company Belinde came into the Garden almost at the same time and after her Phillis of whom Galathea enquired particularly of Astrea and Diana and this Shepherdess answering that they were asleep and took good rest the Nymph turned towards Celadon and so may you with her said she in a low voice as long as you live and may all those that offer to disturb you be hated of heaven Celadon had hardly leasure to return her thanks for her good wish for at the same time he was mingled amongst the rest But Phillis who came only to give Silvander a concontentment above his expectation did endeavour to have discourse with him unseen unto any and yet she was afraid that if she did not acquaint Licidas it might revive his passion of jealousie which had cost her so much trouble before so as she was constrained to impart her secret unto him and thus her freedome was so pleasing unto that Shepherd as he went presently unto Silvander and pretending to shew him a flower the name whereof he desired to know he drew him a little aside and told him that Phillis had something to say unto him so as severing himself by degrees from the company and Phillis observing him she also stole away and met him in a close Arbour so thick with leaves that none could see them Phillis found Silvander a little surprized for remembring a command which she once brought him from Diana about a bracelet he thought she came upon the like message now and was extreamly perplexed but the Shepherdess knowing his fears Silvander said she unto him I have been so accustomed to do you ill offices as the very sight of me is an alarm unto you but though heretofore you have had some cause to fear meeting with me yet you have now reason to desire it Upon this not giving him so much time as to reply she gave him Dianas Letter and said unto him here Silvander take this in full recompence of all the harm I ever did you when I took my companions bracelet for you The Shepherd took it kissed it and afterwards with a trembling hand opening it he read these words DIANA's Letter unto SILVANDER IF you be any thing troubled concerning me know my dearest Silvander that I do live only because you are not dead If your curiosity do reach so far as to enquire after my health never consult with any other Physician but your own self and according to the state wherein you find your self so judge of me and my condition They tell me that tomorrow Love is to pronounce some Oracles perhaps we shall there here something which concerns our Destinies In the mean time have a care of your own preservation for my sake and be assured that if they do forbid me from being Silvanders I will never be the wife of Paris Live therefore and adieu Silvander had no sooner done readnig this Letter but he kissed it a thousand times and his soul admiring the affection and fidelity of this Shepherdess he read it over and over again five or six times as if he had doubted whether or no his eyes had deceived him in making him to hope for a blessing so far beyond his expectation At last turning towards Phillis Most true fair Shepherdess said he unto her the happiness which now you have brought me is a full satisfaction for all the harms you ever did me but if you will make this favour most perfectly compleat do me the honour to tell my fairest Mistress how I do resent her compassion upon my love and misery Tell her dear Phillis that I will live as long as she keeps her promise inviolable or as long as there is any hopes to enjoy her If she measure her health by mine tell her she may safely leave her bed since I do find no disposition unto mine Phillis now repented that she did not bring with her the Inkhorn which Diana made use of but thinking that this Shepherdess would give credit unto the report which she should make she promised Silvander to deliver the message faithfully and bidding adieu unto Licidas she returned presently to her companions unto whom relating all passages and the joyes which Silvander resented at the reading of the Letter Diana was infinitly comforted In the mean time Adamas Galathea Rosanira Celadon and the rest were gone into a walk upon the left hand which led them insensibly into a little wood which the Druide had inclosed within the pale of his garden But they were no sooner entred into it then they heard a voice which made a most lamentable noise Adamas who never heard the like he was extreamly desirous to know what it was and remembring how Astrea was carryed away in the time of Polemas his Rebellion he was afraid that some Shepherdess was menaced with the like accident therefore he ran unto the place from whence he thought this hideous noise came and he was no sooner come unto it with Rosanira Galathea and the rest who followed him but they perceived that it was man striving and struggling in the arms of Olicarsis This sight did extreamly surprize them and the more when the man doubling his cries and Olicarsis still striving with him till he was ill in a sweat they appeared to have some ill designs one against the other and Olicarsis being the stronger had surmounted the resistance of his enemy They advanced therefore to part them but at the very same time the man fell to the ground with so little sign of life as every one thought him dead They knew him presently to be the same man which came with Olicarsis and Halladine which caused them all to fix their looks upon the good old man who looking also upon them again without saying a word but putting his hand into his pocket he pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his face Mean time Adamas extreamly astonished and not knowing what to think of this strange accident he addressed himself unto Olicarsis whilst the rest went unto him that was fallen to see if they could recover him But Olicarsis upon a sudden raising up his voice and being a little recollected Fair Shepherdesses said he unto them for such he thought Rosanira Galathea Dorinde Daphnide Madonthe Silvia and the rest to be do not wonder to see that man in such a condition it is by an accident which is very ordinary unto him and is no lesse wonderful then the cause from whence it proceeds Every one seemed extreamly desirous to know what the matter was especially Galathea who could not chuse but make her curiosity appear which Olicarsis perceiving I do very well know said he unto them that I cannot make a discourse of it unto you without being very tedious but since you seem so desirous of it I will not be sparing of my labour since the man will give us time enough to do it for he will not awake out of this Lethargie wherein you see him this two hours So every one
you may not appear before heaven ungrateful Upon this he left me about an hour after noon being able to say that I never met with a good man but only him Thus ended Dorinde not being able to with-hold her tears at the memory of these cruel adventures And because her discourse had been long and also time to rise out of bed they all gave her the best consolation they could and then they dressed themselves Adamas fearing some surprize from Rolemas gave strict charge at the Gates that all strangers who entred should write down their names and the place where they intended to lodge That same night he was advertised that Merindor and Periander with Dorinde and the rest of the Shepherdesses and Shepherds were in the house of Clindor But having passed away most of the night with Amasis the advertisement which the Guards of that Port gave him came very late unto him The names of these two Cavaliers were not unknown unto him and knowing them to be subjects of the Burgundian King their arrival at that season made him suspect left they came for the service of Polemas and had it not been at a very unseasonable hour doubtless he would have sent for Clindor to understand from him the cause of their coming and what acquaintance he had with them to entertain them in his house This troubled him all the night long and therefere he took but little rest As soon as day appeared he arose and sent for Clindor and his chamber door was no sooner open but a young man came and presented himself very desirous to speak with him The man was not unknown unto him for he was brought up in his house from a childe Sir said he unto Adamas I come unto you about a buness which may perhaps prove of great importance and perhaps may not But since such a thing came to my knowledge I thought I should be extreamly too blame if I did not acquaint you with it And therefore I have made all possible haste that I could to let you understand that yesterday about two hours after noon some men who said they belonged unto King Gondebaut came in a body together armed to carry away a young woman which was upon the Banks of Lignon betwixt Julieu and the Temple of the good Goddess When they had taken her another company though fewer in number yet much superiour in strength and courage followed them and rescued this woman out of their hands and since as it is said have brought her for safety into this Town with some Shepherds and Shepherdesses The Combat was very hot and those who would have carried her away were almost all slain and the rest rid away Now Sir it was my fortune to be there at the same time where many Druids Vaces and Eubages assembled themselves to Interr three Cavaliers of those who rescued the woman and were killed But because many of their enemies were killed also the Commander in chief and the Ancients thought good to bury him according to custom and not let their bodies be devoured by Dogs and Wolves or lie there to infect the Ayr. As I pulled off the clothes of the chief of them I found some papers in his pocket which I thought might perhaps be of some importance to the Nymph I found therefore this Letter Sir which is directed as you see unto Polemas and afterwards as I searched his Helmet I found this little one lapt up very close in a corner of his Helmet This Sir I should have acquainted you withal the last night but your stay so long in the Castle was the cause why I could not make my address until this morning Adamas then taking the Letters and seeing written upon them To POLEMAS Count of the Segusians Our Faithful Friend He thought as well by the Superscription as by the Seal that they were letters from the King of the Burgundians and that questionless they contained matter of high concernment yet not thinking fit the young man should know the distrust which Amâ—sis had of Polemas he seemed to take no great notice of them only commended his fidelity discretion and care and assured him that he would acquaint the Nymph that when time and place served she might take notice of his good will Afterwards he commanded him to continue the same upon all occasions that should present themselves and above all to be secret to the end Polemas should not be advertised of it lest he should be offended that his Letters should be brought hither and yet that it was necessary the Nymph should see them The man was no sooner gone out of the chamber but Clindor entred from whom the Druide understood who Periander and Merindor were and the cause of their coming to that place for Clindor understood it from them the night before when they asked his advice how they should address themselves to obtain audience from the Nymph Then replyed the Druide very joyfully as soon as those Cavaliers are out of their Beds you will do an acceptable piece of service unto Amasis to conduct them to her and I will let her understand who they are to the end she may receive them according to their merits And as for Dorinde my Neece Leonide shall wait upon her unto the Castle Upon this hearing that Amasis was by her self he went unto her When he came he acquainted her with all that he understood from Clindor concerning the fortune of Dorinde and the cause of Periander and Merindor's coming Then afterwards continued By this Madam you may see the goodness of Tautates towards you in sending strangers to defend you against the wickedness of your own subjects for it cannot be doubted but these two Cavaliers will faithfully assist you against Polemas although they be subjects unto the Burgundian King their rescuing this woman from him is an infallible argument of it But said the Nymph you mention King Gondebaut as if you were assured that he is no friend unto us Do you know any thing more then yet I am acquainted with No Madam answered Adamas but I conclude by the rules of reason that he must be so of necessity for it is likely that Polemas who is a man of deep wit and has plotted his designe cunningly should not make sure of a King so potent and near should he commit such an error I should then think him the most silly man that ever plotted any Treason and I should think it as weakly done of you if you did not prepare your self to find him so I believe that I have some letters here which will put you out of all doubt Upon this he presented the first letter to her which the Nymph looked upon a while and said nothing wondering at the Title of Count of the Segusians given unto Polemas afterwards asking who writ that Letter and where he had it I cannot assuredly tell you Madam answered he unless that Seal be the same which Gondebaut useth but that CAT said he
disobay in the least then turning towards Ardilan he commanded him to send for a Smith who being brought presently come friend said the King look at the foot of that horse there is a nail that stands higher then the rest pull it out for question lesse that is the cause of his lameness the Smith looking at the horses foot found it presently as the King said and pulling the nail out the horse was as well as before In the mean time Merindor delivered his message and the Governess returned with him bringing another horse for me which the King seeing farewel iaid he unto me all contentment for this day and setting spurs to his horse he rid away the same way that Merindor came leaving me alone with Companion and two Cavaliers that stayed with us The King in the mean time meeting Merindor and his Company go go said he unto him you did not observe that the horse was only stamped with a nail which being pulled out the horse will be as ever he was The King spoke this as he galloped away to shew that this was all he cared and so he rode till he overtook the chase Consider now I beseech you what mortal enemies men are unto us and what abundance of pains they will take to ruine poor women but oh Heaven how hard it is to avoid their treachery especially when we fall into the hands of a subtle person that has authority I had sufficient experience of their falshood and the wounds which their persidy had made in my soul were yet fresh I wanted not any good counsel and yet I must confess the flatteries of Gondebaut were pleasing unto me maugre my resolution and I delighted the submission of so great a King so as I advise all women to beware of such enemies and shun them as Syrens without lending the least care unto them As soon as I was come up to the company I acquainted Clotilda with all that Gondebaut had said unto me and with all my answers and she thought that I had done very prudently in it but when I told her of his invention to lame my horse purposly to speak with me Oh Dorinde said she unto me I am extreamly afraid of some mis-fortune and let me tell you my mind freely that if he do not fall off as soon as you have given him his answer you must marry Madam answered I I hope to carry my self so as shall never displease you but as for marriage I must heartily beseech you let it be the last remedy for I do so much abominate all men living that the very name of a husband is odious unto me and I can never live with one but be most miserable As soon as night came Clotilda acquainted Sigismond with the passage who seeing the freedom of my discourse did plainly perceive that I had no mind to the King but fearing least I should change and desiring to prevent it Sister said he unto her I have a great desire to speak with Dorinde I can discover her intention better then you for you must know that if she do dislike the addresse of the King all his labour will be but lost but on the other side if it please her all our pains will be to no purpose and you may incur much danger I cannot believe her so subtle answered Clotilda as to hide any thing from me and besides if you should sound her she will be much more reserued to you then to me Refer that unto me answered he and after two or three tryals I shall tell you more of my mind The King on the other side told Ardilan all that I had said unto him and it was resolved as necessary that Duriana should be acquainted with the Kings affection unto me for the crafty Ardilan had so tampered with her what by gifts and what by promises of marriages that in all likelyhood she was wholly at his dispose But to set a handsom glosse upon the matter they must seem as if the Kings intention was to marry me thinking by this gilded bait to draw both Duriana and me to swallow the hook sooner The next morning Ardilan failed not to speak unto Duriana after many protestation of affection and promises of marriages Duriana said he unto her to let you see how inseperably in am yours I will trust you with such a secret as if ever it be discovered I am utterly ruined and I will so tye my self unto you by this freedom as you may see nothing can seperate me from you Know therefore Duriana that the King is so extreamly in love with Dorinde that he never enjoys any contentment or rest but when he sees her and yet carries it out so discreetly that I believe none takes any notice of it I protest answered Duriana with much admiration you amaze me in telling me the King loves my Mistris for such persons can hardly love without discovery but I beseech you tell me how does she take it I cannot tell answered he she has not given him his answer but I am sure she is ill advised if she reject such an advantagious fortune Advantagious answered Duriana presently how do you mean it Without all doubt highly advantagious replied he and so perhaps that when you know all you will wonder more for most certainly if she carry her self towards him as she ought to do the King will marry her How how said she and clapped her hands together the King marry Dorinde and my Mistris become Queen of the Burgundians doubtless she may answered he if she will but accept of her fortune Oh Ardilan said she and took him about the neck doubtless you but mock me I protest before Heaven I do not mock answered he and you will find all I say to be most certainly true if she be well advised why should you think it a thing so strange or impossible Do you not remember his affection unto Criseide and how he would have married her And can you think that stranger of a better family or more meritorious then Dorinde No Duriana believe me the King is resolved upon it he has told me as much and I know his mind most perfectly but to tell you truly I am afraid your Mistris is not so well advised as she should be and in lieu of being Queen of the Burgundians will make her self the most miserable woman in all the Kingdom for if ever she acquaint Clotilda with it most certainly she will give her ill counsel and strive to divert her for many reasons especially because she cannot brook that a person so inferiour should become her Lady and Mistris nor obey one who obayes her now Moreover you must know but of this my dear Duriana you must take no notice you must know I say that Clotilda is none of the Kings welwishers the quarrel is irreconcilable for Chilperick her father having usurped the Crown of the Burgundians from Gondebaut his elder brother he took his measures so ill that he
you that ever since this affection first began and since I did discover it unto her her cruelties are daylie encreased Sir said he then unto me Will you not be offended if I be a little inquisâ—â—â—ve Pray tell me whether she did treat you after the same manner before you made your love known unto her No answered I far otherwise for then her language was sweet and her favours fluent Then said he when you did acquaint her with your love did she take it in scorn or in anger Neither the one nor the other answered I but a while after she began to scorn me And what continued he Did she make her ill will known unto you Alas answered I she flies me like a contagious disease when I come into the room where she is she blushes and turns another way And since she took this humour would never so much as cast an eye upon me But my dear Belisard to what purpose is the relation of all these particulars Know this for all that all her actions are so many arguments that my service is not pleasing unto her Belisard upon this smiled Master said he be of good courage and take it upon my word this woman loves you How answered I Cercinea love me Believe it she gives me but small reason to think so Sir said he most assuredly Cercinea does love you all her actions of which you complain are so many assured arguments of it These slights these blushes these shifting of places to avoid the sight of you briefly all that you have related unto me are nothing but words of love in which she silently speaks unto you She might as well say I love you Alcander And to shew you Sir all this is true what testimony Sir will you please to have me bring you of it Alas my dear Belisard said I unto him it is the excess of thy love whiâ—h makes thee speak thus to give me some consolation No no Sir said he I do not flatter you I am most confident I shall bring you some testimony of her love to you the first time I shall speak with her refer the whole care unto me be merry only continue a discreet behaviour towards her and be not offended at the harshness of her actions for believe me they are only constraints and absolutely to your advantage I should tyre you Hylas if I should repeat all the discourse we had upon this subject for I should never end so pleasing were the flattering hopes of his promises unto me In conclusion before we parted he resolved to find out some means of speech with her which I told him might easily be done if he feigned to visit her from Florice as is usual in great Cities betwixt persons of quality But I thought it necessary that Florice should give him the Commission To feigne that I come from her Sir said he I think it good but to take my commission really from her I do not like or that she should know any thing of your designe for Sir learn this secret from me That there is nothing which a woman fears so much as to trust her self in such matter unto another woman especially if she be fair and young there is nothing that will sooner cause a divorce between them and then what danger are they in who trusted them with any thing of importance No no such as are well advised will never run such hazards Should you acquaint Florice and she thinking to do you a good office speak unto her you should find nothing from her but coldness and shy looks Alas said I unto him I have concealed nothing from her and she has spoken unto Cercinea of it several times Well Sir said he I will try if I can remedy it but I beseech you desire Florice to speak unto her no more and you shall find my advice to be good very shortly Night began to rob us of the day and supper time drew near when I went out of the Garden much better satisfied with the hopes which Belisard had infused into me then I was when I entred which Florice perceiving What 's the matter Brother said she unto me that your mind is better contented then it was when you went from hence Sister said I and spoke very low it seems my face is a Teltale and will save me a labour but I beseech you take no notice of it nor speak unto Cercinea any more concerning my affection nor any thing else concerning me till I advertise you she made a signe with her head which intimated as much as she would observe my desire and so we sate down to Supper when we had half supped Amilcar came and told us of a great meeting at the house of Dorinde because the next morning she was to be married unto Bellimaries a great Souldier whom King Gondebaut made Governour of the City of Lions and that Palanice and her Brothers would go thither as soon as they had supped That Dorindes Father whom he met in the street returning from our house desired him to invite Florice and me thither That Cercinea was not there though her two brothers were because she found her self not well disposed This News made us haste with supper as soon as we could that since we were invited we might go thither And when I was ready to go Belisard came to me and desired me not to be at that Assembly since Cercinea would not be there for said he I intend to go unto her and if she be to be spoke withal I will break the matter unto her and believe it Sir I am the most mistaken man in the world if I bring not back welcome News unto you before you go to bed To which I answered that I would do as he desired and so I did Belisard was as good as his word and went to Cercineas house where by fortune he found none with her but Andronira all the rest being gone to this house of jollity She was set upon her Beds side half undrest with a Lute in her arms wherewith she was entertaining herself for amongst the rest of Cercineas excellent qualities she plays upon that Instrument in the perfection she was so attentive to her own harmony that when Belisard came into the room it was long before she perceived him and had not Andronira spied him and advertised her Mistris he had longer pleased his ear with the enchantment of her musique But she starring up would have gone into her Closet because she would not be seen so undrest had not he held her back by her garment afterwards casting himself upon his knees before he did so beg and importune her to stay that she returned to her place yet commanding Andronira to take away the candle that she might not be so well seen in that dress Madam said Belisard unto her if she do take away the candle it is no matter for no Sun can illustrate a night better then your beauty Belisaid said she unto him these
imaginations of every one for it was thought that he loved her only as the mother of his children yet most certain it was that he did love her and as certain that Argira was quite out of his memory O the odd humours of some men who can forget those they once loved as soon as ever they are out of sight Policander seeing himself a father of so fine an off-spring and a widdower he bent all his studies to rule his dominions well and to see his children educated in all noble and Princely exercises and qualities sutable to their sexes and degrees And because the Princess Cephise his wifes daughter whom she had by the King of the Lemovices and somthing elder then Rosanira was in his hands after the death of her mother he brought her up with his own children making no difference between her and Rosanira who having attained to the age of seven or eight years began to appear so fair that she carried away the glory from the greatest beauties in all Gaul although Cephise in the eyes of many did not yield unto her The young Prince Ariontes on the other side was so apprehensive and capable of every excellency that he applied himself unto that no Prince of his age did equal him either in exercises of warre or peace which joyed the heart of Policander beyond all expressions At that time there was some certain Merchants which used to traffick upon the Armorick seas and by reason of the conveniency of the river Loire did bring their wares into the Provinces of Gaul amongst the Heduois Burgundians Allobroges Galloligures and others These being constrained to pass through the Territories of the Boyers and Ambaries in hopes of a free and safe conduct did present unto the King Policander many rare and precious things and amongst the rest a young slave so farre and so exceedingly handsome that as soon as the King saw him he did dedicate him unto the service of the two Princesses Cephise and Rosanira because he seemed to be no elder then the youngest of them These Princesses lov'd him exceedingly well being of a very pliant and sweet disposition and strove who should most oblige him by caresses and because his name was Kynicson and that word hard to pronounce they called him most commonly by reason of his beauty the fair slave But O the fate of inclination Although he was given at the first unto both those Princesses yet he devoted himself solely unto the service of Rosanira not but that he obeyed Cephise in all her commands because he knew it was her desire and his duty so to do but yet that service which proceeds from affection was wholly unto the other at which Cephise would doubtless have been very angry if she had been composed of any Gaul but she was of so wise and sweet a temper that though she had a mind to be ill pleased with him yet she could not be angry so as all her anger did turn it self into jealousie of her sister and sometimes to twit him who as young as he was knowing that the displeasure of that Princess might do him as much harm did endeavour to please her but it was so hard to hide his affection unto Rosanira that she was alwayes harping upon that string One day Cephise chid him for that he minded no service but her sisters and scorned all others Rosanira by fortune heard him answer thus Madam said he unto her I think it a most high honour to do you service and if I fail you will oblige me if you punish me but the very truth is that though you should not be willing I should serve your sister yet you must take away my life if I do not for if I live I cannot chuse But why answered Cephise very angrily and did not see Rosanira have you a more ready will to serve my sister then me are not you mine as well as hers I did not say replied he very modestly but that I am as ready to serve you as I ought to do but but me no buts replied she and looked red with anger and going nearer him but Madam answered he then spying Rosanira and changing his discourse upon a sudden but Madam here is the Princess your sister upon this word going back a pace or two he slipt out of the chamber door This Modesty did extreamly please both the Princesses Cephise because he would not acquaint Rosanira with any passages betwixt them and Rosanira at his discretion in hiding the anger of her Sister Cephise so as that passage caused both of them to love him better then before And a few days after Rosanira having an opportunity of talk with him Prithee said she unto him tell me one thing truly Have you not much ado to content my Sister Madam answered he I shall be very glad to be told of my faults if I neglect any thing in her service I can tell you one replyed she and smiled and advise with your self whether you will relapse into it or no. Surely Madam answered he I shall not at least I will endeavour all I can It is continued Rosanira because you seem unto her to be so affectionate unto my service Yours Madam replyed he presently Yes mine replyed she and consider with your self whether or no you will continue it any longer for this is it which does so much displease her Oh Madam cryed he if her displeasure proceed from thence I shall continue it as long as I live Why said she had you rather displease her then leave my service Madam answered he will you please I should tell you the truth Yes answered she and tell me truly If I do not said he may the Sun never shine upon me and may I be odious unto all the earth Upon this assurance replyed the Princess I will believe you I do swear and vow Madam answered he that though all the Powers in the world should command me to quit your service I should be disobedient Nay more I should not think my self too blame in such disobedience For ever since that day the King your Father devoted me unto you I have so ratified the donation that I swear by all the Gods I will never depart from your service But said Rosanira were you not at the same time given unto my Sister as well as me No Madam answered he for the King only gave me unto her but both the King and my own consent did give me unto you But yet said Rosanira and smiled she pretends to have as much right unto you as I yet since I see your inclination I will beseech the King to bestow some other upon my Sister and let you be wholly mine To make me become wholly yours Madam replyed he rests wholly in your own will and though the favour you would do me in asking me of the King be one of the greatest you can do me yet I most humbly beseech you not to speak unto him about it for it may procure
tell the Nymph that the Sacrifice was ready and that the Nails of Brass were washed clean and pure with the Lustralian water so as the Prince Godomar expected only the Queen Argira who at last came holding the Princess Rosanira by the hand who was so fair that day as she ravished the eyes of all those that looked upon her her Dress was modest and by reason of her affliction rather too much then too little but so neat and handsome that envie it self could not find the least fault she leaned upon the arm of Rosilion whose countenance was very sad and his looks somthing wilde but by his walk and garb and all the rest of his actions appeared to be of no mean extraction There was very few that knew him for the Queen desired it so so as for a long time together nothing could be heard amongst all the assembly but enquiry who they were but none being able to satisfie their curiosity they all set themselves to behold the ceremony First came ten Trumpetters who from time to time sounded all together Next them followed men who were crowned with flowers and in habits trimm'd all over with Violets dancing before the Victims carrying in their hands little Daggers which they knocked against one another to a kind of Tune After them came the carriers of Basins and Dishes to receive the blood of the Victims after them followed many Victimaries with axes hatches and several other Instruments to slay the Victims all having caps of flowers upon their heads Next followed the Victims which were seven Oxen to be offered unto Jupiter and as many unto Minerva with guilded horns and dressed over with Garlands of Flowers These Victims were followed by some Sacrifices one of them carrying the Vessel that held the Lustralian water who followed a Flamin who with a branch of Misleto sprinkled this holy water upon all the Assistants Another carried a box of Aromatique Drugs as Incense Myrrh and Aloes Another carried upon his head a vessel of Wine which was to be used in the Sacrifice another carryed salt and another honey and another water After all these followed twelve Players upon Flutes and some Choristers who sung Hymns in praise of Jupiter and Minerva Next followed the Epulian Triomvires who are those that were wont to tell the people when they ought to make any Banquets unto the Gods After these followed the Flamins the last of which was Diale the Flamin of Jupiter with his cap made of white wool and in a Surplice of finest Linnen so pure and white that not the least spot appeared in it Afterwards came the Colledge of Augures each having in their hands an Augurian staf Last of all came the high Priest with most comly gravity clad in a garment of white linnen this Surplice of purest white hung down to the ground he had upon his head a kind of cap which might rather be called a Vail hanging down on both sides He held in one hand his Crosier and in the other his Pastoral staff on each side of him was two Flamins who carried in their hands a great Nail of Brass which had been purified and consecrated After all this pomp the Prince Godomar came all alone with a Crown upon his head and a Scepter in his hand and following him a great croud of Cavaliers and Souldiers In this order they came unto the Temple where the Queen Argira the Nymph Rosanira and the rest of the Ladies were with Rosilion and Adrastes and every one having taken their places Proclamation was made that all should keep silence upon pain of punishment Then the Flamin Diale who was Sacrificer that day called for the Lustralian water and after he had washed his hands did sprinkle it upon all that were to be assistants at the Sacrifice then falling down upon his knees he confessed himself to be a man poluted with many sins and begged a pardon of the Gods not only for his own but for the sins of all the Assistants then taking a Torch which was made of Virgins wax which was lighted at a clear burning fire he kindled the wood that was upon the Altar and commanding the Victims to be brought near he turned towards the east side of the Altar He first invoked Janus and Vesta and afterwards Jupiter calling him Father Omnipotent and Good and after him he invoked all the rest of the Gods Afterwards addressing his prayer particularly unto Jupiter and Minerva he declared that it was unto them only this Sacrifice was offered And these were the words of his prayer which a Flamin pronounced after him word for word OH most great and good Father Son of Saturn Jupiter omnipotent the beginning and ending of all who art fulness in the self who art every where in all and above all The Creator Preserver and Director of the world the Destiny upon whom the order of things depend the Nature which produceth all things thy Providence which foresees all things the Eternity that was before and will be after all things Oh thou Jove who for the benefit of Mortals conceived Minerva in thy Brain Oh most mighty Minerva who teaches mortals to be wise to judge justly and to do rightly Goddess of eternal Virginity Physician unto those who are deprived of their understandings Receive oh Great and Omnipotent Deities the Prayers and Sacrifice which Amasis our great Nymph does offer unto you for the safety and welfare of her self and people and because there is nothing in the whole Universe more pleasing unto you then man and nothing in man more then the Understanding Grant Oh Great and Good Jupiter and oh Goddess of Prudence and Understanding Minerva the request which this great Nymph makes unto you That those sacred Nails which the Prince Godomar our Protector and as Soveraign Magistrate is to drive according unto your Ordinances may obtain for Rosilion and Adrastes the same favour which Orestes formerly obtained near the City of Githea when sitting upon thy Stone Oh Jupiter he was cured of his distraction After these words were uttered in a loud and so distinct a voice that all or most of the people might hear as they were upon their knees he caused the Victims to be brought near he cut off the hair which grow between their horns and cast it into the fire which was the first beginning of the Sacrifice Afterwards he turned towards the East and commanded the Victimaries to do their offices which they did accordingly Then he viewed the Intrals and found the Hearts the Livers and the Brains very sound yet of a more dusky colour then usual but not to affright the Assembly they took no notice of them because it portended dissentions wars and tumults After the Victims were viewed the fat of them was burned and consumed upon the Altars and they poured out wine and oyl and sprinkled Incense thereupon The fire burned till all was consumed but they observed the flame to be blew like brimstone and not burning
Be the punishment what it will replied I I am still the same and ready to receive it so my husband may go free The Governours wife coming in upon this and hearing me speak thus Sir said she to her husband the action of this woman is worthy of all honour and recompence and all those that have husbands ought to take example by her to honour her and assist her and I our of my affection unto you become a Petitioner in her behalf The Governour upon this smiled my dearest said he unto her you need not petition where you may command and you may command not only this but my life hereupon he commanded I should be released into her hands and she carried me to her house where she gave me this habit which now I wear she carressed me beyond all expressions and do what I could would not suffer me to depart of four or five dayes and I believe if I had not told her that my husband stayed for me at an appointed place and perhaps would return to seek me she would not have suffered me to departed so soon so pleasing was my action unto her But the best was that when I was out of the Town and would go unto the place where this man said he would stay for me I had forgotten the name of the Town yet knowing that it was in Forrests I took towards that countrey where ever since I have wandred from one Town to another not knowing whether to go nor what place to enquire after Lidias hearkened very attentively unto Amerina and when she had done fair and dear Amerina said he unto her I must needs acknowledge my self infinitely obliged unto you for I see that all you did unto Ligdamon was intended unto me and it is my part to do you such servivices as such favours merit but as you have acquainted me with your adventures so it is but reasonable I acquaint you with mine wherein if any thing displease you or seem in some sort to crosse that affection which I promised unto you yet I believe when you have seriously considered upon it you will find that to satisfie obligations received I was constrained unto it Upon this he related all that he had done in great Brittain the courtesies of Melanders kindred the shew that he made of loving her the manner of his leaving her without telling her his imprisonment at Callice the resolution of Melander to fight for him against Lipandas how she was taken prisoner by the troops of Prince Clidemont the favour that Prince shewed in setting her at liberty briefly he acquainted her with his enterprize upon Callice and the taking of that place But continued he we were no sooner masters of the place but I ran to the Castle and as he that was wonderous well acquainted with the prisons I went thither with an earnest desire of seeing Melander and restoring her that liberty which she lost for my sake but fortune which seemed to cross me in all my contentments denied me this amongst the rest for I found the prison doors broken open and nothing within but fetters and shakkles I sought every corner of the Castle in hopes of finding her afterwards went into the Town and enquired of her in every house at last in the evening for I spent all the night and all the next day till sunset in seeking her I understood by some who came from Rothomagues that she was gone thitherward and though I thought the friends of Arontes might procure me some mischief if they knew me yet so much did I think my self obliged unto that woman as I resolved to go thither but when I was near Rothomagues by chance I met with a horsman who diverted my designe This man came from the Town and rid upon a tired horse it being my custome to ask what news of all I met so I did of him Sir said I can you tell me any tidings of a young man stranger habited after the mode of great Brittain who went towards Rothomagues and happily you might meet him Sir answered he if I be not mistaken he whom you are in quest of is called the sad Cavalier the very same replied I very joyful None Sir answered he can give you a better accompt of him then my self for I have accompanied him from the prison of Callice as far as the next Town we were both fellow prisoners together and when the Franks took the Town and the prisons all set open this Cavalier with whom I had intimate friendship desired me to show him the way unto Rothomagues for said he I have very earnest businesse there and such as does much import my contentment I answered that I would not only shew him the way but accompany him to the very gates yet would not enter in by reason of some great enemies I had there so we mounted upon the first horses we met for all was lawful prize and in the confusion slipt out of the Town unseen Then by the way I undertstood that the reason why he made such haste was to forbid the banes of a marriage betwixt one Lidias and a Lady which was of great importance unto him but he no sooner left me then I saw him return out of the Town again in all haste and asking the reason of it do not stay me said he for I understand that this Lidias whom I look for is gone with her whom he intends to marry and its thought unto a house not far from hence belonging to that woman upon this he set spurs to his horse not saying a word more unto me Which way said I unto him did he take I cannot tell answered he but I believe towards Paris Thus we parted and ever since I have been following hearing news of him almost every day until I came to the Town which you named unto me where a strange accident happened unto me I came thither about the time that you were there and as I alighted to rest my self for indeed I had rid a long journey that day a company of souldiers seized upon me and carried me to prison accusing me for wounding a certain passenger and by what you have told me I believe it was him whom that Ligdamon with whom you were had wounded heavens do know that I was altogether innocent of the fact yet was I very sharply used I lay that night with my hands and my feet fettered with iron and the next day towards night they carried me to the Governour of the place who after examination thinking me to be innocent would have released me when an officer of Justice desired that before my enlargement I might be brought before the wounded party who had accused me thither was I immediately carried and I took notice that as soon as ever he saw me he fetched a deep sigh and turned himself the other way in his bed Every one thought and I amongst the rest that this sigh proceeded from the pain of his wound yet now I
many people in the quest that though they be drowned in Lignon which I do not think yet we shall find some markes of their death I pray the heavens replied Bellinde that my feare prove false and that you may bring better news of them then I expect In saying so she went out and with her Leonide and Phillis who having found 〈…〉 with him all the 〈…〉 they all went in 〈…〉 On the other 〈…〉 with a strange impatiency to talk with Astrea 〈…〉 Celadon 〈…〉 the morning and 〈…〉 of Shepherdesses 〈…〉 provided the day 〈…〉 and Silvia did 〈…〉 they went into the chamâ—er of Amasis who 〈…〉 had admired the comliness of 〈◊〉 dresses though far short of their usual â—ear she 〈…〉 a good speed and dismissed them They went in a coach and sent it back as soon as 〈…〉 the Druides house and then Madonthe and Daphâ—â—â— who were 〈◊〉 well versed in the way of Shepherdesses they taught the 〈◊〉 how they should hold their sheepâ—ooks â—nd by what language they must make the sheep to understand them After this they entred into the Court and met no living body at which Galathea wondering and not being able to imagine what should be 〈…〉 in the house at last she believed all the Shepherds and Shepherdesses were gone into the Woods to divert themselves under some cool shade in the heat of the day In this thought they went up the stairs and Adamas being advertised by him â—ho looked to the gates that some Shepherdesses were entred he came to receive them at the stairs top At the first sight he knew Madonthe and 〈◊〉 for he had seen them in that dress before and afterwards knowing the rest also O heavens my most honoured Ladies said he with a pleasant aspect unto 〈◊〉 and Galathea what good Fortune is it that honours me with so much happiness as to bring you hither Surely Father answered Galathea it is not the custome to speak with so much respect unto Shepherdesses but let me tell you that since the departure of Sigismond Rosilion Godomar Damon and all the rest of â—ur Cavâ—lierâ— we fâ—â—â— a design of coming to visit you and participate of those innocent pleasure which are to be found under the habits wherein you 〈…〉 replied the Druide with a sigh you come to be witnesses of those 〈…〉 wherewith the innocence of this kind of life is 〈◊〉 for be pleased to know 〈…〉 disorder at 〈…〉 which have befallen uâ— within these two dayes I profess replied 〈…〉 do both astonish and grieve me for if did not think to find you in such a great confusion In saying so they went into the dining room through which they went into the chamber of Adamas and there the Druide began to speak unto them 〈◊〉 make you acquainted with our sorrows said he I need but only shew you the face of Belinde who is mother unto Diana for yesterday she lost her daughter who stole away from hence with Astrea and all this as I believe is come to pass because Alexis was lost the day before How I said Galathea is not Alexis theâ— here We do not know where she is replied the Druide but perhaps 〈…〉 glad to hear her Fortune for you have some interest in it Galathea â—ot â—eing able to understand his meaning I cannot chuse but be much 〈…〉 her said she since she did belong unto you Upon this Belinde being called and knowing the names of all these new Shepherdesses she rendred what was due unto their birth and 〈…〉 with a countenance full of cares and grief Rosanira 〈◊〉 she had saluted her 〈◊〉 thought said the Princess unto her that we were 〈…〉 admire the beauty and perfections of your daughter but I perceive that we have those 〈◊〉 to give some comfort unto you Madam answered 〈…〉 but since you do 〈…〉 I am not ashamed to confess before you 〈…〉 as makes me almost incapable of any 〈…〉 â—aid Galathea and by consequence must needs be sensible of what concerns your own blood but I hope your sorrows are not without some remedy if heaven do but love you half so well as we esteem and love you Upon this Adamas beseeched them to sit down and being desired by Galathea to tell them all that related unto the loss of Alexis and of the flight of Astrea and Diana he acquainted them with every particular circumstance So as Galathea understanding that Alexis was the very same Lacinde who escaped out of the Pallace of Isoures I do not wonder said she and was much surprized that you have alwayes kept her out of my sight for doubtless you know that I should have known her I did at the least fear it replied the Druide and I was sure that acquaintance would not at all have helped Celadon for he was then so obstinately unwilling to appear before Astrea that he had rather have died a hundred deaths then I should have discovered his disguisment This discourse lasted until it was dinner time after which Rosanira having a desire to see the Gallery Adamas conducted all the company thither and they had not been there above a quarter of an hour but word was brought unto Adamas that there was three men at the gates which desired to speak with him He presently commanded they should be let enter and the first that appeared was Halladine whom Adamas and others did presently know Halladine had no sooner saluted the Druide but he did his reverence unto Madonthe and hearing that Damon was at Lions he beseeched their leave to go thither but Madonthe telling him how short a time Damon would stay I had rather continued she that you would give us an accompt of your journey and tell us how Celidea was cured Madam answered Halladine to tell it exactly unto you requires a better wit then mine but here is a man come with me who is able to relate every circumstance unto you Upon this he told them that those two who came in with him the one was the great Olicarsis the African and Authour of Celideas cure The other was Azahides and that no man in the world was better able to tell her what she desired to know then he Upon this all the company fixed their looks upon these two men one of which was Olicarsis whose habit stature and deportment was no small subject of astonishment unto them Adamas went unto them and knowing by Damons report how considerable this old man was for his rare and admirable qualities he received them with all possible demonstrations of kindness and Olicarsis who though a Barbarian by birth yet not so by humour he thought himself so obliged by the kind expressions of the Druide as from thence forward he began to have a most particular affection unto him After the first complements were performed the Druide desired them to sit down with all that good company and by Fortune Olicarsis at the same time did cast his eye upon some Pictures wherewith that Gallery was admirably well furnished
the Gods should never let you see her again I should think them just in it since you have already treated her with so much disdain as they may think they are kinde unto you in it But Father replied the shepherdesse would you have mee pardon the offence which I have received from her disguise You have told mee so much of her innocence that I do consent to love him no lesse then formerly I did and since they know that I am not now angry against her nor can live without her why do they not restore her unto mee When I told you of her innocence replied the Druid I told you but what I thought obliged mee not to conceale knowing her discretion so well and you have not known since that I said nothing but truth Since the Unicornes were seen by you and it is a most infallible truth that those Animals never come near a woman who is in the least blemished in her Chastity But the greater the innocency of Alexis is the greater is your crime and therefore I am afraid that the Gods do intend to punish you for it and will never suffer you to enjoy a person whom you have without any reason twice banished from your presence I perceive Father said Astrea faintly that Alexis is dead and that the Gods are just in punishing mee so But they will not be just if they let mee live or at least will not suffer mee after I have been punished for the unjust anger I conceived against Celadon to be recompenced for the Love which I preserved for him in the midst of our greatest misfortunes In saying so her eyes gushed out with Tears And Adamas having compassion upon her Daughter said hee do not thus immoderately afflict your self until you hear more particulars of the losse of Alexis my cares of bringing you hither were a cause of my not knowing what was hapned unto her but if you will promise to stay untill I returne with patience I will promise to bring you a faithfull relation Father answered Astrea though the condition wherein I saw her makes mee more certain of her death yet since you command it I will stay till you return that you may afterwards think my design of following her the more just But Father continued shee even for pities sake do not slatter mee in thinking to comfort mee you will make mee the more desperate Adamas did promise to do whatsoever shee desired and seeing Bellinde in talk with Diana hee would not interrupt them but went straight into Celadons chamber where finding Silvander out of bed and his countenance not so sad as before hee seemed to rejoyce much at it Afterwards going unto Celadon How comes it to passe said hee unto him that you are not up as well as Silvander Is not your couragâ— as good or are you not so well as hee Lycidas prevented his brother in his answer Father said hee neither of those are the reason of it but because I cannot finde his cloaths Then Adamas remembring that hee had locked them up hee went and brought those that hee was wont to wear before his disguisement and giving them unto him Here son said hee unto him may you be happy in that habit and enjoy her whom you love best Celadon did take them with a thousand thanks for his good wishes and as soon as hee began to cast his eies upon them so many thoughts came into his minde that hee could not chuse but fetch a deep sigh which the Druid observing How now Celadon said hee had you rather continue in your disguise then assume this habit I cannot tell Father answered the shepherd faintly which of the two make me the more happy For under the habit of Alexis Astrea commanded mee to die and under that of Celadon shee banished mee her presence Adamas who saw that the memory of these things did trouble him and having no minde to talk any more of them but withdrawing a little to give him the more time to dresse him Celadon said hee do not dispute upon the choise any longer but weare this that I have brought unto you and if you will referre all the rest unto mee I will finde out a way to make you happy Upon this Celadon dressed himself and when hee was ready Adamas embraced him Then Lycidas did the same with so many tears and expressions of Love as it was easie to judge that the affection which tyed them together proceeded from some stronger causes than consanguinity Silvander was extreamly joyed to see it and as handsome as hee had appeared under the disguise of a Druides daughter hee appeared much handsomer in the habit of a shepherd Adamas took him by the hand and carrying him out of the chamber Sonne said hee unto him you must know that Astrea does infinitely desire to know what is become of you and because such welcom newes will be best from your own mouth I think it most fit you should carry it your selfe At this Celadon changed colour But Father said hee shee has commanded mee to die and though I did endeavour to obey her yet it is to be feared shee will not take my endeavour for good payment Never let that trouble you replied the Druid I have so well prepared her minde in your absence as shee is resolved never to give you any more cause of discontent If you do love her you must not refuse to see her for all the hopes shee has is now only that you are alive In saying so hee entreated Silvander and Lycidas to accompany them unto her chamber Celadon did tremble at every step till hee came to the beds side of that shepherdesse and then began to sigh and was not able to speak one word Astrea did mildly cast her eyes upon the Druid and seeing him so silent did think at first that hee brought her bad newes Ah Father said shee your silence does speak my ill fortune Tell mee truly is Alexis dead Then Adamas looking upon her with a seeming sad eye Daughter said hee I should never be the messenger of such sad newes but that I am forced unto it Upon this Astrea began to tremble Good Father said shee hold mee no longer in suspence speak plainly and relate unto mee all the accidents that have hapned unto Alexis as shee said so shee seemed to be so sadly afflicted as if shee had not a minute to live Good Astrea said Adamas why should I relate the successe of a thing that will but displease and trouble you You your self knowes more concerning Alexis then I do you saw her in combare with the Lions and by that may judge what is become of her But good Father answered Astrea did the Lions turn their fury only against her Could not I as well have satisfied their rage and hunger Oh most cruel Fate continued shee with eyes flowing in teares Miserable Astrea Poor unfortunate Alexis art thou dead and my rigour the cause of it Then shee began to