gained so the loue of all the people that none of the retinue of his Lord was helde in such account of all estates as well of Nobles and Gentlemen of the countrie as the inferiour sort It fortuned this Lord Ieronymie hauing one onely sister wise beautifull and well gouerned hearing such generall commendation of Andrugio and amongst the rest her brother so highly to commend him in all places and at all times so that his common talke was euer to the credite of Andrugio which noted in the yoong ladie Messeliua for so was she called her affection began to encrease towards him in such wise that from a small sparke the fire of fancie began to grow to a great flame and her chiefe and onely delight was in beholding of her best beloued Andrugio yea her thoughtes were so setled vpon him that in the night she dreamed of him and in the day he was neuer out of her remembrance in so much that this passion increasing she began to growe into great extremities euermore deuising what meanes she might best worke to make her loue knowne vnto him now casting this doubt then another so that in no sort shee might settle her thoughtes how to bring her desires to effect in such maner as she might be void of suspition to the world and acquaint Andrugio with her secrete loues towardes him hauing not any friend of familiaritie to bee aduised by but her wayting woman of whose trust and fidelitie in such a waightie cause shee was not assured of Yet notwithstanding arming her selfe with hope the only comfort of the distressed she resolueth with her selfe a litle while longer to beare it out hoping that time and her courtesie vsed towards him might cause him to craue that which she could willingly and with all her heart offer him Andrugio on the top of his pleasure leading a life free from all incumbrances of body yet could not forget the loue he bare his Susania which howe often he called to minde the more began his sorrow yea such desire he had to see his best beloued that his whole studie and continuall care was how to accomplish the same in doubt of euerie occasion that might hinder his determination Thus betweene doubtfulnesse and dispaire liued this yoong prince discontented that he tooke no pleasure in keeping anie kinde of companie at all Such was his honourable minde with duetifull allegiance tied by the lincke of faith vnto his Lord who had freed him that he durst not for feare of deniall make any request for his fauour therein and to goe of his free-will he thought it villanie to requite with such ingratitude so honourable a man that loued him as his owne Well so long continued those passions abiding such grieuous tormentes of minde that his liuely collour began to waxe pale and wanne yea his bloud which was fresh and well beseeming dried and his bodie growne with continuall griefe into a faine sicknesse insomuch that his alteration was noted of all lamented of many that did know him but especiallie of the noble Lord Ieronimie and his sister Messalina who continually noted euerie sight and woulde oftentimes demand the cause of his sorrowe whiche by no meanes they could vse he would discouer But Lord Ieronimie as one carefull of his well doing woulde neuer be satisfied with such answeres as Andrugio would giue nor allow his excuses for trueth wherefore taking him one day into the fields of purpose to solace they spent their time in walking pleasantly discoursing vntill the Lord Ieronimie comming to a pleasant medowe bedecked with natures ornamentes as much as they had seene which viewing they both censured of the bewtie of the field one commending the delightful smell of floures the other the situation of the place which was most excellent neere vnto the edge of one side running a most pleasant christall streame which bubling ouer the round Poples gaue a sweete noyse to the hearers vpon the side whereof was growing a rowe of moste exceeding fine poplar trees which ouershadowed the place as it was most pleasant This place aboue the rest that they had chanced on Lord Ieronimie those to solace himself in as also fit for his purpose wherefore commanding Andrugio to sit down by him like a louing kind Lord hee began to participate with Andrugio in this wise Andrugio mine owne Andrugio I haue long sought fit opportunitie to haue secret conference with thee and hauing found place and time for the same be not moued that I growe into those speaches which I haue to vse considering that they bespoken of loue and not maliciously First my Andrugio whiche I haue to say vnto thee is this I haue since our comming from the mariage of my liege the Emperours daughter noted many a sad and heauie countenance in thee which I knowe argueth a discontented mind proceeding as my coÌ„iecture assureth me of loue now Andrugio as I freed thee from the bondage of y e turks vnknowne if there be anie such cause feare not to make it known vnto me I haue vowed to pleasure thee al y t I may stand not therfore on nise tearms but let me know y e dame whom thou hast made choyse of to gouerne thy affections and if I seeke not all possible meanes for thy heartes content accuse me euer of dishonour and holde me the moste wretched vile creature on the earth Andrugio hearing this discourse of his Lordes which he least looked for could not well on the sodaine tell how to answere for that he was not assured whether he spake vpon surmise or that he had some secret knowledge of his loue to Susania yet thinking to hasard his credite with Lord Ieronimie he answereth My gracious Lord what humble thanks my heart rendereth for so great fauours my toonge cannot declare But gracious Lord where fortune hath placed an extraordinarie want their wil shal supplie the defects of wealth loyaltie performe that whiche my meane abilitie can neuer put in practise The tree that bringeth foorth no fruite is good for fuell and stones are not to be valued by an outward view but an inward vertue Prometheus did consture wel of the workes of Lycias and I hope my gratious Lord will not misconsture the will of Andrugio but rather to cast an eye to my secret willingnesse then to looke for merites which I cannot manifest what I finde noble Lord by experience the time and place forbids me to participate least I be accused of flatterie yet what I conceiue I leaue to your honourable coniecture which I cannot any way discipâ—er onely this alwaies accompt Andrugio is your duetifull and loyall seruaunt vntill death which hee hath vowed by the true band of friendship neuer to violate Thus finding in my selfe a will that shall neuer wauer a faith vnfained and a life vowed to perpetuall loyaltie Hoping that as Protagenes was excused for his vnperfect pictures by doing what he could so also shall I finde your Lordshippes fauour since I
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 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
promise the performance of anie thing I may But my good Lord touching your demand I beseeche you thinke thus that if there were any thing which disturbed my quiet of heart I should aboue all for many considerations acquaint your Lordship with the same but loue as your Lordship censured it is not but as I can best conceaue of mine owne griefe a melancholicke passion naturally proceeding of desire to see my natiue countrie my prince and friends to whome it is altogether vnknown what is become of me whether I liue or rest with death Besides my good Lord I liue heere a meere stranger in high fauour reaping the benefite of your honourable countenance more then any man whiche as I am stranger may make me dread the spight of some one or other enuying your Lordships will when noting my vnworthinesse for so great benefites may seeke my confusion Thus my good Lord haue I in the humblest maner I may made knowne vnto your Lordship the greatest and of what I say for that it is spoken in trueth Andrugio answered his Lord I take thy wordeas a warrant for what thou sayest assure thee on my honour that as thou art a stranger thy welcome is the greater I neither yet haue deserued at thy handes suche loue as thou professest me but assure thee hee shall not liue in bondes of my royaltie that shall enuie Andrugio or seeke to doe him the least wrong which may be offered a man Therefore surcease thy heauinesse and set feare apart for of a Lord I wil become a father vnto thee and a friend vnto thy friends and louers Time calleth vs nowe homeward wherefore I will detayne thee no longer Andrugio glad at the heart his counterfait answere was taken for currant thought himselfe the happiest of manie this communication was ended and with a better will followed his Lord home then we can imagine as glad he had escaped the suspition of his maister as the scholler that feareth beating for his lesson but nowe to returne to madam Melissina This Ladie whose heart Cupid hath made a prisoner vnto his dutie sought manie times opportunitie to ease her griefe by all the occasions she could imagine but none that she durst attempt for feare diuers times she determineth one meane and fully resolueth to followe it then the doubt of some contrary accident driueth her into dispayre combating thus in the extremities of her heart deuising what was best to bring her desires to effect Venus seeing her so firme and constant a souldier lending a little ayd to comfort her prouideth this shift There was attending on a Lady a neighbour of the Lord Ieronimie a Gentlewoman in Saxonie borne with whome for countries sake Andrugio grewe something familiarly acquainted with this gentlewoman did Ladie Melissina seeke also to haue familiaritie and on the sodaine began to accompanie her Ladie so often that with her repayre she grewe into great friendship with her waiting Gentlewowan so much thâ—t there might no day stape her without visiting her nâ—we acquainted friend VVhen Melissina had with great fauours and bountie wonne this Gentlewoman to bee her friende walking in a garden neere adioyning to her brothers house the brake with her in this sorâ—e Elenora for so was she named I haue seene thy honest kind demeanor as well to straungers as to thy Lady and friendes that prooue thy loue and of all of what estate or calling foeuer of our owne countrie I haue for thy good behauiour made choise of thee as of one to whom my hart hath linked her â—elfe in bond of true friendship aboue all other Yf thou canst therefore my sweete Elenora thinke but the like of me I protest vnto thee from this time to the end of my life I wil be a second Elenora honor thee as my self vsing thee as if thou wert Melissina speak therfore my friendly companion if my offer be acceptable resolue me for I long to heare thy answere Elenora which had receiued great friendshippe at the handes of this Lady knowing shee was of honour and of great reputation thought her selfe happie to liue in the sociâ—tie of so noble a Lady Yet notwithstanding the fauour offered with humble and â—utifull reuerence as one knowing full well how to behaue her selfe returned this answer My honorable Lady how acceptable your gracious ofter is vnto your seruant I hope your wisedome will conceiue far vnwoorthy I am to participate with so honorable a Lady in such familiarity as it hath pleased you to make offer But seeing it standeth with your fauour to make choise of one so simple as I am a Gentlewoman of meane parentage and a straunger borne with all dutie I commit my selfe vnto your Ladiships disposition protesting that for euer Elenora is and shall be the dutifull attendant of Madame melissina truely and faithfully to serue you in all reuerence as becommeth so noble a lady to the which by the Gods that framed me I sweare Ynough my Elenora quoth Maddam Melissyna geue me thy hand to performe thy saying and hereafter leaue to vse these tearmes of reuerence to thy Melyssina who hath in friendship vnited her selfe vnto thee supposing the shape of Elenora to be transformed to Melyssina and Melissina to Elenora And now Elenora to make proofe of that which I hope to finde in thee I must impart vnto thee according to my trust reposed in thy secrâ—cie a matter of no small waight with which Elenora I commit my honor life and reputation which if I loued thee not I â—ould for euer conceale as I haue long done from discloasing thereof to any friend whatsoeuer yet dooth it concerne me neere To make many words my Elenora is but to fill the aire with winde and spend time which we may hardly doo for feare thou bee of thy Lady missed and therefore briefy sweete Elenora I loue yea loue I doo with the most entire affection and desire of my heart one with whome I knowe thy selfe to bee familiar with whom my selfe cannot be acquainted yet I haue offered many courtesies and offers of friendshyp which hee regardeth not This is the somme I haue to say onely I omit his name vntill I heare thy answere Elenora seeing by her countenance that she meant what she said striken in a dumpe began to studie an answere for for feare her rash proffer might breede cause of repentance that shee had a louer of her own whome shee was loth to spare to Madam Melissina although she loued her well yet after a pause taken hazarding her word she vowed deuoutly to conceale whatsoeuer should be vttered and with her best counsell and greatest paines labour to bring her desire to effect Melissina hauing made sure worke with Elenora was halfe comforted and without any more protestations told her that Andrugio a seruant to the Lord Ieronymie her countriman was the man whom she fancied aboue all the creatures that euer her eies behâ—ld But such is his strange condition that
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
shedding of tears but standing mute a long time as one in a trance on the suddaine comming to himselfe he inquyred the cause of her death and how it came to passe whereof none in the companie could aduertise him wherefore accusing his owne follies and light beleefe hee supposed that his bytter wordes vsed in disgrace and slander of her honest life to be the causâ— thereof But dissembling his griefe he presently departed to his owne house and sending for those two Gentlemen which had made the complaint vnto him of his sister and Andrugio taking them into his chamber as if he had in secrete to impart vnto them he stabbed them both to the end they should not in like sort as they had to him acquaint others with the slander of his sister and Andrugio Taking order for Madam Melissina her buriall according to her estate he kept his chamber long time and would not be seene or spoken to of any body whatsoeuer in the midst of these sorrowes he often thought of Andrugio who lay in most pitifull miserie almost starued for want of foode by his owne command which when hee considered dreading the punishment of God for his light beleefe and massacring those he had slaine besides his sisters death more neere vnto him then all the rest he commaunded Andrugio to be dispossest from all the substance he had and to bee clothed in such base apparell as he found him in beeing prisoner in the Turkes Gallies and sent him into freesland to a friend of his a Nobleman whome in his letters he earnestly desired to inflict some grieuous torment vppon Andrugio This Noble man not knowing any cause but at Ieronymie his request kept him as a drudge in his kitchin to doo his slauerie and for all kind of cariage for the prouision of his house he made him to drawe home like a horse vppon fleids shooing him of purpose in wooden shooes with long calkes of yron for slyding on the yse in this miserie liued Andrugio the tearme of two yeares with greate penurie still accusing Fortune that would not as wel commaund his life to be taken from him and so end his calamities as to aggrauate his paines dayly to inflict new punishmentes on him too much for a man to indure and enough for a beast Traueiling thus with his â—leids from place to place there chaunced a countrie man of his a traueiler wanting in the towne where Andrugio was a common â—leid which caried passengers he requested Andrugio whom hee vnderderstood dwelled within a mile or two where his businesse lay that he might passe with him Andrugio vnderstanstanding by his speech that he either was of Saxonie or neere there bordering tooke him in and curteously entertained him and passing on their iourney enquired from whence he was who answered he was of Saxonie This word began to renue a liuely collour in the face of miserable Andrugio who thought now to heare the certaine newes how all things did stand of the health of his father the duke wherefore he began as a straunger that did know little to enquire of the gouernment of the country which the stranger curteously tolde him adding withall the death of the Duke with their sorrowe for the losse of so noble a Prince These wordes caused Andrugio to shead teares most piteously which was noted of his passenger which demaunded the cause of his suddaine heauines Andrugio excusing the matter said that he could not choose but lament their losse who shoulde want so good a Iusticer as hee reported that Duke to be demaunded further if hee left no children behind him to succeede him and how the countrie was gouerned My friend quoth the Saxon but that griefe will not permit me to discours it I could tel thee as lameÌ„table a historie as euer thy eares haue heard but answering thy demandes I beseech thee of friendship to pardon mee the rest Trueth is my friend our Duke hauing one sonne of wit pregnanâ— in learning forward and of personage for his time peerelesse This yoong prince in wofull time we may all say that liue in this grieued countrie of Saxonie desirous to learne knowledge craued licence to study at the Vniuersitie of Siena whether he had leaue to goe accompanied with diuers yoong Nobles of our country and Gentlemen of great name who most vntimely lost their liues as they traueiled thorow Germany and he only left aliue yet in great danger but recouering his health he departed to Siena and from thence no man knoweth whether nor none can tell whether he liue or no yet hath there bene great inquirie made for him in many countries His Dukedome in his absence is gouerned by sixe lordes of the countrie in very good order vnto whome not long since there came a braue Gallant from the Vniuersitie of Siena to enquire of the good health of our Dukes sonne named Andrugio for that as the report showeth they were bedfellowes and sworne friendes in Siena But when he found not my Lord Andrugio and was truely aduertised that they had not seene him since his being at Siena with great griefe he lamented his absence and vowed neuer to leaue trauell vntill hee found him or had some certaine newes of him so leauing his name which as I can remember was Galastio sonne vnto the Duke of millaine hee departed to the great sorrow of our Nobles who perswaded him earnestly to leaue the hazard of so bad a match Andrugio who had with no litle grief harkened to this could not forbeare the shedding of teares most aboundantlie which the traueiler pitied to se least doubting that which afterwards happened Andrugio with much a doo drieng vp the conduites of his weeping eies vnto the talke of the traueiler thus answered Then good my friend quoth hee if your dwelling bee within the Dukedome of Saxonie as you make report tell me I beseech you how you came by the knowledge of this that you haue made relation I wil requite you if I may Yea quoth the traueiler I was borne in â—he Dukedome and from my childbyrth brought vp y e citie where the Duke kept his court What I say is full well knowen vnto mee My father a Gentleman of his Graces retinue while he liuen whome I haue daily seene with teares to bewaile the death of this good Duke and with no litle sorrow lament his sonnes absence Tell me then friend how if it shoulde be thy chance to meet the dukes sonne what fauour wouldst thou doe him if his want were great couldst thou anie way relieue him or in what sorce wouldest thou deale with hym Sir quoth hee if my hope were suche to finde him I were the happiest creature of my whole progenie and so shoulde repute my selfe and great fauour should I gaine in my country if I might but bring certain newes of his life or death to whome I would willingly as my dutie and leache Lord impart what I haue or can by my acquaintance marchantes of our
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
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
lead with a vaine hope of conquest vndertooke the warres against Arsaces king of the Parthians in which warres himselfe was miserably slame with twenty thousand of his men and ten thousand taken prisoners Marcus Marlius was for the like occasion throwne downe from a rocke and brake his necke Oh that men would consider the fruits of ambition who would then willingly offend for as the wise man saith coÌ„paring them to smoke dispersed with the wind desire nothing more then to runne out their race in continuall cares and miseries and calamities depriuing themselues of all liberty and which is worst pawning their soules to an eternall and moste miserable thraldome Thus let vs detest ambition whiche is an infinite euill and companion of pride so muche hated of God and men let vs consider that wise precept whiche is written by the learned Tarian to Plutarcke I enuie sayde this good Prince Scipio Africanus and Marcus Porcinus more for their contempt of offices then for the victories they haue gotten because a conquerour is for the moste part in fortunes power but the contempt of officers and refusall of honours consisteth onely in preiudice let vs marke well this one saying of Titus who vsing continuall sithinges at meate and elswhere being demanded the cause said I cannot keepe my selfe from sighing and complaining when I call to minde that this great honour which I haue is not certaine but moueable that my estates and dignities are in sequestration and my life as it were layde in pawne or pledged vnto me Let the saying of the good Philip Prince of Macedonie be well noted of great men who one day falling in a place where wrestling was exercised beholding his bodie printed in the dust good Lord quoth he how litle ground must we haue by nature and yet we desire all the habitable world Thus Andrugio in thy sollitarie life thou must hauing nought els to do call to minde what in studie thou hast read and in the bitter griefe of thy heart bewayle them that liue in those daies of miquitie and note how God suffereth all sortes of people to raygne giuing triall by his aboundant giftes to all estates some to rule some to obey some to wealth some to want some to sickenesse and all to proue either their aspiring heartes by promotions or their patience by trouble whereof thou Andrugio hast iust experience whiche being yoong in respect of the aged for yeares hast continually tasted the rod of hys wrath yet thankes to him that frameth my heart to beare with patience this crosse of pouertie for in the ende shall it fall out with me the better in this contented life shall I be better pleased then with al the aboundance of the world for riches prouoke manie infirmities which worldlings thinke not vppon especially to the couetous minded of whome Aristotle saith the couetous man desireth to haue from all parts without reason and vniustly withholdeth that which belongeth to another he is sparing and scantiue in giuing but excessiue in receauing the couetous man is neuer contented but the more he hath y e more desireth the medicine golde and siluer which he seeketh increaseth his disease as water doth the dropsie and may most rightly be compared to mules which carrie vpon their backes great store of gold and treasure yet eat nothing but hay They indure labour in procuring but want the pleasure of inioying they inioy neither rest nor libertie whiche is of wise men moste desired but liue alwaies like slaues to their riches Their greatest miserie is that to increase and keepe their wealth they care neither for equitie nor iustice yea for riches they contemne both God and man and all threatninges and punishmentes God hath pronounced against them they liue without friendship and charitie and lay hold on nothing but gaine when they are placed in authoritie aboue others they condemne the innocent and finde alwaies some cleanly cloke to their bribing making no difference betwixt iustice and profite wherefore we may well say that couetousnesse is the roote of all euill for what mischiefe is there not procured through this vice from whence springes quarrels strifes sutes hatred and enuie theftes polling sacking warres murders and poysoninges but from hence God is forgotten our neighbours hated yea manie times the sonne forgiueth not the father nor the brother the brother nor the subiect the Lord for desire of gaine O execrable impietie to be well thought of amongest vs it causeth men to breake their faith giuen to violate all friendship to betray their countrie and subiects to rebell against their Prince but note how manie mischiefes couetousnesse hath attempted Mulcasses king of thiues had his eyes by hys owne sonne put out that he might cease vppon his riches Polimnestor sonne to Priamus of Troy slew his kinsman Polidorus to gaine golde for the which Queene Hecuba comming vnto him without anie shewe of discontentment hauing him alone in a chamber with the helpe of her women thrust out his eyes The Emperour Caligula was so muche touched with couetousnesse that there was no meane to get money how vnlawfull soeuer it were which he sought not out insomuch that he layd a tribute vppon Vrine and solde his sisters gownes whome he had banished yet in one yeare of his raigne he spent prodigally 67. millions of gold which Tyberius his predecessour had gathered together I call now to minde the remedie of a couetous cardinall who vsed when his horsekeepers had giuen otes to his horses to come downe all alone by a trap dore without light into the stable and steale their otes and carried them into his Garner whereof hee kept the key himselfe so long as he continued this goinges and comminges that one of his horsekeepers not knowing who was the theefe hid himself in the stable and taking him at the deed doing with a pitchforke so basted him that he left hym for dead so that he was faine to be carried by foure men into his chamber These with manie other examples may moue vs to open the inward meaning of the heart by true prayer to the giuer of all goodnesse and learne with modestie the heaping vp of worldly treasures for godlinesse with contentation is great gaine and let all Christians procure that God may be worshipped duetie and reuerence giuen to superiours concord be amongest equalles discipline to be vsed towards inferiours patience towards enemies mercie towardes the poore but men puft with pride ambition couetousnesse and al vile sinnes shew themselues ingratefull to God their maker a vice odious in the sight of God and men for note first Adam hauing an vnthankefull miâ—de to his creator did eat the forbidden fruite contrary to his expresse commandement to whome he owed all obedience thus as by his ingratitude he neglected his obedience to his Lord so his punishment was according to the maner of his offence for his owne spirites which were before at his commandement rebelled against him and led him to
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