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. XXIX.

How Pollippus intended to depart in search of Uioletta, was by her staid: and how she discouered herselfe vnto him. What ioy Parismus and Laurana tooke for her safety, and the manifold honours they did her, and how afterwards shee was affianced to Pollippus.

EArly the next morning, Pollipus Armed himselfe, causing his Horse to bee prepared in a readinesse, and comming where Dio∣nisius was seated in his Royalty, accompa∣nied by the noble and Gallant States that were in his Court, humbled himselfe vp∣on his knee, and said:

Most mighty King, I cannot render you thanks sufficient, for the least fauour I haue receiued at your hands. Neuerthe∣lesse, I am now bold to presume into your presence, to request consent to a matter, that much concerneth me: which perad∣uenture, you will rather iudge to proceed from folly, then wisdome. For so it is, most Noble King, that I haue made a vow to trauell in search of a friend. In which trauell I am de∣termined to spend the rest of my wearisome life, without whose presence, my life will be hatefull vnto me. Then I beseech your Highnes to shew me that fauour, as I may obtaine your frée consent to depart at this instant, for my heart hath vowed ne∣uer to rest in any place, vntill I be fully assured of my friends prosperity. Dionisius hearing his request, was sorie so soone to leaue him, and therefore taking him vp most kindly by the hand, he said.

Most worthy Knight, to whom both my selfe and all mine are much bound, it were a hard matter I would deny you: but in this let me intreat you to stay some few daies with vs, that we may make you some small recompence for your paines, and

not so soone leaue vs, who are much delighted with your com∣pany: and rather let me perswad you to leaue off this resoluti∣on, for the dangers incident to trauell are many, and your selfe haue lately sufficiently tried, and if that in short space you doe not heare tydings, according to your content, you shall haue all the furtherance I can giue you, to doe what seemeth best to your selfe.

My Lord (replyed Pollipus) my staying in this place can∣not pleasure you, but rather be offensiue, for that my sorrowes without some good hope of comfort, will exceed the limits of reason: neither will it (I hope) delight your Maiestie to see my griefe, which I can by no meanes auoide. Therefore I be∣seech your Highnesse, not to intend me any further honour, but let me haue your licence to depart that haue already sufficient∣ly tasted of your bounty.

Parismus séeing his intention, vsed all manner of frindly and kinde perswasions to dissawde him from his purpose, but he as earnestly intreated his consent, for his heart was oppre∣sed with that care, that no other thought could take place in his Fancies, but very shortly hee determined to beginne his trauels.

Violetta séeing that nowe or neuer was the time to worke his and her owne content, resolued to manifest her selfe, and with her best diligence attended him all that day, fearing least he should depart secretly, and at night when he went to his bed, (not with intent to sleepe, but to poure forth his vsuall la∣mentations) Violetta likewise was with him, shewing a sad countenance to see his sorrow.

But when she had tenderly coucht her selfe by his manly side, shee could not deuise how to growe into conference with him, being strooken with such a delightfull feare, to discouer her self, as she had neuer felt the like. At last she said, most miserable knight, I am sure now you giue no credit to my words, because you find not Violetta here, according as I promised you shold: neither haue I any comfort to attain the fauor at your hands I

expected, because your pensiunesse will not permit me. But might I bee so bold as to craue one request at your hands, which if you please to vouchsafe me, I promise you, that you shall find my words before spoken true (for that I know where Violetta is) and promise you againe to doe more for you with her, then any liuing, but her selfe. Tush boy (quoth Pol∣lipus) doe not goe about to delude me with fond spéeches, for thou canst not performe any thing that can further mee heere∣in. My Lord said shee, doe but trie me once more, and if I faile, then let mee endure the most heauy doome of your euerlasting displeasure. Adonius (quoth hee) if it bee to pleasure thée any way, I will galdly do it, for the friendship I haue found in thée: then I pray thee as thou louest me, and tendrest the sorrowes I indure, do not delay me with thy spéeches, for I know they pro∣ceed from kindnesse, to make me forget my sadnes, and not to do me any benefit in the thing thou speakest of, for I shall neuer be so happie as to be beloued of her, who I feare me left her fa∣thers house to shun my company. But notwithstanding the little hope of comfort I conceiue by thy meanes to pleasure thée before I depart, tell me what it is thou demandest, and if it bee in my power thou shalt obtaine it. Violetta was ashamed to vtter her minde in that place, but being sure he could not be∣hold her blushing Chéekes, said: the request that I make is this, that you will giue mee your faithfull promise, that at such time as it is you hap to meete Violetta, and obtaine her good will, that the first night you will not offer to doe any thing that may tend to her dishonour. Upon mine houour said Pollipus, I will not doe any thing whatsoeuer disagree∣able to her will, for so deare doe I esteeme her, that I would rather destroy my selfe then shee should be any way displeased with me. Then know, worthy knight (quoth she) I am that Violetta you so earnestly enquire after, I am the party that haue so long time procured your discontent, and I am shee whose absence you haue so oft bewailed, and now I am con∣strained to manifest my selfe vnto you desiring you to pardon

my hard hartednesse, that haue so long concealed my selfe, and thereby procured your disquiet. Pollipus hearing her speeches, could not tell what to say, being halfe perswaded it was she, by remembring her countenance, and the behauior she had vsed in al, their trauels: as also calling to minde her kindnes, & now at length her owne speeches, could not resolue what to do, for that his fancy still perswaded him it was not Violetta. And on the other side, he had a mighty perswasion it might be she: at last he said. I know not what to coniecture, nor how to behaue my selfe, nor whether I should call you Adonius, or Violetta, con∣sidering how vnlikely it is she should be so kind to me, and how certaine I am that Adonius hath done me manifold pleasures. Then sweet Violetta (if you are she) resolue mee of this my doubt, being thereby driuen to that hopefull despaire, that I know not whether my fortune be better or worse then it was. Violetta shrinking a little back, said. Pardon me déere Polipus, for I am your vnworthy friend Violetta, that haue in this dis∣guise, made triall of my fortune, and your friendship. Pollipus then tooke her most louingly in his armes, not offering other then his former promise did permit. Yet he was in a doubt still, and could not be quiet, vntill he had vsed such kind meanes (yet farre from dishonour) as thereby he found shee was a virgin, and no Page and therefore assured himselfe it was Violetta: and folding her delicate and tender body in his manlike armes which he had oftentimes before imbraced, but not with such kindnesse, banishing all sadnesse from his sorrowfull heart) with sweet and delightfull tontent, he embraced her with that kindnesse that long parted Louers enioy, when they so plea∣santly meete, spending the rest of the night in pleasing and delightfull communication, and remembrances of their for∣mer kindnesses, which augmented their ioyes to an excee∣ding height. Oftentimes Pollipus would haue exceeded the limits of his former promise: but shee reserued that fauour, for the more honourable delight of their Nuptiall Bedde, but with many pleasures, such as true and loyall kindnes yeeldes.

Thus these two kind friends spent the time, Violetta accoun∣ting her selfe most happy so enioy so constaut a friende, as shee had found him by certaineties in their trauell, and hee esteemed himselfe as happie, that hee was beloued of Vio∣letta, that had not refused to hazarde her selfe in many dan∣gers for his sake. At last, their minds being both at quiet, and satified with blisfull content, these two faithfull louers fell fast a sleepe, Parismus enduring much heauinesse for his friends departure, could scarcely entertaine a minutes rest to his troubled head, therefore he was earely vp, with in∣tent to perswade Pollipus (if he could) from vndertaking that iourney: and presently after these louers were a sleepe, hee entred his Chamber, where contrarie to his premeditated ex∣pectation, he found him fast a sleepe: and Adonius in most louing sort, laying one hand vnder Pollipus head, and the other embracing his manly breast: séeming in his conceit, the delightfullest sight that euer he beheld: the supposed page being so beautifull, that had hee not knowne him, hee would haue iudged Venus her selfe had been there, to comfort Polli∣pus with her sweet embracings. But seeing his deare friend in such quiet and sweet rest, he withdrew himselfe, to medi∣tate how to worke his friends comfort, and stay his iourney. By which time, the Sun had lightned all the Chamber with his golden brightnesse, the clearenes of whose splendor, shining full vpon these louers, awaked Pollipus, but Violetta still lay sweetly slumbring, and Pollipus shadowing her with the cur∣taines, arose, and soone found Parismus walking at his cham∣ber doore, who seeing him, said. My deare friend Pollipus, I had thought to haue found you ready armed to depart, accor∣ding to your resolution yesterday, but I hope you are rather determined to alter that purpose, and stay with vs, who desire nothing more then your companie: and were not Adonius well known to me I should thinke you had embraced some di∣uine Goddesse in that kinde sort: but notwithstanding, let me intreate you stay some longer time with vs, which was the

onely cause of my comming vnto you at this instant. And I de∣sire you for all the friendship that hath passed betwixt vs, bring mee so much more in your debt, by obtaining this fauour at your handes. My Lord (quoth, Pollipus) I must confesse I am too sluggish to bee found sléeping at this instant, while my minde should bée busied with more weightie matters. Indéede, according to your saying (my Lord) I thinke I haue either imbraced some goodnesse, or a more diuine creature: for my former resolution to trauell is quite dissolued, and my heart at more quiet then it hath bin: for my deare Violetta hath bene so kind as to visite me this night, shewing my heart that cause of ioy, as for euer while I liue, I shall account my selfe bound to her: and because your honor hath both bin acquaintd with my loue, and al my intents, & haue vouchsafed me that fa∣uour that I shall neuer requite, I wel shew yon the cause of my gladnesse. Violetta hath disguised her selfe, and bin with vs in all the time of our trauels, and Adonius is now chāged to Vio∣letta, and hath discouered her selfe vnto me, which was more strange to me then it may séeme to you. Parismus hearing his spéeches, called her fauor to remembrance, & perfectly knew that it was Violetta, wondering that in so long time as shée was in the disguise of Adonius, hée could neuer perceiue the same, nor once suspect it, which affected his heart with excéeding ioy: and taking Pollipus by the hand, they walked together to Laura∣na, who greatly reioyced at his happy newes, & presently com∣manded Leda to carrie apparell vnto her, and all things that were necessarie, which shée presently executed, and at her comming founde Violetta newly awaked, and tolde her that Laurana had sent her that apparell, which Violetta was well contented with. Parismus, Pollipus, and Laurana, by this time were come where she was, who stood with a bulshing coū∣tenance like Venus intrapt in Vnlcans net, but Parismus tooke her by the hand, & said: Blush not vertuous damosel, for it reioy∣ceth my hart to sée you here, could you be so vnkind as in all the time of your trauell, neuer to make your selfe knowne till

now? Well, I sée you haue wisdome in making your choice, and well haue you deserued to be beloued of Pollipus, who I am sure will performe no lesse, neither néede you any more trial of his loue, for that you haue béene priuie to many infallible proofes thereof. Violetta knéeling vttered these spéeches, I thanke your honour, that vouchsafe mee this extraordinarie fauour, as to visite mee, that haue shewed my selfe vnworthie thereof: but I trust I néed not now stand vpon nice tearmes to this worthie knight, for that I may bee fully assured of his fidelitie: neither can I séeme straunge, hauing béene so long time acquainted with his loue. But if my boldnes hath not c•…•…u∣sed his misconceyte of me, I here offer my selfe for euer to bee at his disposition: desiring you (most worthie knight) to pardon whatsoeuer you haue found amisse in me, or disagréeing of a maidens chast behauiour, and with a fauourable opinion, con∣sure of my rashnes, both to try your vertues, as also to disguise my selfe, wherein I haue done (so neere as I could) nothing that might any way disgrace my chastitie, or dishonour my name. Pollipus taking her in his armes, saide: Sweete and kinde loue, should I bee so barbarous, as to misdeeme your vertues, or beare any other then the most courteous conceit of your kindnesse, then I might bee accounted the most inhumane creature liuing, but contrarie to my desert, I account my selfe so inriched and honoured by your loue, that for euer I shall en∣deuour to be thankfull vnto you for the same: and beseech you thus to esteeme of mee, that it will bee more grieuous vnto me then death, to bee out of your fauour. Then I desire you let your heart repose that good trust in me, that no miserie, calmi∣tie, death, nor affliction, shall cause me once, in wdrd or deede, to be disloyal to your selfe, that vouchsafe me the heauenly hap∣pinesse I desire.

Laurana all this while, diligently beholding Violettaes mo∣dest countenance and bashfulnesse, came vnto her, and embra∣ced her in most familiar sort, saying? Most vertuous damosel, be not discomforted nor abashed at your disguise, for it cannot

be taken otherwise then vertuous: for by the same, you haue shewen a great token of wisdome, to make so infallible a triall of the constancie of your friend, neyther trouble your selfe with any misconceited opinion of your Chastitie, for none can be so discourteous, as to disallow the same. And as for my selfe, I am so fully assured of your Uertues, that I shall for euer hate them, that shal once thinke otherwise then honourablie of you, and hereafter make account to finde me as your most faithfull Friende, for at all times I will esteeme you as my Sister, and whatsoeuer lyeth in my power to doe you good, shall be readie at your commaunde. Violetta kneeling downe, most hum∣blie thanked her, for her Honourable kindnesse. Laurana ta∣king her by the hand, led her downe into the great Hall, where she was entirely welcommed by the King and Queene, and by all the rest of the States, with maruailous louing kindenesse: who hauing knowledge of her, exceedingly commended her Uertues, and beeing informed of the truth of all that had pas∣sed betweene her and Pollipus, (by his owne reporte) grew into such a good liking of her, and so much esteemed her wifedome, that they accounte•…•… him the most Fortnate Knight liuing, to make choyse of so vertuous a Wife.

And presently her Father was sent for, who with great ioyfulnesse welcommed his Daughter. Within fewe dayes, by the appointment of Dionisius, shee was most Solemnely married to Pollipus, with great Royaltie, to both their excee∣ding contentments, and to the reioycing of all them that were there present.

Afterwardes all Thessalie remayned in great tranquilli∣tie, and these kinde Friendes continued stil in Dionisius Court many dayes, vntill Parismus once againe desired to see his na∣tiue Countrey of Bohemia, where within shorte time after his departure from Thessaly, he safely arriued, as shall be declared in the second part of this Hystorie, which shall be called by the Name of Parismenos, wherein shall be she •…•…ne at large, the straunge discourse & manner of his bringing vp by his Nurse, that fledde with him from the Tyrant Andramarts Castle, in

the Iland of Rocks, with the rehearsall of many strange aduē∣tures he atchieued, before he came to his parents, Thus cour∣teous Readers, you sée the first fruits of my gréene labour, rudely put into your courteous handes: which if you please to grace but with a fauourable opinion, I will in the next Hysto∣rie, endeuour to make you some part of amends: But if this shall not be kindly accepted, you shall for euer discourage me from bestowing any more ydle time, in these or any other such like exercises.