shee might espie her beloued sonne what ioy it caused let them iudge which haue made better experience in louers delights The Queene hauing the sight of her so long desired obiect sent Lucilla to entertaine him and to conduct him vnto her presence Cleodora staying to frame her countenance for his welcome bethought her selfe of sundry meanes eâ—…tsoones doubting by hir too pleasant and kinde vsage to be held too forward in loue than what discontent her lowring aspects might mooue vnto him whom she most desired to please In this quandary sitting vppon a pallet and leaning her head on her pillowe Lucilla had brought the Prince in who doing his duty very feebly for the remembrance of his attempt had astonisht him was by the queen againe saluted attending like the guiltie condemned his sentence from her mouth which was to giue him either life or death Eliosto thus at a non plus ouercome with the beholding of her excellent perfection was by her the mirror of affabilitie and courtesie remooued out of his dumpes in this maner Eliosto whether I should chastice thy presumption in writing to me so boldâ—…ly or no I am not yet resolued but before I acquainted my Lord therewith I thought good to heare thee speake for that I would not so sodainly disgrace thee whome so often I haue fauoured as well to heare thy intent in committing so great a foly as what thou canst say in excuse thereof Princes are not to be ieasted with nor in such maner by their kinred to be assailed therfore thou hast greatly erred in that which is committed incurred the danger of our chiefest lawes by which were thy fact knowne thou art already condemned The prince standing at the barre where Beautie sate chiefe iudge was surprised with many griefes so that hardly he could vtter a word yet reuiued by the hope of those comfortable and sweete sayings pronounced by Lucilla hee shaped her this reply Gratious Lady in that I haue presumed faâ—…e I â—…an not but acknowledge yet that I haue incurred such punishment as your Highnesâ—…e would iâ—…flict vpon me I denie vnlesse death be the guerdon assigned the saithfull for duetifull seruice and entire affection vrged me to seekethy fauor in loue without the which I cannot liue so deepely are thy vertuous perfections imprinted in my heart which if Ienioy not I desire no longer to breathe Therefore madam if thou disdaine his loue that liuing dieth continually for thee doe but say the word and this blade so often embrued in the blood of 〈◊〉 enemies shall sacrifice his masters owne true heart before thy face that thy cruell selfe may witnesâ—…e how faithfully Eliosto hath loued thee The Queene grieued to heare these speeches moued with great compunction could hardly forbeare shedding of teares yet modestie the ornament of womankinde caused her to faine a counterfeit shewe of displeasure to him whose teares wroong drops of blood from her tender heart yet that snee might not too suddainly confesse her desires nor giue him cause of vtter despaire made this answer Eliosto that thou maist see and seeing report in all places where euer thou shalt become of womens pittie I graunt thee pardon for thy fault and with it that life which was wholly at my disposing For louing mee as thy prince I heartily thanke thee but in seeking to obtaine my loue as thy Concubine in that I defie thee let each estate frame it selfe in affection as it becommeth equalitie so shall men sooner obtaine their desires and their loues in more tranquilitie be maintained Thou knowest that such absurde actions are in the extreamest degree of sinne Wilt thou therefore wish me in violating the faith which I haue plighted vnto thy father purchafe vnto my selfe such a name the remembrance whereof is not lesse grieuous vnto mee than death No no desist not any further to prosecute thy suâ—…te let reason vanquish thy brain-sicke humour which so affâ—…icts thâ—…e in doing which thou shalt make demonstration of that true nobilitie wherewith thou art endued for no greater conquest can be imagined than that which vpon a mans vntâ—…med affections is atchieued Do this and thou 〈◊〉 finde Cleodora thy louing and faithfull friend who 〈◊〉 be as carefull with fauours to aduance thee as I haue found chee prompt and ready by thy seruice to pleasure me Aâ—…as good Madame answered the Prince it is a thing farre more easie to giue counsell than once giuen to follow it The full gorged Churle little regardeth the staruing creature at his gate but could you conceiue the leasâ—… part of many thousand griefes that afflict me you would at the length pittie me though further fauour from you I receiued none If thy heart be not harder than the Adamant yield thy grace sweet Lady to augment my life or vtterly for euer deny me your good will I expect but your answer for my resolution is no other than I haue protested dastards feare to die but the noble mind preferreth death which endeth all sorrowes before a life to be continued with discontent The Queene as full of anguish as hee of sorrow beeing at her wits ende turned her speeches to an other matter and requested him to contriue as cunningly as he could his fancie in a fiction willing therefore to shew his Mistresse for such I must now tearme her that he was not ignorant in musicke taking a Lute in his hand began to warble out this Roundelay Loue was arm'd with fatall bow Shafts which Mother did bestow Mother gaue but Father fram'd Father Mother both werâ—… blam'd Wantâ—…n Goddesse did beguile Husband with afained smile For a kisse shee did obtaine Labour neuer spent in vaine Thaâ—… her sonne by Vulcans trade Might the chiefest God be made Thus shee wonne him to her will Wily worke of Womans skill But the Boy more prowd then wise Waues his wings and forth he flies Soone as he on earth had lighted Thus the fondlâ—…ng was despighted As he vaunted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 olde Thinking all that glistered gold Tearming in a 〈◊〉 thought Which his selfe conceit had â—…rought Heau'â—… his footstooâ—…e gods his marke Men his obiects Earth his parke Gods and men his hunting game Beautie natures darling came Beautie clad in natiue hue Whom the Graces did indue With rich plentie of their gifts Beautie cause of wittie shifts Beautie with whose worth delighted Poets haue sweete Hymnes 〈◊〉 Faire as is thâ—… ruddie morne Leauing restfull Bowre forlorâ—…e Mâ—…rne did with Vermiâ—…ion redde Rising from â—…ld Tithons bedde Thus the fairest of all faire Denide to grace the liquid aire Passing by where Loue did stand Holding powerfull bowe in hand Not saluting as shee went Him that ragde in discontent Boyliâ—…g wrath must issue finde Wrath that boyld in troubled minde For the ease of whose vnrest Thus his furie was exprest Loue said he was Beauties better She said Loue was natures debter Loue exclaimde on Beauties pride Which all duties force denide Shee said Loue receiu'd no wrong Where no dutie did
belong None might craue peculiar riâ—…ht Sith they were of equall might He said Beauty ne're preuailed But where Loue the heart assailed Beautie for it selfe admired His shafts causde to be desired For where Loue bredno remorse There had Beautie little fâ—…rce Psyche was more faire then any Lou'd of few though lik't of many Yet so lik't that none affected Sisters sped but shee reiected Yet quoth Beautie Psyche gaind Cupids heart to her enchainde Where was then his wonted might Uanquish'd by a womans sight Thus fell Loue into a trip Thus shee gald him with a quip He said t' was his owne prâ—…curement Shee said it waâ—… her allurement Loue said Beautie pleasd the eie But he wrought hearts sympathie Hee said heart when eie had viewd Was by Beauties force subdu'd He said Beauty soone decaid Shee sâ—…id Loue no longer staid Then while beautie was in prime Thus did both giue place to Time Cupid grieu'd with these replies Fram'd by her in taunting wise Sware by dreadfull Stygian lake Greatest vâ—…w that Gods can make That he would no more discend Till he did this quarrell end Vowing by his godheads might Beauties darlings to despite Thus he saâ—…es and vp he flâ—…es Swiftly through the Empire skies If meâ—… might this strife decide As by men it should be tride Then would all agree in one Beautie can preuaile alone Beautie able to â—…thrall Eies and heart and thoughts and al Yâ—…t three powers in one aâ—…enting Stroke mine heart heart soone releâ—…ting Eyeâ—… saw beauty and admirde it Loue saw heart through eyes he fir'd it But faire lookes did first constraine Cupids shafts to shape my paine Fairer vertue Beauties â—…ewell Bade me not pronounce Loue cruell Loue that forc'd me to affect Beauties worth by Vertue deckâ—… Then O three of all the chiefe Ease at last my â—…oathed griefe The Queene hearing all those extreames to growe from affection was in such sort by them captiuated that vailing top-gallant she returned to Eliosto this finall and comfortable resolution The flaxe gentle Eliosto soone flameth and yeeldes but a flash the kinde mushrome soone ripens and as soone rottes the best Emphemerum in the riuer Hippanis is made in a moment and marrd in a minute but contrariwise it must be immoderate heate that engendreth the Salamander which ingendred neuer dieth vntil the fire be extinguished Long time it is before the Lawrell flourisheth which flourishing neuer fadeth with summers blaze or falleth with winters blast The Elephant is borne tenne yeares in the dammes belly but once brought foorth liueth three hundred Therefore thinke me not vnworthie to be worne Eliosto because so long to be wooed For light beliâ—…fe hath commonly light loue The fish Alphya is engendred with a small showre of raine and therfore is counted no meate for a veluet mouth But good chaffer is not so soone cheapned that which is deere of price is deere and pretious yea that Castle which beares most brunt is deemed most worthy when it is scaled Neither doe I yet condescend to thy petition vnlesse I were pushed therto by thy pâ—…mise that thou wilt be as faithfull ' as thy protestations are faire Not like the Lightning which flasheth and presently â—…adeth Nor resembling the stone Mâ—…hrax which is of a rose colour but scorched with 〈◊〉 beams becomes chargeable but rather immitating the jem Thraâ—…ias most burning when thou 〈◊〉 ouerwhelmed with roaring and raging disasters On which conditions thy promises placing â—…nd reposing the irremoâ—…eable foundation of my faithsull refolution I make thy person the prison of my heart and not only vâ—…uchsafe thee of some graâ—…ts of grant but thâ—…t thou mayst assure thy selfe the feedes of thy sute to haue beene sowne in a fertile soile for euery graine of Loue buried in my breast I will yeeld thee an eare of fifty corns With that the impatient Louers as if Mars had combatted with Dâ—…me Cytherea for â—…uffring her Boy to make him the marke of his game rose in armes where Loue conquered Pleasure Desire tooke incestuous Delight captiue and litle Cupid like a valiant carpet knight flew into Uenus his mothers bosome Lucilla suspecting no lesse was thunder-stricken with that sodâ—…ine and sorrowfull imagination that bursting out of an extasie wherein she had long stoode like one beholding 〈◊〉 head lamenting as if shee woulde haue died and in dying made an attonement with Death she sate weeping and wailing for that outragious accident wringing her liliâ—… white handes and fixing her blubbered eyes on the comfortlesse ground clad in sable habite witnessing her hearts sadnesse and stiâ—…l crying on the names of Eliosto and Cleodora stil casting out woful inuectiues against the Destinies calling her selfe a most accursed wretch born vnder such vnfortunate planets with that she might heare certaine trumpets sound whereby shee gathered as it was indeede that the King was returning from hunting giuing therefore these Louâ—…rs drenâ—…ht in the full channell of Pleasure this aduertisement for that time they parted Now Eliosto after this was more impatient in his passions For loue so fiercely assayled him that neither Company nor Musike could mittigate his maâ—…yrdome bâ—…t did rather far increase his maladie Shame would not let him craue counsell in this case nor feare of his fathers displeasure reveale it to any friend but was faine to make a Secretary of himselfe and to participate his thoughts with his owne troubled mind Liuing thus a day or two distracted he called to minde the counsell of Cleodora which was that he should insinuate himselfe into the fauor of her maid Lucilla who both could and would pleasure them in their loues Her therefore hee determined to make one of his câ—…mplices not for that hee certainely thence expected helpe neither meant desperately to detect his intâ—…mate secrets without some hope but as the Merchant when with the cruell confederacie of the rocke and surges rage the ship like to a weake stickler hauing all his plancke-ribs rent and riuen asunder committeth his wearied body to the conuoy of a floating boorde as the souldier who being hemmed in on euery side with his enemies rankes neither stands amazed with feare yeelding his naked breasts to the mercilesse jaueline nor desperately rusheth against the poynt of the pike which is not fortitude but folly but to perfourme Natures iniunctions gathereth him selfe wisely within his weapon and striueth with courage to acquite him selfe valiantly Or as the wise phisition which forsaketh not his patient though hee can not finde any soueraigne medicine for his maladie but ministreth such as meere coniectures teach him lest hee discoraged should deliuer to death his patient discomforted Euen so Eliosto thinking to prooue Lucilla though not sure to preuaile sent for her who speedily comming he courteously entertained and with these perswasions indeuoured to make her a fauourite to his purposes To whom as they sate together in his lodging Friend Lucilla quoth the Prince for so your courtesie in speedy comming at my request willeth me to call
miseries but the greatest extreames are least permanent Mars thus rufling in this martiall Isle was crost by counter-working of some other god for Cupid grieued that he could fasten no shafts in their flintie hearts whose eares were stopped from loues inâ—…icing by the continuall clattering of Armour a melodie not fitting his mothers humour sware solemnly to alter this or spend all the shafts in his quiuer Each part wearied with daiely massacres did for a certaine time conclude a Truce from Armes Thus had the wily wagge meanes to effect his stratageme The two chiefe of these two Factions had each a child the one a sonne the other a daughter both so graced with rare qualities of the minde â—…o endued with perfections of the bodie that they seemed the mirror of that age and wonder of their time To these ornaments was added the fâ—…iendly fauour of smiling Fortune so largely bestowed that the summe of Aristotles felicitie might seeme to bee in them accomplished Dihnohin for so was he named passing oft in this time of truce by the house of his fathers enemie and viewing Gatesinea so was shee called felt himselfe surprised with a suddaine change and so long hee carried loue in his eies that at last it sunke downe to his heart and his affection was so much the more vehement how much the lesse his loue seemed possible to be obtained Gatesinea seeing Dihnohin yong and faire began first earnestly to looke then secretly to like and lastly so deepely to loue that as her happe was without hope so were her passions without patience Thus these two louers vnited with an vnknown sympathy of affections smothering their secret thoughts in hatefull silence liu'd discontent not knowing how to cure so dangerous a disease Shee voide of comfort reuealed her loue to her nurce praising Dihnohin and complaining of her hard fortune and the vnhappie discord of those two noble families whose dissention was the onely obstacle of her desire The old nurce though sorie that her yong mistresse was so affected yet thinking it impossible to alter her setled resolution did apply a medicine of comfort to mitigate the extremity of her sorrow not vsing disswasions for well shee knew that striuing to quench the fire shee should more increase the flame But Dihnohin seeking accesse vnto his mistresse found for what â—…aÌ„not Loue atchieue that the chamber of Gatesinea being in the backe part of her fathers house stood towards a garden hauing one window looking into a little narrowe lane through which none or very fewe and they very seldome did passe When Titan hasting to plunge his fierie chariot in Theâ—…is lappe had gladded Oceanus with his returne the torâ—…ented Lâ—…uer taking a Lute in his hand went to the place which so late he found and there did in sad melodie sound foorth his sorrowes Gatâ—…sinea wondring to heare musicke at her windowe looked out and discerned her beloued Dihnohin whose affections when shee sawe like her owne shee was rauished with incredible ioyes and had presently vttered some signe of her content had not maidenly modestie and the presence of her nurce staid her who perswaded her that hauing Dihnohin at the aduantage shee should not so easily offer her loue lest hee might little esteeme it hauing so lightly got it The perplexed Louer repairing oft to his accustomed place with more pleasure to Gatesinea than content to himselfe resolued in the ende to make a full triall of his good or badde fortune and no more to vse sâ—…ch dumbe demonstrations Comming therefore late as he was wont to the window he tarried till he perceiued by some signes that his mistresse was come into her chamber accompanied only with her nurce then fingring his Lute and framing his voice he vtter'd this passionate Dittie making euery rest a deepe-fetched sigh Dihnohins Sâ—…nnet I rashly vâ—…w'd fâ—…nd wretch why did I so When I was free that Loue should not inthrall me Ah fâ—…lish bâ—…ast the cause of all my woe And this misfortune that dâ—…th now bâ—…fall me Loues God iâ—…cens'd did 〈◊〉 thâ—…t I should smart That done he shot and strâ—…cke me to the heart Sweet was the wound but bitter was the painâ—… Sweet is the bondage to so faire a creature Ifcoie thoughts dâ—…e not Beuties brightnesse staine Nor crueltie wrong so diuine a feature Louâ—… pittie mee and let it quite my cost By Loue to finde what I by Loue haue lost Heau'ns pride Earths wonder Natures pâ—…erelesse choice Faire harbour of my soules decâ—…ying gladnesse Yield him some ease whose faâ—…nt and trembling voice Doth sue for pittiâ—… ouerwhelm'd with sadnesse In thee it rests faire Saint to saue or spill His life whose loue is ledde by Reasons will Scarce had he finished this sorrowfull Sonnet when Gatesinea opening the casement cast him downe a Garland compacted of sundry sweet smelling floures which she had gathered in her fathers garden making that her afternoons taske Dihnohin taking vp the fauour which his Mistris had throwne him and redoubling many kisses on that eâ—…e-pleasing object departed the happiest aliue prowde that shee had applauded his humour and grac'd his conceit with so â—…ire a guerdon But Gatesinea restlesse in her passions could not be satisfied till she had conceiued some possible means of Dihnohins and her meeting Loue the whetstone of wit brought this possibilitie to a plaine likelihoode and proceeding a steppe farther made this likelihoode seeme a certaintie and thus it was she had a doore out of her chamber into the garden and out of the garden ther was a litle doore that opened into the narrow lane whither Dihnohin was accustomed to come who being that way let in they might as she thought there safely conferre of their loue This doubt onely rested how Dihnohin might be certified of Gatesineas deuise which taske the Nurse vndertooke promising such care in the deliuerie of heâ—… message that no suspition should thence arise Which promise she fully performed and knowing that great trouble might grow of that enterprise if she 〈◊〉 the enemy of Dihnohiâ—…s father and waiting on his daughter were seene openly to talke with Dihnohin she vsed such warinesse and secrecie that he was by her cerâ—…ified of Gatesinaes purpose without suspition or discouery of her intent Dihnohin liberally rewarded the nurse for her lucky tidings willing her to doe his humble duety to his mistris and assure her of his diligent attendaunce at the appoynted time place The two louers longing for nights approch thought Phoebus envying their blisse did slacke his course more than he was wont declining too slowly But when a generall darkenesse had ouerspread the earth and dayes light was eclipsed by Titans departure to the other Hemisphere Dihnohin comming to the garden doore was let in by the Nurse and louingly receiued of Gatâ—…sinea What greetings were vsed when the two louers met they can best conceiue that haue knowne like fortune But when common cerimonies of curtesie had passed betweene them they retired into the Arbour
Now the destinies so ordered the matter that the king by chance cast a looke vpon this gorgeous goddesse and at the first view was so vanquished by vanitie that he thought his l◅fe no longer pleasant vnto him then when he was in her sight and failed not dayly familiarly to frequent the Mistresse cōmpanie for the Maides cause And having attempted her chastitie by shewing her his great good will by bestowing on her gifts by large promises of preferment and many other meanes nevertheles missing of his purpose at that time for as yet she stood at defiance with incontinencie in pensive perplexitie fell at parlee with himselfe to this purpose Why Amasias quoth he art thou so squeamish that thou canst not see wine but thou mu◅ surfeit Canst thou not draw nie the fire and warme thee but thou must with Satyrus kisse it and burne thee Art thou so little maister of thy aflections that if thou gaze on a Picture thou must with Pigmalion be passionate Canst thou not passe through Paphos but thou must offer incense to Venus Dost thou thinke it injurie to Cupid to looke if thou dost not love Ah fond foole know this fire is to be vsed but not to be handled the Baaran flower is to be worne in the hand not chawed in the mouth the precious stone Echites is to be applied outwardly and not to bee taken inwardly and beautie is made to feede the eye not to fetter the heart Wilt thou then swallow vp the bait which thou knowest to be bane Wilt thou hazard at that which can not be had without harme No stretch not too farre wade not too deepe violate not the rites of matrimonie impeach not thy faith plighted to Cleodora vse beauty but serve it not shake the tree but taste not of the fruit lest thou find it too hard to be disgested Why but Beautie is a god and will bee obeyed Love looketh to command not to bee conquered Iuno strove but once with Venns and she was vanquished Iupiter resisted Cupid but he went by the worst it is h◅rd for thee with the Crabbe to swimme against the streame or with the Salamander to strive against the fire for in wrastling with a fresh wound thou shalt but make the sore more dangerous Can Beautie fond foole be resisted which makes the gods to bow Love himselfe yeelded to the feature of Psyche and thinkest thou thy fancie to be of greater force But Amasias if thou wilt needes love vse it as a toy to passe away the time which thou may est take vppe at thy lust and lay downe at thy pleasure Love why Amasias doost thou dreame whome shouldest thou love Flori◅da what thy servant no sure thou art not so fond And with that as he vttered these words such thoughts such sighes such sobs such teares as◅ailed him as he was stricken dumb with the extremitie of these hellish passions scarce able to draw his breath for a good space till at last recovering his senses he fell to his former sorrow in this ◅ort I ever heretofore thought a Princes life to be voide of contention and that they had alwayes passed their time in pleasure wi◅hout moles◅ation but now I s◅e we are as soone exposed to sorrow as the meanest subject we have Likewise be◅ore this I was o◅ opinion that the number of friends abo◅nding in riches continuing in health and such like things which pertaine to the bodie were sufficient to attaine to felic◅tie in ◅his life but now I see it is the mind that maketh mi◅th and stirreth griefe yea the contented minde is the onely riches the onely quietnesse the onely happinesse Good God! how vnsavory seeme those sweet meates vnto me wherein I was wont to delight how vnpleasant are the s◅orts wherein I was woont to take pleasure how co◅bersome is the companie which was woont to content me no game pleaseth me no triumphs no shewes no hawking no h◅nting yea nothin◅ vnder the Sunne doth solace me And would I know the cause why I have not a contented mind The exquisite pa◅ts of Florinda do so diversly distract my minde that onely her sight is sweet onely her societie is comfortable onely her presence is delightful vnto me the reason is in her the Fates have fixed my happinesse in her the heavens have laid vp my felicitie her companie I must injoy and without it I must die Here vpon betaking himse◅e to his meditations hee framed a Letter to Florinda to this effect Amasias to the fairest Florinda health SVch and so extreame are the passions of love Florinda that the more they are quencht by Disdaine the greater flames are increased by Desire and the more they are galld with hate the more they gape after love like to the stone Tapozon which being once kindled burneth most vehemently in the water I speake this the greater is my griefe by proofe and experience for having my heart scorched with the beames of thy beautie and my mind inflamed with thy singular vertue neither can thy bitter lookes abate my love nor thy extreame discourtesie diminish my affection No Florinda it fareth with me as with the hearbe Basill the which the more it is crushed the sooner it springeth or the pure spice which the more it is pouned the sweeter it smelleth or the Cammomill which the more it is troden with the feete the more it flourisheth so in these extremities beaten downe to the ground with disdame yet my love reacheth to the top of the house with hope Sith then Florinda thy beautie hath made the sore let thy bo◅ntie apply the salve as thy vertue hath caused my maladie so let thy mercie give the medicine repay not my constancie with crueltie requite not my love with hate and my desire with despight lest thou procure my speedie death and thy endlesse infamie Thus hoping thou wilt have some remorse of my passions I attend thy friendly sentence and my fatall destinie Thine ever though never thine Amasias As soone as he had written his Letter he dispatched a Messenger as privily as might be who speedily delivering his Embassage was willed by Florinda to expect an answer who ruminating vpon the contents of his Epistle being incited by sordid preferment she thought by his approved loyaltie that her may denly modestie was sufficiently strayned and therefore after a sort was at length willing after long warding and awarding his waster to affoord him the vennie For who knowes not quoth she that this Hawke which comes now so faire to the fist may to morrow check at the Lure Having said this shee wrote as hereafter followeth Florinda to Amasias health THou hast followed fast Amasias and kept me long at a bay which maketh me willing now at length to obey and yeeld a branch of Lawrell as ensigne of thy conquest for this thy meede doth merite both Nobilitie and Courtesie Certes thy feature is neither crooked nor crabbed as for thy beautie I will not or at least I cannot signifie
perceiving without casting of her water where she was pained shaped her this reply For mine owne part Madam as yet I never had experience of what force Love is and therefore ignorant of the disdaine and sorrow which such as you are sustaine yet neverthelesse I verily beleeve that the passion both of the one and the other is so great and vnmeasurable that the surplusage of the alterations that trouble and moleâ—…t the spirit is nothing in respect of this inexplicable distresse But I behold and perceive the imbecility of humane minds and how soone through vnlawful desires they are disquieted which with no lesse tranquilitie are digested in the stomacke and thoughts then the sea sands when they are encountred with the tumultuous blasts of powerfull Borâ—…as Ah Madam where is the great chastitie that made you once more renowned then all the Ladies in Lemnos I beseech you labour to containe your selfe in that honest estimation wherein hitherto you have lived to the great content both of your parents and frends But if Reason be curbd by incontinency and that you deliberate to follow the vice of wantonnesse for the accomplishment of your desires then by all meanes let diligent regard in such sort intimate secrecy that neither the house from whence you are descended be dishonoured nor your selfe merit infamy or ignominious punishment While they were thus talking a page brought word that divers Ladies were come to visit the Queene which caused them to surâ—…ease their talke When the Ladies salutations were ended and Cleodâ—…ra againe left to her cogitations she could not feele one minute of such ease as was requisite for vnâ—…essantly she rolled the stone with Sysiphus turned the wheele with Ixion and filled the bottomlesse tubbes with Belides in so much that when shee could finde no meanes to mittigate her maladie shee fell into these bitter complaints Ah Cleodora ah wretched Cleodora how art thou without reason which sufferest reason to yeelde vnto appetite wisedome to sensuall will and a free minde vnto servile love but I perceive when the Iviâ—… risâ—…th it wreatheth about the Elâ—…e when the Hop groweth hie it hath neede of a poale and when virgins waxe in yeares they follow that which belongeth to their youth Love love yâ—…a but they love expecting some good hap alas both love and live without all hope for Eliosto is my sonne and yet if he were not he liketh not me Sith then Cleodora thou art pinched and hast none to pittie thy passions dissemble thy affection though it shorten thy life For better it were to die with griefe then to live with shame The spunge is full of water yet is not seene the leafe of the tree Alpina though it be wet looks always dry a wise lover be she never so much tormented behaves herself as thogh she were not toucht Yea but fire cannot be hid in the flax without smoke nor musk in the bosome without smell nor love in the breast without suspicion Then seeke some meanes to manifest thy love to Eliosto for as the stone Draconites can by no means be polished vnlesse the Lapidarie burne it so thy mimd can by no medcine be cured vnlesse Eliosto ease it Thus resolved without longer stay she called vnto her Lucilla her chiefe attendant who from her infancie had bin brought vp with her In this Lucilla shee conceyved her greatest hope vnto whom she said Lucilla since I had reason to discerne good from evill thou knowest how I have tendered thee and how willing I would be to seeke thy preferment make triall when thou please so shalt thou be assured of that which justly thou maist hold in suspence But leaving these conjuring words I must Lucilla commit vnto thy secrecies a matter of import whereon my honour and reputation dependeth for I tell thee Lucilla I have made choyse of thee amongst all those which I may commaund as of her I love and have best cause so to doe having had such societie else should I rather choose to die ten thousand deaths then reveale it Luciâ—…la which had her whole hope of good from the Queene hearing her speeches with teares standing in her eyes proceeding of joy for the honour done her by the Queene protested vnto her by heavens Maker and what else he framed to be secret in her determinations and doe her best endevour to accomplish whatsoever shee commanded Cleodora taking her word for currant in whom she never found deceit said Lucilla that it is incident to all creatures in their kind to love I know thy wittes be not so simple but thou canst conceive and he that made vs directeth our likings as best pleaseth him be it Prince or Beggar from the highest to the simplest and he my Lucilla hath linked my liking albeit extraordinarily to a most bravâ—… Gentleman on whom I think if Affection which is blind deceive me not is worthy to be favoured of the most beautifull To keepe thee with idle speeches is now no time having other matters enow whereon wee must discourse therefore that thou mayst know to whom my love is intended Eliosto my sonne is he Eliosto famous for his valour renowned for his bountie and admired for his courtesie He he Lucilla is the joy of my heart and my hearts sole delight without whom I cannot live nor I wil not live neither may I live such is the service which my heart hath vowed in love vnto him therfore if thou love me as thou hast professd by thy industrie seeke to save my life which cannot but perish in not obtaining my desires Lucilla listning to her discourse willing to become second in this tragedie had her braines alreadie beaten in the search of the charge committed vnto her yet would she not sodainâ—…ly answer any thing Considering how displeasing speeches spoken out of time be to lovers corasives yet chering the Queene she requested vntill the next morning respite for answer which willingly she granted affying greatly in her whose jâ—…dgement above all others she esteemed most sound and perfect whom to her studie we leave Eliosto by reason of the affable countenance and courteous vsage wherewith dayly she did gratifie him had his intrailes so fried with the scorching flames of his methoâ—…s beautie O inspeakable wickednesse that his colour was châ—…nged and his streâ—…gth impaired and he through great griefe â—…nd extremity of his love enforced to withdraw himselfe into his Chamber where casting himselfe on his bed with a million of carefull thoughts he determined to seeke her favour and then by contrary motions fearing the successe of his suit by reason of affinitie which might give cause of great dislike and disparagement thereof said Ah thrice vnfortunate Eliosto what strange fits be these that burne thee with heate and yet thou shakest with cold thy body in a shivering sweate and in a flaming ice melting like wax and yet as hard as Adaâ—…ant Is it love then woulde it were death for likeher it is thou shalt loose
exclaimed on his misfortune cursing the tydings bringer of the Kings repaire to the Park and his tongue for not revealing his griefe his Physition being so readie to heare that despairing of his hope he was likely to mischiefe himselfe yet Reason affirming That the learnedst Phisition could not discover the disease of his patient without he shew it how neare soever he ghesse Entring further into consideration of her favourable speaches shaking off feare like a hardie Souldier he determined in writing to let her know his love since he had no hope to meet her againe at the like advantage Therefore like the condemned hoping of pardon lived Eliosto yet desirous to be resolved either of comfort or despaire he called for pen and ynke and wrote thus To the onely mistresse of my heart the most beautifull Cleodora happinesse and hearts content IF Iupiter being a God was vanquished by love and many mightie Monarches have beene forced to seeke the love of beautifull Ladies I have lesse cause to accuse my fortune or exclaime against his soveraigntie who hath framed my heart to like and love your excellencie how long I have honoured you onely I omit and desist to impart the many griefes endured for your sake Now as you are by nature pitifull so vouchsafe to credite the lines of me your sworne servant and by your favour reclaime from the gates of death my soule which vpon deniall is readie to leave her earthly mansion Therefore peerlesse Ladie if thou holde the life of thy servant in any regard grant me thy love and with thy love gratious liking so shall I live to honour thee or die through thy crueltie I write not as a Poet but as a passionate lover of your highnesse and therefore if thou dislike these lines atâ—…ribute the shortnesse of my stile to my ardencie which without flatterie hath delivered the summe of my miserie and hope shal be by your gracious courtesie mitigated So attending your answere either of life or death I wish thy ioyes never to have end and my selfe a speedie death without your liking Your Graces in life most humble Eliosto What man living hath either heard or read of such sensuall and incontinent designes such libidinous and incestuous affection Thou Hyppolite for not yeelding to the lust of Phaedra thy Stepmother wast through her false accusation by thy father pursued till the Charioâ—… wherein thou fleddest brake and thou miserably among the sharpe stones rent to peeces but by thy fall thou hast preserved thy name from blacke mouthed infamie who onely is delighted with her brazen Trumpet to sound the harsh tunes of our foule defame as for thee Eliosâ—…o whom the Fates likewise have reserved to perpetuitie must with thy licencious Phaedra abide continually the detestable brand of vnspeakable ignominie But I digresse When he had ended these lines sealed and directed the same he could not find by many devises which hee sought how it should be brought to his mothers hands at length after many and sundry wayes invented this was thought best calling to mind Lucilâ—…a the Queenes Maid which he often noted to be in some regard with her determined to procure her either for courtesie or reward to deliver it And verie early in the morning as soone as he could get readie addressed himselfe to the Court attending the comming of his mother thither as she vsually did but vnhappie Elâ—…osto it â—…ell not out so well with him that day for the Queeâ—…e distempered in her thoughts had her mind so much on loue as she enâ—…oyed no sleepe by night nor content by day so that she was enforced with weaknesse to keepe her Chamber to the great discomfort and griefe of all the Ladies But Cupid which is alwayes benigne to them that serve him brought him this pleasure It fortuned that Lucilla with whom Eliostoes chief desire was to have some speech passed into the Garden either to walke or for some occasion of the Queenes I know not whether whom he followed with a fearâ—…full countenance more like a novice in Loves schoole then any way skilfull in such enterprises yet whetâ—…ed on by the hopes which his heart conceyved he saluted the Gentlewoman who was not a little abashed to see the Prince so neare her nor could she iudge any cause of his comming vnto her Lucilla being willing to heare what he would say with a face blushing shewing a kind countenance she enquired of his health with other ordinarie prattle vnto which hee answered and returning her many thanks said Mistresse Lucilla though my deserts have never merited favour at your hands yet let me crave your furtherance in a sute for that I heare my mother is weake and not willing to bee troubled so that I cannot attaine vnto hir speech and besides my businesse of importance compelleth me very shortly to leave the Court to deliver this Letter into her owne hands and at your leysure to returne me such answer as she shall please to deliver in doing which you shal both do me a favour of great esteeme and cause me her eaâ—…ter not to wound this your kindnes with oblivion The Gentlewoman which did know where the Queenes shooe did wring her began immediatly to coniecture his disease and to shootâ—… at that which indeed she hit without any great aime supposing the Prince to be wounded with like affection was glad to become so happie a Messenger to her who could willingly vouchsafe him as partner of her best fortunes yet making a kind deniall she said Sir though I could willingly doe you more service then modestie will I acquaint you with yet it is not the part of our Country Gentlemen to make poasts of women having Pages fit for that purpose if I refuse your request attribute it to no discourtesie in me which am verie loath to offend her hâ—…ghnesse not knowing whether the sentence of your Paper may breed any discontent or no. That many Messengers have incurred displeasure yea and losse of life as the cause hath deserved I hope it is not vnknowne vnto you yet hath the harmlesse bearer knownâ—… as little what he carried as I desirous to know of you Sweet Lucilla quoth the Prince that it is wisdome by others harmes to beware I denie not yet notwithstanding it is discourtesie not to fulfill the request of a Gentleman which hath evermore shewed himselfe most dutifull vnto her Maiestie can I therfore frame my heart to preiudice that Ladie of incomparable vertue No no heavens never permit me life if in the least thought I once offend her Lucilla noting by the often change of his colour in telling his tale that his heart was not his owne but had some more businesse in hand then willingly he would reveale loath to move his patience by her deniall answered Sir perswading my self of your loyaltie I will for this time become your Embassador although it should impaire my credite with her Excellence whose favour I hold as deare as my life and that
you shall assure your selfe of my fidelitie herein if you please to meete me in this place to morrow by that time the Suns power shal have drawne the deaw from off the earth I shall returne you answer as you desire Thankes good Lucilla for thy courtesie assure your selfe I will not die in your debt if ever Eliosto may requite it by any industrie In the meane time quoth he favour me so highly as weare this for my sake and pulling off a Diamond of great price gave it her which she was loaâ—…h to accept yet giving him thanks for his kindnesse replied Sir I prize not my paines that you should reward me with hire or do you good in hope of benefiâ—…e for as it is vnfitting a Gentlewoman to take gifâ—…s in such mâ—…ner bestowed so is it discourtesie and no part of womanlike condition to reiect the gift of a friend therefore accept my thanks vntill such time I shall better deserve it Thus time passing away Lucilla taking her leave went towards the Queens Chamber and Eliosto to his lodging where ministring fuell vnto his follie hee began in his imaginations most strangely to be perplexed for his propheticke soule layd downe before him both the enormitie of the fact and the condigne punishment which alwayes accompanieth such a crime yet notwithstanding he was so blind with outragious lust as that no such sacred sâ—…ppositions were of force sufficient to reclaime him from his intended resolution Vnto which I leave him Lucilla seriously bethinking her selfe of these rare and abhominable accidents thought good since they were committed vnto her secrecie to smoother them vp in silence lest by their detection both their safeties vtterly might be ruinated Vpon this she came into the Queenes presence where being of her perceyved shee was demaunded where shee had spent the time so long from hir knowing that all her attendants besides her selfe were combersome Madame having beene to search some daintie that might yeeld delight to your weake stomacke and cause better disgesture by chance prying in the garden for such things I was encountred by the best Phisition in the Dominion of Cyprus who gave me a receipt which I judge by my simple skill will give your Majestie great ease yet doth the man doubt whether your stomacke will disgest it yea or no this gracious Ladie quoth Lucilla hath beene the cause of my absence and no other Alas good wench how am I beholding vnto thee that regarding my health searchest the depth of thy skill but Lucilla in vaine seekest thou her redresse which no Phisition with all his hearbs drugs and simples balmes emplaisters or what Art may provide can remedie the gods only by their grace must finish my desires or give evidence that life hath left within me the due possession of her field What Madame ever in this tune once alter these discords which maketh your Musicke jarre and sing the beleefe with a cheerefull voice so may your minde be a little eased and the receipt I have to minister worke with the more effect I speake this of experience for everie cunning Phisition will prepare the body of his patient before he minister any thing therefore if you will shake off this melancholie you shall have a taste of what I promise if not your Grace must pardon mee it were great pity so precious a thing should be cast away Wel quoth Cleodora thou art disposed to crosse me with thy wordes which in yeelding small comfort do nothing else but aggravate my disease therefore leaving these jeasts tell mee if thou hast aught will doe me good if not vse me no more thus vnkindly lest vanquished with the extremitie of my griefe I chance to say that with my tongue which my heart will repent or exercise my hands in such severitie as shall not beseeme my person The Gentlewoman seeing the wind blow so warme at the view of the Queenes impacience feared as much as shee promised thought not good above her strength to moove her for women being by nature hot vpon small occasions oft times become vnreasonable wherefore making a preamble to her discourse like an eloquent Orator began thus Eliosto with that word making a long pause to note her countenance on the sodaine naming her beloved was thus interrupted Eliosto Lucilla What frantike humor in this maner causeth thee to nominate him with whom as yet thou never hadst any conference Madame said the Gentlewoman 〈◊〉 the rest before you either dislike or commend me then proceede quoth the Queene This Eliosto as I am credibly informed loveth a Ladie but whom I know not and as a dear friend of his certified me is so tormented in his passions that the night naturally ordained for rest restlesse he consumeth in great discontent the day wherein all creatures delight is vnto him loathsome insomuch that through watching and refusing his diet his lovely visage from the sanguine is altered into the yellow coloured saffron yea Madame these mine eyes are witnesses of it who this day saw him passe into the Court so feeble that his weake legges could hardly support the weight of his bodie No more of this Lucilla lest thy tongue busied too long on this tragedie I in the meane time be compelled to seeke an end of my torments by dispatching mine owne life Is this thy comfortable confection Is this the reliefe thou preachest of which would yeeld me such quiet of minde Why should I live to see another enioy my loue have I made choise of him and shall another no wayes worthie of him enioy my â—…elicitie Peace Cleodora whither rovest thou let reason subdue rage let not every one be privie to thy incestuous love but conceale it as thou maist and seeke some secret device by death which is the best remedie to give contentation to thy heart But hearken Lucilla that thou mayest in time when my bodie shall be intombed among the dead report vnto my sonne how deare I held his love as my countenance often shewed though hee carelesse of Loves toyes never regarded it do but this for me by his frind to learne the Ladies name with whom Eliosto is so inthralled this is all the service that ever I will exact of thee that knowing her I may become an intercessor for him whom my heart more desireth then all the worlds possessions With this tears which trickled downe from her opticke instruments restrained her tongue In which sorrowfull passion her Maiden became a partner and grieved for her follie which indeed was none committing so heynous a fault in procuring the same excused her selfe in this manner How much I grieve to see you so discomforted I cannot tell but relying vpon the hope of your graces free pardon if you vouchsafe to peruse this Letter you shall know what shee is with whom your sonne is so strangely affected This Letter I received at his hands who hearing of your disquiet desirous as it should seeme to acknowledge his dutie coniured me by many faire
Madame if a blinde body may catch a Hare I may happen to come somwhat neere the exposition of this your fancie The wood you went in is the Court the nettes the eyes and tongues of your well-willers that haue no power to take sure hold of your affectiō now the great water may be the sea and the golden Line the yong Prince that may cary your deuotion from his father for if I be not much deceiued he hath you by the hart whatsoeuer it was that held you by the middle Vnhappy wench quoth Cleodora thou commest too neere that hittest the marke so right but yet maist thou be deceiu'd in one point thogh not in fom other I haue passed the nets that true and I am caught it is not vntrue but that he either wil or shall cancell my loue to the King that I feare will not fall out But the Gods know all to whom only will I leaue it Foes may be friends and kindnes where it lighteth doth more than all the worlde besides His presence may please the purest eye and for his wit I heard my Lord wonder at it for his bountie our Court speaketh of it and for his vertue who dooth not see it But for his loue happy is shee that shall enioy it for princely wisedome with honourable bountie shewes a diuine spirite in an excellent nature and of such a temper I holde him and for such a one I loue him and will euer honour him though I haue neuer the fruition of my desires But leauing this I pray thee tell mee what saide my sonne when he deliuered these letters vnto thee Madame to say trueth nothing touching his loue but importuned with such earnestnesse for the presenting of them vnto your handes as might haue made many prowd to doe so charitable a deede crauing it with wordes so pittifull and lookes so ruthfull For mine owne parte my heart imagining by your affection that the destinies which caused your griefe had fettered him and well knowing where loue is vnited there ones weale is the others good though I were hardly wonne to the same yet at length I vndertooke the hazard of your good wil promising to returne him an answer thereof wherein without the graunt of your consent I shall breake promise Oh Lucilla doubtest thou of my consent in answering his kinde Letters for whose sake I haue indured so many nights of vnrest and carefull dayes No Heauens neuer fauour me with good if I doe not paralell his affection to the vtmost of my power Therefore as thou hast played the aduocate so make I thee my principal and chiefe Secretary peruse these lines and in equitie consider if that his wound deserue not to be tented with pittie then let mee see thy skill in inditing to the which thou shalt haue my helpe Prorogue no longer the time hunger is a sharpe sawce to those that haue good stomackes and I measuring his desires by mine owne imagine that meate can not be more pleasing to the hungry then the vnexspected tydings of consent from his new acknowledged Loue. Soft fire Madam said Lucilla makes the sweetst mault say our huswiues You are far wide what no sooner at the stile but ouer h◅ste maks waste looke before you leape lest a blocke vnthoght of chance to breake your shinnes What if these letters impart his loue how are you thereof assured men are subtile can cast many colors to deceiue women al is not gold that glisters vnder the greenest grasse lurks the poisoned adder the crocodile sheades most teares when he seeketh most to deceiue Trie ere you trust Madam repentan◅e comes too late therefore howsoeuer you affect him conceale it lightly wonne is as lightly lost The Laborer that gameth his mony by hard toile is more chary in parting therewith than the purloyning thiefe or the riotous youth which by subtill practises draweth all he can from his kinde parents to maintaine his dissolute expences Let him bite on the bridle a while yet gently line his curbe that he g◅ll not a little thing pleaseth a childe and a good countenaunce is wo◅rth golde to him that regardeth it as he professeth weigh your owne estate who is Queene of Cyprus and his mother with the basenes of the fact consider what a corrasiue this loue of yours wil be to the king and if once discouered with what detestation amongst all men you shall liue I speake this for the disparagement if it be possible of his loue and to draw your liking from him if otherwise in such sort to temper your affection that to both your contents you may long enioy it and besides so moderate your lookes that neyther the lightnesse nor the liberall bestowing thereof may minister to the iealous heads any occasion of mistrust For princes are great markes vpon whom many eyes are intended If therefore you are once perceiued what perill either part may procure your wisedom can best conceiue Thus in dutie haue I spoken and deliuered a grosse aduise which I referre to your graces better consideration Well hast thou said quoth the Queene but what auaileth counc◅ll to a desperate minde No more than he that seeking to quench the flame powreth thereinto oyle Thy good regard hath so ballaunced each inconuenience incident to both our estates that by no meanes I am able to requite the specialitie of thy good will Now if thou canst aswell deuise howe we may enjoy our delight without which wee perplexed can not long endure what is it that Cleodora shall euer be mistres◅e of which Lucilla shall not haue at her commaund Then as thou tenderest my good bethink thee of some remedy for such is my love vnto him as that nothing may extinguish it Shal I then by writing answer his leters or no In this I will be ruled by thee how gladly soeuer I wish his comfort in whome of all earthly creatures consisteth my happinesse Experience is the best wisedome saide Lucilla who would euer haue beleeued Loues power to be of such effect how imperious soeuer he seemed had the violence of this attempt in silence beene obfuscated but I am thereby compelled to recant my heresie and say Loue is a god or how is it possib◅e hee should commaund Princes Whereas you haue referred the answer of Eliostoes letters to me I was neuer so voyde of reason or so desirous to be your Counsellor as to take so great a matter vppon me yet shall I so please it you to heare me deliuer my simple opinion as I would doe my selfe in the like action The olde wiues say That they which feede with the diuell must haue a long spoone and they that goe about to maister Loue had neede of many good and sufficient precepts Disswade your grace since I am not able I will not for I see it is in vaine neither would I wish you to giue him his answer by writing for a paper is soone lost and lost vnto whose finding it shal come it is
altogether vncertaine as soone the enuious ennemie as the well-willer may haue the perusall thereof in which some word simply meant of you or me may be by them at their pleasure construed whereby both a slaunder which is not easily suppressed may be raised and your name brought into question Writing is a thing whereof the subtill Lawyer takes no small aduantage To auoyde all which casualties this may you doe pretend some matter of conference with him and appoynt the time when he at your lodging shall attend you whither comming secretly and at such a season as the king your husband shal be employed in serious affaires you may vse your speech at your pleasure This would Lucilla doe your grace may vse your discretion I like thy deuise well quoth Cleodora therefore faile not to meete him for thy promise sake Now in faith Madam said Lucilla you haue made a good choise for a sollicitor but take me as I am this is the first suite for which I euer was retained and I doubt not if I now speed well of many cliants As they were thus pleasant betweene themselues they heard which caused the Queene to send forth her page for the enquirie of the matter who returned her answer that the King with his traine were setting forward to hunt a wild Boare which his Forresters had roused this newes gaue them cause of ioy hoping that fortune had fauoured them with a happie time which doubting the like opportunitie they were loath to omit Cleodora especially who could not be quieted in minde vntill shee had heard of the Princes answer wherefore a Page was presently commanded to search for him willing him with such conuenient speed as he could to meete Lucilla in the garden the Page vsed such diligence that speedily he was brought vnto his presence whom he found solitarie as a holy father at his Orizons whom the Page awaked with his ioyfull message which was albeit doubtfull whether of weale or woe most welcome vnto him The suddaine hearing of which caused him to pause a while when hauing determined courteously returned answer to the gentlewoman that he would incontinently attend her The boy he so bounteously rewarded as that he had cause to boast himselfe of his well emploied seruice Lucilla hauing receiued his answer aduertised the Qu. thereof who commanded her to haste least by her absence she should giue him cause of disconteÌ„t but for al her speed Eliosto was long there before attending her comming who was no sooner of him perceiued to enter the place but his heart presaging some good hap was thence more delighted then at al the motions that euer could be imagined After his courteous salutations done he encontred her thus Sweet Lucilla I know not what to imagine of thy suddaine message yet willing to bee resolued as one that by thy answer expecteth his doome either of life or death I attend thy pleasure say therfore what saith the Queene to my letters Lucilla purposing to be pleasant yet not to cloy his stomacke with such pleasant confections that there with hee should surfet but framing her countenance to her speech shee tould him that of all the gentlemen in the Cyprian Court her good opinion was such of him that vpon his word shee thought shee might haue hazarded her greatest credit which expectation of mine being deceiued Thou art not worthy quoth shee to bee accounted among such honorable men at armes which deeme their chiefest reputation to consist in the perseuerance of their word to gentlewomen At the deliuery of which hee that had viewed the Princes countenance might haue supposed him to haue bin past Physicks recouerie and withal standing so mute Lucilla was verely perswaded that he was ready to deliuer his lifes interest which made her in altering her words with a smoother methode to file them suspecting that her Comedie begunne in mirth might prooue to the great griefe of the whole countrie who generally honoured him a dismal Tragedie Wherefore taking him by the hand shee said Sir I am sorie I haue charged you so farre but it is womanlike to be slaine with words and for one of your calling no fit Passion in such sort to be vanquished That you may comfort your selfe I first pardon the offence against mee committed and enioine you as you tender your credit with the Queene to repaire at such conuenient time to her lodging as you can best which if you performe the messenger wil be excused Oh Lucilla how haue thy speeches tormented me filling my entrailes with such a confusion of comfortlesse thoughts as haue ouercome my sences Yet if thou haue any sparke of gentilitie abiding within thee informe me how the Queene did countenance my bashfull paper vouchsafed she the reading of them What else quoth she for to discomfort you any longer it were pittie beeing already at so low a datum which not a litle troubles me Comfort I can giue none to thy desires but this thy suite is loue as your letters import in which albeit vnlawful despaire not for thy mother is a woman though a Qu how compassionate our sexe is I will not boast but wish thee not to diffide for since it is ineuitable I wil be a faithful solicitor Mis-take meâ—… not Eliosto I speake as a friend and so leaue thee vntill thy comming to my Lady which detract not for time lost is such a pretious thing as that it can againe neuer be recalled Before whom when thou shalt come plead thine owne cause and discouer thine owne griefe but with this caution alwaies thinke that whatsoeuer you goe about your aduersaries eies to be fixed ready to take any exceptions which may blemish the lustre of your estiâ—…ation Eliosto which by these her last words had some greater hope of his content was so surprised with ioy that he could not bidde her farewell yet after his memento past farewell quoth hee the faithfullest friend that euer I found in my distresse Oh Lucilla happie maist thou be in thy loues and highly regarded amongst men by whom my cares are thus lightened trustie Lucilla the worker of my hearts happie content by whom past all hope I am by thy fidelitie and trueth in deliuering my message freed from such a heauie burden which was likely to haue beene my vtter ruine Thus applauding Lucilla hee had almost forgotten his word But leauing further to descant vpon this plaine song returne we to the Queene who was aduertised by her woman of that which had passed between the Prince and her not omitting his heauie lookes and pittifull speeches And then againe as glad to please the Queene whom shee was assured loued him spared not at large to set out his honours gained his comelinesse of person 〈◊〉 and whatsoeuer else the world admired in him shee admirably aduanced to the greatest content of Cleodora who thought euery minute a yeare vntill shee saw him whom with heartie desire ardently shee expected and with that looking out at the casement
you I am to imparte a matter vnto you of no small importaunce in which I must first desire your diligence faith and secrecie Long since I had layd these affaires in your faithfull bosome but that I scarce knew your nature which since the deerest of mine acqâ—…aintance being the most familiar of your friendes the most friendly of my familiars haue with no small commendations deliuered vnto me saying also that you deserued to be inscribed in the catalogue of my acquaintance I euer soght to ioyne hands with you in friendship which now willingly breaketh forth into a flame and displaieth it selfe vnto your sight and if it shall please you to accept the same you shal henceforth find me as forward to shew my selfe gratefull as at this time I am desirous you should gratifie mee in this action To these Lucilla bowed hir selfe and Eliosto proceeded Since the matter is to be vnfolded between friends I need not vse any glozing phrase flowers of Rhetoricke or colours of eloquence thou knowest gentle Lucilla how diâ—…ficult it is to loue and how much difficult not to loue Is the iron faulty because it cleaueth to the forcible Adamant the needle because it is drawne by the vertue of the Loadstone gold in that it cannot withstand the hidden strength of the Chrysocol or the rush because it moueth to the jeate or Amber or is flesh and blood to be blamed because subiect to Beautie No no gentle Lucilla It is the attractiue force of flowering beautie which bewitcheth the wisest encl anteth the seuerest curseth Sobriety from her Court dislodgeth Vertue from her castle The conquerd must obey by constraint for me to striue against the streame is furie to beare a saile against the wind frenzie Wherefore exiling all mistrust from the bottome of mine heart I wil briefly display vnto thee the whole shrine of my secrets then will I vnfolde both our ensuing profits and also the meanes of eschewing our perill I loue my mother Cleodora neither is the fault if any fault be to be fathered by me but by Fortune who holdeth the helme or stearne of al humane life I was not earst acquainted with mothers manners nor inuitiated in the elements of her country curtesies I thought that womens eies had euer beene true embassadours of their hearts I tooke their lookes for their sutors and their glaunces to be tokens of their speciall good-wil alas herein I failed in my physiognomie for noting Cleodora often sweetely to smile on me and gathering thereby as I thought infallible signes of her fauour towards my selfe and on the other side supposing that I should shewe my selfe to be but of a very cold constitution in that I could not loue or prooue my selfe an haggard or faint-hearted foole to expect any further at a womans handes whose modestie restraineth her from opening her minde any otherwise than by her eies onely Wherefore I moâ—…e forward than fortunate first set my fort into the fielde thinking my selfe a worthier personage because loued of such a Ladie and then first thinking my selfe vnworthy at least vnworthy of such a creature so not suspecting otherwise than that all was sure on my side with the better courage I marched thither where I found contrary to expectatiâ—…n the gates of Louâ—… fast locked and my passage to Affection gaine-said but shame it was to retire nay it was vnpossible to returne for by dealing with the flame I had so seared and singed my wings that I was safe enough for flying further Therefore now pittying my selfe who was earst so pittifull for her sake I fought by all meanes I could by often rubbing to force out some fire in the hard flintie walles of her heart whereby in time I found her so tractable yea and her intire loue shining forth in such aboundance that I could not without much diligence and industrie deuise how to couer the light thereof our loue was still letted but so farre from beeing lessened that now if thou vouchsafest not thine helping hand it will deface with the fowlest blot our whole familie to the ruine both of thy Mistresse and my selfe Although for the honourable loue which my soule beareth to our famous house I could perswade my selfe to abandon the Court my Country to leaue my father yea which thing is greatest and most grieuous to forgoe my deerest mother hoping that Time might weare out the Impressa of her image â—…rom mine heart if thus much I were not acquainted with her determinate resolution that shee will either flie with me or follow me yet if shee bee intercepted shee will teare the prison of her daintie bodie with her naked hands so that her soule freed from earthly fetters will still accompany me Then what lowd laughter would this affoard to our enuious foes what lamentation would it bring to our friends who the more the enuious should triumph umphat hir grief the more would she grieue at hir triumph Therefore sweete Lucilla wee commit to thee the reines of our coach hoping thou wilt with as great speede as we both exspect guide vs to the height of our desires what preiudice can arise for that I once or twice enter commons with my father especially when his eyes see nought wherat they may grieue nor any perceiue whereat they may grudge which done we shall beginne to loue with reason who now are led with rage and after our heat is mitigated call our selues to account and counsell how we may break off our commenced course Thou knowest how our wishes may be compâ—…ssed how our willes may be accomplished thou art acquainted with the roomes and lodgings of the Court thou canst procure me accesse without suspition and regresse without danger this cannot bee doone without thy helpe and cannot be left vndone without our mishap Now what profite may hereby proceede what discommodity you shall preuent I appeale to none other Iudge than to thine owne disâ—…retion for heereby thou shalt preserue our houses fame and deserue mee thy eternall friend Be not mercilesse good Lucilla because I intreate thee nor voyde of pitty because I pray thee I haue committed to thee my body which is my selfe and Cleodora who is my soule vse them faithfully who doubted not to conceiue of thee friendly let it suffice that thou couldest as well hurt as helpe kill as cure as well sincke as saue vs. Heereupon Lucilla somewhile deliberating and in deliberation making faire weather in her face which betokened the like to betide Eâ—…sosto in his loue And although Eliosto quoth shee as you pretend the yroâ—… naturally cleaueth to the forcible Adamant and nature can not be exanthorated yet the adamant leeseth his power when the iron is rubbd ouer with the Sideritie though thâ—… needle be drawne vnto the loadstone yet the operation of the loadstone is annihilated by opposition of the more vertuous Theomedes the Chrysocoll beeing steeped in the iuyce of garlike leeseth his effect the jeat cannot preuaile against the rush vnlesse your selfe
house awaked by her sodaine out-cry rose from their rest and first Gatesineaes father started vp whose troubled thoughts presaged some future mishap Nor is it maruell that he did darkely foreknow though he could not plainly foresee so hard a chance for as the smoke issues before the fire flames the lightning is seene before the thunder be heard the Sea swell before a teÌ„pest arise so the minde of man whose continuall motion is an infallible argument of a diuine and immortall essence droopes before danger The dismaied olde man slipping on his night-gowne hastened his aged steps toward his daughters chamber where finding her dead holding the bloody knife in her hand and seeing his enemies sonne in the same bed with her slaine likewise what hee thought I referre to those that hauing one only jewell their liues solace and soules comfort are thereof depriued by the malice of fortune But he distracted with sundry passions sometimes lamented his daughters misfortune sometimes he threatened the trembling nurce then he bewailed the downefall of his house wanting an heire and the extinguished memorie of his name for lacke of succession The silly woman falling on her knees before him besought him to deferre his pretended reuenge on her till shee had vnfolded the cause and manner of that sorrowfull euent which granted shee rehearsed their loues meetings secret nuptials his second mariage enforced by his angry fathers threats and her desperate resolution of reuenge This short and sorrowfull discourse thus finished shee halfe dead with age before nowe cleane dead with feare yielded her spirit to him which gaue it The next morning when the report of this rare misfortune was bruted through the citie the streete wherein Gatesineaes father dwelt was so pestered with the concourse of people that scarce any passage could bee found This thus passing for currant newes through euery mans mouth Dihnohins father was soone aduertised of it by the generall rumor who though astonished â—… so rare a chance yet suffered this misfortune with more courage than his yeeres could affoard knowing that his enemies fortune was no better than his owne Thus did the parents beare the childrens happe whose ghosts are nowe mette in the shadie groue of Mirtle trees fronting the Elyzian fieldes that dreadfull groue the eternall mansion of those vnhappy louers which witnesse their loyaltie to Loues hestes by sacrificing their owne blood and making their owne bodies oblations and it was time for till then his Deitie was despised his Altars emptie his Temples not frequented This groue planted is in Hell Darker groue was neuer seene Where life-loathing Louers dwell Haplesse haue those Louers beene Such oblations beauties treasure Loue receiues with ioy and pleasure But this onely chance did mollifie their indurate hearts which were before so inflamed with priuate malice that they loathed publike agreement But seeing in this infortunate couple the lamentable effects of their dissention they suddainly left Armes ioyning their hands whose hearts had beene so long disioyned they let fall their weapons embraced concord the soueraigne stay of common weales These two sorrowfull fathers earstfoes and now by this misfortune made friends were chiefe mourners at their childrens funerals who beeing vnited by Loues lawes had Loues right for though their mindes were at their deaths diuided yet were their bodies both in one tombe inclosed Amazias was not so much perplexed at the information of these tidings as well pleased that at length these seditious stormes of ambitious enuie were through an inuiolable league of amitiâ—… qualified and quietly ended The King as hee himselfe thought thus blest with earthly fauours doubted no misfortune for he could see no way for him to mishap nay if hee had beene wise he might the more haue feared miserie in that he was so fully pampered vp with felicitie Fortune yea fortune in fauouring him made him most infortunate Syren-like hiding vnder musicke miserie vnder pleasure paine vnder mirth mourning like the sugred honie-combe which while a man toucheth hee is stung with Bees Shee presenteth faire shapes which prooue but fading shadowes shee proffereth mountaines and perhaps keepeth promise but the gaines of these golden mines is losse and miserie None rode on Seianus horse which got not some mishap none toucht the gold 〈◊〉 Tholossa whom some disaster chance likewise did not assaile neither hath any bin aduanced by Fortune which in time hath not bin crossed with some haplesse calamitie These things the King found answerable vnto veritie the issue whereof brought no lesse vnto him than the vtter ruine and suddaine confusion of his kingdome For Rawcikew liuing in his court noting as I said before Eliostoes entertainment by Cleodora his more than ordinarie obseruation of dutie her affectionate opinion of him and his assiduate repaire vnto her lodging and his long abode with her gathered by these circumstances how that the conuoy of their proceedings was but for the obscuritie of affection with whom beyond credit it was most brutish and out of measure vnreasonable Wherefore continuing his vigilant obseruations in the ende he discouered the very secrecie of their attempts to the great satisfaction of his blood-thirstie spirits Nowe quoth hee since their sinnes are come to the ripenesse of their abomination I vowe by that bright Lampe Heauens ornament that speedie information shall bee giuen to the King that so their wanton and lasciuious incontinencie may bee liable to the punishing racke of iustices seueritie and for this purpose hee attending the benigne leisure of opportunitie it chanced as Amazias two or three daies after walked towards the stable for the viewe of his horse that then the infortunate Prince blinded with the folly of impetuous concupiscence assailed his mother after the inordinate pleasures which haue beene heretofore sufficiently declared But their Argus which slept not at all in a furious extasie posting to the king presently coÌ„ducted him to such a place where he was the perfect spectator of their most vitious dâ—…ested practises The king hardly moderating the vehemency of his rage from breaking the doore vpon them betooke himselfe to his closet where beeing cumbered with cholerike cogitations and perplexed with despitefull passions inflamed with wrathful fury he fel into these termes Now quoth he I prooue by experience the saying of Sophocles to be true that the man which hath many children shall neuer liue without some mirth nor die without some sorrow for if they be vertuous he shall haue cause wherof to reioyce if vicious whereof to be sad which saying by this spectacle I trie performed in my selfe for I haue but one childe which should haue beene the inheritour of my kingdome I see so addicted vnto vanitie that hee is a fretting corrasiue to my wounded heart For what griefe is there more pinching what crosse more pernitious what paine more griping what plague more combersome yea what trouble can torment me worse than to see my sonne to haue consumed his time in ryot after this manner folowing
all decayes Let me with sâ—…rrow sit alone In doleâ—…ull thoughts to end â—…y dayes And when I hearâ—… the stormes ariâ—…e That troubled Ghosts doe leaue the graue With hellish â—…ounds of horrâ—…rs â—…ries Let mâ—… gâ—…c looke oâ—… of my caâ—… And whâ—…n I feele what paines they bide That doe the greatest tormâ—…nts proâ—…e Then let not me the sorrow hide That I haue sufferd by my loue Where losses crosseâ—… câ—…re and gâ—…iefe Wâ—…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hâ—…full hate Withoâ—…t all hope of haps reliefe Dâ—…e tugge and teare the heart to naught Bâ—… sighâ—… and 〈◊〉 and siâ—…g and swâ—…are It is too much for one to beare When shee had ended thus her passion I meane in writing carelesly shee left it in her chamber where-tâ—…e Iaâ—…lor finding it falne on the floore as a thing of little account when he had perused and taken a true copie of it he secretly lost it where he found 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that if the King knewe her extremities he would somewhâ—…t aâ—…pease his furie and release her from prison Cleodora was not more distressed with dolour than poore Eliosto was combred with care to see so strange â—… chance and so suddaine a change that he who of late was a royall Prince was now a distressed captiue that his libertie was turned to â—…etters his dignitie to miserie and his happie state to a most hellish condition thâ—…t after floods of teares which fell from his chrystal eâ—…es he burst foorth into these teaâ—…mes Alas quoth hee what humane creature was euer driuen into such doubtfull calamities what Prince was euer perplexed with such dolefulâ—… passions what man was euer crossed with such aduerâ—…tie nay what wight eâ—…er was clogged with the like 〈◊〉 haue the spightfull Dâ—…stinies decreed my destruction or thâ—… 〈◊〉 Plâ—…nets conspired my bitter ouerthrowe doth peruerse Fortune meane to make mee a mirrour of mutabilâ—…e â—…r is this the reward that Cupid bestowes vpon his Clients is euery one that doth fancie maimed with the like misfâ—…rtune or is Loue alwaies accompanied with such 〈◊〉 lucke Alas no for their Loue is lawfull and mine leâ—…d aâ—…d lasciuious their fancie is fixed vpon veâ—…tue and minâ—…â—…pon vanity they make their mâ—…tch witâ—… eqâ—…lity and 〈◊〉 â—…arket with my fathers 〈◊〉 so that I â—…m â—…ike â—…n choosing such chaffer to chop and change and liue by the losse yeâ—… to buy reâ—…entance at an vnreasonable rate But noâ—… I sâ—…e the Sunne beeing at the highest declineth the Seâ—… 〈◊〉 at the full tide â—…bbeth calme continueth not loâ—…â—…out a storme neâ—…ther is happines had long witâ—…out moâ—…rning blisse witâ—…out woe weale without 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without sorrow For who oâ—… late so floated in the â—…loods of prosperitie as I which now by the sinâ—…ster meanes oâ—… frowning Fortune am sowsed in theseas of oppression exalted of late to the highest degree of felicitie am now driuen to the greatest extremitie of eâ—…ill of late puffed vp with prosperitie and now pushed downe with aduersitie yea oâ—… late placed in Paradice and now plunged in perplexitie Oh Eâ—… if thy fâ—…indes fatherly precepts might haue perswaded thee if their aduices had beene thy aduertisements and thou hadst carâ—…fully kept their counsels then by their forewarning thou hadst beene fore armed against all mishap and miserie The force offickâ—…e fancie had not then giâ—…en tâ—…ee the fâ—…ile Loue had not so lightly procured â—…hy losse nor the painted shewe of beauty had â—…o soone procured â—…hy destruction With that taking a Lute in his â—…nd vpon a deep consideration of his former follies and prâ—…sent fortunes 〈◊〉 sung this Roundelay which it seemes his dignitie had borrowed of a worthy wâ—…iter Eliostâ—…s Roundelay Sitting 〈◊〉 sighâ—…ng in my secret muse As oncâ—… Apollo did 〈◊〉 with Loue Noâ—…ing the 〈◊〉 â—…aies young yearâ—…s doâ—… vsâ—… 〈◊〉 fond affectâ—… 〈◊〉 pâ—…ime of youth dâ—…th 〈◊〉 Wâ—…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 deâ—…pairing I dâ—…e crie Woâ—… worth the â—…aulis and 〈◊〉 of mine 〈◊〉 When wanton age the blossome of my time Drew me to gaze vpon the gorgeous sight That Beautie pompous in her highest prime Presents to tangle men with sweet delight Then with despairing teares my thoughts doe crie Woe worth the fauâ—…ts and follies af mine eiâ—… When I suruaid the riches of her lookes Where-out flew flames of neuer quencht desire Wherein lay baires that Venus snares with hookes Or where prowd Cupid sate all arm'd with fire Then toucht with Loue my inwâ—…rd soule did criâ—… Woe worth the faults and follies of mine eie The milke white Galaxia of her browe Where Loue doth daunce Lauoltaes of his skill Like to the Temple where true Louers vow To follow what shall please their mistresse will Noting her Iuorie front now doe I crie Woe worth the faults and follies of mine eie Her face like filuer Luna in her shine All tainted through with bright vermillian straines Like Lillies dipt in Bacchus choicest wine Powdred and inter-seam'd with azur'd vaines Delighting in their pride now may I crie Woe worth the faults and follies of mine eie The golden wyers that checkers in the day Inferiour to the tresses of her haire Her Ambertrammels did my heart dismay That when I lookâ—… I durst not ouer-dare Prowd of her pride now I am forc't to crie Woe worth the faults and follies of mine eie These fading Beauties drew me on to sin Natures great riches fram'd my bitter ruth These were the traps that Loue did snare me in Oh these and none but these haue wract my youth Mis-led by them I may despairing crie Woe worth the faults and follies of mine eie By those I slipt from Vertues holy 〈◊〉 That leads into the highest chrystall 〈◊〉 By these I fell to vanitie and wracke And as a man forlorne with sinne and feare Despaire and sorrow doth constraine me crie Woe worth the faults and follies of mine eiâ—… After that Eliosto had vttered this Sonnet in the bitternes of minde word was brought him by certaine Officers that the King hauing throughly canuased with his Counsell the notorious dislike of his incestuous transgressions hath found it vnpardonable and so my Lord quoth they you must prepare your selfe for death for to morrowes light must consummate the period both of yours and Cleodoraes daies I embrace the sentence quoth Eliosto most willingly and now thou Saturnes blacke sonne do thy worst for I am altogether vnable to sustaine any longer so grieuous a burthen as I do I perceiue that the more with patience I striue to allay the heate of my exulcerate torments the more the smothered cindars reuiue in quenchlesse flames flames that Aetna-like boyle in my breast resembling the horrors of mount Chibelloes fiery rage which vomites millions of vapours and dartes heapes of sulphre from the glowing centre In a word when the darke night had ouer-spread the earth with â—…er blacke mantle Amazias ouercharged with sorrow could take no rest but passing the time in brinish teares lamented the exceeding great folly of his sonne in that hee woulde after so licentious a manner so desperately precipitate himselfe into daunger but neyther the ardent perswasions of his Nobles nor yet fatherly affection could diueâ—…t him from his bloody determination The next morning the people leauing their lodgings betimes went to the place where the execution should bee and there proâ—…ded themselues an easie rowme without the 〈◊〉 for within them none might stand the Nobles and their necessarie Attendants excepted with them infinit troupes of the assembâ—…ed strangers hasted to preuent Tuan who shaking his dewie lockes on the mountaines posted from the watrie cabbiâ—… of Nereus to bee an earely viewer of these tragiâ—…all spectacles But ere he had measured a teâ—…th proportion of â—…is daily pace the Peeres suted in long sable robes with wreathes of Cyprus branches consecrated to Cyparâ—…ssus encompassing their temples came forward and with them other inferiour assistants clad in their mourning garments each attending vpon his seuerall charge Next these came Eliostâ—… and Cleodora consisting of the fairest of both â—…indes flowrishing in the prime of their youth and in theâ—… ride of their beautie attired all in long blacke ornaments trailing after them wearing on their heads garlaâ—…ds of odoriferous flowers Who beeing arriued vpon the scaffold after the finishing of the ceremoniall rites yielded vp their liues vnto the fatall stroke of Iustice. These two patients beeing thus executed during the time for the preparation of rich and solemne funerals they were for a publike obseruation brought into the base court of the Palace to the great griefe of all the beholders After this the King caused a royall and sumptuous furniture to be celebrated for their obsequies and with such honour as their dignâ—…ties required whom burying in the 〈◊〉 of Saint Lawrenâ—… he erected a stately Mauâ—…olaenm to â—…ee the common bedde of those bodies whose hearts when they were aliue were so firmely conioyned together And lest theâ—…e sâ—…ould be left any thing 〈◊〉 in this tragâ—…al accident Lucilla for the vnspeakable 〈◊〉 of her mist. esse did drowne herselfe for whom a stately bath was prepared in euer burning Phlegeton The Conclusion SVch was the successe of this rare oft-thwarted loue which my ouer bold pen hath presumed thus rudely to descipher If any decorum be omitted or indecorum committed I cannot otherwise excuse it cuâ—…teous Readers then by your fauours which will I hope beare with such imperfections and not impute it to mine owne desert which was loath to pollish a toie whereon I neuer bestowed more labour than â—…ometimes an idle houre of recreation Gratias Deo vni trino Disce senâ—… virtutem ex me M. Ed. ex Coll. Reg. in Ox.