Alexis that the Mountain does interpose if it be on that side but if it do not I believe the heat of the day being over we may enjoy the pleasant prospect of all that plaine upon this opening the Window and both looking out after they had looked about every way Astrea began thus Doe you see Madam the couse of that River which runs by the walles of Boen as if it did cut that plain almost in the middle and empties it selfe into the lap of Loire that is the fatall and defamed River Lignon upon which you may perceive our Hamlet to be seated opposite unto mount Verdan which is a little Mountaine in forme of a pointed Diamond in the middle of the plaine and which lookes like a Rock in the Sea If you please to cast your eye a little upon the left hand you may see the Temple of the good Goddesse a little round Temple under which runs an arme of that detestable Lignon and a little beyond that following still that â—ravinous River you may espie a little wood and it is there where the happy Oak grows which this year bears the sacred Missletoe And truly it is worthy observance That there is the form of a Temple made out of little Trees pleached together most artificially None knowes who made it nor the time when it was so contrived and yet it is so well ordered and contrived as whosoever considers it must needs confesse him that did it a most admirable Artist We almost all think it was the worke either of Pan or Egipan or some other Rurall God for such exquisite inventions when the Author is unknown are commonly attributed unto some Deity Alexis feemed to wonder at all this and the better to colour her dissimulation seemed as if she could not see this place which was shewed unto her though none knew it better then her selfe but Astrea pulling her a little nearer and holding out her hand to direct Alexis unto the place where this Temple was Doe you see Madam said she unto her that wood which growes almost close upon the banke of the River Cast your eye a little upon the left hand and you may see a little Meadow greener then all the rest the reason of it is because the grass of it is not soyled nor any Cattel driven into it because it hath been long since dedicated unto some Deity as well as that little tuft of Trees which joynes upon it Now this little sacred Meadow seems as if it had been consecrated as the Court belonging unto that artificiall Temple which stands amongst those Trees I think said Alexis that I doe see the place you meane and I doe observe one tree much higher then all the rest Right right said Astrea that is the Tree which supports the Temple and to its fame has this yeare the happinesse to beare the sacred Missletoe for which we ought to offer a sacrifice of Thanks Had I so much wit as to relate all the rarities there and the Art wherewith it is made I am sure you would admire them Amongst the rest I observed the Picture of the Goodesse Astrea for the Temple is dedicated unto her much different from those by which they use to represent her unto us She is pourtrayed in the habit of a shepheardesse with a sheep-hook in her hand and her flock about her and which is most admirable all that see it say that she resembles me Alexis could not chuse but blush at this and it was happy for her none stood by for it had been an easie matter to see what alterations were in her face and fearing lest if Astrea should accidently looke towards her she should perceive it she leaned upon her elbow in the window and covered her face with her hand and to give her no leisure to looke upon her I beleeve faire Shepherdesse said she that he who drew the picture of that Goddesse in that manner did it with much reason For Astrea who is the goddesse of Justice cannot be better represented than by a shepherdesse with her sheephooke and her flocke both to shew that in places most retired and rurall the innocent and weake are by her kept in safety and to shew that by the meanes of Justice peaee and abundance is maintained amongst men which are two things which cannot be better represented than by shepherdeses and their flocks But I doe thinke him much more judicious in giving your fair face unto that goddesse For how could he possibly make choice of a better being to represent a Diety than in taking for his patterne the most perfect that ever Nature shewed unto us And such is your beauty that I beleeve if that goddesse Astrea would looke upon this picture she will be prouder of your features than of her owne and had rather be such a one as you are on the Earth than as her selfe is in Heaven These Praises said Astrea and blusht are much too high for one so full of misfortunes as my selfe especially coming from you Madam unto whom they are much more due but such as I am I am most devoutly yours so as you may dispose of me as you please and speake of me likewise For I professe that I have no higher ambition than to merit the title of your most devoted servant Faire shepherdesse said Alexis would you have me beleeve what you say Madam said Astrea presently I doe most earnestly beg it and conjure you unto it by what you love most This conjuration said Alexis besides your owne merit has a great prevalence and must needs be granted and therefore according to your conjuration I doe promise henceforward to beleeve all your expressions of good will unto me upon a condition you will never repent of it I and in exchange I doe oblige my selfe by my fidelity never to deny any thing which you shall aske in the name of her whom I love best Madam replyed Astrea may I never live a minute longer than I devote my selfe my services and my life unto your service Faire Shepherdesse said Alexis I doe oblige my selfe in the strongest tyes of fidelity to entertaine your amity with all my heart and will never whilst I live faile in any duty of a perfect friend Who is able to expresse the contentments both of Astrea and Alexis since both loved each other better than themselves but that Astrea feared her friends would never consent unto her following this dear Druide unto all places wheresoever she went and but that Alexis had an opinion she should lose all these pretious favours if she were knowne it had beene impossible for them to hide the excesse of their satisfactions On the other side Paris who kept himselfe alwayes next Diana and who could not sufficieetly expresse his high affection to her being vexed to see so many people about him who harkned unto what he said and desiring to entertaine them with something else he desired Hylas to take a Lute and sing Hylas all
These vestall Virgins were habited in white Robes and so long behinde that they could vaile their heads therewith when they went into the Temple to sacrifice This day was dedicated unto Vesta for not to be surcharged with too many sacrifices their dayes were to be divided one day they sacrificed unto Vesta and another unto the good Goddesse This day then being the Vestals as soon as the doores of the Temple were shut and all the vestall Virgins Druids and Shepheardesses had taken their places they all bowed to the ground as soon as the chiefe Vestall stood up who taking in her hand a branch of Laurell which a young Vestall presented unto her and which was dipped in ther water which was called Lustrale which she brought with her in a silver Bason she sprinkled her selfe therewith and afterwards did the same unto all the Congregation who being all prostrate upon the ground received this water with great devotion Afterwards being risen up and she returned to her seat another young Virgin presented unto her a basket full of flowers she put one Pofie of them upon her head and did the like unto six others who kneeled down at her feet and who were to assist her in the sacrifice one of them went presently and tooke the Napkin and Bason with which they were wont to sacrifice Another took the box of perfumes which was called Acerta Another carried the water which was to be used in the sacrifice for the Vestals never used any Wine And those also of the good Goddesses never used wine but milk The fifth carried the bundle of Vervine and the sixth a basket of Flowers and Fruits Being all thus before her close to the Altar of Vesta before which she did prostrate her selfe upon her knees she began an Antheme in praise of that Goddesse and all the Vestals joyned with her and having sung the first verse they all rose up having each of them a Taper in their hands and walked two and two The youngest went first the elder next and afterwards the six which carried the Chaplets of Flowers last of all the chiefe Vestall with her Pastorall staffe and all the rest went about the Altar Then every one went to their places againe except the chiefe Vestall and those that carried things necessary for the sacrifice Then she who carried the bundle of Vervine laid it down on the left hand of the Altar where the fire was kept in day and night by two Vestals because if it went out they thought some great disaster would befall them If ever the fire did extinguish the Vestal that kept it was severely punished then they kindled it againe with the rayes of the Sun which fire they esteemed Sacred The other Vestal who carried the Flowers and the fruits did put them into the white Marble Ark of which we spoke before and the other four stayed with the chiefe Vestal who then prostrating her selfe before the Altar did with a loud voice confesse her sinnes then acknowledged that she durst not approach the sacred Altar of that Goddesse being so defiled with sinnes and that she was very unworthy to offer any thing that was pleasing unto her unlesse it was by her commandment Afterwards approaching nearer she strewed the Altar all over with perfumes and incense which cast a fragrant smell all over the Temple Then turning her selfe towards the East she uttered in a distinct voice some words which a Vestal repeated unto her word by word reading them out of a Book for fear of missing or bad pronunciation for should any mistake fall out in them they believe that the sacrifices are not pleasing unto the Goddess The words are these O Most renowned Goddess Daughter of Great Rhea and puissant Saturn Vesta whom the Thirrians do call Labith Horchia Receive we beseech thee this devout Sacrifice which we offer unto unto thee for the people and Senate of Rome for the preservation of the Gaules and for the Grandure and prosperity of Amasis our Soveraign Lady Let the Sacred Fire which thou hast committed unto our keeping never extinguish And let thy request which after the victory obtained over the Titans thou madest unto Jupiter to be still a Virgin be also obtained for us and that we being all thine we may be esteemed part of thy selfe At the last words of this supplication all the Virgins answered Amen Afterwards every one threw into the fire some Incense and Aromatique drugs then the chief Vestall taking some of the sacred water she sprinkled the flowers the fruits and the fire with it All these things being done she went a little from the Altar and began a Hymn in praise of the Goddesse and all the Vestals as a Chorus joyned with her Lastly one who stood opposite to the chiefe Vestal pronounced in a loud voice That it was permitted them to depart and so the sacrifice ended Then the venerable Chrysante who medled not with the Sacrifices but onely as an assistant she went out of the Temple and all the rest except the Vestals and went into the sacred Grove where the Prophets and the Shepheards waited for them the one sort to sacrifice but the other as much out of devotion to the shepheardesses as unto their great Tautates Hylas more impatient then any else out of his zealous desire to see the faire Alexis he was constrained to be present at the sacrifice of the Prophets but his prayer was that Tautates would be pleased this once to be contented with short Ceremonies that he might be going his desired visit and indeed as soon as the last word of the sacrifice was pronounced he rose up and forced all the company to doe the like He was as hasty also when dinner was done for seeing the venerable Chrysante fall into discourse Madam said he and interrupted her If you do not give order for our departure some of the company intends to leave you and go unto the fair Alexis Phillis answering for the venerable Chrysante what a scurvie humour are you in Hylas said she to be weary with being in this place where do you think to find better company My late Mistresse answered he Did I love you as I do Alexis and you not here I should tell you in answer to your question that the best company was where you were but since the case is altered I must tell you upon the same reason that where Alexis is there is the best company for me And to make my words good by my actions if you do not go just now you shall have no more of the company of Hylas Upon this making a low reverence he prepared himselfe to be gone when all the company flocked about him and would have stayed him by force Whilest he was striving to escape their hands a Messenger came unto Chrysante from Amasis who sent word that she would come and lie at her house the same night that she might the next morning sacrifice unto the Gods by reason of a strange
better to disguise his design he entreated Daphnide and Alâ—idon to let him go and see in what condition she was seeming to be much troubled at his hasty departure And because both of them would accompany him Astrea and Leonide finding her in bed they shut the windows and made the room so dark that her face could not be seen Alexis pretended to be exceedingly troubled in her head and when Adamas told her how earnestly Galathea had sent for him she offered to rise and said she hoped her disease was not so great but that she might follow him But Astrea beseeched Adamas not to suffer her to walk in the heat of the Sun which doubtless would make her worse she told him that all the Town would be extreamly sorry his daughter should go from amongst them in such a condition and that every one would be as officious and ready to serve her with all things that should be requisite as he himself could be and therefore as a witness of all this she beseeched him to let Leonide keep her company Phocion and all the rest joyned with her in this desire and used so many Arguments that Adamas was easily perswaded to leave this disguised Druide amongst them yet seemed very sorry for her and said he was afraid she would be too troublesome unto them But Phocion answered all those objections with words so full of civility and affection that Adamas told him he would leave her and Leonide amongst them commanding them both to come away as soon as Alexis was well again Afterwards going unto the Bed and taking Leonide by the hand he told them in a low voice that as soon as Galathea was past he would either send unto them by Paris or come himself Then hearing that meat was upon the Table he left the pâ—etended sick person and as soon as Dinner was ended thanking Phocion and Astrea he went away with Daphnide and Alcidon and the rest of the company But Paris who did not see Diana amongst the company did ask Phillis and Astrea where she was Who answered that perhaps she had some business at her house Which Adamas and the strangers hearing they desired Phillis and Astrea to present their sorrows unto her that they had not taken their leaves of her and that if possibly they could they would see her again before they went out of the Country All being thus parted and those who accompanied Adamas returned Paris would no longer delay his business but addressing himself unto Adamas he beseeched him he would be pleased to let him communicate a thing unto him by the way which concerned himself and Diana Adamas imagining his business told him with all his heart But Paris having obtained this leave and not knowing how to begin he stood a long while and spake not a word yet Adamas knew well enough that love was the cause of his silence Well Paris said he and smiled Is this all you have to say Paris opened his mouth two or three times but blushed and trembled so as he could not utter a word Well well said Adamas unto him I understand you very well and to put you out of your pain I know that you are in love with Diana but does Diana love Paris Or rather Does not Sylvander possess that place which Paris desires to have This infused so much confidence into Paris that he answered Adamas That he was afraid he had done amiss in suffering his affection unto that Shepherdess to go too far before he made him acquainted with it That having used the habit of a Shepherd and seeing her so oft his love was grown to that height as he was not able to live unless he had such contentment as those who really love do desire and therefore considering that those Shepherds and Shepherdesses were extracted out of as ancient and honourable Families as any was in the Country he thought it would be no disparagement unto his House if he married Diana and that Love did at last force him to acquaint her with his passion And what answer did you receive from her said Adamas That Belinde answered Paris was her mother and had the sole disposition of her Then said Adamas unto him I have long observed that you have loved that Shepherdess and had I disliked that alliance I should have forbidden the Banes before now I do commend your choice for Diana and Astrea are extracted out of the best Families not only of this Country but all Gaul Amasis her self when she knows of it will acknowledge as much Also the Vertue and Modesty of this Shepherdess is such as I shall think him very happy that marries her I mention not her Beauty because that is one of the least considerable qualities in a Wife though she may brag that she is one of the fairest about all Lignon and this Lignon includes all Europe And therefore I do not only give you all the leave you can desire but do counsel and advise you not to lose a minute of time And because I am now going to Bonlieu where Galathea may perhaps stay me a day or two I advise you to go home and make all ready for your journey and when you come to Bonlieu I will have a letter ready for you to carry unto Belinde that she may know who you are and treat you according to your own desires Upon this Paris kissed the hand of Adamas gave him a thousand thanks for this favour and taking leave of him of Daphnide of Alcidon and of all the rest of the Company he took upon the left hand and went unto the house of Adamas full of contentment and joy As soon as dinner was done the Nymph Galathea and Damon departed from Bonlieu to go unto Amasis who being very impatient or rather troubled at the news which she received had sent another Cavalier to haste them away This was a cause why Adamas setting out later then the Shepherds and Shepherdesses he did not find her at the Temple of the good Goddesse as she extreamly desired but he being very diligent to observe her as his Lady and Mistress and knowing she was gone he entreated Daphnide and Alcidon to continue on their journey and he would send Lerindas to acquaint the Nymph who he was confident would stay for them and take them in her Coach These strangers were willing to satisfie his desire and continued on the way and Lerindas at the Druides command ran before In the mean time the Nymph and Damon went on their journey and talked upon several things as well as the way would permit them For Damon would not go in the Coach but armed rid upon an excellent Horse which the Nymph sent him thinking himself in a condition to defend Fair Ladies and therefore that day he wore his Head-piece and his Buckler which at other times his servant was wont to carry Riding on in this manner when they were past the Bridge of Bouteress and entred into a wood through
other out which may cause us to stay a little for I must confesse that my hopes to see the face of Celadon in Alexis does so much put mee out of my selfe as I feare that if I hâ—ve not a little time to recollect my selfe I shall give too much knowledge of what I desire to conceale especially unto these Strangers Upon this Phillis went unto Daphnide and said unto her Are you not weary Madam with walking up the Hill If it be your pleasure I am sure all the company would be very glad to take a little breath before they goe up into the Hall For my part said Daphnide I like the motion very well but would not propound it least I should displease Hylas who could not indure to be retarded from his contentment in seeing his deare Alexis Madam said he if you were not in very good company I should not offer to leave you but since you are I beseech you take it not ill if I goe before and tell them that you are coming for I had rather take breath with Alexis than here Then not staying for any nor for the answer of Daohnide he went up the staires at the top of which and at the entrance into the Hall he met Adamas Leonide and Alexis and because all three of them did thinke that the love of Hylas would be an excellent umbrage of what they desired to conceale they made him as welcome as they could The Druid himselfe after he had saluted him smilingly said that it was easie to see who of all the Company was most their friend Sir said Hylas if the haste which I have made in coming first move you to thinke so well of me my staying the last will be as good a testimony of my good will and I wish my company were as welcome unto you and your company as it is desired by me No question but it is said Leonide is it not Sister For my part said Alexis I am very much contented in it Hylas then going neerer her Fair Alexis said he in a low voice so my company yeeld you any contentment it is enough Why said Leonide seeming to be angry doe you so little esteeme the rest of the company I assure you proud Shepheard I will be revenged of you and before the day be done you shall repent of your disdaining me thus she uttered these words with an angry looke and did very well feign a discontented person But Hylas who naturally did not care for any woman living unlesse her he loved I shall be very sorry said he when the faire Alexis repents of what she hath said unto me and till then you will but lose your labour if you seek for any revenge upon me And when she doth repent of it you need not seeke for any greater revenge for my sorrowes will be so great that nothing can make them greater Servant answered Alexis as long as you doe love mee you need not feare any revenge for your good will is very deare unto mee He was ready to reply when Adamas interrupted and asked him who were those shepheards and shepheardesses which were coming There is Father said he Astrea Diana Phillis and severall others of that neighbourhood There are also some strangers as Florice Cyrcenea and their Company but that which invited me to 〈◊〉 me before was to tell you that we met by the way with faire Daphnide a Lady of the highest esteem of any in the Roman Province and with the generous Alcidon who disguised in the habit of shepheards are come into this Country to seek for the Fountaine of loves verity Alcidon is the most beloved Cavalier in all the Province especially by the great Eurick And thus you see I am not the onely stranger who disguiseth my self in the habit of a shepherd to live happily in your Country Adamas answered him Is it possible it should be the faire Daphnide with whom the great Euricke King of the Visigots was in love and Hylas answering him that she was the same he continued though I never saw her yet I shall know her for I have a Picture which they assure me does very much resemble her except her habit do cause an alteration yet I will seem to know nothing and will bid all our shepherdesses as welcome as I can Their discourse had continued longer had they not been prevented by the coming of the Company for Astrea although she was the cause of their stay yet she was not able any longer to stay from the sight of that so much loved face therefore she made sign unto Phillis who understanding her meaning addressed her selfe unto Daphnide and Paris and said unto them aloud Now if it please you it is full time to follow Hylas for what will Adamas think when he heares by him that we are here 'T is true said Daphnide and taking Astrea and Diana by each hand they led the way and the staires being very large they went up all three a brest and the rest of the company confusedly followed after Adamas waited for them in the entry of the great Chamber where he received them as kindly as possibly he could and seeming not to know Daphnide nor Alcidon he addressed his speech unto the shepheards of his acquaintance and said unto them with a smiling countenance Faire shepheardesses you give me some cause to think that you are proud because you seem to sleight your Neighbours has my Daughter been thus long here and you not daign one courteous visit Astrea who observed that though he spoke to all in generall yet he addressed his speech particularly unto her she made answer for all Revereâ—d Father said she things that dod epend upon the will of many are oftentimes retarded though every particular desires to make haste This excuse said Adamas will hardly hold for methinkes every one of you in particular does owe me as much friendship as I doe owe you all in generall Then Diana undertook the matter Father said she and smiled many had rather give that which they do not owe then pay their due debts but as we have committed this fault so are we punished for it in depriving our selves so long from that which is so great a happinesse unto us Upon this Daphnide addressed her selfe to salute Leonide and Astrea the like unto the disguised Alexis but oh how she was astonished when she cast her eye upon his face and how amazed was Alexis when she saw Astrea coming to kiss her Oh love into what a condition didst thou put them both when they kissed each other The shepheardesse was as red as if her face were all fire and Alexis trembled as if a great fit of an ague had been upon her Hylas who observed how zealously his Mistresse saluted this shepherdesse he grew so jealous that he could not endure she should hold her any longer in her armes and this jealousie was a cause of their parting so as Diana saluted her the next after her Phillis
nothing but truth it is reason you should know it from her since she accuseth me and would have me punished T is true said Delia it is your part to speake first I shall let you understand it in few words replyed she for our discourse was not long he spake these words unto me How Madam doe you command me to live I answered him I would not have you live as you have done for the time past for if you doe I shall never pardon you after I have given you such testimonies of my good will He answered this is a most strange command and I doe vow that I will never obey it and when I charged him with his disobedience you entred and hindred me from knowing what he would answer Then Delia turning towards me Has Daphnide told the truth said she Yes my Judg answered I and upon these words I require justice as for the injury she offered in calling me perfidious and Traytor I say nothing because you heard them and besides that they are but consequents of the first offence But said Delia which way hath she offended you For Cavaler answer unto these questions doe you not prosesse your selfe a lover of this Lady Yes answered I so that when I cease to love I cease to live Then replyed Delia do you not know that it is one of the principallest laws of Love for a Lover to obey the person loved Yes answered I and so the commands be not contradictory to his affection as if she should command him not to love her she is not to be obeyed T is true replyed Daphnide for every thing doth naturally fly that which would destroy it but how can you excuse your selfe as not offending against this Precept in this occasion where you have not onely thought the command which she made that you should love her to be strange and hard but also has vowed to disobey her My Judge answered I I did protest it and I vow and protest it still and with this resolution that if I could die and die againe aâ— many times as I have lived houres since my first birth I would rather chuse all those deaths then not vow and protest it You hear said Daphnide being extreamly angry how he speaks and judge whether he does not deserve punishment My Judge said I and smiled let my Mistresse command me to fight against a whole Army of men let her appoint me to cast my selfe into the fire nay if she please let her presently put a dagger through my heart I will immediately obey her And to let her see what dominion she has over me let her put me to what test she pleases for I am sure she cannot command me any thing be it never so dangerous or full of difficulty but my love will prompt me immediately to obedience Doe you not remember that when you first admitted me entrance and enjoyned conditions upon me how I promised to performe them all provided they did not contradict my love I doe remember it answered Delia Then my Judge replyed I methinkes you should not take it ill that I should make this vow and protestation of disobedience unto my Mistresse for had I done otherwise I had been perfidious and a Traytor both to her and Love I asked her how it was her pleasure I should live I would not have you live answered she as you have done for the time past Now if I did love her for the time past as much as a heart could love in commanding me not to love her as I did for the time past is not this to command me not to love her and should I not be disloyall and perfidious if I should obey such a command No no Madam I cannot doe it I loved you when I was a Child I have continued it when I was a man and shall love you till death nothing can divert me from this resolution it is so rivitted in my heart that it will never out as long as I live nay it will be found in my heart after my death Delia then began to smile and said I see that Love is a Child and a little thing will set him a crying my sentence is this I doe ordaine first that all differences shall cease then that Alcidon as a punishment for his fault in answering Daphnide so peremptorily that he would disobey her that presently he doe kisse the hand of his Mistresse and that Daphnide as a punishment for commanding him a thing which she would not have done had she rightly understood it that she shall kisse Alcidon as a testimony of her repentance This judgement was executed to my great contentment and we spent all the rest of the night in such pleasant discourse as when I heard a clocke strike me thought that it did not make quarters of hours I should never make an end should I relate all the discourse we had amongst us I will therefore onely tell you that being ready to depart after I had deferred it as long as possibly I could I took the hand of my fairest Mistresse and kneeling downe I said thus unto her I am now Madam upon the last minute of my happinesse for Delia and the time forceth me to depart I perceive that neither of them are sensible of my passion and for ought I perceive you who are the cause of it are as insensible as they Alcidon answered she doe not complaine of me but consider that if I did not love you I should never run the hazard of my honour and your life which is dearer to me then my owne and you thinke that the passion which blinds my eyes unto all these considerations must needs be very great Madam said I unto her this is it which most amazeth me that since you have already done so much for me you should now doe so little Then her Sister being at a little distance doing something in the Chamber Daphnide answered me Remember Cavalier that the conditions betwixt Delia and you at your first entrance into this adventure were that you should not be too importunate in your demands but to be patient and persevere At this word she held her hand unto me which with a sigh I devoutly kissed Then said I unto her all that I have to doe is to pray unto the great God Saturne who is the Governour of time that he will make it passe away quickly so as I may arrive at my happinesse before my death otherwise that if I must never arrive at it then that my life may quickly passe so as I may not live and languish too long in paine Live Cavalieâ—â— said she unto me and live contentedly and consider that I doe love you These were the last words she then spoke unto me for the clocke strucke twelve which was the hour of my departure by appointment And Delia lest he who stayed for me at the doore should be perceived would not let me stay any longer Besides I was so extreamly grieved that the
Alexis I cannot tell how he does but as for Alexis let me protest unto you she sayes that she never in her life had more contentment since she was your Daughter I am glad onâ— sayes Adamas so it continue But tell me truly Celadon Doe you now repent of your believing me It is a thing impossible answered the shepheard that any should repent following your counsell For all you give is good But let me tell you Father that this which I have received from you upon this occasion is full of danger unto me for if Astrea should come to know me I protest there is nothing under the Sun could keep me alive for besides the just occasion which I should give her to blame me for disobeying her command I should grieve so excessively for failing in my duty as it would suffice to take away my life or if it did not I would court all inventions in the world to give me a suddaine and cruell death Well well said Adamas I perceive your condition is not yet in a fit temper to take those remedies which I would give you we must stay till time has a little more prepared your constitution in the mean time be sure you put on a strong resolution not to disobey any thing I shall command for otherwise you will give me occasion to tax you with ingratitude Father said Celadon I will never faile in my obedience to you provided your commands do not contradict those which I have already received which is most impossible I should not observe I will never advise you said the Druid against what you say But let me tell you that the patient must not think he knows what Physick is better against his disease then the Physitian doth To morrow I will go in the company of these shepheards and shepheardesses to offer the sacrifice of thankes for the salubrious Missletoe which is found in their Hamlet and as it fortunes under the very same Oak where you made the Temple of Astrea which let me tell you is an Onch of very good fortune to you And because I must according to custome carry Paris and Leonide with me it is requisite I should carry you also Oh Father said Alcidon what do you mean into how much danger would you bring both me and your selfe also Since it hath pleased good Tharamis to give me the contentment of seeing this shepheardesse of talking with her and yet not to be known by any in the company doe not put me and yourselfe unto any further hazard what a wound would it be unto your unstained reputation if it should come to be discovered and to me it would be most certaine death Let us thank the God for the favour he hath done us and let me rather retire into some desart where I may end my miserable dayes I see replyed Adamas that you are to begin again your first lesson That God whom you name hath commanded me to have a particular care of you and I must be obedient For Child you must know that he never commands any thing but what is just and laudable and though humane ignorance does sometimes thinke the contrary yet in the end we see that he who keeps close unto his Ordinances does surmount all difficulties and clear all those triviall doubts which may obscure the glory of his actions Therefore never trouble your selfe with any thing that relates unto me no nor what returnes unto your selfe for Thamires never undertakes a thing which he does not bring unto a perfect end It is he who by me does that which you see me doe for your good having commanded me by his Oracle Doubt not therefore but that both You and I shall receive contentment Celadon would have replyed bnt Leonide interrupted him saying You may see shepheard that oftentimes one will do those things for another which he would not doe for himselfe If Adamas should leave you at home and carry with him Paris and me what would be thought of you what strange opinions would there be if you who goes under the notion of Druid should not come unto a sacrifice of such solemnitie since you have gone so far you must go farther and since Tautates hath committed you unto the tuitiod of Adamas and you your selfe confented to it you cannot make a retreat without offence both against that God and Adamas also You must shut your eyes against all considerations whatsoever and submit your selfe wholly unto his prudence and conduct Celadon shaked his head at this Father said he since the Gods have commanded it and since you are pleased to take it upon you I refer my selfe my life and all my contentments unto you Upon this the Druid embraced him and taking Leonide by the hand left him to his rest But his thoughts would not permit him to take any for all the night long his minde ran upon the sweet discourse which Astrea and he had and upon every circumstance not forgetting a syllable or the least action which gave him any testimony that still she loved the memory of Celadou And when he had long entertained these thoughts he would gladly have driven them out of his mind as thinking them contrary to his present condition Fie fie miserable shepheard said he why dost thou suffer thy selfe to be flattered up with the smiles of fortune hast thou not often found that she never Carasses but with a designe of deceiving nor raiseth thee up but that thy fall may be the greater Consider to what a height of happinesse thou wert once elevated remember that never any shepheard could call himselfe so blessed as thy selfe Then turne but thine eye upon the present condition and tell me if it was possible to fall from a steeper Precipice And now at this time when under a shadow thou art taken for another and under a borrowed Name much off Canst thou take these favours as thine owne thou dost not consider that thou stealest them under the umbrage of anothers Name and that they would be denyed unto thine This consideration did make all his first thoughts so bitter unto him as he was almost ready to fall into the same despaire as when he lived in his Cave and he wanted but a little of resolving to returne into his first design of separating himselfe from the World since he saw no hopes of any cure for his miseries And probably this resolution had prompted him to put his designe in execution had not some good Angell brought into his memory the sapient advice of sage Adamas apprehending that if God had not designed him some solace in his misery he would never have put him into the hands of such a reverend Person who was esteemed highly good and wise amongst all that knew him After he had tossed away most of the night in these turbulent thoughts this comfortable consideration laid him asleepe and it being breake of day before he began it was long before he awaked Astrea Diana and Phillis did not
Take it as you will said he unto him I perceive by your armes and your language said Argenteus that you are a Stranger For did you know me you would give me another answer but since it is so either get upon your Horse or else be as you are on foot and I will make you know your folly and rashnesse Then lose no time said the Stranger but on foot let us end the difference Upon this he stept into the high way he drew his sword and stood in such a bold posture that Argenteus judged him to be a brave Cavalier When they were ready to begin fight they heard a great noise of Horses and Coaches which came from Marcelleis straight towards them This moved Damon to say that he thought it better to goe into the Wood and let the Company passe least they should be interrupted But Argenteus who did imagine that it was Galathea or Amasis and was very desirous to shew his valour No no Cavalier said he never let us hide our selves but when we do ill and therefore as you say let us lose no time unlesse your heart faile you to maintaine your quarrell My quarrell said he is so just that though in other occasions I had no courage yet I should in this not only against you but against all men living But if as you say ill actions ought to be hid I know not a place dark enough to hide yours who maintaines a thing so unjust and so unworthy the name of a Cavalier in blaming Ladies whom every Cavalier is obliged to maintain serve and defend Alas my good friend said Arganteus and mocked him how long have you been a high-way Orator It is with this said he and shewed him his sword that I use to speak and if you have courage you shall find that I can doe better then you can speak Upon this they fell on very furiously and as stout a Combate it was as could be seen betwixt two valiant Cavaliers They were no sooner warmed in the fight but all the company whom they saw coming arrived at the place And because the Combat was in the high way and every one knew Arganteus they stopped to see what would be the issue Galathea who was in the Coach with the Nymphs did hate the arrogance of Arganteus and they all wished he might be punished for it by this stranger But knowing his great valour strength and skill they were much afraid he would be too hard for this unknown Gavalier though his hansome presence and good beginning got him a good opinion amongst them Galathea seeing Polemas near her Coach called unto him and asked who it was which was fighting with Arganteus and what was the cause of the quarrel and whether it were not best to part them To which he answered That it was injurious to hinder them from ending their difference since they fought upon equall terms and without treachery And as to the Cavalier and their Quarrel he could meet with none that could inform him but the servant unto the stranger Polemas answered thus because he was very confident in the valour of Arganteus and that the stranger would not be able to resist him and he was very desirous that Galathea might see the valour and courage of those that had relation unto him But she according to the curiosity of all Ladies being desirous to know who this stranger was caused his servant to be called unto her whom she asked who that strange Cavalier was and how the quarrell began The cause of their quarrel Madam answered he is very just on my Masters side For he hearing that other Cavalier speaking very ill of all women he could not endure it as thinking it against the honour of a Cavalier But as for telling you who he is I am sorry it is forbidden me yet I assure my selfe that as soon as the Combat is ended he is so civil as to satisfie your demands Polemas laughed to hear him speak thus and in mockery said unto him well said my good friend thou art in the right when thou saidst my Lady should know when the Combate is ended for his Epitaph upon his Tomb will tell her Sir said the servant to him if my Master had not come off a more dangerous enterprise then this he would never have been able to come so farre as he hath done upon this he retired to the place where he stood before During this discourse the two Cavaliers continued the fight most furiously and Damon had such a desire to come off with honour as there was not a by-stander who did not esteem him a very brave Cavalier especially Galathea and her Nymphs in whose eyes might their contentments be seen when Damon got any advantage which they would not dissemble though Polemas stood by because it was their cause in which he fought It was now near half an hour since they first began blows theirs Arms were broken and shattered in several places when Argantens felt himselfe something faint and was not so nimble nor laid on such vigorous blows On the contrary Damon did not onely seem hearty and fresh but did rather increase in vigour and agility which did exceedingly trouble Polemas but more Arganteus who did now begin to esteem his enemy very highly but presenly after the strangers sword did reach his body almost at every blow so as Arganteus fainted down right either by reason of the losse of blood or greatnesse of his wounds Now Polemas did heartily repent that he did not part them at the beginning of the Combate and wished that some good genius would move Galathea to interrupt them she who perceived how Polemas was troubled although she did not love him yet would give him this satisfaction in respect of the service he did her Mother and knowing no better way to part these Cavaliers then by entreating them her selfe she came out of her Coach and withal her Nymphs came to the Combatants At the very same time Arganteus not being able to sustaine himselfe fell on his knee and seemed as if at the sight of these Ladies he had done it purposely to ask them pardon for the injury he had done unto women But because Polemas thought Galathea too slow and that his Nephew who drooped already would be quite dishonoured if he stayed any longer he made a sign unto some of his servants who presently gallopped and fell upon Damon who never suspecting such treachery nor had so much as looked back but for the cry of Galathea and the Nimphs towards whom turning his head he saw seven or eight Cavaliers coming towards him with swords in their hands and menacing him All he could do was to recoil unto his servant but his courage was most high and admirable since coming out of this Combate after which he stood in need of rest as soon as his servant brought him his Horse he vaulted into the saddle without any stirrup and he stood in need of all his agilitie to save
she intend to do asked Alexis The good opinion which she justly has of her own merits answered Astrea will not permit her to allow of Sylvander's Courtship but makes her resolve to have recourse unto those extream remedies of forbidding him which women use unto such whose Courtship is displeasing unto them I do not like her way said Alexis and if she follow it she will repent it For Sylvander loving her as he does he will not be diverted by it and then as you say the business will become the talk of the Country But she had better take one of these two ways either to let him continue his addresses under the vail of a Fiction for which excuses enough are to be found or else permit him secretly to make his addresses For I must confess Fair Shepherdess that the Vertues of Diana and the Merits of Sylvander makes me desire they may live contentedly though it be to the disadvantage of Paris my Brother who I know does love her but it is better he should miss of his desires then by-obtaining them to make two of so much merit miserable all the rest of their days Besides Diana loving my Brother only by reasons of Estate Doubtless the loss of one so dear unto her as Sylvander is would make her so full of sorrow and so much change her that my Brother could not take any great delight in her And though this do at the first displease Paris yet he will better pass it over then Sylvander can having not so violent an affection unto Diana as that Shepherd hath Moreover we shall more easily divert him from it by propounding some other marriage unto him more sutable unto his quality In such discourse as this they came unto the Town of Phocion who received them very kindly and treated them with so neat a supper that Alcidon and Daphnide confessed he shamed the great Cities But Astrea was not so well contented as she desired For Phocion had young Calidon there and set him at the Table just opposite unto her This young Shepherd was so passionately in Love that his eyes were never off her which troubled Astrea extreamly for she could never look up but still met with his eye upon her Alexis who was of Calidons mind did the very same though with much more satisfaction unto Astrea who also could not satisfie her eyes with looking upon Celadon under the umbrage of a woman But Alexis had the advantage of Calidon for having Astrea on her side they could talk together and not be heard which they did almost all supper while And because Alexis observed the eyes of Calidon she said unto Astrea Fair Shepherdesse do you not think that you sit in a very ill place I shall never think so answered Astrea as long as I am so neer you which is the greatest contentment I can have but I wish that some troublesome eyes which are continually on my face were turned some other way or else that the owner of them were further off The trouble which you endure said Alexis is a consequent of your beauty and you must not think it strange that Shepherds should Love you since I who am a woman and one who never saw you before this three or four dayes am so extreamly taken with you that I think my self in Love with you As Alexis spoke these words she changed countenance The Zeal of her expression or her fear of speaking too plainly was the cause of it Astrea answered her with a smiling eye I wish with all my heart Madam that there were any thing in me which might do you any real service and ingratiate me into your favour For I am so perfectly yours that nothing but death can sever me from you and I think the happiness of it so great that I would not change contentment with all the Kings Emperors and Monarchs upon earth Alexis fearing that if these expressions continued hearers would think they talked too passionately for women she took her hand and wispered unto her I will sooner refuse life then this assurance you give me but for some reasons which afterwards I will tell you let us break off this discourse and talk of it at night when we are alone or to morrow when we walk in the woods After supper ended and tables removed many Neighboring young Shepherds came to dance and sing and rejoyce for finding the Missletoe of the New-year for so they called it And because Daphnide and Alcidon were desirous to be spectators of their harmlesse sports they desired Adamas he would be pleased they might waâ—â— out and see the Shepherds and Fair Shepherdesses dance Adamas who was willing to give them all possible satisfaction he took Daphnide by the hand and led her forth leaving Leonide to conduct Alcidon and all the rest of the Company who followed them into a great room where such publique rejoycings were wont to be kept and where they found abundance of Shepherds and Shepherdesses dancing and singing The Sun had been long set and no day appeared but the Moon shined so cleer as if she had borrowed more light then usual purposely for that night Daphnide was much taken with the pleasantness of the place and coolness of the air And all sitting down some on one side some on another they began to dance and sing and performed their parts so handsomly that Daphnide and Alcidon could not chuse but admire the Shepherds and Shepherdesses of Lignon After they had danced half an hour there came from the neighboring Towns a company of Shepherds disguised in the habit of Egyptians who danced after the manner of that people And as they had been formerly taught by Alcippe the father of Celadon upon his return from his long travels they danced unto songs and sang as they danced And when they had done they went unto all the company and offered to tell the Fortunes of all such who would shew them their hands This pastime having lasted long and it being almost midnight Adamas thought it time to retire So as they all parted and went unto their Towns Phocion carried unto his house Adamas Paris Alexis and Leonide being very sorry that his house was not of capacity to lodge Daphnide and Alcidon with their company also But Adamas thinking before hand that he could not do it with any conveniency he appointed Lycidas to lodg them in the house of Celadon where Diamis his uncle expected them but by reason of his old age left the management of all things unto Lycidas which that Shepherd did perform very exactly though he was extreamly perplexed that he could not have the company of his dear Phillis in his house For she told him that if he would bid those strangers welcome she would go with Astrea and lye with her Thus every one retired to their lodgings Astrea Diana and Phillis being attended by Sylvander they carryed Adamas unto Astreas house where Phocion stayed to bid them welcome as well as he could
finished when Galathea seeing the Souldier dispatched she went unto Damon to know how he did Damon who saw that the man who had relieved him was in a bad condition he ran presently to help him but he found that Adamas had already bound up his wounds and the Shepherdess leaning over him so swelled with Tears that she never looked up The Shepherd finding that his end was near did offer twice or thrice to turn his head and look upon her but he could not because he lay the contrary way yet hearing what sad sighs and tears she shed for him Be of good comfort Madam said he unto her and fear not but that he who is the just Judge of all will send you some in my room to conduct you into your Country the greatest grief that I shall carry to my grave is to leave you in this Country and see none with you that will serve you as faithfully as hitherto I have done but I know that the great and good Tautates will hear my prayers and guide you out of the place so full of danger He would have spoken more but his weakness would not permit him Then the Shepherdess began Alas said she will you leave me in my greatest need Have you not promised never to forsake me till we find the Cavalier whom we seek for Madam answered the Shepherd it is the fault of Fate not mine for I protest I would never leave you untill I have put you into the hands of the Knight of the Tiger as you desire Alas Madam you cannot justly accuse me of any thing but undertaking more then I was able to perform In all this long voyage I have rendered you all the honour all the rest and all the services I was able and the great Tautates be my witnesse I would have continued it still if my life might continue and could I but see you in any place of safety death should be must welcom unto me Damon as I told you ran to held the Shepherd but as soon as ever he cast his eye upon him and saw his face he was amazed and stood looking upon him as if he were immovable and doubtlesse his admiration had been more had not the Shepherdess lifted up her drooping head so as he thought that he should know her face and the tone of her voice but the habit of a Shepherdess and a Shepherd and the wan paleness of both their faces made him stand in doubt whether his eyes and his eares did deceive him In the mean time Halladine came unto him to bind up his wounds but he was so taken up with the sight of this Shepherdess and Shepherd that without answering Halladine or so much as seeing him he suffered him to take away his Buckler and began to dis-arm him where he saw the blood run when Adamas and Galathea came to him and when the Shepherd casting his eye by chance upon the Buckler which Halladine laid upon the ground Oh good God Madam said he unto her what is this I see and with much a do holding out his arm he shewed her the Buckler with a Tiger feeding upon a mans heart so as knowing it to belong unto that Cavalier whom they were in quest of Oh happy Thersander cryed he out now dye when thou wilt with full contentment since Heaven has been so favourable unto thee as to see Madonthe in the hands of her so much desired Protector Damon hearing the name of Thersander and afterwards Madonthe and both of them looking upon him he had been blind if he had not known them Now did he plainly see his long lookt for Madonthe and Thersander also whose life he so resolved to take away His love of Madonthe his hatred of Thersander and his unexpected meeting with them did make him tremble as if he had an extream fit of an ague upon him He knew not what to do whether he should go away or whether he should take revenge and kill the ravisher of his happiness before the face of her whom he thought had used him so ill The injury which he conceived he had received did invite him to it and his affection and respect stayed his trembling hand But at last thinking upon the Oracle which he had received at Mount Verdune he quenched all desires of revenge But shaking from him all those that were so busie in dis-arming him who thought that his trembling proceeded from his wounds he ran presently to the Shepherdess Oh Madonthe Madonthe cryed he out has Heaven been so favourable to me as to let me once more see you before I dye Upon this kneeling down upon the ground before her he offered to take her hand and kiss it but Madonthe surprised beyond imagination first to have met with the Knight of the Tiger whom she sought for and secondly seeing him to be Damon whom she thought long since dead she was so ravished with wonder that seeing him upon his knees before her when she least hoped for him she could not chuse but with open arms embrace him But this unexpected meeting and sudden joy made her look as if death were in her face Damon on his side looked as pale as she so as if Halladine had not run presently to hold them up doubtless they had both faln to the ground Thersander now knowing him also to be Damon and hearing him speak he lifted up his eyes to Heaven having not so much strength as to stir his hands Oh God! said he How just how good and how omnipotent thou art Just in rendring Damon unto Madonthe and Madonthe unto Damon good in making three persons happy at once These two Lovers in meeting that happiness they desired and Thersander in seeing so good a conclusion of his services and omnipotent in bringing all these things to pass when we least hoped for them Oh Madonthe Oh Damon may you enjoy all fulness of contentment and live happily together many many years Upon this expression he grew pale and resigned his last breath with such a smiling countenance as plainly shewed he left this life with contentment Galathea in the mean time and Adamas who with all the rest of the Nymphs were come to this Cavalier they were all in extream amazement to see all these three persons look as if they were all dead alike But Halladine who loved his Master extreamly Madam said he if there be any sparke of pity in you I beseech you command Damon to dis-arm himself least his loss of blood prove the loss of his life How friend said Alcidon to Halladine is this Damon the Valiant Cavalier of Aquitane The very same Sir said Halladine who has lost more blood in eight dayes he has been here in this Country then he has of many years in all other places Oh Father said Alcidon unto Adamas I beseech you let us contribute all the help we can for I can assure you there is not a braver and more accomplished Cavalier in all Aquitane then this Then
now out of mind and new accidents coming in lieu of it they blotted out the memory of the other So as this new business coming upon her and so neerly concerning her she accused her self of too much rashness in banishing Leonide she intended to let slip no occasion of calling her back and treating her better for the future And in as much as it is natural to desire the concealment of our faults Galathea desiring not to be taxed with levity and inconsideration in the banishment of Leonide from her she did with abundance of care seek out for a good occasion of calling her back without giving any knowledg of the cause why she did banish her so as when it was said that Climanthes was returned and when she heard that Amasis and Adamas desired to know whether it was the Impostor who had formerly deceived them she said that Leonide knew him better then any other though she knew well enough that Silvia knew him as well as she and not to let slip this opportunity she desired Adamas to bring her back presently Leonide on the other side when her Uncle acquainted her with Galatheas will she was willing to obey her leâ—t she should seem too much discontented but with a resolution of returning unto the pleasant banks of Lignon as soon as possibly she could as well to avoid the confused life of the Court as to enjoy the sweet liberty in which she lived amongst those discreet and Fair Shepherdesses and though she did not tell her self as much yet the true reason of her desires to return was to see Celadon whom she left disguised under the habit and name of Alexis for though she had endeavoured as much as possibly she could to quench that flame in her self yet she found how hard a matter it is for a soul to reassume its former liberty after it is once captivated with a commanding love and she could not free her self from that passion though she knew that Celadon would never leave Astrea confuting hereby the opinion of those who affirm that there is no love without some hope When Leonide came unto the house of her Uncle Adamas though it was very early yet she found all ready to depart for the Druide knowing that important affairs requires all haste and that it is haste which gives them both life and accomplishment he had taken order for every thing requisite by the break of day both for Damon and for Madonthe Amasis had sent a good guard of Souldiers to be their convoy under a pretence of an honour unto them and not as if she feared any injury would be offered unto them by the way Silvia and most of her Companions who knew of Leonides return went and waited for her at the outmost gate of the Castle and did express so many signs of good will as made it most evident that they loved her at the least if any true friendship can be found in a Court Silvia above all the rest embraced and kissed her a hundred times and as soon as she had saluted Amasis who received her very kindly and had kissed the hands of Galathea who welcomed her with extraordinary caresses they separated themselves as soon as they could from the rest of their companions and related unto each other all passages which had hapned since their last being together Leonide with a calm temper related how pleasingly she had spent the time of her banishment in the company of those fair and discreet Shepherdesses and told even wonders of their beauty virtue courtesie civility and wit particularly of Astrea Diana and Phillis but in this more subtile then her companion she spoke not a sillable of Celadon thinking it no discretion to trust a young woman with a thing which once known might bring her much displeasure and when Silvia asked her concerning Alexis as thinking her to be the daughter of Adamas she answered very coldly and carelesly and said that indeed she was a very good harmless body and had a wit sutable unto the profession in which she had been educated Damon and Madonthe were in the interim received with all honour that Amasis and Galathea could do them as well in duty to their merit as to oblige Damon to assist them in the urgent affairs which they foresaw When he was got into bed and the Chirurgions looked upon his wounds though the shaking in the litter had a little altered them yet they thought that in a very few days he would be perfectly whole for though his wounds were great yet they were not dangerous and his meeting with Madonthe and finding her as affectionate unto him as he could desire conduced much to his cure and therefore every one conceived that the Chirurgery unto the body was to begin with the cure of the heart and mind Madonthe on her side finding how much good her kindness did unto him she was almost continually with him shewing unto him all manner of civil favours and foreseeing that she was to stay long in that place in expectation of Damon cure she resolved to change her habit and become a Nymph she knew that Damon would be better pleased with it as more sutable to her quality and her new dress did so well become her as she appeared to be a great beauty which manifests that beauty receives no small advantage from trimming up it self Night being come and Galathea having commanded Leonide to lie in her chamber when she saw that all the rest were retired she called unto her and causing her to take a candle as if she had some service for her then looking a long while upon her without speaking a word at the last with a smiling eye she said unto her well Leonide are you still angry with me With you Madam answered Leonide and made a low courtesie why I beseech you do you ask that question Do you think me to be out of my wits I most humbly beseech you to believe that Leonide will never fail in that honour and respect which I ow unto you But Madam said she and smiled may I assume so much boldness as to ask you the very same question which you do me Yes Leonide answered Galathea and let us here make a full confession and so rip up the whole matter that we never after have any occasion to jarr the truth is you was angry with me and I with you and for my part I will confess it proceeded from jealousie but Leonide why were you angry If you will needs have it so that I was angry replied Leonide it did proceed from the same jealousie How replied Galathea were you jealous of me No Madam answered Leonide but if I was angry it was to see you jealous and that you should suspect me of a crime whereof I was not guilty Then Leonide said the Nymph I would have all things to be forgotten and if I was too rash excuse my error for truly I had an opinion that all which the Druide told
Sweet-heart said Galathea this Traytor who is yet ignorant of Clidemants death hath caused him whom you call Climanthes to come unto the same place again where he was before for my part I believe it is to try if by some other subtilty he can win upon my will to marry Polemas and Adamas whom I believe you acquainted with the knavery of this Impostor hath beseeched Amasis to know whether it be he or no and if he prove the deceiver to cause him to be seized upon for it is probable that by him we shall know of all Polemas his plots and since he trusted him with his design upon me he would not hide the rest of his design from him We were in the house of Adamas when this course was resolved upon and I had an extream desire to have you with me I said that there was none who could manage this matter better then your self who had so often talked with him In the mean time we came hither and do all that we can for our own safeties but we are so unprovided of all manner of defence as we know not which way to turn our selves This Sweet-heart is the state of our affairs which when well considered is very deplorable for we have lost Clidemant all our best subjects are either dead with him or out of the Country and we are almost in the hands of an insolent fellow whose impudent ambition threatens us with intollerable servitude Upon this the Nymph could not withhold her tears nor Leonide neither who after she had emptied her eyes and recollected her self did answer thus I must needs confess Madam that of all treasons this is the worst which being grounded upon great ingratitude it is to be hoped Heaven will never let it arrive at the end of this wicked mans desires The Gods are more just then to favour him in such unjust designs and you shall see they will send us help in our necessity from such means as perhaps we least expected Put all your confidence Madam in God and assure your self that he will not fail you besides your cause is such that though there was none but women to defend this place I believe we are enough to keep it against all men alive and for my part I believe that upon such an occasion I should be more valiant then Lindamore but Madam since you sent for me as thinking I might be usefull unto you in the business what service is it you are pleased to command me I would have you go said Galathea and see whether this man be the Impostor or no if he be the same Climanthes as I believe he is I would have you make him believe that I have an extream desire to confer with him upon a business of great concernment and if it be possible perswade him to come hither and speak with me here if you can prevail so far we shall keep him so as he shall not go out when he will if you cannot because guilty persons are always suspitious of themselves appoint a day when I may be sure to find him there for as you know he useth to hide himself some dayes and if we should go unto him with a strong hand and he not be there this would divulge our design so much as we should lose the opportunity of ever catching him After much other such discourse as this Galathea dismissed Leonide unto her rest but calling her presently back again I must needs know said she unto her what character you give of your Fair Shepherdesses how you have lived all this while of your absence from me Madam answered Leonide I can say nothing of them but that they are the fairest the most discreet and lovely women that ever I saw and their conversation is such that whosoever is weary of their company is certainly of a very ill humour the golden age Madam which men lived in long since and which is so much envied by all that lived after them could never enjoy so much contentment and pleasure as is to be found amongst them I profess Leonide said Galathea you give them such a character as makes me wish my self a Shepherdess Certainly Madam replied Leonide did you but once taste those sweets and tranquility which they enjoy you would not desire to leave them And yet said Galathea they also have their distempers and cares and inquietudes for when they lost Celadon did they not exceedingly resent the loss It is impossible replied Leonide to be in the world and be exempt from paying the tributes of humanity but I call them happy and free from inquietude when I compare our cares and theirs together I know not why you should think theirs so little replied Galathea for I have heard say that when Celadon was lost not only Astrea but all the Town made great lamentations Truly Madam answered Leonide they had shewed themselves very insensible if the loss of so well an accomplished Shepherd had not moved them I assure my self replied Galathea very subtilely that as the loss of him did fill them with sorrow the recovery of him was as joyful unto them Leonide knew the reason why the Nymph spoke thus and therefore she answered her very coldly doubtless when they do recover him it will be abundance of joy unto them all for that Shepherd was exceedingly beloved of all that knew him why said Galathea is not Celadon yet returned unto them No Madam said Leonide and now they hardly so much as think upon him Does not Astrea replied Galathea sometimes speak of him She does answered Leonide but never unless some other begin the discourse Why said the Nymph does she not love him still Or has some other succeeded him in her affection Did she love him answered Leonide she would love in vain for every one thinks him dead I assure you said Galathea that if he were dead I should exceedingly lament him for he was the finest Shepherd of all his Country and I must tell you truly the knavery of Climanthes did first move me to cherish him and afterwards his own merits moved me much more and say what you will I cannot believe but Astrea what face soever she set upon it will have him in her heart as long as she lives for I who am less concerned then she I cannot think upon him without much displeasure But added she it is late retire your self therefore and remember you go to morrow with your companion Silvia to see whether yond man be Climanthes or some other like him for the business does not a little concern us This was the first discourse which Galathea had with Leonide in private of which she was very glad yet she perceived that Galathea was not so well cured of Celadon as she made a shew of and therefore she resolved not to discover or discourse any thing of that Shepherd which might bring him into memory knowing very well that a Candle newly extinguished will light it self again even by the
do not lie know also that assoon as ever she save you she went away from the company and gave me a charge to get a bracelet of her hair from you which she gave you for she sayes the time that you were to keep it being expired there is no reason such a testimony of good will should remain with one who can make no better use of it Sylvander was struck dead with wonder he stepped a pace or two back from Phillis folded his arms a cross his brest and being not able to open his mouth he fixed his eyes upon the ground and stood like a Statue without any life or motion Phillis seeing him stand so long in this sad posture she had compassion upon him and pulled him by the arm he started out of his study and looked wildly about him as if he were affrighted out of his wits and said Oh God what fault have I committed against thy power Doubtless it is some great one since you suffer me to be so unjustly condemned for a fault which I never committed and which I never will commit These expostulations said Phillis and interrupted him are all in vain for you know the God of Love is Priviledged above all the rest of the Gods and that Heaven never punisheth his falsities But Shepherdess said Sylvander do you and Diana also believe that I have no good will unto her I do not say that I believe it replied Phillis but I say that if all be true which is told Diana she has no reason to Love you for do you think Sylvander that she is a Shepherdess that will be contented to be a pretence for your affection unto another Do you find so little merit in her as that she is not worthy to be served any further then as your stalking horse to hide another amity Tricks and dissimulations may perhaps somtimes deceive such as do not suspect any treason in them but when notice is taken of them which rubbed a little it will presently shew its falsity There is nothing comparable to a free cleer and genuine way in all things subtilties tricks and fetches are arguments of a vile and base Spirit I do confess said Sylvander all that you say but I beseech you what have I done You know answered Phillis better then any the thing is made publique and if you will have it from my mouth I say Sylvander that you have made a shew of loving Diana whilst you have given your whole soul and affection unto Madonthe this is a truth which you cannot deny unless you be the most brazen faced Shepherd in the whole universe all the Country knows this and laughs at it Diana her self amongst the rest makes it her rallery if you be sorry for any thing it is that Diana cares not for your Love It is a great credit indeed to be courted by an unknown vagabond Shepherd as you are especially to her who is to eminent in virtue and merit but all our sorrows proceeds from our being so much mistaken in you Tell me truly Sylvander what design did you aim at in all your dissimulations How could you imagine you should continue long undiscovered And when you were discovered could you think to avoid a seâ—ere but just censure from all the world Diana is Fairer at her worst then Madonthe is at her best the very frowns of Diana are sweeter then Madonthes smiles and Dianas anger is more estimable then Madonthes caresses and favours where was your eyes and your wits Sylvander when you made so bad a choise Can Diana believe all this replied Sylvander Believe it said Phillis why should she not believe it when every one says it And since she has seen such apparent effects of it for else why should you he every way so obsequious and observant of that stranger Why all that eloquence to perswade her not to depart Why else should you cast your self at her feet Nay why tears when you bade adieu and why that unseasonable voyage which you made with her Now Sylvander I tell you all this not that Diana cares a rush for it but on the contrary she thanks God that she is so well rid of all your importunities and troubles my aimes are only to let you know that all your dissimulations and tricks are discovered and that there is no more hopes of deceiving us by any arts you can use Thus spoke Phillis unto Sylvander not that she had any commission for it from Diana whose modesty was such and Spirit so great that she had rather have died then make any shew that the dissimulations of Sylvander did displease her but Phillis did it because she was angry with that Shepherd and resented the injury done unto her Companion as her own And well it was they were so far from the rest of the company for otherwise it would have been impossible but every one would have perceived the disorder which this discourse had caused in him and which indeed was greater then Phillis expected His regret to see himself accused of a fault which he never committed the loss of Dianas favour which he hoped that he had obtained and the harsh language of Phillis which he supposed came from his Mistris all these did so surprise him that he was not able to utter one word he was constrained to lean himself against a tree and growing weak he fell down to the ground where such a faintness of heart seised upon him that within a little time he was immoveable and without any sense Phillis who saw him in this condition did pull him several times by the arm and afterwards seeing him ready to dye she ran to a little Rivelet which was close by and taking some water in her hands she came and threw it in his face but these remedies doing no good she was extreamly affrighted and ran that way which she saw all the company pass to call some to come and help but most of the Shepherds were all gone to their several homes for it was neer dinner time so as she had run long in vain had she not spied a far off Astrea Diana and Alexis who were going in gentle pace to hear the dispute betwixt Sylvander and Hylas although Alexis and Astrea had no great desire to be seen amongst all that company in those habits nor Diana any mind to be in the place where Sylvander was so as it seems they walked without any design but taking the air and as if the good Genius of Sylvander had conducted them thither to see him in that condition When Phillis saw them she cryed out as loud as ever she could and made signs unto them with her hand to make haste though she was so affrighted and out of breath that she could not be heard at any distance Astrea was the first that heard her and fearing that some mischance had hapned unto her I beseech you said she unto the rest let us make all the haste we can to help Phillis
will which I wished unto you and from hence proceeds all those incivilities and discourtesies which you have erceived from me But now since the Gods who are all goodness and wisdom have by my death untied those knots which tyed my tongue as since those who have the power over me do give me leave Know friend that never was any greater affection conceived in the heart of any human then the affection which Silvanire does bear unto you And that I may be cleerly purged from that ingratitude wherewith I might be charged give me a little farther leave Oh my most dear Parents which they permitting and she thanking them she hasted to utter these words Alas said she I can do no more Then holding out her hand unto the Shepherd she said unto him here Aglantes â—ake my hand and my heart in assurance that though I cannot live the Wife of Aglantes yet I will die the Wife of Aglantes and as the last favour I shall ever ask or you give O most honoured Parents I beseech you consent unto it The Father who had another design would not have been so forward if he had thought she would have lived but thinking her even dead he thought it good to let her die contentedly and indeed he had no sooner consented but she turning her head gently towards her Shepherd Oh Gods said she I die but Aglantes I die thine Upon this word she grew speechless and lay as dead in the arms of Menander and Lerice To relate here all the lamentations and cryes of the Father and Mother and principally of Aglantes I conceive it not pertinent for it will easily be imagined they were extream but so it was that they were forced to take them oft her even by plain force and carry them away for grief did enrage Aglantes to remove the occasion of so much sorrow they intended to bury her out of hand without any Pomp or Solemnity and had according to the custom embalmed her had not Alciron prevented them who told them that it was not humane to bury people especially of her quality before they were quite dead at the least quite cold so as upon this they left her without pulling off her clothes in this sad condition Tirintes on the other side he was in raging quest of Alciron that he might open his brest and pull out his heart and so â—e revenged for the wrong he had done him and afterwards with the same sword sacrifice himself upon the Tomb of this Fair One. And doubtless if he had met him he had done so though he was the greatest friend he had but the Prudent Alciron he went to him in bed because he feared the anger which Tirintes might conceive against him At the first when Tirintes saw him enter he roused out of bed to run upon him but Alciron holding the door half open half shut Tirintes said he unto him can you possibly imagine that he who loves you the best of all the world should ever deprive you of that which you hold most dear And yet cruel Tyger said Tirintes and interrupted him the Fair Silvanire is dead Silvanire replied Alciron is alive and I will die the most cruel death your rage can invent if I do not put her into your hands alive and well within this hour if you will let me go where she is Tirintes all amazed at this is not Silvanire dead said he and did not you cause her to be let in the room by her self It is true answered Alciron and smiled but she is left there for you Oh good Gods Alciron said Tirintes Silvanire to be dead and to be for me are two things that cannot hold together I confess replied Alciron that they cannot but to be alive and be yours may Surely said Tirintes you do deceive me why should I deceive you said Alciron or indeed how can I when I offer if you will go with me to put her into your hands alive and well the same hour And if it were otherwise why should I come unto you You see I do not shun you nor fear meeting with you Come come set your mind at rest dress your self and come with me and you shall presently see what I say punctually performed But prethee tell me said Tirintes and shrugged his shoulders can you fetch souls back after they be once wasted over the Stigian Lake Will Charon suffer that No no I cannot answered Alciron but Tirintes know most assuredly that Silvanire is not dead but by a secret virtue of nature which is in that glass which you had of me she is so stupified that every one thinks her so Oh Heavens cryed out Tirintes what wonders do you tell me I tell you nothing but truth replied Alciron and to satisfie your wonder and perplexity know Tirintes that the glass is made of a Stone called the Memphitique Stone which has a virtue to stupifie the senses so extreamly that as soon as it is touched by the eye it presently takes away the understanding And unto this Stone is added some of the bones of a Fish which is called the Torpedo extracted by such art and concocted together that as the Torpedo benums the arm of the Fisher when it touches the hook that is fastned to the line so also as soon as the eyes are touched by this glass they receive a poyson so subtile that first seising upon the brain it dilates a general stupifaction all over the body as every one would think it dead Now Tirintes judge whether I have not reason to complain against you who ever found my extream affection flowing towards you and yet can think I would offer such a mortal displeasure what advantage could you imagine I could draw from the death of this woman If it be so said Tirintes and went neerer him you were to blame Shepherd in that you did not acquaint me with it By that replied Alciron you may better know that I do love you for did I not know Shepherd that thou neither wouldest nor couldest live after thou wert deprived of Silvanire and couldest thou hope ever that thy services or thy merits could gain her I know that having but that only remedy thou wouldst never have used it if I had acquainted thee with all the effects of it consider seriously with your self and answer me should I have told you that as soon as ever Silvanire did look in the glass she would fall into such extremity of pain as she would fall down like dead and being so judged by all that see her they will embowel her and put her into her grave answer me I say Tirintes durst you have executed such an enterprise upon her No no I know what power a person that loves hath to make any such attempts upon the party Loved Tirintes hearing this and knowing that Silvanire was not dead he held out his arms and went to embrace Alciron with such abundance of contentment that he was almost speechless but recovering himself
of when it is too late he went unto him and saluted him and when he saw that he did not answer what Merindor said he and took him by the arm will you not speak unto your friends Merindor hearing this voice and feeling himself held by the arm stopped short and looked upon Euphrosias as if he were newly revived out of an extasie and after he had stood a while mute Good Euphrosias said he pardon this fault which proceeds from a very bad humour which has seised upon me I will answered his friend upon condition you will tell me the cause Though perhaps you would not know it answered Merindor yet I beseech you hear it for I have need of your counsel in a business which concerns me as neer as my life but let us go aside lest any should hear us discourse Upon this making choise of a private place he began to tell him the original of his Love the progress and the present condition wherein he was afterwards he acquainted him with the Love of Bellimartes and Periander but when he came to the discourse he had with me in the Temple and my answers in favour of Periander he entred into such a passion that the Prudent Euphrosias did see that the affection which he had unto me was too great to be diverted either by reasons or entreaties and therefore to avoid the two evils which he foresaw he thought it most necessary to draw him only from the most dangerous which was his hatred unto Periander and as for the cure of his affection there was no way but to refer it unto time therefore in lieu of any sharp reprehensions or any four looks he smiled upon him and answered thus Good Merindor said he tell me upon your faith if this be all the cause of your being thus discomposed How said Merindor is not this enough since my affection is such unto Dorinde that it is a thing most impossible for me to help it And do I not see before my face the man that is the great obstructor of my happiness Is there no way answered his friend to find a remedy None answered Merindor that I know but to take away the life of him that takes away from me that happiness without which I cannot live Oh Merindor cried out Euphrosias you take things at the worst Tell me I beseech you do you think Dorinde Loves Periander Think it said Merindor nay I were the most incredulous fool that lives if I were not certain of it Then replied his Wise friend you must not go the worst way to compasse what you desire for you can never hope to get the good will of Dorinde by murdering that person whom she Loves best your passion does but flatter and deceive you for by that course you will make her hate you even to the very death Certainly said Merindor there is no remedy if this be not good Certainly said Euphrosias this is neither good nor a remedy but I beseech you tell me why you think it so necessary for Periander to die Because said he the Love that Dorinde bears unto him is the cause why she does not Love me If that be it replied Euphrosias make the same reason as well obstruct him as he obstructs you I mean that she shall not Love Periander because she Loves Merindor Yes yes said Merindor you are very kind but here is the difficulty how should I make her love me Do as Periander does answered Euphrosias nay and better why should you think heaven will not be as favourable to you as any other Cavalier of your age But Euphrosias said he she does love Periander So much the better answered Euphrosias it is a signe she is not insensible nor invulnerable by the blows of Love Pray why should you think your services should not work as happy effects as his You see Merindor that you do love Dorinde in such a height that you cannot retire resolve with your self to love her still in such extremity that it shall invite her unto Love again or rather to constrain her unto it Oh my dear friend said Merindor and sighed how difficult is it to bring this enterprize to pass Yet let me tell you notwithstanding all I told you before concerning Periander that I do verily believe she does not love him but all she does is only in obedience unto her Father So much the better still said Euphrosias for if she does not love him you will far sooner win her then if she were engaged unto any Oh but if she do love Periander said Merindor what hopes can I have Why should not you hope as well as another replied Euphrosias Will not most merit soonest obtain Or say that Argument have no validity in it you must know Merindor that the love of women is one of those things that must not be sought after by the Rules of Reason and of whom one must never despair for be most assured that there is a certain hour in the day in the which they can deny nothing And therefore the answer of the Oracle was good when a Lover asked what he should do to overcome the cruelty of his Mistris The Answer was Love be Bold and Continue With such discourse as this Euphrosias diverted his friend from his designe against Periander and filled him so full of new hopes that he began to court Dorinde with such fresh assaults as Periander and Bellimartes could not chuse but be jealous for until then he did not openly declare himself but thought himself out of hopes yet now by reason of the time of my Father's answer unto Periander he was the only mote in his eye and certainly not without reason for I seeing my father very inclinable to give me unto him I thought my self already so certain to be his wife that I devoted my self wholly unto him Whilst these three were thus striving who should win me the term which my Father set for Periander's answer drew on and he who expected with extream impatience the day whereon he should be pronounced happy that very evening he failed not to go unto my Father with three of his neerest kinred As soon as he came into his presence he fell down upon his knees and beseeched him with as much earnestness as if his life was at stake that he would be pleased to give him that answer which he promised But Sir said he if it be not sutable to my desires make but a signe and it shall suffice to be rid of me for I am most perfectly resolved to throw my self and all my desires and designs into the bottom of Arar He accompanied these words with such actions of his hands head and every part of his body that every one believed they came from his heart And my Father as the rest being deceived by this opinion did hold out his hand to take him up from his knees Son said he unto him for so I will hereafter call you rise up and believe that
down at the feet of Gondebaut who pardoned her Husbands fault upon condition he would live with her as he ought Whilst these things hapned it seems the Gods were pleased to mock Periander for the spring coming on and some remedies which a Phisitian gave me did so restore my complexion and features that it was much better then before and indeed my companions said she unto the three strangers I believe you will confesse it better then ever you saw it before but so it hapned that as my deformity did chase away Periander from me so my recovery called him back I cannot express the joy and contentment of Merindor when from day to day he saw my complexion return and not being able as he said to endure any longer delay in our marriage he entreated my Father to give him consent that he might go unto his Mother for hers there being nothing else which could hinder it Oh Heavens what new protestations did he make to my Father and me when he departed I have wondred since a hundred times that the earth did not open and swallow him alive I should but trouble you Madam did I relate the whole series of his actions but so it was that going away he lost all memory of me and all his oaths about three months after his departure he sent one of his Brothers unto me with a Letter which I will read unto you for I keep it still about me to convince him of his falshood and perjury then putting her hand into her pocket she pulled out a paper and read these words MERINDORS Letter unto DORINDE I Would to God Fair Dorinde that I were out of the World or else that I were not the Son of that Woman who is my Mother or at least that I were my Brother and al to the end as your most humble servant that I might obtain that happiness which I desire but being as I am it is not permitted me the offer which I make of him makes it evident unto all that all marriages are made in Heaven Do you not wonder discreet and Fair Shepherdesses said Dorinde that Merindor should write such a Letter unto me For if he had quitted me one would have thought in all reason that he should have done it when I was ugly and deformed as Periander did but that he should with such assiduity abide the horror of my disease that he should never care for any deformity in my face but even then to court me with such violence and zeal and then to leave me when my Beauty was restored and when I thought nothing could separate us but his own will or rathe levity this seems to be against the grain of all reason in the World And I must needs confess the truth this action did go so neer unto my heart that I vowed never hence-forward to trust any man living but to flye and shun all such as bore the name and never to have any more to do with them My Father was offended at this as much as I and therefore without any further consultation or heeding any applications that Merindorâ— Brother would have made unto me he sent him back with this sudden and peremptory answer that his Daughter was neither for Merindor nor his Brother and therefore he intended to dispose of me another way And because the young man desired an answer unto his Brothers Letter with my Fathers leave I returned this DORINDES answer unto MERINDOR I Would to God unfaithful Merindor that you were not upon the earth or that I never had had any eyes to see you or at the least that I were a man for a time and not a woman and all this to the end that as your mortal enemy I might take that revenge of your perfidy which I desire but since being as I am that is not permitted me The offer which you make unto me of your Brother which I refuse makes it evident that the marriage betwixt him and me is not made in Heaven at the least I assure you shall never be accomplished on Earth Now Madam continued she you may observe three of the most horrid infidelities to omit the rest that ever were committed against any woman These that I have told you are enough to make any that have eyes or their wits never to trust any that has either the name or the figure of a man but hear what torments they caused me to endure and then I am confident you will confess that the hatred which I bear unto this animal man is grounded upon most just cause Dorinde would have continued had not the noise of men on horse-back disturbed them these Fair Shepherdesses being unaccustomed to see such assemblies in their Villages they all ran out of curiosity to the door Dorinde and the other strangers did the same then they saw passe along the way which joyned almost close to the door of this Cabin fifteen or sixteen persons very well mounted and armed alter the Burgundian fashion having head-pieces upon their heads Suits of Arms for back and brest a Javelin in their right hands and a Buckler on their left arm These men marched in order and in the head of them was him who conducted them as might be imagined both by the goodnesse of his Horse which was much fairer then the rest and by the richness of his Armor which was almost all gilt and a Plume in his Head-piece which made him remarkable above the rest This Troop marched very fast and their Armor and Horses seet made a great noise as for the men they talked not loud though they did hold some discourse which could not any distance be understood When they came neer unto this Cabin they cast their eyes upon these Shepherdesses which out of curiosity were come to the door and seeing them so Fair they stayed a little almost ravished to see such Fair Faces in such rural Cottages Oh Heavens cryed he that commanded them is not yonder Dorinde She hearing her self named and looking him in the face she presently remembred that she had seen him very often with King Gondebaut and therefore fearing some violence she retired into the Cabin to try if she could hide her self but he being more assured by this action that it was she did presently alight and five or six of his companions with him and entring very blusteringly amongst these women they came to the place where Dorinde was retired who trembling for fear and hiding her face with her hands she looked as pale as death Celadon in the dresse of Druide wished now that he had Arms to repulse the injury which these strangers seemed to offer unto Dorinde and not being able to endure any outrage should be done unto her in his presence he first used entreaties and fair language and seeing them slighted and offers made to carry away that trembling woman out of the Cabin he could not chuse but joyn hands unto his language and beyond the strength of a woman like
complain against your memory that does not only forget me when I am absent but also when I am present but I am glad to see you and to testifie how really I love you I am come to see you accompanied with one whom you love the best of any in the world Periander answered Hylas I pray distinguish what kind of one you speak It is a man or a woman For if it be a man none can be more welcom unto me then your self since there is none I love better then I do Periander and if it be a woman then if it be she I love best you have met with Stella for it is she unto whom I have devoted my self What replied Periander have you forgotten Dorinde Dorinde answered Hylas I perceive my good friend that you have forgotten the custom of Hylas you must know that her name has hardly room in my memory for since I have seen so many Creysides so many Madonthes so many Laonices so many Phillises so many Alexises and above all one Stella who dazles my eyes I tell you the luster of so many new lights will not let me see the obscurities of your City of Lyons I perceive said Periander and smiled that you are still the same Hylas upon the banks of Lignon that you were wont to be upon those of Arar The very same said Hylas but yet if Dorinde be here I shall be glad to see her that I may know whether my mouth was not in those dayes out of taste If you desire to see her said Periander you may go into that Cabin and find her still frighted at an accident which hapned What accident said Hylas it is answered Periander that but for Bellimartes Merindor and my self some of King Gondebauts Souldiers would have carried her away but we finding her just in the very nick of time we made them quit their enterprize but alas the poor Bellimartes is dead with Merindor's Brother and I have lost a Cosen germane How replyed Hylas have you thus handled King Gondebaut's men If so I beseech you carry me to Dorinde for I must of necessity advertise her of some things which I have heard and which caused me to come hither in such haste They were then close by the Cabin so as Hylas upon this entred who seeing all the Shepherdesses about the stranger did judge her to be Dorinde but faigning not to know her where is this new Shepherdess said he who at her first coming has stained the purity of our banks with bloody Sacrifices Dorinde then knowing Hylas rose up to salute him being very glad to meet him in that place where she thought she should need all manner of assistance and going towards him is it possible Hylas said she that my face should be so changed as your eyes should not know her now whom your heart did formerly know so well I believe answered Hylas that if my heart were here it might answer the questions which you ask but since it is not I think there are few here who can tell what to say unto them How said Dorinde your heart not here Who is the thief that stole it As for any male thieves replied he I know how to keep it well enough from them but I must confesse my bad influences has submitted me unto some certain Female thieves against whom I cannot possibly defend my self and the worst is they are of an humour that the first thing they seize upon is the heart so as I can very seldom keep this little piece of houshold stuffe in my house I believe said Dorinde that when these Femal thieves do steal it from you it is not long before you can furnish your self with another You are mistaken said Florice and interrupted for those who do steal it do find it such a bad piece of stuff that they presently restore it back again at the next meeting you are mistaken your self said Hylas and you had better have said that because it is impossible two hearts should dwell together without the stronger driving out the weaker those who do steal my heart are constrained to let theirs come unto me and become mine and stay with me until some other thief do steal it from me to give me her own and therefore Dorinde if you have any occasion for your heart which you sent unto me when you stole mine ask it of Florice and you Florice ask yours of Cryseide when you see her next and let Cryseide ask hers of Madonthe and if Madonthe will have that back which I had of hers let her look out Laonice and whosoever has any thing to do with Laonices they will find it in Phillis and you Phillis if you desire to have yours again to bestow upon any Shepherd bid the Fair Druide return it unto you for as for hers which I had it is now in the possession of Stella who in a happy exchange did most courteously give me hers which I will keep as long as it pleaseth me but Dorinde said Periander and interrupted I beseech you let us discourse upon these hearts another time when we have more leisure Hylas comes to advertise you that you are not safe in this place and therefore it is requisite you hear what he says you do very well said Hylas to put me in memory of it for this new Shepherdess does so put me in mind of what is past that I forget the present Let me tell you therefore that not long since as I lay close in a bush expecting a Shepherdess whom I loved and was to walk that way with her Flock I saw four men on hors-back terribly affrighted and in great disorder and one of them had a great cut upon his hand which bleeding extreamly constrained them to alight very near the place where I was and having left one to watch whether any followed the other held the horses and the third tore his handkerchief gathered a little ground-mosse and applied it unto the wound to stop the blood in the mean time I heard one of them say that if they made a little more haste they should meet with the rest of their company from whom they were parted then they would return and be revenged by bringing away that woman whom King Gondebaut so much desired to have As soon as they were gone I met with some Shepherds who told me partly what had hapned in this place unto which I came purposely to tell you that unless you have a mind to fall into their hands you must remove from this place Oh ye Gods cryed out Dorinde with tears in her eyes will not fortune let me remain at rest even in these solitary places Madam said Periander when we came away from Lyons we heard that you were pursued by many of King Gondebauts guard and therefore if you will take my advice you shall seek out some place of strength for your security as long as Merindor and I do live we will defend you against all the