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
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
Alexis I cannot tell how he does but as for Alexis let me protest unto you she sayes that she never in her life had more contentment since she was your Daughter I am glad onâ— sayes Adamas so it continue But tell me truly Celadon Doe you now repent of your believing me It is a thing impossible answered the shepheard that any should repent following your counsell For all you give is good But let me tell you Father that this which I have received from you upon this occasion is full of danger unto me for if Astrea should come to know me I protest there is nothing under the Sun could keep me alive for besides the just occasion which I should give her to blame me for disobeying her command I should grieve so excessively for failing in my duty as it would suffice to take away my life or if it did not I would court all inventions in the world to give me a suddaine and cruell death Well well said Adamas I perceive your condition is not yet in a fit temper to take those remedies which I would give you we must stay till time has a little more prepared your constitution in the mean time be sure you put on a strong resolution not to disobey any thing I shall command for otherwise you will give me occasion to tax you with ingratitude Father said Celadon I will never faile in my obedience to you provided your commands do not contradict those which I have already received which is most impossible I should not observe I will never advise you said the Druid against what you say But let me tell you that the patient must not think he knows what Physick is better against his disease then the Physitian doth To morrow I will go in the company of these shepheards and shepheardesses to offer the sacrifice of thankes for the salubrious Missletoe which is found in their Hamlet and as it fortunes under the very same Oak where you made the Temple of Astrea which let me tell you is an Onch of very good fortune to you And because I must according to custome carry Paris and Leonide with me it is requisite I should carry you also Oh Father said Alcidon what do you mean into how much danger would you bring both me and your selfe also Since it hath pleased good Tharamis to give me the contentment of seeing this shepheardesse of talking with her and yet not to be known by any in the company doe not put me and yourselfe unto any further hazard what a wound would it be unto your unstained reputation if it should come to be discovered and to me it would be most certaine death Let us thank the God for the favour he hath done us and let me rather retire into some desart where I may end my miserable dayes I see replyed Adamas that you are to begin again your first lesson That God whom you name hath commanded me to have a particular care of you and I must be obedient For Child you must know that he never commands any thing but what is just and laudable and though humane ignorance does sometimes thinke the contrary yet in the end we see that he who keeps close unto his Ordinances does surmount all difficulties and clear all those triviall doubts which may obscure the glory of his actions Therefore never trouble your selfe with any thing that relates unto me no nor what returnes unto your selfe for Thamires never undertakes a thing which he does not bring unto a perfect end It is he who by me does that which you see me doe for your good having commanded me by his Oracle Doubt not therefore but that both You and I shall receive contentment Celadon would have replyed bnt Leonide interrupted him saying You may see shepheard that oftentimes one will do those things for another which he would not doe for himselfe If Adamas should leave you at home and carry with him Paris and me what would be thought of you what strange opinions would there be if you who goes under the notion of Druid should not come unto a sacrifice of such solemnitie since you have gone so far you must go farther and since Tautates hath committed you unto the tuitiod of Adamas and you your selfe confented to it you cannot make a retreat without offence both against that God and Adamas also You must shut your eyes against all considerations whatsoever and submit your selfe wholly unto his prudence and conduct Celadon shaked his head at this Father said he since the Gods have commanded it and since you are pleased to take it upon you I refer my selfe my life and all my contentments unto you Upon this the Druid embraced him and taking Leonide by the hand left him to his rest But his thoughts would not permit him to take any for all the night long his minde ran upon the sweet discourse which Astrea and he had and upon every circumstance not forgetting a syllable or the least action which gave him any testimony that still she loved the memory of Celadou And when he had long entertained these thoughts he would gladly have driven them out of his mind as thinking them contrary to his present condition Fie fie miserable shepheard said he why dost thou suffer thy selfe to be flattered up with the smiles of fortune hast thou not often found that she never Carasses but with a designe of deceiving nor raiseth thee up but that thy fall may be the greater Consider to what a height of happinesse thou wert once elevated remember that never any shepheard could call himselfe so blessed as thy selfe Then turne but thine eye upon the present condition and tell me if it was possible to fall from a steeper Precipice And now at this time when under a shadow thou art taken for another and under a borrowed Name much off Canst thou take these favours as thine owne thou dost not consider that thou stealest them under the umbrage of anothers Name and that they would be denyed unto thine This consideration did make all his first thoughts so bitter unto him as he was almost ready to fall into the same despaire as when he lived in his Cave and he wanted but a little of resolving to returne into his first design of separating himselfe from the World since he saw no hopes of any cure for his miseries And probably this resolution had prompted him to put his designe in execution had not some good Angell brought into his memory the sapient advice of sage Adamas apprehending that if God had not designed him some solace in his misery he would never have put him into the hands of such a reverend Person who was esteemed highly good and wise amongst all that knew him After he had tossed away most of the night in these turbulent thoughts this comfortable consideration laid him asleepe and it being breake of day before he began it was long before he awaked Astrea Diana and Phillis did not
matter of it onely advlsed him to keep his bed that day by reason of the losse of blood Galathea desiring to offer the sacrifice which she resolved upon before she went from the place she sent to provide bulls and other things necessary against the next morning Also she resolved to enquire of the Oracle and the Cavalier beseeched her that he might consult with the Oracle also and joyn their sacrifices together She was pleased to gratifie him so far as to permit him although it was not altogether the custome In the mean time they sent out every way to enquire of their Coaches and the servant of the unknowne Cavalier After they had dined and every one expected to heare some newes of those that were thus scattered Galathea sitting on the Cavaliers bed-side and seeing all silent in the Chamber she said unto him Although sir we are much obliged to you for the Combate you undertook against the insolent Arganteus yet you are in one thing obliged unto us for when we entreated you to pull up your Helmet and tell us your Name and what fortune brought you into this Country you were pleased to satisfie us in letting us see your face but the coming of the sage Cleontine hindred you from answering the other part of our desires but since we have seen your face it does the more inflame our desires of knowing unto whom we are so much obliged and what was the cause of your coming hither And all this that we may the better serve you in any way we are able Now is the time convenient there is no feare of any prejudice to your wound and therefore we hope that you will satisfie our desires Madam answered the Cavalier and smiled Does the demanding of a thing make it a debt Sir replyed the Nymph It is the peculiar priviledge of Ladies in this Country and you know that every one is obliged to the observation of the Lawes belonging unto that Country wherein he is 'T is true Madam said he but my greatest difficulty is not without reason That I cannot imagine you should take any delight in hearing the disasterous fortune of the most miserable Cavalier that lives if it be living to consume his life amongst all the misfortunes and miseries that a man can possibly meet wiâ—hal Let not this be any difficulty said Galathea to him since in acquainting us with your misfortunes we are desirous to serve you and may help you Madam said he If my misfortunes be contageous we had abundance of reason to fear them No no Sir replyed she let every one beare their owne burthen and I am sure there is none in all the company but thinkes their own the greatest open therefore your wound unto us sometimes one may meet with another who is able to give unexpected remedy It is not the hopes of any Remedy replyed he which will move me to shew mine for I know there is none but death But it is onely Madam to obey you and satisfie the curiosity of these Ladies Then raising himself up a a little in his bed he began thus The Sequell of the History of Damon and Madonthe I Should thinke that I had great reason to complain against my sad fate which hath so incessantly pursued me ever since I was bome at least ever lince I knew my selfe if I did not consider that those who complaine and murmur are sinners against the great Tautates as if we were not all his and would not suffer him to have the free disposition of his owne and all that is in the Universe This consideration has often tyed my tongue when extremity of sorrowes would have moved me to murmuâ— against my Fortune yet if in the violence of my paine it be permitted to let go some sad sighes wonder not Madam I beseech you if in the sequell of this discourse you observe me sending forth some sad sighes at the memory of so many misfortunes And beleeve that if it were not your expresse command I should not relate my miserable life the memory whereof cannot chuse but make my wounds bleed afresh Be pleased to know then Madam that my Country is Aquitane I was educated by King Thorismond one of the greatest Princes that ever reigned over the Visigots A Prince so good and just that he got the peoples love as much as if they were Visigots This King raised his Court unto a higher pitch of glory than any other neighbouring Kings both by his arms and the civility of those that were about his Person We were a jolly company of young boyes brought up under him with as much care and indulgency as if we had beene his owne Of this Volley was Alcidon Cleomer Celâ—das and many others who all became very brave and gallant Cavaliers it was my fate to be brought up amongst them and I may say that this education was the onely peece of good fortune that ever I had My Father whose name was Beliantes and who by his vertue was raised unto great Authority about Thierry he left me an Orphan in my cradle there begining the fortune which ever since hath pursued me For not being willing I should ever arrive unto that credit which my Father had gotten she deprived me of it when I was sucking my Mothers brest and presently after tooke away my mother also and made me mourn in my cradle At my coming out of my infancy I cast my eyes upon a faire Lady whose name I desire to conceale as well as my owne because I would not discover all my misery Nay nay said Galathea we must needs know both her name and yours also for there is nothing you can tell us which we more desire Then said he my name is Damon and hers Madonthe How replyed the Nymph presently Damon who served Madonthe Daughter unto the great Captaine of Aquitane whose name was Amorant and killed in the Battle of Attila upon the body of the valiant King Thyerry and whom Leontidas would have married to his Nephew Are you that Damon who out of jealousie fought with Thersander a little before the death of Thorismond I am the very same Damon of whom you speake replyed he that is the most unfortunate Cavalier that lives or ever did live You doe infinitely astonish me said she for every one beleeves you to be long since dead and that you sent your servant with a Hankercher full of your blood unto your Mistresse or rather unto the wicked Leriana as a testimony of your death T is true replyed the Cavalier with a deep sigh but fortune intending to persecute me more yet would not let me go so good a way Truly said the Nymph many are deceived for the opinion of your death is spread all the Country over and nothing is thought more certaine I do remember that when the newes of your death came hither and relation was made of your Love of your Jealousie and of your death many did pitty you not only because you were
the wounds were newly given When he was come up unto them and saw these wounds thus fresh and them bloody he began to reprehend them very severely and menace them with the punishments of God and men Doe you think wicked wretches as you are said he unto them that though you should hide this body in the very center of the earth Tautates would not discover it to the sight of all Can you think this blood does not cry to heaven for vengeance and that you can fly into any any part of the earth where justice will not find you How durst you for a little miserable gaine which will deceive you commit such an execrable wickednesse These Fishermen who were not of any wicked temper as afterwards they shewed did bear a very great respect unto this Druid fell down upon their knees before him protested themselves innocent of the blood told him how they drew the body out of the water what their design was that they had no arms to make these wounds and that if they had been guilty they could easily have fled when they saw him coming and passed unto the other side of the River but they stayed still and would stand upon their justification The Good man considering all these circumstances he began to think they spoke truth but the better to know it he came unto my Corps and seeing the wounds so fresh Doe you tell me said he that you are innocent of his death We do sweare it said they by the sacred Missleto Then said the Druid you may doe well to looke out for the Murtherer for doubtlesse he cannot be far from hence and beleeve it if you do not find him out you your selves will be accused for it And because I would not have the innocent punished and the guilty go free where are his clothes which he had when you first found him The Fishermen as if they had been already in the hand of the Judge and never thinking upon their resolution they did not onely produce what the Druid demanded of them but also the money and Rings and all that they found Then the good Druid said unto them Now friends I doe thinke you really innocent since you doe so freely produce these pretious things be certain that God will assist you both in this occasion and all others Then presently falling downe upon his knees and making a signe unto them to doe the like Oh great Tautates cryed he out and lifting up his hands and eyes to Heaven Thou who hast a particular care of men we beseech thee to turne thy vengeance from us for the death of this Man and let thy infinite goodnesse forgive and amend them that did commit this sinne And because my wounds still bled he commanded them to wash me and then do that charitable office which they had begun in burying me According to his command they did wash me then he asked of them a peece of money which he intended according to the Custome when any was buryed to put into my mouth The poore Fishermen did all as he commanded them and the good old Druid weak though he was did take me in his arms and thought that he found some heat in me which made him lay his hand presently upon my heart which he perceived to move and tremble Courage my Children said he I hope this man has life enough to cleere you from the Calumny which may be laid upon you and to lay the fault where it rightly deserves for he is yet warm and I perceive his heart to beat Then letting my head hang a little downe the water came out in great abundance and the good Druid bound up my wounds with Hankerchers as well as he could then he commanded them to make a devise with their Oares whereon they might carry me with more ease and whilst they were working about it the good Druid went to seeke out some hearbs by the bank sides which he knew were good to be applyed unto my wounds and which would a little freshen and invigorate my spirits he was not long about them but bruising those Simples betwixt two stones he put some of them into my wounds and applyed some to my heart and presently the blood stayed Presently after I began to breathe and my pulse came unto me whereof they were all so glad that after thanks unto the great Tautates they carried me upon their Oars into the Cell of this good Druid and laid me upon a good bed where one of his Nephews used sometimes to lye when he came to visit him for as for himselfe his bed was onely a few dry leaves without any order or delicacy I was all the rest of the day and never opened an eye or gave any signe of life but onely my breath and my pulse The next morning about breake of day my eyes opened and I was never in my life more astonished than to see my selfe in that place for I remembred the Combate which I had and my resolution of throwing my selfe into the River but I could not possibly imagine how I should come there I continued long in this thought at last the room growing lighter and the little loophole which was in lieu of a Window being towards the sun rising I looked about and the sight made me wonder more for my Chamber was onely a Cave the roof Rock and Ivie my hangings Seeing all these things as I lay on my bed I endeavoured to raise my self a little the better to consider them but I was not able both in respect of my weaknesse and also by reason of my wounds Bening then forced to lie still as I was and as they had laid me I began to put my hand to the places where I found my paine and finding the Napkins and such other things as they had applyed unto me I was still more amazed Then not being able to imagine how all these things should come to passe I began to think upon such stories as I had heard of concerning Water-Nymphs and Goddesses who dwelt in Rivers almost condemning my selfe of incredulity that I had not believed them and now thought that this place could not possibly be any other then one of their habitations But as a wandring mind does usually rove immediately from one thing to another I presently began to think upon the injuries and ingratitude of Madonthe The memory of which went so near my heart as it forced from me so deep a sigh as the good man of God heard me for he was set at the door attending till it was time to come and see me As soon as ever he heard me he came into the Chamber and without saying any thing after he had a little looked upon me he went and opened the window wider that he might the better see in what condition I was Afterwards coming to me feeling my pulse and my heart and finding me much amended did seem to be very glad of it Then sitting down in a Chaire which stood
by my beds side and looking a while upon me he began thus to speak My Son since the great God hath made his love unto you evidently appeare by sending you such unexpected Assistance you are the more obliged unto thâ—nkes for so great a mercy and favour and to be obedient unto whatsoever he commandâ— For as the acknowledgement of favours received from him does invite his hand unto more liberality so ingratitude provokes him to slack his mercies and in lieu thereof to chastise Take good heed of this my Son and let us see how you will expresse your thankes by your words and with what demonstrations you will acknowledge the particular Cure which hath been over you upon this he was silent to see what I would answer This good old man had a very venerable and grave aspect a pleasing look a sweet Physiognomy and so mild a voyce as it seemed as if some God had spoken by his mouth But yet my amazement was so great as it was long before I returned him an answer He fearing that it was my weaknesse or the pain of my wounds which hindred me Son said he if your paine and weaknesse will not permit you to answer yet make a sign in testimony of your desire and God will so well accept it as he will give you further strength Then recollecting my spirits I forced my selfe to answer him with a feeble voyce in these words Father it is not the wounds of my body hath brought me into this condition wherein you see me but it is the wounds of my soul which expecting no other cure or remedies but such as death useth to give unto those that are miserable made me look for an end of my life from a River which it seems is so pittilesse as she will not not afford me that help which she never denyes unto others These things are still in my memory but I cannot tell how I came out of that River wherein I threw my selfe nor how I came into this place and in your presence Son replyed the Druid I perceive your crime and the favour of Tautates are greater then I did imagine them For I had an opinion that some of your enemies had thus used you and that the great God had saved and delivered you out of their hands but for ought I see you would have procured your own death a sin so great execrable both unto God man as his mercy is infinitely abundant in not chastising you in his anger Fratricide Patricide are â—innes of a very high strain because they are neere unto us How monstrous then is the murther of our selves since none can be so neer us as our selves are Madam should I relate all his instructions I should be too long and he would have continued longer if he had not been prevented by the Fishermen who came into the Chamber and brought with them a man tyed with cords so as at the first I did not know him as well because my mind was distracted another way as because he looked with a strange affrighted looke and his habit had so disguised him as he was much changed As soone as ever he saw me he would have falne upon his knees but he could not because he was bound At last looking more earnestly upon him and hearing him say Aâ— my Master my Master I knew him to be Halladine my Servant You may imagine Madam whether I was amazed to see him in that condition for I could remember how I pulled him into the water and thought he had been drowned but I was much more amazed when I heard one of the Fishermen addresse unto the Druid assure him that this was the man who had brought me into the condition I was and that he was not content with what he had done but he was looking about for the corps that he might hide it and his wicked act together The good old man would have spoke when I interrupted and told him No no my friends you are mistaken he is innocent he is my Servant and the most faithfull Servant I ever had set him at liberty I intreat you and let me imbrace him once more The poore men wondered to see me hug him so affectionately and he falling downe upon his knees at my bed side with eyes showring tears he was so transported with joy that he could not speake But when he was unbound I embraced him as tenderly as if he had been my borther I was extreamly desirous to know whether he had delivered my message as I commanded him and how he came to be brought thus unto me but I durst not aske him least I should discover what I desired to keepe secret The Druid who was discreet and wise did perceive as much For presently upon it seeming as if he would go and enquire the manner of their meeting with this Servant he went out of the Cell and carryed with him all but us two My curiosity would not suffer me to be any longer without asking him whether he had seene Madonthe what she and Lerianâ— had said and done and how he fell into the hands of these men He answered me a farre off that he had accomplished my commands and failed in nothing that all those who heard of my death did extreamly lament me that had he thought to have found me alive he would have brought me an answer unto my letter but being desirous to doe me the last service he could he came to looke for my corps along the River side that he might give it buriall intending afterwards to retire himselfe from that Country and all habitable places And this morning going along the River side he met these Fishermen of whom he enquired for what he sought And they after they had looked upon him and whispered a while together they fell upon him and bound him as I saw he was thinking it was he who had treated me in that manner that doe all they could he would not tell my name nor give them any light by which they might know whom I was But Sir said he I beseech you by what good fortune came you hither and what good God was it that restored you unto life againe Then joyning his hands together and lifted up his teare swelled eyes to Heaven for ever happy may he be said he that did this good worke Halladine my Friend said I unto him I thanke thee heartily for thy good will and I am very glad thou hast not revealed my name for I would not have any know me to be alive And as to thy question how I came hither you must enquire of some body else than me for I am as ignorant as thou art And yet let me tell thee that though Heaven has preserved my life against my will I cannot chuse but thank it since I can by thee heare of Madonthe Madonthe whom I beseech the Heavens to preserve and unto whom I wish all happinesse and contentment Oh Heavens said Halladine
great paines he had taken in his service the hazards he had run and the wounds he had received And Sir said he the ransome of this stranger whom I took prisoner who escaped from me was all the reward I ever hoped for But if this sentence of Death be executed I shall lose all my hopes and all that fortune gave unto me which I believe Sir is not a little for he is one of the chiefe of the Province of the Lâ—bians and his Father who has no Children but he is raised to that credit as that great Souldier Râ—thimer has more apprehension of him then any in all Cisa pine Gaule He had no sooner spoke these words but Bellaris that faithful servant not knowing what his Masters design was running unto this place as almost all the Towne did and hearing what he had done to save Cryseide he was extreamly desirous to free his Master from this danger by the losse of his own life anâ— therefore crouded in and cast himselfe at the feet of Gondebunt in such a resolute manner that he hindred him from giving Bellâ—mart any answer and when he saw the King hearkned towards him he began thus Sir you have this day gotten the title of a promise-keeping Prince and I doe here cast my selfe upon my knees beseeching you to be no lesse an observer of your word towards me then you have been towards this Cavalier called Arimant Stranger said Gondebunt neither thou nor he nor any living shall ever have any cause to upbraid me with breach of word Sir said Bellarâ—s this action speakes you worthy to be the Monarch of the whole world Then rising up he continued thus You have promised oh Great King to bestow a favour upon him who was ayding and actually assisting in the escape of this Lady I have so said the King Then Sir said he I come to inform you of him against whom you have just cause to be angry and severely to punish for indeed he is in all the fault and you cannot in reason accuse this poore Cavalier of any crime though it is true he was a cause of her escape because he did not contribute any thing toward it farther than that he lived and loved her I must confesse that had he not been amongst the living she would not have had any mind to escape But Sir is it a crime to live Did he ever give her any counsell or advise her to it or did he ever take any paines or industry about it No no Sir not at all further then to let her know he was alive But on the other side he whom I shall discover unto you is onely culpable he first gave the counsell he contrived the way it was he who loosed the Chaine of Boatâ— which blocked up the River he helped Cryseide to passe through he found out Horses for her to fly away To be briefe Sir he did all and by consequence deserves all the punishment The King hearing this stranger speak thus Why said he art thou so long before thou namest him unto me that I may severely punish him Sir said the faithful servant I shall quickly name him and more then that I will deliver him into your hands when according to your Royal word you have granted me the favour which I shall ask I doe promise it said the King and confirme my promise by attesting all that is sacred Then Sir said Bellaris the favour which I ask is That this Cavalier may be set at liberty and that all his fetters may be charged upon me for it was I onely that helped Cryseide to escape It was I who brought her newes he was alive It was I that has been with her ever since To be brief Sir It is I onely that deserves all the punishment because I was I only that am the cause of your high displeasure But now since I have made good what I have promised it is your part Oh great King to make good yours and grant the favour which I asked I was from my infancy brought up in the house of this Noble Cavalier I do owe unto him all that I am I have been a witnesse of his affection unto Cryseide from the very first beginning of it and I have seen so much virtue and noblenesse of minde between them that I thinke the end of my dayes most happy if I can be a meanes of their long living together by virtue of the favour which I ask I should think my selfe culpable of ingratitude if being able to save the life and honour of him who gave me life and who by his example has taught me all things vertuous and honourable I did not freely doe it And therefore Great Sir I desire you will absolve Arimant from all kind of punishment and not onely set him at liberty as you have already Cryseide but also that you would be pleased out of your incomparable magnanimity to make them marry each other as they are already by the consent both of themselves and their Parents Let all your anger which you aimed at him be imployed good Sir against me and adde as many torments as you will so they be safe for the very Glory of doing what I ought to doe will make them all so sweet unto me as I shall not resent the sharpnesse of the paine And because Sir I hear that the valiant Bellimart pretends to have some right unto my Master because he was formerly his Prisoner Give me leave to contradict his pretension in the presence of your Majestie First What can he pretend unto my Master but onely this that my Master gave himselfe unto him When you took the Towne of Cartures Oh great King Bellimart knowes very well how much he is beholding unto this valiant Cavalier for his life I will not repeat it lest it should blemish such a generous courage as that of Bellimart But I must needs say and he knowes I say truly that it was not he who took my my Master But my master after he had done Bellimart a very notable piece of service did entreat him to take him as his Prisoner upon condition to use him like a Cavalier and a man of â—â—ality whether this make my Master a Prisoner of War or a Prisoner of Courtesie I refer it unto the judgement of your Majestie But to wave this and admit him his Prisoner what is it he would now have If he was his Prisoner then why did he not keep him Did he let him go upon his Parole No Sir he guarded him as well as he could and he could not keep him Now if a Prisoner doe escape and he who had him do meet him in another Province can he take him again No sir this concerns the grandure of your Majestie I doe not say but that if Bellimart had kept him still his Prisoner within your Dominions he might now have had some Law to demand him But since he did not keep him safe within your own Realme but
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
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