The first part of Parismus, the renovvmed Prince of Bohemia His most famous, delectable, and pleasant historie. Containing his noble battails fought against the Persians. His loue to Laurana, the Kings daughter of Thessalie: and of his strange aduentures in the desolate iland.

CHAP. XIX.

Howe Parismus, Pollipus, and Adonius the page, going a shore in the Desolate Iland, were betrayed by the pyrates. And how Lauerana was conueyed to the Castle of Rockes, vnder the custodie of the Tyrant Andromart.

SO soone as Parismus and Pollipus had suffi∣ciently stored themselues with fresh v•…•…ctu∣alls, they returned towardes the shippe, which they founde launched and gone, which Parismus séeing, and missing his be∣loued Laurana (now too late suspecting the Pirates treachery) fell into such an ex∣treame rage of sorrow and vexation against his owne carelesnesse, that hée tare his haire, stamped on the earth, cursed the day and howre of his birth, and was so farre ouermaistred with the extremity of vexation, that he feared like a man extreamely madde or franticke, oftentimes being in minde to leape into the Sea and drowne himselfe, and often∣times attempting to destroye himselfe, that all these vnsuppor∣table passions concurring together, so ouercame his sences, that hée fell into a dead traunce.

Poore Adonius séeing his Lord in this extreame case vsed all the skill that was possible to recouer him to his sences, that séeing nothing to auaile, hée begaune to make such woefull lamentation, as would haue made the sto•…•…ie Rockes relent at his pitifull exclamation, where Violetta continued rub∣bing his pale cheekes with her soft hande, a thousand times kissing his colde lippes, and washing the same with salt teares, that Pollipus séeing his friend in that sort raging against For∣tune, and •…•…earing the greeuous lamentation the poore Page made, (full l•…•…ttle suspecting who it was) by viewing their in∣firmities, most prudentlie gouerned himselfe, and by what

hée could with poore Adonius, to recouer him, but their labour was in vaine: then hée beganne to meditate on this affliction: thinking that if hée should rage so excessiuely as Parismus did, hée should bee no whit the nearer any hope of remedie, but should thereby giue encouragement and example to him to continue in that sorrowe, which was beyonde the compasse of compare.

But séeing Parismus come to himselfe, looking like one ouer∣maistred with care, and staring vpon him like a madde man, fearing that this sodaine griefe had altered his wittes, vttered these spéeches; Most noble Prince, since it is allotted vnto you to bée thus crossed in your happinesse, I bée séech you beare the same patiently, and remit this extreame care, which so ouer∣maistreth your vertues, that their splendor cānot shine in such perfect sort, as wontedly they haue done: what can helples grief auaile you? what can care herein pleasure you? or what can this distemperature sorrowe helpe you in the recouery of your lost friend? then doe not shewe your selfe so inconsiderate, to de∣stroy your sences in this sort, but let vs consult which way to recouer them for these sorrowes, & ten thousand times as ma∣ny, cannot any way pleasure you. It ill beséemes your honour in this sort to cast your selfe downe, but rather with quietnesse beare your afflictions, and with wisedome deuise how to ease you of this griefe. Pollipus spake these wordes with such fer∣uency, that it made Parismus somewhat remember himselfe, that rising from the earth, beholding his poore Page knéeling by him with blubbred chéekes, sorrowing to sée his sorrowe) he vttered these spéeches. How can I containe my selfe within the compasse of reason, when my losse excéedeth the bounds of rea∣son? how can I with patience beare this affliction, when my losse is such as all the worldes wealth cannot counteruaile? How should wisedome beare sway in me, when she was my onely wisedome, and with her precious selfe, all that was mine is departed from me? Why should I not torment my self, when through my selfe she is perished? Why should I not rage, sor∣row,

and lament her losse, procured by my negligence? Accur∣sed Traytor that I was, that left my déere Laurana, yea the most vertuous Lady liuing vpon the earth, so slightly in the cu∣stody of barbarous people. What wil she say of me, but that I regarded her not? how may she condemne mee of humanitie, that haue suffered her thus to be taken from me? Can there be any limites giuen to this my sorrow? Can I neuer recompence this extreame wrong I haue done her? Is there any hope that I shall euer sée her againe▪ No Pollipus, no. What knowe I how these villaines will vse her? what can I tell whether they will conuey her? Or what know I the griefe shee will endure? This, this, torments my heart, that I am past all hope euer to sée her againe. How then can I asswage my griefe, but rather increase the same? what sufficient torment can I inflict vpon my cankred carelesse heart, that left her in their custodie, and by that meanes haue lost the fruition of her Diuine presence, whereby my life was maintained?

No, no, Pollipus, my sorrowes are such as can no way bee salued, therefore it were but in vaine to perswade my selfe that there is any hope left to redeeme this my vncomparable losse, and lost Friend: Heere you see we are left in an vnfrequented place, inuironed round with the Sea, and no meanes to escape a miserable death by famishment, vppon this accursed Land, that was ordained to be my graue: then Pollipus, what coun∣saile haue you left to cōfort vs withall? Or how can you think well of him, by whose meanes you are brought to this hazard of your life? My Lord answered Pollipus: Let vs doe the best we can to get forth of this solitarie place, which once attained, there is no doubt but we might in continuance of trauaile, meet with some that can giue vs knowledge of whence those Pirats were, the which (if by happie chaunce,) we can once finde out, then shall we soone heare what is become of Laurana, in the meane time with patience let vs endure the searche for her dili∣gently: for I vowe, that if she be any where to be found, I will neuer desist trauaile, vntill I can come to heare some happie

tydings of her abode: which speeches of this worthy Knight, so reuiued Parismus, that hee altogether abandoned that effemi∣nate kinde of griefe and lamentation, but with a minde puft full of inward sorrow, he kindly thanked Pollipus, & with this resolute determination, these two worthy Knightes armed, sauing onely their swords, hauing no companie, but onely their Page, beganne to trauaile along the Coast side, to sée if happily they could finde out any Shipping, that might lye vppon those Coastes. In which trauaile we will leaue them for a space, to speake of the King of Bohemia.

Assoone as the storme was ended, the King of Bohema, missing the Ship wherein Parismus was, beganne to take the same most grieuously, fully assuring himselfe that they were pe∣rished, but he himselfe was driuen into the confines of Frigia, whereas he peaceablie soiourned, vntill he had Fraughted his shippes with all things needfull, and within short space lande•…•… in Bohemia: where he gaue himselfe to a solitarie and austere life, and such sorrow and lamentation was generally made for the losse of their Prince, as is not to be described. Likewise the newes thereof was soone conueyed to Dionisius Court, where the sorrowe they made was such, as the like was neuer heard of in any age.

The Tartarians verie ioyfull of their Bootie, made all the haste they could home towards their owne Countrey, not any v•…•…der hatches for a good space misdoubting their Captiuitie, y^e Princesse her selfe, being fallen into a swéete and silent sleepe. Leda being with her, maruelled why Parismus stayed so long, and seeing her Mistresse fast a sleepe, stole out of y^e Cabbin, and found the Marriners all careleslie quaffing, and leauing them, she would haue gone vp aboue hatches, for that her heart could not be at quiet, but finding them fast shutte, she called alowde to the Mariners to come and open the same: but they likewise finding the same fast boulted, soone perceyued the Sippe was vnder saile, and they all betrayed, that being desperate, what with shame and griefe, that there began a very great Mutinie

amongst them, that moste of them were slayne in this rage, not knowing almost what they did, and the rest that suruiued, des∣perately murthered themselues: which Leda beholding, assu∣redly perswaded herselfe they were betrayed, and with aboun∣dance of teares went to her Mistresse againe, who still was fast a sléepe, but at last shée awaked, and seeing Leda wéeping, her heart beganne to fayle her, and demaunding the cause of Leda, shee could not answere a word, wherewith Laurana was dri∣uen into such an extreame passion of feare, that all her ioyntes began to tremble and shake, her colour went and came: but at the last, which with intreaties, and threatnings, she caused Le∣da to declare the circumstance of their woe. Laurana no sooner heard Leda say they were betrayed to the Tartarians, and that their Marriners had in a mutenie slaine one another, but there she fell downe dead, that doe what Leda could, shee was not able to recouer her to her Sences in a good space: but at last her breath began to make passage through the sweete Con∣dute of her throat, and she lifted vp her eyes, looking with such a ghastly and pittifull countenance vppon Leda, that shée was almost afraide to behold her. Then Laurana beganne to teare and spoy•…•… her golden Tresses, and dishiueled her faire and precious haire, and rent her costly Garments from her comely and delicate bodie, wringing her handes, beating her breasts, and knocking her precious head against the boords, that had not Leda with al her might hindred, her she had there destroied her selfe. In this sorrowfull sort, she on the one side continued her lamentations, and Leda on the other side wept her fill, that the conduits of their eyes were dryed vp, and not able to shed ano∣ther teare, and her heart was sore with throbbing, and she des∣perately and with a constant resolution, attended the comming of those vilains that had betra•…•…ed her, who knowing thēselues to be past the reach of the two knights, began to lift vp the hat∣ches & called to those that were below, but none made answer, which caused one of them to go downe, and found all the Bohe∣miās lie murthered, & with that ioyfull tidings came vp to his

fellowes. One that was the chiefe, and Captaine ouer the rest, allotting euery one his seuerall office, went downe to sée where Laurana was, whom he found (as is said) making such mo•…•…ne, that himself (notwithstanding his barbarous disposition) could not refraine from pittying her griefe: and in that case, without speaking a word hee left her, and returned againe within two houres, thinking by that time she would haue ceased her com∣plaints: but she not giuing her thoughts any respite of consi∣deration, but only to thinke on Parismus, still continued in her sorrowes, altogether refusing to be comforted by any perswa∣sions, and for two daies space, vtterly abstained from all kinde of sustenance, by meanes wherof she was brought to extreame hazard and perill of her life, which caused Leda to vtter these perswasions. Deare Mistresse, quoth she, if you would vouch∣iafe to heare me speak, then I would not doubt but to ease your heart of some of the care you so impatiently endure. You know that my Lord Parismus, Pollpus, and Adonius, are yet liuing, & no doubt in good estate, but only for the losse of you, for whose sake my Lord Parismus will preserue his life: why should you then destroy your selfe, that he so much tendereth? & not rather vse all possible meanes to preserue your selfe, vntill you can by some meanes heare of him: for there is no doubt that hee will search most part of the world, but he wil find you, & by his valor make the place where he commeth speake of his worthinesse, so that I doe not doubt, but it will by some accident or other come to your hearing: then were it vaine for you by destroying your selfe, to destroy him likewise, wheras otherwise you may hap∣pily méete, to both your ercéeding comforts: your vertues haue the power to rule strangers affections, let them then restraine you from doing your selfe harme. What will Parismus thinke? and what thinke you will be his griefe, when he hath trauelled many strange Countries, and endured many thousand perils in search of you, and in the ende findeth that you haue foulely made away your selfe, and were the onely cause of his sorrow? I beseech you deare Mistresse, consider of these things aright,

and weigh the estate that we are in, and then I doe not doubt, but your wisedome will consider, that it is better for you to preserue your selfe for his sake, then by destroying your selfe, be guiltie both of your owne death and his too. With these for∣cible perswasious, Laurana beganne somewhat to pacifie her selfe, and with a setled resolution, determined to endure what miserie so euer should light vpon her: and therfore began to con∣ferre with Leda about their hard hap, & miserable estate, which draue her to her very wits end to thinke of. But in the midst of their thoughts came to the captaine, who beholding Lauranes maiesticall countenance, and excéeding beautie, was so amazed therwith, as he condēned himself of villany, to haue procured so diuine a creatures discon•…•…. Laurana seing him stand gazing vpō her, began boldly to demand of him what he would haue, he hūbly knéeling, told her that he had prouided her dinner, if shée pleased to tast thereof, which she willingly consented vnto, & be∣gan consideratly to recall her former sences, but yet so inwaidly sorrowfull, as it was a rare vertue in her, so suddenly to ouer∣maister her intemperate grief, & yet still remaine so •…•…ul of griefe, that the very substāce of her sences was perfect sorrow. By this time the pirats had safely landed their ships in the Iland, where their mais•…•…er Andramart was, which was incompassed with such mightie rocks of stōe, that it was impossible, but only one way, in which way a few were of power safficient to keepe out a whole armie of men, and soone they cōueied Laurana, & Leda to y^e castle, where they presented her (with such iewels as they had with her) to Andramart, who being a mā of a most proud and hautie disposition, and maiestically seated in an imperiall seat) was so rauished at y^e first view of Lauranaes bewty, that he stood aduisedly beholding her: at last he came to her, to haue imbrast her tender bodie in his rough arms, but she abhorring him, thrust him frō her, with a disdainful scorne, •…•…herewith h•…•… began to fawn vpō her like as a dog wil do on his master, whé he hath bin newly beatē, and began to make shewes to them of great welcome, and kindly brought thē to stately and gorgeous

chambers most richly furnished, and seene all thinges néedefull were therepresented vnto her, by such women as were in the Castle. Laurana séeing her selfe thus kindely vsed, and not euil intreated, was therewith somewhat comforted, and vsed her selfe according to the condition of the time and place, and kind∣ly accepted all their courtesies: but the loue which Andramart made vnto her, séemed so hatefull in her eyes, that it was worse vnto her then a thousād deaths, to endure his sight. The night being come, and after they had Supped, (being serued in most stately maner, and with most costly and delicate cates) she with Leda her maide,) who lodged with her,) betooke themselues to their rest, where she could by no meanes giue one minutes re∣spit to her sorrowes by sléepe, but vttered most heauie playnts, and lamentations bewayling the losse of her déer Lord, that the verie walles séemed to groue forth the Ecchoes of her com∣plaints, in which sort she cōtinued most part of the night. Ear∣ly the next morning she was saluted by Andramart, who could giue his minde no rest nor quiet, but in her company, and his loue was so excéeding towardes her that hee could not doe any thing that was offensiue vnto her. In this miserable kinde of happie estate, Laurana continued by the space of a moneth, in which time shée had knowledge of a number of prisoners that this tyrant kept within the castle, by the grieuous cryes they made, some for want of foode, some with paines of tortures that hee inflicted vpon them, being himselfe hated of all men, and therefore hee hated all mankinde, but such whose minds accor∣ded to his wickednesse. Lauerana in this time vsed her selfe so, that shee still deferred his importunat sute, and had him so tied in the snares of loue, that what she commaunded, he could pre∣sently execute: but so odioue was his loue vnto her heauie hart, that shee was oftentimes ready to swound with the remem∣brance there•…•… but still by the counsell of Leda, she helde it the best course to keepe themselues in his fauour, vntill they could by some meanes escape out of his cruell hands, where we will leaue poore Lauarana in this comfortlesse place, amongest rude

and vnciuill people by night, and by day, her musicke being the dismall noise of pittiful cries of poore prisoners, and clogd with lothsome loue of Andramart, without hope how to escape from that miserable place of bondage, where you may iudge the sor∣row she endured, was such, as no tongue is able to expresse.