The golden Aphroditis a pleasant discourse, penned by Iohn Grange Gentleman, student in the common lavve of Englande. Wherevnto be annexed by the same authour asvvell certayne metres vpon sundry poyntes, as also diuers pamphlets in prose, which he entituleth his Garden: pleasant to the eare, and delightful to the reader, if he abuse not the scente of the floures.

A Gentleman halfe in dispayre seeketh release.

MAkyng repayre (deare dame) to the comely Courte of curiositie where choyse with change of curtesie dothe abounde, hoping to finde it a Castle of Comforte, dame Beautie beyng Queene contra∣ry to all exspectation beyng frustrate of hope, amazed I stoode like a carped knight whose eyes had bene dazed with hir to much con∣templation, as not of force to gaze vpō the Sunne. In this traunce of troubles my trembling tongue was partly enioyned to silence, but yet extremity forced me to appeale to hir curtesie for grace: not∣withstanding boot••l••sse it was to striue against the streame, for su∣spection had accused me vnto this prince, and she hir selfe with rash iudgement had halfe condemned me, for that Affection had sworne to the same: no Lawyerly plea quoth she holdes at the barre vnlesse Affection quitte thee cleare, which ••ring, with pityfull cheare I got me on my knees, holding vp my handes, and saying in this sorte: I see Mistrust is no mistresse for me in this case, wherefore moste gratious prince it extendeth not to equitie y^t in so wayghtie a mat∣ter a periured witnesse should iudge vpon my dome. To his peril be it (quoth she) if he iudge thee not aright. Alas (quoth I) S••minum iu••

summa iniuria est, and if be find me guiltie, tis but of loyalty: wher∣fore take pitty and quitte me before of curtesie, no faulte is there in me (most renowmed) for if my hart hath offended, and Affection as foreman of the Iurie, so finde it yet no death, it deserueth but ac∣quitaunce: wherefore challenging Affection, as by due order of law licenced, let curtsie I beseeche thee for indifferency iudge betweene vs both. Who climeth so hie (quoth she) must needs get a fal: might not berry browne haue contented dame Pleasure, considering the great store of Menowes that flowe in euery lake? how say you to this? Menowes Lady (I answered) serue but as baytes for greater fishe, & the brightnesse of the Sunne daseth the light of the Moone. Thus my Dyamon hoping vpon an hauen in doubte I stande of shipwracke, lende me therefore thy helping hande, for in doubtfull daunger of destiny, the redie facultie of a womans witte auayleth moste of all: Thus forced to frie in my fustian fumes, extremity calleth vpon your present helpe.

Yours allowed, F. G.