A Defiance to Fortune Proclaimed by Andrugio noble Duke of SAXONY declaring his miseries and continually crossed with vnconstant Fortune the banishment of himselfe his wife and children Whereunto is adioyned the honorable Warres of Galastino Duke of Millaine in reuenge of his wrongs vpon the trayterous Saxons Wherin is noted a myrrour of noble patitience a most rare example of modest chastity and the perfect patterne of true friendship Verie delectable and ful of varietie Written by H. R. Printed at London for Iohn Proctor 1590. TO THE WORSHIPFVL WILLIAM Borough Esquire comptroller of her Maiesties roiall Nauie H. R. wisheth long and happy life with fortunate successe in all your attemptes and after death the ioyes euerlasting ALEXANDER Right Worshipfull amongest men greatest on the earth ceasing his hard toile froÌ„ pursuit of his enemies he held no recreation in such account as reading of histories especially such as treated of the honours gained by noble warriours long before his time entombed in the intralles of the earth wherein his delight was as much as in maniging his steed or shiuering his lance in the midst of his foes SCIPIO that noble Romaine which subdued manie nations had no small delight in the like exercise noting by reading the euentes of war and pleasant baites of fortune how Warriours gained honor and then againe how they were subdued the mighty kings by pesantes and men of base account displaced and the ignoble exalted changing all estates at her pleasure This Fortune of the Poets fained a Goddesse hauing the raigne of all estates in her hand disposeth like a blind guide at her wil setting vp and pulling down whom she list to ouerthrowe or aduance An example of which right Wor. I present to you in this historie wherein you shall see her mutabilitie shewing continuallie her froward vnconstant mind in crossing that noble and vnhappie prince Andrugio sometime Duke of Saxonie whose miseries exceeded al that euer I read or heard of from the sixteenth yeare of his age neuer inioieng long time of content according to his estate but manie daies spent he in extreame miserie as the historie of his life shal manifest to which I leaue you humbly beseeching your Worship to shield it vnder your protection and when time shall permit you leasure vouchsafe the reading of it in which I doubt not albeit the style be rude but that you shall finde something to delight you And if it so happen I haue my wish and the long desire I haue had to make my zeale knowne vnto your worship in somâ— sort is satisfied Your VVorship to commannd vntill death H. R. The Miseries of ANDRVGIO Duke of Saxonie SIENA famous throughout the world for beautiful scituation ciuill gouernment good education and prositing of her students was so renowmed that none of any reputation liuing within the dominions of the Emperour but had an especiall desire to haue their sonnes trained in that vniuersitie especially the Dukes princes and Nobles Amongst many gallant youthes to whose eares fame had bruited this peerelesse report of so goodly a City with the vertues therein abounding Andrugio some and heire apparant to the noble Duke of Saxonie a toward Gentleman prone to all vertuous exercises desirous to attaine the knowledge of al artes hearing the fame of Siena desirous also to see the place and to spend his time in study as also to acquaint himselfe with other princes which came from all partes to this place to see their behauiour and knowe the maners of their countrie pricked with a continuall desire to this attempt maketh humble suite vnto the Duke his father for the furthering of this entent which so long he prosecuteth in such earnest maner that after manie denials of the aged Duke as a louing father whose tender care might not endure the absence of his deare and only sonne hauing a fatherly regard vnto him yea and morâ— than ordinarie affection of fathers vnto their children wearied also with the importance of his suites whicâ— day and night he continually sollicited both by himselfe anâ— his friends at length granteth his good will as what is it that parentes will not graunt for their childrens benefit yet to be aduised better before he suffer him to depart sommoneth all his Nobles and Estates of the countrie beseeching their counsels touching the request of his some Vnto whome hee recounteth the effect of the Princes carnest suite These Nobles hearing so honorable a motion of the yoong Lord wel noting his delight in studie at home beeing of years so tender not yet attaining to the full tearm of sixteen yeers wer woÌ„derfully amazed to hear so eâ—nest a suit from so childish a mouth wherefore as desirous to further his suite hauing considered what profite it would be vnto them and their posteritie in time to come to haue a wise learned well gouerned prince with other vertues which attend the learned which bring knowledge of the Gods and indue the followers with ciuill pollicie and good gouernment liuing in great hope hee woulde prooue to be such a one as he seemed they geue their consent for his departure became humble suitors also for y e obtaining y e same at the Dukes hands at whose request he is content it should be so giuing his Nobles thanks for their fauours towards his son commanded that presently he be furnished with all thinges befitting his estate which with all speed was performed The Duke taking all his care forhonest wise and well gouerned Tutors for him which might by their discreet and sage caunsel train him in such wise that after the Castostrisie of his life he might prooue as his hope was honorable learned and wise that he night be worthie to gouâ—rne so noble a countrie and they haue ioy of so yoong a Prince yeelding him such dutie as becommeth subiectes to their soueraigne which he might requite with a tender loue of a prince and a carefull miâ—d of his peoples good The hast that was made in prouâ—ding of all thinges for the princes iourny according to his desire is accomplished wherefore accoâ—panied with many yong Noblemen of his countrie and Gentlemen sent by their Parentes for the Princes companie Comming before the Duke as desirous to loose as little time as might be they humblie take their leaues to depart At which many a teare both of the Duke and his Nobles was shead for whom his father indured many sorrowfull daies thorow his absence yet could he not denie his request nor seek to crosse his desires which weâ—e honorable and beseeming the son of so noble and famous a father Lord ANDRVGIO his departure from the Court vvith his aduentuâ—â—s THe noble mind of this yong prince now in the flourishing tune of his age began to shewe it selfe in such sort as he might wel be knowen to descend of so honorable Parentage as the Duke of Saxonie for as the sonne-beames cannot be hid so did vertue appeare in him pricking a forwardnesse to his
and loyaltie to whiche in the most humblest maner I binde me so long as I shall inioy breath and if your Ladyship shall please to command Andrugio my readinesse to your seruice shall shew my zeale in performing the same Passing thus the time in communication to little purpose the night reasonably well spent Elenora bidding madam Melissina good night takes her leaue with her friendly countriman After this first familiaritie Andrugio had with maddam Melissina oftentimes repayred vnto her lodging as well to shew his dutie vnto her as to spend the time in honest and friendly talke discoursing of diuers thinges to delight her beeing often solitarie as desirous of little coâ—panie Andrugio and Elenora excepted nowe began his miserie to approche Fortune pretending to giue him another spurne for loe a gentleman of the Lord Ieronimie who bare secret loue vnto maddam Melissina albeit he neuer durst reueale the same yet continually would he walke at least two or three houres in the euening neere about the lodging of his beloued Ladie by which meanes he chanced oftentimes to espie Andrugio comming late from the Ladies lodging which perceaued noted growing iealous of his often repaice there hee sought manie waies to acquaint his Lord with the same but could not deuise anie fit meanes to the accomplishing of the same enuying still in his heart Andrugio This gentleman amongst others his companioÌ„s hauing spente their time in riotous drinking and carousing he began to accuse Andrugio of villany saying that there was no night escaped wherein Andrugio vsed not in moste vile and dishonest maner the bodie of madam Melissina This talke noted of diuers in the morning one enuying Andrugioes happinesse more then the rest greeuing that a stranger should haue that countenance vnder their Lord came vnto this foresayd gentleman and charged him with his speeches vsed agaynst madam Melissina which he affirmed whereupon finding as they thought time to thrust him from their Lordes fauour they determined to accuse him of the crime taking no respect on their deuise they presently sought the Lord Ieronymie vnto whose presence being come kneeling on their knees they humblie besought his honour to pardon them for what they had to say Ieronymie amased at this sodaine motion desirous to knowe their mindes bad them say on Then thus my gracious Lord whereas it hath pleased you of more zeale and pitie to a Christian distressed to free Andrugio from the captiuitie of the turkes slauery of a bondman to make him of great accompt in your country knowe this my honourable Lord in requitall of those your honours gratious fauours bestowed vpon him moste caytiue like hee seeketh the dishonour of you and your house by accompaning himselfe with your dearest and beloued sister madam Melissina This my good Lord I speake not of any euill will to the man nor enuiie to the Lady but in trueth and dutie to your Lordship for that I haue seene oftentimes my selfe his repayre to her and once suspecting the same I followed him when peering in at her chamber window I saw theÌ„ in most vnlawfull sort together on her bed her mayden beeing sent of purpose away to my great griefe knowing well by the fauours you haue done that vnthankfull Andrugio Ieronimie could scarse forbear to heare his tale to end so greeued at the heart was he at their speeches but dissembling the same in the best sort he could thanked them for their good wil and bad them depart Ieronimie iealous of what he had heard could not be quiet vntill he did know the effect of what they had tolde and therfore determining with himselfe to see the euent of it pretended to watch that night disguised when hee came thither and hee departed supper ended and euery man departing his way Ieronimie awayted his time and scarsly went out of the house disguised in such sorce that hee that had knowne him well might haue bene mistaken secretly ambushing himselfe to see Andrugio his comming Not long had he stayd but Andrugio with Elenora as was their vse came togither and entered the house which wheÌ„ he saw blame him not tobe malecoÌ„tent fearing by this vnhappie beginning y e euil euent of the rest yet vnquiet as hee was perswaded himselfe as well as he could thinking that being both there no further matter at that time could happen yet would hee see his returne wayting thus two houres and something more Andrugio and the Ladie playing a game at châ—stes which they were loth to giue ouer without victorie on the one side Elenora hauing more hast then the rest desired madam Melissina to lend her mayd to accompanie her which she did when Ieronimie saw this think nowe Lordinges howâ— intollerable it was to him albeit no defartes of either part but wrong suppositions of an enuious person Ieronimie seeing this might no longer forbeare their presence but with speed entered the house and entering the chamber wher they plaid checke quoth Andrugio to the Ladie which Ieronimie hearing answered I vulaine and that checke shall cost thy life miscreant and vngratefull vislaine as thou art tell mee for which good fauour y t I haue done thee hast thou sought the confusion of me and mine I will not now stand to reason the cause with thee but goe with me As for thee â—ewde Daâ—e that hast yeelded thy body as a companion to this rascal I wil take such order as thy hot desies shal bee made coole inough Thus furiously hailing Andrugio out of the chamber he departed commiting him to the custody of the Goaler where bewailing this suddaine chance not knowing any cause why we leaue him Maddam melissina whome the griefe of this had ouerwhelmed was so surprised with the same that she fel into a trance in which extremity her maiden which went with Elenora returning found her wondring at this suddain alteration but left her not without calling help and with al possible means sought to bring her to life but in vain they striue for she hath paid her due to death whom al the labour they might vse preuailed not to call againe When they saw no remedy the maide presently dispatched a messenger to Ieronymy enforming him what was happened But carelesse he thinking it had bene some pollicie of the Lady to drawe him thether that by intreatie shee might craue grace at his hands for her friend would not giue credite to it But rewarding the messenger with bitter words rested all night as he might In the morning early pretending to let his sister know his mind and how hardly he brooked her lasciuious life which she spent in formcation with Andrugio he repared to her chamber wher entring the same he saw y e breath lesse tronke of the Lady lieng on the rushes and her maide with others in teares bitterly bewailing the vntimely death of her whom for her curtesie they loued deerely This sight of Ieronymie was litle pleasing at which maugre his heart he could not refrain the
shall wish or desire Lorenzo sleeped litle time but hauing made his prouision departed the citie and iornied day and night vntill hee came to the deserts of Gusqueno where the beloued of his Lord made her abode to whome Andrugio his messenger came not before he was looked for nor so soone by many yeares for that she neuer heard of him since his going first to Siena by reason of his troubles Lorenzo hauing recouered y e Millers house enquired after the maiden to whose presence being come in reuereÌ„t maner more then she would or wished doing his duetie he recounteth vnto her Andrugio his message declaring that it was his pleasure that presently she come vnto him for that the time was nowe come that all thinges to her content and his desire should be perfourmed Susania when her hope was all past euer to see or heare of him againe hauing bene absent so long and neuer coulde heare any tydings of him neither in his owne countrie nor at Siena whether he iornied from her fathers house thought verily he had bene dead wherefore on the suddaine could not tell what to say yet viewing the peece of ring which she did well know she imagined that he was liuing wherfore after diuers questions demanded of Andrugio his successe in his absence both abroad and at home answered what you are I know not wherefore I beseech you of pardon if vnreuerently I vse you or not as beseemeth your calling my bringing vp is rustick as you see in this poore cottage and your self a meere stranger vnto me Touching my Lords demand I know not what to say being not at myne owne disposing but to be gouerned by them of whom I receiued my being as I haue euer by them bene ruled so wil I of them be aduised yet my Lords loue is deere vnto me yea dearer then mine owne soule Rest you I beseeche you sir this night with such homely viandes as this wildernesse affoordeth welcome I assure you shall be your best cheare and at my Fathers home-comming you shall know more Lorenzo wearied with trauaile accepteth her offer yeelding thanks for that fauour Susania descanning on Lorenzo his message imagineth whether her heart was ioyful or no hauing so good a cause and her hope so great to come from a Millers cottage to a princes liue in court honoured of Nobles This happy tydings could Susania with much paine indure to conceale any time wherefore shee dispatcheth a messenger in all hast to seek her father and mother vnto whom being come shee recounteth at large Andrugio his message deliuered by Lorenzo with his happie successe and attayning vnto hys dukedome with all beseeching her father and mother as they loued and tendered the preferment of their childe not to gainsay the will of the noble Andrugio for that their loues had bene equall fortune had done them both wrong to separat them so long seeing it stood with the pleasure of God after many daies of trouble to her louing Lord and no little sorrow to her selfe that they might inioy ech other his francke consent with her mothers might be granted Thus with ioy the toonge faltering in hir mouth shee could not vtter a word more which the father perceiuing beganne to censure the cause proceeded of great ioye and entering into iudgement of all causes which might be preiudiciall to his childe as also the desire he had to see her well bestowed the old beldam his wife casting their heads togither in priuie counsell betwixt them it was agreed that she should goe although nature would hardly brooke to forgoe her especially so farre that all thinges considered and that their faith was plighted one to another they woulde not be denied wherefore at supper Lorenzo being placed at such homely viandes as could be sodainly prepared the aged father said Gentleman of Saxonie if my Andrugio your Duke were present he could be but welcome and so he hath bene to this simple cottage so assure your selfe you be and thankes I yeeld you with my heart for this paynes taken for the benefite of my poore childe for whome without bâ—ast I may with teares report I haue and euer had a fathers care Many a good yeomanly sonne yea and sonnes of gentle race hath shee forsaken proffering their loue with large dowries vnto her But since the time of your Dukes lodging in my house she neuer had anie minde of mariage taking lesse pleasure in hearing of any such offer then in ought else might be spoken my selfe coulde neuer tell the cause but that my wife her mother did partly vnderstand somewhat of her mind being heauy sad diuers times sickely when other youth spent their times in pleasure and sporting to recreate themselues she would wayle and lament in such sorte as it hath not a little greeued me to behold But my Lord what was concealed then I partly gesse at now it was loue I see the loue of my Lord Andrugio who by what meanes I know not hath obtayned her heart and faithfull liking and since I heare by the report of my daughter howe constant hee remaineth in hys choyse not respecting her base birth and that I holde it the wil of God after manie perils they should inioy ech others companie I am content she shalbe at his graces obedience and my selfe with what I haue at his commaundement praying God to make them in loue so happie as the fortunatest that euer liued And this by the way my good Lord since it hath pleased him amongest manie others to make you the man should take charge of my childe and to bring her to his presence I doe herewithall beseeche thee as thou art noble and bound to defend virgins to the vttermost of thy power to be ayding vnto her not suffering her to be iniuried in what thou mayest remedie I knowe her aduancement shall haue manie enemies who spiting that she from so base birth shuld be so exalted wil enuy her happinesse and be a meane to set discord betwixt the duke and her by which meanes she may be scorned cast from hys presence and so constrained to seeke her fortune in miserie wherefore to preuent insuing euils as thou tenderest the loue of thy princely Lord that sent thee sweare vnto me by that order of nobilitie which thou professest in all extremeties to be ayding vnto her and in Gods name at your pleasure she shall accompanie you Lorenzo listening to the large discourse of this kinde father noting the care he had for his childe whome he tâ—nderly loued presuming on his Lordes constancie vowed with solemne othes vnto him that so long as euer it pleased the deuine deities to preserue him with life hee would stand and abide a father and firme friend vnto her and in al honest causes maintaine her iust quarrell against all men yea if it were against the duke himselfe Time now is come when they must depart wherefore these aged parentes might not forbeare the shedding of teares in
shall you rest with me where your cates shall not be dainty homelic cleanly and welcome your principal dish Thankes good my Lord quoth Elanicus but thinke you that I may obtaine that fauour at your commaund which intreating for the same so lately was so hardly expersed Susania intercepting Andrugio his wordes answered sir blame not a fearfull maiden to doubt the worst hauing too great a cause of late to bee warned and to excuse my boldnesse let my submission in the humblest wise make satisfaction for my fault and vouchsafe to accompanie your noble countriman vnto whom both the Gods and Fortune in my opinion haue done great wrong and my selfe a rude maiden with my aged parentes haue highly offended in not giuing him the dutie to his estate belonging But I trust he will pardon the fault committed sith he himselfe is the principall cause thereof which would not make himselfe knowen but onely in this tytle a Gentleman of Saxonie yet to such prouision as wee coulde make in this wildernes he was welcome so is your selfe if you accept it A million of thankes curteous maiden I render thee for thy kindnes to this noble man which he hath found vnknowen what he was and therefore the more to be considered VVhat cause he hath to honour so good an attendant as you haue showed to be for auoyding of flattery I omit Thus passing the night in ioy recountring their olde friendship the next morning early as Andrugio gaue directions Elanicus leauing behinde him horse and money he hasteneth with al speed to signifie vnto the Duke what had happened Andrugio feeling now the extremities of his woundes to be passed imagining the duke would not suffer him farther to aduenture himselfe when tidings should be brought him of his perils escaped and plight he remained in not forgetting his affection towards Susania whose desires the more he sought to suppresse y e more his hart was inflamed in loue towards her wherefore hee resolutely determining what to do he waiteth opportunitie to disclose his loue vnto her which luckily was presently offered For loâ— Susania in the midst of these determinations according to her ancient custome came to see her patient wherefore setting al dreaâ— apart taking his fit time knowing wel that secret forrowes doo confound the sences and that lingring in perill is the cause of many insiting miseries thus boldlie he began to batter the bulwarke Blush not Susania that for thy graces I tell thee I loue For Susania Loue is in men and therefore in me Since therefore to stop the streame dooth make the flood more fierce and to suppresse the flame dooth make the fire encrease Cammomill the more it is â—rodden the more it springeth Wherefore Susania fearing the flame of my affection shall corosiue my heart know this thy manifold vertues haue made such an impression in my heart and the sweetnesse of thy feature so wounded me that the blaze of the one and the bountie of the other hath broken the bulwarke of my heart where Loue aduanceth her Ensigne as conqueroâ— and keepeth my hart prisoner neither will she deliuer but onely with this ransome Susania her loue Looke therefore my drare Susania vpon thy captiue and as thou hast cured the outward woundes of my bodie minister that sweet portion to my hurt which my heart desireth that being healed by the phisicke of thy affections I may ioy in thee Lookes men say are the messengers of loue and outward motions the be â—raâ—ers of inward malladies then cast thine eies vpon the countenance which doth manifest my care and let thy thoughtes penetrate the heart that doth endure calamitie Deeme sweet Susania of my loue as of the Salamandar stone which being once set on fire will neuer be quenched or the Emerald which graceth all other stones but neuer looseth his collour so likewise neuer determinable shall be the loue of Andrugio to his beloued Susania Then Susania in right consider of my cause according to my care nothing besides thy bountie can procure my blisse thy only perfection hath increased my pame then let thy pitie set free my person from pâ—rill The Porcupike that hurteth with his quilles makes a salue with his blood and Aclytes speare trieth an earnest effect of both natures so likewise it lieth in thee to apply the plaister that inferreth my paine to minister such phisick as may cure my malladie Sith then my life dependeth on thy loue and my danger attendeth your speedie redresse let your courtesie finish my care and repay my loue with his like Susania poore soule neuer vsed to those louing speeches and sweet wordes vttered by Andrugio was mute to heare so suddaine a motion yet the thought of which ticklâ—d a sweete conceit in her as a portion shee coulde well brooke yet determining to shewe in full the nature of the female sexe began to spurne at that with her fooâ—e which willingly she could haue imbraced in her heart resembling the byrde Orpyes that hatcheth the Nightingale yet will feed on her egges so dooth her heart secretlye reioise to thinke her selfe beloued of Andrugio yet meaning to giue him a bitter pill she ministreth to him this portion My good Lord Andrugio I humblie beseech you of pardon for my harsh behauiour toward your Lordship passed but gratious Lord wherein hath Susania shewed her selfe at any time light of behauiour that thus you goe about to intrap me to the lure of your will if my dutie to my vtmost shewed in your weaknesse breed lust in your recouering health I will prouide a new nurse for you and arme my selfe against the subtill piping of so cunning a Fouler Yf your friendship be with your faining glozes to that end to bewich such ignorant creatures as my self I must needs get the hearbe Glozia a preseruatiue against that malady and intreat your Lordship to bee content with an other attendant for wisedome it is to beware in time and warned prouide to escape dangers Yf your Lordship had bene before put in mind of the murderers waiting to kill you I doubt whether you would haue aduentured the place wher they awaited you therefore blame mee not to bee hereafter aduised how I come too neere you and so farewell Thus as it were in a litle chafe she would haue departed but Andrugio staieng her replied thus Sweete Susania and louing if thou tender his life whome with paine thou hast nourished so long doo pitie me which vnfainedly craâ—e it at thy bandes Though Fowlers meane falshood Andrugio is faithfull what if many men haue pleaded for obtainig of lust the affections of Loue yet blame not Andrugio till triall if I bee false then let the Gods poure vengeance vpon me or when ANDRVGIO shall seeme to chaunge his amorous thoughtes of sweete Susania the obiect of any life let fire consume me from the heauen Enough of this my Lord quoth Susania except it were to better purpose for your talke is to no end but to bring a foole
Citie to deuise some pastimes as well to recreat their mindes which were giuen to melancholicke for losse of their shippes of whome they heard no newes amongest which the captaines gathering theyr men togither rigged and furnished a dosen gallyes and pinnasses to the sea with intent to shewe their maner of fight and sea skirmishes to which seruices was Andrugio and his fellow pyrate called to take their places at an ores end as before they had done When all thinges was prouided for this pastune the princes hauing taken place to beholde the same in whiche fight after a little time the gally wherein Andrugio was being by another taken his captaine aswell to shewe what extremitte they vsed to those they vanquished as to grieue the body of Andrugio caused him to be stripped and most greeuously to be whipped and after by the armes with two great waites at his toes hanging to be drawne vp to the yard arme where when he had hanged that all men pitied him sauing his mercilesse captaine at the crie of the people was at length let downe But to agrauate still his extreame griefe and torment of body the Captaine as one bent to seeke his vtter destruction prouided yet a more greater torment both bytter and cruell for loe when time had brought their pastimes to end This mercilesse tormenting Captaine inuited all the Captaines to a banquet aboord his Gallie at the end whereof he caused Andrugio to be cased in the raw hide of a new slaine woolfe which with the shipdogges from euery Gally baited him beastlike in such maner that they had like to haue wearied him sometimes tearing his armes and legges otherwhile the other partes of his bodie which crueltie of the dogges vexing poore Andrugio bred such content to the barbarous villaine that his heart was more ioyed with the sight thereof than if hee had receiued a noble victorie against his enemies such deadly hatred had the cruell tyrant conceiued against Andrugio At this banquet there chanced to bee a noble man of the traine of the Princesse Gurdania whose heart pitieng Andrugio so much that he could not endure the sight of his extremities but turning his head from that which the barbarous people tooke delight in he secretly enquyred what hee was that was so hardly vsed aboue the rest of those slaues these questions of the noble man was demanded by chance of y e pyrate before taken with Andrugio who being a faire welspoken man and of good demeanor recounted at large vnto this noble man Andrugio his tormentes besought him that as he was a gentleman to take compassion on his miserie and buy him for money or by some other meanes to worke his deliuerie for that if he remained amongst them this would euery day be their vse vntill God by death shal thinke good to end his sorrowes albeit hee was in his Countrie a Gentleman of good name and honorable reputation The noble man mooued with pitie and compassion at the Pyrates ruthfull tale thought euery minute of an hower a day vntill he might come to the presence of those two kinges and the Princesse which he might not do that night Wherefore in the morning awaiting earnestly to bring his desire to effect he was brought before them vnto whom he recounted the grieuous sight he had seene and how much it troubled his minde and grieued his heart to thinke that euer Christian should endure such miserie VVhere in the most earnest manner that hee coulde besought the Princesse and the Kinges of Denmarke and Swethland to procure his freedome either by intreatie or for ransome at his charge to what somme soeuer it amounted The princes hearing this dolefull discourse mooued to pitie his miserie sent for the gouernour and besought him that as their welcomes had bene great and their entertainment exceeding so they might craue his friendship in a suit they had to impart vnto him The Gouernour glad to content those princes with all the fauours he might did not only by his word assure what they desired but deepely sware they shoulde obtaine what they craued holding himselfe highlie in their fauour that they would demaund any thing that lay in him to performe beseeching to know what their suit was The princesse thanking him for his kindnesse and fauor told him that their suit was for the libertie of a slaue a poor man and what ransome hee would demaund he should haue with thankes My gracious Lords quoth the Gouernour not one but all the prisoners and slaues in this place shall bee at your highnes command and therefore I humblie beseech you to let me knowe his Captaines name and the person and hee shall presently be sent for The noble man whose desire was to haue Andrugio his libertie very glad to heare his suite growe to so good effect gaue thankes to the gouernour describing vnto him what he was and in what Gally but his name he could not remember which by the especiall notes giuen was well knowen vnto the Gouernour who with all speed dispatched one of his seruantes for Andrugio commanding that hee should be brought vnto his lodging which presently was accomplished Whom when the gouernour saw he demaunded of what calling and countrey he was and how long hee had serued in their Gallies To whom Andrugio answered by byrth noble Lord I am a Saxon of reputation a Gentleman and passing the seas was most vnfortunatelye taken prisoner by the Fleete of Gallies that last serued against the king of Spaines forces This fourteene moneths haue I endured most miserable seruitude and grieuous punishmentes by my vnmercifull and rigorous Captaines-command VVhen the Gonerall had heard him commaunded his man that he should be cloathed in a faire suite of apparell of his owne and so presented him to the Princesse vnto whō he was verie acceptable Thus when Andrugio by the appointment of the Gods had remained a while at libertie and that the princes had well reposed themselues prouision was made for their departure vnto the Barbarian King of whome they were expected long by reason of some of their Fleet arriuing in his countrie all things being ready for them a faire gale blowing they take their leaues of the Gouernour whome they reward with great and bountifull presentes with much courtesie and thankes for their royall entertainment the which they vowed should neuer be forgotten And so bidding them farewell they imbarqued themselues for their pretended iourney with whom also departed Andrugio attending vppon the Lord Ieronymy who had released him Thus by the prouidēce of the hiest Andrugio was from the miserie he endured deliuered and in great fauour of the Lord Ieronymy his maister vnto whose gouernment hee committed all his affaires who so well behaued him selfe that he was in great account of his Lord and louing maister Their businesse and honorable mariage of the Emperours daughter accomplished and the kinges with their traines safely retourned to their owne countrie Andrugio highlie in fauour of his Lord
he abandoneth the famyliar companie et al so that I cannot heare by the report of any one that he â—eepeth companie with any but thee Wherefore sweete Elenora as I haue with the integritie of my hart declared my zeale to thy countryman so bee the instrument to bring my desires to effect and command Melyssina yea her 〈◊〉 to doo thee good Melissina with teares trickling downe her cheekes tenderly wringing Elenora by y e hand finishing her long oration of whom Elinora tooke such remorse as she was forced by the tender instigation of her heart to participate with her But hauing passed this womanish fit she answereth Maddame I haue now what I desired by knowing y e man your heart so much wisheth to enioy Patient therefore your selfe and doo not with griefe oppresâ—e your heart for sorrow is no medecine for this maladie but a corosiue that will consume you onely as you haue imparted the same vnto me so leaue the execution thereof vnto me whome it concerneth for your fauours shewed me in some part very neere Thankes Elenora for this comfort wherewith thou hast indewed my heart with such a simpany of ioy as I feel the sweetnesse thereof already dispearsed throwout euery member of my body Time an enemy to friendes ouer stippeth so suddainly that we must needes part for feare thou be missed wherefore we will for this time cease our parly not doubting but that thou wilt remember me and so departed Elenora to the house of her Lady and Madam melyssina to her lodging Andiugio according to his accustomed maner presently after supper comming to see his countriwoman whome he found in a great studie as one as it might seeme careful of that she had vnder taken which gaue Andrugio cause to demaund the reason of her heauiues which she manye wayes excused But Andrugio measuring her fancies by his owne desires in iest told her she was in loue Entering thus into communication Good countriman quoth Elenora if your experience in Loue-causes be such that you can conceiue by outward apparance what the heart desireth be not mooued nor any thing displeased if vnder benedicite I demaund with what Lady Gentlewoman or other you be your selfe in loue Blush not man quoth Elenora for your wan lookes your heauie sighes and your griefe by outward apparance is such that I haue noted in you a gret alteration since your comming home with my lord Ieronymie which doubtlesse argueth you are in loue Wherefore Andrugio if thou be feare not to disclose it vnto me for a womans helpe may stand in such a cause in more steed then the counsell of an experienced wise man and for my part I vow vnto thee by the honour I owe to Diana and by all such holy rites as become a virgine if either my paines or counsell may auaile thee thou shalt â—â—ud my worde and deed one yea if it were to manifest thy suite to Madam Melisisina thy Lords sâ—ster if she he the woman I am very glad countriwoman answered Andrugio that my comming hath remooued your melancholike humour and made you thus pleasant but that I loue as thou supposest I neuer did nor neuer meane to do because that experience by others hath taught me to eschew that hayte which entering pleasantly will confound the intrals and consume the he art if that present remedie be not ministred in time by their desired Ladies Therfore knowing the pertill I will as I haue done auoid that mischiefe which may breed my confusion Well quoth Elenora I may take thy word but how I beleeue thy weake answere I leaue to report for that I knowe there is no creature liuing who dooth not make especiall choise of one with whom they participate aboue al other and to loue I know is incident both to men and women by which I assure me Andrugio thou doost loue denie it as long as you will If thy reasons propounded be true Elenora and that thou iudge of the secretes of my heart by outward signes why 〈◊〉 thou denie thy loue to me that so friendly demanded to knowe thy choyse at my first comming thy countenance shewing it so plaine for behold in thy forehead written that worde that Paris wrote euer in the sight of his beloued Helena I loue which beeing apparant why shouldest thou denie it Well Andrugio it is folly for women whose wittes be weake to stand reasoning with men whose studies in rethoricke and logicke may perswade deswade such fooles as my self to what in honest wise they list but were maddam Melissina here you could not carrie it so away It is nowe but early nightes and my Lord and Lady in bed wherefore good countriman if thy businesse be not great accompanie me to the Lady Melissinaes lodging who I know will bid you welcome and for my sake to whome I am bound would faine acquaint thee w t her Be not therefore so strange God may prouide for thee in time that as the desertes hath woâ—â—e the loue of the Lord Ieronimie thou mayest likewise obtaine in time the loue of this Lady and become heire of Lord Ieronomies liuing for that hee will neuer marrie as I haue heard him say and children he hath none Thankes good countriewoman quoth Andrugio for thy kinde frompe a poore man may liue to requite you for my companie which you craue if you will accept it I am ready to waite on yoe to her Ladieship Elenora glad that shee had made this entermedling to the Ladies motion tooke him at his worde and conducteth him vnto her lodging whome they found readie to bed that hearing the voyce of Elenora commanded her waiting woman to open the dore Melissina seeing her beloued enter with her was put to such an non plus as she could not well tell what to say that at last remoued from her studie she bad him most heartily welcome and demaunded the cause of Elenors comming on such a sodaine To whoâ—e said Elenora the trueth is maddam that hauing this good companie of my countriman and my leisure fitting too vntimely yet to goe to bed I intreated him to bring me hither whither I trust he is welcome Elenora quoth Melissina he is in trueth welcome for thy sake as also his owne and for that my Lord and brother doth so much fauour him as I know he doth if it shall please him in anie sorte to vse my friendship for his better preferment to my brother or any one he shall finde me readie and good Andrugio be no stranger vnto me for of my honour the honest care you haue of the charge my Lord hath committed vnto you hath gained you credite with your Lord and fauour of his friendes amongest which Melissina though she speake least for your benefite yet will not be the last make triall where you please The vndeserued fauours I haue found at my honourable Lordes handes with your Ladiships courtesies poore Andrugio knoweth not anie way howe to deserue but in trueth
owne countrie take vp to relieue him whome I trust needeth not my helpe if he liue The dukes sonne may thinke himselfe bound to you quoth Andrugio if he did but know your loue to him and if he be a gentleman he cannot but requite it That Andrugio by talke had knowledge of the man yet not resolued whether to make himselfe knowne vnto his countriman to heare the sorrowe of the Lordes for his absence and what griefe his whole countrey indured for him besides his double sorrowe for the decease of his noble father studying this what to doe hee refolued that it was the pleasure of God so formnately to giue him knowledge of the state of his countrie and therefore not against the pleasure of God to refuse so good opportunitie least he that sendeth all happinesse displeased at his follies shoulde augment his punishmentes wherefore resolued he saith Lorenzo for so was he called since I see the loue thou barest the duke in his life as thy report to his houre after deathe sheweth I were vngratefull if I shoulde not requite thee with some friendship Therefore my good Lorenzo know that thou art the man y t shalt glad the heartes of them thou sayst doo mourne by bringing them certaine tidinges of Lord Andrugio their yoong Prince whome I can assure thee liueth but in great pouertie farre vnâ—â—tting his estate wherfore if thou canst procure to furnishe him with prouision of apparell and money for his charges I can and will bring thee to his presence let me know therefore thy minde for our iournie beginneth to shorten and I must leaue thee Lorenzo hearing the name of him whome he had thought neuer to haue seene more began to note the man more and more but so much was he altered in countenance with the sunne and weather beating at sea that he coulde not knowe him wherefore Lorenzo besought him of that zeale that Christians owe one to another not to hide himselfe anie longer if he were the man as he did suppose he was to let him knowe it that he might doe him that dutie as to hys dread Lord or if not himself not to depart vntil he brought him vnto Lord Andrugio his presence that if his pouertie be such as you report LoreÌ„zo may relieue it and shew the zeale he oweth vnto the noble Andrugio Andrugio being assured by this of Lorenzo his zeale could forbeare no longer but with teares running lyke streams wringing Lorenzo by y e hand sayd Lorenzo my olde acquainted friend and companion Lorenzo how may my heart reioyce to heare thy loue to him whom thou neuer hadst no cause to thinke on but since I knewe it by proof and see what dutie thou didst owe the duke deceased albeit I may be ashamed to manifest that I cannot conceale from thee Know this Lorenzo I aâ— that Andrugio Sonne and Heire to the noble Duke of Saxonie who by the crueltie of fortune haue neuer liued since my going to Siena but in great miserie and neuer was it my chance in my trauels which hath not bene small to meeâ—e with anie of my acquaintance But seeing God hath caused thee to be the first and only man let me know Lorenzo thy counsell what is best to be done thou seest the life I lead is slauishe and moste odious suche as my heart hardly broketh yet can I not eschew it in any sort If I should fue he to whome I am thus inthralled would pursue me if I refuse this wherein I haue some libertie then might it be worse for me nor how to discharge my selfe from it I cannot deuise if I acquaint him with my estate then mayâ— be that he will inflict some great sommes of monie on me for my ransome so that I am now in such an agonâ—e thaâ— I know not what shal become of me Desirous I am to see my natiue countrie and friendes and to comfort these my louing subiectes which sorrow for my absence if thou lend ayde to my desire let me knowe therefore thy aduise Lorenzo and assure thee that the good thou affoordest me in this extremetie shalbe repayd thee with many thankes Lorenzo shed teares aboundant to heare his tale yet was his heart surprised so with ioy that hee coulde not speake but passing it ouer as he might kneeling on hys knees humbly kissed his hand giuing God thankes for blessing him with so good fortune as to be the first that should bring the tidinges of comfort to his countrie protesting withal his purse yea life all was at his commandement my good Lord quoth he touching your departure if you will be ruled by my aduise we will return to the place from whence we came where I haue some friends acquaintance of our countrie with whome I will deale for monie and necessaries befitting your Lordship your selfe shall rest as secret as you may vntill the spring our ships may be free when with the first we will depart This counsell liked Andrugio well and without deniall returned to the place from whence they came which ere they might recouer was late in the night Lorenzo being well acquainted in his lodging called them vp with diuers of his countrimen to whome he declared what had happened who were as ioyfull of this good newes as Lorenzo Thus remained Prince Andrugio amongest hys friendly countriemen honoured with all titles of maiestie beseeming his estate but verie secret nor neuer disclosed what hee was but amongest themselues for whome Lorenzo was not a little careful to prouide all thinges for his honor that he might with maiestie beseeming a prince returne to his countrie All thinges prouided for this his happie iournie the spring nowe appearing where the frosen alpes began to disclose and the splendant beames of the sunne shewed in moste glorie Their prouision beeing all readie to clappe a boord they attend but his pleasure that hathe wrought all thinges else for their content to send them a happie gale whiche luckely comming as they expected they were with the first readie to set saile bidding Freesland farewel their gallant Barke fleesed the waues with a prosperous and happie gale to the ending of euerie one of their wishes and accomplishing Andrugio his desire Time and short time hath brought them to the port of their desire when they had no sooner anchored but Lorenzo sent by Andrugio hastined to see his aged father and withall to will him in all haste to repayre vnto him to participate in counsell what he were best to doe either sodenly to make his arriuall knowne or to conceale it for a time but scarsly had Lorenzo his father blessed him giuen his welcome when blab-like he reuealed vnto his father Andrugio his comming who as ioyfull to heare it as the other was in recounting it presently spred it throughout the citie and to the gouernours of the state who presently vpon the report addressed themselues withall the honour they could to receaue him commanding the belles to be roong
fare soft lodging losing the company of my louing wife tender infants liuing w t such roots other things as y e earth yeeldeth for y t I haue seene y e tyrannies vsed toward y e poor such wilful robberies and spoiles made of miserable people so great discentions so many hurts and miseries in the common weale such oppression such partiall iudgement such couetousnes such whordome and all sin so abounding The bringing of which to memory maketh mine eiâ—s blind my tongue to folter my members quauer my heart paâ—te my intrals breake and my flesh consume it is more griefe to see them with mine eies and to heare them with mine eares Therefore seing the fountaine of all happinesse consisteth in contentation I will purge my selfe of all perturbations which may hinder the tranquilitie of the spirit to the end eternall thinges may bee vnto mee more welcome and familiar when I shal know how to vse them But resolued I am in despite of fortune whose banding bal from my infancie I haue bene to continue the remainder of my life in this sweete contentation for as she most blinde and fained Goddesse hath taken my honors my goods and worldly dignities may driue me in disgrace with the people but she cannot make my honest mind 〈◊〉 which hath alwaies bene noble and valiant nor take from mee this setled mind neither by the tediousnes of my life which is lotâ—some vnto me nor by any grieuous or troublesome thinge that can befall me Thus with teares ceasing his mornful speeches bewailing with heauinesse of heart the worldes ingratitude wee leaue him to his solitary life for a season in those deserts THE VVARRES OF GALASTINO Duke of Millaine FLodericus and his fellow companions ruling now in Saxony thought themselues sure of their seates hauing banished all those that might claime by right any title in the Dukedome vsurping ambitious titles and galling theyr commons with taxes and all other maner of pollinges that their subiectes rather did chuse to die then liue in that seruitude yet remedie was none ease theÌ„selues they could not but grouing vnder that heauie yoke whereto they were bound Beseeche God who sheweth mercie to all people to take their cause in hand and reuenge the banishment of their good Duke vppon those tyrantes and their progenie whose Lamentations and sorrowfull playntes so often powred forth yet it pleased the Lord to heare and as he deliuered his children Israell from the thraldome of Egipt Hierusalem from the bondage of Babilon so raysed hee vp that famous noble prince Galastino Duke of Millaine to reuenge the wronges offered his friend and lawfull Prince Andrugio and relieue his poore subiectes which liued in great thraldome long time with earnest inquirie being spent by Galastino in searching out the abode of his Andrugio who could not be heard of for all that might be done for whose absence the sorrowe that was made is not to be tolde When Galastino sawe all diligence that could be vsed might not bring him tidinges of the Duke he sommoneth all his nobles counsell togither beseeching their frieÌ„dly aduise in a matter of waight which he shoulde impart vnto them the nobles that with duetie loued him and whose zeale was such as becommeth subiectes to their soueraignes humblie sought his excellencie to declare what hee had to say promising to their vtmost power to counsell him therein with all the furtherance they could accomplish in anie reasonable sort what hee should require Galaâ—tino who found his nobles as euer before duetifull and readie to obey his will gaue them all moste hartie thankes for the same and after a little pause taking thus sayd Nobles and you states of Millaine it is not vnknowne vnto you all in what miserable seruitude the poore subiects of my good friend the duke of Saxonie haue and doth liue since the exile of their lawfull Duke by those vsurping Miscreantes which haue nowe the gouernment whose wrong offered their liege Lord and my friend I am determined to reuenge neither will I willingly suffer men of so vile condition to liue that wrongeth their soueraigne whome God hath placed nor suffer the innocent babes of so honourable a prince as the duke of Saxonie to lose their rightfull inheritance in the Dukedome my selfe that inioy amongst you my birthright and title of this countrey haue many heyres to succeed me when my earthly truncke shall yeeld his due to death vnto whome I cannot deuine what may be offered yet hope the best and relie vpon your fidelities whome I haue euer found loyall but if the deuill by ambition wherewith hee infecteth manie of high estate should tempt you in such sorte not to be content with their degree and should procure the vulgar sorte to vse the like crueltie to mine the memorie of my actions and zeale in defending innocentes remayning fresh in memorie may be a terrour vnto those so euill disposed who waying their wicked pretence before they beginne may assure themselues that God which is righteous will rayse some one of noble disposition to reuenge their wronges as by hys sufferance I am nowe drawne to the like in the behalfe of those two children of my friend the noble duke of Saxonie for whom on my honor my care is as much as for mine own neither wil I alter my determinatioÌ„ herein to be made a monarche of the worlde but to my vtmost power will so prosecute what I determine herein that in the cause I wil aduenture my person where such as loue me will follow me The nobles which noted howe earnest the duke was in vttering his long oration thought it no time to delay their opinions what they iudged of the enterprise yet were they driuen to a non plus what to answere so sodainly to denie his demandes and earnest request might bréede suspition of their loyaltie then which they rather chuse to die againe to aggrauate him to the attempt which was before so hotely bent was but to put oyle to quenche the fire wherefore after small deliberation they answered Honourable Lord whose will hath bene held amongst vs for law Know dread soueraigne that we haue with aduise considered of your long protestation and most highly commend in you so honourable a minde and haue noted what honour it will be to you and your posteritie for euer to regard the estate of the widdow fatherlesse such we terme that distressed good Ladie the duchesse of Saxonie and her infantes for whome wée haue often bene minded to intreate as in honour we are bound that they inioying their right might ease your maiestie of a great charge and requite on those rebellious traytors a facte so odious according to their desertes knowing that traytors whiche seeke the subuersion of their prince ought not to liue Holie writ sheweth manie examples howe God punished suche vsurpers where is commaunded that none shall lift theyr sword against their annoynted who on the earth are his vice regenâ—es Dauid when
Saxony diligently searching Andrugio whom he found as you haue heard by chance is nowe ariued in the court of the Duke his mayster vnto whome hee relateth the vnhappie aduentures of Andrugio with the deathe of his companie This heauie newes breâ— great discontent in the heartes of all courtiers yea there was not one that shed not teares for their dead companions bitterly bewayling them whome they are sure neuer to see againe liuing The heauinesse of the aged duke somewhat ouerpassed carefull for his towardly sonne aduising what is best for his welfare hath determined for auoyding of succeeding dangers to post Elanicus again to the place from whence he came and with straight charge not to suffer him to proceede farther in his iourney which had bene so vnfortunate vnto him With this commandement Elanicus is againe departed taking small ease vntill hee came to the millers house where he thought to haue found Andrugio but for all his hast the bird was flowne ere he could returne Andrugio hauing thorowly debated of his loue with Susania is nowe concluded of the matche so that there is a mutuall loue entered both their heartes in somuch that one of them may not sorrowe without great griefe to the other that with much adoe he craueth leaue for a time to goe to Siena thus hauing obtained his desire recompensing his host for the charge bestowed taking leaue of Susania his deare beloued he is departed towards Siena leauing the poore maiden grceuously lamenting his absence whome neyther the gentle perswasions of the father nor care of the mother may mittigat so effectually was loue in the hart of this sillie mayden that neither distance of place nor the threates of the pareutes whiche were many coulde any whit preuayle no there was not one day houre nor minute wherein she did not with great aboundance of teares bewayle the absence of her Andrugio in this sort Ah Andrugio sweete Andrugio let these droppes of lukewarme teares shed from the spring of myne ouerburdened heart be messengers of my loue and let my woefull playninges shew the sorrow of thy poore Susania Ah Andrugio thy loue hath pearced the fort of my true loue and by pitying thee am I my selfe caught in that snare which I feare hath so fâ—ttered me as nought but deathe can lose me Andrugio sweete obiects of my thoughtes are the onely cause of my mourning rest therefore in peace my dearest friend and let thy faith remaine firme play not the part of Thesus now thou art departed least worse betide me then Ariadne Medea her wretched miserie procured through false Iason may cause all of our sexe distrust men But peace Susania the prating byrdes may declare thy hard opinion vnto thy Lord Andrugio whiche beeing knowne may giue him cause to abuse thee cease therefore thy prating miserable wretche and inioy thy â—are in court let thy sighes be messengers of thy good wil vnto him studie to be pleasant with thy parents to recouer their health impayred for griefe of thee yea learne to be content in sorrow though thy hart be wounded hope is a medicine most precious then applie it and dispayre not Andrugio is honourable faithfull and kinde whose teares spent in the bitternesse of his sorrowes and many othes protested to cause me graunt him fauour I am sure shall neuer be violated wherefore wretched Susania test thee content in this hope for a time when thou shalt heare more of thy best beloued Andrugio with this falling into a sweete sâ—â—mber ease to her grieued heart we leaue her Time hath brought Elanicus vnto the place where hee supposed to haue found the Lord Andrugio who doubting that which insued loth to be detained from his desire is now gone to Siena whose departure Elanicus bewayleth accusing him of vngratefulnesse to his friend disobedience to his father whose fauour he no more extenued but to adde more forrowe vnto his aged hart through this lâ—wd departure against all promises at their last taking leaue eche of other Elanicus hote on the spurre to see Andrugio and to bring him to the duke maketh short stale but departeth neuer resting vntill he had found him in the beautifull City of Siena vnto whome hauing deliuered the pleasure of his father Andrugio returneth this answere It is not vnknowne vnto thee my sweâ—te Elanicus what earnest suite I made before I obtained grant of my father for this iournie and how long before he would consent to the same wherfore my good friend let it not seeme any thing discontent vnto thee that I refuse to heare thy message and obey it I trust my father knowing before this my minde will be the better satisfied and pardon my presumption for this offence in breaking his commandement for doubtlesse resolued I am not yet to returne vntill I haue seene the maners of this honourable place so much commend in â—ll princes courtes Elanicus when he heard Andrugio his minde and saw-that is was as easie to carie backe the whole citie as disswade him being there was sorrowfull at the heart yet hoping to perswade him replieth Gratious Lord how tender your welfare is vnto me my soule beare witnesse neither will Elanicus euer offer to speake but for thy benefite mooued therevnto by zeale and dutie both to the Duke and you Stand not therefore Andrugio vpon these tearmes of disobedience to your fathers command for the hearing of your contrarie answâ—â—e how kinde soeuer will cost his life yea the very remembrance of your disobedience whom hee so carefully loueth will bring his white head with sorrow to his last home Againe my gratious Andrugio if nature and the Gods cal him to the heauens where all our hopes be to rest you beeing absent in what estate shall your country stand Soueâ—anitie is a vild worme and such a bait as wil make many aspyring minds in the absence of their Soueraigne to reuolt especially they being of power when once for feare of tumultes planted in thy countrie they be not easily displaced so maist thou be cosoned of thy gouernment and by treason vnhappily done to death Againe thy father hardly digesting thy harsh demeanour may disinherit thee and so leaue thee to thy fortune Many other casualties there be more then the sorrowes of my heart will permit me to vtter let it therefore suffice that my words spoken of the tender Ê’eale of my heart may remooue thy fond determination so maist thou keepe the good will of thy father preserue his life and enioy thy countrie and friendes Teares would not suffer him to speake what he had to say wherefore constramed he ceaseth his parlie All the speeches Elanicus could vse was bootlesse neither was his counsell regarded more then of a childe which hath no vnderstanding So bent was this colt to take his race for a time and therefore besought Elanicus to persist from perswading him farther for he was resolued not to returne suddainely if all the kingdomes of the earth lay thereon Elanicus faithfull to his
Lord and maister and kind to Andrugio when as he perceiued how hee was beâ—t and that it was as easie for him with the Osterich to swallowe yron or w t his nailes to crash hard flint as with his wordes to win him to his desire and cause him to returne with a heart as heauie as Hero for losse of her Leander after hee had vttered in milde tearmes his faithfull minde taking leaue of Andrugio returneth to the court of Saxony leauing him to his owne will for a time Who in the vniuersitie hath planted himselfe to studie and was in short time growen into great familiaritie with diuers yoong gentlemen amongst others with whom hee vsed daylie to frequent Galastina sonne vnto the Duke of Millaine and be became most conuersant from whose companie so mutuall was their loue and their liking so great one to the other that they might neuer bee simdred night nor day No neuer was the loue of Damon to his Pithia nor Pylidies to his Orestes more firme then Andrugio to his Galastina for one heart vnited them and one purse they vsed betweene them But yet absence which is the greatest enemie to his former desires being so far sundred from his Susania hath not power to put her out of minde but euer in the midst of his mirth would he call to mind his deare loue and often with a sigh rehearse her name saying Susania sweete and constant Susania So often he vsed this so that in the end Galestina desirous to knowe what dame shee was of whom by day he talked so much and in the night dreamed of was so unportunate on him as hee might not hide the flame no longer of which so greate smoake was seene and therefore Galastina brake with him on this maner and fashion Andrugio now my second selfe whose welfare I esteeme as mine owne and according to the dutie of a friend regard thy friendship as my life I haue noted euer since thy comming to Siena amongst all thy myrth how suddainly it hath bene ouershadowâ—d with sighes and fantasticall speeches tending to loue as thy passion describeth If it be so my Andrugio thou art entered into the most intricate labormth that can be and such as exceede the capacitie of men to conceiue such a worme is it as I greatly feare thy health yea and without content shortly thy life For doubtlesse to loue is not tollerable especially where the loue is absent Besides it hath manye defectes as if thy loue be sctled on a Dame full of disdaine who regardeth thee not Yf shee be poorer then thy degree doth require then is she loth some to thy kindred how pleasing soeuer she be to thee Loue they say is a commander and of the common people tearmed a God honored with glorious tytles yea some are so besotted in planting their loue that they reape for their best fruit endlesse misery or preuent it by vntimely death from which the Gods preserue thee my Andrugio But sweet friend if thou wilt be aduised by him who is as deere in respect as mine owne heart listen as litle to Venus allurements as I doo to Cupids flateries so shalt thou haue no cause to say the Gods be vniust nor women cruell for I thinke of Loue as Gnato the Greeke did who was woont to say that of all plagues wherewith mortall men are affâ—iced loue was the greatest for that they earnestlye desired that for their comfort which they founde their mortall death Andrugio hauing listened to Galastina his oratioÌ„ could not well tell how to digest his speech yet after a small pause taken answered Why Galastina doost thau count it madnesse to loue or him besotted that yeeldeth vnto affection Knowest thou not or art thou so fond as not to know that Loue is deuine and can command by his power Who subdued the heartes of inuincible warriours whome Fort could witholde no Force withstand and who subdued the whole worlde but loue Alexander Hercules Scypioâ— and manye others haue subiected them to loue Therefore thinke not as the Greeke did that loue is a plague least thou die an hereâ—ike beleeue hee is fauoured of the Gods that is an happie Louer In faith no quoth Galastina for I count him most vnhappie which is in loue most happie Why then Galastina thou thinkest him vnhappie that loueth Orels quoth he I should thinke amisse Should I thinke him happie which for one penny of coyne ceceyued at his neede shall lie shut vp in prison all dayes of his life Or for one dramme of prosperitie reapeth a whole pounde of miserie Shall I esteeme him happie in loue whose golden gaine prooues leaden griefe No that is neither pleasure which is interlaced with paine nor that happines which turnes to losse Why then Galastina quoth Andrugio doost thou thus blaspheme against Cupid and his sweete mother and esteemest thou so lightlie of loue which is so great a commander Because quoth hee it is Loue and is such a poyson which infecting the mindes of men entreth as pleasant as Nectar the drinke of the Gods but prooueth more vytter than the ioyce of wormewood for as the Mermayde bewitcheth hearers with her sweete musike vntill they be iulled asleepe therewith and so they fall into some danger so amorous louers haue their sences besotted with the franticke passions of this Idoll Loue that they account not themselues happie but in their most vnhappines being at most ease in their disquiet at greatest rest when they are most troubled seeking their pleasure in care hunting continually after that that bringeth endles harme and destruction vnto them as I haue many examples Dauid and Sampson in holy writ Hercules and Leander in prophane histories and many more which I omit wishing thee my good Andrugio if thou desire the fauour of so poore a friend as my selfe and thine owne quiet to persist from loue otherwise it will breede thy confusion This is your harsh sensure Galestina but die not herein neither stand long vpon those tearmes for if you doe Venus is angry at your blasphemie will endite you as an hereticke both to nature and her selfe and so plant you one day for you-disdaine in loue as you shall haue cause to lament whilest you leaue your hard fortune but for this time I am content to giue ouer this argument least that my follies in praysing loue as thou sayest should make the more earnest in enuying against that sweete goddesse so cause thy punishmentes to fall the sooner For Ladies by kinde the more they are grieued the sooner they seeke reuenge of their enemie of which number Venus accompteth the one to her Godhead My speeches Andrugio is no more then my heart thinketh as should be apparant if that foule goddesse as thou tearmost her were present for I doubt least her foreces in loue to inflict me with hauing alwaies reason which shalbe of force sufficient to expell from my heart that franticke humour loue in despight of the goddesse and her blind
you whether you will see the ruine of your countrie or receaue your Prince as rightfull heire and deliuer that vsurper Flodericus into my handes I craue but right as your selues can iudge wherefore let me haue answere to my content and haue peace or otherwise stand vpon your defence for this is my resolute determination The nobles of Saxonie which were friendes to Andrugio and the commons were ioyfull at the hart to heare the duke report the cause of his comming hoping that God had sent him to cure that heauie griefe of heart which generally they indured But the contrarie part was not a little appaled to heare this newes wherefore they craue some time to determine of their answere To which he willingly consenteth giuing two dayes libertie for the same in which time he demandeth to be resolued w tout longer delay that he might assure himselfe of peace or warre Thus hauing deliuered the cause of his comming hee departed to the campe where hee caused to be proclaymed that no souldier of what estate or condition soeuer shoulde commit anie maner of outrage against anie of the country whatsoeuer neither imbessell the goodes or cattels of them or any of them on paine of loosing his head The Duke hauing taken his leaue Flodericus was aduertised what hee demanded whose heart suspecting as much before as guiltie consciences be timorous was not a little greeued yet he considered that the right was none of his and therefore could not assure himselfe of his subiects who hated him for diuers causes Besides the life of Gonsalo whom he had caused to be murdered stroke a greater feare to his heart then before wherefore doubtfull what to doe at length resolueth by the citizens to returne the duke of Millaine his determinate answere for the which he speedily dispatcheth messengers vnto whome when they were all assembled he saith My louing friendes and countrimen the time is nowe come that God hath determined to cut me off no longer to gouerne you the which I haue long expected yet had not grace to lament my life past wherefore his rod is readie lifted vp against me and my house whose ruine is at hand which euer hath bene noble now shall it be made miserable and ignoble my selfe the cause which haue procured the same Ah my Lord Andrugio my cruell dealinges with thee and thine neuer departed out of my remembrance no neuer slept I without the remembrance of thee anâ— thy vertuous Ladie whose life in most traiterous wise I conspired But woe is me and accursed bethe time I 〈◊〉 violence against my Lord and his But my friends and louing Countrimen it is not nowe time to holde you with talke onelie resolue what is to bee done for your safetie whose liues and welfare you shall see is more deare then mine owne for my hainous offence committed against you in spilling the bloud of many your friendes to attaine this place of honour wherin Tyrant like I haue gouerned you which I most heartily beseech you to pardon For mine owne life I esteeme not but yeeld my self willinglie to death for yâ—â—r securitie yet my good friendes though I perish shew mercie to my children who are innocent of my hainous 〈◊〉 and preserue their liues which may prooue better then the father and regarde the honour of their Auâ—cestours which I 〈◊〉 respected This is the summe of my request which if you graunt my death shall be much more welcâ—â—e vnto me to which I must perforce submit me you know my minde aduertise the Duke of Millaine of what I haue determined seeke your owne securitie and let me perish with the sword that haue made the offence The nobles citizens that hard his sorrowful proces albeit they hated him to the death was moued with 〈◊〉 of his ruthfull tale and grieued for his children pretending to become humble suters for them yet commanded they a guard to be kept about the court vntill the Duke was entered that none of them might escape to auoyde displeasure Hauing set all thinges in order The nobles who before had determined to receaue him in very braue maner departed the citie to the Campe of the Duke who hearing by an embassadour before dispatched of their comming came out to meete them whome on their knees the Lordes and Citizens beseeche of mercie and in their Dukes behalfe whose by right it was to enter the citie and receiue the gouernment Small intreatie serued to perswade the Duke who sought not their harmes in any sort wherefore taking direction for his armies acompanied with the chiefest of hys traine and Captaines he entered the citie where hee was royally entertained and conducted to the Courte where Flodericus and his company with sorrowe attended the sentence of death The duke being thus with honor in their princes behalf entertained gaue thankes vnto them all exhorting them to continue trusty and faithfull to their duke and his lawful inheritor assuring them that God who had euer defended the right would alwaies fauour the innocent and subuert the Traitor Great ioy was there throughout the region of Saronie for this happy tydings where Alphonsus son and heir to Andrugio was proclaimed duke at which euery man reioysed The Duke seeing all thinges brought in such happy maner to his content saw that the people in faithfull wise were linked to the prince he discharged the most of his soldiers and gaue order to his nobles for the prince Alphonsus whome with the Duchesse he commanded with all expedition y t might be should come to receiue their right aduertising them by letters of his good successe and how the peoples heartes were bent to honor them This done he commanded Flodericus to be brought to his presence whome honorablie he vsed commanding him to sit down by him where hee declared how vnhonorablie he had dealt by his noble friend Duke Andrugio in exiling him and his children vsurping his right whereunto he had no tytle with many examples howe God had punished the like offences in many and that doubtlesse God would punish an offence so hainous on him and his posteritie Flodericus whose conscience accused him of as much as the Duke had said could not excuse his fault which was too well knowen neither did he craue life for himselfe for that he expected the contrarie but besought the Duke howsoeuer it should please his excellencie to deale with him to take compassion on his tender children whom he hoped woulde become good subiectes and being warned by his vnhappie fall prooue faithfull to the estate for euer The Duke whose heart was mooued to pitie taking no pleasure in his death neither the subuâ—rtion of his house which was alwaies noble wherefore showing his noble mind and inclination to pitie pronounceth his dome on this maner Flodericus vsurper of the lawfull right and tytle of thy late liege Lord the honorable Duke Andrugio I do in requitall of thy dishonorable fact banish thee and thine from this thy natiue countrie of
Saxonie neuer to returne vpon paine of death vnlesse it shal please God thou find the duke and canst intreat him to come and inioy his right and gouernment of this countrie thy children and lady after tenne yeares to inioy their patrimonie what euer become of thee Fourtie daies libertie I giue thee to prouide things beseeming thy estate after which time not to be seene in this dominion vpon paine of thy life Flodericus hearing the iudgement of the Duke was ioyed at the heart to escape with life which had deserued death in the most extreamest maner wherefore humblie yeelding thankes for his gracious clemencie he departeth his presence The Duke hauing taken this order with Flodericus hearing Sextillius Gonsalo his sonne had not yet dislodged his campe sommoneth him by a Her aught to come and yeeld to his mercie or otherwise without fauour to receiue his desert the Her aught omitting no time til he came to y e campe of Sextillius deliuereth his message whoÌ„ Sextillius entertaineth honorablie and hauing heard what fauour the Duke had showed to Flodericus he standeth not now vpon tearms but made proclaimation that euery man should depart to his home and he himself would procure the Dukes pardon for them all or yeeld his life for them this done enerie man at the first warning glad to bee eased of their toile and more ioyful of their yoong Dukes returne presently depart with bag and baggage When Sextillius came before the Duke who had examined the cause of his insurrection to be in the reuenge of his father murdered by Flodericus hee was the sooner perswaded to receiue him to mercie wherefore in hope that he would become a dutifull subiect and acknowledge Alphonsus sonne and heire to Andrugio his lawfull prince and show the like signe of obedience he pardoneth his fault honorablie entertaineth him pardoning also al such as had offended with him Sextillius seeing the noble minde of the Duke of Myllaine humbly thanketh his excellencie for this vndeserued fauour taking oath for his loyaltie had leaue to depart at his pleasure The fortunate successe of y e Millain Duke was brought vnto the Duchesse Susania whose heart you may suppose was not alitle ioy full to heare the same wherefore according to y t dukes pleasure she hastneth to him with as much speede as might be All thinges for their iourney being ready the Duchesse with the prince Alphonsus her sonne geuing great thanks to the Duchesse for her friendship shewed in their extremitie a happy gale began to blow which by the Nobles to the Duchesse declared she slacketh no opportunity but taking her leauâ— embarqueth her and her son to the port of her desire wherein shortly they arriued and was most honorably with great triumphes by her Nobles and commons entertained Thus the prince as lawfull inheritor being quietly possessed by the Duke of Millaine in his Dukedome they passed sometimes in pleasure riding to see the state of the countrie and vsing pastimes of recreation the Duke carefull to see his lady and countrie hauing seene all thinges finished to the young Dukes desire taking leaue of the Duchesse the prince and his Nobles betaketh himselfe to the sea where we leaue him homewarâ—s boâ—nd where he shortly arriued All thinges ordered according to desire on all partes nothing wanting but the Duke Andrugio for whome was not a litle sorrow throughout the whole Dukedome of whom curteous readâ—r if thou friendly accept this already written thou shalt if God permit heare more in the second part wherein thou shalt finde matter of much delight and not altogether vnprofitable In the mean time I craue thy friendly censure pardâ—n for such faultes as be coÌ„mitâ—◠〈…〉 or escaped by the prinâ—â—â— being not wel 〈…〉 my wryting Finis