this time with the Councell we came to aduenture for the Throne of Loue. Which said Amphilanthus I am also to trie wherefore let me be so much fauoured as I may bee the Knight to aduenture with you and you shall see I want not so much constancy as not to bring it to end though it pleased you lately to taxe me with it My Lord said she I taxed you onely for Antissia's sake who poore Lady would die if shee thought that you had chang'd shee so entirely loueth you Hath she spoken to you to speake for her said hee in truth shee did well since loue much better suites with your lippes then her owne but shall I haue the honour that I seeke You shall command my Lord said shee and wee will surely bring an end to it your valour and my loyalty being met together He made no other answere then with his eyes so for that night they all parted euery one expecting the next mornings fortune when the Throne should be so brauely aduentur'd for All that would trie their fortunes had free libertie so six couples ventur'd before the peerelesse payre but all were imprisoned to be honord the more with hauing their deliuery by the power of the most excellent who being ready to aduenture they were hindred a little by the comming of a Gentleman in white armour richly set forth and brauely accompanied who comming directly to Amphilanthus desired the honour of Knighthood telling him hee had sought many places and passed many Countries to receiue that fauour from him which but from him hee would not accept withall pulling off his helme which presently made him to be knowne to be Antissius King of Romania Amphilanthus with due respect to him welcomd him protesting he could neuer merit so high an honor as this was vnto him wherefore without delay in the sight of all that Princely company he girt the sword to him and he with Perissus put on his spurs then came Allimarlus to kisse his hands who most kindly he receiued and now my Lord said hee you are very fitly come to see the Throne of Loue wonne I hope by this surpassing Queene and your seruant my selfe Antissius went to salute the Queene so together they passed towards the Bridge Antissius and Ollorandus going together twind in each otheâ—s armes Pamphilia being thus apparreld in a Gowne of light Tawny or Murrey embrodered with the richest and perfectest Pearle for roundnesse and whitenes the work contriued into knots and Garlands on her head she wore a crowne of Diamonds without foiles to shew her clearenesse such as needed no foile to set forth the true brightnesse of it her haire alas that plainely I must call that haire which no earthly riches could value nor heauenly resemblance counterfeit was prettily intertwind betweene the Diamonds in many places making them though of the greatest value appeare but like glasse set in gold Her necke was modestly bare yet made all discerne it was not to be beheld with eyes of freedome her left Gloue was off holding the King by the hand who held most hearts He was in Ashcolour witnesâ—ing his repentance yet was his cloake and the rest of his suite so sumptuously embroidred with gold as spake for him that his repentance was most glorious thus they passed vnto the first Tower where in letters of Gold they saw written Desire Amphilanthus knew he had as much strength in desire as any wherefore he knocked with assured confidence at the Gate which opened and they with their royall companions passed to the next Tower where in letters of Rubies they read Loue. What say you to this braue Queene said hee haue you so much loue as can warrant you to aduenture for this I haue answerd shee as much as will bring me to the next Tower where I must I belieue first aduenture for that Both then at once extremely louing and loue in extremity in theÌ„ made the Gate flee open to them who passed to the last Tower where Constancy stood holding the keyes which Pamphilia tooke at which instant Constancy vanished as metamorphosing her self into her breast then did the excellent Queene deliuer them to Amphilanthus who ioyfully receiuing them opened the Gateâ— then passed they into the Gardens where round about a curious Fountaine were fine seates of white Marble which after or rather with the sound of rare and heauenly musick were filled with those poore louers who were there imprisoned all chain'd one vnto another with linkes of gold enamiled with Roses and other flowers dedicated to Loue then was a voyce heard which deliuered these wordes Loyallest and therefore most incomparable Pamphilia release the Ladies who much to your worth with all other of your sexe yeeld right preheminence and thou Amphilanthus the valliantest and worthiest of thy sexe giue freedome to the Knights who with all other must confesse thee matchlesse and thus is Loue by loue and worth released Then did the musick play againe and in that time the Pallace and all vanished the Knights and Ladies with admiration beholding each other Then Pamphilia tooke Vrania and with affection kissing her told her the worth which shee knew to bee in her had long since bound her loue to her and had caus'd that iourney of purpose to doe her seruice Then came Perissus bringing Limena to thanke her who heartily did it as shee deserued since from her counsell her fortunes did arise Amphilanthus likewise saluted her hauing the same conceit of resemblance between her and Leonius as Parselius had and so told her with exceeding ioy all after one another comming to her and the rest Antissius casting his eye vpon Selarina fixed it so as it was but as the setting of a branch to make a tree spring of it so did his loue increase to full perfection Then all desir'd by Pamphilia tooke their way to her Tent euery one conducting his Lady Amphilanthus Pamphilia Perissus his Limena Ollorandus Vrania Antissius Selarina the King of Cyprus his Queene his braue base Sonne Polarchus the Lady hee only lou'd who was Princesse of Rodes Many other great Princes and Princesses there were both Greekes and Italians Allimarlus for old acquaintance leading Vrania's maide thus to Pamphilia's tent they came where most sumptuously shee entertain'd them then did all the great Princes feast each other the last being made by the King of Ciprus who out of loue to the Christian Faith which before he contemned seeing such excellent and happy Princes professors of it desired to receiue it which Amphilanthus infinitly reioycing at and all the rest Christned him with his wife excellently faire daughter and Polarchus his valiant Sonne and so became the whole Island Christians Then came he vnto Amphilanthus humbly telling him that the disgrace he had from him receiu'd he esteemed as a fauour and honour sufficient to be ouercome by the valiantest King who none must resist to manifest which he besought him to accept him vnto his seruant and friend with whom hee
till being laid in his bed and carefully lookt vnto his old Father being there grieued in heart yet the better contented since if he died it would be to his honour for euer to end his daies in so noble an aduenture life againe possessed him but weakely expressing it selfe for many daies yet did he rocouer When this company came into the Hall straight came the King vnto them running to Pamphilia and weeping with ioy to see her free againe so as in a pretie space he could not speake vnto her but when O my deere heart said he what treason was there here against mee to depriue mee of thy sight Shee comforting him and letting some teares fall as dutifully shed to wait on him besought him since shee found that blessednesse as his so great affection to her that he would thanke those who restored her to him then taking them all one after another in his armes he desired to know the blacke Knight Pamphilia then answerd Sir said shee this Knight is so ingaged by a vow as he can hardly let his name be knowne yet since this liberty was giuen that vpon extraordinary occasion hee might reueale himselfe I will vndertake the discouering and fault if fault there be in this vpon mee and then turning to him Braue Brother said shee comfort our Fathers age with the happinesse of the sight of such an incomparable Sonne wâ—th that Rosindy pulling off his Helme kneeled downe But when the King beheld him he fell vpon his necke with such affection kissing him as if all his loue were at that instant in him and ioynd together to expresse it to him Then was command giuen for a rich Chamber for him whither he was lead Selarinus accompanying him being lesse hurt then he yet had he not escaped free from remembrance of that diuellish creature All now at peace no discourse was but of the valour of the defendants but especially the honor of Rosindy was blazed abroad hauing with his own hand kil'd one of the Brothers wounded another and wearied the third to death slaine many of the Knights and by his example done so much as incouraged the weake bodies of the rest whose hearts neuer faild Then Selarinus was commended exceedingly and indeed with great cause for his valour was â—quall with most his care that day exceeding others Pamphilia being saued from imprisonment by him Lisandrinus will all honour respected who made manifest proofe of his valour and affection to the Court The Prince of Elis did so well as made all assured of his being a braue Knight this the first of his aduentures hauing so manfully performed for had not an vnlucky blow in the legge hindred him from standing he had also slaine his foe The two last Knights were of the Court one Sonne to the Marshall cald Lizarino and the other Tolimandro Prince of Corinth The Traytors were all carried to a strong Tower where they remaind till the Knights were well againe recouered which in short time was to the great ioy and comfort of euery one Now did Pamphilia thinke it fit to acquaint the King with her Brothers businesse wherefore first asking leaâ—e of Rosindy shee did the King being infinite glad of this newes went straight vnto his lodging whom he found alone but for Selarinus who neuer left him as strict and firme an affection growing betweene them as euer liued in two mens hearts one vnto another Then did the King impart vnto him what Pamphilia had told him which was confirmed by Rosindy the match liked and commended by the King the resolution was as Pamphilia before had told him and hee chosen Generall of the Morean forces Selarinus his Lieutenantâ— and thus with preparing for these wars and euery one contented except the louing Ladies Loue must againe be a little discoursed of Parselius who making haste after Amphilanthus â—ooke his way thorow Morea but after not as hee was directed by the Squires but along Achaia crossing the Gulfe of Lepanto which course might make him misse the King if hee came short of the Combate they resoluing to take their course backe againe by sea to Morea aswell to trie aduentures in the Islands as to hasten the forces that being a shorter way but here did Parselius as destined for him for till now hee still obeyed the other meete a greater force then hee imagined being in a Forrest benighted and hauing none with him except his Cousins Squire and his owne In that solitary place they layd them downe for that night The next day going on in that Desart till they came to a strong and braue Castle situated in a litle Plaine a great moate about it and ouer it a draw Bridge which at that time was downe and some Seruants vpon it looking vpon the water which was broad and finely running when the Prince came neere the place they turnd their eyes to him who courteously saluted them and demaunded whose Castle that was they replied it was the Kings and that there liu'd within it his faire Daughter Dalinea Is shee said the Prince to be seene If so I pray let her know that heere is a Knight desires to kisse her hand well knowne to her Brother and who had the honour to bee his Companion One of the seruants instantly ranne in others went to take their horses while Parselius lighted and put off his Helme wiping his face with his delicate white and slender hand rubbing his haire which delicatly and naturally curling made rings euery one of which were able to wed a heart to it selfe By that time the Messenger returnd leading him first into a stately Hall then vp a faire paire of stone staires caru'd curiously in Images of the Gods and other rare workmanship at the topp they came into a braue roome richly hang'd with hangings of Needle-worke all in Silke and Gold the Story being of Paris his Loue and rape of Helen out of that they passed into another roome not so big but farre richer the furniture being euery way as sumptuous if not bettering it but what made it indeed excell was that here was Dalinea sitting vnder a Cloth of Estate of Carnation Veluet curiously and richly set with Stones all ouer being Embrodered with purle of Siluer and Gold the Gold made in Sunnes the Siluer in Starres Diamonds Rubies and other Stones plentifully and cunningly compassing them about and plac'd as if for the Skye where they shin'd but she standing appeard so much brighter as if all that had been but to set forth her light so farre excelling them as the day wherein the Sunne doth shew most glorious doth the drowsiest day Her Ladies who attended her were a little distant from her in a faire compasse Window where also stood a Chaire wherein it seemed she had been sitting till the newes came of his arriuall In that Chaire lay a Booke the Ladies were all at worke so as it shewed she read while they wrought All this Parselius beheld but most the Princesse who he so
behind with her practises to helpe if occasion serue or by as much ill to rescue if harme befall them It was a glorious sight to see the braue furniture they had delicate Horses and gallant troopes of Knights to the number of fiftie besides foure who were the fiercest and strongest of this Country vgly and fearefull to behold being Brothers and called the terrible being of stature little lesse then Giants and indeed such as surely for being so much aboue ordinarie stature were anciently termed so a ioyfull sight this also was for euery one reioyced so much at their going as in great troopes the people followed them to the sea heartily wishing neuer to see them returne any more Hath there been no newes of them since said the Knight of Loue None answered the Maides nor will be we hope But are there any prisoners remaining in his Castle said he So the knight told my Father said one of them and wee are all certaine of it if he put them not to death before his going which I the lesse thinke because his wicked mate so much affects the like pleasure in torturing as she holds them surely liuing of purpose to delight her selfe Will you fauour vs with the guiding vs to the Castle said Amphilanthus withall our hearts said they if we were sure to bring you safe backe againe but fearing that we rather desire pardon then to bee the meanes of bringing hurt to such Gentlemen Let the hazard of that lye on vs said the Knights and the content to this Countrey especially to your selues when you shall see it freed from such Tyranny Much adoe they had to perswade the Maides to conduct them yet at last they preuaild and altogether went to the house of the Traytor by the way eating of those fruits they had in their Baskets within fewe houres they arriu'd within sight of the Castle and drawing neerer they saw two Gentlemen fighting on the Bridge but presently they lost the sight of one being falne Then another aduanc'd himselfe who by that time that they came neere enough to descry any thing done on the Bridge they saw likewise betrayd by a false place in the Bridge which they but comming on it strait opened and as soone as they were fallen shut againe they of the house so well acquainted with it as they easily auoided it They seeing this treason hating deceit of any thing stood conferring what they might doe to auoide this tricke when as the man that combated the other two came vnto them curteously intreating them into the house if it pleased them to enter without blowes or if they would trie their forces as all yet had done he was the man that first would waite vpon them in that exercise They assuring themselues no good could be in that creature who had betrai'd any as curstly replied as he had mildly but craftily spoken telling him that curtesie in Traytors must be as dangerous as his kindnesse would proue if they were so ignorant as to trust him who they saw before their faces had betraid two who fought with him wherefore they were resolued to be so farre from receiuing his complement as they would make him bring them to the surest entring into the Castle which if hee refused they would cut off his head With which words they laid hands on him and that but done when with a loud and terrible voyce hee gaue notice to them within of his danger which brought out many to his succour that place neuer being without some alwaies arm'd They rushed all on the Knights who brauely behaued themselues making quicke worke amongst them but then came more and such numbers as with their freshnesse and companies they put the Knights more to their skill then in long time they had been yet they whose hearts were filled with true worth and valour would not thinke themselues in hazard but stil confident of victory pursued their Enemies to the Bridge who seeing their want of strength to master the three gaue backe of purpose to win them to their snare but soone did they find their deceit so as auoiding the bridge they scapt the plot and got the knowledge of it for they fearefull and some vnskild runne vpon the false place which opened they falling in and the three knights seeing the place opened discouer'd the breadth to bee no more then one might stride ouer so as they brauely ventur'd leaping ouer it and entred the gate Presently was a great cry and noise in the Castle all now that could beare Armes running vpon the knights and so did they perplex them as they forced them to take the benefite of putting their backs to a braue fountaine which was in the midst of a square Court wherein they were This gaue them ease and safetie being sure to haue no hurt but what they saw thus they fought till none were left that durst fight with them Then stood they a while to breathe and rest them when showers of arrowes came vpon them out of the windowes and from the battlements these vexed them more then any thing not knowing what to doe against them but onely couering themselues with their Sheilds made them their defences while they rested a little But no sooner had they gained breath but they ranne vp the stayres and finding most of them women yet cruell in that kind and skilfull in shooting they would not contend with them with their Swords but running forcibly in spite of their skill and continuall shots within them knowing no meanes to bee secure the number being so great were forced for all their charitable mind to begin at home with that vertue and for their owne good to hurt them which in this manner they did throwing such as they could lay hands on out of the windowes pursuing the rest who running from them yet still gall'd them with their arrowes such was their nimblenesse and cunning as they would shoote when they ran fastest But at last they got the end of their trauell with the end of them most kill'd or brused with the fall the rest throwing downe their bowes and crauing mercie But now came they to the place where the spring of all mischiefe sate the Mistrisse of wickednesse and that Castle in such distresse because they were not distressed as malice and all vices mixt together could hardly bee the figure of this woman but what could shee doe All cunning now faild her though she began with humilitie fawning and flattringly begging life succeeding with cursings reuilings and threatnings but all prospered alike for they taking her commaunded her to bring them where the Prisoners were When shee saw no craft would preuaile shee cast her hatefull looks vpon them and by an vnlucky chance espying a Dagger at Ollorandus back stept to him hastily drawing it out and as suddenly being vnmarkt strake Amphilanthus who was then looking from herward carelesse of her vnder his Armour giuing him such a wound as the bloud fell in great abundance
bringing Beauty and Youth in excellency before his eyes to make mee excellingly vnfortunate hee was caught with those faire allurements and I tyed to mischiefe by that taking Woe is mee I lost all my comfort all my ioy by that but at last a greater ill tooke mee for another got him from vs both who had long sought it but while he held fast to me she could not gaine him beauty was the vntying of my blisse and wit her losse yet I had the fairer share in loosing that a faire creature was my vndoer like the fortune of Paris she a terrible harme to haue her ioy and hopes bereft her by a witt which gaining discouer'd her want But I pittied her though shee had robbéd mee as if I should haue compassion of a Thiefe that another causeth to be executed who hee had before stolne from me and was forgiuen so I forgaue her and was sorry for her who long outliued not her losse Was shee a marryed woman said Perselina when shee dyed Shee was answered Pelarina Did shee much loue said the beautifull Princesse Like Women that loue the ordinary way of loue said the other whose affection greatnesse gifts or such ends entice not the vertue of loue it selfe after her death hee vsed mee a little better then before as if againe casting his eyes on me for loue or vse Why said Perselina could you haue patience to endure him after hee had vsed you so vildly as to change Patience Madam said she yes and a greater wonder in me affection continued strong towards him and doth though his Mistresse call'd it dulnesse when I told her good natures would haue giuen it the title of patience but I excusd her for it to witnesse my patience I haue been with her in companies abroad nay at her owne house and seene all what I had once enioyed giuen to her my eyes looked not on as if blear'd my hand vntouched as if poysonous hers kist babies look'd in her eyes smiles flowing to her frownes plentifully shewing themselues on me I haue hunted with them I haue gone as one day I must needs remember aboue the rest a Fouling with them where so much fauour I receiued from him who was once mine as she being a little parted from vs to shoote at a Fowle he went as fast from mee as hee could without running while his scorne rann to me An other Gentleman was there and none els he was of his Family and kindred and as true louer of me as I was of his cousens but him I as much shunn'd and rather then goe softly with him I went apace after my flyer the way of necessity leading me to follow my disdainer When they met with what loue did he take her hand and kisse it I following vnmarkt but weary and dabled like a hunted Hare in Winter tyred with my disgrace and weary of my wrongs sweeting with passionate paine and durted in despaire yet loued I still A bracelet he wore of her haire braided and tyed about his left arme a peice of it one day hung out I saw it and griefe with it and yet a little ioy tooke me when I discern'd he knew it should not be seene by me and that he had so much shame or pitty as hee turn'd from me blushd and put it vp out of sight I would faine haue said your newe fauours too much discouer themselues but I fear'd or rather was loth to displease him at first he was a little or much more strange but after he grew sociable and I continued humble finding fault with nothing but embracing all small curtesies or the lookes like them as welcome and so vsed them yet so much it was marked and I discern'd my losse publikely noted as I grew sensible of it and so a small deale wiser for needes I would be free I tried all meanes possible but what force can peruaile against an impregnable strength or steely heart of Faith and loue Yet I vsed all instrumentall meanes that could be thought on I look'd off as oft as my heart could let me I look'd then when I could not choose with resolution to dislike saying in my selfe haue I suffered this for you that scorne mee I would faine haue found fault with his shape his fashion or any thing blaming my selfe for doting on snch an one but these would not serue for the more I looked I saw more cause of Loue gazing though to death willingly I absented my selfe and in absence had got so much heart as warranted me to see him againe and haue my desire of carelessenesse I ventured assured as I thought but couzened I was meerely for though I came in like a Giant swolne with pride of my owne power and assurance of my conquest the true Knight Loue came armed against mee in armes of fire and truth I yeelded and could but like a poore miserable Poet confesse my selfe in Rime thus finding my error with the blisse I confesse of seeing him who I found I could not but loue for all other resolutions DI◠I boast of liberty 'T was an insolency vaine I doe onely looke on thee and I captiue am againe And so indeed I was for I neuer knew loue stronger in me as then of necessity it ought to bee contending with iudgement multitudes I could reherse of his fauours and disgraces to mee of his mistresses feares and smiles but to what ende All can but shew I was blessed and am vnfortunate my face and life say that for mee onely this appertaines to the Story I at last was againe made beleeue he loued me and I was euer in that a wauering religious glad of it proud of it ioyed with it and vtterly ruin'd by it ◠He was in shew as he was wont to be I saw it gladed at heart for it others told me of it I was like a Birde nice and blusht yet receiu'd it willingly ad so as I had cause after finding his neglect againe to grow with shame and teares to repent my credulity and to manifest it with my true penitence I therefore tooke this Pilgrimage vpon mee which now I haue in a kind ended I haue seene Hiersalem confest my sinnes asked forgiuenesse and remission which I hope my desire of pardon though not my merits hath purchased mee and thus I am returnd But are you free from loue said Perselina In troth no Madam said the other I loue him stil but I hope it is now but charitably yet I am afraid to try my selfe left I should finde my spirit like my selfe fraile The Princesse smiled at her pretty innocent confession thinking that shee had learned so truly to consesse as shee could doe no other yet in that shee was deceiu'd for vnlesse shee would shee could bee silent But was your iourney and vow wholly made vpon this wherin you were faulty but in vertue or beliefe to it Mix'd Madam said shee I professe and mixture made it I did so farre beleeue as I granted what I
the colour Then shee smiled and he most ioyfully put downe his Beauer and prepared to run casting vp his eyes first to her from whom he hoped to haue gained strength but she was so weake in bearing passion as againe shee had retyred and so often she did it and so tumble her selfe vp and downe wallowing in pleasure and vnsufferable content as she was in such a heate as that angred her because she thought she looked not well hauing too much colour then did that heate her with chafing so as betweene those two fires of loue and pride shee burnt so much as all the Ladies warmd themselues at her fire and rubd vp the remembrance of their old passions so as it might haue been dangerous and the heate so great and spreading as might haue fired many hearts not to bee quenched againe Fairely he ran and fairely and friendly shee beheld him which made him neuer wearie nor would he haue giuen ouer but that the Prince went in and night grew on Then came hee vp to her and kissed her hand which she told him by her loue bestowing eyes she willingly yeelded him Stay shee did as long as was fit and after most in that place wishing I thinke to haue been his Armorour to vnarme him else she might haue gone with the rest at last away shee went and was by Lords appointed by the Prince conducted to her lodgings where shee was visited by him and her seruant The next day the Iusts in earnest was to bee against which how gloriously was she attired Lyuadia neuer saw such a starre for brightnesse In that place she would needs againe sit and there she was placed where shee might best see and bee seene the windowes being so framed as the Knights heads on horse-backe were as high as they so as conueniently they might behold and speake as if together a braue aduantage for Louers But how did the neate King of Bulgaria take this truly discreetly as hee was a most discreet Gentleman setting aside a little vanitie of selfe loue which it may be so well concurred with his Ladies disposition as that tempred him being as it were of one nature to suffer and agree with her Fault it was certaine hee found none with her publikely how they priuately did let them speake that know fondnesse appeared to open shew why should any inquire further But be it so such a passion well acted againe and by such delicate creatures for the excellency of it would get liking euen of her Husband sure who loued curiosities so well as he must like that though curiously he might discerne he was touched in it But what then he might ioy in it thus it was his owne as she was Many great Ladies and indeed the greatest of that Kingdome sat with her in the same place but not so much as looked vpon by her nor why should they expect it shee was a stranger a Queene more a beautifull Queene and most a most proud Queene shee therefore claimed it as their parts to obserue and marke her who had businesse enough in her selfe vpon such a day in such a place and such a presence to heed and study her selfe How if any part of her haire had been out of order her gowne rumpled with turning to them her ruffes and delicate inuentions disorderd with stirring had not the least of these been a terrible disaster Yes and to her a heart griefe who would wish so sweet a soule as she to be sad or troubled especially since trouble as such a conceit of any displacing or disordering her finenesse might moue in her would stirre her bloud and make her complection not so exact rather sure should all ciuilitie be laid aside and the contrary excused then beauty should suffer and this if the cause who will that loues their faces that regards their habits and their seruants loue blame her who neglects for these all others This I take the Queenes case to bee and thus I thinke I excuse her especially being knowne to loue nothing but her selfe her Glasse and for recreation or glory as some accounts it to haue a seruant the Prince of Iambolly whose greatnesse and finenesse made al well especially to louers eyes The old Prince inuited her and the King to a feast where roially they were feasted and she as magnificently carried and shewed her selfe her seruant ioyed in it and then looked on her as poore people doe on pranckt vp Images she sometimes casting a looke on him but not too many lest such fauours might make him surfeite and so be harmefull to him an excellent care in a carelesse Mistris The King of Bulgaria and the Prince of Iambolly were very great and familiar in so much as they would whisper and embrace one another the Iambollian assuredly more because those armes had intwined hers then for any affection to him wishing sure he might as freely haue done the like with his wife who how kind soeuer she might be to him in priuate had he offerd to touch her publikely that touch had burnt his fingers so commandingly and peremptorily did she order and rule his loue as adoration shewed to bee all his ambition and gaine her graces being but still to hold and draw him on in hope rather then to consent and satisfie him for he once satisfied shee was sure to bee left men desiring but their ends and with them conclude that loue flying to another as from one worke done to begin in another place Stayed creatures and luckie they that put confidence in them and of any this Prince was one that least troubled himselfe with constancy all women were pleasing to him after a tall woman a little one was most pleasing after faire browne white blacke all came to his staidnesse welcomly and varietie he had sufficient for many refused not nor was he nice to demand of more so as he had plenty and was plentifull in loue to them yet here hee stayed a prety while because it was thought hard to win her or impossible to gaine her loue for her so excellent beauty and greatnesse but most because as yet he had not surely compassed his desires At dancing because hee would not giue offence he seldome tooke her out but his eyes still attended on her and when he danced she more heeded that dance then any shee was good her selfe in that exercise and gained great commendations in Lyuadia The time being come for the breaking vp of the company the King and Queene tooke their leaues of the old Prince and so did all the other Princes many being there assembled as a place much honoured and hee a Prince admired ouer the World for iudgement learning and goodnesse beside at that time many came neare him from the Enchantment The Prince of Iambolly would needs attend the King of Bulgaria being his neighbour home to his Court but his daintie wife was the Attraction his company was embraced and also the Prince of Thiques who was to returne to
little content in him and because you shall see I haue not too much cause to be fond of him when you come into the house seeme earnest to see him for that he loues and then shal your highnes on my word behold a man fit only to make a good husband of so far to be belou'd as not contemnd They went in the Princesse hauing her lesson desiring earnestly to see the Master of the Horse before her going He came but such a creature t was his pace so vncertaine going towards her but looking backe as if asking his men if he did well or no a wide smile he had which if a little noise had been added to it might haue been a plaine laugh When he was close by her he took her hand and put it to his mouth but his teeth instead of lippes met it shee gaue him many thankes for her entertainement he tooke her thanks it seemd well but replyd onely with his former girningâ— at last with a great businesse and champingâ— as if on the Bit he brought out as many words as he askt her how she liked Hunting She answerd very well and best of any sport hee was so ioyed with that as he laughed right out and with gladnesse driueld that none could blame the Lady if she liked not much to kisse that Ganimead As thus they were some beholding him the Princesse admiring his foolish ignorance and ill-fauordnesse some others marking the power she had ouer her selfe to hold from so little scorne as to smile at him a great noise was heard below in the Hall and an Esquire of the old Frigian King came in crying out for helpe his Lord was taken prisoner and carried towards the Sea Leonius cald to arme Veralinda for her horses the delicat disquieted would aâ—tend them till they saw freedom on al parts flourishing again the Lady of the house tooke her leaue of them there and so they past Leonius poasting after the King the Princesse accompanied with her Knights and the Noble DiscoÌ„tent held on towards the sea to gaine her ships but being to passe a thickest wood it was their fortunes first to light vpon the Aduenture for in the thick of that place they heard voyces and Veralinda led by perfect knowledge or naturall affection knew her fathers tongue when vpon the telling her fine sad companion he with some fiue or six of her Knights rushed in they found the King bound a great ring of armed men about him and some sixe or seuen women for Gentlewomen I cannot call those vsed such cruelty with great rods whipping him hauing stripped his vpper part he complaining and pitifully crying the strips being sore and painefull to his royall body This timely rescue flew in among them who were much amased at the surprise yet being many bolder on their number then any other cause they had to hope of their victory encountred our daintie distressed so rudely as he was put to his best in armes but then so brauely did he behaue himselfe as he had with his own hands disarmd and ouercome three but his fiue assistants were ouerthâ—owne he then himselfe fought against the rest not without great hazard but such were the blowes and fury among them as they cald helpe assisted with the Kings cryes who all this while the fight lasted was tormented excessiuely with those Furies as meaning to take their full reuenge or as much as they could Leonius was brought in to the place but what fury came he possest with all those women altogether could not imitate much lesse equall yet women inraged they say are Deuils Happy this arriuall was to the valiant as exquisite Solitary both being ioynd the rest fainted and so the victory came on their side Then Leonius and his to be admired companion went to the King taking away his Baiters and Chaines clothing him againe and dressing the stripes he had receiued which had wept blood for vnkindnesse both pulling off their Helmets to take aire the sad Knight shewing so delicate a hand as if his blowes had not been witnesses of his strength one would haue fear'd so Ladi-like a beautifull and dainty shapt hand could not haue sufferd such stresse but the wonder was taken away then when conclusion was made that the noblest hart commanded the fairest and fiercest hand he had such a hart and so valiant and happy a hand to execute his commands with al. Veralinda came in also and with teares manifested the sorrow she had for her fathers mishap couering his stripes with soueraign ointments she neuer went without then they examind the cause of this outrage One of them the chiefe it seemd among them telling her story thus I am said she of this Country and haue a Castle hard by whither this vngratefull King should haue gone had not your accursed succor and my too rash beginning of his iustly merited punishment hindred me he knowes my name and quarrell yet some part I wil tel you to auoid thought of vnreasonablenes in me I lou'd this king not I do protest for his being a king but mearely out of affection my loue growing to him at my being in his Court at a great triumph there whither the Princes of this country went I waited on He cast his eies vnluckly on me also and gaue me such inuitations to his loue as I could not but accept and yeeld opportunity yet serued not I being to wait so neare my Lady and she who liked the king as well but not so truly as I did watching me feaâ—ing that she desird to haue her self Thus vnfortunatly I was again to part and so without any more then amorous looks such manifestings as outward shew could giue we were deuided when I came back how did I curse my fortune for my loue was run beyond the tye of chastity and I was a meere louer I accusd my self for thus thought I I might haue enioyd him by this meanes I could if I had not bin a natural foole haue compast my desires none could haue preuented this plot had I not bin a ranke coward the night was left me why did I loose so many and gain nothing but restles times tossing and tumbling in my own fansies and so many did I then get together as made a maâ— of vanity calling infinites of conceits together In al these vnquiets a match was offerd me I was mad and knew nothing but mine owne passions in that distemper I gaue consent and was maried but stil my affection was tied and wedded to this king this king of vngratefulnes and cruelty A wife I liued and yet a maid my husband somtimes chafing somtimes telling me he thought I kept that Iuell for another many suspitions this bred in him and furnished as many crosses for me at last at the end of three yeeres this vnconstant and vnworthy king came hither he was feasted and welcomd by the Prince and Princesse who saw not me with strait looks doubting me still but
sparing to grant Louers blisse Will see for time lost there shall no griefe misse Nor let me euer cease from lasting griefe But endlesse let it be without reliefe To winn againe of Loue The sauour I did proone And with my end please him since dying I Haue him offended yet vnwillingly 43. O Dearest eyes the lights and guides of Loue The ioyes of Cupid who himselfe borne blinde To your bright shining doth his tryumphs binde For in your seeing doth his glory moue How happy are those places where you prooue Your heauenly beames which makes the Sun to find Enuy and grudging he so long hath shin'd For your cleare lights to match his beames aboue But now alas your sight is heere forbid And darkenes must these poore lost rooâ—es possesse So be all blessed lights from henâ—â—â—orth hid That this blacke deede of darkenesse haue excesse For why should Heauen affoord least light to those Who for my misery such darkenesse chose 44. HOw fast thou hast st O Spring with sweetest speed To catch thy water which before are runne And of the greater Riuers welcome woone Ere these thy new-borne streames these places feede Yet you doe well lest staying here might breede Dangerous flouds your sweetest bankes t'orerunâ— And yet much better my distresse to shunn Which maks my tears your swiftest course succeed But best you doe when with so hasty flight You fly my ills which now my selfe outgoe Whose broken heart can testifie such woe That so orecharg'd my life-bloud wasteth quite Sweet Spring then keepe your way be neuer spent And my ill dayes or griefes assunder rent 45. GOod now be still and doe not me torment With multitude of questions be at rest And onely let me quarrell with my breast Which stil le ts in new stormes my soule to rent Fye will you still my mischiefes more augment You say I answere crosse I that confest Long since yet must I euer be opprest With your tongue torture which wil ne're be spent Well then I see no way but this will fright That Deuill speech alas I am possâ—st And madd folkes senseles are of wisdomes right The hellish spirit Absence doth arrest All my poore senses to his cruell might Spare me then till I am my selfe and blest 46. LOue thou hast all for now thou hast me made So thine as if for thee I were ordain'd Then take thy conquest nor let me be pain'd More in thy Sunne when I doe seeke thy shade No place for helpe haue I left to inuade That shew'd a face where least ease might be gain'd Yet found I paine increase and but obtain'd That this no way was to haue loue allay'd When hott and thirsty to a Well I came Trusting by that to quench part of my paine But there I was by Loue afresh imbrac'd Drinke I could not but in it I did see My selfe a liuing glasse as well as shee For loue to see himselfe in truely plac'd 47. O Stay mine eyes shed not these fruitlesse teares Since hope is past to win you back againe That treasure which being lost breeds all your paine Cease from this poore betraying of your feares Thinke this too childish is for where griefe reares So high a powre for such a wretched gaine Sighes nor laments should thus be spent in vaine True sorrow neuer outward wailing beares Be rul'd by me keepe all the rest in store Till no roome is that may containe one more Then in that Sea of teares drowne haplesse me And I le prouide such store of sighes as part Shall be enough to breake the strongest heart This done we shall from torments freed be 48. HOw like a fire doth Loue increase in me The longer that it lasts the stronger still The greater purer brighter and doth fill No eye with wonder more then hopes still bee Bred in my breast when fires of Loue are free To vse that part to their best pleasing will And now vnpossible it is to kill The heate so great where Loue his strength doth see Mine eyes can scarce sustaine the flames my heart Doth trust in them my passions to impart And languishingly striue to shew my loue My breath not able is to breath least part Of that increasing fuell of my smart Yet loue I will till I but ashes proue Sonnet LEt griefe as farre be from your dearest breast As I doe wish or in my hands to ease Then should it banish'd be and sweetest rest Be plac'd to giue content by Loue to please Let those disdaines which on your heart doe ceaze Doubly returne to bring her soules vnrest Since true loue will not that belou'd displease Or let least smart to their minds be addrest But oftentimes mistakings be in loue Be they as farre from false accusing right And still truth gouerne with a constant might So shall you only wished pleasures proue And as for me she that shewes you least scorne With all despite and hate be her heart torne Song O Me the time is come to part And with it my life-killing smart Fond Hope leaue me my deare must goe To meete more ioy and I more woe Where still of mirth inioy thy fill One is enough to suffer ill My heart so well to sorrow vs'd can better be by new griefes bruis'd Thou whom the Heauens themselues like made should neuer sit in mourning shade No I alone must mourne and end Who haue a life in griefe to spend My swiftest pace to wailings bent Shewes ioy had but a short time lent To bide in me where woes must dwell And charme me with their cruell spell And yet when they their witchcrafts trye They only make me wish to dye But ere my faith in loue they change In horrid darknesse will I range Song SAy Venus how long haue I lou'd and seru'd you heere Yet all my passions scorn'd or doubted although cleere Alas thinke loue deserueth loue and you haue lou'd Looke on my paines and see if you the like haue prou'd Remember then you are the Goddesse of Desire and that your sacred powre hath touch'd and felt this fire Perswade these flames in me to cease or them redresse in me poore me who stormes of loue haue in excesse My restlesse nights may show for me how much I loâ—e My sighes vnfaignd can witnes what my heart doth proue My saddest lookes doe show the griefe my soule indures Yet all these torments from your hands no helpe procures Command that wayward Childe your Son to grant your right and that his Bow and shafts he â—eeld to your faire sight To you who haue the eyes of ioy the heart of loue And then new hopes may spring that I may pitty moue Let him not triumph that he can both hurt and saue And more bragge that to your selfe a wound he gaue Rule him or what shall I expect of good to see Since he that hurt you he alas may murther mee Song I That am of all most crost Hauing and that had haue lost May with
from him but soone was that well reuenged if her life were answerable for such a mischance yet did they keepe her aliue till the Castle was setled one drop of his bloud being more worth then millions of liues of better people Then she was terribly tortured and yet kept long in paine for her more lasting punishment and lastly burn'd By this were most dead or yeelded all being safe Amphilanthus was carried into a rich chamber where his wound was searched and drest by the three Sisters who were now come into the Castle brought in by Steriamus of purpose to dresse the Prince Ollorandus being so perplext that it was his vnlucky fate to haue the weapon that hurt his friend as he was truly sorrow it selfe euen being ready with it to haue parted his owne life from him had not Amphilanthus coniured him by all loues and friendships and protestations to forbeare Quickly did the Sisters assure them of his safety which as a blessing came vnto them After he was dress'd he sent his friend to fetch the Prisoners all before him which was done where were of Knights and Ladies such store as if in health and strength there had beene a fit number for the furnishing a braue Court but as they were it was a sight of commiseration so pale and weake they were with want of foode and their bodies so abused with tortures as they appeard like people of purpose made to shew miserie in extremitie Among them was Dolorindus whose owne minde and this vsage had brought him into a fit estate to answer his name Amphilanthus knowing him first tooke care of him calling for his owne apparell which was brought and causing delicaâ—e foode to bee brought him cheerished him so as by that time that he was able to trauell for his wound Dolorindus was likewise fit to accompany him which in few daies came to passe by the diligence and care of the three Sisters who were next in true succession by the Mothers side to the ancient Lords of Siâ— their Father came vnto them with the Squires to the Princes and those of the Ship Then prepared they for their departure Amphilanthus bestowing the Castle and the Island vpon the Sisters his kinde Chyrurgions promising to send his faithfull and best esteemed seruant Berlandis to marry the eldest as soone as he could finde him and on the other two Steriamus and Ollorandus bestowed their Squires giuing them the Order of Knighthood who well deseru'd it prouing worthy of such Masters making the world see that such example as dayly their Master shewd them must needs make braue men leauing that place in quiet hauing taken the oathes of all the Inhabitants in Berlandis name and his wiues Then tooke they Ship againe for Morea but passing along the AEgaean Sea they entred many Islands seeking and finding aduentures but in one being though little yet plentifull as a greater delicately compassed with Snow white Rocks yet mixt with small fine trees whose greenenesse gaue them hope to see but pleasure gaue them heart to goe into it when they found it within such a place as a Louer would haue chosen to haue passed his time in and this did vrge the foure Knights all amorous and yet in seuerall kindes to expresse their passions seuerall waies Amphilanthus left the other three taking the direct way to the heart of the Land as euer ayming at that place hauing the best and most power continually ouer that part Steriamus tooke on the right hand Ollorandus to the left but Dolorindus who neuer knew difference of fortune still hauing liued in a constant state of her displeasure went away betweene them all his thoughts as euer in action better being able to vtter forth his passions being alone which in this kinde he did when he came into a dainty fine wood of straight high Oakes and young Beeches mingled with a fewe Ashes and Chestnut trees in the midâ—st of the Wood was a Mount cast vp by nature and more delicate then Art could haue framâ—d it though the cunningest had vndertaken it in the mid'st of it was a round Table of stone and round about it Seats made of the same Stone which was blacke Marble some Letters or rather characters he found ingrauen in the vpper part of those seates and on many of the Trees which curiously incompassed it many Ciphers althougth but one for meaning though in number many Louers had done these as he thought louers made him remember he was one and that oft he had caru'd his Mistrisses name vpon Bay trees to shew her conquest which shee had requited cutting his name in Willowes to demonstrate his fate This afflicted him and moued so much in him as hee could not but frame some verses in his imagination which after were giuen to Amphilanthus and his other companions the lines were these place and fortune procuring them SWeete solitarines ioy to those hearts That feele the pleasure of Loues sporting darts Grudge me not though a vassall to his might And a poore subiect to curst changings spite To rest in you or rather restlesse moue In your contents to sorrow for my loue A Loue which liuing liues as dead to me As holy reliques which in boxes be Plac'd in a chest that ouerthrowes my ioy Shut vp in change which more then plagues destroy These O you solitarinesse may both endure And be a Chirurgion to find me a cure For this curst corsiue eating my best rest Memorie sad memorie in you once blest But now most miserable with the weight Of that which onely shewes Loues strange deceit You are that cruell wound that inly weares My soule my body wasting into teares You keepe mine eies vnclos'd my heart vntide From letting thought of my best dayes to slide Froward Remembrance what delight haue you Ouer my miseries to take a view Why doe you tell me in this same-like place Of Earths best blessing I haue seene the face But maskd from me I onely see the shade Of that which once my brightest Sun-shine made You tell me that I then was blest in Loue When equall passions did together moue O why is this alone to bring distresse Without a salue but torments in excesse A cruell Steward you are to inrole My once-good dayes of purpose to controle With eyes of sorrow yet leaue me vndone By too much confidence my thrid so sponne â—n conscience moue not such a spleene of scorne Vnder whose swellings my despaires are borne Are you offended choicest Memorie That of your perfect gift I did glorie If I did so offend yet pardon me Since 't was to set â—orth your true exclencie Sufficiently I thus doe punish'd stand While all that curst is you bring to my hand Or is it that I no way worthy was In so rich treasure my few dayes to passe Alas if so and such a treasure giuen Must I for this to Hell-like paine bee driuen Fully torment me now and what is best Together take and mem'ry with the
rest Leaue not that to me since but for my ill Which punish may and millions of hearts kill Then may I lonely sit downe with my losse Without vexation for my losses crosse Forgetting pleasures late embrac'd with Loue Linâ—k'd to a faith the world could neuer moue Chainâ—d with affection I hop'd could not change Not thinking Earth could yeeld a place to range But staying cruelly you set my blisse With deepest mourning in my sight for misse And thus must I imagine my curse more When you I lou'd add to my mischiefs store If not then Memory continue still And vex me with your perfectest knowne skill While you deare solitarinesse accept Me to your charge whose many passions kept In your sweet dwellings haue this profit gaind That in more delicacie none was paind Your rarenesse now receiue my rarer woe With change and Loue appoints my soule to know When he had made this and committed them to that keeper who yet would not be perswaded to set him at liberty but continued the more to molest him like a soare that one beates to cure yet smarts the more for beating So did Memory abide with him Then walk'd hee on to meete his friends who were all in their kinds as much perplex'd as himâ—elfe Amphilanthus alone and so the abler to be bold in speech began thus walking with his armes folded louingly for loue one within the other along a sweet Riuer Vnhappy man sigh'd he that liues to bee vexed with the same that once most delighted thee who could haue thought inconstancy a waight if not to presse me on to more delight Leâ—â— I till now any wherein change brought not vnspeakable content When I tooke Antissia thought I not I was happy in the change When I before had altered from and to that loue did it not bring a full consent of blisse But now that I haue changed and for and to the best alas how am I troubled How afflicted How perplexed Constancie I see is the onely perfect vertue and the contrary the truest fault which like sinnes intices one still on of purpose to leaue one in the height as the height of enioying makes one leaue the loue to it I haue offended all you powers of loue pardon me and if there be any one among you that hath the rule of truth gouerne mee direct me and hencefoorth assure your selfe of my faith and true subiection error makes me perfect and shewes me the light of vnderstanding But what talke I of truth Why commend I faith when I am vncertaine whether these will winne She alas shee doth loue and woe is mee my hope 's in this quite lost shee loues and so I see my end yet neuer shall that come without a noble conclusion and that her eyes and eares shall witnesse with my losse Dearest once pitty my sad lookes shall tell thee I doe loue my sighes shall make thee heare my paines my eyes shall let thee see if thou wilt but see mee that onely thy sight is their comfort for when from thee they stirre they must finde a new seat to turne in and a head to dwell in and so now they haue for nothing see they but thy delicacy nothing viewe but thy perfections turne from all to thee and onely turne vnto thee My soule hath also eyes to see thy worth Loue hath now fram'd me wholly to thy Lawes command then heere I breath but to thy loue from which when I doe swarue let me loue vnrequited but dearest be thou kinde and then haue I all blisse Why shouldest not thou leaue one since for thee I le leaue all Be once vnconstant to saue me as 't were from death who for it will be true I vow and this vow still will keepe that onely thou art worthy and alone will I loue thee Then casting vp his eyes he saw before him a rare meadow and in the midst of it a little Arbour as he so farre off tooke it to bee but drawing neerer he found a delicate Fountaine cricled about with Orenge and Pomgranet trees the ground vnder them all hard sand about the Fountaine as next adioyning was a hedge of Iesamnis mingled with Roses and Woodbines and within that paued with pauements of diuers colours plac'd for shew and pleasure on the steps he sate downe beholding the worke of the Fountaine which was most curious being a faire Maide as it were thinking to lade it drie but still the water came as fast as it past ouer the dish she seemd to lade withall and iust thus said hee are my labours fruitlesse my woes increasing faster then my paines find ease Then hauing enough as hee thought giuen liberty to his speech he put the rest of his thought into excellent verse making such excelling ones as none could any more imitate or match them then equall his valour so exquisite was he in all true vertues and skill in Poetry a quallitie among the best much prized and esteemed Princes brought vp in that next to the vse of Armes When he had finished them he sate a while still then looking on the Fountaine he said Deare hopes spring as this water flow to inioying like this streame but wast not till my life doth wast in me nay dye runne to my Loue and tell her what I feele Say and say boldly till I knew her selfe I was but ignorant and now doe know that only she and she alone can saue or ruinâ— me Many more and far more excellent discourses had he with himselfe and such as I am altogether vnable to set down therfore leaue them to be guessed at by those who are able to comprehend his worth and vnderstanding such may expresse his passions all else admire and admiringlâ—â—steeme so incomparable a Prince who for a little while continued â—hus but then leauing the Fountaine he went strait on and followed on his way till he came vnto a Hill the sides appearing rocky the topp hee might discerne greene and some trees vpon it he by little and little climb'd to the topp where in the middle of it he saw a hole and looking in at that hole perceiu'd fire a pretty way below it and that fire as if it were stir'd by some hands whereupon hee concluded that this was some poore abode of some miserable people either made so by want or misfortune which likewise might bee want that being the greatest misery Round aboâ—t the top hee sought but at last thought with himselfe that there was no way to see the Inhabitants but by some way in the side of this Rocke wherefore he went downe againe and halfe about the Hill when he found a little doore of stone the euen proportion of the opening making him knowe it to be so else nothing could haue disordered it so close it was appearing but like chinkes or clifts He pull'd at it but it would not stirre then he knock'd when straight a little window was opened and out of it an vgly old Dwarfe looked whose face