Certaine tragicall discourses written out of Frenche and Latin, by Geffraie Fenton, no lesse profitable then pleasaunt, and of like necessitye to al degrees that take pleasure in antiquityes or forreine reapportes

The argument.

THere is nothinge how good and profy∣table so euer it appeare, whereon at∣tendethe not a discommodytie to hym that deales in it wythout discrecion, to∣gether with a perentorye displeasure in receiuing it contrarye to the consent of good gouernemēt wherin I may be assisted with sufficient confirmation in a daylye experi∣ence of the ordynarye meates, brothes, and other confec∣cions tollerated by phizicke for the sustentacion of man, whiche albeit bee good of theim selues, yet being swallo∣wed in glottonous sort, they do not only procure a surfeyt with vnsauery indisgestion, but also conuerting our aun∣ciente healthe and force of nature into humors of deby∣lytie destillinge thorowe all the partes of the bodye, do corrupte the blodde which of it selfe afore was pure and without infection: Euen suche is the disposition of loue, whose effectes, directed by reason (whiche oughte to guide euerie accion and doing of man) be not suche enemies in deede to the quiet of our lyfe, as necessary meanes to re∣forme the rudenes of our owne nature, accordinge to the authorytie of the poet affirminge that by loue the rude∣man is reduced to a cyuilitie, the foole learneth wisedom, the cowarde becomes valiaunte, and the couetouse nigard * 1.1 settes his purse wyde open to hys frende: neyther is there any kinde of curtesye wherwith hee that is in loue doth not participat: but who makes an experience of the contrarye, I meane without aduise or iudgemente will throwe himselfe hedlonge into the golphe of a folishe and ronning phantasye, escapes hardly without the rewarde

whiche that frantike passion yeldeth ordenarely to suche as are vnhappelye partakers of suche infection, neyther is there any thinge more furthereth the ruyne and dekaie of man then suffriuge the eyes of our vnderstandinge to be seeled with suche ymitate to ymate that as a glott of our gredy desyers, whiche nature hathe enioyned to all estates to honour and embrace as a speciall vertue. And trulye me thinkes that, that folishe and infortunat crewe mighte reserue therrours and destructions of others as speciall pattornes and preceptes to restraine the humor of their owne madnes, by the whiche (or they be aware) they are ledd to the brinke of mortall destruction: albeit thindiscretion of that miserable sorte seames nothinge vnlike in comparaison to those that hauinge longe vsed the trade of thefte and robberye, and seinge their compa∣nions passe by the sentence of a corde, lacke grace not∣withstandinge to disclaime the wickednes wherin they haue bene nozeled so many yeares, neyther is their plage (or rather iuste punishmente) any thinge inferior, for they makinge a chiefe glorye of that whiche is moste imper∣fecte in loue, are eyther so subiecte to dispaire, or beastely assotted withe the greedye encownter of the pleasure they fynde, that procuring by theyr owne folly and want of order the processe of their fatall sommaunce in the en∣trey to their felycitye, are forced to resigne at one instante their lyfe and loathinge contentmente of lesse contynu∣ance then the paines in loue seame greuous to the mynde that hath y^e gift to passe theim ouer by reason. And like as a vehement and inwarde greffe of the mynd (proceding by the malice of a synister fortune,) is of such force, to close the poares and couduictes of the vitall partes of man, that cancellinge the commission of lyfe, the soule departes lea∣uinge

the body without sence, like power I saye hath the vehemencie of semblable gladnes, which occupienge all the partes with a generall ioye (excedinge the strength of nature) makes the mynde insufficent of force to with∣stande so greate a passion, whereby strykinge the saile of lyfe, the bodye is seene to vanishe as the candle lackinge waxe or weake or other matter assistinge the flame which giueth light to the beholders, wherof we haue diuerse au∣thoryties in the histories of antiquitye, as one of the dough¦ters in law to the high priest Helye who hearinge of the death of her husbande & the takinge of the arke of the lord ended her lyfe with the dollorous reapport: the lyke hap∣peninge vnto her father in law for the ouerthrowe of the children of Israell by the infydelles and vncircumcised: in like sorte we haue confirmacion in diuerse prophane dis∣courses of such as haue yelded the ghoste in a traunce of vnreasonable ioye and lawghiuge, as Dyagore Rhodiotto, & the philosopher Chilon, who vpon the newes that their children had won the prise at the plaies at Olympus em∣brased their happye fortune with such exceding gladnes, that vpon the place and present they yelded againe their tearme of borowed yeres, also a folyshe Romaine woman hearing of the death of her son in a battaile fought against thennemy, disgested it with great constancy, but seing his safe retorne from the field contrary to her expectacion and former newes she was so assailed with superfluity of glad∣nes that in place to congratulate his deliuery from the pe∣rill of war she dyed in embrasing hym as of a passion of dis∣measured contentmēt, which argueth sufficiently the folly of them that in any degre bestowe eyther ioy or sorow so neare their harte, that besydes the destruction of the body they become thunnatural morderers of their owne soules

wherin w^t what enamel so euer they seke to guild & colour such vices yet can they not be excused of an humour of mad¦nes proceding of a vaine braine exposing frutes according to y^e spirit or guide y^e possesseth them, neyther is ther any cō¦mendation at al due vnto such as thorow ympacience giue ende to their lyfe by dispaire, with what title or sorname of constancy the fond philosophers of olde time do baptyse those accions of meare fury & frenecy, wherof as the mise∣rable end of these. ii louers yeldes sufficient testymonie dieng both in one hower of diuerse accidēts the one of a dismeasured ioye the other of a passion of despe∣ratte sorowe, so because the discourse is of vn∣dowted troth I wishe it might moue cre∣dyt to the reador and councell to al men to eschew the like inconuens∣ence deryued of sembla∣ble occasion.

THE LONG AND LOY∣all Loue betwene Lyuyo and Camylla to∣gether with their lamentable death, the one dying of a passion of ioye the first night he em∣braced his mystres in bedde, the other passed also the same way as ouercome wyth present sorow for the deathe of him whom she loued no lesse then her selfe. ❧∴ (Book 2)

AT such tyme as ALEXANDER the sixt surnamed BORGIA supplied the pa∣pistical seate at rome, dwelt in SYSEN¦NA a yong gentleman called LYVYO with his syster CORNELIA, neare vn¦to whome was the house of a knight bering y^e name of RENALDO, hauing a son called CLAVVDIO with a daugh¦ter CAMYLLA, which two yong dame selles, by reason of neighborehead and contynuall norryture together duringe their infancye, reteyned a league of suche mutuall famylyaritie and conuersaciō, y^t their socyetye with often entercourse together seamed no lesse then if nature had made theym the children of one father, wherein as R••∣NALDO and his wife reioysed not a litle on the behalfe of their doughter, for that CORNELIA was accompted to ex∣cede the rest of yonge Ladies in honest behauiour and gyftes of vertue: So if it had not bene for a froward disposicion in CLAVVDIO, (who grudged without cause the companye of LYVYO) this conuersacion and haunt of the girles had sea∣med of easier continuance: Albeit as his presence gaue of∣ten ympedimente to their metinge, so his absence restored their enterviewe, in such sorte, as he was no soner departed to parforme his fathers affaires at Rome or els where, but

his syster forgat not to visit her deare CORNELIA, passinge theyr pettie follyes and recreacions of honest delyte most cō∣monly at the lodginge of LYVYO, for that there was neither awe of father nor other authoritie to controll their exercise, which for the most part was every after none to dresse fyne banquetes, striuing to excede one an other in curiositye and conning with a thousande other conceytes and merye cha•• of huswiferie, which seamed of no lesse pleasure to theim, then the pomppe of wanton delytes wherewith princes and other great Ladies are respected, serued & honored, and some time courted by a crew of veneryan & carpet knights with diuers ymportunyties and vnseamely requests of loue, who as he is * 1.2 an humor of infection deriued of y^e corrupt partes in our sel∣ues and yet cōmon to vs all by nature, so is he chiefly furthe∣red in therecution of his euil, by an vsuall frequentacion and hawnte of parties whereof maye bee noted a moste fa∣myliar experience in this LYVIO, who during the practis of the two girles, toke such viewe of the bewtie and behauiour of CAM••LLA (seing her only go, and come to the chamber of his syster,) that he began to sipp of the Cuppe of affection no lesse then DIDO, kyssing CVPIDO vnder the figure & sem∣blance of the litle ASCANIVS son to the valiant ENEAS ney∣ther coulde he be so constant to repulse this first apprehensiō but (maugre his hart) he yelded to the somonce of his affection and at the first assalt surrendred the fortresse, to him that of∣fred the warr, who at the first entry made himselfe lord ouer * 1.3 the free partes of this prisoner, & rampired him selfe so stron∣ly within thinteriour of his mynd, that he was not onely in one instāte the gouernour of his thoughts, but also directing his whole doings by y^e diall of his descretion, fedd hym onely wyth the vnsauerye Iewice of tormente and contynuall pas∣sion, in suche sorte as not knowinge whether hee shoulde encounter a retorne of reciprocall glee, hee seamed to loue vppon credytte takinge pleasure in interteynynge his vn∣certeyne thoughts and vaine delite of his flatteryng fancy, where in hee had hadde some reason if the conference of CA∣CAMILLA

had kindled the coles of this affection in his mind for that as I haue sayde frequentacion bredeth first the desy∣er, so wordes haue force to further theffecte of diuerse thyn∣ges * 1.4 whiche otherwaies we colde neuer bringe to passe or if he had bene aunswered wyth a SYMPATHIA or equalitie of frendshipp by her on whose behalfe he comytted such fond ydolatrye, but what? when a man hath once set a broch the hu¦mor of his follie, he accomptes it a great symplicitie to desist afore he haue performed euery effecte and suggestion of the blynde guide that gouerneth his vnrulye wil, for this yonge Pigeon of the first plume, hatching in the secret of his mind that, whiche he durst not discouer, toke singler pleasure in the repetycion of the delite which he desiered, ymagining that CAMILLA had cropped of the same herbe whereof hee had swallowed, both the leafe and roote, and that shee was no lesse zelous, on his behalfe, then he y^e slaue forced and enchan∣ted by the vertue of her glisteringe beawtie, wherein as de∣serte and solytarie soyles bee harbors moste conuenyente * 1.5 for suche as be occupied wyth passion, so hee beganne by lytle and litle to disclayme all companye and places of assem¦blie, and accompted his greatest felycitie to discourse wyth his thoughtes in the open & barraine feldes, wher onely the ayre did witnes his dollor and the birdes partakers of hys hollowe sighes, wherin walkyng one day (amonge the rest) a long a Coppies or Groue of short wode norished by y^e moi∣sture of two or thre pleasante chanelles, distilling from cer∣teyne Rockes builded by nature vpon the hight of the moun∣teynes, whych fauoured his dolful complainte with an EC∣CHO of semblable dule, he exposed an effect of his passion in these sorowfull termes what angrye dome of the godds or sinyster permission of the fates is this (sayth he) which depri∣uyng * 1.6 my harte of his auncyente lybertie hath made a trans∣port of my thoughtes vpon thymage of a beawtie that re∣semblethe the clearenes of the heauens, and eclipsethe, what soeuer is perfecte or fayre vppon earthe? frome whence procedes thys newe authorytye whyche com∣manndinge

the strongeste parte in me, seameth to force a desier to wishe that wherof myne eyes haue alreadie giuen iudgement touchinge the bewtye of thonely mistres of my thoughtes? what soddayne alteration is this to transforme my libertie into a seruile thraldome, and yet of more delite and contentement then if I were pronounced thonely soue∣raine and Lord of the whole patrymonie? Alas I thinke thac∣cidente excedynge the compasse or computacion of nature, ympartes his power & title with the celestial authorityes a∣boue, for myne eyes do daylye fede vpon the presence of CA∣MYLLA andene ountreth a contynuall viewe of her com∣panye, but the true effecte of that whiche is parfecte vnder the corporal vaile can not bee discerned but by figure & force of ymagynacion, the which rauishinge my sences hath made me the slaue of her, who liuynge without subiection or touch of passion, may peraduenture conuerte the SYMPTOMES of my present greefe into a conceyte of litle or no regarde, wyth adisdayne of thoffer of my affection. To what ende sholde I endeuor to gather the frute, when the leaues will graunte me no fauour, or who will bende his deuocion towarde the shryne, if the sainte close the gates of compassion agaynste him: in like sorte what pleasure haue I to embrase a shadowe when the bodye disdaineth my homage and offer of seruice: oneles there be a felycitie in the life of the CAMELEON, liuinge with the breath or ayre of the Skies, for in fearinge * 1.7 to discouer my grefe, I haue cause to dispaire of the remedie, and in fedinge onely vppon vaine and vncertaine ymagina∣cions, I am to expecte no other contentment but such as dis∣tilleth from the fountayne of such simple fauours, that now I find theim the happiest kinde of creatures to whom nature hath ymparted such rude shappe and grosse vnderstandynge, that they cannot in any sorte receaue thimpressions of loue, where we alas that are deryued of a more delicate molde and enioyned to a generositye of spirite aboue the reste are bar∣red the beuefyt of all felycitye in admittinge as a principall pleasure y^e thing which tormentes vs more mortallie then if

we were persecuted with all thafflictions of the worlde. Herein appeares the folye and wante of discretion in man doatinge vpon the vanities and passions whiche of hym self hee plantes in hym selfe, without foreseinge howe vnhable hee is to restore his quiete after hee bee once attainted with the humour of suche corruption. But what? may any one man be assisted with speciall priuilege in that which na∣ture hath made common to vs all, I meane is it in the po∣wer of any to procure dispence from the daunger of loue, or staye the coles kindled in our intrailes to burst into blase or open flame? no no, for of a million that haue fallen into the snares and perils of affection, I haue not knowen anye one that hath disposed of hym selfe and thoughtes, other wayes then accordynge to the discretion of hym that sekes to mortifye our quiet and triumphe in the seruilitye of vs wretches, yet for my parte seinge there is no euill in em∣brasing things that be faire, for that (according to thoratour) the faire and good are so conioyned together that the one * 1.8 glorifyenge in the other are confirmed both with equal esti∣mation, why shoulde I not pursue the loue of my deare CAMILLA, whose exterior regardes argew a greater ver∣tue then to refuse the offer of my simple and honest seruice, supported with an intente of vnfayned loyaltie so longe as nature shall assiste me with one moment of tyme in this worlde. But alas what reason hath she to graunte to that whiche I dare not demaunde, or howe shoulde she satisfye my requeste, beinge altogether ignoraunte of my mea∣nynge, and seynge by conceylinge my desyer, my greefe is growen to an agrauacion of torment, why staye I to dis∣close the cause, to the ende I maye eyther receyue the soue∣raine CATAPLAME for my sore, or els the laste and fatall syroppe, whiche maye sende me to complaine mine euill in the other worlde: wherin as he made here his plat to com∣municate his loue with his mistres, so the veray presence of CAMILLA & feare to offende her, toke awaye theffect of that resolucion, conuerlinge his complot into a misterie of some

dreame or vision inuisible, whereby what with the increase of his passion and feare to bewraye thoccasion, his greefe grewe to a disease presentyng argumentes of debilitye and diminutiō of strength w^t lose of aunciēt colour in his face so far furth, y^t he seamed not the same LYVIO which earst was so welcome into all companies, no lesse for hys grace and perfection of nature, then his guifte of pleasante discourse, seinge that nowe in so shorte a tyme he is so transposed into the habite and disposition of a malencolike and solitarie har∣mit, that there appeared no lesse impossibilitie to haue hym assiste any assemblye accordynge to the commendable cu∣stome of nobilitie or youth of gentle discente, throwe all the franchises in ITALY, then to mortifye in one instante the furye of his solitary passion, in suche sort that the young Ladyes and gentlewomen companyons to his syster, began to deskande of his coye and religious trade of lyfe, some of theim (accusinge hym of folishe disdaine), noted a sorte of sauage and hagarde disposition, and some seinge as fare into his disease as the phizicion into his water, referred the cause of this soddaine chaunge to the mortall and ineuitable woundes of the cruell son of the faire CYPRIS, wherwith CORNELIA, troubled withoute measure that the alteraci∣on of her brother was the onely wonder of the multitude, greuyng no lesse for her parte, then the reste seamed ama∣zed, accoasted hym one mournyng in a close arbore or alleye of his gardin where he was recording his amarous cōceits, and disposed her selfe tunderstande the cause vnder these termes. I hope sayeth she my present cōmyng (excedyng my * 1.9 ordinary custome) will not moue you to conceytes of pre∣sumption against me, chiefly for that I desier to cōmunicate with you in that which your self ought to disclose to such as are deare vnto you, to thende that if the meane to restore you consiste in straungers, the remedie may folow with ex∣pedicion, but if a sleighte slaue may cure a slender sore & that your gréefe is of no other cōsequence then a passion of yma∣ginations, why do you not take vp the vaine that fedes the

humour of such fonde conceites, & of your selfe dismisse the darke cloudes of youre troubled fansie. For I assure you the shame whiche I haue on the behalfe of your doing is no∣thyng inferiour to the panges you féele, chiefly for that your solenme trade of life ringing in mine cares by a general rea¦porte of all men, makes me not only refuse diuerse assēblies whiche I ought to visite, but also loath the companie of my deare cōpanions, who forget not to reproche me with impu∣tacion of our change, protesting vnto you that if you cōfirme it with any lōger time I wyl also assiste your solitarie trade, and kepe my self so recluse, that in forbearing to visite my frends abroade, I wil also forbid thaccesss of any at home: for what delit do I fynde in any cōpanye when al degrees salute me with your desolate order of liuyng, and iudge you what pleasure I take that earst did glory w^t the best, in y^e behauior of my brother most welcome aboue all men to euery estate, & now to heare you loaden with titles & surnames of proude, disdainful, ful of fa••••ies with a thousand other imposicions of like reproch. Wherfore for end if ther remaine in you any care of your owne estimation, or respect to cōtent me, I be∣sech you eftesones sticke not with me in so small a sute as y^e discouerie of the cause and circumstaunce of your annoye, assuring you for my part by the vertue of our parents deces∣sed that my life shal refuse no peril to remoue your distres, & that with no lesse good will, then I desier with my harte a spedie cōuersion of your malencolike countenance into re∣gardes of auncient ioye, imparting by that meanes an vni∣uersal gladnes to al your frēds who are driuen to participat with you in sorow til they sée a restauracion of your former quiet, wherwith LYVIO takyng thaduauntage of thaffected zeale of his syster, who gaue him assuraunce of her promisse in that whiche he durste not demaunde, knewe not at the firste what replye to preferre, but that it was not against nature for a man to flitt from happye lyfe to heauye state, * 1.10 neyther oughte it (sayth he) to seame a wonder to the peo∣ple, when we expose alteracion of complexion, for suche

are equall to angels or semblable to the brutall sorte with out sence, that are priuiledged from passion, or can kepe so temperate a meane in receyuyng and disgestyng thaccidents of this worlde, which accordynge thoccurrance and euene∣m entes of tymes, do expose argumentes of mirthe or sorow * 1.11 in the faces of them whome they possesse, and albeit I con∣fesse vnto you, that as he beares his miserie beste that hides it moste, so suche are worthye to haue the name of perfecte men, who enconteringe their disaster with a constante magnanimitye of minde, do dissimule their greefe afore the worlde, to thende they only may giue remedye to that which is common to none but theym selues, wherin for my parte I coulde neuer enioye a participation of suche perfection, neyther is thoccasion of my extremitie so easely couered but the drouping regardes in my face are readie to make decla∣ration of my torment, besides I haue no greate cause of shame of mine euill, consideringe the same importes an en∣terprise of noble consequence, albeit I make some conscience to discouer the principall cause. But considering the round∣nes of your offer, and howe boldly one of vs maye participat wyth an other I am contente to imparte with you the cir∣cumstance of my passion, wherin as you haue charged me with chaunge and alteracion of countenance, debilitie and diminucion of the strongest partes in me, with a sauage and hagarde order of lyuynge as you haue tearmed it, so in vnderstandynge the cause, I hope you wylexcuse me of effectes of other folly then suche as nature hath enioyned in generaltie to all men, and to cut of your suspence and absolue your troubled mynde of all doubte, you shall vn∣derstande that the force of loue (depriuinge myne aun∣ciently berty) hath also transposed my former quiet & solace of mynde, into these mournynge and pynynge regardes whiche you note in me, neyther can I be restored to the state which you wishe without the assuraunce of that which I de∣sire, whiche is the good wyll of her to whome loue hath be

gyuen so large power ouer me. And as euery medecine is measured by the greatnes of the disease, and the lyght hurte is easelye healed without tryinge the exquisite skill of the Phisicion, so my gréefe beinge grounded vpon great conse∣quence, doth not onely assaile me withall sortes of passions and panges of sorowe, but also denyeth to brooke the opera∣cion of other remedie but suche as is distilled from the earbe that first infected me, it is not the offer of smal harmes, that makes me so hurtefull to my self and hateful to my frendes, nor the subiect of tryflynge annoye that sturres vp theis sighes and solytarie disposition in me, it is alas for beautye her felfe that I suffer, eye the veray patterne and goddesse of all perfection, hath made me so forgetfull of my selfe that I seame a straunger to my deare frendes, neyther haue I o∣ther power of my selfe, then suche as is imparted vnto me by her whose picture I cary so lyuely in my minde: CORNE∣LIA altogether ignorant in the force of affection, and by rea∣son of the gréenes of her yeres voyed of experience in tour∣nynge ouer the volumes of loue, coulde not but smyle for the firste at thei argon or discourse of her brother, albeit no∣tinge his perpleritie, she let fall also certaine teares on the behalfe of his desolate state, and seynge hym wholly conuer∣ted into contemplation of a vision, iudged it an effecte of pi∣tye to gyue ayde to his distresse, whereupon she desired eftsones in mery sorte to knowe the goddesse of his de•• o∣cions, to the ende (sayth she) that I may yelde her honor for youre sake, and seinge you dare not presente her your re∣queste, I maye enter into the office of an intercessour, and praye for your delyuerye, neyther nede you doubte to dis∣close her to me, nor dispayre of my dilygence and readye indeuour to do you good, onles you be so farr spente wyth Ialous passion that you feare, I wyll rausshe her from you, or preuente the desier of your pleasure in beinge in loue with her my self, you abuse y^e loyaltye of my meaning, and I doe wronge to exacte so farre vpon rour secret ima∣gination: I am cōtente sayth he you I est candtake pleasure

in the eusll whiche I suffer, so that you will performe the effecte of your promisse, whiche you maye the rather ac∣complishe by the credit you haue with her who is the onely cause of my tormente, whereof after she had giuen hym a seconde assuraunce by othe and protestation of faythe, he tolde her (not withoute a freshe supplie of sorowe) that it was CAMILLA to whom his libertie was captile, and in the ballance of whose compassion wayghed indifferent∣ly, the lycence of longer life, or sentence diffinitiue of pre∣sente death, desierynge her for ende to make her priuie to the paine he indured, and with all to procure spedie modera∣cion of his gréefe, or els to awarde the writte of fatall so∣monce to hym that is not hable to féede the vaine of lyfe without the foode of her speciall fauour: The gyrle delityng still in the amarous discourse of her brother, willed hym to take harte at grasse and makynge exchaunge of his solyta∣rle order to a wake out of his dreame of dompes and reuoke his disposition of auncient cherefulnes, leaste his mistres loathing his thyn and wearishe lookes be affraide to graunt loue to a Stoane or suffer her selfe to be embrased by one, in who me is neither present delite nor likelihod of fu∣ture pleasur. Ah sister saith hee how your libertie of tounge argueth your small experience in cases of loue, whose de∣lites consiste in teares, sighes, and dolorous complaintes, wherein as suche as be moste constante of all, make decla∣ration also of effecte of suche loyaltie in takinge plea∣sure to recorde their sorowe, with tunes of lamentable note, so in exposinge the contrarie, we discouer at vnwares the slender affection we beare to the thynge we desier, and for my parte I fele no lesse pleasure by ymagination, when I see with the eyes of my mynde the beautie and other perfections of my deare CAMILLA, then you whiche neuer tasted of the apprehension of this frée constrainte whiche the destenie of loue hath appointed to attend vpon me: I am glad saith she to be warned in this sorte to eschewe the lyke

euill in my selfe, and sorie to note the experience of so great an inconuenience in you, but seing you are so sewerly ram∣pired in your folye, that thoffer of persuasion is hatefull vnto you, I am contente you féede vpon suche ease as you finde, and take pleasure in the simple contemplacion of the ymage of your Saint, for, for my parte, I had rather haue an hower of reste, disposinge my selfe to slepe assone as my head & the pillow be met, then lye with mine armes of crosse regardynge the course of the starres, and builde castelles in the ayre, or be troubled in dremyng of the dissolution of the worlde, and then to baptise suche impediments and ene∣mies of reste by the name of the pleasures of loyall louers, with addition that it is a peculiar glorie gyuen them frō a∣boue by the inuisible goddesse, it is a pore repaste God knoweth for an emptie stomake to féede only of wishes, and satisfye his thurste with drinkinge of an emptie cuppe, or restore heate to the benommed partes by a cold chymney, or satisfye the desieringe minde with simple contemplacions, wherewith, she retired with intent to trye the nexte daye, whether CAMYLLA had any vaine that stretched to satisfye the desier of her brother, whome she lefte with more argu∣ment or consolation then afore, by reason of the hope he rea∣posed in her diligence. Here was a double offence in LIVIO both to force his syster to an enterprise indecent for her ho∣nor and age, and also to prefer her to be the DARIOLETTA of his loue, opening (as it were) the way of voluptuous plea∣sure to al youth y^t which is to much enclined that way by the corruptiō of our own nature, without that we nede thassi∣stāce of art to supplie our defaultes in so vnhonest an ercer∣cise, albeit our blindnes is so great in things of such foly, that (in respectinge only y^e present) we neuer feare y^e fal of future incōuenience, til being serued with y^e writ of present penāce * 1.12 we fynde to lytle leasure to repente so greate offences, and albeit (accordyng to Aristotle) it is necessarie to be priuie to thimperfeuions in the world and to knowe som tyme wher∣in we offerde, yet giues he this councell with al that, we

conuerte the experience of suche synister encounters, to a peculiar defense of our selues againste thassaultes of sem∣blable accidentes, and not to vse it as an authoritie or priui∣ledge to iustifie our wickednes or consume oure tyme in the ymitation of euill, wherein as the good men are defended by their vertue, so let the worser sorte be ware by so manye millions of examples as our vnhappie age at this present is hable to furnishe in the like affaires. And so to our historie, the morow after this discourse betwen the dolorous LYVIO and his syster, it chaunced that the doughter of RENALDO came all alone to see her companyon CORNELIA, who al∣beit was sufficiently mindefull of her promisse, yet was she furthered with a fit occasion by CAMYLLA, for that after certaine litle deuises betwene them she asked the cause of the sodaine chaunge and alteracion in her brother, & why he was no more séene to assiste the honeste assemblies in masque or other sorte, to whome CORNELIA aunswered, that as she was of equall desyer to knowe thoccasion of his solitarie ab∣sence, so greuynge aboue the reste with his pyning estate, I haue asked (saith she) the cause of his gréefe: which with the circunstance and effecte of all his annoye procedes from you (my deare frend and companyon,) as one in whome is noris∣hed the care and trauaile of mynde of my sorowfull brother. Howe is it possible saith the simple CAMILLA that I should worke hym any wo, seinge hitherunto I haue bene no lesse careful of his wel doing, then curious of mine owne health, neither haue I saide or don the thing (I am sewer) wherein was any pointe of euil meanynge towardes hym, onlesse he make construction of my simple and honeste zeale, lyke as also I would be sorie to be the author of his miscontentemēt any waye: the present passion of my brother saith CORNE∣LIA is deriued of a contrarie cause, for the to much delite and pleasure he hathe taken in seinge you, hathe broughte hym to the brinke of this bane, and yet as they wryte of the SCORPION hee hopeth to drawe the remedye frome her that hath geuen him the wounde. Yf you make not a more

plaine exposition of youre darke texte, sayeth CAMILLA I shall hardlye reade the misterye of your readle, for as yet I vnderstande nothinge but highe duche: eye marye sayeth thother and therein consisteth the chiefeste cause of my greefe, for if the peculyar affliction of my brother were comon also to you, or that you enioyed but a simple perticipa¦cion of his annoye, you shoulde not onlye vnderstande that which I am driuen to vnfolde, but be as readie to geue the re∣medie, as hee hathe reason in the meane while to suffer the grefe, or I ashamed to be the messenger. Do away this phi∣losophie my dearefrende (saythe CAMILLA and cutte of at laste my doubtfull suspence touchinge your meanynge, for if thuttermoste of that whiche is in me maye stande hym in steade, I will eyther performe the full of your demaunde, or at least yelde you such reason to the contrarye, that you shal∣be voyde of iust cause to complaine of myne aunswere. Here CORNELIA tolde her that thorigynall of her brothers e∣uill proceded of a wonderfull vehemencye of loue he bare to her, with addicion that if she yelded hym not the hyer of his zeale wyth a counterchaunge of affection, she shoulde see in shorte tyme the ende of his lyfe no lesse desperatelye, then in secrete sorowe hee consumeth the beste of his age in the loy∣all seruitude he hath alreadie vowed on her behalfe, and for my parte sayeth shee (not without some teares) as the vio∣lence of his passion (only knowen vnto me) hathe forced me to stande here thunseamely solycitor of his cause, so if it be a vertue to expose compassion vppon thafflicted, lette the res∣pecte of my dystresse sturre vppe an increase of pitie in you to ayde the desolation of my carefull brother: beholde (my CAMILLA) the circumstance of my presente extremitie, and ymagyn that wyth the losse of my brother dekaieth the onely proppe and pillor of my lyfe, and yet (simple girle that I am boide of experience in such affayres lo here I am constrayned to builde requestes no lesse inconuenient to my estate, then vnseamelye for my yeares, albeit for my purgacion to war∣desyou,

I hope the lawe of nature and loue of the syster to wardes her brother will excuse this diligence and indeuor which I vse to preserue the life of him whom I holde no lesse deare then the tendrest part of myne eye, wherwith CAMIL∣LA not without argumentes of some litle femynine anger staide her further discourse with this aunswere: who wolde haue thought sayeth she that a gentlewoman of your qualy∣tie and callinge wolde haue exceded the lymittes of her esty∣macion so farr, as for the respecte of the folishe appetit of a yonge man to discharge the parte of a shameles messenger in a case no lesse vnworthie for your honour, then contrarye to me to whom thimbassage is dressed? arte thou so credulus in the constancie of men (myne own CORNELIA) that thou wilte repose good earnest in that wherin they take pleasure to dissemble? or arte thou of opynion that as often as the io∣lytie of fraile youthe do prefarre sighes, and traunces with other dollorous regardes painted by dissymuled pollicie in the forefront of their faces, that it is true loue that pos∣sesseth * 1.13 theym, or honeste desier that moueth their dule? no∣thinge lesse, for albeit teares for the moste parte are the true messengers of the dollour of the harte, and ought chief∣lye to moue compassion, yet in cases of loue they bee but suborned signes and declaracions of wanton desier, and for that cause oughte not to receiue other meede, thenne their meanynge dothe meritte, seynge wythall that the desie∣rous mynte groundes his pretence moste commonlye vp∣pon the thynge whyche vertue canne not brooke, and rea∣son denieth to graunte. And admitt it bee a follie peculy∣ar to many, and a passion ymparted to all men by nature to follow, thinstinct of loue, what grudge of conscience I praie you is it to a maide to suffer her vaine louer to pyne vppon creaditte, soo that shee stande so surelye vppon the garde of her chastetie, that shee be not seduced wyth his flatterynge charmes? it is not in our power to lette theym to loue: on∣lye we oughte to be carefull of our honour, and shon thin∣fection leaste we become vnhappye afore the tyme, besydes

howe greatlye shoulde wee abuse oure dutie and obedi∣ence towardes oure parentes in passinge a graunte of oure good will wythoute their consente, whyche onely oughte to directe vs in any sorte whatsoeuer. No, no, lett theym al¦mente and measure their mournynge at what intereste they thinke good, the same shall not staie the course of my sleepe, neither shal their teares eclips y^e least momēt of my pleasure & contentmente, for when all is sayde, wee ought to conster the meaninge of these fayned sorowes to none other ende, but as priuie baites to intangle the simple and delicate you∣the of vs women, for when we ymparte compassion to their doleful alarams, and makes theym the maysters of their de∣siers, God knoweth the reward we finde, and how sone they laughe at oure fragilitie, and takinge pleasure to see vs in passion, do leaue vs pore wretches to the hyer of oure follie, So if LYVIO haue yinagyned a bargaine of loue, lett hym make muche of his owne conceite, and embrace the shadowe of his fansie, for, for my parte it shal suffice me to be armed with resistaunce and that I am voide of desier to encownter him or any other in that sort, wherwith contenting my selfe with the honest amytie betwene you & me (my deare CORN∣ELIA) I coniure you by y^e vertue of the same, to giue ouer y^e pursute of this quest, seinge that (besides the losse of tyme and slender proffit you are like to reape of your trauaile) you shal also lose a companion of me with small commendation to youre selfe, in courtinge the gestes that hawnte youre howse with requestes of suche vnseamelye effecte: whyche laste resolution stucke greatly on the stomake of CORNE∣LIA, for that the disdainefull repulse of her companion ar¦gued a dispaire hereafter to ease the distresses of her brother but chieflie she greued in that CAMYLLA seamed to enter into synister conceites against her, whiche, with an honest shame of that whiche was alreadie passed her mouthe and feare any more to offende that waye, together with her ig¦norance in the ordynarie replies of suche as haue taken de

grees in the skoole of loue, made her prefarre her excuse in simple sorte with promise hereafter to disclayme thenter∣prise, and blamynge whollie thymportunytie of her brother desiered notwithstandinge her CAMILLA, not to disconty∣nue her custome of repaire to her lodginge, whereunto shee condiscended and retired to the pallais of her father leauing CORNELIA in disputacion with her selfe what aunswere to forge to her desolate brother, who assone as he vnderstode of the retire of his mistres, addressed him to his syster, whom because he sawe in the attire of sorow I meane her eyes ba∣thed in y^e teares of her late repulse, he gaue iudgement yme∣diatlie vppon the case with firme prerswacion that CAMIL∣LA did not onely denie his requeste, but also misliked wyth y^e messenger in performing her promise, the force of which conceites draue him into a passion of alterations and change of collour, not without some argumente of mortall perill to his person, afore he demaunded to heare the aunswere, which being not vnmarked of y^e girle, she preuented thoffer of further daunger, with a contrary of that which CAMIL∣LA tolde her, and for feare of further inconuenience by hys soddayne traunce declared vnto him, that albeit his mistres was not so quick of conset, as hisextremitie required, yet her hart was not so hard frozen, but there were meanes to thawe it, neyther was her aunswere without hope, although at the firste shee seamed to obiecte the disloyalety and ordenarye fic¦cyon of men, willinge hym for the rest to abandon dispaire, and arminge him selfe with corage, to dysmisse his solytarie and sauage order of lyfe, wherin for a more increase of vn∣certeyne consolation she tolde him that albeit it was as yet but the foxemone, and that he had no reason to aduaunce hym selfe so farre as to craue mutuall conferrence, yet he nede not forbeare, to write to her, and that wyth the consent of tyme and place she woulde deliuer the letter, wyth inde uor to bringe her last resolution, wher with albeit shee sea∣med only to feede the tyme wyth intente to make hym dis∣contynue

his fancies, attempting notwithstandinge a won∣derfull ympossibilitie for that hee was so stalled in his ama∣rus golphe, that al the pilottes belonginge to the infynit ga∣lies of VENICE lackt force to hale hym out, yet seamed she thereby to breathe an ayre of freshe comforte into all the partes of her languishinge brother, who likinge her aduise determyned to put her councell in execution, whervppon as one of superficiall skil in writinge thytalyan verse, he com∣posed a certeine ELEGIE conteynynge the some of his so∣rowe and substance of his request, whereof because I haue not the true copie, I leaue it to the iudgemente of theim that haue redd it, but thus much I presume of his sorowe, that he did not ende his epistle with out an infynitie of teares, ym∣partinge the wateris dewe of the same on diuerse partes of the paper, to thende the same mighte argue to his Ladie the dollor of his passion that gouerned him duringe the tyme of that contemplacion, which approued sufficientlye his follie wyth declaracion howe well they be beguenned that be coyf∣fed wyth a night capp of suche stoofe as wrapped the emptie heade of our LYVYO who failed not the nexte daye to dely∣uer his tragicall letter to his syster with great charge of ex∣pedicion in presenting it to his mistres. (CORNELIA here was doble passioned, both to see her brother perseuer in his follie, without intermission of tormente; and also that shee was forced to performe a seconde embassage to her, whose companie and frendshippe shee was sewer to abandon for e∣uer, if she added newe tearmes to her former requeste, but if she had bene aswel seene in the subtilities of loue, as she sea∣med moste simple in experience in that arte, she would haue considered, that what angrie clowdes soeuer appeare in the face of women, yet take they a singuler pleasure to be cour∣ted, and are not so angrie in deede as their countenance doth argue, when their seruauntes do visit theim with letters of humylitie. And differringe in this sorte certeine dayes the de¦lyuerie of the letter, fearinge that whych happened, that yf CAMILLA refused to performe theffecte, the daunger of her.

brother colde be no lesse, then either presente death by dispai∣re, or at the leaste to enter in some mortall sicknes, yet be∣inge pressed with his contynuall ymportunyties, the pore girle determyned to trye she forde and sounde eftesones the harte of CAMILLA who (as it chaunced) came the same after none to see CORNELIA, wher after they had made an expe∣rience of their skil in a banquet of curious cōfections, COR∣NELIA not vnmindful of the disease of her brother, and seing thoffer of oportunitie for that the place was voide of ympe∣dimente of companie sauinge the two girles, drewe the let∣ter out of her poket and with a smilinge regarde, ••nterme∣dled with honeste shame, gaue it to CAMILLA, desieringe her to reade it, and iudge what bee the follies of louers, CA∣MILLA ymagynynge by and by from what parte thimbas∣sage was sente, tolde her in sorte of pleasante anger that as she was not ignorante in the meanyng of that misterie and that if it were not more for the respecte of the bringer, then disier to contente hym that sente it, and that she was passed the feare of any charme conteyned in the same, shee woulde cōmitte it to a thousande morselles in her presence, So if the readinge broughte cause of miscontentment, she gaue her assurance to performe thuttermoste of her former pro∣misse. CORNELIA alledged ignoraunce in the matter, one∣ly sayth she I can thus far assure you that I haue not in char∣ge to presente you wyth letter or message from any man, for as I founde it this morninge vppon the steares goinge oute of my chamber, so I hope you will neither enioyne me blame nor penaunce for the falte wherin myne ynnocencye is su∣ficiente to cleare me. Well well sayeth CAMILLA, I will not sticke to giue you the readinge of these amarus lyues ar∣guinge as small pleasure to hym that write theym, as e∣uill receiued of me to whom they are dressed, wherwith she o∣pened the pacquett and redd the roll from ••hone ende to tho∣ther, wherin albeit she discouered in her fāce a singler plea∣sure begynning euen nowe to fele the motions of loue with in her tender breast, and taste of the appetit of a desier which she durst not satisfy, yet vsing her accustomed wisedome in

conceylinge that she desired moste, she couered the suspicion of affection with certeine tearmes of reproché which she bes∣towed vpon her simple companion in this sort: I finde nowe sayeth shee that my pacience and facilitie in hearynge your reaportes, do yelde you to muche fauor in furtheringe your fonde practise, which you nede not go about to coollour with other enamell then the complection of your owne nature, se¦inge, that she wyth whom you haue to do, can spie a flee in y^e milke, and giue iudgemente of thintente of these baites wyth theffecte of your meanyng, desiering you (for preuen∣tyng a further inconuenience in your brother to seke to cure his disease as you may, leaste in contynuinge his follie, hee further a subuercion of that which is the beste parte in him for he hathe alreadye of me asmuch as he may hope for with assurance, And for your part▪ as you seame to reappose nei∣ther religion nor vertue in promisses, for that the laste tyme, we weare in tearmes of these follies, you gaue me assurance to discontinue thenterprise, So it is I that am readie to giue punyshmente to mine owne indiscretion, and endure the pe∣nance of mine owne rashenes, in depriuinge me of the com∣panie wherin I tooke moste pleasure and contentmente, bid∣dinge you fare well till better occasions maye restore oure famyliar visitacions, wherwith she put no difference betwen doing and sayinge, fearing that if she had attended the replie of CORNELIA, she had bene in daunger to yelde to the bar∣gaine, in openynge her eares to wide to the perswacions of her companion, whome she left no lesse astonied, then her selfe traunsed and full of diuerse ymagynacions, begin∣nyng euen then to measure thaffection of ••IVIO, and giue iudgement of his loyaltie by the contynuacion & vehemencie of his passion, with absolute resolucion (for al her dissymuled disdayne) to change purpose and admitt the offer of his frend shippe, if she were eftsones required by hym or any in his be halfe, blamynge her rashenes in reprochinge hys syster, and crueltie more thenne: conueniente to her brother, who beganne euen nowe to take possession of her thoughtes,

and make hym selfe a secrete mediator in his owne cause, wherein sewerly may be noted in experience of the fragilitie and inconstante disposition of man, and specially in thaffai∣res of loue, seynge that shee whiche earste detested euerye waye to be pertaker of suche ympression, is now chaunged in a momente and broughte to laie her heade vnder the yoke of seruile affection, makinge (as it were) a simple and plaine ta∣ble of her harte, to thende to drawe thereupon a forme of thoughtes and ymagynacions in diuerse collours according to the direction of hym that thus hath gott the gouernement of her libertie, with authoritie to dispose of her as hee thin∣kes good, And yet I cannot but allowe her longe delaie, and iudge her of greate wisedome to suspende her consente till she had wel considered of the matter, seinge the dailie incon∣ueniences happeninge to suche as neyther carefull of their honor, nor curious of their quiet, do admit indescretly the bar¦gaine at the fyrste offer, without knowinge the merite of the persones, or examynynge the circum stancye of the future sequeile of theyr loue, wherof are deriued so many examples of a nomber of miserable men endinge their liues by vnhap¦pie dispaire, whose wretchednes ought to warne vs to deli∣brate at large afore we put in execution, and to vse a reasona∣ble meane in our doinge, I meane not to ron hedlonge into the golphe of affection, leaste our daunger be equal to the peryl of y^e infortunate ACARESTRYANS who because they were disfaudred of their ladyes, entered into such conceites of mortall grefe, that when they would willinglie haue re∣tired and bene deliuered, it was eyther ympossible or at least veraie hard to giue theym remedy, to whych crew of despe∣rate louers we may wel add the desaster of thys LIVIO who assured of thaunswere of his Ladie, as well by hys sister, as also by the regards of disdayne he noted in her farewell whē she departed (whereof he was partaker by shrowdinge hym¦selfe in a secrette corner of the chamber duringe the perley of the two maydes) fel ymedyatelye into so strange a sickenes that aband onynge at the fyrst the desyer of slepe, wyth the

appetit of the stomacke he lefte the phizicions at thende of their wittes: who beynge voyde of skill to cure hys disease tolde hys frendes that if he woulde not receiue compfort of hym self, his life was in hazarde, for that hys euill proceded onely of passions and inwarde sorowe of the harte, wherein they had reason seynge that the disease of loue is contrarye * 1.14 to the disposition of all other greues, for as there is no dis∣tresse what extremitie so euer it importe but it maye be ey∣ther cured or qualefied by certaine drogues and confections deuised by art to compforte the stomake and restore the hart to a gladnes, so the pacient plunged in the passions of the mynde, can neyther broke thassistance of Phizicke nor ope∣racion of hearbes, onely the presence or simple worde of hys mistres, hath more power ouer hys euill, then all the misti∣call or artificiall powders deuised by the moste experte phizi∣cions that euer cam out of thuniuersity of PARIS or PADVA whereof thexperience apperes in this LIVIO, who langui∣shynge euery daye from euill to worse, consumed by pece∣meale with the force of his amarous fier, no lesse then the snow lying vpon the syde of a mountaine yeldes and wastes with the heate of the son, which also forced such inward grefe to his sorowefull sister together with dispaire of any meane to restore hym for that CAMILLA discontinued her repaire to vysitt her, that she yelded tribute to his passion with a dy∣sease of equall mortalitie impartynge suche alarams of dol∣lor thorowe all the partes of her bodye that she was constrai∣ned to kepe her bead in a litle cabynett ioyninge to the lod∣ginge of LIVIO, who by the thinnes of the wall (which only deuided their chambers) was pertaker of the leaste worde that was spoken in the lodgynge of hys sister, whose gre∣uous groanes forced by the violence of a burnynge feuer gaue such increase to the daunger of LIVIO, that he was at point to yelde to the laste alaram of life, if the sicknes of his sister had not broughte the spedye remedye of hys dysease, for CAMILLA, astonied without measure that she neyther

mette CORNELIA at the churche, sawe her at the gate nor wyndowe nor any assemblye what soeuer, learned so much by inquisicion that she was aduertised of the mortall daun∣ger of LIVIO, together wyth thertremitye of hys syster, who (yf they were not reskewed by greate merueyle) were at poynte to be shrined together at one instante in theyr fa∣tall tombe. Here CAMYLLA, began to recante her aun∣cient creweltye, for in ceassynge any longer to dissimule her secrett affection to her LIVIO, and the sorowe shee suffe∣red for thaf••••iction of hys syster, she seamed to purifie the wronge shee hadde donne to theym bothe thorowe a ryuer of affected teares distillynge by suche aboundance from her watery eyes, that she seamed at the poynte to visitt the pur∣gatorye of thother woorlde, to doo penaunce for the twoe euilles whereof she confessed her selfe to bee thonlye occa∣sion, wherein after she hadde spente certainne howers in publicke complainte, whose dollour seamed of force to moue the heauens to teares, and staye the course of the sonne fea∣lynge still an increase of passion by the vehemencye of loue: shee was constrayned to abandon the place, and performe the reste of her exclamacion agaynste her crueltie all alone in her chamber with thys tearmes. What furye or force in∣fernall is thys whyche shakyng the fortresse and most con∣stante parte in me hathe made me in one moment, yelde to that wherin I haue bene hitherto inuincible? is it possible a∣las, that, that whyche I iudged a dissembled passion in thys * 1.15 infortunat Gentleman shoulde torne to a true effecte of vn∣dowted faith confirmed by the power of that whiche we call loue in the hartes of men? why haue not I considered, that the horse whyche is of noble corage willbe gouerned by the shadowe of a Rodde, where the dull beaste is skarcely stur∣red with the princkyng of the spurres, the fearefull dogge doth also barke more then bite, and depest riuers do ronne with leaste noyse, so nature hathe imparted a peculiar in∣stinct to the noble minde not only to be more delicate in diet,

and ardante in affection, but also to embrase the obiecte of their fancie with a more vehemencie of desite and passion, then the rest of the rude and grosse sorte, who are not wor∣thy to be partakers of the misteries in true loue: Ah LIVIO LIVIO howe doo I feele a mocion of that whych I can not tearme other wayes, then a free force without constrainte, and a dollour without cause of complainte? for I am possest with an euill wherein I take pleasure; and feeles an expe∣rience of a paine without the which I thinke the lyfe of man can hardely be sustained, and yet my mynde wauereth in suche dredefull conceites, that I feare to make declaracion of that which bothe law of loue and dutie of my conscience bindes me to expose for the solace and relyefe of thy presente affliction? but alas the renoume of myne honeste name is so deare vnto me that I wyshe rather to embrase the extreme panges of death, then giue one symple occasion of discredit to mine auncient vertue, for that as mans wisdome is hable to supplie y^e losses of all other thinges so it is not only vnfur∣nished of meanes to restore the forfait of our honestye, but also voyde of arte to couer the falte of so greate an offence, but is it a iuste imputation or worthye falte, when in our busynes wee respecte vertue, and concludes the ende of our enterpryse wyth an honeste meanynge? ys it not a deede of compassion to gyue soccours to hym that standes in watter vpp to the throte, and at the pointe to peryshe for want of help, what can we do lesses then be careful to re∣couer hym who offereth hys lyfe in the sacrefise of affection for our sakes? who can iustly tearme our doynges by the title of offence, when we yelde a mutual amitye to hym that pursueth our goodwill wyth a respecte and intente of law∣full mariage, no, no, CORNELIA thowe shalte not lose thy brother, nor I the companie of so deare a frende for lacke to aunswere in reciprocal wil to him who with the peril of his life cōceiles the argument of hys sorow, Ah most constant &

loyall LYVIO, seyng the reputacion of myne honour de∣nieth me accesses and cōference with the, and y^e shame doth close my mouthe from discouerynge the secret of my good meaning towardes y^e, take courage, & discharg thou thoffice of a bolde soliciter to her that is no lesse readye to graunte, then thou meritorious to haue, and dispoiled alreadye of all hagarde crueltie, is not onely prest to reknowledge the ho∣nour whyche thou offreste me, but also whollye framed to the POSTEY and appetit of thy will, and nowe do I fele, that againste the force and power of loue, the strongest resi∣staunce is to weake, neyther is the whole worlde of suffi∣cient strength to put to vtteraunce the soldiours whome he preferreth in the feylde, whereof who is a more late expe∣rience then my selfe, who earste defyinge hys malice, am nowe to attende vpon the chariott of hys triumphe and yeld me prisonner to hym, who beyng hither unto my bondman, hathe nowe made me the slaue of his importunat requestes. And seynge the sentence is alredye paste, and confirmed by the voice of my destymes, why do I conceile my passion in the myddest of a thousande flames whiche tormentes me within, or why do I dissemble that, I desire moste, or retire myne eyes from the view wherein they chieflye delite? why do my feete staye to transporte thys body to the place, where the harte hath already taken possession, wherwith she deter∣myned the spedye consolation of LYVIO, wyth no other drogue or confection, then a free consente of her loue, yf the same were eftesoones demaunded, and there vppon collo∣red her goynge to hys logynge to see CORNELIA, whome as shee founde in her bedde wythe more argumentes of deathe then apparance of lyfe, by reason of a generalle weakenes whyche hadde mortyfyed the whole strengthe of her body, so she hadde not spent in any wordes in the con∣solation of her companion, but LIVIO (smellynge as it were) the presence of hys ladye asked hys syster who was wyth her, who aunswered that onely CAMYLLA kepte

her companye, wherewith forcing a supplie of courage in his fainte harte, with intente to knowe the fynall areste of his lyfe or death, began to plede wyth hys absent mistres in this sorte. Yf there be any hope in extremetye, or expe∣ctacion of helpe in mortall distresse, it is tyme nowe (good * 1.16 madam) to conuerte your Auncient crueltie into an humour of compassion: both to defende your self from thymputacion of a tyrant, and my lyfe from a wretched ende of miserable dispair: ceasse hensfurthe to dissymule thuttermost of your rigour, or drop of present grace, seinge that both the one and the other hath indiffrent power to releue my distresse eyther by death in denieng me your fauour, or contynuance of longer lyfe by impartyng your specialle grace: come cruell misters and see thy vnfortunate LIVIO without hart, hope, or argument of longer breathe, yf by a promisse of thy good will, thou breathe not an ayre of freshe consolacion and by the sommaunce of thy worde reuoke my dyeng mynde from thys tombe of myserable dispaire where in I feele my self so tormented with thofficers of deathe, that nature ceassyng to supplie my weary partes with force, I fynd an impossibi∣litie in my tonge to obey any longer the desyers of my hart, wherewith his breath began to drawe short staying the cour∣se of further speche, yf not that in entryng into hys fatall traunce he exposed certeine dolefull groanes, whyche caused bothe the younge Ladies to Ronne in haste to the succour of the patient, whome they founde stryuinge with thextre∣metie of hys laste pange, albeit not without some litle perye of breathe, whyche he seamed to reserue wyth greate diffi∣cultie, whereuppon CAMYLLA seynge a prouffe of his con∣stancie euen to the laste moment, and hauynge but one meane to releue hys traunce, made no conscience to lett fall her rosye and courrall lyppes vppon the mortifyed mouthe of her diynge LIVIO who receyued suche present consola∣ciō by thys offer of fauour vnloked for, that y^e force of nature and vitall strengthe ready to depart out of euery vayne of

hys bodye retired to theyr auncient places, wherewith he vsynge the benefytt of his fortune, forgatt not to embrase his Ladye, with an infinite of kysses, whereof shee resto∣red hym a double interest, albeit because he shoulde make no greate proffytt of thys soddayne courtesye, and to preuent with all a suspicion of lyghte behauiour in her self, she vsed her accustumed wysdome, entering into familiar conferen∣ce in thys sort. I hope SEIGNEVR LIVIO you will not conuert thys compassion whych I haue vsed in the rappeale of your mortall farewell into any synister opinion of the di∣minucion of thintegretie of CAMILLA who as longe as she lyueth will so stande vppon the garde of her honour and honest renowme, that no degree shall haue iuste cause to re∣prehende the leaste fauor shee extendes to any man, in why∣che conceyte, I am also content to impart a credyt to your loyaltie, perswadynge the same to bee without fiction whereof I am no lesse glade, then I hope the loue whyche youe beare me is chaste and of honest intent, respectynge an ende of sinceritie, for yf I sawe any lykelyhodd to the con∣trary and that a dyseordinat wyll did guide your desyer, and were the cause of your passion, assure your selfe I woulde make lesse conscience to committe me to the mercye of the moste horrible tourmentes in the worlde, eye and perill of present deathe, then to lease anye parte of that whyche ma∣kes me marche without blushynge amongest the beaste of oure contrey: in whyche respect wyth full perswacion of a sincere simplicitie in your loue, I can not but retourne you a semblable fauour, with absolute assuraunce from thys in∣staunte of such firme affection and zeale as any ladye oughte to impart to hym who seekes her frendshyppe in sorte of honeste and lawfull mariage, neyther shall yt dekaye after theffect of desyer be parformed nor dymynishe by any syni∣ster accident vntill the fatall sequestracion of our sowle and bodye, whereof lette vs vse wisdome in the conueyghe of suche affaires as maye bee taken bothe in good and euyll

parte, to thende that the maiestye of the hyghest beyng not offended, our honour fall not into the slaunder of the worlde wherein for a first charge to bee comitted to your diligence, and with all to prefer an assured effect of the vehemencie of your affection towardes me, dispose your self to demaunde me of my Father whose consent you shall fynde me to con∣firme in such sorte as your selfe shal deuise. Arme your selfe then with compfort and retire to healthe, at the request of her, who takynge no pleasure in solitarie regardes, wisheth you to reserue this precious flower of your youth for other exercises, then to wast with passions of desperacion no lesse enemies to the strenghte of the bodye, then hurtefull to the healthe of the sowle, and seynge besides, that in the recouery of you, consistes the healthe of your syster suspende no lon∣ger the consolacion of her and contentement of your selfe and me, who in attendynge your expedicion to procure the goodwill of my father, will dispose my selfe in the meane while to bee thankefull vnto you any waye wherein myne honour and honestye will iustifie my doynge: whiche laste wordes seamed of suche operation in the traunsed mynde of LIVIO, that discharged (as it were) of a perillous vision in a dreame lyfted vp hys eyes and handes towardes heauen, yeldyng honour to the goddes for hys happye encounter, and kyssynge the white and delycate hande of hys newe my∣stresse, he forgatt not to gyue her suche humble thankes as the greatenes of hys felicitie required, whych seamyng to hym to excede the compasse and power of fortune, iudged it rather the vertue of a dyuyne miracle then an effect mor∣tall, for that in so soddayne amoment he was acquited of so perentory a daunger, assuring her that assone as health and strengthe of body woulde assyste the desyer of his mynde, he would performe her comaundement in demaundynge her fathers consent, wherein he hoped to delay no long time, for that he felte a wonderful approche of health by the viewe of her presence in his late & last storme of afflictiō I wold do no lesse (saith she) then yelde you soccours in so great an extre∣mitie

both to delyuer my selfe out of payne in seinge you passioned, and also to qualifye the greffe of my deare com∣panion your syster, to whom you are also bounde in some sorte to be thankeful for my commynge hether: For albeit my conscience sommoned me to a compassion of your tor∣ment with desier to yelde you the due hyer and consideraciō of the honest loue you beare me, yet y^e regarde of mine ho∣nour deniynge me to visite you, seamed an impediment to theffect of that, wherunto I was bounde by so many dueti∣full merites, prayinge you for ende to excuse that whiche is past, and pardon me for the present, in that I can not assiste you with longer companye, persuadyng thy selfe (my deare LYVIO) that althoughe my bodye muste supplye an other place to coullour the trafficque of our loue, and pre∣uent suspicion, yet thou hasts made suche a stealth of my hart that the same will not fayle to kepe the companye in my absence: wherewith takynge her leaue with a chaste kysse, of her seruant, and frendlye farewel to CORNELIA, she retireth to her fathers Palais leauynge her louer well lightned of all his cares, sauyng of a necessarye meane to sounde the good will of the olde REINALDO wherin not∣withstandynge he vsed suche expedicion of diligence, that afore hymselfe could enioye the benefyt of perfect health, he procured certaine auncient Gētlemen his neare parents to performe his reqneste to thold niā, whom they solicited with suche instance & in sorte of mariage, that he admitted theyr offer, and confirmed the bargaine with theis wordes, that onely LIVIO shoulde be the firste that should renounce the bale, albeit saith he because of thinfirmitie of mine age, I vse the cōsent of my son in all my affaires of importance, so I craue onely your patience in the fynall conclusion of the mariage til his retourne frō Rome, at which time only your selues shal name the day of consommation: in this aunswere albeit appeared an impediment to the performance of the mariage, for that (as you haue harde) CLAVDIO enuyed the state of LIVIO, which argued a difficultie in him to approue

shallyance, yet CAMILLA vnderstanding the resolution of both their parentes, gaue as sewer iudgemente of the mari∣age, as if it had bene alredie published in the churche, and therupon began to enlarge her familiar hawnte and repairs to LIVIO whom if she embrased afore with earneste zeale, it was nothinge in respectt of the vehemencie of her present affection, which also deuyded hymselfe into such a SYMPA∣THIA and equalitie of loue in theim bothe, that it spredde abrode by indiffrent braunches in bothe their hartes, like as the morninge son in the easte giueth by litle and lytle conty∣nuall encrease to his beames comforting the creatures vp∣pon earth. And in this often enterviewe together, LYVIO, enioyenge nowe his auncient health and dexterytie of body, being one daye (amongest the rest) with his lady in the cham ber of his syster toke his lute and songe a ditie whiche hee had made of their reciprocall passion, wyth suche contente∣mente to hys CAMILLA, that she desired hym eftesones to repaite it in semblable note, aswel for the delyte of the tune, which he performed with a voice to her contentacion, as al∣so the subtill stile and fyne conueighe of the matter, argu∣inge a conclucion of that which they bothe wished wyth e∣quall appitit, seinge that as their continuall haunt and fre∣quentacion together, gaue increase to their desyer, so they were both of opynion, that loue colde not beare the title of perfecte affection, if theffect of that whych was indiffrently wished of theim both, did not make perfect the thyng which hithervnto was debated but by wordes, other wayes that whiche was passed betwene theim, beinge but a naked loue whithout effecte, other then certeine delicate kysses whyche serued rather to kyndle the coales of desyer, then quenche the flame alredye burning within their intralls seamed but a simple platte or playne table, whiche the conninge pain∣ter hath smothed for the nonst to drawe some ymage of ex∣quisytt skille, wherein being ouercharged with intolleracion of desyer, and fynding thabode of CLAVDIO longer thenne they ymagined, they passed vnhappely a pryuye contracte

betwene shem selues, with erspectaciō to consomat the ful of y^e matter with a due hyer of y^e paines they indured indiffrent∣ly in attendinge, an effecte of their pleasure at the retorne of CLAVDIO from Rome. But here fortune began to presente her selfe vppon the stage, as one that wilbe knowen to beare a swaighe in the good happe or infelicitie of man, and vs of suche vnconstante and malicious regard towardes vs, that when we thinke we bee paste the feare of all perill, and trod∣den all desasters vnder our féete, it is then that we fynd least assurance in the thinges wherein we reapposed our chiefest pleasure, and in the turninge of her weale is figured the alte racion of oure wordlie affaires. I meane by a conuersion of thinges which earste seamed pleasant and delicat, into a taste ercedinge the bitternes of gal, in such sorte, that often tymes wée fynde deathe of more easye burden then wée are hable to beare the panges whiche ordenarilye attende the flatteries of this vncerteine FORTVNE, whom the Poetes and pain∣ters (not wythout cause haue drawen in y^e picture of a blynd woman standing vppon a tickle staie of an vnconstant globe or bowle representinge thereby her fragilitie, and how blind lye she guides the thinges of y^e world, what authorities colde & inferr to exclaime agaynst her mobylitie, if it were not for the shortnes of tyme and that I wil not cloye your memory, wyth so tedious a discourse howe manye haue wee féene at the point to enioye a monarkye, kingdom or siegneury, who when they leaste thought of commutacion or change, haue loste their honoure, expulsed their estates, and at laste ended their lyues by a miserable death. Who haue redde the sixte. booke of VALERIVS MAXIMVS may iustefye my opynion by thexample of QVINTVS SCIPIO a valiant capteyne and consull in Rome, who, longe tyme hauinge fortune at com∣maundement * 1.17 was seene in a moment cut in morselles ser∣uinge as vnworthie foode to the rauenouse beastes issuinge oute of the sauage desarts RADAGASO sometime king of the GOTHES for all thassuerance he reapposed in his inuin∣cible armye (as he thought) was not expempted frome the

dome of inconstante and mortall destynie, for that his people slaine, his capteines fled, and he taken prysoner, passed vnder the sentence of an infamous deathe by STILICON generall of tharmye at that time for themprour HONORIVS, wyth other infynit proffes of antiquitie, wherwith it is no neede to fyll my paper, seinge the domesticall accedentes and like chaunces happeninge amongest our neighboures at hoame, do giue sufficient testymonye and faithe of that whiche wee go aboute to proue. And nowe beinge vpon the discourse of LIVIO and his vnfortunat CAMILLA, who albeit were ney ther princes nor gouernors of kingdomes, yet beinge in the paradise of their pleasure and at the pointe to performe the last acte of their delytes, encountred in one moment a chang and synister subuercion all contrarye to the appointmente whiche they had resolued vpon their future mariage, And se∣wer it is an argumēt of the greatest folly that can bée to pro∣misse our selues an assurance of thinges whiche depende vp∣pon the will and dispocition of an other, vppon whiche the yssue is also most vncerteine, for that differing frō vs in coun cell and ymaginacion, they are also without care in what sort wée take their iudgement, seinge they depende no waye vpō vs nor our fancy: like as it happened to these .ii. infortu∣nat louers for CLAVDIO nowe retorned, and not likinge any way thallyance betwene LYVYO and sister wrought so muche with his father (who sawe not but by the eyes of his son, nor attempted any thinge wherinto CLAVDIO added not the conclusion that REINALDO renounced the words of his former consent pacifyenge the parents of LIVIO, by the beste parswacions he cold ymagyn, with thanks to the yong man equal to the greatnes of the honor whtche he offred in seking to be his son in law Theis newes were no soner ym∣parted to our ii. louers, but it is to be thoughte they escaped not without sondrye alarams of mortall grefe, whiche had dismissed their passions with the ende of their lynes; if it had not bene for the offer of a simple hope wherupon they groun∣ded a new consolaciō for y^t they exspected at length a remorce

in tholde man (by reason of his promisse) to iustefye the con∣tract alreadie passed betwene theim two, wherof CAMILLA as pinched wyth a grudge of more wronge then thother, for that she sawe the vniuste malice of her brother was thonly staie of theffecte of her determynacion entred into a passion of suche frettinge conceites tempered wyth a mortall hate to CLAVDIO, an indissoluble zeale to her seruante, and a iuste dispite agaynst the debylitie of her father, that she was at the point to vse force agaynst her selfe, and aduance thef∣fect yf their malice by her vntymely death, wherein because she woulde not discouer openly, that which was not yet dou∣ted of any, shee retired to a moderation in her greefe till the firste parte of the eueninge beyng spent, the desier of sleepe somoned euery man to wythdraw hymselfe to his lodginge when she in her chamber wyth thonly company of her womā began to burst out into newe termes of complainte cursing the hower of her birthe, accusinge the weaknes and wante of corage in her father, but chiefely enueihed againste thun∣happie arryuall of her brother in thys sorte. What iniustice * 1.18 or crueltie is this of the heauens to giue vs a harte to chuse and libertie to loue one of equall desyer and semblable will and then to bar vs the priuiledge of that fredom in not ma∣kinge a perfection of that whych nature hath sett abroche in vs by the communyon and coniunction of our thoughtes? is it reason the bodye be more respected then the mynde, in that the harte and inwarde partes making a choice of affecti∣on sholde not haue authorytie to sommon the bodye as their subiecte to obey thinstinctes and suggestions of the spirite, nature sewer doth abuse her reputacion in this case to coyfe her creatures with thattyre of loue, makynge a mutuall con¦sente in both parties and then to denie the consommacion of the thinge her selfe did fyrst begyn in vs? from whence co∣mes thiniquitie of that lawe which alloweth a father for his pleasure only and with out iustice to force an inclynacion of his children to that which is neither necessarye nor conueni∣ente for theim? is it not sufficient alas that we yelde theym

honoure, with the tribute of our dutie and seruice, that wee giue soccour to their olde yeres, and attempte nothing with∣out their consent, but that wee muste be subiect to a further tyrannye in performinge the sentence of their thraldom al∣thoughe it dyffer whallye from our will and choice? And if mariage be a free coniunction, dependinge vppon an vnytie or conformetie of both partes, how can I refuce that wherof is passed alredye a confirmacion, or admit other husband thē hee to whom I ham bounde by vowe of consente. A H this is one of the frutes of tyrannouse loue, to worke the effecte of a consente betwene vs, withoute leauinge vs a meane to brynge the same to perfection, or suffer vs to consider whether the parties knitt together by vnytie of affection in spirite, might also be assisted with a coniunction of the bodies without offence to god or the worlde, but what? why do I en∣ter into tearmes of iustice wyth hym, who is no way parta∣ker of reason, and who is so soddaine and vncerteine in his * 1.19 enterprises, that he neyther takes aduise afore he strike, nor vseth leasure to delyberat or foresee the successe of any thing he beginneth, for as he is naked and without eyes, so is hee boyde of iudgement, and vnconstante in all his doings, assai∣linge commonly the hartes of suche as hee fyndes ydle and leaste occupyed with vertue: Ah spiteful disdayne of kynred, and vnnaturall malice of a brother, in what sorte haue I de∣serued this harde pennance at thy hande, to depryue me of the thinge wherin I tooke moste pleasure, wherein hath the curteyse LIVIO, offended the, if not that his honestie excedes thy rude disposition, and vertue giueth cause of shame to thy wicked will, or paraduenture thou disdainest his iust merit, for that he is better fauored in al companies then thy selfe? And is it reason that thy consente confirme my affection? why sholde my aduancement depende vppon thy good wyll, or the choice of my husbande aske councell of thy consente? shall I be subiecte to hym who hathe no authoritye ouer me, but by an encrochement of yeres, for that he is the eldest son of my father? hath he any pryuiledge that waye, to gouerne

my will, or geue lawes to my fancie, nothinge lesse, for my father hath alreadie paste thaccorde betwene LIVIO and me but you wyll saye paraduenture vnder a condicion, a simple article I confesse, whiche also is of no force, if the partie bee voide of pretence of preiudice? And wherin shall it be eyther preiudiciall or proffitable to him, if LIVIO be my husbande? seinge it belongeth to my father to depart with my dowery and porcion of mariage, and my husbande to dispose it with∣out interuption so longe as hee is a member of lyfe, what weakenes is this in a father to be gouerned whollye by the breath of his son, whose vniuste malice rather then argumēt of reason makes him renownce the worde of his honour in a case touchinge the quiett and consolation of her, who ought to be no lesse deare vnto him, then her tyrannouse bro¦ther, who when he hath exposed the vttermoste effecte of his spite, & that I am to be bestowed in an other place by his ap∣pointment, it shall appeare whether his commaundemente be as currante ouer mée then, as his malice rageth without measure or reason at this present, protestinge by the height of the heauens, that none other then hee to whom I haue pawned my faieth shall enioye the chaste acquaintance of thinfortunat CAMILLA: no LIVIO is myne, what wrong soeuer they do to our vertuese loue, whiche so longe as I liue shalbe in dyssoluble in me, beinge readye withall to refuce no thinge that may aduance the consommacion of the mariage betwene me and him without whom I fele an ympossibily∣tie to liue: wherwith her passion grewe to suche a vehemen∣cie, that her laste wordes ended with the course of longer breathe, in such sorte that shee slyded soddainly from the seat wher she sate, and fell grouelinge vppon the grounde, resi∣gning with a dollorous skryke the vse of vitall ayre, albeit the expedition of diligence in her womā procured with much ado a retorne of life, and with such consolacion and offer of hope as shee colde preferre, shee won her to go to bedde, where albeit the viewe of the wronge and discurtesye of her brother seamed for a tyme to staie the course of sleepe, yet

in the often repeticion of her sorowes appeared a litle of qui ette, whiche closed her eyes and cast her into a slomber wher in she seamed to beholde standing afore her thymage of her LIVIO halfe deade embrasing her with a pale and hydeous regarde, which forced her to suche a feare, that she brake sod∣dainely oute of her dredefull sleape, spendinge the reste of the wearye nighte in pytifull complaintes, wherin certeinly she had raison, for that in that dreame or rather misticall vi∣sion, was fygured the desaster whiche not longe after ouer∣whelmed theim bothe, neyther oughte wée to fynde it strang if thapprehensions appearing in our slepe, do geue vs war∣ninge, of the good or euill happeninge vnto vs, for that wée haue certeine recordes which iustefye the same in the person of one BRVTVS hee whiche was vanquished in the feldes of PHARSALEMO whether he were awake, or in the depthe * 1.20 of his sleepe, seamed to see in his tente a terrible shappe of a certaine sprite pronouncinge his ouerthrow, besides thau∣shorytie of naturall reason mouethe vs to confesse, that as the ympression of a greate feare, or longinge desyer of any thinge do presente often tymes affore the eyes of our mynde (the bodie beinge in reste) the ymage of that whiche we loue or feare. So also the sprit that is voyde of passion, or at point to fall into some perilous accident, encountreth commonly in his sleape the thing which hee wisheth not to happen, and abhorreth to remember when his eyes haue dismissed the drowsy humor of slepe, for CAMILLA desiered nothing lesse then the death of her LYVIO, and yet not longe after the pre sage or forewarninge of her dreadefull vysion she only wit∣nessed the effect assistinge his funeral with her presence in the tombe, aswell as she was willynge to admit his compa∣nie in the secret bedd of their infortunat mariage. LIVIO for his part was not voide of passion on the behalfe of the fro∣warde successe of his busynes albeit seing he colde no way bribe the goodwill of fortune, hee resolued to geue place to her presente malice, and in attending the benefytt of a bet∣ter tyme, to practise CLAVDIO by circumstance and

mediacion of his neare frendes, Albeit felinge in the meane while an intolleracion of loue, with contynnall increase of desier to coll the flower of his affection and taste of the pleasant Iewyste of the grape which quencheth the thirste of the loyall louer, he ymparted his paine and request to his Ladye in a letter of this substance. Seinge there is no iustice good ladye to supporte the consent to your owne disquiet, and * 1.21 suffer me to lyue in passion without comparaison, methinke you do wronge to thindiffrent contentment of vs both? for if you desyer my death you nede vse no other minister for fa∣tall execution then the alarams of dollor which I encounter daily by your meanes, but if you haue care of my quiett, and greue no lesse with thimposicion of my mortal torment why make you suche conscience to yelde me consideration of the honeste zeale I beare you seing the same dothe also ymporte a speciall contentment to your selfe, you knowe what is al∣redie passed betwene vs, neyther are you ignorante of the small respect your parentes vse towardes you, wherwyth if the mutuall consente conclude the mariage, you ought also to vnderstande, that neyther the tyrannye of the one nor wante of corage in the other, hath power to wythholde you from that which you are bound to performe, nor hinder me to enioye the benefyt of my desert, wherin I appeale to the tooch of your consience, with request to consider in what sort you will aduise, mée to thende that by thassistance of your councell, I maye the better carye ouer the greatnes of my extremetie, which as it is deuided into spedie releefe or pre∣sente dispaire, so seinge I am of force to passe by the one I doubt of which of the two to make my moste proffyt, for al∣beit the firste hath power to performe the full of my felycity yet in attendinge theffect, I consume in a flame of burning desyer, and the other, if it ymporte a present abridgmente of my tormente by vntymely deathe, yet in the verye acte con∣sistes a spot of dishonour to my selfe, and an euerlastinge surname of crueltie to her in whose ballance waigheth thin∣dyffrent sentence of the lyfe or deathe of the moste desolate

and LOIALL LIVIO.

CAMILLA whyche desired nothing lesse then to delay the desire of her seruant, for that her selfe labored of the same di∣sease, retorned y^e messengier with no other aunswer, thē that at after dinner she would vysitt CORNELIA, when also shee wold satisfie his maister by mouth, for y^t she feared y^e subteltie of her brother wolde intercepte her letters where with thin∣fortunat LIVIO, not knowyng the thred of mischiefe which fortune was now spynnynge for him, entred into such solace that the chamber wherein he walked seamed to litle to con∣teine bys present gladnes, the rather for that he ymagined y^t hys mistresse woulde now dismysse all excuses and impedi∣mentes to theffect of hys longe desyer, seynge there wanted nothynge to consommate the mariage, but solemne publica∣cion, in whiche passion of ioye he supplied the tyme in atten∣dynge the commynge of his Ladye with singynge and softe musicke, accordyng to the nature of the Swan, who the nea∣rer * 1.22 she draweth to the ende of her destiny, the pleasanter note she synges, bathinge and pruninge her selfe in the purest streame she can fynde, to thende to do honor to her funerall ••ate: and as he ymagined thus to be at the point to arriue in the subburb of his paradise, behold the approch of y^e goddesse of his deuocion & deare mistres CAMILLA with her Cham∣briere, who as she was alredye priuye to the whole practise: So she vsed her companie nowe to auoyde suspicion, impar∣ting the same to LIVIO, to thende he nede not distruste her presence, yf by chaunce they entred into parley touchynge any secret matche where neded not thassistance of manye wytnesses.

And being thus in armes together, God knoweth if anye sorte of kysses or other follies in loue were forgotten, wher∣in as it is a common experience, that neither bytt nor bridle is hable to gouerne the furye of loue, when we be at point to enioye the pleasures we desyer, so there appered suche an indifferent vehemencie of appetit betwene thei••, that at thinstant they made a plat or begynnyng of that whiche the

same euenynge gaue ende to the pleasure and lyfe of theym both, wehrof CAMILLA as more hoate in desyer, or lesse hable to beare the burden of her burnyng affection, preuen∣ted the request of LYVIO and made plaine the first entrey & path to both their mishappes, saying that forasmuch as our consentes haue concluded a mariage, and that in the breache of our promisse appeareth a perentory preiudice to our con∣sciences, that we seale tharticles of the contract, wyth a ful consommation of the secret ceremonies in mariage, bothe to take awaye all occasion of offence, and also to mortifye the malice of my brother (maugre his hart) wherin sayth she beinge fully persuaded of youre consente to my proposition, and for that in cases of loue delayes and longe consulta∣tion * 1.23 bée hurtefull, and st••rre vp causes of displeasure to the hartes of suche as be striken with the same disease, wherof the contrarye, the reste of oure humaine affaires require a maturitie of councel, to thende the successe may aunswere therspectation of the parties, so I wishe you to attende the benefyt of time this euenynge, I meane at the hower of sup∣per, when men are gyuen least to suspicion, you faile not to come in as secret maner as you can to the gardeine gate, wher my woman shalbe readye to conueig••e you into my chamber, to thende we maye there take aduise of that which we haue to do, wherunto LIVIO was not curious in con∣sent, and lesse vnmindeful to yelde her the choice of a thou∣sande thankes for offringe the priuiledge which he doubted to demaunde, giuyng her assuraunce to vse suche exact wis∣dome in the conueyghe of so secret a misterie, that ARGVS himselfe, if he were vpō earth shold not descrye his cōming, & much lesse any be pryuye to the daunce, but such as perfor¦med the rounde, wherin he was not deceaued, for as he was the firste, so shee failed hym not at the cloase, and bothe theyr miseries of equall qualitie in the ende, like as it happenethe often times that those amarous bargaines redoundes to the harmes of suche, as bee the parties, who albeit do alledge a certaine respect of honestie in theyr

doinges, by pretence of mariage, yet God being the iudge of their offence, will not suffer the wronge to the obedience of their parentes in concludyng priuye contractes vnpunished, and that wyth suche a penaunce, as the remembrance is no∣torious in all ages. But now to our LIVIO who neyther vn∣mindeful of the hower, and lesse forgetfull to kepe appointe∣ment, attyreth himselfe for the purpose in a nighte gowne girt to hym, with a paire of shoes of felte, leaste the noyse of his féete shoulde discouer his goinge, and for a more honor of his mistres, he forgat not his perfumed shyrte, spidered with curious braunches accordinge the fansie of his Ladye, with his wrought coyffe poudred with diuerse drogues of delicat smell, wherewith he stealeth in as secret maner as hée can to the gate of appointement, where he founde the guide of his loue, whome hee embrased aswell for the seruice he founde in her, as also in that she resembled the beautye of his mistres CAMYLLA, who after she had taken her nightes leaue of her father and brother, with search that euery man was in his place of reste, retireth to her chamber with such deuociō as commonly they y^t fynde themselues in semblable iorneye to worke theffect of such like desir, where encountering her infortunat seruant, it was concluded to imploye no time in vayne reuerence, or idle ceremonies, but in a moment they entred their fatal bed together, where af∣ter certaine amarous threates, and other folyes in loue (ser∣uyng as a preamble to the part they ment to playe) LIVIO entred into the vnhappye pageant of his fatal & last pleasure, wherin he chaffed hymselfe so in his harnesse, and was so gréedie to cooll the firste flower of the virginity of his CA∣MILLA, that whether the passion of ioye, preuailynge aboue y^e force of the hart, and thinner partes smothered with heate, coulde not assiste thenterprise accordynge to their office, or that he exceded nature in surfettinge vpon his pleasant ban∣quet, he founde hymselfe so sharplye assayled wyth short∣nes of breath, that his vitall forces began to faile him in the middest of the combat, like as not longe since it

happened to ATTAL VS the cruell king of the HVNES, who in y^e first nighte of his infortunat mariage in HVNGARYE * 1.24 enforced hymself to so greate a corage in the pleasaunt en∣counter wyth hys newe wyfe, that hys dead bodye (founde in her armes the nexte mornynge) witnessed his excesse and glottenouse appetit in the skirmyshe of loue, whyche also myghte bee the bane of thys LIVIO, who respectynge no measure in drinkynge of the delicat wyne, no more then yf it had bene but one banquet, dressed for hym in the whole course of his lyfe, was so ouer charged with desyre in that pleasaunt skirmishe that the conduites of lyfe stoppynge vppon a soddaine, barred to adde fourther strengthe to hys gredye appetyt, wherevppon he became without m ocion, or féelinge in the armes of CAMYLLA, who féelynge hym * 1.25 without sence and that he seamed more heauy and rude vppon her then affore, dowted a trothe, wherin also she was fully satisfyed by the lyght of y^e candle, which she caused her chamberiere to bringe to the bedde syde, where vewinge the dead bodye of him whom she loued no lesse then her self, and iudgyng the cause as yt was in deede, entred ymedyatly in∣to suche a mortall passion of dollour, that albeyt she woulde haue exposed some woordes of compassion on the behalfe of the pytefull accident, yet féelyng a generall dymynucion of force thorowe all her partes by thynnundacion or waues of soddaine sorowe, she founde her tonge not hable to supplye the desyer of her hart, whych wyth the consent of the reste, loathynge the vse of longer lyf, resigned her borowed tear∣me to the fates, fallynge at thynstant without sence or fée∣lynge vppon the dead body of hym whom shee accompted a dutye to accompanie in the other worlde, aswell as she de∣lyted in hys presence durynge their mutuall aboade in thys miserable valey. A happye kynde of deathe yf wee had not to consyder the perill whyche attendes suche wretches, as hauing no meane to performe theffect of their pleasure, but by vnlafull stealthe, are so franke for the shortnes of their

tyme that in satisfynge the glot of their gredye appetit they make no conscience to sacrifise ther owne lyfe: but yf wee passe furthe in the viewe of these offences, we shall fynde a derogacion of the honour and integretye of the mynde, with a manifest preiudice and hazarde to the healthe of the sowle, whyche makes me of opinion, that yt is the most, miserable ende that maye happen to manne, the rather for that the chyefest thynge whyche is regarded in the putsuet of that entreprise, is to obeye the sommance of a bestely and vnbridled luste of the fleshe, wherein I wyshe oure fran∣tike louers, whoe (makynge contemplacion vppon causes of loue) accomptes yt a vertue to ende their lyues in thys LASCIVIVS bonde of pryuye contract, to refrayne that whyche is so indifferent hurtefull bothe to the sowle and body, seynge theire death is not onelye without argument of desperation, but also their sowles moste sewer to receiue the guerdon of cyuil morder, whyche we oughte to feare and eschewe as neare as wee can afore the sequestration of the earthelye substance, from the part of diuinitie whyche wee partycipat with God, and what contentement or glorye so euer they reappose in thys monstrous abrydgement of na∣ture, reprehendynge theym of destoyaltie whyche do the contrarye, yet their acte merites none other name then the title of brutalitie, neyther can I thynke but their opynion is guided by some sprite or humor of frantyke follye, lyke as yt is not the part of a Christiā (as the Appostle affirmeth) to prefer the fyckle pleasures of the flesh, whych are of shor∣ter moment, then the thoughtes of a man, afore the feare of God, recke of our life, and care to present our sowles with out spot, afore the troane of mercie in the daye of generall accompte, when all thoughtes shalbee deciphered and no falte vnpunyshed: the poore girle of the chamber to the dead CAMILLA, seynge thys fatall misterye, wyth the distresse she was in, for that she was a companion of the conspiracye, thinkynge to giue ende and playe the laste acte of the trage∣dy,

serched about the chāber for some glaue or sword or other thinge apte to make the minister of her blody intent, & being deceaued that way, she had no other meane to playe doble or quit but with impetuosity of dollor, wherein she raged with such doleful skryches, that the brute of her cōplaint awaked the whole house, whereof the first that entred the chamber of funeralles was the tyraunt CLAVDIO whoa albeyt was thenly cause of this dolorous massacre, yet in place of confes∣syng his falte, or yelding sorow to the losse of such ij. loiall lo∣uers, he grewe in more rage by the viewe of the dead body of LIVIO, wherof as he would willingly haue cōmitted a new morder, sauing that he sawe him without respiration or ar∣gumēt of lyfe, so his anger being torned into wodnes, & rage into furye, he wreaked his collor vpon the poore girle to whome he gaue iij. or iiij. estockados with hys dagger tho∣rowe the bodye, and slonge ymediatlye oute of the chamber, to the greate amaze and terrour of hys vnfortunat father, who seynge hys house full of morders, and hys sonne com∣mitted oppen slaughter in the person of the innocent gyrle, coulde not so gouerne his passion of dolour, but he seamed more ready to passe that waye then desyrous to enioy longer life, albeit beyng kepte from doynge force agaynst himselfe, by certaine hys seruauntes that were there, he vttered som¦part of hys inwaerde gref by open exclamation agaynste hys owne misfortune, inveighynge chyeflye agaynste the inor∣din at will of hys daughter, with aduise to all fathers to kepe a steddye eye vppon their slypprye y outhe, wherein he co∣mended vnto theym the example of hys owne follye in fauo∣ryng so much the fonde appetit of hys daughter that he gaue leaue to her Libertye to excede the viewe or pursewte of his eye, accusynge chieflie the impedyment he gaue to the ma∣riage, seynge that in the same appeared the perentory ruine of hys house, continuall desolation to hys old yeres, and in the ende to leaue hys goodes and lyuynge to straungers for want of an heire of his bodye, for that hauynge but ij. chil∣dren the one was already dead, and the other no lesse worthe

by y^e mortal violence he had vsed vpon the innocencie of the mayd, who (after y^e surgeants had somwhat stayed y^e bledyng of her woundes) confessed the contract and circūstance of the loue whereof you haue harde a particular declaracion, whi∣che rather encreased the dule of tholde man, then gaue mo∣deration to his sorowe, whyche notwithstandynge by the perswacions of hys neighbours, and constraint of necessity (whych as) a vertue giueth pacience perforce to all extreme∣ties he dysmissed in outeward showe and disposed hymself to the funerall obsequies in as solēne manner as he cold, erec∣tynge a tombe of marble in Sainct francys churche, wherin were shryned the bodies of the ij louers as dead at one time, and by one occasion, to the great regreat of the whole towne wherein euerye one was so indifferentlye passioned wyth sorowe that a man should hardly haue hard any other tunes then publike exclamacion against the cruelty of CLAVDIO by whyche generall complaint, together with the depositiōs of the mayde (who dyed within three dayes after her hurtes) DOM RAMYRO CATALANO gouernor of CESENNA vnder CESAR BORGIA, began to enter into tearmes of compas∣sion on the behalfe of the ij. dead louers, and mortall anger against CLAVDIO, for that his cruelty only was the cause of the death of the ij. only flowers & peragōs in Italy, wherin he purseued so vehemently y^e rigour of his office, & equity of iustice y^t CLAVDYO lost his head secretly within the castel for feare of mutine or tumulte of his frendes. This was y^e miserable end of y^e loue & lif of y^e ij. SISENNOIS wose death and discorse of amarous traffique, for y^t it doth not exced the remēbrāce of our time, I haue preseted as a familiar exāple affore y^e eyes of our youth, to thend y^t euery one respecting y^e duty of his own indeuor, may vse y^e misery of this precedēt as a paterne to preuēt y^e like myschief in thē selues, wherin also as we may note that loue is but a rage or humor of frātike follye deriued of our selues, & conuerted to our owne harme by thindiscrecion that is in vs, so y^e next remedy to withstand that furye is to encounter him vnder thenseigne of raison, &

slee the occasions, whyche weaken the mynde wythout tra∣uell and bringe the bodye in the ende to the theatrye of exe∣cution, wee are also warned here to temper the delites wee possesse with suche measure, that forget∣tynge the blyndenes of LIVIO, we maye eschewe the horrour of hys acte with detestation of the folys he vsed in the glott of his vnlaw∣full plea∣sure.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sondry ver∣tues in loue.
• * 1.2

  Lo••e is an hu¦mor of infec∣••••on deriued of the cor∣rupte partes in our selues
• * 1.3

  Loue.
• * 1.4

  VVords haue force to fur∣ther the ef∣fecte of anye thinge
• * 1.5

  Desert soyles be harbors mete for soli∣tary persons
• * 1.6

  The cōplaint of Lyuyo.
• * 1.7

  The Camele∣on is noris∣hed by the breath of the ayre.
• * 1.8

  Cicero
• * 1.9

  Cornelya to her brother.
• * 1.10

  The ansvver of Cornelyo to his sister.
• * 1.11

  Ho bearethe his misery beste that hi∣deth it most.
• * 1.12

  It is necessa∣ry to knowe the imperse∣ctious of the worlde.
• * 1.13

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 the true messen∣gers of the dollor of the harte.
• * 1.14

  The disease of Loue con¦trary to the disposition of other griues.
• * 1.15

  The cōplaint of Camylla.
• * 1.16

  Liuio at the poīt of death speaketh to his misters.
• * 1.17

  Quintus Sci∣pio
• * 1.18

  The compla∣inte of Ca∣milla.
• * 1.19

  Loue is na∣ked and vvith out eyes
• * 1.20

  Brutus vvar∣ned of his o∣uerthrovve in his sleepe.
• * 1.21

  Lyuyo vvri∣teth to C••mil l••.
• * 1.22

  The propertie of the svvan beinge neare her deathe.
• * 1.23

  Delaies be hurtefull in cases of loue
• * 1.24

  The kinge of the hunes died in the excesse of pleasure vvith his vvife the first night of their mari∣age.
• * 1.25

  Livyo died of the like in the armes of his Camilla.