde that I were out of the World or else that I were not the Son of that Woman who is my Mother or at least that I were my Brother and al to the end as your most humble servant that I might obtain that happiness which I desire but being as I am it is not permitted me the offer which I make of him makes it evident unto all that all marriages are made in Heaven Do you not wonder discreet and Fair Shepherdesses said Dorinde that Merindor should write such a Letter unto me For if he had quitted me one would have thought in all reason that he should have done it when I was ugly and deformed as Periander did but that he should with such assiduity abide the horror of my disease that he should never care for any deformity in my face but even then to court me with such violence and zeal and then to leave me when my Beauty was restored and when I thought nothing could separate us but his own will or rathe levity this seems to be against the grain of all reason in the World And I must needs confess the truth this action did go so neer unto my heart that I vowed never hence-forward to trust any man living but to flye and shun all such as bore the name and never to have any more to do with them My Father was offended at this as much as I and therefore without any further consultation or heeding any applications that Merindorâ— Brother would have made unto me he sent him back with this sudden and peremptory answer that his Daughter was neither for Merindor nor his Brother and therefore he intended to dispose of me another way And because the young man desired an answer unto his Brothers Letter with my Fathers leave I returned this DORINDES answer unto MERINDOR I Would to God unfaithful Merindor that you were not upon the earth or that I never had had any eyes to see you or at the least that I were a man for a time and not a woman and all this to the end that as your mortal enemy I might take that revenge of your perfidy which I desire but since being as I am that is not permitted me The offer which you make unto me of your Brother which I refuse makes it evident that the marriage betwixt him and me is not made in Heaven at the least I assure you shall never be accomplished on Earth Now Madam continued she you may observe three of the most horrid infidelities to omit the rest that ever were committed against any woman These that I have told you are enough to make any that have eyes or their wits never to trust any that has either the name or the figure of a man but hear what torments they caused me to endure and then I am confident you will confess that the hatred which I bear unto this animal man is grounded upon most just cause Dorinde would have continued had not the noise of men on horse-back disturbed them these Fair Shepherdesses being unaccustomed to see such assemblies in their Villages they all ran out of curiosity to the door Dorinde and the other strangers did the same then they saw passe along the way which joyned almost close to the door of this Cabin fifteen or sixteen persons very well mounted and armed alter the Burgundian fashion having head-pieces upon their heads Suits of Arms for back and brest a Javelin in their right hands and a Buckler on their left arm These men marched in order and in the head of them was him who conducted them as might be imagined both by the goodnesse of his Horse which was much fairer then the rest and by the richness of his Armor which was almost all gilt and a Plume in his Head-piece which made him remarkable above the rest This Troop marched very fast and their Armor and Horses seet made a great noise as for the men they talked not loud though they did hold some discourse which could not any distance be understood When they came neer unto this Cabin they cast their eyes upon these Shepherdesses which out of curiosity were come to the door and seeing them so Fair they stayed a little almost ravished to see such Fair Faces in such rural Cottages Oh Heavens cryed he that commanded them is not yonder Dorinde She hearing her self named and looking him in the face she presently remembred that she had seen him very often with King Gondebaut and therefore fearing some violence she retired into the Cabin to try if she could hide her self but he being more assured by this action that it was she did presently alight and five or six of his companions with him and entring very blusteringly amongst these women they came to the place where Dorinde was retired who trembling for fear and hiding her face with her hands she looked as pale as death Celadon in the dresse of Druide wished now that he had Arms to repulse the injury which these strangers seemed to offer unto Dorinde and not being able to endure any outrage should be done unto her in his presence he first used entreaties and fair language and seeing them slighted and offers made to carry away that trembling woman out of the Cabin he could not chuse but joyn hands unto his language and beyond the strength of a woman like