the young Knight their first acquaintance should be the man The day come when as the Lists were made without the Towne the Iudges appointed old Seleucius Vncle to Antissius and the honest Captaine Lisandrinus were the Iudges for their side on the other were the Admirall and Marshall of Romania The Gates were all set open and free libertie giuen euerie one to passe where hee listed onely inioyn'd to goe vnarm'd The first that entred into the field was the King on each hand of him his two Companions in fight before him six men bare-headed one carrying his Helme three other his Speares the two last his Sword and Sheild his Armour was greene floured with Gold the furniture to his Horse of the same colour cut into Garlands of Laurell and embroidered with Gold but so artificially ioynd together as they seemd when the Horse stird to rise as ready to crowne each part of his conquest In his Shield he had a crowne of Bayes held vp by a Sword Word he had none so as it seemd he staid for that till his hoped for victorie had prouided one for him The other Knights were both alike in Watchet and Gold their deuices a blew Cloud out of which sparkled fire But then came the honour of his sexe neuer enough admired and belou'd Amphilanthus his Armour was white fillited with Rubies his furniture to his Horse Crimson embroydred with Pearle his Shield with the sameâ— deuice from which hee tooke his name Steriamus according to his fortune was in Tawny wrought all ouer with blacke As they were entring a braue Gentleman in a murry Armour fillited with Diamonds his furniture richly wrought with Siluer and Gold came to Amphilanthus vsing these words My Lord your worth cannot bee hid though you haue obscured your name they both but the former most ties mee to be your seruant and as the first fauour I shal receiue beg the honor of being third in this braue exploit not that I am so ignorant as to thinke my selfe worthy of being your Companion but wholly out of ambition to serue you Amphilanthus looking vpon him seeing the richnes of his Armes and the brauerie of his Personage being as comely and strongâ— set as euer hee had seene any made him this answer Sir the honor is mine to gaine so braue a Companion and friend wherein I reioyce and in place of your loue to me giue you mine which is and shall be firme vnto you and with all my heart embrace your offer to bee the third not now doubting of the victorie hauing so happy a beginning Then they imbraced and taking him on the left hand of him and Steriamus on the right they went on to the Iudges and all sixe meeting together speaking some few wordes one to another they parted to meete neuer more to part on some sides Amphilanthus encountred one of the Watchet Knights Steriamus the King and the Forrest Knight so being called because of his Deuice which was a great and pleasant Forrest most pleasantlie set forth as the cunning of the rarest Painter could deuise met the other watchet knight The first Knight lost his Stirrop else there was no aduantage on any side and thus they continued the three courses then lighting and drawing their swords there grew the cruellest and yet delightfullest Combate if in cruelty there can be delight that Martiall men euer performed or had beene seene by iudging eyes for neuer was courage magnanimity valour skill and nimblenesse ioyn'd better together so as indeed a Kingdome was too low a prize for such a Combate Long it continued till the Knight of Loue disdaining one man should hold out so long with him gaue him such a wound in the head as therewith he fell downe dead at his feete At the same instant the King gaue Steriamus a great hurt in the body but he was quickly paid with a wound in the belly which gaue him his discharge and freed him from any more trouble of ruling or obeying The Knight of the Forrest seeing his Companions good fortune knew it his part to accompany them so as with a surely giuen stroke the head of the other and last knight fell to kisse his feete Steriamus was carried presently into the Towne where by the helpe of a good Chyrurgion he was soone recouered The Iudges all in face glad howsoeuer some of their hearts were affected came to them who with the rest presently proclaymed Antissius King who was by the people receiued with much ioy at the Coronation which was within short time Antissius created the Generall Duke of Neapolis and Lysandrinus Duke of Selybria All things being in quiet the Knight of Loue would needes returne into â—orea to see things fitting for Steriamus and to accompany him in his Conquest With him went the Knight of the Forrest betweene whom grew so strict a bond of Friendship as was neuer to be broken they two lying together in one roome Steriamus in another by reason of his hurt Amphilanthus in the night often turn'd and turning still did end with sighes The Forrest Knight perceiu'd it yet let him alone till the morning when being ready to rise My onely friend said he Your last nights ill rest made mine vnpleasing to me and most because mine ignorance hinders me from being able to serue you I cannot be yet so bold to demand the cause since what proofe haue you of me that I should thinke you might esteeme mee worthy of such a fauour Yet this you may be confident of that death shall ceaze me before I refuse to venter life to obtaine your desires and lose it rather then reueale any secret you shall impart to me Amphilanthus answer'd that he saw vnexpected good happen to him in al things especially in this blessed frieÌ„dship but in that which he most sought for nor would I conceale the cause of this my paine from you were it once discouer'd to her from whom I suffer it but till then I must conceale it and you I hope on this occasion will excuse me and for proofe of your accepting this for that which it is being truth tell me your loue and fortune in it which shall binde me to confidence and ingage me to the relation of mine My Lord said he to satisfie you which is the all of my wishes vnderstand that my poore selfe onely rich in the honour of being your friend hunting one day in a great forrest my Father the king of Bohemia and many other Princes of Germanie being assembled It was my fortune following the sport more eagerly then the rest to goe so farre from my company as I was left in the woods all night there I tooke my lodging resting free from passion if not rage for wanting iudgement so to be lost In this night and middest of it for I wak'd with the dreame and found it was not day me thought I saw a Creature for shape a woman but for excellencie such as all the rarenesin that sexe curiously and
so he is the treasure of all hellish properties the best of his qualities which are smooth fashion and eloquent speech turnd and imployd to no other vse then flattery and deceitfull glozings These worke on my father and so haue they their part in me hee beleeues and loues him I perceiue and hate him but which workes most with my father is that he so much seemes to desire me out of affection as he sayes that hee will take mee with nothing such affection and fondnesse my father beares and carries ouer a young sister of mine as to make her Princesse of his Ilands he consents to giue mee to this Prince of wickednesse I hauing no meanes to saue my selfe from the destruction this loathed match would bring me I went to this Lord mine Vncle to whom I declared my misfortune and ensuing ruine if I did marry so Hee taking pitie on me conueyed me thence with these Knights and Ladies whose affections to me are such as not to leaue me in such distresse but accompany mee rather in aduenture of ill then assured ill but alas what shall I say I am the miserablest of women if I fall into his hands againe which I hope you will keepe me from I was by the aduice of these my friends put into the search of Amphilanthus the honour of Knights of Parselius Rosindy Perissus Steriamus or Selarinus all which are famous men whose honours shine equally and either of whose assistance had been assured gaine but some of them are as I perceiued by one I met so farre off and there in such imployment as I ventur'd not to obtaine their fauours after I met a knight who told mee Amphilanthus and Perissus with the valliant Ollorandus were gone into Morea wherefore thither I purposed to goe but a storme tooke me casting me vpon this place where I haue gaind this happinesse as I hope it to my selfe by finding you wherefore I pray honour me with telling me who you are Most worthie Ladie said hee since you had desire to haue some of these named Knights you may thinke your fortune the worse in finding mee and putting confidence in mee so farre short of those Princes wherefore I would desire to conceale my name till my actions may allow the bold discouerie of it let mee then I beseech you bee so fauoured by this second honour as to giue mee leaue onely to bee called your Knight till I merit by my seruice to you your knowing more of mee Shee granted his request verily imagining him to be some of them by his speech and thereupon her comfort increased Then did she bestow a very rich and costly armour on him his owne hauing been but hardly vs'd by a curst but ouerthrowne enemy which hapned in this manner After he had left Athens and at his returne receiud the honour of knighthood it was his determination to seeke his brother Parselius and to that purpose he pass'd through his fathers Countries vnknowne not leauing any aduenture vnattempted wherein hee might make triall of his force which hee made so good testimony of as he was feared in all those parts being calld the Knight of the Speare by reason he carried the figure of one in his sheild as he did that shape on his arme but hearing no newes of his brother hee tooke to the sea and among the many Ilands it was his fortune in Metelin to win and loose where his greatest honour he obtaind his freedome hee lost happening thus Passing by a strait way into a faire meadow hee saw a maruellous rich and costly Pauillion placed about it many Tents and before them all a shining Pillar of Gold whereon were written these words The worthiest Knight and Seruant to the fairest Lady defends this and the honour of themselues against any bold man that dares gaine-say the worth or beauty of them He scorning such presumption strake vpon the Pillar whereupon one came to him telling him his Lord would soone encounter him Straight came he forth being one of the cruellest and hard-fauoredst men that could be a man and no monster his bignes extraordinary his fiercenesse such as could not be withstood with ordinary strength armed he was with plates of yron and his horse answerable to his master in all things so as an excellent choice was made as if both framd for one another and neuer were two beasts better matched none fit to ride the one but he who was fittest to be master of the other This creature came with a troope of his vassals before him for so he calld them into the field each of them carrying the Sheilds and Helmets of those knights he had conquered before that Pillar all which they placed in order as they were wonne but for his greater glory on the ground Then aduanced he to the Greeke Prince scornefully pitying him who so boldly ventured his youth against such an experienced conquerour But hee in whom vertuous modesty liu'd mixt with manly strength only desired the fight rather then discourse so they ran one against the other with such comlinesse fiercenesse and strength as in either part was seene rightly placing those properties The Prince had his Helme strooke off the other was run thorow the shoulder part of the staffe staying in him withall he fell from his horse but being recouerd and seeing the danger the other was fallen into by losse of his Helme he in regard of that forgot his hurt and with furious rage set vpon the Prince who couering himselfe with his Sheild as nobly and brauely defended himselfe they fought till the bloud ran as fast from their wounds as dropps from a louers eyes comming from as heart-bleeding a cause for at last the Monster was killed and the Prince taken out of the field for dead but who except loue could be such a Chirurgion for whether was hee brought but to the Princesse who lay but one league thence an excellent Chirurgion and as excellent a Ladie who so carefully tended him as hee in short time recouered but to a more lasting paine for fauour and cures bringing tormenting wounds shee put balme to the hurts giuen by the enemy but shee a friend foe-like did make much deeper and more harmefull ones piercing the heart which in the fight kept it selfe secure now fallen into extremitie of losse but what was gaind besides this danger and threatning ruine for the younger sister cald Erinea fell inamord with him and so passionate was she of him as she ran to her father cast her selfe at his feete besought him to get that stranger for her or to see her soone buried He whose fondnesse was and is without expression vowed to satisfie her The Prince got notice of it and so priuately stole away his affections being gratefully and passionately placed on the other kindnesse wounding and bringing loue Then passed he where he heard still of the flourishing fame of his kindred lastly his Brothers losse which hee gaind by the meeting of the Squire Clorinus
followes We had as many such meetings as true or fained meanes could compasse vs â—till our miserie was such as this wild man her husband whether out of true consideration of his great vnworthines or proceeding from his froward disposition I know not grew iealous an humour following base minds as readily as thunder doth the lightning then had he rashnes to accompany the other which fram'd a determinatioÌ„ which was soone altered froÌ„ that name by performance that she should stay no longer with her father but go with him to his own house this I had notice of but all that we could doe could not hinder the accomplishing his will and saue her honour which to me more deere then mine owne life was esteemed But the night before her going I came thither where I found the accustomed entertainement he vsing me with al shew of respect which in that kind I embraced our hearts being as farre from meaning truth in giuing or accepting as truth is from bare complement but greatnesse in me made him vse it and care in me of my better selfe receiue it my heart swelling with hate and scorne euen almost to breaking when I did see him That night I saw her and but spake to her so curiously her husband watched vs yet could he not keepe our eies but by them we did deliuer our soules he onely able to keepe her daintie body in his wicked prison The next day they went and so went all worth with this odd man to haue her delicacy kept like a Diamond in a rotten box yet she considering it to be to no purpose to contend where she was miserably bound to obey obserued him as well as she could bring her spirit to consent to yet did he begin for her welcome to grow curst to her with her Seruants he first began finding or better to say framing occasions to be rid of them all placing of his owne about her which she suffered onely contenting her selfe with the memorie of our Loues yet wanting the true content which was in our conuersation shee grew sad and keeping much within grew pale her rosie cheekes and lippes changing to wannesse but this was all the change her noble heart free from such a sinne This was but part of her affliction still vexing her sweete disposition with speaking slightly of me and then telling her of her loue to me which brought her to that passe as at last I was not named but she would blush then would he reuile her and vilely vse her but she patiently and silently bare all not suffering me to haue notice of it lest it might as it should haue done moue mee to reuenge her wrong for my sake endured Thus it rested she restlesly bearing all the ills that froward Nature mixt with peeuish and spitefull iealousie could afflict vpon the purest mind vsing no other meanes but gentle and mild perswasions which wrought no more in him but that still his madnesse increased Now was his house not farre from the way which I must passe betweene the Campe and the great Citie of Siracusa being one of the chiefe of that kingdome and which at that time had yeelded it selfe againe vnto the King I hearing Philargus for so was this vnworâ—hie man called was at his house with his truly vertuous wife whom my soule longed to see I resolued to lodge there that night not alas mistrusting the misfortune but coueting to see her whom more then my heart I loued or lou'd my heart the better for being hers So I went thither where I was by him exceedingly well welcom'd in outward shew though his meaning was contrary which I should haue found had his diuelish plots bin readie Iealousie hauing now blinded him to all good nature or iudgement She poore Lady poore onely in this fortune sad and grieu'd all her smiles turn'd into sighes and thinkings which made me feare and wonder wondring at the change of her beauty which yet in pâ—lenes shew'd excellency and feare I did lest my absence had offeÌ„ded herâ— but I was deceiu'd while I lest thought of the true cause or could imagine such villanie plotted against so rare perfections Desirous to know the cause I remain'd almost impatient not venturing to speake to her before her husbaâ—d for hurting her but he going out of the roome after wee had supped either to couer the flames which were ready to breake out in huge fires of his mistrust or to haue the company fitter for him affâ—cting stil to be chiefe his absence howsoeuer gaue me opportunitie to demaund the reason of her strangenesse She sigh'd to heare mee call it so and with teares told me the reason concluding and thus doe you see my Lord said she the torments I suffer for your loue yet do you more torture me with doubting me who haue no happines left me but the knowledge of my faith to you all afflictions being welcome to me which for your sake I suffer Betweene rage and paine I remain'd amazed till shee taking mee by the hand brought mee more wofully to my selfe with these words And yet am I brought to a greater mischiefe with that fixing her weeping eyes vpon mine which affectionately answered hers with lookes and teares I must my Lord said she intreate you to refraine this place since none can tell what danger may proceed from mad and vnbridled iealousie Refraine your sight Commaund me then to die said I Haue I deseru'd to be thus punish'd Shall his brutishnes vndoe my blessings yet this place I will since you will haue it so hoping you will find some meanes to let me know Philargus house is not in all places That I will doe or die said she Miserable wretch cry'd I art thou borne to such fortune as to haue this Lady loue thee and her vnmatched goodnes to suffer for one so worthlesse as thy selfe No no my Lord said she in this you wrong me and that iudgement which heretofore you said was in me since if you were vnworthy then my choice was vnperfect but you are worthie and I worthily chose you I lou'd you and constantly lou'd you and in this doeâ— I best allow of my owne iudgement I hope that loue is not cleane gone cri'd I my speech by loue directed to say thus nor will you forget me though from our most desired meetings we must be barred My loue my Lord said she had and hath too sure a ground to know remoue I too truly lou'd and doe loue you euer to forget it or to let it haue least shadow of lessening though vailed in absence but rather if increase can be where all is already possest it shall increase Loue liuing best where desert and sufferance ioyne together and for witnes of it take this said she bestowing her picture vpon me which is all the Limenas I shall now enioy or euer did more then her lou'd and best bâ—loued sight The case was blew commanding me withall to loue that color both because it was hers
willing to see the time when he might againe be blessed with Veralindas sight he went to bed folding his armes wishing his Mistrisse instead of her imagined selfe had been betweene them he sighed and turned as if from vaine hopes and put himselfe within the clothes to couer his folly as impossible wishes euer are Long he had not rested when from that he was cald as a little being too much for him many men came in the first carrying Candles the rest a Banket hee sat vp in his bed admiring the maner when the Lady came to him drank to him willing him to be merry and said she reioyce for now you are fallen into the hands with that making a signe his eies being fixt on her besides a little heauy so quickly discernd not the treason as otherwise he had cords were throwne ouer his armes and he made prisoner Vilanous treason cryd he of any and most destable of any other what is the cause what is the meaning of this I am indeed falne but how by treachery and falshood in a faire Counterfetter but foulest in the being falâ—e She laughed to see him tide and told him she neuer saw chaines better become a Knights armes then his especially they ought to sit best on the Emperours brother next himselfe whom she wished in his place though he were on that condition free He said no more but was tormented inwardly as much as so noble a spirit could be but he with all careful and desirous to free himself if he could catch opportunity They careles desird him to rise and go with them heedles of his watch which they repented for he rising found the chaines so loose as he slipt out of them and getting his sword which lay euer with him drawne such a busines he made among theÌ„ as many were hurt and some kild the Lady he kickt ouer with al contempt told her that he would die like a Prince hating her abominable trechery scorning more her falshood then plot Some of the seruants ran to their Lord to let him know the accident and to know what should bee done hee in his Gowne and only his shirt vnder it his sword in his hand following the seruants who when they came to the chamber let him as being their Master haue the place to enter they indeede not daring to venture againe into the roome He went in finding Leonius then vpon one of his men and him he best loued ready to strike off his head Hold your hand said he braue Prince and end your quarrell on me more meriting the blow All of you said he equally merit punishment for disloialty but you indeed most being the greatest and therfore most vnfit to be ill but ill beeing most punish-worthy still holding his sword ouer the man What may I do said the Lord to satisfie you To giue me liberty said Leonius although it be my due being brought hither to serue your faithlesse Sister I will not bee so poore to aske yet if I must make my choice I will be content with this let vs two as we are in our shirts fight for liberty or imprisonment if you ouercome I will remaine willingly your gaine if I vanquish let me haue liberty to depart and on these conditions I will saue the life of this creature I am content said the Lord. With that he threw his Gowne off Nay stay said the fauourd man my safty shal not proue harme any more to him that giues me life call your sonne and your other seruants coniure him and them to performe this condition well was this liked and so performed Then did Leonius and the Castle Lord â—ight so daintily and valiantly as neuer was any combat like it naked men brauely performing what discourses or Romancies striue with excellentest witty descriptions to expresse in Knights armed curious in their arming and carefull Here is no defence but vallour and good fortune armour but delicate shirts and more delicate skinnes sheilds but noble breasts of steele sufficient being strong in worth yet the noblest must ouercome so did Leonius who hauing kild the Lord hauing himselfe receiued some wounds but none very dangerous stood still looking on the young Lord who with teares beheld his father dead and casting his eyes like a noble Gentleman on Leonius Sir said he you haue now the conquest and shall haue the conditions kept with you which were made by my father In weeping he cald for a Chirurgion who dressed his wounds seeking first for helpe for his father but there was no hope hee nobly deliuerd the Armes againe belonging to Leonius to him when he had receiued them and saw all things iustly performed which was by the mankind promised he desired one thing more of the Gentleman whose harme brought his good which was to know the truth of the busines My Lord said he the truth is this there is nothing true which she related vnto you but faigned as diuers others haue been to worke her end She is not sister nor any thing that good is to my dead Lord but a creature kept by him this my young Lord being sonne by his vertuous and worthy wife whose heart was broken by his immoderate affection to this woman she hated all worth and now surely was cloyd with him striuing by all meanes to put him into dangerous aduentures not caring what shee did so she had her pleasure No weeke hath passed that she hath not had one or two of such like businesses faigning falshoods and discourses as she found their Persons shee met withall especially hating the Emperour for his and your fathers sake who gaue offence to her by hauing in his youth a while liked her mother and for necessity of the place surely more then affection hauing enioyed after left her This as leauing is a hatefull thing to women vpon what termes soeuer and she doubting her end would grow vnto it vowed all hurt to your illustrious family and to that end she laid this trap for you Leonius took his leaue of the young Lord who brought him out of the Castle to see him safe permitting his Chirurgion to goe with him turning the vild creature out of his gates alone and vnprouided of any thing but her wickednesse wherewith she was plentifully furnished and all that with her selfe enioyed by the wild beasts Noble was this act for a braue enemy gaines equall fame by nobly vsing his enemy as by cherishing his friend Leonius tooke his iourney and way still as he pretended to his Mistrisse he passed Bulgaria hating it for this mischiefe and without any saue neate aduenture which was this gaind right against Corinth A passionate man walked vp and downe the Sands being vpon the Strand of the Gulfe of Lepanto somtimes viewing Heauen crauing aide from thence then the earth blaming her cruelty alas cryd he pitiles Heauen that could view and permit such extremity to suffer so chastly loyall a Loue to end in so sad a sort
This grieuefull spectacle did much amaze the sweet and tender-hearted Shepherdesse especially when she perceiued as she might by the helpe of the candle the teares which distilled from his eyes who seeming the image of death yet had this signe of worldly sorrow the drops falling in that abundance as if there were a kind strife among them to rid their Master first of that burdenous carriage or else meaning to make a floud and so drowne their wofull Patient in his owne sorrow who yet lay still but then fetching a deepe groane from the profoundest part of his soule he said Miserable Perissus canst thou thus liue knowing she that gaue thee life is gone Gone O me and with her all my ioy departed Wilt thou vnblessed creature lie here complaining for her death and know she died for thee Let truth and shame make thee doe something worthy of such a Loue ending thy daies like thy selfe and one fit to be her Seruant But that I must not doe then thus remaine and foster stormes still to torment thy wretched soule withall since all are little and too too little for such a losse O deere Limena louing Limena worthy Limena and more rare constant Limena perfections delicately faign'd to be in women were verified in thee was such worthinesse framed onely to be wondred at by the best but giuen as a prey to base and vnworthy iealousie When were all worthy parts ioyn'd in one but in thee my best Limena yet all these growne subiect to a creature ignorant of all but ill like vnto a Foole who in a darke Caue that hath but one way to get out hauing a candle but not the vnderstanding what good it doth him puts it out this ignorant wretch not being able to comprehend thy vertues did so by thee in thy murder putting out the worlds light and mens admiration Limena Limena O my Limena With that he fell from complaining into such a passion as weeping and crying were neuer in so wofull a perfection as now in him which brought as deserued a compassion from the excellent Shepherdesse who already had her heart so tempered with griefe as that it was apt to take any impression that it would come to seale withall Yet taking a braue courage to her shee stept vnto him kneeling downe by his side and gently pulling him by the arme she thus spake Sir said she hauing heard some part of your sorrowes they haue not only made me truly pitie you but wonder at you since if you haue lost so great a treasure you should not lie thus leauing her and your loue vnreuenged suffering her murderers to liue while you lie here complaining and if such perfections be dead in her why make you not the Phoenix of your deeds liue againe as to new life rais'd out of the reuenge you should take on them then were her end satisfied and you deseruedly accounted worthie of her fauour if shee were so worthie as you say If shee were O God cri'd out Perissus what diuelish spirit art thou that thus dost come to torture me But now I see you are a woman and therefore not much to be marked and lesse resisted but if you know charitie I pray now practise it and leaue me who am afflicted sufficiently without your companie or if you will stay discourse not to me Neither of these will I doe said she If you be then said he some furie of purpose sent to vex me vse your force to the vttermost in martyring me for neuer was there a fitter subiect then the heart of poore Perissus is I am no furie repli'd the diuine Vrania nor hither come to trouble you but by accident lighted on this place my cruell hap being such as onely the like can giue me content while the solitarinesse of this like caue might giue me quiet though not ease seeking for such a one I happened hither and this is the true cause of my being here though now I would vse it to a better end if I might Wherefore fauour me with the knowledge of your griefe which heard it may be I shall giue you some counsell and comfort in your sorrow Cursed may I bee cri'd he if euer I take comfort hauing such cause of mourning but because you are or seeme to be afflicted I will not refuse to satisfie your demaund but tell you the saddest storie that euer was rehearsed by dying man to liuing woman and such a one as I feare will fasten too much sadnesse in you yet should I denie it I were too blame being so well knowne to these senselesse places as were they sensible of sorrow they would condole or else amased at such crueltie stand dumbe as they doe to find that man should be so inhumane Then faire Shepherdesse heare my selfe say my name is Perissus Nephew I am to the King of Sicilie a place fruitfull and plentifull of all things onely niggardly of good nature to a great man in that Country whom I am sure you haue heard me blame in my complaints Heire I am as yet to this King mine Vncle and truly may I say so for a more vnfortunate Prince neuer liued so as I inherit his crosses howsoeuer I shall his estate There was in this Country as the only blessing it enioyed a Lady or rather a Goddesse for incomparable beautie and maâ—chles vertues called Limena daughter to a Duke but Princesse of all hearâ—s this starre comming to the Court to honour it with such light it was in that my blessed destinie to see her and be made her seruant or better to say a slaue to her perfections thus long was I happie but now begins the tragedie for warres falling out betweene the people and the Gentlemen the King was by the people imagining he tooke the other part brought into some danger and so great an one as rudenes ioynd with ill nature could bring him into being at last besieged in a strong hold of his all of vs his seruants and gentle subiects striuing for his good and safetie in this time nothing appearing but danger and but wise force to preserue mens liues and estates vnto them euery one taking the best meanes to attaine vnto their good desires The Duke father to the best and truest beauty would yet bestow that vpon a great Lord in the Country truly for powerfull command and meanes a fit match for any but the wonder of women since none could without much flatterie to himselfe thinke he might aspire to the blessing of being accounted worthie to be her seruant much lesse her husband Shee seeing it was her fathers will esteeming obedience beyond all passions how worthily â—oeuer suffered most dutifully though vnwillingly said she would obey her tongue faintly deliuering what her heart so much detested loathing almost it selfe for consenting in shew to that which was most contrarie to it selfe yet thus it was concluded and with as much speed as any man would make to an eternall happines While of this and so my
misfortune I remained ignorant till one day the warres being a little ceased though not ended the siege still continuing I stole from mine vncle to see my heart which she kept safe with her but when I came thither I found or fear'd I found no roome for it She who had it being in the power of mine enemie for so I accounted him when he enioyed my losse my hopes being frustrate my ioyes lost and spoild I grew from my selfe my sences failed me a trembling possessing my whole bodie so as this distemper was marked and pittied of all but what did comfort me was that she did seeme to pitty me Then did I blesse my torments that had procured me such a fauour There were none but carefully sought my health especially her husband whose diligence was as tedious as his wiues was my onely ioy Grieu'd I was to stay and see my miserie yet sad I was to goe from seeing her who gaue me though a barr'd delight in beholding her but knowing passion the greater Lord ouer my strength I tooke my leaue pretending busines hauing onely taken the opportunitie that way afforded me to visite them passing so neare by them they all seemed sorry for my going and Limena indeed was so then by vnus'd pathes I got backe to the King often as I rode looking to that place where I left my soule prisoner When I had been a while at home remembring or rather neuer letting the beautie of Limena be absent from me I say remembring her and my euerlasting wretched state in missing hâ—r calling my mischiefe by his gaine to account I found so much cause to lament as in short time I was but mournefull sorrow my friends grieu'd and generally all did shew displeasure for me only my selfe found nothing but cause to proceed in this dispaire loue hauing truly changed me to that most low and still vnluckie fate Businesse of State I neglected going about as in a dreame led by the cruellest of hellish spirits Despaire till I was awaked by a command to goe and leade some troops which were gathered by the Kings friends together comming to raise the siege yet desiring me to be their head I went and thus farre willingly hauing so much hope left me as to thinke I might by this meanes conclude my afflictions with my end yet first I resolued to write vnto her that she might know she had so vnblest a creature to her Seruant When I had written my letter with shaking hands and yet a more shaking heart I gaue it to a Page of mine who was newly come vnto mee and neuer had been seene in her Fathers house giuing him besides directions how to carrie himselfe which he discreetly did obserue and found as fit an opportunitie as could be wisht for her husband being gone to see an ancient house of his she walked alone into a little Groue below the place of her abiding he perceiuing her knew straight it was she wherefore he followed her hauing before hid himselfe in the vppermost part of the thicket expecting occasion whereby to performe his Masters commaund He then seeing it offered would not neglect it though somewhat timerously esteeming her for her excellencies rather some Goddesse of those Woods then an earthly Creature but remembring the infinite yet not sufficient praises I had giuen her concluded it could be none other then Limena so as comming to her he on his knees deliuered the letter saying these words The wofull Perissus his Lord and Master presented that with his seruice to her This though but little was more then I could haue said if in his place For Lord how was I afflicted with millions of doubts how it might be deliuered then whether she would accept of it and most what she would conceiue of my boldnesse quaking when I gaue it him knowing how wretched a creature I must bee if it offended her yet wishing I might haue had the papers place once more to haue been toucht by her though if it brought dislike for that to haue suffered martyrdome But she for my happinesse tooke it and with a pretty blush read it which since I perceiu'd did spring from loue yet blusht to see it selfe so liuely in her cheekes When she had read it Good youth said she commend me to your Lord but for his letter say It needs no answer till he come himselfe and fetch one With this he return'd and so with much comfort to me hope being glad to build on any small ground how much more then on so likely a possibility I then Hopes seruant as before onely slaue to Despaire made all haste I could to see her hauing good and welcome meanes affoorded me being able with conuenience to take her Fâ—thers house in my way to the new-rais'd Army Thither I came which though in a wild Forest yet it was pretended I left the great roads for my better safetie Thus was a colour set vpon my loue which but for her seruice and so the safelier to serue her would suffer any glosse but truth in affection Being there ariu'd I was extreamely welcomed of all her Father a graue and wise man discoursed with mee of businesse of State after him and so all supper time her husband discoursed of hunting an exercise fit for such a creature Neither of these brought my Mistris from a graue and almost sad coâ—ntenance which made me somewhat feare knowing her vnderstanding and experience able and sufficient to iudge or aduise in any matter we could discourse of but modestie in her caus'd it onely louing knowledge to be able to discerne mens vnderstandings by their arguments but no way to shew it by her owne speech This and withall feare of discouering some passions which she though excelling in wit and iudgement yet could not gouerne at least guiltines forc'd her to thinke so was the reason â—he held her grauitie yet after she grew more merry And I finding a fit time by her husbands going out of the chamber with some companie that was there humbly desired an answere of my letter She blushing and as if ashamed so much innocent vertue should be discouered with my Louer-like importunitie in her though strong in constancie yet womans affection gain'd so much by lookes and sweet though-fearing words as I was resolued and assured of her loue which made me proud of such a treasure begin to dispose part of it to my benefit for looking about and seeing euery ones eyes carried their owne waies I kist her she not offended yet said Let not my freedome make you dispose otherwise then virtuously of me I vowed more then that libertie I would not aske which I know if I had offered her vertue would haue refused nor truly would my deere and worthy affection permit mee to demaund and this held our loues more firme when tied by vertue But not to hold you long with this which yet to me is some ease for the present although the bitterer the conclusion is that
and because it self betokened truth By this time her husband was come who told vs 't was time to goe rest We obay'd and this was the last time that euer I saw my deere and most worthily accounted deere Limena for the next morning I was by day to be at the Citie and so from thence to returne to the Campe. Thus tooke I my leaue and my last leaue of vertuous Limena whose sad face but sadder soule foretold our following harme and succeeding ruine For within few dayes after my returne to the Camp there came a Messenger early in the morning and O too early for my fortune whom I strait knew to be Limenas faithfull Seruant At first it brought ioy to me seeing a letter in his hand but soone was that turn'd to as much mourning cursing my hands that tooke it and eyes that read so lamentable a letter the contents nay that it selfe being this and the verie same my Mistris sent and wo is me the last she ere can send Vrania read it while he with teares and groanes gaue the true period to it The Letter said thus MY onely Lord thinke not this or the manner strange I now send knowing already some part of the vndeserued course taken with me only pitie her who for your sake suffers patiently accept these my last lines and with them the sincerest loue that euer woman gaue to man I haue not time to speake what I would therefore let this satisfie you that the many threatnings I haue heard are come in some kind to endâ— for I must presently die and for you which death is most welcome since for you I must haue it and more pleasing then life without you Grant me then these last requests which euen by your loue I coniure you not to denie me that you loue my poore memory and as you will loue that or euer loued me reuenge not my death on my murtherer who how vnworthy soeuer hee was or is yet hee is my Husband This is all and this grant as I will faithfully die Yours Alas faire Shepherdesse said he is this a letter without much sorrow to be read and is not this a creature of all others to be belou'd Neuer let him breath that will not heartily and most heartily lament such a misfortune T is true said Vrania reason and worth being companions but yet I heare not the certaintie or manner of her death then will I not faile to lament with you Alas said hee heare it of mee onely fit to tell that storie After my departure from his house to the Citie and so to the Campe the iealous wretch finding my Ladie retired into a Cabinet she had where she vsed to passe away some part of her vnpleasant life comming in he shut the dore drawing his sword and looking with as much furie as iealous spite could with rage demonstrate his breath short his sword he held in his hand his eyes sparkling as thicke and fast as an vnperfectly kindled fire with much blowing giues to the Blower his tongue stammeringly with rage bringing foorth these words thou hast wrong'd mee vild creature I say thou hast wronged mee shee who was compounded of vertue and her spirit seeing his wild and distracted countenance guest the worst wherfore mildely shee gaue this answere Philargus saide shee I knowe in mine owne heart I haue not wrong'd you and God knowes I haue not wrong'd my selfe these speeches said he are but the followers of your continued ill and false liuing but thinke no longer to deceiue me nor cousen your selfe with the hope of being able for in both you shall finde as much want as I doe of your faith to me but if you will speake confesse the truth O me the truth that you haue shamed your selfe in my dishonour say you haue wrong'd me giuing your honour and mine to the loose and wanton pleasure of Perissus was I not great enough amiable delicate enough but for lasciuiousnesse you must seeke and woo him Yet Limena I did thus deserue you that once better then my selfe I lou'd you which affection liues in the extremitie â—till but hath chang'd the nature being now as full of hate as then abounding in loue which shall instantly be manifested if you consent not to my will which is that without dissembling speeches or flattring finenes you confesse your shamefull loue to the robber of my blisse you may denie it for how easie is it to be faultie in words when in the truth of truth you are so faultie but take heede vnfainedly answere or here I vow to sacrifice your blood to your wanton loue My Lord said she threatnings are but meanes to strengthen free and pure hearts against the threatners and this hath your words wrought in me in whom it were a foolish basenesse for feare of your sword or breath to confesse what you demaund if it were trueâ— farre more did I deserue eternall punishment if I would belye him and my selfe for dread of a bare threatning since sure that sword were it not for danger to it selfe would if any noblenesse were in it or his master choose rather to dye it selfe in the blood of a man then be seene in the wranglings betweene vs yet doe I not denie my loue to Perissus in all noble and worthy affection being I thinke nurst with me for so long haue I borne this respectiue loue to him as I knowe no part of my memory can tell me the beginning Thus partly you haue your will in assurance that that vnseperable loue I beare him was before I knewe you or perfectly my selfe and shall be while I am yet alwayes thus in a vertuous and religious fashion O God cry'd out Philargus what doe I heare or what can you stile vertuous and religious since it is to one besides your husband hath shame possest you and excellent modesty abandoned you you haue in part satisfied me indeed but thus to see that I haue iust occasion to seeke satisfaction for this iniury wherefore resolue instantly to die or obey me write a letter straight before mine eyes vnto him coniure him with those sweete charmes which haue vndone mine honour and content to come vnto you Let me truely knowe his answere and be secret or I vow thou shalt not many minutes outliue the refusall Shee sweetest soule brought into this danger like one being betweene a flaming fire and a swallowing gulfe must venture into one or standing still perish by one stood a while not amazed for her spirit scorned so low a passion but iudicially considering with her selfe what might be good in so much ill she with modest constancy and constant determination made this answer This wretched and vnfortunate body is I confesse in your hands to dispose of to death if you will but yet it is not vnblest with such a mind as will suffer it to end with any such staine as so wicked a plott and miserable consent might purchase nor will I blott my fathers house
you gaine perpetuall glorie and repay the honor to her dead which could not bee but touched by her vntimely end Her honour toucht and toucht for mee O immortall God cride he thou wilt not I hope let a slaue liue should touch on such a thought nor me to liue after it were borne if not to sacrifice my bloud to wash away the staine But I pray you since you vndertake thus to aduise mee how can I doe this and yet obey my Limena's commaund in not reuenging her death Why that replide the discreet Vrania proceeded whollie from the loue shee bare you which rather is another motiue to stirre you if you consider it since the danger shee apprehended you would runne into to right so delicate yet vnhappilie iniured a Ladie and for you iniured forced her to vse her authoritie for your safetie But let not that preuailâ— nor hinder a deadlie reuenge for so detestable a fact Thus shall you approoue your selfe a braue and worthie Louer deseruing her who best deseru'd but let it neuer be said Perissus ended vnreuenged of Philargus and concluded his dayes like a Fly in a corner These wordes wrought so farre in the noble heart of Perissus as rising from his leauie Cabine then thus said hee Is Perissus the second time conquerd I must obey that reason which abounds in you and to you shall the glory of this attempt belong now will I againe put on those habites which of late I abandoned you hauing gaind the victorie ouer my vowe But I beseech you tell mee who my Counsellor is for too much iudgement I finde in you to be directly as you seeme a meere Shepherdesse nor is that beauty sutable to that apparell My name said shee is Vrania my bringing vp hath been vnder an old Man and his wife who till lately I tooke for my Father and Mother but they telling me the contrary and the manner of their finding me makes mee find I am lost and so in truth is much of my content not being able to know any more of my selfe I delighted before to tend a little Flocke the old paire put into my handes now am I troubled how to rule mine owne thoughts This doe I well credit said Perissus for more like a Princesse then a Shepherdesse doe you appeare and so much doe I reuerence your wisedome as next vnto Limena I will still most honor you and therefore faire Vrania for so I hope you will giue mee leaue to call you I vow before heauen and you that I will neuer leaue off my Armes vntill I haue found Philargus and on him reueng'd my Ladies death and then to her loue and memory offer vp my afflicted life but first shall you haue notice of the successe which if good shall bee attributed to you if ill but to the continuance of my ill destinie But if your fortune call you hence before you shall be found by them I will imploy since the world hath not a place can keepe the beautie of Vrania hidden if seene then will it not bee adored they shall not leaue till they haue found you nor will you scorne that name from mee who shall now leaue you the incomparable Vrania With these words they went out of the Caue hee straight going to a large Holly tree the place rich with trees of that kind on which at his comming to that melancholy abiding hee had hung his Armor meaning that should there remaine in memorie of him and as a monument after his death to the end that whosoeuer did finde his bodie might by that see hee was no meane man though subiect to fortune Them hee tooke downe and arm'd himselfe but while hee was arming Vrania entreated him to doe one thing more for her which was to tell her how he came to that place And that was ill forgot most faire Vrania said hee then know that as soone as I had receiued that letter so full of sorrow and heard all that miserable relation I was forced notwithstanding the vow I had to my selfe made of this solitary course you haue reliâ—ued mee from to goe against the Enemie who with new forces and vnder a new Leader were come within sight of our Army I thinking all mischiefes did then conspire together against mee with an inraged furie went towards them hoping and that onely hope was left mee in that encounter to ende my life and care together in the battaile yet not slightly to part with it in my soule wishing euerie one I had to deale withall had been Philargus This wish after made mee doe things beyond my selfe forcing not only our company and party to admire me but also the contrary to bee discouraged so as wee got the day and not onely that but an end of the warres for the chiefe Traytors being either kild or taken the rest that outliu'd the bloudy slaughter yeelded themselues to mercie whom in my Vncles name I pardoned on condition that instantly they disbanded and euerie one retire to his owne home This done and my Vncle quietly setled in his seate in the midst of those triumphs which were for this happy Victorie I stole away leauing a letter with my new Seruant directed to the King wherein I humbly asked pardon for my priuate departure and with all the intreates that I could frame perswaded him to entertaine that seruant of mine and to accept of him as recommended by mee and accordingly to esteeme of him Then tooke I my way first to her Fathers to know the manner and certaintie where I found vnspeakable mourning and sadnesse her Mother readie to die with her as if shee had brought her forth to bee still as her life that though two yet like those eyes that one being struck in a certaine part of it the other vnhurt doth lose likewise the sight so she hauing lost her lost likewise all comfort with her the seruants mourn'd and made pitifull lamentations I was sorry for them yet gratefully tooke their mourning for mee thought it was for mee none being able to grieue sufficiently but my selfe for her losse When her Mother saw me who euer she well lou'd she cry'd out these words O my Lord see here the miserable Woman depriu'd of all ioy hauing lost my Limena your respected friend Full well do I now remember your words when with gentle and mild perswasions you would haue had vs stay her going from this place vnto his house Would we had then fear'd or beleeu'd then had she bin safe whereas now she is murdred Murdred criâ—d I O speak againe but withall how Her husband said she led her forth where in a Wood thicke enough to shade all light of pitie from him hee killed her and then burnt her her clothes found in the Wood besmeard with blood and hard by them the remnant of a great fire they with such store of teares as had been able to wash them cleane and quench the fier were brought to the house by those who went to
gaue them buriall And yet said shee loue must doe thus and sure we loue his force the better for these fansies Then putting out the light lest that shuld too soone wast beholding her passions which in hotter flames continued then the vnited one of the candle could aspire to comparison with the smallest of millions of them turning her in her bed with a deepe loue-sigh she cried O loue thou dost master me Thus did the loue wounded Princesse passe that night or the greater part of it conuenient time for sports in the morning being come the king sent for her to attend him and the Queene to see a match which was made at the Iusts onely partly to please the king but most to welcome Amphilanthus Pamphilia and Antissia were plac'd together Antissia dearely louing her for her cousins sake whom so well she lou'd as she gloried to haue all eares and eyes partake the knowledge of it Pamphilia did embrace her companie being excelling in sweet conuersation as farre as pleasant and harmelesse mirth could extend and fit was such a companion for the melancholy which abounded in the Princesse Being at the window and all hauing once runne ouer Amphilanthus gaind the first honour Whereat Antissia being ioyfull Well may it be bestowed on him said she for sure none can in all braue exercises come neere your matchles Cousin for delicate finenesse and peerelesse power 'T is true said Pamphilia yet if you saw my brother Parselius you would and indeed must confesse hee comes the neerest to him and neerely matches him I know not him said Antissia but if he do but second this you may boldly say no Princesse liuing can compare with you for a Cosin and a Brother By this the match was ended and the Knights comming to the king hee gaue them thankes embracing his best beloued Nephew Then went each one to his Mistris to receiue their opinions in the defence of their fauours Antissia telling Amphilanthus that in her mind hee alone deseru'd the honour of that day He repli'd Her wishes and fauour did purchase him that honour more power liuing in them then in his arme or skill Then did all returne the Knights conducting euery one his Ladie Pamphilia went alone for she not enioying her loue lou'd to be alone as she was alone in perfect and vnfortunate louing thinking so slight a thing as a Knights leading her might bee a touch in her thoughts to her spotlesse affection nor would she euer honour any one with wearing a fauour in those sports hauing vowed that onely one should enioy all loue and faith from her and in her constancie this not being knowne her passions so wisely gouern'd as she was not mistrusted to loue so violently made her of many to be esteemed proud while it was that flame which made her burne in the humblest subiection of Loues meanest subiects yet was her choice like her selfe the best No day pass'd without some exercises on horseback wherein Amphilanthus did still adde fame vnto himselfe by that to make Antissia the more his Prisoner But now is the time for his depart in the search of his friend arriu'd if it grieu'd the Court to part with him it surely heartily perplexed her whose life depended on his sight so it tormented her as with the flowing of teares her face was martyred so much as she was not fit to come in company hauing turn'd her delightfulnesse to sorrowes faining her selfe ill and so keeping her chamber being seene of none but of Pamphilia to whom shee had freely discoursed both her affection and successe in her loue who like a worthy friend accōpanied her in this sorrow The night before he was to go he came into her chamber to bid her farewell and to intreate her to remaine there till his returne the king hauing giuen him his promise that all honour and respect should bee vs'd to her the Princesse Pamphilia he durst say would doe the like and for his owne part care and diligence should not want in him to make his speedy returne The poore Lady could but with a speechlesse mourning behold him holding his hand fast in hers at last sorrow brought foorth these words for her My Lord God knowes how I lament for your going how much more must your absence afflict me As you see the one and may iudge of the other haue pittie in hastning hither to her who till then daily will finde a death-like life So he tooke his leaue of her promising to performe her commands then turning to Pamphilia who had all this while beheld this so sad but louing parting Madam said he is there any thing left to make me so happy as that it may bee in my fortunes to serue you and so to be blest with your imployments My Lord said she it is sufficient to be commanded by one and so beautifull a Lady for my part I will entreate your speedy returne and that you bring my brother with you With this he left the Ladies one to lament the other forc'd to comfort His iourney he tooke directly toward the sea meaning at the first conuenient Port to take shipping and so to passe into Italie whether it might be his friend was gone according to their first agreement But comming into a place not the richest but well distant from the worst of countries in a part within some leagues from the sea the least inhabited of any of those quarters being somewhat hilly and desert-like he went among some of those hills to rest himselfe chusing one the side of it being a fine Wood the foote of it beautified with a pleasant and swift Riuer before it a prety Plaine which went not farre before another Hill proudly ouer-lookt her lowlinesse his horse he gaue to his Squire himselfe walking downe into the Wood and being taken with the pleasures of that place hee laid himselfe among them on the ground speaking these words What destiny is this vnhappy man that no time will bee permitted mee to endure happy in How is the world deceiu'd in thinking happinesse consists alone in being belou'd when as if it proceedes from other then their owne chosen loue it is a punishment like as the being cramm'd when one is full Loue then I beseech thee make me lesse happy in not being lou'd or truly blest with enioying her heart who hath made mine her Captiue But O mee I doe feare that shee doth loue wretch that I am what then must needs befall mee Death I cruell'st death when by a Loue procured More he was a saying and surely had discouered his passions in a greater and more exact manner but that hee was call'd to attention by a delicate yet dolefull voyce a Lute finely plaid vpon giuing musicke to his Song which was this A Dieu sweet Sun Thy night is neare Which must appeare Like mine whose light but new begun Weares as if spun By chance not right Led by a light False and pleasing euer wun Come once in view
which shee perceiuing yet out of pitty not willing too curstly to deale with me shewd me in her countenance dislike of my speeches And yet not to put mee too much besides my selfe called other to her to adde as she faign'd to her company With a bleeding heart I suffered this disgrace which yet was by her so handled as none but my owne soule could witnesse it to any Thus that day past sorrow increasing in me and little mirth growing in her Oft times would she be ready to sigh but louing that breath which shee drew for so loued a cause she did striue to fetch it backe againe or else it was to couer her long breathing Many daies this continued till one night standing in a round window in a great Galerie a Lady who did much vse to accompany the Princesse though she be of the Queenes Chamber standing by her Madam said she did you euer see so silent a Prince as this is Surely if he were to winne his Kingdome by words as it must be done by swords the Countrey might remaine a long time without the lawfull King Pamphilia looked O me a deadly wound that sweetest looke did proue pleasingly vpon me saying My Lord you see this Lady finely begs discourse from you Alas Diuine Princesse said I what discourse can proceed from a dead man I neuer heard till now said shee that dead men walk'd and spake Yes Madame cry'd I as you haue seene trees continue greene in their branches though the heart be quite dead and consum'd away hollownesse onely remayning And so is nothing left in me but empty hope and flourishing despaire Is there no cure said she Yes that there is said I. Shew it said she I looking about and seeing the other Lady parted from me besides hard by a faire Glasse many hanging as ornaments in that Gallery I tooke it vp turning it to her mine eyes onely speaking for me She with seeing her face saw my cause of torment said as little as I onely taking the Glasse turn'd the other side which was dull like my gaines and with as much scorne and contempt as could appeare in so much beauty like as if the Sun would in spite shew himselfe in a storme she turnd from me I stood still for indeed I could not moue til for my last comfort sense came to mee to shew me I was in no fit place so to betray my passions wherefore getting so much strength although no more then as men after a long sicknes gaine when they goe with feeble ioynts the length of a roome so much had I and that little with much ado brought me to my chamber where I opened my brest to al sorrow and let mine eies make ful sea of teares Thus I remaind till this resolution took me to wander I car'd not whither so it were far from knowledge of any and to leaue that most cruell beauty to her owne content which yet I feare she hath not though I truly wish shee had I call'd my brother to me telling him he must be secret to me as he did hope for loue from mee which hee vowed not mistrusting what I meant till 't was too late to goe backe With sobs and teares hee besought mee to alter but I told him there was no remedie nor must he breake his oath Then against his heart he said he must obay My charge was this neuer to reueale my manner of going nor euer to seeke after me or suffer any that he could hinder Then went I to Pamphilias chamber where I humbly desired to speake with her shee gaue me leaue but when I was ready to say something she preuented me If you haue said she any busines I shal be ready to do you any seruice in it but if it be concerning your glasse discouery know this you shall doe best to bee silent for a greater offence you cannot doe mee Alas Madam said I haue you no pitie for me I haue pity for any said she leaue this folly and I shall wish you well That was so cold a fauour for my desires and my dutifull affection such to her as not to giue her the least cause of dislike besought her she would honour me but so much as I might kisse her hands before my departure which was forc'd by an aduenture calling me away she nobly grāted that and said she wisht me good fortune I told her my fortune could only be made by her Then can it proue little said she With trembling and death-like palenes I left her lodgings hauing yet the fauour which my lips receiu'd in touching her fairest hand which kisse shall neuer part from me till these my lips doe kisse with death Then wandred I away till I came hither neuer finding any place to please me nor alas doth this or can any thing but her pity please only this is lesse distastefull then those where greater noises be Here I am quiet but for my owne quiet but for my griefe which neuer giues mee rest In a little caue in the ground is my lodging one Squire attending mee who from a Towne not farre hence fetcheth me prouision this Lute a quality I learnd in the Court since my comming thither misfortune and my Mistrisses disdaine my discourse and companions and thus liues and daily dies the reiected Steriamus Hauing finished his tale his eies flowed againe with teares as if it were their office to giue the full stop of his discourse Amphilanthus embracing him Steriamus said he leaue these lamentations for a fury in one who how worthy soeuer yet being a woman may change How many haue bin condemnd for cruely that after haue prou'd kind enough yet speak I not this of Pamphilia who hath still kept a constant resolution to her selfe But sure some strange occasion makes her so full of iudgement and sweetnesse carrie so strict a course in your affections yet let not that make you forget your selfe The poore Albania poore in missing you calls vpon you the rest of the world hath need of such Princes then let not passion ouerthrow a braue spirit absence can bring no hope presence and desert may if any thing Or say she neuer loue you there are other faire Ladies who will be liker themselues pitifull and louing Neuer shall other loue possesse my heart cride he and that O heauens still witnesse for mee and behold this vow That when I change it shall be vnto death Then shutting his hands one fast within the other he groaning said Nor euer let these hands part if I part from this my loue Time said he will giue you I trust vnexpected cause of cōfort in the meane time let vs talk of somthing els Then Steriamus inuited Amphilanthus to the Caue dearely louing him for his braue aduice but most for his cosins sake There they sat together lay together pass'd some dayes together till the Albanian was ouercome with the Italians neuer-fayling perswading speeches so as they tooke their course towards the sea
make her feele seeing him her soule had onely loued after so many cruell changes and bitter passions in their crost affection This being past the wounded Knight began thus First said hee let mee know by whose hand I haue receiued this worthie end and indeed too worthy for so worthlesse a Creature who now and but now could discerne my rash and wicked error which now I most heartilie repent Now are mine eyes open to the iniuries done to vertuous Limena her chastity appeares before my dying sight whereto before my eyes were dimme and eares deafe seeing and hearing nothing but base falshoods being gouern'd by so strong and vndeserued Iealousie Next I must aske pardon of you my Lord Perissus deny not these Petitions I humbly beseech you both vnto a dying man who in his life did offer you too foule and too vnpardonable an iniury Perissus seeing his speedy end approaching hauing the noblest and freest heart forgaue him that offence which proceeded from the same ground that his crosses came from both taking roote from Loue and yet Loue in that kinde chang'd nature with madnesse when attended on with so much iealousie then with a milde voice he spake Philargus said he I am glad your punishment is accompanied with so happy and true repentance I doe freely forgiue you and thinke no more of that past then if neuer done But this I desire you will demand the like of your excellently vertuous wife who hath beene the patient of all your fury That I doe said Philargus and let my soule enioy no happinesse if I wish not her as well as it Then deare Limena haue you pardon'd me if not O doe and forgiue vnfortunate and ill-deseruing Philargus My Lord said she I most sincerely and heartily forgiue you and so I pray doe you the like for me my dearest then said he I happily and thrise happily now shall welcome death For your other demand said the braue Prince my name is Parselius Prince of Morea Philargus kissing his hand gaue him thankes and weeping for ioy said Most fortunate end how doe I embrace thee comming so luckily and brought thee by such royall hands Then taking Perissus by the one hand and Limena by the other he said I haue yet one request more to make which granted I shall dye with all content and this is only in you two to consent to they promised that then he should not be refused These misfortunes said he which now are past and I hope shall haue buriall in mee haue neuerthelesse it is most likely left some false conceipt remaining in the hearts of some people which to remedy and vtterly take away desiring Limena's honor which without questioÌ„ remains spotted might flourish as deseruedly as the clearenesse of it selfe is without so much as the shadowe of a thought to the contrary I beseech you for your owne best fortunes and my quiet departing to promise mee that after my death you will marry each other One more worthy my Lord more loyall more chaste the world holds not and this are you bound to doe for her who for you hath been wrongd and Limena deny not this to your dying husband being the last he can euer aske you He needed not vrge them much to what they most coueted and purposed in their hearts before yet to giue him full satisfaction though on her side with bashfull and fearefull consenting they yeelded to him Then my Lord said he take her and my hearts prayers with best wishes to you and my best belou'd Limena in witnesse of my loue to you I bestow on you this most worthy Lord far better befitting you and my whole estate with that embracing them kissing her and lastly lifting vp his eyes to heauen he departed they like true friends closing his eyes Being now growne late 〈◊〉 that night they went into the Caue which but lately had been the priâ—on of sweet Limena with them they caryed the body laying it in the further part of the hollownesse Then did Parselius tell them how infinitly happy he esteemed himselfeâ— in hauing come so luckily to serue them of whom and whose vnfortunat affection hee had heard hauing had it from the rare Shepherdesse Name her he could not his breath being stopp'd with sighes and his teares falling down in all abundance sent from his heart which dropp'd like the weeping of a Vine when men without pitty wound it Perissus seeing his sorrow made hast to ask the cause fearing some great harme had befalne that Diuine Creature of whom he gaue such praises as Limena thought they were too much which hee perceiuing left with demanding of her safety and why his greeuing was which Parselius hauing passionatly and truely related he desired most earnestly to heare the rest of Limena's story which she thus began My Lords after I sent the Letter and the time expired Philargus came for my answer or to performe his vowe which with desire I attended although he contrary to my wishes prolonged it When hee had what I resolud to giue him for satisfaction which was a direct deniall being in these words I know as your wife I am in your power to dispose of then vse your authority for so foule a staine will I neuer lay vpon my bloud as to betray the Prince name you in truth I durst not least at the last that might mooue my affections Then did he command me to goe with him to my death I hoped when he brought me into a great Wood in the midâ—t whereof he made a fire the place being fit and I thinke sure had been vsed in former time to offer sacrifice in to the Siluan Gods Then hee made mee vndresse my selfe which willinglie and readily I did preparing my selfe to be the poore offring but the richest that richnesse of faith in loue could offer When I had put off all my apparell but one little Petticote he opened my breast and gaue me many wounds the markes you may here yet discerne letting the Mantle fall againe a little lower to shew the cruell remembrance of his crueltie which although they were whole yet made they newe hurts in the louing heart of Perissus suffering more paine for them then he had done for all those himselfe had receiued in his former aduentures therfore softly putting the Manâ—le vp againe and gently couering them lest yet they might chance to smart besought her to goe on longing to haue an end of that tragicall historie and to come againe â—o their meeting which was the onely balme could be applied vnto his bleeding heart She ioyfull to see this passion because it was for her and sorry it was Perissus did sorrow proceeded And after these threatning many more and death it selfe if yet I consented not But seeing nothing could preuaile hee tooke my clothes and with them wip'd the bloud off from me I expecting nothing but the laâ—t act which I thought should haue been concluded with my burning his mind chang'd from the first
forgot first to cleere it But I pray Antissia what doe you see in mee that I should loue Amphilanthus more then respectiuely This said she that all perfections hauing ioynd and vnited their strengths to make you wholly excellent it cannot bee but you in all things must manifest it and in iudgement are you not cald to expresse it And if in iudgement wherein can there be more discern'd then in the choice of friend or Loue If so can you chuse other then the most deseruing and then must it not bee the most excellent of men and is not Amphilanthus that most excelling Prince In truth answered Pamphilia I confesse this latter part to be true for assuredly there liues not his equall for all vertues which well might make me if I were such a one as you say to haue that ambition in mee to affect the worthiest but so much perfection I waâ—â— as that part hath faild also in me yet this I will say I loue him as hee merits long conuersation as from our youthes besides our bloud claiming an extraordinary respect You will not deny you are in loue with him then Why should I not said shee I 'm sure I know my owne heart best and truly so farre is it from suffring in this passion as it grieues mee you mistake mee so much but Lord what strange and dangerous thoughts doth this bring into our brests Could any but a Louer haue so troublesome a conceite Why sweet Antissia when did this opinion first possesse you or what gaue you occasion to conceiue it Hath my speech at any time betray'd mee Hath my fashion giuen you cause to suspect it Did I euer enuiously like a Louer seeke to hinder your enioying him Did I vnmannerly presse into your companies Some of this surely I must haue done or you vniustly accuse me None of these could you faile in cride shee so great a wit and matchlesse a spirit would gouerne themselues better then to offend in such fond parts but the reason I haue already giuen being equall excellencies and the beliefe proceeds from this that mee thought you did with as feeling an affection accompany my sorrow when he went away and more neerely I imagined by your fashion it toucht you then pity of my griefe could haue procured Then I considered my eyes had been so fortunate as to looke vpon the best why then should not the best of our sex also looke on the rarest obiect and looking so must not the same conclusion be that beholding as I did loue must come in and conquer as on me so then looking with my eyes of force you must loue him What a progrâ—sse said Pamphilia hath your troubled imagination made to find a poore cause to forge a poorer vexation If all these things were true and that I lou'd Amphilanthus what then were it any more then my extremest torment when I should see his affections otherwise placed the impossibility of winning him from a worthy loue the vnblessed destiny of my poore vnblessed life to faâ—l into such a misery the continuall affâ—ictions of bâ—rning loue the fier of iust rage against my owne eies the hatred of my brest for letting in so destroying a guest that ruines where he comes these were all and these alone touching me in all disquiets Whaâ— need should they haue to molest you since so perfectly you are assur'd of his loue as you need feare no occasion nor any body to wrong you in that wherein he will not wrong his worthy choice and constancy What harme then could it be to you if you should loue him The losse of my content since that your loue said Antissia must not be refus'd but sought and if obtaind wo be to any other that aspires to that place better neuer to be borne then know the birth of so much folly as to aduenture to be a riuall with the rarest Princesse Pamphilia therefore knowing this harme I had rather you did not loue him Well then be satisfied said the sweet but sad Pamphilia my loue to him procâ—eds from his neuer enough praised merits but not for loue otherwise then I haue already exprest Aâ—tissia was with this answer thorowly satisfied taking the Princesse in her armes protesting her life too little to pay for requitall for this royall freedome she had found in her and theâ— fauour receiued from her expressing then her loue in the best manner she could plainely making confession of all to her concluding that had not her incomparable vertue bound her best respects to her yet the resemblance which shee had in her face of that famous Prince and her onely beloued would haue forced her to loue her The delicate Lady told her shee could not better please her then in telling her she did resemble him since then she was sure she was like to true vertue for he was of that the onely body but this loue and his dependances doe so vex vs as they take away all other societie to amend which let vs returne to the Court said she I am contented said Antissia So rising and holding each other by the arme with as much loue as loue in them could â—oyne they tooke their way backe towards the Palace but in the great Garden they met the King and Queene so they attended backe on them into the Hall whither they were no sooner come and setled in their places but they were entertained with this aduenture Tenne Knights comming in russet Armours their Beaâ—ers vp their Swords in their hands who comming more then halfe way to the State making low reuerence stood still parting themselues to either side of the Chamber to let the followers better be discerned Then came tenne more but in blacke Armours chain'd together without Helmets or Swords After them came sixe armed like the first three carrying Speares of infinite bignesse one the Sheild and the other two the Sword and Helmet of a Knight who for countenance seem'd no louer his colour like a Moore his fashion rude and proud following after these sixe who as the first diuided themselues Then came this man to the State leading by the hand as sweete a Ladie as hee was vgly shee as milde in countenance as hee insolent shee as fearefull as hee bold on the other hand of her another Knigâ—â— sad but it seem'd amorous The King and all the Court beholding and expecting the issue of this busines when the stout man in a hollow and hoarse voice deliuered these words King of Morea I am Lansaritano whose fame I doubt not hath spread it selfe to your eares Lord I am of the Ilands of Cerigo Dragonero and other lesser circkling my chiefe Iland as subiects to my greatnes This Lady you see here is my vassall by birth but by my choice honour'd with my loue which she foolishly refuseth iudgement so farre failing her as not to be able to discerne the happinesse and vnspeakable good blind Fortune hath giuen her in letting my high noble thoughts abase
themselues so low as to looke on her my creature and fauour her with my liking She whom I might command I haue bin contented to woe she who shuld obay ignorantly refuseth yet â— Master of worth will not force her but haue compell'd my selfe to consent to satisfie a fond request she hath made to me which is to come into this Court with her and this knight my Cosen whom she loues and is the barre from my enioying her and here if she can find a Knight who for her sake will enter into this quarrel which she calls The deâ—ence of true Loue he must obserue this to giue her to one of vs and fight with the other if it happen he chuse him as well it may be he wil defend Ladies he will dispose of her to her beloued he must combate me if he ouercome shee shall bee free else yeelded to me which I make no question of since I neuer yet knew any had the fortune how stout valiant or hardy could hold out with me These bound men are Knights and her Brothers two of them the rest her friends and kindred who vpon her vaine complaint fearing violence would haue been by me iustly vs'd vpon her made an insurrection which soone I appeased and for the loue of her would not yet put them to death but haue brought them with mee likewise on this condition that when I haue fought and vanquisht that bold and fond man whosoeuer that will aduenture to combate with me I shall strike off all their heads This Sir is the cause of my comming wherefore I desire leaue of you that shee may haue one if any Knight will vndertake it or dare maintaine her cause which shee accounts so faire and good The King was sorry for the Ladies sake his Court was so vnprouided of those braue Knights which were wont to honour it especially that his famous Nephew and braue Sonnes were all absent who he knew would defend a Ladies cause especially a louing Lady as she seem'd wherefore hee made this answere Lansaritano I am troubled so braue a man should fight in so ill a matter since if I were as you shee that would not by my worth bee wonne should not be thought worthy to be gaind by the hazard of my self into which you must run if you encounter Knights of my Court for surely no braue man will giue her from her owne affection but now indeede is your fortune good in comming when the Worthies of our parts are absent yet doubt I not but I haue still some here who honour Ladies so much as they will venter to deliuer them from force in loue therfore I giue yoâ— free liberty to pronounce your challenge I am sorry said he that all your Worthies be not here that I might for my glory ouercome them one after another but since they are absent any one here take her part that will or giue her to mee if none will aduenture combate otherwise I am ready to meete him with the Launce three courses and then end the Combat with the sword if no one dare vndertake itâ— you must sweete Lady bee mine for want of a knight for your Championâ— Shee lookt sadly and wept so loue-likely as all pittied her but none offered their seruice the valour being knowne and the strength much feared of Laâ—saritano till Selarinus disdaining such a man should haue though so little a cause to adde more fuell to the fire of his pride stept forth and said Most mighty King may it please you to honour mee so much as to permit mee the libertie of this aduenture wherein I doubt not but to doe iustly and to lay Lansaritano's pride as low as the eaâ—â—h will suffer his body to lie vpon it The king glad to see the fine young Prince so forward but loth to venture him in so dangerous a businesse told him That the true noblenesse and bounty of the kings of Albania his Predecessours did againe liue in him to maintaine which hee was very willing to grant his request but his tender yeares made him loth to aduenture him alone Then Sir said hee should I both shame my selfe and the braue Princes before by you mentioned but as I am alone left here of my bloud I will alone aduenture Then hee asked the Lady if shee would accept him and stand to his censure Shee answered Most willingly shee would Hee then gaue her to her beloued saying Prepare your selfe and know Lansaritano that you shall finde enough to doe when you encounter Iustice and resolution which are the two I take with mee in this Combate against you The furie of the vaine man was such to see so young a man answer him as hee could scarce giue one word againe but at last his breath smoked out these words Alas poore Boy I pitie thee wherefore pray thee be aduised and hereafter when thou hast a Beard come and it may be I will grace thee with fighting with thee vnlesse thou dost hope I should haue some pity on thy faire face and so forbeare to hurt thee in the fight 〈◊〉 â—ince you haue no brauer Knights Great King of Morea farewell I will returne and now faire Lady what thinke you of your seruant my selfe will you loue me or let this smug Youth be your Champion The king was infinitely offended with the proud speech of Lansaritano the like was all the company yet none aduentured to answer but braue Selarinus himselfe who againe couragiouslie yet mildlie told him That hee neede not learne to know words were not the weapons to bee vsed in fight therefore hee would answere him no further in that kinde but hee should giue him satisfaction with his Sword and Speare for the Ladies sake before his parting thence whether hee would or no and then haue occasion to speake better of him if hee left him to speake at all The King embraced the young Prince and straight sending for an Armour which was the first that euer Amphilanthus had worne hauing left it there taking another which was brought him from Italy after his first Victorie of fame which was there performed against two Knights in the defence of an iniured Ladie this hee put on which was all White saue iust against the Heart hee had the figure of a heart wounded curiously made and so artificially as one would haue thought his heart had been seene to bleed through the Armour with these Armes Selarinus was arm'd the King girting the sword to him and kissing him wisht as good fortune to him as the first Lord of those Armes had and to prooue as worthy to weare them Hee on his knee humbly gaue him thankes then turning to the Lady will'd her to take her loued Seruant if shee accepted him for her Knight Shee ioyfully beholding him and smiling on her loue who equally exprest his ioy followed him who now appeared a young Mars yet was her ioy mixt with feare of falling againe into his hands till which time shee
though abus'd by her and sham'd in her Leandrus went to him and kindly offerd his seruice if he needed it Hee casting vp his weeping eyes in teares thankt him but said One man was enough to suffer in so slight a cause and so vndeseruing a creature He desired to know the matter He answerd he had lou'd a Lady she had done the like to him or made him thinke so but hauing what shee would she had changed and not only so but giuen her selfe to his enemy being first betrothed vnto him and in that time he was prouiding for the marriage married the other and this is the cause of my torment hither I am come to reuenge my selfe of him and in him of her if shee loue him still They are in a strong Castle of his where they merrily liue while I am miserably vexed with tortures and dishonour the worst of torments What was the originall cause of his malice Truly Sir this cruelty hee vseth but to mee as belonging to my destiny Neglected I haue been of my friends for bearing this disgrace from mine enemy and the hater of all my Countrie the reason of his hatred to vs proceeding from this The King of Morea in his youth was a braue man at Armes and followed and finished many aduentures by chance at a great Iust held in Achaia for ioy of the birth of the Kings son cald Leandrus as after I heard he was and proou'd a Prince worthily deseruing the ioy then shewed for receiuing of him This Lords father was likewise there and encountring the King was by him throwne to the ground which disgrace hee took so heauily as he would haue reuenged it with his sword but that being forbidden the end of those triumphes reaching no further then sport discontented and burning in rage hee went thence watching when the King returnd in his iourney in this very place he set vpon him troopes of his comming all these seuerall waies and at once charging him who onely for his pleasure had sent his greatest company before him following with two Knights and their Squires but in this conflict the King got so much of the victorie as hee slew his Enemie with his owne hands but could not keepe himselfe from being taken prisoner and carried almost to the Castle whither if hee had gone without doubt hee had thence neuer returnd But the Squires seeing his distresse and the death of the other two their Masters ran euerie one a seuerall way till they got a good number of the traine together who with all speed and fury pursued them ouertaking them hard by the Castle and taking their Lord from them most being kill'd some few got into the hold where relating their vnlucky aduenture the wife of the slaine Lord and Mother to this Lord hauing as great a spirit as any woman breathing made a vow to bee reuenged of all the Court of Morea of the King and his posterity especially And this she hath hitherto performed with great cruelty her sonne hauing beene nursed in this hatred doth likewise continue it with more violence as his spirit is so much greater as commonly a mans is in respect of a womans and this is the cause why hee hateth all the Moreans of which countrey I am borne in Corinth my heart truely scorning him for his other iniury done mee am inuited hither for these two reasons to bee reuenged on him Leandrus thank'd him for his discourse but told him hee had by it made him long to try if hee could bee made a Prisoner also for so iust a cause or deliuer those so vniustly inclosed and the rather said hee to serue one so much iniuried as your selfe whose quarrell lay on mee and doe you defend the honor of your King and Country shee not being worth fighting for Hee answered that was true yet his honor hee esteemd worth cleering and that calld vpon him While they were thus discoursing the Lord and the false Lady came louingly hand in hand together downe one of the paths shee smiling in his eyes and want only courting him seeking to giue him occasion of mirth but hee went on like a man to whom ill was succeeding hee had some seruants with him arm'd and his owne armour was likewise carried by him if hee should haue any occasion suddenly to vse it hee was of a cleere and pleasing complexion a person amiable and louâ—ly curld hayre fayre eyes and so iudiciall a countenance as might haue made the worthiest woman like him and so well hee deseru'd as it was pitty hee fell into her hands who vndid both his minde and bodie making him as wicked as her selfe which was the worst of her sex He looked vpon her with loue but his speech was sparing either that naturally he had not store of words or his inward heauinesse at that time made him silent When he came neere the fountaine Clarimatto approched to him My Lord said he I am sure you know the cause of my comming into these parts if not examine your heart and that will tell you the iniuries you haue donâ— me or if that be so impure or partiall as it will not for offending bee true to so false a master behold this creature by you your shame and mine and in her forehead the faire field of our disgrace you shall see it written in spots of infamy and wrong The Lord knew his face and with it the offence therefore answered him thus Sir said he if on these conditions I acknowledge the vnderstanding of your rage I should make my selfe guilty of what I am free from to my knowledge I neuer wronged any if vnwillingly I made amends and am ready so to doe Can you giue mee my honour againe throwne to the ground by you and your inâ—atiable Loue cride he You wrong vs both said he and this shall be the Ground of my reuenge and answer to you with that he arm'd himselfe shee crying to him not to aduenture his deare selfe against that stranger whom she knew full well shee kneeled to him held him by the leggs kissed them gazed on him in termes call'd him dearest All would not serue he encountred his enemy and truly was he iustly made so by his owne ill deseruing They fought like two one hauing got and earnest to keepe a Mistris the other hauing lost and reuengfull to gaine his honour and kill his Riuall and Vndoer in his Loue at last the true cause got the vpper hand and the Lord came to the lower side of Victory which the seruants perceiuing rushed all vpon Clarimatto Leandrus finding the wrong they offer'd and the other was like to suffer stepp'd in to his rescue A fight was among these performed fit and onely the prize of Loue fit to be the end of it Clarimatto nimble valiant and hauing Iustice on his side fought accordingly and so as the Lord hauing lost much bloud out of two wounds giuen him by his foe nor had he escaped free but was hurt in
was as wrinkled as the rocke his complexion Sand-colour without so much red as to make a difference 'twixt his lips and face his haire had beene blacke but now was growne grisled yet still kept the naturall stubbornnesse of it being but thin and those few haires desirous to be seene stood staring neither were they of any equall length but like a horses maine new taken from grasse which by the wantonnesse of some of his companions had beene bit and natch'd in diuers places Beard he had none to distinguish his sexe his habits being forc'd to speake for him to that purpose onely a wart he had on his right cheeke which liberally bestowed some haire according to the substance for the sight of such as saw him He was not onely a Dwarfe but the least of those creatures and in some sort the ill-fauoured'st this youth seeing Amphilanthus straight cryd alas wee are betray'd for heere is an armed man that will assuredly destroy vs. The Prince promised on his word he nor any there should haue the lest harme if he would let him but come in vnto him the olde Dwarfe scarse knew how to trust hauing before beene in his trust deceiu'd wherefore he desired first to know who he was that gaue his word The King answered I am called and knowne by the name of the Knight of Loue but mine owne name said he is Amphilanthus Praysed be heauen said he that you are landed here for alas my Lord I am your Subiect miserably perplexed by a cruell and tyranicall man Lord of the Island of Strombolli and who hath vndone me and my children then leap'd he from the window and opened the dore which was made fast with many bolts of yron the doore open the King went in though with some difficulty at the entring by reason the place was low fitter for such a man as the Host then the Romanian King In the roome he found a woman in height and louelinesse answerable to the man and three younger men then himselfe but all of his proportion who seem'd to be his Sonnes Then did Amphilanthus desire to know the cause of his complayning against the Lord of Strombolli which the old Dwarfe began to relate in this manner May it please you great Prince to vnderstand I am called Nainio borne in Strombolli to pretty possessions the which I enioyed some yeares after my Fathers decease but the Lord of the Iland or better to say the Gouernor passing that way and seeing my liuing pleasant and delightfull groues of Orange and Lemmon Trees all other fruites plentifâ—lly yeelding themselues for our vses grew in loue with the place and in hate with me first hee peremptorily commanded mee to bring my wife and these tall men my sonnes to attend him his wife and children I that was borne free would not bee made a slaue wherefore I must confesse vnaduisedly I gaue too rough an answere that bred dislike and gaue iust occasion against mee Then sent hee for mee made mee a scorne in the eyes of all men and when hee had gloried enough in my miserie scoffing at my shape and stature saying I would make a fit Commander against the Infidels hee put mee and my family into a little boate and when shipping went for Greece sent mee along with them but such kindnesse I found among them as they indeede carried mee but brought mee backe againe this was discouered whereupon I was to die but my pardon was got by the Lady wife to the Lord a vertuous and sweet Lady on condition if euer I were found in Strâ—mbolli or any part of Italy I should die for it Then went I away and with the first mentioned Saylers got into this sea and so vnto this Iland where I haue remaind but in continuall feare for considering the danger I was in for my life it so with the memorie frights mee as I had rather haue steru'd here then gone hence for feare of harme euerie one that I heare or see in this place being as a Sprite vnto mee and so did you appeare till you told me who you were so much doe I yet stand in awe of the cruell Iland Lord. The King smil'd to heare his discourse but most to see his action which was so timerous and affrighted as neuer any man beheld the like and as did so did his Sons like Munkeys who imitating one another answer in gestures as aptly and redily as one Ecco to another and as like and so the sport was doubled Great delight did hee take in these little men wherefore gently and mildly hee gaind so much of them as they would with him leaue that place conditionally that hee would not carry them into Italy where they more feared their first enemie then trusted to the power of the King such a Lord is coward feare ouer base minds as vnderstanding gaines small place in their hearts as by this appeared else might they haue been assured in his company in Strombolli it selfe But consents agreeing on both sides they went out of the rocke to meete the other Princes the Dwarfes quaking at euery leafe that shook and fainted when they heard the Armour a little clash in his going but directly they lost life for a while when they met the other Knights not being able to belieue they were their Lords friends But after they grew more valiant like a coward who against his mind being brought into the middle of a battaile can neither runne nor his cries bee heard and therefore of force must abide that hell torment So were these brought to it by sight of fights when death could only haue relieued them from feare Amphilanthus following on came to a great Caue into which hee went putting the Dwarfes before him a great way they passed into it till hee came to a Riuer which either was blacke or the darkenesse of that shadowed place made appeare so the vault was of height sufficient for him without trouble to walke in and of breadth for three to goe a front paued and couered round with free stone when he came to the Riuer he desired to passe it but at first saw no meanes at last he discouerd or feare in his Dwarfes discouerd for him they being able to discerne hauing been long in the darke which though at first it blindes like Loue yet it giues at last fight to get out of it so they found a board which was fastned with chaines to the top of the Vault and two pines of yron that held the chaines being stuck into the wall those being pulled out the chaines let the Planke fall gently downe iust crosse ouer the water which was not aboue six yards ouer but being on it they might see a great way vp and downe the streame Then passed they on to a doore which they opened a pretie way along the same vault from the brook and the end of it thorow which they entred into a dainty Garden and so into a faire Pallace of Alabaster incompassed
Knight came vnto him with these words Victorious Sir we see how brauely and happily you haue carried your selfe in this challenge and so as we should bee too bold flatterers of our selues if wee would hope to get the better of you yet being knights and seruants to faire Ladies we are ingaged in honour to try our fortunes with you defending that these two Ladies are fairer and more truly worthy then your mistrisse I said the Knight of Victory defend the Queene Limena and I said the other the incomparable Pamphilia Your demaund said Amphilanthus shall bee answered although I must confesse it rather should bee yeelded vnto without blowes yet will I proceede in the begun challenge though against beauties matchlesse and first answere you who defend the Queene Limena All eyes were fixed vpon these two one knowne powerfull and not to bee vanquisht the other outwardly appearing excellent and so did he proue himselfe for neuer were six courses runne more finely then these were so as euery one said that none but another Amphilanthus could haue performed them so delicately yet a little difference there was betweene them which made a question to whom the whole honour did belong Amphilanthus lost his stirrops and the other was struck flat vpon his horse but the Prince himselfe ordered the businesse thus that hee would make an end of that mornings triumph and the other should haue the after noones triall This was agreed on by all and hee much commended for his royall curtesie when no one came Amphilanthus lighting from his horse came to the stranger who stood ready to receiue him with his right Gauntlet off but his Beauer downe to whom the Prince with a graue and sweet countenance deliuered the Speare and liberty for the free accomplishing the rest of that exercise The stranger with al respect and indeed affection receiued that fauour wishing the happinesse to conclude the time with as much brauery and good fortune as Amphilanthus had done the daies past Then did the Prince boldly shew himselfe to all many there knowing him and comming humbly to acknowledge their loues and gratefulnesse vnto him for infinite fauours receiued by them from him for indeede no man was euer inrich'd with a more noble free and excellent disposition then this exquisit Prince had flowing in him after dinner this most honored and beloued Prince with the admired Queenes Ollorandus and the rest came againe to see the conclusion of that braue sport in which time the Knight of Victorie so stoutly behaued himselfe as thereby hee gaind exceeding great fame but now was euening beginning to threaten him with her power to ouercome his victories which yet remaind whole vnto him few being left that were not by Amphilanthus Ollorandus or himselfe taught how to aduenture in such like businesses He now hauing a little time left him to breathe in none comming against him hee looked about and cast his eyes on her whose beauty he so brauely defended with such affection as hee stirred not them nor his mind from that beloued obiect till a boy in shepheards apparrell deliuered these words to him almost pulling him before hee gaue him hearing My Lord said he for so my master bid me call you I come from yon man one who not skill in armes but truth of his Ladies beauty brings forth and by me sends you word that your Mistrisse Limena is not one halfe so faire as his Queene Pamphilia it is hee sayes no bouldnesse to defend her whose beauty is without compare wherefore hee desires you to prepare your selfe but take heed Sir hee is mighty strong Good Boy said the Knight tell your Master I will attend him and I pray thee aduise him as well for the loue I beare thee Then came the Shepheard knight for so they cald him all in Ashcolour no plume nor fauour onely fauourd with his Ladies beâ—t wishes the best of fauours The encounter was strong and delightful shiuers of their speares aseending into the aire like sparkes of a triumph fire fowre courses they ran without any difference for aduantage the fift the knight of Victorie lost both stirrops and a little yeelded with his body the other passing with the losse of one stirrop the sixth and last being if it were possible a more strong and excellent course their ambitions equall to honour glorious to loue and couetous of gaine before their Ladies scorning any place lower then the face Both hit so luckely and equally as their beauers flew vp the knight of Victorie being knowne to be Perissus the other Amphilanthus who confident that now he had truth on his side and desirous once more to trie the strength of the other while most eyes were on the Champion he stole away and arm'd himselfe Amphilanthus at first knew not Perissus many yeares hauing past since their laâ—t meeting but when he heard Perissus nam'd with what ioy did he embrace him being the man who from his youth hee had like himselfe loued admiâ—ing his vertues and louing his person This done they went to Pamphilia's tent where shee gaue Amphilanthus infinite thanks for the honour hee had done her but yet my Lord said she I must blame my poore beauty for the delay you had in your Victory which I confessed when I saw so long differring of your ouercomming grieuing then for that want which brought your stay in winning Detract not from your beauty which all iudgements know without equall said hee nor from the bountie of the renowned and famous Perissus but giue the reaâ—on where it is which is want in my fortune to obtaine any thing that most I desire or seek such crosses hitherunto accompanied my life Then did Pamphilia intreat him to take knowledge of the other knight whose name was Millisander Duke of Pergamus and her subiect whose father though newly dead and therefore wore that mourning armour yet would not stay but attend her thither then Amphilanthus desired to know how it came about that she honoured that place with her presence The Queene willing to satisfie his demand began her discourse in this manner Mine Vncle King of Pamphilia comming for me to carry me into his Country and there to settle me as long since he resolu'd by the consent and leaue of my father I went with him by the way winning the happines of the companies of these excellent Princes Perissus and Limena after our arriuall I was crowned and being peaceably setled mine Vncle retired into a Religious house where he will end his dayes I heard still the same of this enchantment of which I had vnderstood by my brother Parselius who had himselfe got some vnfortunate knowledge of it I desired to aduenture it being assured that I was able for one part to conclude it since it is to be finished by that vertue I may most iustly boast of Thus resolued honoured with the presence likewise of this excellent King and vertuous Queene with the consent of my people leauing the gouerment for
freedome and lesse ouer-seers of my actions To a Maske that wee had there wherein I was a Lady came whose ill 't was to fal in loue me and so violently did it flame as it grew dangerous if she were refus'd a womans hate which is the deadliest I was to expect if I consented iust disdaine from my deare selfe I was to merit Hate could not stirre mee to such ill but feare lest it would blaze vnto her hurt made me yeeld some content In these two straites I was if I would haue asked leaue and told the cause it yet might purchase doubt if I denied certaine hurt ensued To auoid both I did kindly vse her and such words spake before my onely loue as I did wish that she should vnderstand while still the other tooke them to her selfe Thus it was well but how could well long last with me from this well grew my worst ill and that ill all my woe for my loues husband grew to doubt his wife which well he might for though she were assured or truly might be of my faith to her yet could shee not but sometime shew dislike that she sought to win me or that she should aspire to be her riuall loue this made that secret deare affection seen which so long had laine close wrapped vp alone in knowledge of our soules Hee had no sooner found this but hee straight studdied by skill to be reueng'd and yet to seeme still ignorant of the plot and thus his wicked practise he began A solemne feast hee made which was to last for twelue whole dayes the reason he alleaged was this an old man once did say whose skill was very great in the Art of Diuination as 't was held that he should neuer liue to fiftie yeares of age which time being then expired this feast for that cause was appointed Many Ladies thither were inuited with their Lords and many knights who were to win faire Ladies and with the rest this amorous Lady came whose welcome to my loue was like hers vnto me I grieud that shee was there because I saw shee did displease her eyes who firmely held my heart The Lord whose name was Redulus neuer shewed better cheere his heart neuer more foule nor thoughts more â—ulled with base fram'd tricks At the first show which was by candle light and neither Masque nor properly any one thing but a mingle of diuers sorts I sate betweene those two whose loues in seuerall kindes I held my Ladies intruth mix'd with a little feare the other in violence heated with dislike I had but one loue yet of force shew'd two faith and sincere affection to my choyce dissembled and a faign'd respect to her had chosen me The husband watching all and catching with as many seuerall watches our close looks as spiders flyes with numbers of her webs then did his wit begin to play that part allotted to it selfe which was to throw a spitefull iarre among vs three which was effected by this diuiliâ—h meanes flouting the Lady whom my soule best loued telling her how shee had made such a choyce hee could not blame her for since hee a Prince a dainty youth a neate and courtly Knight delicate amorous how can hee bee sâ—ene without admiring and then louing yet truely wife said he I better doe deserue your loue since I haue loued but you and you haue many partners in his loue I speake not this for iealousie nor am I angry with it or displeased but onely pitty you who are deceiu'd Courtiers you know will loue choyce of Mistresses alas what lucke haue you to fall into this snare to loue and to be couzened of your loue by one you make your friend and sweet companion iustly yet this is done that you afford your friend a part in all Selinea for so was she deere shee my Lady cal'd knew not at first with what face or in what kind to receiue these words the husband first was the informer the businesse his dishonour the losse hers the fault her louers these call'd her sharpest and best pleased wits to ayde at last shee thus did say My Lord you say you pity me in this kinde were I guilty you had more iust cause to hate me for truth in men except your selfe their truths and falshoods are indifferent to me hauing no further reason to commend prize or dislike them but for vertues sake and so am I in my owne opinion blessed in your loue as I should despaire of blessing if I deseru'd it not in the same height of loyalty for the Prince he hath it is true many noble parts able to win womens affections but yet none such where true worth remaines as to diuert them from a vertuous life since that leaues the name property when it runs to change If I were single it might be I should as soon like him as any other but I lou'd you and loue you neuer to change from that loue therefore I pray you take home your before-giuen pitty and bestow it where it wants since I haue yet no vse of it and continue that loue you did beare me which shall be requited with as lasting a faith in me He who expected rather a curst and sharpe answer then so milde an one tooke her in his armes and kissing her swore hee lou'd her well before but now his heart was wholly hers thus shee as shee hop'd had satisfied him who seem'd contented but his minde was no more then before quieted for then hee went to Melinea and talking with her discoursed how infinitely hee was afflicted with the wrong that Dolorindus did him in his reputation and honour courting of his wife so publikely and striuing to discredit him vnto the world and so vndoe his happinesse at home which hee enioyed while Selinea louâ—d him but now such power had the earnest and importunate loue of the Prince gained ouer her weake powers to resist as hee had made her his But yet sayd Melinea he loues her not assuredly as you imagine Bee not deceiu'd sweet Melinea said Redulus for neuer did man more passionately affect then Dolorindus doth did you but see his sleights nay his passions if they faile you would sweare no man did violently loue but hee his sighs with folded armes and stealing lookes discouers what hee feeles How haue I seene him when he talk'd with you and kiss'd your hand throw euen his soule out at his eyes to her Surely my Lord said shee you cannot see this but you doe speake it onely to trye if I would proue so vnworthy as to ioyne with you in doubt of her who is as good as faire No I protest said hee I speake as I belieue and know but yet I am assur'd that his loue is the greater and the cause that shee did euer bend to thinke of loue A Princes name is able to attract a chast-borne â—aide to know loues heate and force what then can loue and strong affection ioyn'd win on a woman Take
you heede faire maid loue is a power that will though once gainsaid the second time come in with armes and make your chastest thoughts contribute to his taxe had you beene in the chamber or but mark'd the piercing darts hee sent by lookes of loue such as had beene enough to burne a heart that would contend but yeelding to make ioy glory in greater pride then euer ioy did know I found some verses too which hee hath made and giuen his mistresse by them you may ghesse in what estate his restlesse burning soule continues flaming to my vtter shame and ruine of my name Then tooke hee forth some verses which indeed I doe confesse I made and most vnfortunately lost those lines gaue full assurance of the truth and bred as true a hate in her to vs which though she stroue to couer and dissemble with show of sorrow onely for my griefe yet hee perceiu'd as hauing eyes of Art and those directed by a diuellish wit these found what hee did seeke then wrought hee still on that and so at last came to his practise end which happened the day before the feast had full conclusion in this haplesse kind The iealous and despightfull Melinea when dancing did begin of purpose let the paper fall but so as Selinea must bee next to take it vp which soone she did and opening it discerned it was my hand and that the subiect of those lines was loue which was most true but alas falsly held from her to whom they and my firmest thoughts were onely bent and dedicated with affections zeale and zealous loue these and my negligence in not seeking to confirme her trust confident of her loue made her alas belieue too soone The paper was with faigned anger snatched quickly from my mistris shee with blushing said Why Melinea I thought you had not beene one so much giuen to Poetry till now I made them not said shee No sighing said the other I know that with which shee looked on mee but with so cruell eyes and yet affection went with them though shadowed with her scorne which might be pitty call'd These strake my heart in sunder with their sight O mee cryed I haue I fram'd these to spoyle my fortunes which should haue procur'd my blisse by telling what I could not vtter speach tyed by a power of a greater might Alas that euer I did take a penne in hand to be the Traytor to my ioy this griefe made me as guilty seeme by shame and silence which did then possesse my most distracted senses as if I had been as false as they made me appeare The dauncing went still on but she who was the best like to her heart she rul'd her feete in sad and walking pace now was the plot well forward hee wrought still and finding fault there was no nimbler sports came and intreated me to take his wife and so begin a more delightfull daunce Hee saw my griefe she found his drift two hated mee to death all were disorderd but I onely lost thus pass'd the night the morning come to part we were directed by our words giuen at the meeting Faine I would haue spoken but shee who thought me false auoided it and gaue but liberty to say farewell which euen with teares I did She loath now to behold me who of late she lou'd cast downe her eyes not gracing me with one poore looke which though disgracefull yet as hers had beene more welcome then the sweetest smiles that euer louer ioyd in from his Loue. Thus we were parted to dispaire and losse yet meant I not to leaue my mistris so but quickly found a meanes to visit her when she continuing still her cruell frownes to mee I got yet liberty by my cares watch to speake with her although against her minde but then more cruell then the fiercest Lyons enrag'd by famine did bring forth these words False man said shee haue you not yet enough that your deceipt hath come vnto mine eyes For false you are else had you lou'd me still you would haue diligently cleer'd this doubt but O you thinke this not enough nor I sufficiently afflicted with your fault but more you would intice me for more paine glory in your iniustice and make triumphes for your ill blaze to the world the sinne of your ingratitude and change and that once done hope then to winne againe but who none but so lucklesse and vnblessed a soule as I was who did trust you cruell you the worst and falsest of your changing sexe This being said but force could hold her wherefore for feare of further rage I let her goe remaining like the Creatures Metamorphos'd into stones Yet at last I went into my Chamber and there framd some lamentable lines to let her see how cruelly shee had with scorne and strange mistaking martyr'd mee When I deliuered them shee tooke them with these words I le reade them said shee onely to perceiue how well your vaine continues in this change or if you please I le be you messenger and giue them Melinea from your selfe These wounded mee more then the sharpest Sword but more alas grew my mishapp for she hating so much as once before she lou'd desir'd me to loue my selfe so well as to refraine to shew my eyes to her where so much false ingratitude did dwell and for my sake shee would not onely doe the like for mee in keeping from my sight least I with seeing her should see my shame but would for my foule fault hate all mens loues this I besought her to recall she said it fixed was then went I thence and mourned a while vnseene at last my Fathers miserie called me to succour him that done againe I sought to gaine her pardon but alas in vaine for she resolud to nothing but my griefe shunn'd as she promisd my then loathed sight After her husband dyed I then did woe her offered marriage sought with more then Vassal-like desire but nothing mooud her vntill loue againe did take anew the conquest of her heart making her contrary to all her likings which shee till then had publish'd choose a braue yong Lord in truth a worthy man but contrary in all the outward markes which heretofore she said could winne her loue When I saw this I knew there was no hope I left her and the Countrey blaming fate that thus had made me causelesly accursed Farewell said I deere Lady of my soule and farewell all loue to your wayward sex where iudgement liues but in the shallow being of an outward sight curst is that man that puts least trust in you more certainely the ficklest weather hath more staidnesse feathers and more profit drops of raine in Snow which melts with it while you spoile onely me thus I departed when she married last and then for her sake vowed as she had done but with more manly constancy to hold a true and a loyall oath neuer to loue or chuse a Creature of so light a kinde as
thus What hath been done I do confesse was hard and most vniustly against mine owne child but she hath married vnknowne vnto me in that she hath done like offence so set them iust in sight and hers the greater will appeare yet since her choice is such where such worth is as I truly speak more cannot flourish in so tender yeares I loue her and commend her thus worth doth gouerne where rule els would shew Then kist he his new sonne and presently his daughter was brought forth whom he did kindly welcome and so did conferre that Iland straight vpon the new maried couple making him Prince of fruitfull Metelin and other Ilands which were also his but himselfe and Erinea left the ioyfull payre and went to Samos where they liued she studying how to vexe or hurt her sister thus ill natures breath but in malice and feede still on spite Then did the young Romanian King take leaue first telling how he came vnto that place which was by chance for leauing the Morean Court vpon the comming of the happy newes of Victorious Rosindy hee desired to returne for his owne Countrie and there he would raise more men but as he trauelld he would still inquire of Parselius and Philarchos whom he long'd to meete and goe himselfe to succour and redeeme Albania Loue what a Lord art thou commanding ouer all for Selarina was the cause of this Then going back hee fell vpon this Ile to take in water and by meerest chance meeting a Peasant of that Country learn'd the state at that time that the place was in this brought him to the happy succour of the louingst paire that euer lou'd and did enioy their loues All well the Duke departed and they safe Antissius tooke his leaue with Allimarlus Steward of his house and many more who did attend on him a little before whose leauing Morea Leandrus hasting to his heart desired to be the messenger of that so happy successe of braue Rosindy and so there arriu'd to the infinite content of all the Court relating the dangerous attempts but then concluding with the happy end of ioy and marriage deliuering letters from the King and Queene who gaue precedence in place and gouernment to her husband for said she he won the kingdome by his sword me by his loue both his none but himselfe can here beare rule A little after Leandrus did arriue Amphilanthus tooke his leaue and with his Sister went for Italy as he pretended but St. Maura was the shrine hee bent his pilgrimage vnto The night before great sorrow was to part betweene Pamphilia and Vrania yet time grew on the king came in and so with kind and sad farewels he left the Court promising to returne with speed and to conduct Pamphilia to her kingdome from whence he by his perswasions had yet detaind her The way he and his sister tooke was straight vnto the sea none going with him but his deare and faithfull friend Ollorandus the euening after his depart Leandrus remaining in the Court and his passions more violently increasing to the height of discouering looking out at his window saw Pamphilia alone in a faire garden walking in such a manner as he could hardly giue it that title for so stilly did she mooue as if the motion had not been in her but that the earth did goe her course and stirre or as trees grow without sence of increase But while this quiet outwardly appear'd her inward thoughts more busie were and wrought while this Song came into her mind GOne is my ioy while here I mourne In paines of absence and of care The heauens for my sad griefes doe turne Their face to stormes and shew despaire The dayes are darke the nights oprest With cloud'ly weeping for my paine Which in shew acting seeme distrest Sighing like griefe for absent gaine The Sunne giues place and hides his face That day can now be hardly knowne Nor will the starres in night yeeld grace To Sun-robd heauen by woe o'rethrowne Our light is fire in fearefull flames The ayre tempestious blasts of wind â—or warmth we haue forgot the name Such blasts and stormes are vs assind And still you blessed heauens remaine Distemperd while this cursed power Of absence rules which brings my paine Lest your care be more still to lower But when my Sunne doth back returne Call yours againe to lend his light That they in flames of ioy may burne Both equall shining in our sight Leandrus now growne resolute not to loose for want of attempting would not let this opportunitie passe nor let slip so pretious an aduantage went into the garden to her and indeed it was properly said so for such businesse had her passions as til he interrupted them with words she discerned him not his speech was this Is it possible most excelling Queene that such a spirit and so great a Princesse should be thus alone and aduenture without guard My spirit my Lord said she as well guards me alone as in company and for my person my greatnesse and these walls are sufficient warrants and guardians for my safety Yet your safety might bee more said hee if ioynd with one who might defend you vpon all occasions both with his loue and strength while these dull walls can onely incompasse you but if traitors assaile you their helpe will bee but to stand still poorely gaine-saying Loue is oft-times as slacke being treacherous answered Pamphilia from assistance thus are these walls more secure and for strength I had rather haue these then ones power I could not loue Such is your discretion said Leandrus as to know that loue with discretion is the truest loue and therefore to a braue Princesse and especially to you whose vertue and beauty cannot be demanded by any whose deserts might challenge meriting of them discretion should aduenture to peâ—swade you to make choyce of some one you might affect for a husband since you were not onely fram'd the most incomparable Lady of the world but also a woman and so to be matched with one sit for your estate in birth and greatnesse and so iudgement will continue affection betweene you Discretion in loue I must confesse said she as discretion it selfe is bestâ— but if loue come wholly to be gouernd by it that wil haue so great a power as loue will loose name and rule and the other for riches or other baser things shall pâ—euaile against the sweetest passion and only blisse which is enioying therefore my Lord Leandrus by your fauour I must say I thinke you erre in this and in the truth of loue which is a supreme power commanding the eyes and the heart what glory were it to him to haue a cold part of wisdome to rule with him No his honor is to be alone and therefore doth he oft expresse it in making proud and great ones desperately affect meaner ones in respect of them and all to yeeld to his law they then that truly vnderstand great Loue must
creature Nature taught her to be carefull and yet kind thus she beheld him now with loue and such respect as she must beare him whom she had made her Lord for Lord the husband is in all estates from Shepheards vnto Kings Then did the pleasing difference begin each striuing how to shew the most respect she to maintaine what she had gaind he to requite what shee had giuen Amphilanthus and Polarchos admiring them as much as either had in former times themselues when first in loue calling their passions round about them wrapping themselues in them as in their mantles but closer did they sit to them Amphilanthus being so much loue it selfe as he might be compar'd to be it selfe as neere as a round glasse made of the clearest temper and fild full of the clearest water turne it any way you see thorow it yet both seeme one colour and clearenesse in agreeing so did the clearenesse of his loue shew through him or was it selfe onely loue and purely cleare no vacant place least turning of the glasse might make a bubble to appeare a change no he was round and true Poore Polarchos hee stood like a blasted tree the blossome of his affectâ—on killed and withered yet hee called to minde how hee had loued and how shee vsed him No more expression had this daintie Lasse giuen to her forrest Lad then shee had made to him but now decayed and all her fauours dryed and wrinckled like the last yeares fruite poore Prince turnd to the lowest slauery of Loues meanest cast-awayes hee wept while the other smil'd the Forrester ioyning in present gaine Amphilanthus feeding on the knowledge of his absent loues affection heere did loue play his part in diuers kinds made himselfe this mirth sporting like wantons with the babye loues of these poore prisoners Amphilanthus pulled off his helme and went vnto them who with a fashioâ— not rude nor Courtly but fine and ciuill receiued him the like they did vnto Polarchos Amphilaâ—thus giuing them the welcome salutation of the first wished ioyes being as hee did tell them witnesse of their vowes they both seemd glad that such braue witneâ—ses they had vnâ—nowne til thâ—n obtained the Forester replying thus Sir neuer could a better or a richer gift be giuen me except her selfe then this wish which from you doth bring the ioy we hope to find keep and which two yeares affection hath ambitiously desired now by her grant enioyed but may it please you to grace vs with this a second honour wee shall haue iust reason to acknowledge our poore selues your seruants and our liues your owne to be commanded 'T is the manner heere that when a Nimph doth change from that strict life to be a happy wife if shee bee such an one as length of time or honor hath ingaged shee must by two braue Knights be brought vnto the Temple of Diana where shee must remaine that night alone in prayers and then cast off her weeds and offer them and leaue them with the Priest the Knights then come vnto the doore and call her with whom she comes forth they then do giue her to her chosen maâ—e and so conduct them to the Temple of Venus where they are receiued and there by Himen's Priest are marryed This if wee may obtaine of you so fitly come to vs brought by that Fortune which hath made me bless'd aptly to giue conclusion to our woes and faire beginnings to our happinesse you shall make vs the happiest to pray for your enioyings that euer louers had and sure you must be one Sir for loue shines in you The King made answer hee would doe that kindnessâ— and any other to so fine a payre then tooke he the sweete Nimph who now must change her name and gaine the best and blessedst estate Vnto the Temple they directly went and there without the gate aâ—tended till the time of going in till she must returne which at the ringing of a little Bell did summon them to call her her they tooke and Amphilanthus gaue her to her loue wishing euen from his soule the time were come to haue the deerest gift hee most did long for giuen so freely to him Then to the other Temple straight they went which was not farre but in a dainty wood this other standing in a plaine hard by a coole and christall Riuer there she was receiued with ioy by Venus Priests and Hymenâ— Priests came and cloathed her in wiues weeds and so euen laded with content they left the Temple and went to his Lodge which was in a Fâ—â—â—est whereof he had the charge vnder the King who loued the desarts and those sports most of any thing the first and cheife cause being hiâ— affection to a Lady liuing in a Forrest and wholy affecting that life euery man seekâ—ng to please him tooke the estates of Forresters on them and so made a delightfull kind of wildnesse please them and him who thus enioyed pleasures and his ends coueting to appeare like their liuing but the true roote of vertue and good breeding shun'd sauagenes and only made roome for a little neglectiuenes to couer them with all so as the great men were but Courâ—ly Forresters and ciuill wild-men The Lodge was a faire house built on a Hill at the foote wherof ranne a Riuer ouer which was a bridge from thence they passed through a delicate walke made by Art and at the end of that which still ascended was a garden through which they came vnto the House furnished with furniture fit for a Court the seruants all in greene and in good number shewing fellowshippe in their apparrell but obedience in their fashions There the Knights were welcom'd like themselues and then the braue young Forrester desired to bee so much graced as to know their names nor would I said hee aske this â—auour vntill now that you might see your seruant my selfe could entertaine you for the honours done and to be worthier of them I le first tell you who I am although appearing outwardly more meane I am the third sonne to an Earle who is cheife Forrester vnto the Prince of this Country this Forrest is the daintiest and the best beloued of any by his Maiestie being calld by him selfe his garden this hath hee giuen mee as my charge and heere I serue him and doe please him well by leading of this life this Lady is the Daughter of a Lord neere neighbour to this place but being thought too worthy for me as I must confesse they err'd not in that though did commit high treason vnto loue seeking to barre vs from our wished ioy they gaue her to Diana being then vnder the yeares which they might rule her in shee was constrained to doe as they commanded and was sworne a Nimph dedicated to the chast Goddesse by her friends but when she came of yeares by the lawes of this Country she might choose whether shee would continue so or no. Two yeares shee wanted of the age of freedomâ—
Crimson her armes fingers and necke adorn'd with the richest Iewels her buskins were of white laced vp with Rubies her hayre comb'd downe and a Crowne of infinite valew on her head a Scepter in her hand which at the opening of the Tombe she cast downe raysing her selfe a little vp and throwing her armes abroad ready to welcome her heart vnto her as if before gone thence The sudden light to so much darkenesse at the first daseled her eyes but when she recouer'd and saw in stead of Polidorus two strangers she crossed her armes lay downe againe seeming so like a dead body as they were afraid they had but heard a voyce which caused their search but that she had beene dead that spirit which shee once had had guided them to her But soone were they put beyond that amazednes by her speech If said she you be of Polidorus seruants directed by him to bring me his death quickly giue me mine likewise and then most welcome or doe but fauour me so much as to shut me vp againe this is the Throne and Tombe which I must haue and only will enioy The Kings whose hearts were mollified with loue were so tempered to pitty as they were not able to know what to doe but gazed on her who appeard the most peerelesse Tombe their eyes had euer beheld and the strangest they saw shee lay still like her owne monument curiously cut Alas said Amphilanthus what comfort can a victory bring that finds such a conclusion to accompanie it selfe with all A victory cryd shee then raised she her sweete saddest selfe a little on one arme I beseech you both or either said she bee so charitable to tell me the truth they loath to tell her what must bring her death yet still besought and that implor'd with teares they look'd on one another sigh'd and with their eyes intreated each to speake at last braue Amphilanthus as kind as excellent in all other vertues gaue these words Madam said he to obay you whom we must after sue to for a fauour I will discouer that which my soule as for you doth grieue for The Army is ouerthrowne and your beloued Lord who wee haue heard you so much speake ofâ— slaine said shee I see it in your face though you will not in pitty speake it Charitable Sir how am I bound to you but I beseech you add one fauour more vnto your first and then an other as the last to that where is his body Laid said he in the cheife Church among the other Kings by Steriamus owne command It was an noble act of him said shee whom Heauens protect for it mercy in Conquerors being as excellent as their fortunes the last request I le make Sir is this that by your fauours I may bee layd by him since I will not aske to haue him brought to mee I amâ— and was his wife deerely beloued of him and heere for safety and by mine owne petition left by him I was Daughter to a King the vnfortunate Plamergus but my greatest happinesse I euer gloryed in was his true loue lay me then braue Sir with my Lord and only deere Polidorus and thus my deere my soule to thine doth flye Amphilanthus did beseech Selarinus weept to her all would not serue shee stretched her selfe straight out and by curious Art laid her selfe forth fit to be carryed to her buriall dying as if the word dead had kild her excellent griefe and most excellent strength of passion that can bring so resolute and braue an end The Kings then chang'd their discourse from loue to sorrow they stayed by her seeking all meanes to recouer her but finding she was gone and so all hope of life in her they went into the Court where they found the King new risen from Councell and all his Princes and Lords about him He went to meete them but seeing such sorrow in their faces wondred and a little feard but soone he was brought out of that they telling him the cause and sad aduenture Then he sent for the Guard who had kept the late King Polidorus of whom he vnderstood how he with teares intreated to be laid in a Tombe made by himselfe in the Orchard but they though he besought them to goe to the Conqueror as he calld Steriamus and beseech that honor from hiÌ„m to performe a vow which hee had made they vnwilling to busie themselues fearing to distast the King had neuer let his last request be knowne some said they thought his wounds and paines of them had made him raue others that being dead what matter was it where his body lay comparing him vnto himselfe who being gone said he what care I where my body is bestowed But these things Steriamus liked not being so infinitely offended with themâ— as had it beene a fault they might haue dyed for they had surely payd their liues for such neglect but not ascending to that height he banished them hating neglect to any creature dying imagining his soule that dyes vnsatisfied must part with trouble from the body and for that was grieued and this Iustice did he vnto loue for which loue must be iust to him Then made he Proclamation for their banishment and straight himselfe went with the whole assembly of Kings and Princes fetching her and went as the cheife mourner with her weeping to her graue the other Kings did carry her and were as they thought honourd with the waight of such worth and constancy she seeming on their shoulders like her Efâ—gie carryed to her owne Funerall The Tombe was graced that night with her lying on it the next morning with solemne state opened and she layd by her Lord this noble act did Steriamus as the first in Albania the beginning to his famous life This being past and a Commander left in that towne which was the chiefe seate of the Kings of those parts and from whence all the Auncesters tooke their claime the new and rightfull King marched againe towards the third king guided by his new seruants and followed with many great men of Albania who like the world ranne with the streame of Fortune and left the ouerthrowne party as soone as it was made miserable with that knowledge Antissius had had his time for leading Leaâ—drus now desired to haue the next it was granted him and so they marched Amphilanthus now in the head of his owne troups Steriamus hauing a Guard of them next his person as their Country woman guarded his heaâ—t safe from hurt or change the Albanians next to them which were in number that went forth with him after the two victories as many as were lost so the Army was of the same bignesse as when it came into Albania Perissus after hee had left Neraena in all her rages for his neglect yet saluing it as desirous to deceiue her selfe with saying that the danger hee found him selfe in of change to his first and only loue made him for feare leaue her not being able
was that I should vnderstand I belieued them and blame mee not braue Sir for neuer was man Lord of so many womens soules as this my Lord had rule of who without flatterie did deserue it neuer being vnthankfull for their loues Thus my beliefe gaue my faith I euer after constantly louing him hee shewed as much to me thus we loued or thought we loued which no sooner had possession but freedome followed as the second to loue and this brought mee to my onely playing part of miserie For being young and full of ioy inriched with the treasure of his affection I fell into a snare closely couered and so more dangerous being caught by the craft of one whose wit was to strong for mee being as plentifull in wickednesse as excesse could make or execution demonstrate in fulnesse I so true a louer as I thought on nothing else if ought it was how to indeare myselfe in his fauor by respecting and louing those hee loued a way much vsed and to some profitably practised this yet threw me into the Gulfe of mischiefe giuing welcome to that Wretch who vnder shew of respect spoild my only comfort stealing like rust and eating my heart with as marring and harmefull deceits The loue I saw my Lord bare him was the chiefe cause that made me like him trusting his choice aboue mine owne iudgement for I knew him once thanklesse enough to another from whom my Lord tooke him to bee his companion-like seruant His discourse was delicate and so vnusuall his wit not lying the same way that other good ordinary ones did and so excelling for what pleasinger then varietie or sweeter then flatterie which hee was filled with all and made mee giue or credit to a treacherous deceitâ— which perswaded mee hee was full of honest plainenes so prety and familiar his discourses were as shewed a pleasing innocency yet indued with admirable learning This moued me to trust considering that the greater his knowledge was the more he should know truth but contrariwise he was the breach to my misery My Lord imploidâ— him in some occasions abroad whether by his own desire to see or his wil to be certaine of some forraine knowledge he went away leauing me secure and happiest in my Lords affection Many letters I receiued froÌ„ him wherin he witnessed his truth which indeed did wel for only paper and inke said it not being worthy or honest enough to blush for his shame but in the time of his absence my loued loue did like all men alter it may bee caused by greater beautie it may â—ee prouoked to it by my imperfections but some thing it was I dare not say a naturall inconstancy bâ—t rather taxe my selfe with the blame then touch him made me vnfortunate This vnworthy man found it and as vildly pursued it smoothing me with flatteries while he glos'd with him and her to whom he had chang'd as long as euer hee discernd curtesie in him towards me which at last most cruelly was likewise taken from mee hee followed mee but then look'd on me as a rainy day doth on the earth after a flattering morning I was deceiued and indeed vndone but t was by him and for him whom I lou'd yet after some respect I found therefore I pardon forgiue him Sometime this lasted succeeding as I should haue told you the death of my husband and sonne by him for marryed I was and hauing ambition enough to hold mee from that in hope of obtayning him for my husband while the King still fauour'd mee and if I might with arrogancy say loued me But my loue to my chosen refus'd all others and he at last refused me which when the crafty vnhonest man directly saw hee not only as I told you left obseruing mee but proudly sought my loue if I scornd his basenesse a thing raised by my Father to be knowne but made by my Lord to shew in light Consider you who needs must know what can be yeelded by a spirit true to noble birth and more noble loue to a worme boldly crawling before the best and lifting vp an vnualued head as if a braue beast but a beast indeed he was and I the misfortune had to be a taster of his Villany vnder colour of visiting me after my losse he gaind still in my true heart a confidence of his renewing respect to mee which I prized him for confessing still and purely all the flames I felt for his Lord and soone after this he shewed his dishonesty and such neglect as if I were a blab or one desirous to doe ill I might yet mischeefe him But I am farre from that and will doe well let all other ills succeed that can for goodnesse and truth shall gouerne me yet because all his falshood shall not remaine hid or be vnknowne I will tell you somewhat that hee did for some-thing it concearns this story Hee came to me and found me apt or tooke occasion to thinke so for hee spake of loue and proceeded so farr as he brought it to my fortune I answered moderatly yet so home to my owne hart as he saw I was the same how euer he was changed for whose change my affliction was and so I discouer'd my paines and sorrowes as he said I complain'd fitly to be commiserated and that he pittied me Doe not so said I for I contemne pitty from thence hee grew to aspire to winne me and so boldly and â—aucely at lasâ— carryed himselfe as if my deerest knew it though he now shunns me he much more would scorne him that durst attempt to winne her whom he had once loued and yet holds as his owne though in despised sort And more to shew his villany he only serues and seekes and sues to haue her grace who hee perceiueth keeps my loue from me thinking himselfe base villaine good enough for me who now doe weare the wretched liuery of losse what is euer shun'd I haue in store forsaken and forlorne in loue Yet be it as it is and they continue as they doe I am and euer will be my selfe But what said Amphilanthus is the cause of this extreamity of griefe Haue I not told you Sir said she being forsaken and despised and why only for louing Dull I haue beene called for constancy is now termed so and his assurance of my faith made him leaue mee a thing hee thinks soone wonne or rather held at pleasure confident assurance of firmnesse growing to coÌ„tempt this course doe vnfortunate poore coÌ„stant louers run What is become said Amphilanthus of this man He liues said she I hope to shame himselfe Where is your loue said hâ— Fixed truely in my heart other where I can giue a small account of but as I haue heard liuing with a new loue bewitched sure with some charmes else could he not continue closed alone within her armes while armes and all true noblenes is buried in his losse for lost he is since hee fell to her power Why did
those Knights maintaine the passage said hee To defend poore mee cryd shee who since now left vngarded on that side I beseech you will conuey me to my house which when you see you will find likewise cause of pitty there Then brought she them vnto her dwelling which was in a Caue of great bignesse and large proportion a Monument in the mid'st of it of the most pretious stone of that time wherein shee liued being the Tombe of her sweete and last deere loue her sonne Deuided the Caue was into pretty roomes finely furnished but such as seemed rather to affect delicate cleanlines then sumptuous ornament yet were they rich enough Her attendants few but their seruice shewed them sufficient for that place with a modest and sad kindnesse shee bad them wellcome thither and instantly asking pardon that she must leaue them for such a tyme as she might performe her vow of mourning ouer the Tombe which hauing finished with numbers of sigh's groanes and teares she returnd to them againe Amphilanthus was not yet satisfied with the discourse wherefore againe he vrg'd her Then Sir said she you shall haue all I was borne to be betrayâ—'d for before this cunning ill man came I was vndone in former hops by one that had beene with my Lord almost from his birth who with flatterings had seald vp my heart to his vse neuer hiding any thing not my loue it selfe from his knowledge he making the greatest shew of obligâ—tion to me for my confidence that might bee expressed by so rare a witt striuing by subâ—ill meanes to make me thinke hee vsd all wayes hee might to make me happy still vrging me who needed no inticement to thinke how worthy the loue was how fit the match and then shewed me the liknesse of it our loues being so perfectly and reciprocally embraced the strong bond of friendship twixt our fathers and the continuance of that betweene him and my father as inheriting it from him lastly of our breeding together which though in our infancies yet the more naturally bred loue and increased it adding to loue as the smalest sticks doe with momber to the fiâ—rs of triumph but what aboue all indeed was the earnestest moouer as he treacherously protested was the true euen consent of our dispositions which seem'd so neere being one as though by birth made two yet created so as to be ioyned in one for the more direct and vnpartiall strength of perfectnesse and thus were you made to be one said hee in all fortunes and beings Heauen I confesse I held his louâ— Father Mother friends all were strangers to me in respect of the nearnesse of my affection to him and next to that did I thinke my best spent time was with those he most affected in his absence in that kinde seruing him Fortunate I thought my selfe and honour'd when his companions accompanyed me and so much I loued him as being forsaken I now the more am tortur'd with iust cause of coÌ„playning This Creature loath I am to name by other title and yet grieued to giue him his due and to call him spoyler of my blisse too diligently attended me neuer left me when any time might be permitted for man to see me in I embraced his conuersation but it chang'd to my affliction and contents destruction seeing oft times my passions which were too vehement for mee to hide or my weakenesse couer hee aduised yet still inticed mee on At last a match was offered me many had beene so before but all refused my conscience being such as neuer to marry any that I could not loue especially knowing it before yet was this more earnestly pursued then any other before the Gentleman himselfe too much and vnhappily affecting mee My Parents looked without loues eyes or rather saw while that child was blind the goodnes and greatnesse of his estate the hopefullnesse of the man his vertues and noble conditions much perswaded mee vnto him yet could not more mooue me then it is possible to stirr the most renowned Albion Rocks and in as much chast whitenesse remain'd my loue to my Lord while this Diuell who promis'd his helpe aymed at a farre fowler end beeing gaind I will not say by bribes to the friends of a great Heire whose estate might make one how vnworthy soeuer before a couetous minde seeme beautifull This was his fire and by this hee wrought destilling the offence of Villanie through the Limbeck of his wickednesse and this was the beginning My only loue being gon a iourney with the King loued infinitely by Deterius my father and hee staying had left his chamber and seruants to his dispose and command a stranger came in the plot ordained so by this Villaine while my Lord was dressing him hee desired to speake with the Traytor he went vnto him coÌ„ming in againe with a paper in his hand amazednes in his face which made my deerer selfe demand the cause he teÌ„derly louing the wretch because he had instructed himâ— froÌ„ in his tender youth He counterfetted loathnes to speake as if vnwelcome newes would follow his words the more he was troubled silent the more perplexed was my deere wherefore he priuately called the messenger to him of whom he demanded the newes he answered he knew none but that with much ioy and content Bellamira was betrothed to her long louing friend though not till then beloued of her he then loued and so may youâ— the better iudge of his paine When he heard I had giuen my selfe to another yet thus discreetly heâ— caryed it that hee spake not any thing vnto it though some while after heâ— demaunded of his fauour'd seruant as if but by chance if he heard any thing of Bellamira he would not answere but with a sigh and these words It is impossible I now find for any woman to be true Why said my Lord is Bellamira marryed No answered hee but as ill for shee is betrothed O women O loue how fickle and false are you both My deere hearing the death of my loue confirmed in this likely but vntrue manner saiâ— little only turned himselfe to a window where some teares he shed yet hauing the noblest spirit in the world would not suffer himselfe too long tâ— be gouernd vnder sorrow turned againe and so walked into an Orchardâ— where they conferred and at last he gained his consent to his desired end I ignorantly liued not daring to make other expressions then by looks or humble and willing seruices offered him which with as much affection were embraced yet was I grieued I heard not of him which still till then I did by euery one that saw him he as willing to send as I to receiue kindnesse The earnest suiter and falsely supposed betrothed man still did pursue and so hotly as at last I resolued to stretch the limits of modesty and to acquaint my Lord withall by letter and so ambitiously hoped to gaine one from him but considering many dangers I
him as I flatteringly commended my selfe for being able to winne a heart hee frequented my company after vowing all respect and begging liberty to see mee which should be without touch to me or my honour Vnder this ciuill demaund I perished for then did his second Act please better then the first and I yeelded though he asked not and so I was made an vnfortunate creature for what danger such loue could procure I fell into I neede say no more I 'me sure by this you vnderstand me I was carefull of my reputation to the world though to my selfe I knewe how it was wracked all possible meanes to auoide reproach I tooke as I thought safely and cunningly I carried the matter yet walked I in net or like the fowle that when the head is hid thinkes all is safe though his body lye open to â—ight So did I blinde my selfe while my action was brought to light trusting an vnworthy woman who for couetousnesse vndid meâ— leauing others vnsatisfied that for meere reuenge spred my shame which came to my husbands eares and to my brothers who inquired the businesse and found it so likely or it may bee true as hee left mee yet I writ to him and so faire a letter for likelihood and comming from a Sister as might haue got credit but it preuailed not otherwise then to bee forsaken of him Then did my husband take a disgracefull course against mee that Country being very strict in punishment for such offences I was condemn'd and censur'd and indur'd my punishment but then I thought how this man for my paines fuffâ—red for his sake I should haue found affection or continuance of his loue hee also left mee and in such case as I haue no money or meanes but to sterue for want my estate being againe seased on by my husband and yeelded him by censure I writ to Amphilanthus to assist mee which his noblenesse I make no question in tendernesse to Ladies would haue done but hee was call'd away and I feare informed of my fault which now I am doubly asham'd of and grieu'd for Alas Sir I haue made a free though a briefe confession to you I am the wofull'st woman liuing of a good house but ill life of noble parentage but meane disposition yet O Sir for mercy sake pitty mee Philarchos beheld her of personage tall and well shaped faire of complexion good eyes sweet fauour and of so modest a behauiour as if her owne tongue had not accused her she had passed vnblam'd for any show of ill in her fashion or lightnesse in her countenance Hee pittied her and demanded what he might doe to helpe her Shee told him that if he would ride with her to her brothers Castle which was within aleague she doubted not but hee might obtaine her peace yet dare not I aduenture within his gates said shee vntill you haue preuailed towards the Castle they went being within sight of it Philarchos spake to Perissus to goe first Nay said he since you haue vndertaken the matter I will not be so hasty to take it out of your hands therefore do what you thinke best on he went and met the Lord of the Castle her brother with whom he spake a good space a ciuil fine Gentleman he seem'd learned and stored with noble qualities vnmarried but a Cousen germane liu'd in his house to gouerne as Mistris Shee was not so young nor beautifull as one might imagine any other cause then to order his houshold was the motiue of her liuing there yet she was a braue Lady more manly in her demeanour and discourse then the modestest of her sexe would venture to be and so much that fashion affected her as she was a little too vnlike a well gouerned Lady Shâ—e had beene hansomer a cruell word but is true and yet she might well be seeme a faire houses gouernment the Lord was courteous and so kinde to his Sisters honour which likewise was his as hee tendred it aboue the rate his Couâ—en would haue him who out of care of all womens credits as shee pretended raild bitterly against her reuiling her for immodesty for dishonouring her house shaming her bloud more adoe shâ—e kept then he who it did more neerely concerne yet at last so fairely Philarchos spake and Perissus so well wrought with him as they got his fauour so farre that he was contented to see her but by no meanes in some time to haue her abide with him they satisfied themselues with that for the first and so brought her in to him the next day they all parted some one way some another the two companions together till they came to the neerest part of Achaia to Corinth then Philarchos meant to crosse the Gulfe but Perissus aduised by no meanes to venture it yet he preuaild and so they got a little Barque which was no sooner vnder sayle but with great speed made way till they were encountred by a Ship which would needs take them as prisoners They were not made to yeeld as they thought neuer hauing beene bred to any such thing wherefore they brauely fought and at the boarding got into their ship fighting with such valour as they amazed all that saw them and made their party good a great space at last they were so hardly laid vnto as they found yeelding must bee their best defence but contarily it hapned for another Ship made towards them boarding them likewise the fight now anew begun the strangers fierce and the others a little wearied yet what most troubled them was that the two first encountred Knights got new heart againe and fought as freshly as at first Discouraged with that and vexed with the blowes of the last succourers they would haue shewed them a trick by suddden falling off from them but the deuice was discouered and they for their deceipt punished with no lesse then death The two last were knowne to be Selarinus and Antissius so the foure tooke their course to Corinth where they were brauely entertained Now were all the eight Champions together none missing but Amphilanthus and Ollorandus and Steriamus who was alone who will in short time likewise arriue Rosindy and Selarinus the two deare friends hauing beene long as their loue made them thinke asunder renewed their kindnesse and manner of friendly conuersation into a walke priuate and sweete they passd where loue possessed Selarinus so farre as hee brake into these passions Alas Rosindy said hee did euer heauen thus punish louers was any soule tortur'd like mine or so vniustly condemned to death what did that chast deare soule merit to bee taken away and carried from his brest that held it dearest Why was sweet and dainty Philistella depriued mine eyes and all my sense of hearing of her accursed Sea that brought this misfortune dambn'd Barque that betraid her and wicked vanity that inticed them to such harme Was euer beauty so treacherously handled Did euer eyes see such mischiefe or eares haue hearing to so
heauen bring her not to murder mee lade your selues with pitie and compassion then come apace and giue life to the most peâ—plexed louer All this while she was comming while he attended as a passionate man doth the breaking of the day when he is to visit at that time his loue Dawning and leasurely shee came hee thought shee made small haste yet came too fast if loue did not accompany her and that loue to him like a delicate young Courtier who is to make his estate by the marriage of a great heire when hee comes before her is at first timerous loth to offend yet dressed vp in all richnes and finenes so was hee his Helme hee tooke off rubd vp his Haire wiped his face set on his most manly yet amorous countenance knowing women loue not childish men how much soeuer they commonly like louelines and the choicest beauties Poore man to see what a busines he kept with himselfe were strange that hee who but newly come to know passion should bee in so much variety and skilfull manner of learned knowledge to win as those who after their naturall inclination change and wooe daily but to such it is pleasure and delight to this young man torture He sighed he looked he prayed he wished he did all and yet nothing that might helpe him for so long he was in these distempers as either ignorance neglect or ill manners were like to be laid to his charge who indeed was an exact fond louer taken and spoild at first sight the louing Country of Italy could neuer make him thus passionate the beauties there were as ones owne Country esteemed nothing so pleasing to one as the thought of others till they be tried Arcadia is the place can onely captiuate his heart and there must he tast the paines makes him wish to be in Italy with freedome O sweet place heauenly Paradice said he what delights be in thee but what serpents keepe them from enioying stories I haue heard of waters and trees kept by Monsters but what rarenes was euer thus kept as loue keepes her and mee from asking pity while he stood letting his imagination twine out the time which he might if acquainted with loue or bred in his cunning Schoole haue vsed to farre more gainefull purpose She past feare of danger secured by the death of the Beare her before threatner turned back and came to thanke him but what with her sight and words he stood in as still a Posture as if the Beast in death had also wounded him which made that excellent Shepherdesse take him by the hand and kindly demaund how he felt himselfe but the touch of her dainty skin with the rare softnes gaue a more cruell hurt to his heart then the hard sword had giuen though death vnto the Beast Hee could not answer but with sighs his eies raining showers of teares and yet as through a wet cloud gazed on her She was sorry for his sorrow and wished her helpe might pleasure him it was she alone that could doe it but he duâ—st not hope for it nor aduenture to demand it then were the rest come vnto them who stirred not but looked like metamorphosed creatures their hands fast in one anothers she pittying and hee that had what he could wish yet fearing it enioyed it not which the Shepheard Youth perceiuing louing Leonius as much as man could loue another with no more acquaintance stepped to him Sir said he it appeares that the sudden ioy of this braue victory with the releasing of this rare beauty before you from such danger doth too much possesse you or else the same fit which this day I found you in hath againe ouercome you He now who shame instructed to be carefull starting as children doe at Bugbeares told him that it was true his fit had taken him and held him worse then it had done before which had caused that stilnesse in him for which he asked pardon of the most faire Shepherdesse and kissing her hand assured her that nothing was more comfort to him then the rescuing of her nor any thing more grieuous then that he had been so rude as not to acknowlâ—dge the fauour she did in comming back to thanke him for that wherein he did but the due of any one to serue and preserue such beauty thinking himselfe most fortunately borne and brought thither at that time so to doe her seruice She mildly and modestly blushing told him the good fortune was hers which had gained not onely safety but that from the noblest hand and heart so taking away her hand which was a death-like blow to him courteously bid him farewell with millions of kind thanks and sweet words vnto him euery one of which were wounds vnto his soule because with them she left him They gone he alone but for the Shepherd began his complaints partly to himselfe partly to his new friend in this manner Is it possible O Arcadia the most sweet and delicate of all these Prouinces that in thee there should liue so dangerous a creature as at first sight should wound and kill with the first touch alas my friend what peril doth abide in these most dainty dwellings were these places ordained excellent and alluring to draw men to their ends are you made happy with seeing delicasies only to see them but to taste none other then sharp murders O my father how hast thou left thy son in thine owne friends dominions to bee slaine and by a woman how will you brauest brother disdaine my bloud vanquished by a looke O Arcadia in your sweetnes I am martyrd and one of your Kings blood thus you kil are you not then guilty of treason The Shepheard who now perceiued this Knight to bee a Prince and by his words an Aliance of that Country hee kneeled downe and thus spake My Lord said hee blame not this place for that for which I doubt not but you shall haue cause to loue it accuse not your friends since if they saw your vallour and braue destroying that fierce Beast they would without question glory in your vertue nor be displeased with your fortune or loue since fortune hath brought you to loue one the most loue-worthy and I beseech you what cause haue you thus to complaine not knowing whether you may be fauourd or disgraced I see no reason you should bee discontented if not that you would not receiue kindnesse she so mildly and sweetly affording it Loue Loue it was and is cryd he makes mee thus wretched what can I doe when my senses in her sight faile me how can I haue comfort when deadly dispaire makes me not dare to hope what shall I ioy in when I scarce may venture to looke on her who must deliuer mee from this bondage noe I see no remedy when I am not able to aske or take it I am lost and only found by dispaire and desperate loue Then did his teares follow those words and groanes those teares till the Sheephard
ignoble when ioyed with feare basestealing a life or if he meant really how it might be effected These coÌ„trarieties put me into a great perplexity yet I stil held conuenient discourse with him who finding me vncertaine in my answers and suspitious of my selfe brake out in these termesâ— I see my Lord my fortune to be so ill as you whom I most desire to serue mistrust me alas if loue moou'd mee not what plot should I haue to put my selfe into so eminent a danger it is onely that hath wrought mee to this and yet I am mistrusted by you I sought to appease his passion he then went on I haue my Lord said he layd the way and a youth of my acquaintance stayes below with the cords shall if you please deliuer you from death and this place it is more then time wee were about it therefore resolue what you will doe and that speedily I hearing this and looking on a clocke was in my chamber found it past midnight straight led by a bold beliefe gaue consent to goe vp and downe at all houres went forth telling the watch hee was sent for a Gowne for mee to weare the next day at my death vnder colour of this within a long robe hee brought the ropes which hee fastened to the barres of the windowes which were not so thicke placed but one might easily get out the reason was the heighth made the feare of getting thence nothing At the bottome stood the youth hee spake of and made the lower ends fast out hee went first to shew mee the way and try if the cordes were fast then came vp againe and helpd mee forth staying till I was safely on the ground then vntyed the cordes and the youth loosed them below so hee drew them vp and in a fire in my chamber burn'd them shutting the window and himselfe comming downe the ordinary way againe without suspition to any Gate hee duâ—st not bring mee for they were all so strongly guarded as no safety would be there but knowing all the passages brought mee to a little Garden then vpon the wall and there was a Posterne doore low and little but bigge enough but then another danger was how to goe downe on the outside the Castle standing on a maine Rocke but the danger wee soone passed for with some scrambling wee got downe holding by one another the youth though weake yet hauing a strong heart to saue mee help'd beyond expectation this man my keeper had a brother dwelt hard by this place thither he led vs and telling his brother hee was sent of earnest busines concerning the State got horses of him and so wee posted the youth riding behinde me holding me with so much affection as I imagin'd it had beene his care for feare of slipping but I iniur'd him in that for his worthy selfe could neuer slip Wee rid thus till wee arriu'd at a Castle of mine but that not being of strength sufficient wee left it and our wearied horses furnishing our selues better the youth rid well and I was carefull though hee still besought mee to heede my safety hee weary as weake his horse being little lesse they fell wherein hee was hurt but at last hee sure wounded and tyred I pittied him and more when I saw his teares which were not for his approching end as after I saw letting some from mee to accompany his hee seeing them my Lord said hee weepe not for mee nor shed those deare teares for one who once might haue had a life giuen by one of them but those dayes are passed and now my ending as fast as may bee the bruise and death this fall brings mee not being yet so cruell to mee as the fall of your fauour was nor vnwelcome since chanced to mee in your succour I am to tell now the cause of my seruice Loue my Lord hath brought me to this and all other miseries your scorne neuer hauing had power sufficient to make mee leaue louing you which procur'd this action censure me then a louer and not immodest no disguise could euer disguise me but still I lou'd you nor put I any on but for your good and so forced to alter my habits what haue I taken but habits of the much worthier Sexe the noblier to serue you not out of any wantonnesse which heauen can witnesseâ— for had I ecaped this harme and you once safe you should not haue knowne mee but as a poore youth affectionate to your safety I would againe haue returned after the time of your imprisonment I tooke this resolution putting my selfe to waite on one of the guard and neuer left prying vp and downe to finde how I might assist you till happy fortune brought me to this man whose affection I saw such towards you as I ventur'd and hee likewise to attempt what now I ioy to see perform'd and more that my end is brought by so louing an occasion farewell my Lord and I beseech you mourne not for mee whom you thought so little worthy of your loue couer any fault in this I haue committed with the vaile of feruent affection then shall I bee secure and you noble Weepe not deare Lord for mee I must bee gone and in going shall bee molested to see you sorrow for mee bury mee I beseech you not heere but in some of your owne commands that as I am yours my dust may bee also held in your ground and then lest you shall grieue for mee I can now giue you leaue to forget mee then did shee faint for this was my first and truest Loue. I got her with much paine againe to life shee blam'd mee for it yet told mee such kindnesse had preserued vs both if timely giuen then with many prayers for my safety wishing all the blessing that heauen granted to any to bee powred on me shee dyed in mine armes breathing her last into my breast for I kiss'd her when her breath left her I buried her as she desir'd at a Castle of mine whither we rid that night and there remained till my peace was made with the King which hee was willing to and honour'd me so much as I had satisfaction oâ— my enemy but what was this to my losse hauing lost the wonder of her Sexe for loyalty Besides my second Lady for whom I had left the faire patterne of vertuous loue did shew me my ill by requiting me according to my merit but not from her for of her I had deserued well she neuer sent to me neuer seem'd as I heard by all sorry for me but superficially quickly chose another and like the worst of her Sexe thought sorrow would hurt her complexion and so she might liue vnlou'd grew merry and thought no more of me though at the first she wept but why onely to shew how sweetly shee could looke in teares not shedding more then became her were safe from hurting her though euery one because they were hers had if seene wounded mee When I
I should goe further said he you might imagine me one could tell I am verily pâ—rswaded of that said she But I feare your displeasure said he Why said Lindamira concerning none but poore me how can any thing trouble you It may be said he it toucheth others and so much as yoâ— will hate them for suffering for them I haue no reason for that said shee though it may be I shall bee angry with my selfe for giuing cause Then said he with your pardon I will tell you that I am inioyned not to let you of any know to secrecie I will not binde you for the businesse it selfe hath power to doe that wherewith the friend Lady rose and he proceeding told her all that had passed but now said he I feare you will hate me for this Pardon me my Lord answer'd she I am onely sorry that you should suffer for me so vnworthy of your fauour but for being offended I protest I loue her displeasure since shee hath honour'd me with this worthy opinion rather then I lou'd her greatest grace more noble is my fall then my time of fauor was he did not it seemed lose that opportunity nor was she nice to let him know her long loue expressions of it and embracing affections wanted of neither side what happines this was to sweet Lindamira that constant woman if such an other there be who lou'd fiue years vndiscouer'd then on such an vnlook'd for occasion reuealed so great a secret may iudge this shewed a strange happines to befal them that a iealous woman whose doubt of losse brought her losing Lindamira's gain thus you may see the effects of that base humor but alas what succeeded all this your fortune deare Dorilena and mine for after she had lost the Queens fauour indured an vnquiet life miserable crosses from her husband possessed with like or more furious madnes in iealousie her honor not touched but cast downe and laid open to all mens toungs and eares to be vsed as they pleas'd Lastly after fouâ—teen years vnchang'd affection she cast her off contemptuously and scornfully she complain'd which complaint because I lik'd it or rather found her estate so neere agree with mine I put into Sonnets this course I might call vngratefulnesse in him and giue all ill names to it but I will with the story conclude my rage against him for thus the Booke leaues her the complaint is this diuided into seauen Sonnets Lindamira's Complaint 1. DEare eyes farewell my Sunne once now my end While your kinde willing grace I felt all ioy In soule I knew withdrawne you now destroy The house that being gaue to loues best friend You now alas to other obiects bend That warmth of blisse which best delights enioy Striuing to win an oft won idle toy By falshood nurs'd such creatures seldome mend Try your new loues affect the choyce of store And be assur'd they likewise will choose more Which I yet grieue for though the losse I beare I would haue none with you to challenge right But beare you must for making choyce so light Yet still your beames I le loue shine you elsewhere 2. O Deadly rancour to a constant heart Frownesâ— and neglect my only fauours be Sometimes a cold respect is granted me But hot flames to those eyes ioy in my smart Once yet for Iustice sake weigh my hard part In gratefulnesse I should kinde vsage see For being tied alone to you els free Till by your wrongs now ioynd with heart-broke sâ—arâ— A glorious triumph you no doubt shall haue To crowne your victory on murders graue While falshood beares the armes my life hath won I onely for twise seauen yeares loue shall gaine Change worse then absence or death's cruelst paine The last yet got you haue your labour done 3. A Surgeon I would aske but 't is too late To stay the bleeding wound of my hurt heart The roote is toucht and the last drops depart As weeping for succeeding others fate Alas that my kild heart should waile my state Or leisure haue to thinke on ought but smart Nor doth it but with pitie beare a part With her` embrac'd yours like a louing mate But now unmarried by a new disdaine Cold death must take the body from her loue And thou poore heart must end for my unworth Conscience is lost and outward fairenes gaines The place where worth did or else seemd to moue Thus world like change new triall still brings forth 4. O Memorie could I but loose thee now At least learne to forget as I did moue My best and onely thoughts to waite on loue And be as Registers of my made vow Could I but let my mind to reason bow Or see plaine wrongs neglects and slightings proue In that deare Sphear which as the Heauens aboue I prizd and homage to it did allow Canst thou not turne as well a Traitor too Since Heauen-like powers teach thee what to doo Canst not thou quite forget thy pleasures past Those blessed houres the onely time of blisse When we feard nothing but we time might missâ— Long enough to enioy what 's now off cast 5. LEaue me vaine Hope too long thou hast possest My mind made subiect to thy flattring skill While Aprill mornings did my pleasures fill But cloudy dayes soone changd me from that rest And weeping afternoones to me adrest My vtter ruine framd by Fortunes will When knowledge said Hope did but breed and kill Producing only shadowes at the best Yet Hope t is true thy faults did faire appeare And therefore loth to thinke thou counseldst me Or wilfully thy errors would not see But catch at Sunne moates which I held most deare Till now alas with true felt losse I know Thy selfe a Bubble each faire face can blow 6 THough you forsake me yet alas permit I may haue sorrow for my poysn'd crosse Thinke not though dead to ioy I cannot hit Vpon a torture for my soule-pierc'd losse Or if by chance I smile I hopes ingrosse Nor for I die not I doe bliss admit Most griefe will oft giue leaue for show to toss Vpon the waues where Shipwraâ—k'd comfort split Thinke then your will and left leaue me yet more Vexe not my loathed life to ruine bent Be satisfied with glut of your bad change Lay me vnthought on in the loue-kill'd store My griefe 's my owne or since for you 't is sent Let me haue that part from you while you range 7 SOme doe perhapts both wrong my loue and care Taxing me with mistrust and Ielousie From both which sinnes in loue like freedome free I liue these slanders but new raised are What though from griefe my soule I doe not spare When I perceiue neglect's slight face on me While vnto some the louing smiles I see I am not Iealous they so well doe fare But doubt my selfe lest Nesse worthy am Or that it was but flashes no true flame Dazl'd my eyes and so my humour fed If this be
grieu'd I am in soule to tell the truth for you must and cannot choose but hate me when I shall say what yet my heart loth to let me speake my eyes will waste themselues in streames before I can vâ—ter it and my soule rend when I must say you cannot bee blessed in loue your wofull and sinfull mother being the cause and roote of all this mischiefe I blush in soule guiltinesse I mourne in the knowledge of my sinne I am more faulty then euer woman was and a meere staine to my sexe you cannot my dearest heart enioy this Lady nor you sweet Lady haue your loue I am the Monster that keepes the gates against you and the Serpent that deserues death from you for double iniury Then kneel'd shee downe pardon mee cryde shee you perfectest and best though most vnfortunate Louers I am the wretch that hath vndone you and my selâ—e your loue 's vnlawfull I am the shamefull cause thereof your loues cannot imbrace I am the Diuorcer your wishes if granted would bee wickednesse and I am the ground brought forth this poyson wonder not but shun me as the Pestilence I am not to bee neerer suffer'd then the Plague for such I am to you to you deare two the life of my poore life the reason of all this was loue and your loue by this sinfull loue is cross'd you are poore soules deceiu'd and couzened turne your affections now to chast and iust desires for you are ah that I must say so Brother and Sister children to one man They miserable soules could not looke vpon each other the grouâ—d was their highest obiect swell and almost burst they did with griefe their senses shut vp as in an Apoplexie at last all rose from the earth into which they rather would haue gone the old woman to her chamber where falling into passions her weaknes could not sustain but she with heart afflicted oppressed with shame and vnsufferable woe dyed being found in the morning in her bed a pittifull corps of an afflicted minde The youth and his Sister wept and sate that night together wringing their hands as their hearts and soules smarted for this harme In the morning for feare of spies they parted their misery being to shew themselues as carefull as before their honours and the Parents lying on it though their wofull fortunes might haue giuen liberty which was their greatest Prison liberty they before did couet now had is onely hated Sobs and groanes were the words they said farewell withall their eyes so fill'd with cloudes of teares as if yet pitty were had not to let them see their extreamest misery but through a scarfe of loue shed water The noise of the Ladies death was soone spread abroad the house comming to the young Lords eares who with much sorrow which hee dissembled not his supposed father being absent tooke order for her buriall himselfe soon after went thence priuatly like Caunus from Biblis yet the comparison holds not clearly because these Louers were chaste and pure after the secret was disclos'd Wandring about hee happened on this Desart and into a little round place in proportion like this you came from where you descended the stayres Shee follow'd him or fortune whither she would guide her who was so kinde as to bring her to this place where they continued some short space life not allowing too much sorrow to such vnfortunate though worthy creatures but would to assist them loose it selfe parting with them leauing their bodies cleare reliques of spotlesse truth and cross'd affections malice They saw each other and bewail'd their chance but to fauour each other came no neerer then through those bushes to behold their wofull selues as in Mooneshine glimmering and as colde At last as they had iustly at once begun their loues they iustly at one instant died a little before meeting pitty not letting the one outliue the other or loue couetous would receiue both parts at once againe into possession loth to spare any part of such perfection The bodies by diuine prouidence kept safe the woefull Prince Father to them by destiny brought to them hauing searched and all his seruants for them Vnder a great Cyprus Tree which grew where the stone is now they lay intwined in each others armes dying with as chast and in as chast embracements as they had liued her groanes of death called him who had as little life yet some thing more strength finding her end comming hee kissed her hand and dying lippes then tore some of those branches downe honouring againe poore Caparissus wearing his Funerall memory making two Coronets one for her another for him selfe and so Crowned but most with loyall spotles loue they ended leauing no staine but misfortune to touch them withal much honour to be rendred to their loues The Prince finding them thus fell downe on them and as it were breathing his last likewise into them but hee was to out liue them and to grace their Funeralls he therefore rose commanding that stately Tree to be cut downe whose pride had beene such as not to let any tree grow within the compasse of his armes of the body hee made a Coffin into which with precious balmes he layd the bodies as one then did hee get the rarest workman and by his directions make this place the comming to it he would haue this way as most vnusuall and strange as their liues the place els on the other side would haue suffered another and finer comming to it though painefull the ascent being so highe for indeed it was a place as cut out of the maine Rocke and wrought into the heart of it all of one side hauing light in aboundance but hee had as it were made his way in the middest thereof as if to pierce the Center as that part in their hearts had beene sealed When this stately and sumptuous building was finished he went into Chios where dwelt an ancient and rare Magitian this man he made his instrument to fulfill his intent who did so well performe it as hee accomplished what Art could frame my selfe my Wife the old woman that conducted your Maiesty and my Sonne that brought you hither were heere established by them this booke hee gaue mee to deliuer to you when you came and the time appointed when a woman should raigne heere louing as well as much deseruing but more happily enioying to her comfort which is your selfe I was commanded to tell this story to none els nor deliuer this Booke wherin this is more exactly expressed and yet all this in the presence of the King your chosen mate These I haue obserued and now haue but two things more to do which are these to shew you the Tombe then opened he that place which seem'd like an Altar wherein lay the two Louers adorn'd as they dyed with the same Garlands whose honour was to continue greene still as hopefull of their memory The candles hee then lighted telling them that hee and his
the old man to haue a Christian buriall by his howling and crying calling passengers in and buried her but could not win the Dog from the graue but there he died Philarchos and his deare held on their way for Mytelin where with ioy and feasts they were welcomed and liued euer till their ends happily but Philarchos thought his end the crueller because faire Orilena was taken from him desiring to die together The King of Bulgaria with his braue Queene as sumptuously as their owne minds required and their minds were no lower then such Princesses should be but as much higher as ambition and all the dependances of that folly could carry them and that was high enough to make them aboue iudgement proud such Coaches Liueries furnitures for horses were neuer seene before yet they but poore as her Maiestie esteemed them who surely would haue been contented to bee starued so all shee had touched had been Gold and Diamonds In this magnificence they tooke leaue of the King and Queenes in Morea and so tooke their iourny towards Bulgaria they only riding in one Coach two other went spare one for each the traine so richly prouided for as ordinary Kings and Queenes would haue been well contented with that furniture but yet these were scarce good enough for their seruants Out of Morea they went without aduenture and so passed till in Liuadia this fine accident befell them A young Gentleman attended on by six Pages apparreld in coates of Grasse-greene Veluet laid with gold Lace and twelue footemen in the same colours all with Plumes of greene and yellow in their Hatts the young Gentleman in a sute of those colours imbroidred with Gold the trappings for his Horse and all furniture answerable came towards the most glistering troope of Bulgaria then being instructed accordingly he presently allighted and on foote presented himselfe to the Queen humbly making a reuerence to her liking the like he did to the King then he deliuered these words Great and most happy King enioying such a treasure as hauing the worlds riches composed in this vnestimable Iewell the Earths admired Starre and mans wonder your Queene I am sent vnto you both but if I faile in performance of my message blame your owne glorious aspects that take from mee the true abilitie of speech and boldnesse a Messenger should be armed with all but who can without trembling speake to the Gods or touch the Sunne if he descend within reach no more can I speake to you whose Maiesties strike me dumbe or make me to say better faulter like an vnperfect Schoole-Boy saying his lesson They heartned him wiâ—h ioy flattering pride nourishing their proud hearts when he proceeded Pardon and grace said he from you so heauen-like creatures giues life with speech to me againe I am sent from the Prince of Liuadia my Master who hearing of your comming this way doth desire the blessing I his Vassaile haue already enioyed humbly beseeching you to honor him with your royal presence in his fathers Court an old Prince but good where hee is within two dayes to haue a Triumph by meanes of manie strangers and happie he is to haue such an occasion at this time to be the fitter to giue entertainement to such persons he earnestly desires not to be refused and I pray I may not be sent but with the soules-like-comfort of blisse which is your grant The King was the finest speaker in Court language of the World and so complemented as the youth had enough to doe to returne halfe his good language to his Lord for the Queene shee soone had granted to shew her beauty and scarce could hold within the bounds of expressing what she felt of ioy knowing shee must bee admired but at last said she would obey her Lord and accompany him to waite on his Prince thanks she returned none for she esteemed this honour but due to her and knew it should be offered her Forwards they passe 〈◊〉 within the â—ight of the Court where the Prince and many Noble-men attending him met them in arming suites and conducted them to the Court but yet there wanted though all this honour was done that whereto her Pilgrimage was made her Saint was not among them and yet vnproperly that is said for she respected him but for adoâ—ing her it was but earely in the day being scarce foure in the afâ—ernoone wherefore the Prince asked her if she pleased to goe first into a rich Pauillion raised from the ground at one end of the Lists and see them practise for that was their houre She was very willing yet stayd till her husband with curious words and phrases had consented so they went in from whence at the other end they discernd the old Prince and Princesse with the graue Lords with them then did the Prince arme himselfe and the Prince of Iambolly as not thinking of the good fortune to see her but as if by chance led thither came into that place to arme She would needs goe forth and leaue the roome to him but so she did it as al eyes might see good manners noâ— wil to leaue him made her offer it He as curteous would rather he said arme in the field then be so rude She blusht and smiled â—imperd all to auoid expression expressed what hee desired and she granted Her husband was gone with the Prince and so saw not this encounter Well he at last got another roome right ouer against that and armed came downe into the lists his Beauer open but to see how he stood gazing on her and she in what perplexity shee was to the window shee would come and a while stand still looke on him he stare on her then retire red with content and yet finding fault with the heaâ—e as that the cause of her distemper Many Ladies were there likewise to see the sport who lost not that better pastime in marking her yet took no notice of it lest offence might follow but shrewd wits there were that after made pretie mirth at it To the place againe she would come and looke though ouer them and see in spite of seeing and as if whether she would or no take content The Prince came also and stood there beholding as the rest did while some others ranne at last came a great man of that Country and desired one of the Ladies there to bestow a fauour on him She did so Now you are engaged said the Prince to runne well else your fauour will be shamed and you for not better maintaining it I will doe gallantly replyd he The Iambollian then cast his eyes crauingly towards her she onely lickt her lipps that when they returned to sight they might looke like cherries after raine red and plumpe and totterd her head which made a feather shake she had on it Hee with that it seemed vnderstood her and lifting vp his Bases a little of one side as if to take out his Handkercheif shewed her his points were of same
instantly withdrew her selfe from the windowe threw her selfe vpon her bedd ctyed out onely against misfortune and so brake her heart and dyed her last words being yet though honour and life bee lost I dye iust and truely thine my onely deare Ala and this Ala was all for all my name shee spake death either then wholly possessing her or shee desirous still to hold mee neere her kept that last part in her for her to ende with and mee to liue by yet truely had I like to haue gone with her with her though asunder I may say for our soules vnited had gone together but alas I was not so happy though had I had a spirit like hers or weapons suffered mee I had soone ouertaken her or came to her as her soule parted but I was hindred and â—he had all my powerfull spirit the shew of my falling and the truth of her death was thus The Villaine had dressed mee and a stuff'd-man-likeâ—thing in sutes alike his intent being this and such was the performance in some kinde though too hasty they were that if the King ouercame I should bee throwne downe if the other the counterfeit piece should bee cast foorth that all hope being taken from her shee might the sooner yeeld to him but the Executioners seeing the King downe threw out the framd Alarinus which brought as much mischiefe as all ill could doe for shee seeing it imagining it to be mee dyed and left all misery to dwell with vs especially in me I fell from the window in â— swound thinking the day lost they heeded not any thing more but confident of the Champions victory tended mee striuing to saue me to this misery The doores within a little while after were opened and I fetch'd foorth to death I thought but so it happened not nor neere so much good befell mee for I no sooner saw liberty with the King who came for mee but I mette the cruellest of deaths encountring her death O Myra my best and last Loue thy memory liues in mee and I liue but to remember thee now let mee know if so much loue so much misfortune chastity and deare true Loue rested in your Mistresse else I must not yeeld Hee then twin'd his handes one in another wrung them and sighing wept then lay downe on his side leaning his elbow on the ground and his face on his hand when the Bauarian followed thus Loue I confesse you haue had plentifully shewed vnto you yet as grieâ—e is felt but by one's selfe none being able to compare with the knowledge vnlesse hee felt the equall weight no more can I yet see but that my losse is the greater My selfe am called Peryneus Duke of Bauaria but vassell to misfortune my Lady was called Elina daughter to the Duke of Saxony that now is brother in law to the Emperour that then was she was brought vp with the Empresse and there I fell in loue with her she asmuch did affect me although at that time there were three of vs fiercely wooing her the other two were the Dukes of Brunswicke and Wertenberge the one infinite rich but as poore in naturall perfections for hee is weake in iudgement and discourse else faire and white The other as louely as a man can bee or indeed a woman for delicate clearenesse and sweetnesse but wanting in estate as the other in wisedome My selfe the third and such as you see gained the loue from the other two and the hate of the one while shee was liuing now hee vseth mee well but so shee had beene still would I had still beene hated My ill fortune it was also that the Empresse liked mee shee was not so true a wise as Vlisses had but yet shee was and had a braue Woman and belou'd of many shee nobly requiting most for gratitude is a great matter in Louers This sweet Bird of beauty and vertue Elyna saw the Empresse Loue as clearely as her owne could make it transparent through which shee saw likewise sorrow and was sad as dispayring I hauing that countenance as carefully beholding her as her loue cared for mee I fear'd shee lou'd I sawe shee lou'd and grieued because shee loued For O me I durst not thinke it was my selfe the King of the Romans then now my Lord the Emperour after his receiuing that Title for ouerthrowing the vsurping Duke of Sax in whose place and to whose honour and estate my Ladies Father by the Emperours and Princes fauours succeeded came to Prage where the Court was to entertaine him all triumps were prouided none thought enough to welcome him who had saued the Empire from ruine Sports of Field were most in vse the King most affecting them at those excercises I was one and then called the seruant to the Dutchesse she pleased to honour me with a fauour but the greatest honour was that she sent it by Elina who comming into the Chamber of Presence hauing layd it on her Fardingale I approached like the rest but aboue all others in affection to her shee that day honoured me more then vsually wee was wont turning from the rest and looking on mee bashfully for feare of them sadly because imployed against her selfe as for another sweetly but slowly bringâ—ng foorth these words I am said shee O dearest shee entreated by many to giue fauours this day but my Lord I am determined to deny all because not able to conâ—tent all yet to you who haue not asked I must present this Scarfe giuing me a maruellous rich one of Crimson Tafaty embrodered with gold siluer and dainty coloured Silkes euen to the height of richnesse and delicacy but the delicatest delicacie was that shee presented it mee I kissed my hand to take it and kissed that part where shee had touched it blush I did and tremble with ioy and wonder till shee looking on me my Lord said shee are you amazed me thinkes you should know the Sender this shee spake so low as none but I heard it and I was sorry I then had hearing rather would I haue beene deceiued and thought graced by her then assuredly honour'd by the Dutchesse I bowed lowe vnto her saying I had been richer in content if she had giuen me a Shooe-string of hers She starâ—ed smil'd and with her eyes kindly shewed shee liked my words but gaue no answer so I departed and with the rest of the Court performed what was expected of vs oft times I confesse I looked vp to to the window were shee stood and thence tooke spirit anâ— hope grew then and still increased when I sawe shee entertained and not reiected my humble affection Thus were wee fortunate but how much longer can that word last then it is spoken Alas no longer for no sooner were wee truely assured of what our soules called blisse enioying hearts wishes in loues happy remembrance that yet said this is and was when miserable Fate her Aunt discerned it wearing quickely then glasse eyes to make euery mote seeme thousands and so
of Antissia whose iealousie infinitely vpon this increased and the more meanes were sought to alter it the greater did the heate grow like a Smith that puts water into his Forge to make the fire more violently hot The sweet but sad Princesse not mistrusting this went as appointed into the Groue the suspitious Lady whose heart now lay in her eies to discouer her soone and secrâ—tly followed her where she discern'd being in the Euening a knight so like in proportion to hers or so had the power of doubt made him as shee euer belieued it to be himselfe but when she saw their affectionate imbracements then was her heart like to breake not being able to sustaine but for feare of discouering as softly but lesse quietly being confident her confidence in his loue which had before but flattered her to his own ends and not for loue had beene a bayt to draw on her destruction With this dolorous opinion shee retired into her Chamber where she fell into the most grieuous complaints that euer poore afflicted suspitious Lady had endured The Princes continuing in the Wood with all loue and kindnesse the black Knight beginning his discourse My best and onely deare Sister know that after my departure hence I past thorow most part of Greece to seeke aduentures till I came into Macedon where I found the King dead and an Vsurper strongly placed and setled in his roome the same of Meriana's beauty I likewise encountred but alas shee was shut vp in prison by that Traytor and so close kept as none could gaine a sight of her but with much danger The Villaine though her neere Kinsman keeping her thus with intent to marry her if he can gaine her consent if not so to hold her inclos'd during her life But by a blessed chance as it may happen I got the sight of her truely so rare a creature as my commendations which cannot with all worldly eloquence if with best art imploid to set forth the neerest of her praise come neere to the lowest degree of her perfections what then should I venture to commend her whose delicacie may receiue wrong by my vnperfect tongue not sufficient to extoll her Let it suffice my eyes saw that which made my heart her slaue and thus I compassed my ioy I lay in a house the Master whereof had serued her Father and Mother wayting in the Queenes chamber and now hath libertie to see her when hee will or hath any businesse with her as to bring her new apparrell or such necessarie things hee being Master of the Wardrobe This man with whom I often conferred concerning the Princesse finding my longing to behold her and heartily wishing her libertie brake with mee about it I hearkned to him and so wee grew so farre as wee were fast enough to each other for betraying our purpose Then hee caused mee to put on a suite of one of his seruants who was iust of my stature and taking new apparrell to carrie her sent it by mee withall his excuse that hee was not then able himselfe to come I went with it imagining my selfe more then a Prince in being so happie to be his Seruant to such an end When I came the Maides that attended her told her of my comming and of my selfe being a stranger and neuer there before shee sent for me demaunding many things of me which as well as so much amazednesse as I was in beholding her could permit me I answered Shee tooke delight to see me so mou'd imagining it had been out of baâ—hfulnes which she made sport with Thus for some time it continued till one day my Master went himselfe with whom the Princesse had much discourse concerning me and among the rest shee very much prest to know what Country man I was and at last directly who I was for said shee either hee is a verie foolish fellow or some other then he seemes to bee which I rather doe imagine therefore faile not but tell mee by the respect and loue you beare mee what you know of him Hee who loued mee as his Sonne was loath to discouer mee directlie for feare of danger yet considering that if at all hee were much better tell who I was and the cause of my disguise which would purchase mee more good then dissembling Vpon promise of her being no way offended nor discouering it which if knowne would cost my life he told her all and withall added my extreame affection to her When shee at first heard it shee seemd offended yet after said she was contented to keepe counsell vpon condition that I presently went thence and neuer more attempted to come where shee was in so disguis'd a habit to wrong her When I receiu'd this message of death I knew not whether I should thank or blame my friend in an agonie I was afflicted to the highest perplexed in soule in briefe I was but torment and with it tormented my selfe Words I had none nor other action but going straight to my chamber throwing my selfe on the bed and there lay I sencelesse speechlesse and motion-lesse for some houres as they told mee in which time hee went to her againe telling her how hee had left mee and that shee had kild a braue Prince and her hopefull kinsman adding How doe you thinke Madam euer to bee freed when you vse such as would venture for your freedome with this scorne long enough will you remaine here and bee a Prisoner for any hope you can haue of deliuerie by these fashions but it may bee you affect this life or meane to marrie Clotorindus if so I haue done amisse for which I beseech you pardon me and him with whom I will likewise leaue Macedon for what shall I doe here where worth is contemned and slauerie esteemed When shee heard the honest speech of my Master and saw the likelihood of loosing him in whom onely shee could haue assurance of truth and trust shee told him his loue and truth had gaind his pardon for shee would not haue him goe by any meanes For mee shee would haue mee sent to her with whom shee would speake since shee could not belieue such a Prince would take such a course for her loue and direct me what I should doe if shee found I was the man he spake of Hee returning told mee of it and the time being come I resolu'd though for it I did die since shee did mistrust mee to goe like my selfe so as putting on my owne clothes and my Sword by my side but my Masters cloake vpon them I past into the Garden and so into a Gallerie the honest man directing mee there to tarrie till shee came vnto mee When shee appeared it was like a blazing Starre foretelling my lost life and liberty if she did still perseuerâ— in her crueltie But when shee spake my heart was so possessed as I had not one word to answere her onely throwing off my disguise kneeling downe and gazing on her was the manner of
my suing to her Shee came then nearer and taking mee vp shee said My Lord for so my Seruant telles mee I may call you much doe I wonder why disguis'd till this time you haue continued If for loue your iudgement much erred to thinke I could affect so low as a Seruant if for other ends my selfe would neuer doe my selfe the wrong to thinke of any vnnoble course and if the first why did you not seeke to discouer it Diuine Lady said I farre be it from me to haue a thought to iuiure that vertue which admiringly I loue and louing honour the reason why I remaind disguis'd and vnknowne was the happinesse I conceiued in seeing you and the feare I had to loose that happinesse no way so much flattering my selfe as to haue a hope to attaine to that whereto my best thoughts ambitiously did flee feare kept me silent loue made me feare Now you haue it dispose of mee mercifully else soone after this discouerie bee pleasd to heare of my sad end She it seemd had pitie but not so much as to expresse it wherfore she only answered thus To assure me of your loue and you of pity this is the course you must take instantly leaue this place nor returne vnto it vntill such time as your fame by your noble deeds may proue such as shall make you worthy of my loue then returne release mee with your owne hands make me perfectly know you are Prince Rosindy and I wil giue my self vnto you I with all ioy promised those conditions should be performd She smil'd and said a Louer would promise any thing I will die said I but accomplish these Then will I be yours said she That gaue me a full heauen of ioy so kneeling downe againe and taking her hand I kist it and on it seald my vow But one thing more said she I would haue you doe let all these deeds be done while you still keepe your name of the Vnknowne and so bee cald till you returne vnlesse some great occasion happen to reueale your selfe I promisd likewise this and so by that name of Vnknowne I haue past these ten moneths neuer discouering my selfe to any but lately to Leandrus and a braue Gentleman then told he her the whole aduenture and now vnto your selfe With promise of her loue my vow anew solemnely made I took my leaue my hart fild with sorrow to part and my soule ready to leaue this earthly cage grieuing so much to leaue my better self she in like sort was sorry and pretily exprest it yet would not let too much bee seene lest it might stay me so we parted I happie and sorry she sorry and most happy in her owne noble vertues But now mee thinkes the time is so long as desire makes me haste homewards accounting that my home where my soule remaines but to this place I came first of purpose to heare what resolution was taken for the conquest of Albania but most for the reliefe of Macedon To obay my Ladies commaund I came secretly and so will remaine vnknowne but to you my dearest Sister now tell mee what you heare and keepe my knowledge to your selfe Pamphilia with infinite ioy hearing this story and the braue fortune like to befall her deare brother tooke him affectionately by the hand vsing these words Most worthy to bee held dearest brother the happinesse is much greater which I conceiue then able to expresse seeing the likelihood of your worthily merited fortune What I know I were a poore weake woman if I would conceale from you or reueale of you Therefore know the intent was to conquer Albania first but whether the absence of Steriamus will hinder it or no I yet know not but this I beleeue that such meanes may be wrought as to preferre Macedon before the other and since your content and fortunes lie that way if you will trust me I will order it so as that shall bee first Bind mee more if you can sweete Sister and to make mee happy enioy the authoritie ouer mee and mine said hee Then did shee entreate him that hee would for a while tarrie there which hee graunted till such time as they could order their affaires according to their owne minds While this content lasted to Pamphilia as much griefe increased to Antissia which griefe at last grew to rage and leauing sorrow fell to spite vowing to reuenge and no more complaine this thought did so farre possesse her as her countenance bewrayed her heart shunning the sight of Pamphilia who with loue and respect did coueâ— hers This change made the sweet Princesse infinitely admire what the reason should bee that now mooued her she seeming to haue remaind satisfied But those who know that languishing paine also know that no perfect satisfaction can be vnlesse the humor it selfe with satisfaction doe quite leaue the possessed for as long as one sparke liues though neuer so little it is able with the least occasion or signe of occasion to make a great fire and so did it now proue Pamphilia desirous to haue no vnkindnes betweene them sought all waies to please her this was as ill a course as if of scorne she had done it or in pitie hauing deceiu'd her would shew the most despised and contemptible friendship which is pitie Madnes grew so vpon this as she burst out into strange passions especially one day when as Embassadours came from the young King of Romania to giue thanks to the King of Morea for his royall curtesie to his Auntâ— who by the Knight of Loue he vnderstood to be in his Court giuing withall such infinite praises of him to the vnspeakable ioy of the old King and all the Court knowing him to bee Amphilanthus as mirth liberally shewed her selfe in all faces but Antissia's The Embassadour hauing deliuered letters to her both from Amphilanthus and the King wherein she was intreated to come into Romania to him and by her seruant aduised not to refuse the Kings demand but to goe with the Embassadour which was the new Duke Lizandrinus whither in short time himselfe would also come but the more sweet and kind language hee vs'd in his letter the greater was her conceite it was vsed to flatter her complement neuer being vsed in the time of her happinesse especially when she came to the point of going she directly concluded that he had laid that tricke vpon her to be rid of her sight and the freâ—lier to enioy his new Mistris and this she angerly told Pamphilia whispering in her eare withall adding that he might aswell haue told her thus much himselfe considering she saw him and you braue Lady said she last night in the Gardenwood Pamphilia between feare to haue her brother discouerd by her malice disdaine so vniustly to be accused her bloud scorning to lie stil when it was wrongd boldly shewd it self in her face with thretning anger but this mou'd a coÌ„trary effect theÌ„ feare increasing base iealousie in stead
began againe My Lord said hee yet heare me there is a way whereby you may let her see your loue and yet not speake it your teares thus continually shed your sigh's still breathing out your passions your groanes foretelling death will all truly witnesse your affliction and sue for you pull off these habits vnfit for these passions put on such as I wil prouide for you so well agreeing to your humour as the cloathes and the action shall make her vnable to withstand so much pitty as must breed loue and that loue if you then discreetly gouerne it will procure your happinesse Direct me deere friend said hee and let me enioy her loue and be assured I will make thee see I am not vngratefull Then my Lord said hee you shall put on the habit I will tomorrow morning bring to yonder Groue but be sure you be there before the Sunne appeare least they be there before vs and after follow my aduice so shall you I feare not come to your wishes end but withall you must promise and performe assistance to me Leonius could but with kind teares and straightly embracing him giue him thankes and promise thus they resolued the youth went to the next towne to buy things fit for the Prince while he with sad thoughts vncertaine wishes and wrestlesse passions spent the time till his returne The Sheepheardesse who poore soule before knew but her owne beauty now found anothers to master her I would said she the Beare had deuoured me rather then this torment should perplexe me Why did this Stranger succour me of purpose was he sent to torture mee must I be made a subiect to one I know not and suffer afflictions for one I shall no more behold fie vpon this strange loue which makes me so strangly loue as to affect impossibilities but I see I am but iustly punished for disdaining all the Youths of these parts thinking none worthy of me now I must loue one that knowes me not will no more see mee and surely loues an other Pride it is you haue vndone mee I confesse my fault I sorrow for it yet Venus helpe me Pan our Sheapheard-God assist mee let not one of your seruants nay poore me your seruant thus distressed liue I recall my former scornings I repent my disdaines I accuse my selfe more then you can blame mee O ayd me then Thus she pass'd the night in millions of such like complaints till morning being come she rose and hastely dressing her raysed her flocks before their vsuall time as shee was raised by this vnusuall passion to the plaine she went there awhile she stayed yet rested no where sometimes shee walked a pace as if she would leaue that paine behind her but seeing it so closely follow her lay downe embracing it yet blushing would turne her face on the ground and seeme ashamed of her owne thoughts O Chastity said shee why doe you wholy possesse mee deere Diana take me to thee but then did Venus as in rage increase her flames making her forget all but her affections Then rising to the next tree shee went which was a Willow and of those branches she puld and with them crowned her selfe casting off her strawne hatte her Sun-beame haire falling downe at the full length which with a little fine and naturall curling reched to the small of her leg and the rich thicknesse spread it selfe ouer her shoulders there awhile she stayed grauing some few words in the Barque of the tree agreeing to the paines shee felt and condition of that tree whose softnesse concur'd with the yeelding hearts of loâ—ers but the Fate giuen it to be forsaken and made it to be the Garland for such haplesse creatures Well poore Willow said she thou shalt yet be my companion and I will honour thee though happier folks despise thee then went she into the Groue but as little stayd shee there flying the company she saw there assembled seeking new places as all doe that seeke ease and hope for it by trauell so shee pass'd along the side of one of the little Brooks her eyes still fixed vpon it speaking sometimes at last shee said these words Poore Brooke said shee how like my paines are yours I seeke to flye from the Spring of my sorrowes so fall you from your head how fast sweete Brooke you runne in hope of eafe so fast doe my poore hopes flye from my hart stay turne your course and I shall hope to liue notwill not be you runne and I continue in my paines As she went on sadly bemoning her solitary thoughts she heard as pittifull a voyce vtter these vnperfect ioyn'd words Leonia poore Nimph said it where is thy vowe must Venus make thee change O loue coward loue to steale thus to my heart couldest thou not haue come brauely and contended with me in the Chase or taken me in the time when I did reuile thee and scorne thy power but to set vpon me when I was quiet and safe as I thought treacherously to lye in wait and betray mee when I was vnarm'd naked and without power to resist and more for my shame when I had sworne to Diana what punnishment will that chast Goddesse lay vpon me for this offence But foole why talke I of these poore things which in comparison of my woe are but blossoms I loue and must loue what then I will loue and die in loue then shall that Cruell see written in my heart that murther thus committed vnkind alasse my soule melts as these teares and yet to thee my paines are no more waighed then bubbles my hart weepes blood pitty me then say you do pitty and saue me pitty said the Sheepheardes is that I want what new companion in my woe haue I found heere with that she went towards the place from whence as shee imagined that sad voyce did proceede when as a little from the banke vnder the shade of mirtle trees which made as it were a Cabine of them selues lay a Forrest Nimph her apparrell of colour and fashion like Diana buskins vpon her leggs of white her haire tyd vp only some of the shortest and about the temples curled crowned with Roses Hyacinths she lay with her head toward her who with a soft pace went on till she came iust behinde her then viewing her earnestly her eyes being so full of loue as all louing creatures found a power in them to draw them to her call especially those eyes which were so much hers as they could not stirre but to her will commanding them so as shee could with her looking on them with louing force bring them to her owne and so it now prooued for those eyes which full of teares were seeing themselues in the streame shewing their watry pictures to each other her earnest viewing the Nimph with a naturall humblenesse to hers drew her lookes to her ioy then appear'd in the Nimphes face yet straight was that clowded with sorrow She rose and with a timerous though she