The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia. Written by Sir Philip Sidney Knight. Now since the first edition augmented and ended

THE COVNTESSE OF PEMBROKES ARCADIA VVRITTEN BY SIR PHILIP SIDNEI. THE FIRST BOOKE. (Book 1)

IT was in the time that the earth begins to put on her new aparrel against the ap∣proch of her louer, and that the Sun running a most euen course becums an indifferent arbi∣ter betweene the night and the day; when the hopelesse shepheard Strephon was come to the sandes, which lie against the Island of Cithera; where viewing the place with a heauy kinde of delight, and sometimes casting his eyes to the Ileward, he called his friendly riuall, the pastor Claius vnto him, & setting first down in his darkened countenance a dolefull copie of what he would speake: O my Claius, saide hee, [ 5] hether we are now come to pay the rent, for which we are so called vnto by ouer-bu∣sie Remembrance, Remembrance, restlesse Remembrance, which claymes not on∣ly this dutie of vs, but for it will haue vs forget our selues. I pray you when we were amid our flocke, and that of other shepheardes some were running after their sheep strayed beyond their boundes, some delighting their eyes with seeing them nibble [ 10] vpon the short and sweete grasse, some medicining their sicke ewes, some setting a bell for an ensigne of a sheepish squadron, some with more leasure inuenting new games of exercising their bodies and sporting their wits: did Remembrance graunt vs any holiday, eyther for pastime or deuotion, nay either for necessary foode or na∣turall rest? but that still it forced our thoughts to worke vpon this place, where wee [ 15] last (alas that the word last should so long last) did graze our eyes vpon her euer flo∣rishing beautie: did it not still crie within vs? Ah you base minded wretches, are your thoughts so deeply bemired in the trade of ordinary worldlings, as for respect of gaine some paultry wool may yeeld you, to let so much time passe without know∣ing perfectly her estate, especially in so troublesome a season? to leaue that shore vn∣saluted, from whence you may see to the Island where she dwelleth? to leaue those [ 20] steps vnkissed wherein Vrania printed the farewell of all beautie? Well then, Re∣membraunce commaunded, we obeyed, and here we find, that as our remembrance

came euer cloathed vnto vs in the forme of this place, so this place giues newe heate to the feauer of our languishing remembrance. Yonder my Claius, Vrania lighted, the verie horse (me thought) bewayled to be so disburdned: and as for thee, poore Claius, when thou wentst to helpe her downe, I saw reuerence and desire so deuide thee, that thou didst at one instant both blushe and quake, and in stead of bearing her, [ 5] warre readie to fal down thy selfe. There she sate, vouchsafing my cloake (then most gorgeous) vnder her: at yonder rising of the ground shee turned her selfe, looking backe toward her woonted abode, and because of her parting bearing much sorrow in her eyes, the lightsomnes wherof had yet so natural a cherefulnesse, as it made euen sorrow seeme to smile; at that turning shee spake to vs all, opening the cherrie of her [ 10] lips, and Lord how greedily mine eares did feed vpon the sweete words she vttered? And here she laide her hand ouer thine eyes, when shee saw the teares springing in them, as if she would conceale them from other, and yet her selfe feele some of thy sorrow: But woe is me, yonder, yonder, did shee put her foote into the boate, at that instant as it were diuiding her heauenly beautie, betweene the Earth and the [ 15] Sea. But when she was imbarked, did you not marke how the windes whistled, and the seas daunst for ioy, how the sailes did swell with pride, and all because they had Vrania? O Vrania, blessed be thou Vrania, the sweetest fairnesse and fairest sweetnesse: with that word his voice brake so with sobbing, that he could say no further; and Claius thus answered. Alas my Strephon (said he) what needes this skore to recken [ 20] vp onely our losses? What doubt is there, but that the light of this place doth cal our thoughtes to appeare at the court of affection, held by that racking steward, Remem∣brance? Aswell may sheepe forget to feare when they spie woolues, as we can misse such fancies, when we see any place made happie by her treading. Who can choose that saw her but thinke where she stayed, where she walkt, where she turned, where [ 25] she spoke? But what is all this? truely no more, but as this place serued vs to thinke of those thinges, so those thinges serue as places to call to memorie more excellent matters. No, no, let vs thinke with consideration, and consider with acknowledging, and acknowledge with admiration, and admire with loue, and loue with ioy in the midst of all woes: let vs in such sorte thinke, I say, that our poore eyes were so inri∣ched [ 30] as to behold, and our lowe hearts so exalted as to loue, a maide, who is such, that as the greatest thing the world can shewe, is her beautie, so the least thing that may be praysed in her, is her beautie. Certainely as her eye-lids are more pleasant to behold, then two white kiddes climing vp a faire tree, and browsing on his tendrest braunches, and yet are nothing, compared to the day-shining starres contayned in [ 35] them; and as her breath is more sweete then a gentle South-west wind, which coms creeping ouer flowrie fieldes and shaddowed waters in the extreeme heate of sum∣mer, and yet is nothing, compared to the hony flowing speach that breath doth car∣rie: no more all that our eyes can see of her (though when they haue seene her, what else they shall euer see is but drie stuble after clouers grasse) is to be matched with [ 40] the flocke of vnspeakeable vertues laid vp delightfully in that best builded folde. But in deede as we can better consider the sunnes beautie, by marking how he guildes these waters, and mountaines then by looking vpon his owne face, too glorious for our weake eyes: so it may be our conceits (not able to beare her sun-stayning excel∣lencie) will better way it by her workes vpon some meaner subiect employed. And [ 45] alas, who can better witnesse that then we, whose experience is grounded vpon fee∣ling? hath not the onely loue of her made vs (beeing silly ignorant shepheards) raise

vp our thoughts aboue the ordinary leuell of the worlde, so as great clearkes doe not disdaine our conference? hath not the desire to seeme worthie in her eyes made vs when others were sleeping, to sit vewing the course of heauens? when others were running at base, to runne ouer learned writings? when other marke their sheepe, [ 5] we two marke our selues? hath not shee throwne reason vpon our desires, and, as it were giuen eyes vnto Cupid? hath in any, but in her, loue-fellowship maintained frindship between riuals, and beautie taught the beholders chastitie? He was going on with his praises, but Strephon bad him stay, and looke: and so they both perceaued a thinge which floted drawing nearer and nearer to the banke; but rather by the fa∣uourable [ 10] working of the Sea, then by any selfe industrie. They doubted a while what it should bee; till it was cast vp euen hard before them: at which time they fully saw that it was a man. Wherupon running for pitie sake vnto him, they found his hands (as it should appeare, constanter frendes to his life then his memorie) fast griping vpon the edge of a square small coffer, which lay all vnder his breast: els in him selfe [ 15] no shew of life, so as the boord seemed to be but a beere to carrie him a land to his Sepulchre. So drew they vp a young man of so goodly shape, and well pleasing fau∣our, that one would thinke death had in him a louely countenance; and, that though he were naked, nakednes was to him an apparrell. That sight increased their com∣passion, and their compassion called vp their care; so that lifting his feete aboue his head, making a great deale of salt water come out of his mouth, they layd him vpon [ 20] some of their garments, and fell to rub and chafe him, till they brought him to reco∣uer both breath the seruant, and warmth the companion of liuing. At length open∣ing his eyes, he gaue a great groane, (a dolefull note but a pleasaunt dittie) for by that, they founde not onely life, but strength of life in him. They therefore continued on [ 25] their charitable office, vntill (his spirits being well returned,) he (without so much as thanking them for their paines) gate vp, and looking round about to the vttermost lymittes of his sight, and crying vpon the name of Pyrocles, nor seeing nor hearing cause of comfort, what (said he) and shall Musidorus liue after Pyrocles destruction? therewithall hee offered wilfully to cast himselfe againe into the sea: a strange sight to the shepheards, to whom it seemed, that beefore being in apparance dead had yet [ 30] saued his life, and now comming to his life, should be a cause to procure his death; but they ranne vnto him, and pulling him backe, (then to feeble for them) by force stickled that vnnaturall fray. I pray you (said he) honest men, what such right haue you in me, as not to suffer me to doe with my selfe what I list? and what pollicie haue you to bestowe a benefite where it is counted an iniury? They hearing him speake [ 35] in Greeke (which was their naturall language) became the more tender hearted to∣wards him; and considering by his calling and looking, that the losse of some deare friend was great cause of his sorrow; tolde him they were poore men that were bound by course of humanitie to preuent so great a mischiefe; and that they wisht him, if opinion of some bodies perishing bred such desperate anguish in him, that [ 40] he should be cōforted by his own proof, who had lately escaped as apparant danger as any might be. No, no (said he) it is not for me to attend so high a blissefullnes: but since you take care of me I pray you find meās that some Bark may be prouided, that will go out of the hauen, that if it be possible wee maye find the bodie farre farre too precious a food for fishes: and for the hire (said he) I haue within this casket, of value [ 45] sufficient to content them. Claius presently went to a Fisherman, and hauing agree∣ed with him, and prouided some apparrell for the naked stranger, he imbarked, and the Shepheards with him: and were no sooner gone beyond the mouth of the hauen,

but that some way into the sea they might discerne (as it were) a stayne of the waters colour, and by times some sparkes and smoke mounting thereout. But the young man no sooner saw it, but that beating his brest, he cried, that there was the begin∣ning of his ruine, intreating them to bend their course as neere vnto it as they could: telling, how that smoake was but a small relique of a great fire, which had driuen [ 5] both him and his friend rather to committe themselues to the cold mercie of the sea, than to abide the hote crueltie of the fire: and that therefore, though they both had abandoned the ship, that he was (if any where) in that course to bee met withall. They steared therefore as neere thether-ward as they cold: but when they came so neere as their eies were ful masters of the obiect, they saw a sight ful of piteous strange¦nes: [ 10] a ship, or rather the carkas of the shippe, or rather some few bones of the carkas, hulling there, part broken, part burned, part drowned: death hauing vsed more than one dart to that destruction. About it floted great store of very rich thinges, and ma∣ny chestes which might promise no lesse. And amidst the precious thinges were a number of dead bodies, which likewise did not only testifie both elements violence, [ 15] but that the chiefe violence was growen of humane inhumanitie: for their bodies were full of grisly wounds, and their bloud had (as it were) filled the wrinckles of the seas visage: which it seemed the sea woulde not wash away, that it might witnes it is not alwaies his fault, when wee condemne his cruletie. In summe, a defeate, where the conquered kept both field and spoile: a shipwrack without storme or ill [ 20] footing: and a wast of fire in the midst of the water.

But a litle way off they saw the mast, who••e proude height now lay along; like a widdow hauing lost her make of whom she held her honor: but vpon the mast they saw a yong man (at least if hee were a man) bearing shew of about 18. yeares of age, who sate (as on horseback) hauing nothing vpon him but his shirt, which beeing [ 25] wrought with blew silke and golde; had a kinde of resemblance to the sea: on which the sun (then neare his Westerne home) did shote some of his beames. His haire (which the young men of Greece vsed to weare very long) was stirred vp and downe with the wind, which seemed to haue a sporte to play with it, as the sea had to kisse his feet; himselfe full of admirable beautie, set foorth by the strangenes both of his [ 30] seate and gesture: for, holding his head vp full of vnmoued maiestie, he held a sworde aloft with his faire arme, which often he waued about his crowne as though he would threaten the world in that extremitie. But the fishermen, when they came so neere him, that it was time to throwe out a rope, by which hold they might draw him, their simplicity bred such amasement, and their amasement such superstition, that [ 35] (assuredly thinking it was some God begotten betweene Neptune and Venus, that had made all this terrible slaughter) as they went vnder sayle by him, held vp their hands and made their prayers. Which when Musidorus saw, though he were almost as much rauished with ioy, as they with astonishment, he lept to the Mariner, and tooke the corde out of his hande and (saying, doest thou liue, and arte well? who answered, [ 40] thou canst tell best, since most of my well beyng standes in thee,) threwe it out, but alreadie the shippe was past beyond Pyrocles: and therefore Musidorus could do no more but perswade the Mariners to cast about againe, assuring them that hee was but a man, although of most diuine excellencies, and promising great rewardes for their paine. [ 45]

And now they were alreadie come vpon the staies; when one of the saylers discri∣ed a Galley which came with sayles and oares directlie in the chase of them; and

streight perceaued it was a wel knowne Pirate, who hunted not only for goodes but for bodies of men, which he imployed eyther to be his Galley slaues, or to sell at the best market. Which when the Maister vnderstoode, he commaunded forthwith to set on al the canuasse they could, and flie homeward, leauing in that sort poore [ 5] Pyrocles so neere to be reskewed. But what did not Musidorus saye? what did hee not offer to perswade them to venture the fight? But feare stāding at the gates of their eares, put backe all perswasions: so that he had nothing wherewith to accompanie Pyrocles, but his eyes; nor to succour him, but his wishes. Therefore praying for him, and casting a long looke that way, he saw the Galley leaue the pursuite of them, and [ 10] turne to take vp the spoiles of the other wracke: and lastly he might well see them lift vp the yong man; and alas (saide hee to himselfe) deere Pyrocles shall that bodie of thine be enchained? shal those victorious hāds of thine be cōmaunded to base offices? shal vertue becōe a slaue to those that be slaues to viciousnes? Alas, better had it bene thou hadst ended nobly thy noble daies: what death is so euil as vnworthy seruitude? [ 15] But that opinion soone ceased when he sawe the gallie setting vpon an other shippe, which held long and strong fight with her: for then he began a fresh to feare the life of his friende, and to wish well to the Pirates whome before he hated, least in their ruyne he might perish. But the fishermen made such speed into the hauen, that they absented his eyes from beholding the issue: where being entred, he could pro∣cure [ 20] neither them nor any other as then to put themselues into the sea: so that being as ful of sorrow for beyng vnable to doe any thing, as voide of counsel how to doe anything, besides, that sicknesse grew something vpon him, the honest shepheards Strephon and Claius (who being themselues true friends, did the more perfectly iudge the iustnesse of his sorrowe) aduise him, that he should mitigate somwhat of his woe, [ 25] since he had gotten an amendment in fortune, being come from assured persuasion of his death, to haue no cause to dispaire of his life: as one that had lamented the death of his sheepe, should after know they were but strayed, would receiue plea∣sure though readily he knew not where to finde them.

Now sir (saide they) thus for our selues it is. We are in profession but shepheards, [ 30] and in this countrie of Laconia little better then straungers, and therefore neither in skill, nor abilitie of power greatly to stead you. But what wee can present vnto you is this: Arcadia, of which countrie we are, is but a little way hence; and euen vpon the next confines there dwelleth a Gentleman, by name Kalander, who vouchsa∣feth much fauour vnto vs: A man who for his hospitalitie is so much haunted, that no newes sturre, but comes to his eares; for his vpright dealing so beloued of [ 35] his neighbours, that he hath many euer readie to doe him their vttermost seruice, and by the great good will our Prince beares him, may soone obtaine the vse of his name and credit, which hath a principall swaie, not onely in his owne Arcadia but in all these countries of Peloponnesus: & (which is worth all) all these things giue him not so much power, as his nature giues him will to benefit: so that it seemes no Mu∣sicke [ 40] is sweete to his eare as deserued thanks. To him we wil bring you, and there you may recouer againe your health, without which you cannot bee able to make any diligent search for your friend: and therefore you must labour for it. Besides, we are sure the comfort of curtesie, and ease of wise counsell shall not be wanting.

Musidorus (who besides he w••s meerly vnacquainted in the countrie had his wits [ 45] astonished with sorrow) gaue easie consent to that, from which hee savve no rea∣son to disagree: and therefore (defraying the Mariners with a ring bestovved vpon

them) they tooke their iourney together through Laconia; Claius and Strephon by course carying his chest for him, Musidorus only bearing in his countenance euident markes of a sorovvful-mind supported vvith a vveake bodie, vvhich they perceiuing, and knovving that the violence of sorovv is not at the first to be striuen vvithall: (be∣ing like a mighty beast, soner tamed vvith follovving, than ouerthrovven by vvith∣standing) [ 5] they gaue vvay vnto it for that day and the next; neuer troubling him, ei∣ther vvith asking questions, or finding fault vvith his melancholie, but rather fitting to his dolor dolorous discourses of their ovvne and other folks misfortunes. Which speeches, though they had not a liuely entrāce to his sences shut vp in sorow, yet like one halfe a sleepe he tooke hold of much of the matters spoken vnto him, so as a man [ 10] may say, ere sorow was a ware•• they made his thoughts beare away somthing els be∣sid his own sorow, which wrought so in him, that at lēgth he grew content to marke their speeches, then to maruell at such wit in shepheardes, after to like their compa∣ny, and lastly to vouchsafe conference: so that the third day after, in the time that the morning did strow roses and violets in the heauenly floore against the comming of [ 15] the Sun, the nightingales (striuing one with the other which coulde in most dainty variety recount their wrong caused sorow) made them put of their sleep, and rising from vnder a tree (which that night had bine their pauilion) they went on their ior∣ney, which by and by welcomed Musidorus eyes (wearied with the wasted soile of Laconia) with delightfull prospects. There were hilles which garnished their proud [ 20] heights with stately trees: humble valleis, whose base estate seemed comforted with refreshing of siluer riuers: medowes, enameld with all sortes of eypleasing floures: thickets, which being lined with most pleasant shade, were witnessed so too by the cheerefull disposition of many wel-tuned birds: ech pasture stored with sheep fee∣ding with sober security, while the prety lambes with bleting oratory craued the [ 25] dams comfort: here a shepheards boy piping, as though he should neuer be olde: there a yong shepherdesse knitting, and withall singing, and it seemed that her voice comforted her hands to worke, and her hands kept time to her voices musick. As for the houses of the country (for many houses came vnder their eye) they were all scattered, no two being one by th'other, and yet not so far off as that it barred mutuall [ 30] succour: a shew, as it were, of an accompanable solitarines, & of a ciuil wildnes. I pray you (said Musidorus, then first vnsealing his long silent lips) what countreyes be these we passe through, which are so diuers in shewe, the one wanting no store, th'other hauing no store but of want.

The country (answered Claius) where you were cast a shore, and now are past [ 35] through, is Laconia, not so poore by the barrennes of the soyle (though in it selfe not passing fertill) as by a ciuill warre, which being these two yeares within the bowels of that estate, betweene the gentlemen and the peasants (by them named Helots) hath in this sorte as it were disfigured the face of nature, and made it so vn∣hospitall as now you haue founde it: the townes neither of the one side nor the o∣ther, [ 40] willingly opening their gates to strangers, nor strangers willingly entring for feare of being mistaken.

But this countrie (where now you set your foot) is Arcadia: & euen hard by is the house of Kalander whether we lead you: this country being thus decked with peace, & (the child of peace) good husbandrie. These houses you see so scattered are of men, [ 45] as we two are, that liue vpon the commoditie of their sheepe: and therefore in the diuision of the Arcadian estate are termed shepheards; a happie people, wanting litle

because they desire not much. What cause then saide Musidorus, made you venter to leaue this sweet life, and put your selfe in yonder vnpleasant and dangerous realme? Guarded with pouertie (answered Strephon) and guided with loue: But now (said Claius) since it hath pleased you to aske any thing of vs whose basenes is such as the [ 5] very knowledge is darkenes: geue vs leaue to know somthing of you, and of the yong man you so much lament, that at least we may be the better instructed to en∣forme Kalander, and he the better know how to proportion his entertainment. Mu∣sidorus (according to the agrement betwene Pyrocles & him to alter their names) ans∣wered, that he called himselfe Palladius, and his friend Daiphantus; but till I haue him [ 10] againe (saide he) I am in deed nothing: and therefore my storie is of nothing, his en∣tertainement (since so good a man he is) cannot be so lowe as I account my estate: and in summe, the summe of all his curtesie may be to helpe me by some meanes to seeke my frend.

They perceiued he was not willing to open himselfe further, and therefore with∣out [ 15] further questioning brought him to the house: about which they might see (with fitte consideration both of the ayre, the prospect, & the nature of the ground) all such necessarie additions to a greate house, as might well shewe, Kalander knewe that prouision is the foundation of hospitalitie, and thrift the fewel of magnificence. The house it selfe was built of faire and strong stone, not affecting so much any ex∣traordinarie [ 20] kinde of finenes, as an honorable representing of a firme statelines. The lightes, doores and staires, rather directed to the vse of the guest, then to the eye of the Artificer: and yet as the one cheefly heeded, so the other not neglected; eache place handsome without curiositie, and homely without lothsomnes: not so dainty as not to be trode on, nor yet slubbered vp with good felowshippe: all more lasting [ 25] than beautifull, but that the consideration of the exceeding lastingnesse made the eye beleeue it was exceeding beautifull. The seruants not so many in number, as clean∣lie in apparel, & seruiceable in behauiour, testifiing euen in their countenaunces, that their maister tooke aswell care to be serued, as of them that did serue. One of them was forth-with readie to wellcome the shepheards, as men, who though they were [ 30] poore, their maister greatly fauoured: & vnderstanding by them, that the young man with thē was to be much accounted of, for that they had sene tokens of more than commō greatnes, hovv so euer novv eclipsed vvith fortune: He ranne to his maister vvho came presentlie foorth, and pleasantly vvelcomming the shepheardes but espe∣cially applying him to Musidorus, Strephon priuately tolde him all vvhat he knevv of [ 35] him, and particularly that he found this stranger vvas loath to be knovven.

Noe saide Kalander (speaking alowd) I am no herald to enquire of mens pede∣grees, it sufficeth me if I know their vertues: which (if this young mans face bee not a false witnes) doe better apparrell his minde, then you haue done his body. While he was thus speaking, there came a boy in shew like a Marchants prentice, who [ 40] taking Strephon by the sleeue, deliuered him a letter, written ioyntly both to him and Claius from Vrania: which they no sooner had read, but that with short leaue-tak∣ing of Kalander (who quickly guest and smiled at the matter) & once againe (though hastely) recommending the yong man vnto him, they went away, leauing Musidorus euen lothe to part with them, for the good conuersation he had of them, and obliga∣tion [ 45] he accounted himself tied in vnto them: and therfore, they deliuering his chest vnto him, he opened it, and would haue presented them with two very rich Iewels, but they absolutelie refused thē, telling him that they were more then enough rewar∣ded

in the knowing of him, and without harkening vnto a replie (like men whose hartes disdained all desires but one) gate speedely away, as if the letter had brought wings to make them flie. But by that sight Kalander soone iudged that his guest was of no meane calling; and therefore the more respectfullie entertaining him, Musido∣rus found his sicknes (which the fight, the sea, and late trauell had layd vpon him) [ 5] grow greatly: so that fearing some suddaine accident, hee deliuered the chest to Kalander; which was full of most precious stones, gorgeously and cunningly set in diuerse manners, desiring him hee would keep those trifles, and if he died, he would bestow so much of it as was needfull, to finde out and redeeme a yong man, naming himselfe Daiphantus, as then in the handes of Laconia pirates. [ 10]

But Kalander seeing him faint more and more, with carefull speede conueyed him to the most commodious lodging in his house: where beeing possest with an ex∣treeme burning feuer, he continued some while with no great hope of life: but youth at length got the victorie of sicknesse, so that in sixe weeks the excellencie of his retur∣ned beautie was a credible embassadour of his health; to the great ioy of Kalander: [ 15] who, as in this time he had by certaine friendes of his, that dwelt neare the Sea in Messenia, set foorth a shippe and a galley to seeke and succour Daiphantus: so at home did he omit nothing which hee thought might eyther profite or gratifie Palla∣dius.

For hauing found in him (besides his bodily giftes beyond the degree of Ad∣miration) [ 20] by daily discourses which he delighted him selfe to haue with him, a mind of most excellent composition (a pearcing wit quite voide of ostentation, high e∣rected thoughts seated in a hart of courtesie, an eloquence as sweet in the vttering, as slowe to come to the vttering, a behauiour so noble, as gaue a maiestie to aduersitie: and all in a man whose age could not be aboue one and twenty yeares) the good [ 25] olde man was euē enamoured with a fatherly loue towards him; or rather became his seruaunt by the bondes such vertue laid vpon him; once he acknowledged him selfe so to be, by the badge of diligent attendance.

But Palladius hauing gotten his health, and onely staying there to bee in place, vvhere he might heare answere of the shippes set foorth, Kalander one after noone led [ 30] him abroad to a well arayed ground he had behind his house, which hee thought to shew him before his going, as the place himself more thē in any other delighted. the backside of the house was neither field, gardē, nor orchard; or rather it was both field garden, and orchard: for as soone as the descending of the stayres had deliuered them downe, they came into a place cunningly set with trees of the moste tast-pleasing [ 35] fruites: but scarcelie they had taken that into their consideration, but that they were suddainely stept into a delicate greene, of each side of the greene a thic∣ket, and behinde the thickets againe newe beddes of flowers, which beeing vnder the trees, the trees were to them a Pauilion, and they to the trees a mosaicall floore: so that it seemed that arte therein would needes be delightfull by counterfaiting his [ 40] enemie error, and making order in confusion.

In the middest of all the place, was afaire ponde, whose shaking christall was a perfect mirrour to all the other beauties, so that it bare shewe of two gardens: one in deede, the other in shaddowes: and in one of the thickets was a fine foun∣taine made thus. A naked Venus of white marble, wherein the grauer had vsed such [ 45] cunning, that the naturall blewe veines of the marble were framed in fitte places, to set foorth the beautifull veines of her bodie. At her brest shee had her babe

AEneas, who seemed (hauing begun to sucke) to leaue that, to looke vpon her fayre eyes, which smiled at the babes follie, meane while the breast runing. Hard by was a house of pleasure built for a Sommer retiring place, whether Kalander leading him, he found a square roome full of delightfull pictures, made by the moste excellent [ 5] workeman of Greece. There was Diana when Acteon sawe her bathing, in whose cheekes the painter had set such a colour, as was mixt betweene shame and disdaine: and one of her foolish Nymphes, who weeping, and with all lowring, one might see the workman meant to set forth teares of anger. In another table was Atalanta; the posture of whose lims was so liuelie expressed, that if the eyes were the onely iud∣ges, [ 10] as they be the onely seers, one would haue sworne the very picture had runne. Besides many mo, as of Helena, Omphale, Iole: but in none of them all beautie seemed to speake so much as in a large table, which contained a comely old man, with a lady of midle age, but of excellent beautie; and more excellent would haue bene deemed, but that there stood betwene them a yong maid, whose wonderfulnesse tooke away [ 15] all beautie from her, but that which it might seeme shee gaue her backe againe by her very shadow. And such difference (being knowne that it did in deed counter∣feit a person liuing) was there betweene her and all the other, though Goddesses, that it seemd the skill of the painter bestowed on the other new beautie, but that the beautie of her bestowed new skill of the painter. Though he thought inquisitiuenes [ 20] an vncomely guest, he could not choose but aske who shee was, that bearing shewe of one being in deed, could with natural gifts go beyond the reach of inuention. Ka∣lander answered, that it was made by Philoclea, the yonger daughter of his prince, who also with his wife were contained in that Table: the painter meaning to represent the present condition of the young Ladie, vvho stood vvatched by an ouer-curious eye [ 25] of her parents: and that he vvould also haue dravvne her eldest sister, esteemed her match for beautie, in her shepheardish attire; but that the rude clovvne her gardian vvould not suffer it: nether durst he aske leaue of the Prince for feare of suspition. Pal∣ladius perceaued that the matter vvas vvrapt vp in some secresie, and therfore vvould for modestie demaund no further: but yet his countenance could not but vvith [ 30] dumme Eloquence desire it: Which Kalander perceauing, vvell said he, my deere guest, I knovv your minde, and I vvill satisfie it: neither vvill I doo it like a niggard∣ly ansvverer, going no further than the boundes of the question, but I vvill discouer vnto you, asvvell that vvherein my knovvledge is common vvith others, as that vvhich by extraordinarie meanes is deliuered vnto me: knovving so much in you [ 35] (though not long acquainted) that I shal find your eares faithfull treasurers. So then sitting downe in tvvo chaires, and sometimes casting his eye to the picture, hee thus spake.

This countrie Arcadia among all the prouinces of Greece, hath euer beene had in singular reputation: partly for the svveetnesse of the ayre, and other naturall be∣nefites, [ 40] but principally for the vvell tempered minds of the people, vvho (finding that the shining title of glorie so much affected by other natiōs, doth in deed helpe lit∣tle to the happinesse of life) are the onely people, vvhich as by their Iustice and pro∣uidence geue neither cause nor hope to their neighbours to annoy them, so are they not sturred vvith false praise to trouble others quiet, thinking it a small revvard for the [ 45] vvasting of their ovvne liuès in rauening, that their posteritie should long after saie, they had done so. Euen the Muses seeme to approue their good determination, by chosing this countrie for their cheife repairing place, and by bestovving their perfec∣ons

so largely here, that the very shepheards haue their fancies lifted to so high con∣ceits, as the learned of other nations are content both to borrow their names, and imitate their cunning.

Here dwelleth, and raigneth this Prince (whose picture you see) by name Basilius, a Prince of sufficient skill to gouerne so quiet a countrie, where the good mindes of [ 5] the former princes had set downe good lawes, and the well bringing vp of the peo∣ple doth serue as a most sure bond to hold them. But to be plaine with you, he excels in nothing so much, as in the zealous loue of his people, wherein he doth not onely passe all his owne fore-goers, but as I thinke all the princes liuing. Wherof the cause is, that though he exceed not in the vertues which get admiration; as depth of wis∣dome, [ 10] height of courage and largenesse of magnificence, yet is he notable in those which stirre affection, as trueth of word, meekenesse, courtesie, mercifulnesse, and li∣beralitie.

He being already well striken in yeares, maried a young princes, named Gynecia, daughter to the king of Cyprus, of notable beautie, as by her picture you see: a wo∣man [ 15] of great wit, and in truth of more princely vertues, then her husband: of most vnspotted chastitie, but of so working a minde, and so vehement spirits, as a man may say, it was happie shee tooke a good course: for otherwise it would haue beene terrible.

Of these two are brought to the world two daughters, so beyond measure excel∣lent [ 20] in all the gifts allotted to reasōable creatures, that we may think they were borne to shewe, that Nature is no stepmother to that sex, howe much so euer some men (sharpe witted onely in euill speaking) haue sought to disgrace them. The elder is named Pamela; by many men not deemed inferiour to her sister: for my part, when I marked them both•• me thought there was (if at least such perfections may receiue [ 25] the worde of more) more sweetnesse in Philoclea, but more maiestie in Pamela: mee thought loue plaide in Philocleas eyes, and threatned in Pamelas: mee thought Philo∣cleas beautie onely perswaded, but so perswaded as all harts must yeelde: Pamelas beautie vsed violence, and such violence as no hart could resist: and it semes that such proportion is betweene their mindes; Philoclea so bashfull as though her excellen∣cies [ 30] had stolne into her before shee was aware: so humble, that she will put all pride out of countenance: in summe, such proceeding as will stirre hope, but teach hope good manners. Pamela of high thoughts, who auoides not pride with not knowing her excellencies, but by making that one of her excellencies to bee voide of pride; her mothers wisdome, greatnesse, nobilitie, but (if I can ghesse aright) knit with a [ 35] more constant temper. Now then; our Basilius being so publickly happie as to bee a Prince, and so happie in that happinesse as to be a beloued Prince, and so in his pri∣uate blessed as to haue so excellent a wife, and so ouer excellent children, hath of late taken a course which yet makes him more spoken of then all these blessings. For, ha∣uing made a iourney to Delphos, and safely returned, within short space he brake vp [ 40] his court, and retired himselfe, his wife, and children into a certaine Forrest hereby, which he calleth his desert, wherein (besides a house appointed for stables and lod∣gings for certaine persons of meane calling, who do all houshold seruices,) he hath builded two fine lodges. In the one of them him selfe remaines with his younger daughter Philoclea, which was the cause they three were matched together in this [ 54] picture, without hauing any other creature liuing in that lodge with him.

Which though it bee straunge, yet not so straunge, as the course hee hath taken

with the princesse Pamela, whom he hath placed in the other lodge: but how thinke you accompanied? truly with none other, but one Dametas, the most arrant doltish clowne, that I thinke euer was without the priuiledge of a bable, with his wife Miso, and daughter of Mopsa, in whom no witt can deuise anie thing wherein they may [ 5] pleasure her, but to exercise her patience, and to serue for a foile of her perfections. This loutish clowne is such, that you neuer saw so ill fauourd a visar; his behauiour such, that he is beyond the degree of ridiculous; and for his apparrel, euen as I would wish him: Miso his wife, so handsome a beldame, that onely her face and her splay-foote haue made her accused for a witch; only one good point she hath, that she ob∣serues [ 10] decorum, hauing a froward minde in a wretched body. Betweene these two personages (who neuer agreed in any humor, but in disagreeing) is issued foorth mistresse Mopsa, a fitte woman to participate of both their perfections: but because a pleasant fellow of my acquaintance set foorth her praises in verse, I wil onely repeate them, and spare mine owne tongue, since she goes for a woman. The verses are these [ 15] which I haue so often caused to be song, that I haue them without booke.

What length of verse can serue braue Mopsas good to shew? Whose vertues strange, & beauties such, as no mā them may know Thus shrewdly burdned thē, how cā my Muse escape? [ 20] The gods must helpe, and pretious things must serue to shew her shape. Like great God Saturn faíre, and like faire Venus chaste: As smooth as Pan, as Iuno milde, like goddesse Iris faste. With Cupid she fore-sees, and goes god Vulcans pace: And for a tast of all these gif••s, she steales god Momus grace, [ 25] Her forhead iacinth like, her cheekes of opall hue, Her twinkling eies bedeckt with pearle, her lips as Saphir blew: Her haire like Crapal-stone; her mouth O heauenly wide; Her skin like burnisht gold, her hands like siluer vre vntryde. As for her parts vnknowne, which hidden sure are best: [ 30] Happie be they which well beleeue & neuer seeke the rest.

Now truely hauing made these descriptions vnto you, me thinks you should ima∣gine that I rather faine some pleasant deuise, then recount a truth, that a Prince (not banished from his owne wits) could possibly make so vnworthie a choise. But true∣ly [ 35] (deare guest) so it is, that Princes (whose doings haue beene often soothed with good successe) thinke nothing so absurde, which they cannot make honourable. The beginning of his credite was by the Princes straying out of the way, one time hee hunted, where meeting this fellow, and asking him the way; and so falling into o∣ther questions, he found some of his answeres (as a dog sure if he could speake, had [ 40] wit enough to describe his kennell) not vnsensible, and all vttered with such rude∣nes, which he interpreted plainnesse (though there be great difference betweene them) that Basilius conceauing a sodaine delight, tooke him to his Court, with ap∣parant shew of his good opinion: where the flattering courtier had no sooner taken the Princes minde, but that there were straight reasons to confirme the Princes do∣ing, [ 45] and shadowes of vertues found for Dametas. His silence grew wit, his bluntnesse integritie, his beastly ignorance vertuous simplicitie: and the Prince (according to the nature of great persons, in loue with that he had done himselfe) fancied, that his

weaknesse with his presence would much be mended. And so like a creature of his owne making, hee liked him more and more, and thus hauing first giuen him the office of principall heardman, lastly, since he tooke this strange determination, hee hath in a manner put the life of himselfe and his children into his hands. Which au∣thoritie (like too great a sayle for so small a boate) doth so ouer-sway poore Dametas, [ 5] that if before he weare a good foole in a chamber, he might bee allowed it now in a comedie: So as I doubt mee (I feare me in deede) my master will in the end (with his cost) finde, that his office is not make men, but to vse men as men are; no more then a horse will be taught to hunt, or an asse to mannage. But in sooth I am afraid I haue geuen your eares too great a surfette, with the grosse discourses of that heauie [ 10] peece of flesh. But the zealous greefe I conceue to see so great an error in my Lord, hath made me bestowe more words, then I confesse so base a subiect deserueth.

Thus much now that I haue tolde you, is nothing more then in effect any Arca∣dian knows. But what moued him to this strange solitarines hath bin imparted (as I thinke) but to one person liuing. My selfe can coniecture and in deede more then [ 15] coniecture, by this accident that I will tell you: I haue an onely sonne, by name Cli∣tophon, who is now absent, preparing for his owne mariage, which I meane shortly shalbe here celebrated. This sonne of mine (while the Prince kept his Court) was of his bed-chamber; now since the breaking vp thereof, returned home, and shew∣ed me (among other things he had gathered) the coppie which hee had taken of a [ 20] letter: which when the prince had read, he had laid in a windowe, presuming no body durst looke in his writings: but my sonne not only tooke a time to read it, but to copie it. In trueth I blamed Clitophon for the curiositie, which made him breake his dutie in such a kind, whereby kings secrets are subiect to be reuealed: but since it was done, I was content to take so much profite, as to know it. Now here is the let∣ter, [ 25] that I euer since for my good liking, haue caried about me: which before I read vnto you, I must tell you from whom it came. It is a noble-man of this countrie, na∣med Philanax, appointed by the Prince, Regent in this time of his retiring, and most worthy so to be: for, there liues no man, whose excellent witte more simplye im∣braseth integritie, beesides his vnfained loue to his master, wherein neuer yet [ 30] any could make question, sauing whether he loued Basilius or the Prince better: a rare temper, while most men either seruile-ly yeeld to all appetites, or with an obsti∣nate austeritie looking to that they fansie good, in effect neglect the Princes person. This then being the man, whome of all other (and most worthie) the Prince cheef∣ly loues, it should seeme (for more then the letter I haue not to ghesse by) that the [ 35] Prince vpon his returne from Delphos, (Philanax then lying sick) had written vnto him his determination, rising (as euidently appeares) vpon some Oracle hee had there receaued: whereunto he wrote this answere.

Philanax his letter to Basilius.

Most redouted and beloued prince, if aswel it had pleased you at your going [ 40] to Delphos as now, to haue vsed my humble seruice, both I should in better sea∣son, and to better purpose haue spoken: and you (if my speech had preuailed) should haue been at this time, as no way more in danger, so much more in quiet∣nes; I would then haue saide, that wisdome and vertue be the only destinies appoin∣ted to man to follow, whence wee ought to seeke all our knowledge, since they be [ 45] such guides as cannot faile; which, besides their inwarde comfort, do lead so direct

a way of proceeding, as either prosperitie must ensue; or, if the wickednes of the world should oppresse, it can neuer be said, that euil happeneth to him, who falles accompanied with vertue: I would then haue said, the heauenly powers to be reue∣renced, and not serched into; & their mercies rather by praiers to be sought, then [ 5] their hidden councels by curiositie. These kinds of soothsayings (since they haue left vs in ourselues sufficient guides) to be nothing but fansie, wherein there must either be vanitie, or infalliblenes, & so, either not to be respected, or not to be pre∣uented. But since it is weakenes too much to remember what should haue beene done. and that your commandemēt stretcheth to know what is to be done, I do [ 10] (most deare Lord) with humble boldnes say, that the manner of your determinati∣on doth in no sorte better please me, then the cause of your going. These thirtie yeares you haue so gouerned this Region, that nether your Subiectes haue wanted iustice in you, nor you obedience in them; & your neighbours haue found you so hurtlesly strong, that they though it better to rest in your friendshippe, then make [ 15] new trial of your enmitie. If this then haue proceeded out of the good constitution of your state, and out of a wise prouidence, generally to preuent all those things, which might encōber your happines: vvhy should you novv seeke nevve courses, since your ovvne ensample comforts you to continue, and that it is to me most cer∣taine (though it please you not to tell me the very vvords of the Oracle) that yet no destinie, nor inflvence vvhatsoeuer, can bring mans vvit to a higher point, then [ 20] vvisdome and goodnes? vvhy should you depriue your selfe of gouernment, for feare of loosing your gouernmēt? like one that should kil him selfe ••or feare of death? nay rather, if this Oracle be to be accoūted of, arm vp your courage y^t more against it: for vvho vvil sticke to him that abandones him selfe; let your subiects haue you in [ 25] their eyes; let them see the benefites of your iustice dayly more and more; and so must they needes rather like of present sureties, then vncertaine changes. Lastly, whether your time call you to liue or die, doo both like a prince. Nowe for your second resolution; which, is to suffer no worthie prince to be a suiter to either of your daughters, but while you liue to keepe them both vnmaried; &, as it weare. to kil the ioy of posteritie, which in your time you may inioye: moued perchance by a mis∣understoode [ 30] Oracle: what shall I saye, if the affection of a father to his owne chil∣dren, cannot plead sufficiently against such fancies? once certaine it is, the God which is God of nature, doth neuer teach vnnaturalnes: and euen the same minde hold I touching your banishing them from companie, least, I know not what strange loues should follow. Certainly Sir, in my ladies, your daughters, nature promiseth [ 35] nothing but goodnes, and their education by your fatherly care, hath beene hether∣to such, as hath beene most fit to restraine all euil: geuing there minds vertuous de∣lightes, and not greeuing them for want of wel-ruled libertie. Now to fal to a sodain straightning them, what can it do but argue suspition, a thing no more vnpleasant, then vnsure, for the preseruing of vertue? Leaue womens minds, the most vntamed [ 40] that way of any: see whether any cage can please a bird? or whether a dogge growe not fiercer with tying? what doth ielousie, but stirre vp the minde to thinke, what it is from which they are restrayned? for they are treasures, or things of great delight, which men vse to hide, for the aptnesse they haue to cach mans fancies: and the [ 45] thoughtes once awaked to that, harder sure it is to keepe those thoughts from ac∣complishment, then it had beene beefore to haue kept the minde (which beeing the cheefe parte by this meanes is defiled) from thinking. Lastly, for the recom∣mending

so principall a charge of the Princesse Pamela, (whose minde goes beyond the gouerning of many thousands such) to such a person as Dametas is (besides that the thing in it selfe is strange) it comes of a very euil ground, that ignorance should be the mother of faithfulnes, O no; he cannot be good, that knowes not why he is good, but stands so farre good, as his fortune may keepe him vnassaied: but comming once to that, his rude simplicitie is either easily changed, or easily de∣ceiued: [ 5] & so growes that to be the last excuse of his fault, which seemed to haue been the first foundation of his faith. Thus farre hath your commaundement and my zeale drawen me; which I, like a man in a valley that may discern hills, or like a poore passenger that may spie a rock, so humbly submit to your gratious consideration, beseeching you againe, to stand wholy vpon your owne vertue, as the surest way to [ 10] maintaine you in that you are, and to auoid any euill which may be imagined.

By the contents of this letter you may perceiue, that the cause of all, hath beene the vanitie which possesseth many, who (making a perpetuall mansiōn of this poore baiting place of mans life) are desirous to know the certaintie of things to come; wherein there is nothing so certaine as our continuall vncertaintie. But what in par∣ticular [ 15] pointes the oracle was, in faith I know not: nether (as you may see by one place of Philanax letter) he him selfe distinctly knew. But this experience shewes vs, that Basilius iudgement, corrupted with a princes fortune, hath rather hard then fol∣lowed the wise (as I take it) councell of Philanax. For hauing left the sterne of his gouernment, with much amazement to the people, among whom many strange [ 20] bruits are receiued for currant, and with some apparance of danger in respect of the valiant Amphialus his nephew, & much enuy in the ambitious number of the No¦bilitie against Philanax, to see Philanax so aduanced, though (to speake simply) he deserue more then as many of vs as there be in Arcadia: the prince him selfe hath hidden his head, in such sort as I tolde you, not sticking plainly to confesse, that he [ 25] meanes not (while he breathes) that his daughters shall haue any husbād, but keepe thē thus solitary with him: weher he gius no other body leaue to visit him at anytime but a certaine priest, who being excellent in poetrie, he makes him write out such thinges as he best likes, he being no les delightfull in conuersation, then needfull for deuotiō. &, about twēty specified shepheards, in whō some (for exercises, & some for [ 30] Eglogs) he taketh greater recreation.

And now you know as much as my selfe: wherin if I haue held you ouer long, lay hardly the fault vpon my olde age, which in the very disposition of it is talka∣tiue: whether it be (said he smiling) that nature loues to exercise that part most, which is least decayed, and that is our tongue: or, that knowledge being the onely thing [ 35] whereof we poore olde men can brag, we cannot make it knowen but by vtterance: or, that mankinde by all meanes seeking to eternize himselfe so much the more, as he is neere his end, dooth it not onely by the children that come of him, but by speaches and writings recommended to the memorie of hearers and readers. And yet thus much I will say for my selfe, that I haue not laid these matters, either so open∣ly, [ 40] or largely to any as your selfe: so much (if I much faile not) doo I see in you, which makes me both loue and trust you. Neuer may he be olde, answered Palladius, that doth not reuerence that age, whose heauines, if it waie doune the frayl and fleshly ballance, it as much lifts vp the noble and spirituall part: and well might you haue alledged another reason, that their wisedome makes them willing to profite [ 45] others. And that haue I receiued of you, neuer to be forgotten, but with vngrate∣fulnes.

But among many strange conceits you told mee, which haue shewed ef∣fectes in your Prince, truly euen the last, that he should conceiue such pleasure in shepheards discourses, would not seeme the least vnto me, sauing that you told me at the first, that this countrie is notable in those wits, & that in deed my selfe hauing [ 5] beene brought not onely to this place, but to my life, by Strephon and Claius, in their conference found wits as might better become such shepheardes as Homer speakes of, that be gouernors of peoples, then such senatours who hold their coun∣cell in a sheepecoate: for them two (said Kalander) especially Claius, they are bee∣yond the rest by so much, as learning commonlie doth adde to nature: for, hauing neglected their wealth in respect of their knowledge, they haue not so much empay∣red [ 10] the meaner, as they bettered the better. Which all notwithstanding, it is a sporte to heare howe they impute to loue, which hath indewed their thoughtes (saie they) with such a strength.

But certainely, all the people of this countrie from high to lowe, is giuen to those [ 15] sportes of the vvitte, so as you would vvonder to heare hovv soone euen children vvill begin to versifie. Once ordinary it is among the meanest sorte, to make Songes and Dialogues in meeter, either loue vvhetting their braine, or longe peace hauing be∣gun it, example and emulation amending it. Not so much, but the Clowne Dame∣tas will stumble sometimes vpon some songes that might become a better braine: [ 20] but no sorte of people so excellent in that kind as the pastors; for their liuing standing but vppon the looking to their beastes, they haue ease, the Nurse of Poetrie. Neither are our shepheards such, as (I heare) they be in other countries; but they are the ve∣rie owners of the sheepe, to which either them selues looke, or their children giue dayly attendance. And then truly, it would delight you vnder some tree, or by some riuers side (when two or three of them meet together) to heare their rurall muse, [ 25] how pretily it will deliuer out, sometimes ioyes, sometimes lamentations, some∣times chalenginges one of the other, sometimes vnder hidden formes vttering such matters, as otherwise they durst not deale with. Then haue they most commonly one, who iudgeth the Price to the best doer, of which they are no lesse glad, then [ 30] great Princes are of triumphes: and his parte is to sette downe in writing all that is saide, saue that it may be, his pen with more leasure doth polish the rudnesse of an vnthought-on songe. Nowe the choise of all (as you may well thinke) either for goodnes of voice, or plesantnes of wit, the Prince hath: among whome also there are two or three strangers, whom inwarde melancholies hauing made weery of the [ 35] worldes eyes, haue come to spend their liues among the countrie people of Arcadia; & their conuersation being wel approued, the Prince vouchsafeth them his presence, and not onely by looking on, but by great curtesie and liberalitie, animates the shep∣heardes the more exquisitely to labour for his good liking. So that there is no cause to blame the Prince for sometimes hearing them; the blame-worthinesse is, that to [ 40] heare them, he rather goes to solitarinesse, then makes them come to companie. Nether doe I accuse my maister for aduancing a countriman, as Dametas is, since God forbid, but where worthynesse is (as truely it is among diuers of that fellow∣ship) any outward lownesse should hinder the hiest raysing, but that he would needs make election of one, the basenesse of whose minde is such, that it sinckes a thou∣sand [ 45] degrees lower, then the basest bodie coulde carrie the most base fortune: which although it might be answered for the prince, that it is rather a trust he hath in his simple plainnesse, then any great aduancement, being but chiefe heardman:

yet all honest hartes feele, that the trust of their Lord goes beyond al aduancement. But I am euer too long vppon him, when he crosseth the waye of my speache, and by the shadovve of yonder tovver, I see it is a fitter time, vvith our supper to pay the duties we owe to our stomacks, then to break the aire with my idle discourses: And more witte I might haue learned of Homer (whom euen now you mentioned) who [ 5] neuer entertayned eyther guestes or hostes with long speaches, till the mouth of hunger be throughly stopped. So withall he rose, leading Palladius through the gar∣deine againe to the parler, where they vsed to suppe; Palladius assuring him, that he had already been more fed to his liking, thē he could be by the skillfullest trencher∣men of Media. [ 10]

But being come to the supping place, one of Kalāders seruants roūded in his eare; at which (his colour chaunging) he retired himselfe into his chamber; commaun∣ding his men diligently to waite vpon Palladius, and to excuse his absence with some necessary busines he had presently to dispatch. Which they accordingly did, for some fewe daies forcing thēselues to let no change appeare, but though they framed their [ 15] countenaunces neuer so cunningly, Palladius perceaued there was some ill-pleasing accident fallen out. Wherupon, being againe set alone at supper, he called to the Ste∣ward, and desired him to tell him the matter of his suddaine alteration: who after some trifling excuses, in the ende confessed vnto him, that his maister had receiued newes, that his sonne before the daie of his neere marriage, chaunst to bee at a [ 20] battaile, which was to bee fought betweene the Gentlemenne of Lacedaemon and the Helots: who winning the victorie, he was there made prisoner, going to deli∣uer a friend of his taken prisoner by the Helots; that the poore young Gentleman had offered great raunsome for his life: but that the hate those paysaunts conceaued a∣gaynst all Gentlemen was such, that euerye houre hee was to looke for no∣thinge, [ 25] but some cruell death: which hether-vnto had onelye beene delay∣ed by the Captaines vehement dealing for him, who seemed to haue a hart of more manlie pittie then the rest. Which losse had stricken the old Gentleman with such sorrowe, as if abundance of teares did not seeme sufficiently to wit∣nesse it, hee was alone retyred, tearing his bearde and hayre, and cursing his olde [ 30] age, that had not made his graue to stoppe his eares from such aduertise∣mentes: but that his faithfull seruantes had written in his name to all his friendes followers, and tennants (Philanax the gonernour refusing to deale in it as a priuate cause, but yet geuing leaue to seeke their best redresse, so as they, wronged not the state of Lacedaemon) of whom there were nowe gathered vp∣on [ 35] the frontiers good forces, that he was sure would spende their liues by any way, to redeeme or reuenge Clitophon. Now sir (saide hee) this is my maysters nature, though his grief be such, as to liue is a griefe vnto him, & that euen his reason is dark∣ned with sorrow; yet the lawes of hospitalitie (long and holily obserued by him) giue still such a sway to his proceeding, that he will no waie suffer the straunger lod∣ged [ 40] vnder his roofe, to receyue (as it were) any infection of his anguish, especi∣ally you, toward whom I know not whether his loue, or admiration bee greater. But Palladius could scarce heare out his tale with patience: so was his heart torne in peeces with compassion of the case, liking of Kalanders noble behauiour, kinde∣nesse for his respect to him-warde, and desire to finde some remedie, beesides the [ 45] image of his deerest friend Daiphantus, whom he iudged to suffer eyther alike or a worse fortune. Therefore rising from the boorde, hee desired the stewarde to tell

him particularly, the ground and euent of this accident, because by knowledge of many circumstances, there might perhaps some waie of helpe be opened. Where∣unto the Steward easilie in this sorte condiscended.

My Lorde (said he) when our good king Basilius, with better successe then expectati∣on, [ 5] tooke to wife (euen in his more then decaing yeares) the faire younge Princes Gynccia; there came with her a young Lord, cousin german to her selfe, named Argalus, led hether, partly with the loue and honour of his noble kinswoman, partlie with the humour of youth, which euer thinkes that good, whose goodnes hee sees not: & in this court he receiued so good increase of knowledge, that after some years spēt, [ 10] he so manifested a most vertuous mind in all his actions, that Arcadia gloried such a plant was transported vnto them, being a Gentleman in deede most rarely ac∣complished, excellentlie learned, but without all vayne glorie: friendly, with∣out factiousnes: valiaunt, soe as for my part I thincke the earth hath no manne that hath done more heroicall actes then hee; howsoeuer now of late the same [ 15] flies of the two princes of Thessalia and Macedon, and hath long doone of our noble prince Amphialus: who indeed, in our partes is onely accounted likely to match him: but I say for my parte, I thinke no man for valour of minde, and habilitie of bodie to be preferred, if equalled to Argalus; and yet so valiant as he neuer durst doe any bodie iniurie: in behauiour some will say euer sadde, surely sober, and somewhat giuen to musing, but neuer vncourteous; his worde euer ledde [ 20] by his thought, and followed by his deede; rather liberall then magnificent, though the one wanted not, and the other had euer good choise of the recei∣uer: in summe (for I perceiue I shall easily take a great draughte of his praises, whom both I and all this countrie loue so well) such a man was (and I hope is) Argalus, [ 25] as hardly the nicest eye can finde a spot in, if the ouer-vehement constancie of yet spotles affection, may not in hard wrested constructions be counted a spot: which in this manner began that worke in him, which hath made both him, and it selfe in him, ouer all this countrie famous. My maisters sonne Chlitophon (whose losse giues the cause to this discourse, and yet giues me cause to beginne with Arga∣lus. [ 30] since his losse proceedes from Argalus) being a young Gentleman, as of great birth (being our kings sisters sonne) so truely of good nature, and one that can see good and loue it, haunted more the companie of this worthie Argalus, then of any other: so as if there were not a friendship (which is so rare, as it is to bee doubted whether it bee a thing in deede ••or but a worde) at least there was such [ 35] a likeing and friendlines, as hath brought foorth the effectes which you shall heare. About two years since, it so fell out, that hee brought him to a great La∣dies house, sister to my maister, who had with her, her onely daughter, the faire Parthenia; faire in deede (fame I thinke it selfe daring not to call any fairer, if it be not Helena queene of Corinth and the two incomparable sisters of Arcadia) and that [ 40] which made her fairenesse much the fairer, was, that it was but a faire embas∣sadour of a most faire minde, full of wit, and a wit which deliteth more to iudge it selfe, then to shew it selfe: herspeech being as rare as pretious; her silence without fullennesle; her modestie without affectation; her shamefastnes without igno∣rance: in summe, one, that to praise well, one must first set downe with himselfe, [ 45] what it is to be excellent: for so shee is.

I thinke you thinke, that these perfections meeting, could not choose but find one another, and delight in that they found; for likenes of manners is likely in rea∣son

to drawe liking with affection. mens actions doo not alwayes crosse with rea∣son: to beshorte, it did so in deed. They loued, though for a while the fire ther∣of (hopes wings being cut of) were blowē by the bellows of dispaire vpō this ocasiō.

There had beene a good while before, and so continued, a suter to this same la∣dy, [ 5] a great noble man, though of Laconia, yet neere nieghbour to Parthenias mother, named Demagoras: A man mightie in riches & power, and proude thereof, stub∣bornly stout, louing no bodie but him selfe, and for his owne delights sake Parthenia: and pursuing vehemently his desire, his riches had guilded ouer all his other imperfections, that the olde Ladie (though contrarie to my Lord her brothers [ 10] minde) had giuen her consent; and vsing a mothers authoritie vppon her faire daughter, had made her yeeld therunto, not because shee liked her choice but because her obedient minde had not yet taken vpon it to make choice; and the daie of their assurance drew neere, when my yonge lord Clitophon brought this noble Argalus, perchaunce principallie to see so rare a sight, as Parthenia by all [ 15] well iudging eyes was iudged.

But though fewe dayes were before the time of assurance appointed, yet loue that sawe hee had a great iourney to make in short time, hasted so him selfe, that before her word coulde tie her to Demagoras, her hart had vowed her to Argalus, with so gratefull a receipte in mutuall affection, that if shee desired above all [ 20] thinges to haue Argalus, Argalus feared nothing but to misse Parthenia. And now Parthenia had learned bothe lyking and misliking, louing and lothing, and out of passion began to take the authoritie of iudgement; in so much, that when the time came that Demagoras (ful of proude ioye) though to receaue the gift of her own self, shee with woordes of resolute refusal (though•• with teares shewing she was so∣rie [ 25] shee must refuse) assured her mother, shee woulde first be bedded in her graue, then wedded to Demagoras. The chaunge was no more strange, then vnpleasant to the mother: who beeyng determynatelye (least I shoulde saye of a greate La∣die wilfully) bent to mary her to Demagoras, tryed all waies which a wittie and hard harted mother coulde vse, vppon so humble a daughter: in whome the onely [ 30] resisting power was loue. But the more shee assaulted, the more shee taught Par∣thenia to defende: and the more Parthenia defended, the more shee made her mo∣ther obstinate in the assault: who at the length finding, that Argalus standing be∣tweene them, was it that moste eclipsed her affection from shining vpon Demagoras, she sought al means how to remoue him, so much the more, as he manifested himself [ 35] an vnremoueable suiter to her daughter: first, by employing him in as many dange∣rous enterprises, as euer the euil stepmother Iuno recommended to the famous Her∣cules: but the more his vertue was tryed, the more pure it grewe, while all the things she did to ouerthrowe him, did set him vp vpon the hight of honour; inough to haue mooued her harte, especially to a man euery way so worthy as Argalus: but [ 40] she strugling against all reason, because she would haue her wil and shew her authori∣tie in matching her with Demagoras, the more vertuous Argalus was, the more shee hated him: thinking her self conquered in his conquestes, and therfore stil imploy∣ing him in more & more dangerous attempts: in the meane while, shee vsed all extre∣mities possible vpon her faire daughter, to make her giue ouer herselfe to her directi∣ō. [ 45] But it was hard to iudge, whether he in doeing, or she in suffering, shewed grea∣ter constancie of affection: for, as to Argalus the world sooner wanted occasions, then he valour to goe thorow them; so to Parthenia, malice sooner ceased, then

her vnchanged patience. Lastly, by treasons, Demagoras and she would haue made away Argalus: but he with prouidence and courage so past ouer all, that the mother tooke such a spitefull greefe at it, that her hart brake withall, and she died.

But then, Demagoras assuring him selfe, that now Parthenia was her owne, shee [ 5] would neuer be hit, and receiuing as much by her owne determinate answere, not more desiring his owne happines, then enuying Argalus, whom he saw with nar∣row eyes, euen ready to enioy the perfection of his desires; strengthning his con∣ceite with all the mischieuous counsels which disdained loue, and enuious pride could geue vnto him; the wicked wretch (taking a time that Argalus was gone to [ 10] his countrie, to fetch some of his principall frendes to honour the mariage, which Parthenia had most ioyfully consented vnto,) the wicked Demagoras (I say) desiring to speake with her, with vnmercifull force, (her weake armes in vaine resisting) rubd all ouer her face a most horrible poyson: the effect whereof was such, that neuer leaper lookt more vgly then shee did: which done, hauing his men & horses ready, [ 51] departed away in spite of her seruants, as ready to reuenge as they could be, in such an vnexpected mischiefe. But the abhominablenes of this fact being come to my L•• Kalander, he made such meanes, both by our kings intercession, and his owne, that by the king, & Senat of Lacedaemon, Demagoras was vpon paine of death, banished the countrie: who hating the punishment, where hee should haue hated the fault, [ 20] ioynde himselfe, with all the powers he could make, vnto the Helots, lately in rebelli∣on against that state: and they (glad to haue a man of such authority among them) made him their general: and vnder him haue committed diuers the most outragious villanies, that a base multitude (full of desperate reuenge) can imagine.

But within a while after this pitifull fact committed vpon Parthenia, Argalus re∣turned [ 25] (poore gentleman) hauing her faire image in his heart, and alredy promising his eies the vttermost of his felicitie, when they (no bodie els daring to tell it him) weare the first messengers to themselues of their owne misfortune. I meane not to mooue passions with telling you the greefe of both, when hee knew her, for at first he did not, nor at first knowledge could possibly haue vertues aide so [ 30] ready, as not euen weakly to lament the losse of such a iewell, so much the more, as that skilfull men in that arte assured it was vnrecouerable: but within a while, trueth of loue (which still held the first face in his memorie) a vertuous constancie, and e∣uen a delight to be constant, faith giuen, and inward worthines shining through the foulest mistes, tooke so full holde of the noble Argalus, that not onely in such com∣fort [ 35] which witty arguments may bestow vpon aduersitie, but euen with the most a∣boundant kindnesse that an eye rauished louer can expresse, hee lauboured but to driue the extremitie of sorow from her, & to hasten the celebration of their mariage: wherunto he vnfainedly shewed himselfe no lesse cherefully earnest, then if she had neuer beene disinherited of that goodly portion, which nature had so liberally be∣queathed [ 40] vnto her: and for that cause deferred his intended reuenge vpon Demago∣ras, because he might continually be in her presence; shewing moe humble seruice∣ablenes, and ioy to content her, then euer before.

But as he gaue this rare ensample, not to be hoped for of any other, but of an other Argalus: so of the other side, she tooke as strange a course in affection: for, where she [ 45] desired to enioy him, more then to liue; yet did shee ouerthrow both her owne de∣sire•• and his, and in no sorte would yeeld to marry him; with a strange encounter of loues a••fects, and effects, that he by an affection sprong from excessiue beautie, should delight in horrible foulnesse; & she, of a vehement desire to haue him, should

kindely buyld a resolution neuer to haue him: for trueth is, that so in heart she loued him, as she could not finde in her heart he should be tied to what was vnworthy of his presence.

Truely Sir, a very good Orator might haue a fayre fielde to vse eloquence in, if he did but onely repeate the lamentable, & truely affectionated speeches, while he [ 5] coniured her by remembrance of her affection, & true oathes of his owne affection, not to make him so vnhappie, as to thinke hee had not onely lost her face, but her hart; that her face, when it was fayrest, had beene but as a marshal, to lodge the loue of her in his minde; which now was so well placed, as it needed no further help of any outward harbinger: beseeching her, euen with teares, to knowe, that his loue [ 10] was not so superficial, as to go no further then the skin; which yet now to him was most faire, since it was hers: how could hee bee so vngratefull, as to loue her the lesse for that which she had onely receiued for his sake? that he neuer beheld it, but therein he saw the louelines of her loue towarde him: protesting vnto her, that hee would neuer take ioy of his life, if he might not enioy her, for whom principally he [ 15] was glad he had life. But (as I heard by one that ouerheard them) shee (wringing him by the hand) made no other answere but this: my Lord (said she) God knowes I loue you: if I were Princesse of the whole world, and had withal, all the blessings that euer the world brought forth, I should not make delay, to lay my selfe, and them vnder your feete: or if I had continued but ••s I was, though (I must confesse) far vn∣worthy [ 20] of you, yet would I, (with too great a ioy for my hart to think of) haue ac∣cepted your vouchsafing me to be yours, and with faith and obedience would haue supplied all other defects. But first let me bee much more miserable then I am, ere I match Argalus to such a Parthenia: Liue happy, deare Argalus, I geue you ful liber∣tie, and I beseech you take it; and I assure you I shall reioyce (whatsoeuer become of [ 25] me) to see you so coupled, as may be fitte, both for your honor, & satisfaction. With that she burst out in crying and weeping, not able longer to conteine her selfe from blaming her fortune, and wishing her owne death.

But Argalus with a most heauie heart still pursuing his desire, she fixt of minde to auoid further intreatie, and to flie all companie; which (euen of him) grew vnplea∣sant [ 30] vnto her; one night she stole away: but whether, as yet is vnknowen, or in deed what is become of her.

Argalus sought her long, and in many places: at length (despairing to finde her, and the more he despaired, the more enraged) weerie of his life, but first deter∣mining to bee reuenged of Demagoras, he went alone disguysed into the cheefe [ 35] towne held by the Helots: where comming into his presence, garded about by many of his souldiers, he could delay his fury no longer for a fitter time: but setting vpon him, in despight of a great many that helped him, gaue him diuers mortall wounds, and him selfe (no question) had been there presently murthered, but that Demagoras himselfe desired he might bee kept aliue; perchaunce with intention to [ 40] feed his owne eyes with some cruell execution to bee layd vpon him, but death came soner then he lookt for; yet hauing had leisure to appoint his successor, a yong man, not long before deliuered out of the prison of the King of Lacedaemon, where he should haue suffered death for hauing slaine the kings Nephew: but him hee named, who at that time was absent, making roades vpon the Lacedaemonians, but [ 45] Being returned, the rest of the Helots, for the great liking they conceiued of that yongman, especially because they had none among themselues to whom the others

would yeeld) were content to follow Demagoras apppointment. And wel hath it suc∣ceded with thē, he hauing since done things beyond the hope of the yongest heads of whom I speake the rather, because he hath hetherto pre••erued Argalus aliue, vn∣der pretence to haue him publiquelie, and with exquisite tormentes executed, [ 5] after the ende of these warres, of which, they hope for a soone and prosperous issue.

And he hath likewise hetherto kept my young Lord Clitophon aliue, who (to re∣deeme his friend) went with certaine other noble-men of Laconia, and forces gathe∣red by them, to besiege this young and new successor: but hee issuing out (to the [ 10] wonder of all men) defeated the Laconians, slew many of the noble-men, and tooke Clitophon prisoner, whom with much a doo he keepeth aliue: the Helots being villa∣nously cruel; but he tempereth them so sometimes by following their humor, some∣times by striuing with it, that hetherto hee hath saued both their liues, but in diffe∣rent estates; Argalus being kept in a close & hard prison, Clitophon at some libertie. [ 15] And now Sir, though (to say the truth) we can promise our selues litle of their safe∣ties, while they are in the Helots handes, I haue deliuered all I vnderstande touching the losse of my Lords sonne, and the cause thereof: which, though it was not neces∣sarie to Clitophons case, to be so particularly told, yet the strangenes of it, made mee think it would not be vnplesant vnto you.

[ 20] Palladius thanked him greatly for it, being euen passionatly delighted with hea∣ring so straunge an accident of a knight so famous ouer the world, as Argalus, with whome he had him selfe a long desire to meete: so had fame poured a noble emula∣tion in him, towardes him.

But thē (well bethinking himselfe) he called for armour, desiring them to prouide [ 25] him of horse & guide, and armed all sauing the head, he wēt vp to Kalāder, whom he found lying vpō the groūd, hauing euersince banished both sleepe and foode, as enemies to the mourning which passion perswaded him was reasonable. But Pal∣ladius raysed him vp, saying vnto him: No more, no more of this, my Lord Kalan∣der; let vs labour to finde, before wee lament the losse: you knowe my selfe misse [ 30] one, who though he be not my sonne, I would disdayne the fauour of life after him: but while there is hope left, let not the weaknes of sorrow, make the strength of it languish: take comfort, and good successe wil follow. And with those wordes, comfort seemed to lighten in his eyes, and that in his face and gesture was painted victorie. Once, Kallanders spirits were so reuiued withall, that (receiuing some suste∣nance, [ 35] and taking a little rest) he armed himselfe, & those few of his seruants•• hee had left vnsent, and so himselfe guided Palladius to the place vpon the frontiers: where alredy there were assembled betwene three and four thousand men, all wel disposed (for Kalanders sake) to abide any perill: but like men disused with a long peace, more determinate to doo, then skilfull how to doo: lusty bodies, and braue armours: [ 40] with such courage, as rather grew of despising their enimies, whom they knew not, then of any confidence for any thing; which in them selues they knewe; but nei∣ther cunning vse of their weapons, nor arte shewed in their marching, or in cāping. Which Palladius soone perceiuing, he desired to vnderstand (as much as could bee deliuered vnto him) the estate of the Helots.

[ 45] And he was answered by a man well acquainted with the affaires of Laconia, that they were a kinde of people, who hauing beene of olde, freemen and possessi∣oners,

the Lacedaemonians had conquered them, and layd, not onely tribute, but bondage vpon them: which they had long borne: till of late the Lacedaemonians through greedinesse growing more heauie then they could beare, and through con∣tempt lesse carefull howe to make them beare, they had with a generall consent (rather springing by the generalnes of the cause, then of any artificiall practise) set [ 5] themselues in armes, and whetting their courage with reuenge, and grounding their resolution vpon despaire, they had proceeded with vnlooked-for succes: hauing alredy taken diuers Towns & Castels, with the slaughter of many of the gē∣trie; for whom no sex nor age could be accepted for an excuse. And that although at the first they had fought rather with beastly furie, then any souldierly discipline, [ 10] practise had now made them comparable to the best of the Lacedaemonians and more of late then euer; by reason, first of Demagoras a great Lorde, who had made him selfe of their partie, and since his death, of an other Captaine they had gotten, who had brought vp their ignorance, and brought downe their furie, to such a meane of good gouernment, and withall led them so valourouslie, that (besides the [ 15] time wherein Clitophon was taken) they had the better in some other great conflicts: in such wise, that the estate of Lacedaemon had sent vnto them, offering peace with most reasonable and honorable conditions. Palladius hauing gotten this gene∣rall knowledge of the partie against whom, as he had already of the partie for whom hee was to fight, he went to Kalander, and tolde him plainlie, that by playne force [ 20] there was small apparaunce of helping Clitophon: but some deuice was to bee ta∣ken in hande, wherein no lesse discretion then valour was to bee vsed.

Whereupon, the counsel of the cheefe men was called, and at last, this way Pal∣ladius (who by some experience, but especiallie by reading Histories, was ac∣quainted with stratagemes) inuented, and was by all the rest approoued: that [ 25] all the men there shoulde dresse themselues like the poorest sorte of the people in Arcadia, hauing no banners, but bloudie shirtes hanged vpon long staues, with some bad bagge pipes in stead of drumme and fife, their armour they shoulde aswell as might bee, couer, or at least make them looke so rustilie, and ill-fauou∣redly as might wel become such wearers; and this the whole number shoulde doo, [ 30] sauing two hundred of the best chosen Gentlemen, for courage and strength, whereof Palladius him selfe would be one, who should haue their armes chayned, and be put in cartes like prisoners. This being performed according to the agree∣ment, they marched on towardes the towne of Cardamila where Clitophon was cap∣tiue; and beeing come two houres beefore Sunne-set within viewe of the walles, [ 35] the Helots alreadie descrying their number, and beginning to sound the Alla∣rum, they sent a cunning fellow, (so much the cunninger as that hee could maske it vnder rudenes) who with such a kinde of Rhetorike, as weeded out all flowers of Rhetorike, deliuered vnto the Helots assembled together, that they were coun∣trie people of Arcadia, no lesse oppressed by their Lords, and no lesse desirous of liber∣ty [ 40] then they, and therfore had put themselues in the field, & had alreadie (besides a great number slain) taken nine or ten skore Gentlemē prisoners whō they had there well and fast chained. Now because they had no strong retiring place in Arcadia, & were not yet of number enough to keepe the fielde against their Princes forces they were come to them for succour; knowing, that daily more & more of their qua∣litie [ 45] would flock vnto them. but that in the mean time, lest their Prince should pur∣sue

them, or the Lacedaemonian King and Nobilitie (for the likenes of the cause) fall vpon them, they desired that if there were not roome enough for them in the town, that yet they might encampe vnder the walles, and for surety haue their prisoners (who were such men as were euer able to make their peace) kept within the towne.

[ 5] The Helots made but a short cōsultatiō, being glad that their contagiō had spread it selfe into Arcadia, and making account that if the peace did not fall out betweene them and their King, that it was the best way to set fire in all the partes of Greece; be∣sides their greedinesse to haue so many Gentlemen in their handes, in whose raun∣somes they alreadie meant to haue a share; to which hast of concluding, two [ 10] thinges well helped; the one, that their Captaine with the wisest of them, was at that time absent about confirming or breaking the peace, with the state of Lacedae∣mon: the second, that ouer-many good fortunes began to breede a proude reck∣lesnesse in them: therefore sending to view the campe, and finding that by their speach they were Arcadians, with whom they had had no warre, neuer suspecting [ 15] a priuate mans credite could haue gathered such a force, and that all other tokens witnessed them to bee of the lowest calling (besides the chaines vpon the Gentle∣men) they graunted not onely leaue for the prisoners, but for some others of the companie, and to all, that they might harbour vnder the walles. So opened they the gates, and receiued in the carts; which being done, and Palladius seeing fit time, [ 20] hee gaue the signe, and shaking of their chaynes, (which were made with such arte, that though they seemed most stronge and fast, hee that ware them might easi∣ly loose them) drew their swordes hidden in the cartes, and so setting vpon the warde, made them to flie eyther from the place, or from their bodies, and so gaue entrie to all the force of the Arcadians before the Helots could make any head to re∣sist [ 25] them.

But the Helots being men hardened against daungers, gathered (as well as they coulde) together in the market place, and thence woulde haue giuen a shrewd welcome to the Arcadians, but that Palladius (blaming those that were slowe, hart∣ning them that were forward, but especially with his owne ensample leading them) [ 30] made such an impression into the squadron of the Helots, that at first the great bodie of them beginning to shake, and stagger; at length, euerie particular bodie re∣commended the protection of his life to his feete, Then Kalander cried to goe to the prison, where he thought his sonne was, but Palladius wisht him (first scouring the streates) to house all the Helots, and make themselues maisters of the gates,

[ 35] But ere that could bee accomplished, the Helots had gotten new heart, and with diuers sortes of shot from corners of streates, and house windowes, galled them; which courage was come vnto them by the returne of their Captaine; who though he brought not many with him (hauing disperst most of his companies to other of his holds) yet meeting a great number running out of the gate, not yet possest by the [ 40] Arcadians, he made them turne face, and with banners displayed, his Trumpet gaue the lowdest testimonie he could of his returne, which once heard the rest of the He∣lots which were otherwise scattered, bent thetherwarde, with a newe life of resolu∣tion: as if their Captaine had beene a roote, out of which (as into braunches) their courage had sprong. Then beganne the fight to grow most sharpe, and the en∣counters [ 45] of more cruell obstinacie. The Arcadians fighting to keepe that they had wonne, the Helots to recouer what they had lost. The Arcadians, as in an vn∣knowne place, hauing no succour but in their hands; the Helots, as in their own place

fighting for their liuings, wiues & children. There was victorie and courage against reuenge and dispaire: safety of both sides being no otherwise to bee gotten, but by destruction.

At length, the left winge of the Arcadians began to loose ground; which Palladius seeing, he streight thrust himselfe with his choise bande against the throng that op∣pressed [ 5] them, with such an ouerflowing of valour, that the Captaine of the Helots (whose eies soone iudged of that wherewith themselues were gouerned) sawe that he alone was worth al the rest of the Arcadians. Which he so wondred at, that it was hard to say, whether he more liked his doings, or misliked the effects of his doings: but determining that vpon that cast the game lay, and disdaining to fight with any o∣ther, [ 10] sought onely to ioine with him: which minde was no lesse in Palladius, hauing easily marked, that he was as the first mouer of all the other handes. And so their thoughts meeting in one point, they consented (though not agreed) to trie each o∣thers fortune: and so drawing themselues to be the vttermost of the one side, they began a combat, which was so much inferior to the battaile in noise and number, as [ 15] it was surpassing it in brauery of fighting, and (as it were) delightfull terriblenes. Their courage was guided with skill, and their skill was armed with courage; neither did their hardinesse darken their witte, nor their witte coole their hardines: both va∣liant, as men despising death; both confident, as vnwonted to bee ouercome; yet doubtefull by their present feeling, and respectfull by what they had already seene. [ 20] Their feete stedy, their hands diligent, their eyes watchfull, and their harts resolute. The partes either not armed, or weakly armed, were well knowen, and according to the knowledge should haue bene sharpely visited, but that the aunswere was as quicke as the obiection. Yet some lighting; the smart bred rage, and the rage bred smarte againe: till both sides beginning to wax faint, and rather desirous to die ac∣companied, [ 25] then hopefull to liue victorious, the Captaine of the Helots with a blow, whose violence grew of furie, not of strength, or ofstrength proceeding of furie, strake Palladius vpon the side of the head, that hee reelde astonied: and with all the helmet fell off, he remayning bare headed: but other of the Arcadians were redie to shield him from any harme might rise of that nakednes. [ 30]

But little needed it, for his chiefe enemie in steed of pursuing that aduauntage, kneeled downe, offering to deliuer the pommell of his sworde, in token of yeelding, with all speaking aloud vnto him, that he thought it more libertie to be his prisoner, then any others generall. Palladius standing vpon himselfe, and misdoubting some craft, and the Helots (that were next their captaine) wauering betweene looking for [ 35] some stratageme, or fearing treason, What, saide the captaine, hath Palladius forgot∣ten the voice of Daiphantus?

By that watche worde Palladius knew that it was his onely friende Pyrocles, whom he had lost vpon the Sea, and therefore both most full of wonder, so to bee mett, if they had not bene fuller of ioye then wonder, caused the retraite to bee sounded, [ 40] Daiphantus by authoritie and Palladius by persuasion; to which helped well the little aduantage that was of eyther side: and that of the Helots partie their Captaines beha∣uiour had made as many amazed as sawe or heard of it: and of the Arcadian side the good olde Kalander striuing more then his old age could atchiue, was newly taken prisoner. But in deede the chiefe parter of the fraye was the night, which with her [ 54] blacke armes pulled their malicious sightes one from the other. But he that tooke Kalander, meant nothing lesse then to saue him, but onelie so long, as the Captaine

might learne the enemies secrets: towardes whom he led the old Gentleman, when hee caused the retreit to bee sounded: looking for no other deliuerie from that captiuitie, but by the painefull taking away of all paine: when whome should hee see nexte to the Captaine (with good tokens how valiantly hee had fought that [ 5] daie against the Arcadians) but his sonne Clitophon? But now the Captaine had caused all the principall Helots to bee assembled, as well to deliberate what they had to do, as to receiue a message from the Arcadians; Among whom Palladius ver∣tue (besides the loue Kalander bare him) hauing gotten principall authoritie, hee had persuaded them to seeke rather by parley to recouer the Father and the Sonne, then [ 10] by the sworde: since the goodnes of the Captaine assured him that way to speede, and his value (wherewith hee was of old acquainted) made him thinke any other way dangerous. This therefore was donne in orderly manner, giuing them to vn∣derstand, that as they came but to deliuer Clitophon, so offering to leaue the foo∣ting, they already had in the towne, to goe away without any further hurte, so as [ 15] they might haue the father, and the sonne without raunsome deliuered. Which con∣ditions beyng heard and conceaued by the Helots, Daiphantus perswaded them without delay to accept them. For first (sayd he) since the strife is within our owne home, if you loose, you loose all that in this life can bee deare vnto you: if you winne, it will be a blouddy victorie with no profite, but the flattering in our selues [ 20] that same badde humour of reuenge. Besides, it is like to stirre Arcadia vppon vs, which nowe, by vsing these persons wel, maie bee brought to some amitie. Lastly but especially, least the king and nobility of Laconia (with whom now wee haue made a perfect peace) should hope by occasiō of this quarrell to ioyne the Arcadi∣ans with them, and so breake of the profitable agreement alreadie concluded. In [ 25] summe, as in all deliberations (waying the profit of the good successe with the harme of the euill successe) you shall finde this way most safe and honorable.

The Helots asmuch moued by his authoritie, as perswaded by his reasons, were content therewith. Whereupon, Palladius tooke order that the Arcadians shoulde presently march out of the towne, taking with them their prisoners, while the night [ 30] with mutuall diffidence might keepe them quiet, and ere day came they might be well on of their way, and so auoid those accidents which in late enemies, a looke, a word, or a particular mans quarell might engender. This being on both sides concluded on, Kalander and Clitophon, who now (with infinite ioy did knowe each other) came to kisse the hands and feete of Daiphantus: Clitophon telling his fa∣ther, [ 35] how Daiphantus (not without danger to himselfe) had preserued him from the furious malice of the Helots: and euen that day going to conclude the peace (least in his absence he might receiue some hurt) he had taken him in his companie, and geuen him armour, vpon promise he should take the parte of the Helots; which he had in his fight perfourmed, little knowing that it was against his father: but (saide [ 40] Clitophon) here is he, who (as a father) hath new-begotten me, and (as a God) hath sa∣ued me from many deathes, which already laid hold on me: which Kalander with teares of ioy acknowledged (besides his owne deliuerance) onely his benefite. But Daiphanius, who loued doing well for it selfe, and not for thanks, brake of those ce∣remonies, desiring to know how Palladius (for so he called Musidorus) was come in∣to [ 45] that companie, and what his present estate was whereof receiuing a brief decla∣ratiō of Kalander, he sent him word by Clitophon, that he should not as now come vn∣to him, because he held himselfe not so sure a master of the Helots mindes, that hee

would aduenture him in their power, who was so welknowen with an vnfriendly acquaintce, but that he desired him to returne with Kalander, whether also he with∣in fewe dayes (hauing dispatched himselfe of the Helots) would repaire. Kalander would needes kisse his hand againe for that promise, protesting he would esteeme his house more blessed then a temple of the gods, if it had once receiued him. And [ 5] then desiring pardon for Argalus. Daiphantus assured them that hee would dye but hee would bring him, (though till then kept in close prison, indeede for his safetie, the Helots being so animated against him as els he could not haue liued) and so taking their leaue of him, Kalander, Clitophon, Palladius and the rest of the Arcadians swearing that they would no further in any sorte molest the Helots, [ 10] they straight way marched out of the towne, carying both their dead and wounded bodies with them; and by morning were already within the limits of Arcadia.

The Helots of the other side shutting their gates, gaue thēselus to burye their dead to cure their wounds, and rest their wearied bodies: til (the next day bestowing the cheerefull vse of the light vpon them) Daiphan••us making a generall conuocation [ 15] spake vnto them in this manner. We are first (said he) to thank the Gods, that (fur∣ther then wee had either cause to hope; or reason to imagine) haue deliuered vs out of this gulfe of daunger, wherein we were alredie swallowed. For all being lost, (had they not directed, my return so iust as they did) it had beene too late to reco∣uer that, which being had, we could not keepe. And had I not happened to know [ 20] one of the principal men among them, by which meanes the truce beganne be∣tweene vs, you may easily conceiue, what little reason we haue to think, but that either by some supplie out of Arcadia, or from the Nobilitie of this Country (who would haue made fruits of wisdom grow out of this occasion) we should haue had our power turned to ruine, our pride to repentance and sorrow. But now the [ 25] storme, as it fell, so it ceased: and the error committed, in retaining Clitophon more hardly then his age or quarrell deserued, becomes a sharply learned experience, to vse in other times more moderation.

Now haue I to deliuer vnto you the conclusion between the kings with the No∣bilitie of Lacedaemon, and you; which is in all points as your selues desired: aswell [ 30] for that you would haue graunted, as for the assurance of what is graunted. The Townes and Fortes you presently haue, are still left vnto you, to be kept either with or without garrison, so as you alter not the lawes of the Countrie, and pay such dueties as the rest of the Laconians doo: Your selues are made by publique decree, freemen, and so capable both to giue and receiue voice in election of [ 35] Magistrates. The distinction of names betweene Helots and Lacedaemonians to bee quite taken away, and all indifferently to enioy both names and priuiledges of La∣conians. Your children to be brought vp with theirs in the Spartane discipline: & so you (framing your selues to be good members of that estate) to bee hereafter fel∣lowes, and no longer seruants. [ 40]

Which conditions you see, cary in themselues no more contentation then assu¦rance. For this is not a peace which is made with them, but this is a peace by which you are made of them. Lastly a forgetfulnesse decreed of all what is past, they shew∣ing them selues glad to haue so valiant men as you are, ioyned with them•• so that you are to take mindes of peace, since the cause of war is finished; and as you ha∣ted [ 45] them before like oppressours, so now to loue them as brothers; to take care of their estate because it is yours, and to labour by vertuous doing, that the posteri∣tie

may not repent your ioyning. But now one Article onely they stoode vpon, which in the end I with your commissioners haue agreed vnto, that I shoulde no more tarry heere, mistaking perchance my humor, and thinking me as seditious as I am young, or els it is the king Amiclas procuring, in respect that it was my ill hap [ 5] to kill his nephew Eurileon; but how so euer it be; I haue condiscended. But so will not we cried almost the whole assemblie, councelling one an other, rather to try the vttermost euent, then to loose him by whom they had beene victorious. But he as well with generall orations, as particular dealing with the men of most credit, made them throughly see how necessary it was to preferre such an opportunity [ 10] before a vaine affection; but yet could not preuaile, till openly he sware, that he would (if at any time the Lacedaemonians brake this treatie) come back againe, and be their captaine.

So then after a few daies, setting them in perfect order, he tooke his leaue of them, whose eyes bad him farwell with teares, and mouthes with kissing the places [ 15] where he stept, and after making temples vnto him as to a demi-God: thinking it beyond the degree of humanitie to haue a witt so farre ouergoing his age, and such dreadfull terror proceed from so excellent beautie. But he for his sake obtained free pardon for Argalus, whom also (vpon oath neuer to beare armes against the Helots) he deliuered: and taking onely with him certaine principall Iewells of [ 20] his owne, he would haue parted alone with Argalus, (whose countenance well shewed, while Parthenia was lost he counted not himselfe deliuered) but that the whole multitude would needs gard him into Arcadia. Where again leauing them all to lament his departure, he by enquirie gotte to the well-knowne house of Ka∣lander: There was he receiued with louing ioye of Kalander, with ioyefull loue [ 25] of Palladius, with humble (though dolefull) demeanor of Argalus (whom specially both he and Palladius regarded) with gratefull seruisablenes of Clitophon, and honou∣rable admiration of all. For being now well veiwed to haue no haire of his face, to witnes him a man, who had done acts beyond the degree of a man, and to looke with a certaine almost b••shfull kinde of modestie, as if he feared the eyes [ 30] of men, who was vnmooued with sight of the most horrible countenaunces of death; and as if nature had mistaken her woorke to haue a Marses heart in a Cupids bodie: All that beheld him (and all that might behold him, did be∣hold him) made their eyes quicke messengers to their minds, that there they had seene the vttermost that in mankind might be seene. The like wonder Palladius had [ 35] before stirred, but that Daiphantus, as younger and newer come, had gotten now the aduantage in the moyst and ••icle impression of eye-sight. But while all men (sa∣uing poore Argalus) made the ioy of their eyes speake for their harts towardes Daiphantus: Fortune (that belike was bid to that banket, and ment then to playe the good fellow) brought a pleasant aduenture among them. It was that as they had [ 40] newly dined, there came in to Kalander a messenger, that brought him word, a yong noble Lady, neere kinswoman to the faire Helen Queene of Corinth; was come thi∣ther, and desired to be lodged in his house. Kalander (most glad of such an occasion-went out, and all his other worthie guests with him, sauing onely Argalus, who remained in his chamber, desirous that this company were once broken vp, that [ 45] he might goe in his solitarie quest after Parthen••a. But when they met this Lady; Ka∣lander streight thought hee sawe his neece Parthenea, and was about in such fa∣miliar

sorte to haue spoken vnto her: But shee in graue aud honorable manner giuing him to vnderstande that he was mistaken, he halfe ashamed excused him∣selfe with the exceeding likenes was between them, though in deede it seemed that this Lady was of the more pure and daintie complexion; shee saide, it might very well bee, hauing beene many times taken one for another. But assoon as [ 5] she was brought into the house, before she would rest her, she desired to speak with Argalus publickly, who she heard was in the house. Argalus came hastilie, and as ha∣stilie thought as Kalander had done, with sodaine chaunges of ioye into sor∣row. But she when she had staide their thoughts with telling them her name, and qualitie in this sorte spake vnto him. My Lord Argalus, sayd she, being of late left [ 10] in the Court of Queene Helen of Corinth, as chiefe in her absence (she being vpon some occasion gone thence) there came vnto me the Lady Parthenia. so disfigured, as I think Greece hath nothing so ougly to behold. For my part, it was many daies, before with vehement oathes, and some good proofes, she could make me think that she was Parthenia. Yet at last finding certainlye it was she, and greatly [ 15] pitying her misfortune, so much the more, as that all men had euer tolde me (as now you doo) of the great likenes between vs, I tooke the best care I could of her: and of her vnderstood the whole tragicall historie•• of her vndeserued aduenture: and therewithall, of that most noble constancie in you my Lord Argalus: which whosoeuer loues not, shewes himself to be a hater of vertue, and vnworthy to liue [ 20] in the societie of mankind. But no outwarde cherishing could salue the inwarde sore of her minde, but a few dayes since she died: before her death earnestly desi∣ring, and perswading me, to thinke of no husbande but of you; as of the onely man in the worlde worthie to be loued, with-al she gaue me this Ring to deliuer you; desiring you, & by the authoritie of loue commanding you, that the affection you [ 25] bare her you should turne to me: assuring you, that nothing can please her soule more, then to see you and me matched together. Nowe my L. though this office be not (perchance) sutable to my estate nor sex, who should rather looke to be desired; yet, an extraordinarie desert requires an extraordinarie proceeding: and therefore I am come (with faithfull loue built vppon your worthines) to offer my selfe and to [ 30] beseech you to accept the offer: & if these noble gentlemen present will say it is great folly, let thē withall, say it is great loue. And then she staid, earnestly attending Arga∣lus his answere, who first making most hartie sighes do such obsequies as he could, to Parthenia thus answered her.

Madame (said he) infinitly am I bound vnto you, for this, no more rare then [ 35] noble courtesie; but most bound for the goodnes I perceiue you shewed to the lady Parthenia, (with that the teares ranne downe his eyes; but he followed on) and as much as so vnfortunate a man, fitte to be the spectacle of miserie, can doo you seruice; determine you haue made a purchase of a slaue (while I liue) neuer to faile you. But this great matter you propose vnto me, wherin I am not so blinde as [ 40] not to se what happines it should be vnto me; Excellent Ladie, know, that if my hart were mine to giue, you before all other, should haue it; but Parthenias it is though dead: there I began, there I end all matter of affection: I hope I shall not longe tarry after her, with whose beautie if I had onely beene in loue, I should be so with [ 45] you, who haue the same beautie: but it was Parthenias selfe Lloued, and loue; which no likenes can make one; no commandemēt dissolue, no foulnes defile, nor no death finish. And shall I receiue (said shee) such disgrace, as to be refused? Noble Ladie

(saide he) let not that harde word be vsed; who know your exceeding worthinesse farre beyond my desert: but it is onely happines I refufe, since of the onely hap∣pines I could and can desire, I am refused.

He had scarce spoken those words, when shee ranne to him, and imbracing him, [ 5] Why then Argalus (said she) take thy Parthenia; and Parthenia it was in deede. But because sorow forbad him too soon to beleeue, she told him the trueth, with all circumstances; how being parted alone, meaning to die in some solitarie place, as she hapned to make her complaint, the Queene Helen of Corinth, (who likewise felt her part of miseries) being then walking also alone in that lonely place, hearde her [ 10] and neuer lefte, till she had knowen the whole discourse. Which the noble Queene greatly pitying, she sent her to a Phisition of hers the most excellent man in the world, in hope he could helpe her: which in such sort as they saw he had perfourmed, and shee taking with her of the Queenes seruants, thought yet to make this triall, [ 15] whether he would quickly forget his true Parthenia, or no. Her speach was con∣firmed by the Corinthian Gentlemen, who before had kept her councell, and Ar∣galus easily perswaded to what more then ten thousand yeares of life he desired: and Kalander would needes haue the mariage celebrated in his house, principallie the longer to holde his deare guestes, towardes whom he was now (besides his [ 20] owne habite of hospitallitie) carried with loue and dutie: & therefore omitted no seruice that his wit could inuent, and his power minister.

But no way he sawe he could so much pleasure them as by leauing the two friends alone, who being shruncke aside to the banqueting house where the pictures were; there Palladius recounted vnto him, that after they had btahbādōed the burnīg ship (& either of them taken some thing vnder him the better to support him to the [ 25] shore) he knew not how, but either with ouer-labouring in the fight and soddaine colde, or the to much receiuing of salt water, he was past him selfe: but yet holding fast (as the nature of dying men is to do) the chest that was vnder him, he was cast on the sandes, where he was taken vp by a couple of shepeheards, and by them [ 30] brought to life againe, and kept from drowning himselfe, when he despaired of his safetie. How after hauing failed to take him into the fisher boate, he had by the shepherds perswasion come to this Gentlemans house; where being daunge∣rouslie sicke, he had yeelded to seeke the recouerie of health, onely for that he might the sooner goe seeke the deliuerie of Pyrocles: to which purpose Kalander by [ 35] some friends of his in Messena, had alreadie set a ship or two abroad, when this ac∣cident of Clitophons taking had so blessedly procured their meeting. Then did he setfoorth vnto him the noble intertainment and carefull cherishing of Kalander to∣wards him, & so vpon occasion of the pictures present deliuered with the franknes of a friendes tongue, as neere as he could, word by word what Kalander had told him touching the strange storie (with all the particularities belonging) of Arcadia, [ 40] which did in many sortes so delight Pyrocles to heare; that he would needes haue much of it againe repeated, and was not contented till Kalander himselfe had an∣swered him diuers questions.

But first at Musidorus request, though in briefe manner, his mind much runn∣ing [ 45] vpon the strange storie of Arcadia, he did declare by what course of aduentures he was com to make vp their mutuall happines in meeting. When (cosin said he) we had stript our selues, and were both leapt into the Sea, and swom a litle toward the

shoare, I found by reason of some wounds I had, that I should not be able to get the lande, and therefore turned backe againe to the most of the shippe, where you found me, assuring my selfe, that if you came aliue to shore, you woulde seeke me; if you were lost, as I thought it as good to perishe as to liue, so that place as good to perish in as an other. There I found my sworde among some of the [ 5] shrowds, wishing (I must confesse) if I died to bee found with that in my hande, and withall wauing it about my head, that saylers by might haue the better glimpse of me. There you missing mee, I was taken vp by Pyrates, who putting me vnder boorde prisoner, presentlie sett vppon another shippe, and maintey∣ning a long fight, in the ende, put them all to the sworde. Amongst whom [ 10] I might heare them greatlie prayse one younge man, who fought most valiantlie, whom (as loue is carefull, and misfortune subiect to doubtfulnes) I thought certainely to bee you. And so holding you as dead, from that time till the time I sawe you, it trueth I sought nothing more then a noble ende, which per∣chaunce made me more hardie then otherwise I would haue beene. Tryall whereof [ 15] came within two dayes after: for the Kinges of Lacedaemon hauing sett out some Galleys, vnder the charge of one of their Nephewes to skowre the Sea of the Pyrates, they met with vs, where our Captaine wanting men, was driuen to arme some of his prisoners, with promise of libertie for well fighting: among whom I was one, and beeing boorded by the Admirall, it was my fortune to [ 20] kill Euryleon the Kinges nephew: but in the end they preuailed, & we were all taken prisoners: I not caring much what became of me (onely keeping the name of Dai∣phantus, according to the resolution you know is betweene vs,) but beyng laide in the iayle of Tenarïa, with speciall hate to me for the death of Euryleon, the popu∣lar sorte of that towne conspired with the Helots, and so by night opened them the [ 25] gates; where entring and killing all of the gentle and riche faction, for honestie sake brake open all prisons, and so deliuered me; and I mooued with gratefulnesse, and encouraged with carelesnesse of life so behaued my selfe in some conflictes they had with in few dayes, that they barbarouslie thinking vnsensible wonders of mee, and with all so much the better trusting mee, as they heard I was [ 30] hated of the Kinge of Lacedaemon, their chiefe Captayne beyng slaine as you knowe by the noble Argalus, who helped thereunto by his perswasion) ha∣uing borne a great affection vnto mee, and to auoyde the daungerous emulation whiche grewe among the chiefe, who shoulde haue the place, and also affected, as rather to haue a straunger then a competitour, they elected mee, (God worte [ 35] little prowde of that dignitie;) restoring vnto mee such thinges of mine as beeing taken first by the Pyrates, and they by the Lacedaemonians, they had gotten in the sacke of the towne. Now being in it, so good was my successe with manie vi∣ctories, that I made a peace for them to their owne liking? the verie daye that [ 40] you deliuered Clitophon, whom I with much a doo had preserued. And in my peace the Kinge Amiclas of Lacedaemon would needes haue mee bannished, and depriued of the dignitie whereunto I was exalted: which (and you may see howe much you are bounde to mee) for your sake I was content to suffer, a newe hope rising in mee, that you were not dead: and so meaning to trauaile [ 45] ouer the worlde to seeke you; and now heere (my deere Musidorus) you haue mee. And with that (embracing and kissinge eche other) they called Kalan∣der,

of whom Daiphantus desired to heare the ful storie, which before he had recoun∣ted to Palladius, and to see the letter of Philanax, which hee read and well marked.

But within some daies after, the marriage betweene Argalus and the faire Par∣thenia beyng to bee celebrated Daiphantus and Palladius selling some of their Iew∣els [ 5] furnished themselues of very faire apparell, meaning to doo honour to their louing hoste; who as much for their sakes, as for the marriage, set foorth each thing in most gorgeous manner. But all the cost bestowed did not so much enrich, nor all the fine deckinges so much beautyfie, nor all the daintye deuises so much delight, as the fairenesse of Parthenia, the pearle of all the maydes of [ 10] Mantinaea: who as shee went to the Temple to bee maried, her eyes them∣selues seemed a temple, wherein loue and beautie were married: her lippes though they were kepte close with modest silence, yet with a pretie kinde of naturall swelling, they seemed to inuite the guestes that lookt on them; her cheekes blushing, and withall when shee was spoken vnto, a little smilyng, were like roses•• [ 15] when their leaues are with a little breath stirred: her hayre beeyng layed at the full length down her backe, bare shew as if the voward fayled, yet that woulde cō∣nquer. Daiphantus marking her, to Iupiter (said hee speaking to Palladius) how happe∣ns it, that beautie is only confined to Arcadia? But Palladius not greatly attending his speach, som daies were continued in the solemnising the marriage, with al conceipts [ 20] that might deliuer delight to mens fancies.

But such a chaunge was growen in Daiphantus, that (as if cheerefulnesse had bene tediousnesse, & good entertainement were turnd to discourtesie) he would euer get himself alone, though almost whē he was in company, he was alone, so little attentiō he gaue to any that spake vnto him: euen the colour & figure of his face began to re∣ceaue [ 25] some alteration; which hee shewed little to heede: but euerie morning earlie going abroad, either to the garden, or to some woods towards the desert, it seemed his onely comfort was to be without a comforter. But long it could not be hid from Palladius, whom true loue made redy to marke, & long knowledge able to marke; & therefore being now growen weary of his abode in Arcadia, hauing informed him [ 30] selfe fully of the strength and riches of the coūtry, of the nature of the people, and manner of their lawes: & seeing the courte coulde not be visited, prohibited to all men, but to certaine sheapheardish people, hee greatly desired a speedy returne to his owne countrie, after the many mazes of fortune hee had troden. But percea∣uing this great alteration in his friend, hee thought first to breake with him thereof, [ 35] and then to hasten his returne••; whereto hee founde him but smally enclined: whereupon one day taking him alone with certaine graces and countenances, as if he were disputing with the trees, began in this manner to say vnto him.

A minde well trained and long exercised in vertue (my sweete and worthy cosin) doth not easily chaunge any course it once vndertakes, but vpon well grounded and [ 40] well wayed causes. For being witnes to it selfe of his owne inward good, it findes nothing without it of so high a price, for which it should bee altered. Euen the very countenaunce and behauiour of such a man doth shewe foorth Images of the same constancie, by maintaining a right harmonie betwixt it and the in∣ward good, in yeelding it selfe sutable to the vertuous resolution of the minde. [ 45] This speech I direct to you (noble friende Pyrocles) the excellencie of whose minde and well chosen course in vertue, if I doo not sufficiently know, hauing

seene such rare demonstrations of it, it is my weakenes, and not your vnwor∣thynes, But as in deede I know it, and knowing it most dearely loue both it, and him that hath it; so must I needes saye, that since our late comming into this countrie, I haue marked in you, I will not saye an alteration, but a relenting true∣ly, and a slacking of the maine career, you had so notablye begon and almost per∣formed; [ 5] and that in such sorte, as I cannot finde sufficient reason in my great loue toward you howe to allowe it; for (to leaue of other secreter argumentes which my acquaintaunce with you makes mee easilie finde) this in effect to any man may bee manifest, that whereas you weere wont in all places you came, [ 10] to giue your selfe vehemently to the knowledge of those thinges which might better your minde; to seeke the familiaritye of excellent men in learning and souldiery: and lastly, to put all these thinges in practise both by continuall wise proceedinge, and worthie enterprises, as occasion fell for them; you now leaue all these thinges vndone: you let your minde fall a sleepe: beside your [ 15] countenaunce troubled (which surely comes not of vertue; for vertue like the cleare heauen is without cloudes) and lastly you subiect your selfe to solitarines, the slye enimie, that doth most separate a man from well doinge. Pyrocles minde was all this while so fixed vpon another deuotion, that hee no more attentiuely marked his friendes discourse, then the childe that hath leaue to playe, markes the last parte [ 20] of his lesson; or the diligent Pilot in a daungerous tempest doth attende the vnskil∣full wordes of a passinger: yet the very sound hauing imprinted the generall pointe of his speech in his hart, pierced with any mislike of so deerelie an esteemed friende, and desirous by degrees to bring him to a gentler consideration of him, with a shamefast looke (witnessing he rather could not helpe, then did not know his fault) [ 25] answered him to this purpose. Excellent Musidorus, in the praise you gaue mee in the beginning of your speech, I easily acknowledge the force of your good will vn∣to mee, for neither coulde you haue thought so well of me, if extremitie of loue had not made your iudgement partiall, nor you could haue loued me so intirelie, if you had not beene apt to make so great (though vndeserued) iudgementes of me; [ 30] and euen so must I say to those imperfections, to which though I haue euer through weaknes beene subiect, yet you by the daily mending of your mind haue of late bin able to looke into them, which before you could not discerne; so that the chaunge you speake of, falles not out by my impairing, but by your bettering. And yet vn∣der the leaue of your better iudgement, I must needes say thus much, my deere co∣sin, [ 35] that I finde not my selfe wholie to bee condemned, because I do not with con∣tinuall vehemency follow those knowledges, which you call the bettering of my minde; for both the minde it selfe must (like other thinges) sometimes be vnbent, or else it will be either weakned, or broken: And these knowledges, as they are of good vse, so are they not all the minde may stretch it selfe vnto: who knowes whe∣ther [ 40] I feede not my minde with higher thoughts? Truelie as I know not all the par∣ticularities, so yet I see the boundes of all these knowledges: but the workinges of the minde I finde much more infinite, then can bee led vnto by the eye, or ima∣gined by any, that distract their thoughts without themselues.

And in such contemplation, or as I thinke more excellent, I enioye my soli∣tarines; [ 45] and my solitarines perchaunce is the nurse of these contempla∣tions. Eagles wee see flye alone; and they are but sheepe, which alwayes

waies heard together; condemne not therefore my minde sometime to enioy it selfe; nor blame not the taking of such times as serue most fitte for it. And alas, deere Musidorus, if I be sadde, who knowes better then you the iust causes I haue of sadnes? And here Pyrocles sodainly stopped, like a man vnsatisfied in himselfe, though [ 5] his witte might well haue serued to haue satisfied another. And so looking with a countenaunce, as though hee desired hee shoulde know his minde without hear∣ring him speake, and yet desirous to speake, to breath out some part of his inwarde euil, sending againe new blood to his face, hee continued his speach in this man∣ner. And Lord (dear cousin: said he) doth not the pleasauntnes of this place carry in [ 10] it selfe sufficient reward for any time lost in it? Do you not see how all things con∣spire together to make this country a heauenly dwelling? Do you not see the grasse how in colour they excell the Emeralds, euerie one striuing to passe his fellow, and yet they are all kept of an equall height? And see you not the rest of these beau∣tifull flowers, each of which would require a mans wit to know, and his life to ex∣presse? [ 15] Do not these stately trees seeme to maintaine their florishing olde age with the onely happines of their seat, being clothed with a continuall spring, because no beautie here should euer fade? Doth not the aire breath health, which the Birds (delightfull both to eare and eye) do dayly solemnize with the sweete consent of their voyces? Is not euery Eccho thereof a perfect Musicke? & these fresh and delight∣full brookes how slowly they slide away, as loth to leaue the company of so many [ 20] thinges vnited in perfection? and with how sweete a murmur they lament their forced departure? Certainely, certainely, cosin, it must needs be that som Goddesse enhabiteth this Region, who is the soule of this soyle: for neither is any lesse then a Goddesse, worthie to bee shrined in such a heape of pleasures: nor any lesse then a Goddesse coulde haue made it so perfect a plotte of the celestiall dwel∣lings. [ 25] And so ended with a deep sigh, rufully casting his eye vpon Musidorus as more desirous of pittie then pleading. But Musidorus had all this while helde his looke fixed vpon Pyrocles countenance; and with no lesse louing attention marked howe his wordes proceeded from him: but in both these he perceiued such strange diuer∣sities, that they rather increased new doubtes, then gaue him ground to settle anie [ 30] iudgement: for, besides his eyes sometimes euen great with teares, the oft changing of his colour, with a kinde of shaking vnstayednes ouer all his bodie, he might see in his countenance some great determination mixed with feare; and might perceiue in him store of thoughts, rather stirred then digested; his wordes interrupted continu∣ally with sighes (which serued as a burthen to each sentence) and the tenor of his [ 35] speech (though of his wonted phrase) not knit together to one constant end, but ra∣ther dissolued in it selfe, as the vehemencie of the inwarde passion preuayled: which made Musidorus frame his aunswere neerest to that humor, which should soonest put out the secret. For hauing in the beginning of Pyrocles speech which defended his solitarines, framed in his minde a replie against it, in the praise of honourable ac∣tion, [ 40] in shewing that such a kind of contemplatiō is but a glorious title to idlenes; that in action a man did not onely better himselfe but benefit others; that the gods would not haue deliuered a soule into the bodie, which hath armes and legges, onely instrumentes of doeing, but that it were intended the minde shoulde imploy [ 45] them, and that the minde should best knowe his owne good or euill, by practise••

which knowledge was the onely way to increase the one, and correct the other: besides many other argumentes, which the plentifulnesse of the matter yeelded to the sharpnes of his wit. When hee found Pyrocles leaue that, and fall into such an affected praising of the place, he left it likewise, and ioyned with him therein: be∣cause hee found him in that humor vtter more store of passion; and euen thus kinde∣ly [ 5] embrasing him, he said: Your words are such (noble cousin) so sweetly and strong∣ly handled in the praise of solitarinesse, as they would make mee likewise yeeld my selfe vp into it, but that the same words make me know, it is more pleasant to enioy the companie of him that can speake such wordes, then by such wordes to bee per∣swaded to follow solitarines. And euen so doo I geue you leaue (sweete Pyrocles [ 10] euer to defende solitarines, so long as to defende it, you euer keep companie. But I maruell at the excessiue praises you giue to this countrie; in truth it is not vnple∣sant: but yet if you would returne into Macedon you should either se many heauens or find this no more then earthlie. And euen Tempe in my Thessalia (where you and I to my great happynesse were brought vp together) is nothing inferiour vnto it. [ 15] But I thinke you will make me see, that the vigor of your witte can shew it selfe in any subiect: or els you feede sometimes your solitarines with the conceites of the Poets, whose liberall pennes can as easilie trauaile ouer mountaines, as molehils: and so like well disposed men, set vp euery thing to the highest note; especially, when they put such wordes in the mouths of one of these fantasticall mind-infected peo∣ple, [ 20] that children & Musitiās cal Louers. This word, Louer, did no lesse pearce poore Pyrocles, then the right tune of musicke toucheth him that is sicke of the Tarantula. There was not one parte of his body, that did not feele a sodaine motion, while his hart with panting, seemed to daunce to the sounde of that word, yet after some pause (lifting vp his eyes a litle from the ground, and yet not daring to place them in the [ 25] eyes of Musidorus) armed with the verie conntenance of the poore prisoner at the barr, whose aunswere is nothing but guiltie: with much a do he brought forth this question. And alas, saide he, deare cosin, what if I bee not so much the Poet (the freedome of whose penne canne exercise it selfe in any thing) as euen that mise∣rable subiect of his conning, whereof you speake? Now the eternall Gods for∣bid [ 30] (mainely cryed out Musidorus) that euer my care should be poysoned with so euil news of you. O let me neuer know that any base affectiō should get any Lord∣ship in your thoughts. But as he was speaking more, Kalander came, and brake of their discourse, with inuiting them to the hunting of a goodly stagge, which being harbored in a wood thereby, he hoped vvould make them good sporte, and driue [ 35] avvay some parte of Daiphantus melancholy. They condiscended, and so going to their lodgings, furnished them selues as liked them Daiphantus writing a fewe words which he left sealed in a letter against their returne.

Then wēt they together abroad, the good Kalāder entertaining thē with pleasaunt discoursing, howe well he loued the sporte of hunting when hee was a young man, [ 40] how much in the comparison thereof hee disdained all chamber delights, that the Sunne (how great a iornie soeuer he had to make) could neuer preuent him with earlines, nor the Moone (with her sober couutenance) disswade him from wat∣ching till midnight for the deeres feeding. O, saide he, you will neuer liue to my age, without you keepe your selues in breath vvith exercise, and in hart vvith ioi∣fullnes: [ 45] too much thinking doth consume the spirits and oft it falles out, that vvhile

one thinkes too much of his doing, he leaues to doe the effect of his thinking. Then spared he not to remember how much Arcadia was chaunged since his youth: actiuitie and good fellowship being nothing in the price, it was then held in, but according to the nature of the old growing world, stil worse and worse. Then [ 5] would he tell them stories of such gallaunts as he had knowē: and so with pleasant company beguiled the times hast, and shortned the wayes length, till they came to the side of the wood, where the hounds were in couples staying their comming, but with a whining Accent crauing libertie: many of them in colour and markes so re∣sembling, that it showed they were of one kinde. The huntsmen handsomely at∣tired in their greene liueries, as though they were children of Sommer, with [ 10] staues in their handes to beat the guiltlesse earth, when the houndes were at a fault, and with hornes about their neckes to sounde an alarum vpon a sillie fugi∣tiue. The houndes were straight vncoupled, and erelong the Stagge thought it better to trust to the nimblenes of his feete, then to the slender fortification of his [ 15] lodging: but euen his feete, betrayed him; for howsoeuer they went, they them∣selues vttered themselues to the sent of their enimies; who one taking it of an other, and sometimes beleeuing the windes aduertisements, sometimes the viewe of (their faithfull councellors) the huntsmen, with open mouthes then denounced warre, when the warre was alreadie begun. Their crie beeing composed of so well [ 20] sorted mouthes, that any man would perceiue therein some kinde of proporti∣on, but the skilfull woodmen did finde a musicke. Then delight and varietie of o∣pinion drew the horsmen sundrie wayes; yet cheering their houndes with voyce & horne, kept still (as it were) together. The wood seemed to conspire with them a∣gainst his own citizens, dispersing their noise through all his quarters, and euen the Nimph Echo left to bewayle the losse of Narcissus, and became a hunter. But the [ 25] Stagge was in the end so hotly pursued, that (leauing his flight) hee was driuen to make courage of dispaire; and so turning his head, made the hounds (with change of speech) to testifie that he was at a bay: as if from hotte pursuite of their enemie, they were sodainly come to a parley.

[ 30] But Kalander (by his skill of coasting the Countrey) was among the first that came in to the besieged Deere; whom when some of the younger sorte would haue kil∣led with their swordes, he woulde not suffer: but with a Crossebowe sent a death to the poore beast, who with teares shewed the vnkindnes he tooke of mans crueltie.

But by the time that the vvhole companie vvas assembled, & that the Sagge had [ 35] bestovved himfelfe liberally among them that had killed him, Daiphantus vvas mist, for vvhom Palladius carefully enquiring, no nevves could bee giuen him, but by one that saide, he thought hee was returned home; for that hee markt him, in the chiefe of the hunting, take a by way, which might lead to Kalanders house. That an∣swere for the time satisfying, and they hauing perfourmed all dueties, as well for the [ 40] Stagges funerall, as the hounds triumph, they returned: some talking of the fatnes of the Deeres bodie; some of the fairenes of his head; some of the hounds cunning; some of their speed; and some of their cry: till comming home (about the time that the candles begin to inherit the Suns office) they found Daiphantus was not to bee found. Whereat Palladius greatly maruailing, and a day or tvvo passing, vvhile nei∣ther [ 45] search nor inquirie could help him to knovvledge, at last he lighted vpō the let∣ter, vvhich Pyrocles had vvritten before he vvent a hunting, and left in his studie a∣mong other of his vvritings. The letter vvas directed to Palladius himselfe, and con∣teyned

these wordes.

My onely friend, violence of loue leades me into such a course, whereof your knowledge may much more vexe you, then helpe me. Therefore pardon my con∣cealing it from you, since: if I wrong you, it is in the respect I beare you. Return in∣to Thessalia, I pray you, as full of good fortune, as I am of desire: and if I liue, I will in [ 5] short time follow you; if I die, loue my memorie.

This was all, and this Palladius read twise or thrise ouer. Ah (said hee) Pyrocles, what meanes this alteration? what haue I deserued of thee, to bee thus banished of thy counsels? Heretofore I haue accused the sea, condemned the Pyrats, and hated my euil fortune, that depriued me of thee; But now thy self is the sea, which drounes [ 10] my comfort, thy selfe is the Pirat that robbes thy selfe of me: Thy owne wil becomes my euill fortune. Then turned he his thoughts to all formes of ghesses that might light vpon the purpose and course of Pyrocles: for hee was not so sure by his wordes, that it was loue, as hee was doubtfull where the loue was. One time he thought, some beautie in Laconia had layed hold of his eyes; an other time hee feared, that it [ 15] might be Parthenias excellencie, which had broken the bands of al former resolution But the more he thought, the more he knew not what to thinke, armies of obiecti∣ons rising against any accepted opinion.

Then as carefull he was what to doo himselfe: at length determined, neuer to leaue seeking him, till his search should bee either by meeting accomplished, or by [ 20] death ended. Therfore (for all the vnkindnesse bearing tender respect, that his friends secrete determinatiō should be kept from any suspition in others) he went to Kalan∣der, and told him, that he had receaued a message from his friend, by which he vn∣derstood he was gone backe againe into Laconia, about some matters greatly impor∣ting the poore men, whose protection he had vndertaken, and that it was in any sort [ 25] fit for him, to follow him, but in such priuate wise, as not to bee knowne, and that therefore he would as then bid him farewell: arming himselfe in a blacke armour, as either a badge, or prognostication of his minde: and taking onely with him good store of monie, and a fewe choise iewels, leauing the greatest number of them, and most of his apparell with Kalander: which he did partly to giue the more cause to Ka∣lander [ 30] to expect their returne, and so to be the lesse curiously inquisitiue after them•• and partly to leaue those honorable thankes vnto him, for his charge and kinde∣nes, which hee knewe hee woulde no other way receaue. The good old man hauing neither reason to dissuade, nor hope to persuade, receaued the things, with minde of a keeper, not of an owner; but before he went, desired he might haue the [ 35] happines, fully to know what they were: which he saide, he had euer till then de∣laid, fearing to be any way importune: but now he could not be so much an enemy to his desires as any longer to imprison them in silence, Palladius tolde him that the matter was not so secrete, but that so worthie a friend deserued the knowledge, and should haue it as soone as he might speake with his friend: without whose consent [ 40] (because their promise bound him otherwise) he could not reueale it: but bad him hold for most assured, that if they liued but a while, he should finde that they which bare the names of Daiphantus and Palladius, would giue him and his cause to thinke his noble courtesie well imploied. Kalander would presse him no further: but desi∣ring that he might haue leaue to goe, or at least to sende his sonne and seruauntes [ 45] with him, Palladius brake of all ceremonies, by telling him; his case stood so, that his greatest fauour should be in making lest adoo of his parting. Wherewith Kalander

knowing it to bee more cumber then curtesie, to st••iue, abstained from further vrging him, but not from hartie mourning the losse of so sweete a conuersation.

Onely Clitophon by vehement importunitie obteyned to go with him, to come againe to Daiphantus, whom he named and accounted his Lord. And in such [ 5] priuate guise departed Palladius, though hauing a companion to talke withall, yet talking much more with vnkindnes. And first they went to Mantinaea; wherof because Parthenia was, he suspected there might be some cause of his abode. But finding there no newes of him he went to Tegaea, Ripa, Enispae, Stimpahlus, and Pheneus, famous for the poisonous Stygian water, and through all the rest of Arcadia, [ 10] making their eyes, their eares, and their tongue serue almost for nothing, but that enquirie. But they could know nothing but that in none of those places he was knowne. And so went they, making one place succeed to an other, in like vn∣certaintie to their search, many times encountring strange aduentures, worthy to be registred in the roulles of fame; but this may not be omitted. As they past in a plea∣sant [ 15] valley, (of either side of which heigh hills lifted vp their beetle-browes, as if they would ouer looke the pleasantnes of their vnder-prospect) they were by the dain∣tines of the place, & the wearienes of themselues, inuited to light from their horses; & pulling of their bits, that they might somthing refresh their mouthes vppon the grasse (which plentifully grewe, brought vp vnder the care of those well shading [ 20] trees,) they them selues laid them downe hard by the murmuring musicke of cer∣tain waters, which spouted out of the side of the hills, & in the bottome of the val∣lie made of many springs a pretie brooke, like a common-wealth of many famylies: but when they had a while harkened to the perswasion of sleepe, they rose, and walkt onward in that shadie place•• till Clitophon espied a peece of armour, & not far of an other peece: and so the sight of one peece teaching him to looke for more he [ 25] at length found all, with headpeece and shield, by the deuice whereof, which was 〈…〉〈…〉 he straight knew it to be the armour of his cousin, the noble Amphialus. Whereupō (fearing some inconuenience hapned vnto him) he told both his doubte and cause of doubte to Palladius, who (considering thereof) [ 30] thought best to make no longer stay, but to follow on: least perchaunce some vio∣lence were offered to so worthie a Knight, whō the fame of the world semed to sett in ballance with any Knight liuing. Yet with a soddaine cōceipt, hauing long borne great honour to the name of Amphialus, Palladius thought best to take that armour, thinking thereby to learne by them that should know that armour, some newes [ 35] of Amphialus, & yet not hinder him in the search of Daiphantus too. So he by the helpe of Clitophon quickly put on that armour, whereof there was no one piece wāting, though hacked in some places, bewraying some fight not long since passed. It was some-thing to great, but yet serued well enough. And so getting on their hor∣ses, they trauailed but a litle way, when in opening of the mouth of the valley [ 40] into a faire field, they met with a coach drawen with foure milke white-horses, fur∣nished al in blacke, with a blacke a more boye vpon euerie horse, they all apparelled in white, the coach it selfe very richly furnished in blacke and white. But before they coulde come so neere as to discerne what was within, there came running vppon them aboue a dosen horsmen, who cried to them to yeelde them selues prisoners, [ 45] or els they should die. But Palladius not accustomed to graunt ouer the pos∣session of him selfe vppon so vniust titles, with sworde drawne gaue them so rude an answer, that diuers of them neuer had breath to reply again: for being well

backt by Clitophon, & hauing an excellent horse vnder him, when he was ouerprest by some, he auoided them, and ere th'other thought of it, punished in him his fellows faults: and so either with cunning or with force, or rather with a cunning force, left none of them either liuing, or able to make his life serue to others hurt. Which being done, he approched the coach, assuring the blacke boies they should haue no [ 5] hurt, who were els readie to haue run away, and looking into the coach, he found in the one end a Lady of great beautie, & such a beautie, as shewed forth the beames both of wisdome & good nature, but all as much darkned, as might be, with sor∣row. In the other, two Ladies, (who by their demeanure shewed well, they were but her seruants) holding before them a picture; in which was a goodly Gentleman [ 10] (whom he knew not) painted, hauing in their faces a certaine waiting sorrow, their eies being infected with their mistres weeping. But, the cheife Ladie hauing not so much as once heard the noise of this cōflict (so had sorrow closed vp all the entries of her mind, & loue tied her sēces to that beloued picture (now the shadow of him fal∣ling vpon the picture made her cast vp her eie, and seing the armour which too well [ 15] knew, thinking him to be Amphialus the Lord of her desires, (bloud comming more freely into her cheekes, as though it would be bolde, & yet there growing new again pale for feare) with a pitiful looke (like on vniustly condemned) My Lord Amphialus saide she you haue enough punished me: it is time for crueltie to leaue you, and euill fortune me; if not I praie you, (& to graunt, my praier fitter time nor place you can [ 20] haue) accomplish the one euen now, & finish the other. With that, sorrow impatient to be slowly vttered in her oftē staying speeches, poured it self so fast in teares, that Palladius could not hold her longer in errour, but pulling of his helmet, Madam (said he) I perceaue you mistake me: I am a stranger in these parts, set vpon (without any cause giuē by me) by some of your seruants, whom because I haue in my iust defence [ 25] euill entreated, I came to make my excuse to you, whom seing such as I doo, I finde greater cause, why I should craue pardon of you. When she saw his face, & heard his speech, she looked out of the coach, & seing her men, some slaine, some lying vnder their dead horses, & striuing to get from vnder them, without making more account of the matter, Truly (said she) they are wel serued that durst lift vp their armes against [ 30] that armour. But Sir Knight (said she) I pray you tell me, how come you by this ar∣mour? for if it be by the death of him that owed it, then haue I more to say vn∣to you. Palladius assured her it was not so; telling her the true manner howe hee found it. It is like enough (said shee) for that agrees with the manner he hath lately vsed. But I beseech you Sir (said she) since your prowes hath bereft me of my com∣pany: [ 35] let it yet so farre heale the woundes it selfe hath giuen, as to garde me to the next towne. How great so euer my businesse bee fayre Ladie (saide hee) it shall willingly yeeld to so noble a cause: But first euen by the fauour you beare to the Lorde of this noble armour I coniure you to tell mee the storie of your for∣tune herein, lest hereafter when the image of so excellent a Ladie in so straunge a [ 40] plight come before mine eyes, I condemne my selfe of want of consideration in not hauing demaunded thus much. Neither aske I it without protestation, that wherein my sworde and faith may auaile you, they shall binde themselues to your seruice. Your coniuration, fayre Knight (saide she) is too strong for my poore spirite to disobey, and that shall make me (without any other hope, my ruine be∣ing [ 45] but by one vnrelieueable) to graunt your will herein: and to say the truth, a straunge nicenesse were it in me to refraine that from the eares of a person represen∣ting

so much worthinesse, which I am glad euen to rockes and woods to vtter. Know you then that my name is Helen, Queene by birth: & hetherto possession of the faire citie and territorie of Corinth. I can say no more of my selfe, but beloued of my people: & may iustly say, beloued, since they are content to beare with my ab∣sēce, [ 5] & folly. But I being left by my fathers death, & accepted by my people, in the highest degre, that coūtry could receiue; assone, or rather, before that my age was ripe for it; my court quickely swarmed full of suiters; some perchance louing my state, other•• my person, but once I know all of them, howsoeuer my possessions were in their harts, my beautie (such as it is) was in their mouthes; many strangers of [ 10] princely and noble blood, and all of mine owne countrie, to whom either birth or vertue gaue courage to avowe so high a desire.

Among the rest, or rather before the rest, was the Lorde Philoxenus, sonne and heire to the vertuous noble man Timotheus: which Timotheus was a man both in power, riches, parentage, and (which passed all these) goodnes, and (which fol∣lowed [ 15] all these) loue of the people, beyond any of the great men of my countrie. Now this sonne of his I must say truly, not vnworthye of such a father, bending himselfe by all meanes of seruiseablenes to mee, and setting forth of himselfe to win my fauour, wan thus farre of mee, that in truth I les••e misliked him then any of the rest: which in some proportion my countenaunce deliuered vnto him. [ 20] Though I must protest it was a very false embassadour, if it deliuered at all any af∣fection, whereof my hart was vtterly void, I as then esteeming my selfe borne to rule, & thinking foule scorne willingly to submit my selfe to be ruled.

But whiles Philoxenus in good sorte pursued my fauour, and perchance nou∣rished himselfe with ouer much hope, because he found I did in some sorte ac∣knowledge [ 25] his valew, one time among the rest he brought with him a deare friend of his. With that she loked vpō the picture before her, and straight sighed, & straight teares followed, as if the Idol of dutie ought to be honoured with such ob∣lations, and then her speach staied the tale, hauing brought her to that looke, but that looke hauing quite put her out of her tale. But Palladius greatly pitying so sweete a sorrow in a Ladie, whom by fame he had already knowen, & honoured, [ 30] besought her for her promise sake, to put silence so longe vnto her moning, till she had recounted the rest of this story. Why saide she, this is the picture of Amphia∣lus: what neede I say more to you? what eare is so barbarous but hath hard of Amphi∣alus? who followes deeds of armes, but euery where findes monumēts of Amphialus? who is courteous, noble, liberall, but he that hath the example before his eyes of Am∣phialus? [ 35] where are al heroical parts, but in Amphialus? O Amphialus I would thou were not so excellent, or I would I thought thee not so excellent, and yet would I not that I would so•• with that she wept againe, till he againe solliciting the conclusion of her story: Then must you (saide shee) know the story of Amphialus: for his wil [ 40] is my life, his life my history: and indeed in what can I better emploie my lippes thē in speaking of Amphialus?

This Knight then whose figure you see, but whose minde can be painted by no∣thing, but by the true shape of vertue, is brothers sonne to Basilius King of Arcadia, and in his childhood esteemed his heir: till Basilius in his olde yeares marrying [ 45] a yonge and a faire Lady, had of her those two daughters, so famous for their perfection in beautie: which put by their yong cosin from that expectation.

Wherevppon his mother (a woman of a hauti•• heart, being daughter

to the King of Argos, either disdaining, or fearing, that her sonne should liue vnder the power of Basilius sent him to that Lorde Timotheus (betweene whome and her dead husband there had passed streight bands of mutuall hospitality to be brought vp in company with his sonne Philoxenus?

A happie resolution for Amphialus, whose excellent nature was by this meanes [ 5] trained on with as good education, as any Princes sonne in the worlde could haue, which otherwise it is thought his mother (farre vnworthie of such a sonne) would not haue giuen him. The good Timotheus) no lesse louing him then his owne sonne: well they grew in yeeres; and shortly occasions fell aptly to trie Amphialus, and all occasions were but steppes for him to clime fame by. No∣thing [ 10] was so harde, but his valour ouercame: which yet still he so guided with true vertue, that although no man was in our parts spoken of but he for his man∣hood, yet, as though therin he excelled him selfe, he was cōmonly called the courte∣ous Amphialus. An endlesse thing it were for me to tell, how many aduentures (ter∣rible to be spoken of) he atchieued: what monsters, what Giants, what conquests [ 15] of countries some times vsing policy, some times force, but alwaies vertue well fo∣lowed, and but followed by Philoxenus: betweene whom, and him, so fast a frind∣ship by educatiō was knit, that at last Philoxenus hauing no greater matter to imploye his frindshipp in, then to winne me, therein desired, and had his vttermost furthe∣raunce: to that purpose brought he him to my court, where truely I may iustly wit∣nes [ 20] with him, that what his wit coulde conceiue (and his wit can conceiue as far as the limits of reason stretch) was all directed to the setting forwarde the suite of his friend Philoxenus: my eares could heare nothing from him, but touch∣ing the worthines of Philoxenus, and of the great happines it would be vnto mee to haue such a husband: with many arguments, which God knowes, I cannot well [ 25] remember because I did not much beleue. For why should I vse many circumstances to come to that where alreadye I am, and euer while I liue must continue? in fewe wordes, while he pleaded for another, he wanne me for himselfe: if at least (with that she sighed) he would account it a winning, for his fame had so framed the way to my mind, that his presence so full of beautie, sweetnes, and noble cōuersation, [ 30] had entred there before he vouchsafed to call for the keyes. O Lorde, how did my soule hang at his lippes while he spake! O when he in feeling maner would describe the loue of his frend, how well (thought I) dooth loue betweene those lippes! when he would with daintiest eloquence stirre pittie in me towarde Philoxenus, vvhy sure (said I to my selfe) Helen, be not afraid, this hart cannot vvant pittie: and vvhen [ 35] he vvould extoll the deeds of Philoxenus, vvho indeede had but vvaited of him ther∣in, alas (thought I) good Philoxenus hovv euil doth it become thy name to be subscri∣bed to his letter? vvhat should I saie? nay, vvhat should I not say (noble Knight) vvho am not ashamed, nay am delighted, thus to expresse mine ovvne passions?

Dayes paste; his eagernes for his friend neuer decreased, my affection to him [ 40] euer increased. At length, in vvay of ordinarie curtesie, I obteined of him (vvho suspected no such matter) this his picture, the onely Amphialus, I feare that I shall euer enioy: and grovven bolder, or madder, or bould vvith madnes, I discoue∣red my affection vnto him. But, Lord, I shall neuer forget, how anger and curtesie, at one instant apeared in his eyes, vvhen he harde that motion: hovv vvith his [ 45] blush he taught me shame. In summe, he left nothing vnassayed, vvhich might dis∣grace himselfe, to grace his friēd; in svveet termes making me receiue a most resolute

refusall of himselfe. But when he found that his presence did far more perswade for himselfe, then his speeche could doo for his frend, hee left my court: hoping, that forgetfulnesse (which commonly waits vpon absence) woulde make roome for his friende: to whome hee woulde not vtter thus much (I thinke) for a kinde [ 5] feare not to grieue him, or perchance (though he cares litle for me) of a certain hono∣rable gratefulnes, nor yet to discouer so much of my secrets: but as it should seeme, meant to trauell into farre countryes, vntill his friends affectiō either ceased, or pre∣uailed. But within a while, Philoxenus came to see how onward the fruites were of his friends labour, when (as in trueth I cared not much how he tooke it) he found me [ 10] sitting, beholding this picture, I know not with how affectionate countenance, but I am sure with a most affectionate mind. I straight found ielousie and disdaine tooke holde of him: and yet the froward paine of mine owne harte made mee so de∣light to punish him, whom I esteemed the chiefest let in my way; that when he with humble gesture, and vehement speeches, sued for my fauor; I told him, that I would [ 15] heare him more willingly, if hee woulde speake for Amphialus, as well as Am∣phialus had done for him: he neuer answered me, but pale & quaking, went straight away; and straight my heart misgaue me some euill successe: and yet though I had authoritie inough to haue stayed him (as in these fatall thinges it falles out, that the hie-working powers make second causes vnwittingly accessarie to their de∣terminations) [ 20] I did no further but sent a foot-man of mine (whose faithfulnes to me I will knew) from place to place to follow him, and bring me word of his procee∣dings: which (alas) haue brought foorth that which I feare I must euer rewe.

For hee had trauailed scarsea dayes iorney out of my Countrey, but that (not farre from this place) he ouer-tooke Amphialus, who (by succouring a distressed La∣dy) had bene here stayed: and by and by called him to fight with him, protesting [ 25] that one of them two should die: you may easily iudge how straunge it was to Am∣phialus, whose hart could accuse it selfe of no fault, but too much affection towarde him, which he (refusing to fight with him) woulde faine haue made Philoxenus vn∣derstand, but (as my seruant since tolde me) the more Amphialus went back, the [ 30] more he followed, calling him Traytor, and coward, yet neuer telling the cause of this strange alteration. Ah Philoxenus (saide Amphialus) I know I am no Traytor, and thou well knowest I am no coward: but I pray thee content thy selfe with this much, and let this satisfie thee, that I loue thee, since I beare thus much of thee, but hee leauing wordes drew his sworde and gaue Amphialus a great blow or [ 35] two, which but for the goodnes of his armour would haue slaine him: and yet so farre did Amphialus containe himselfe, stepping aside, and saying to him, Well Philoxenus, and thus much villany am I content to put vp, not any longer for thy sake (whom I haue no cause to loue, since thou dost iniury mee, and wilt not tell me the cause) but for thy vertuous fathers sake, to whom I am so much bound. [ 40] I pray thee goe awaye, and conquer thy owne passions, and thou shalt make mee soone yeeld to be thy seruant. But he would not attend his wordes, but still strake so fiercely at Amphialus, that in the end (nature preuailing aboue determination) he was faine to defend him selfe, and with-all to offend him, that by an vnluckye blow the poore Philoxenus fell dead at his feete; hauing had time onely to speake [ 45] some wordes, whereby Amphialus knew it was for my sake: which when Am∣phialus sawe, he forthwith gaue such tokens of true felt sorrow; that as my seruant said no imagination could conceiue greater woe. But that by and by, and vnhappye

occasion made Amphialus passe himselfe in sorrow: for Philoxenus was but newelie dead, when there comes to thesame place, the aged and vertuous Timotheus, who (hauing heard of his sonnes sodaine and passionate manner of parting from my Court) had followed him as speedily as he coulde; but alas not so speedily, but that hee founde him dead before hee coulde ouertake him. Though my heart bee no∣thing [ 5] but a stage for Tragedies; yet I must confesse, it is euen vnable to beare the mi∣serable representation thereof: knowing Amphialus and Timotheus as I haue done. Alas what sorrowe, what amasement, what shame was in Amphialus, when hee sawe his deere foster father, finde him the killer of his onely sonne? In my heart I knowe, hee wished mountaines had laine vpon him, to keepe him from that meeting. As [ 10] for Timotheus, sorrow of his sonne and (I thinke principally) vnkindenesse of Am∣phialus so deuoured his vitall spirites that able to say no more but Amphialus, Am∣phialus, haue I? he sancke to the earth, and presently died.

But not my tongue though daily vsed to complaints; no nor if my heart (which is nothing but sorrow) were turned to tongues, durst it vnder-take to shew the vn∣speakeablenes [ 15] of his griefe. But (because this serues to make you know my fortune) he threw away his armour, euen this which you haue now vppon you, which at the first sight I vainely hoped, hee had put on againe; and then (as ashamed of the light) hee ranne into thickest of the woods, lamenting, and euen crying out so pitifully, that my seruant, (though of a fortune not vsed to much tendernes) could [ 20] not refraine weeping when he told it me. He once ouertooke him, but Amphialus drawing his sword, which was the onely part of his armes (God knowes to what purpose) he carried about him, threatned to kil him if he followed him, and withal, bad him deliuer this bitter message, that he wel inough found, I was the cause of all this mischiefe: and that if I were a man, he would go ouer the world to kill me: but [ 25] bad me assure myselfe, that of all creatures in the world, he most hated mee. Ah sir Knight (whose eares I think by this time are tired with the rugged waies of these mis∣fortunes) now weigh my case, if at least you know what loue is. For this cause haue I left my countrie, putting in hazard how my people will in time deale by me, aduen∣turing what perilles or dishonors might ensue, onely to follow him, who proclai∣meth [ 30] hate against me, and to bring my necke vnto him, if that may redeeme my trespasse and asswage his fury. And now sir (saide she) you haue your request, I pray you take paines to guide me to the next towne, that there I may gather such of my company againe, as your valor hath left me. Palladius willingly condiscended: but ere they began to go, there came Clitophon, who hauing bene something hurt by one [ 35] of them, had pursued him a good way: at length ouertaking him, and ready to kill him, vnderstoode they were seruants to the faire Queene Helen, and that the cause of this enterprise was for nothing, but to make Amphialus prisoner, whō they knew their mistresse sought; for she concealed her sorrow, nor cause of her sorrow frō no body.

But Clitophon (very sory for this accident) came backe to comfort the Queene, hel∣ping [ 40] such as were hurt, in the best sort that he could, and framing friendly construc∣tions of this rashly vnder-taken enmitie, when in comes an other (till that time vn∣seene) all armed, with his beuer downe, who first looking round about vpon the cōpany, as soone as he spied Palladius, he drew his sword, & making no other prologue, let flie at him. But Palladius (sorie for so much harme as had already happened) [ 45] sought rather to retire, and warde, thinking he might be some one that belonged to the faire Queene, whose case in his heart he pitied. Which Clitophon seeing, stept

betweene them, asking the new come knight the cause of his quarrel; who answered him, that hee woulde kill that theefe, who had stollen away his masters armour, if he did not restore it. With that Palladius lookt vpon him, and sawe that hee of the other side had Palladius owne armour vpon him: truely (saide Palladius) if I haue [ 5] stolne this armour, you did not buy that•• but you shall not fight with me vpon such a quarrell, you shall haue this armour willingly, which I did onely put on to doo honor to the owner. But Clitophon straight knewe by his words and voyce, that it was Isme∣nus, the faithfull and diligent Page of Amphialus: and therefore telling him that he was Clitophon, and willing him to acknowledge his error to the other, who [ 10] deserued all honour, the yong Gentleman pulled of his head-peece, and (ligh∣ting) went to kisse Palladius hands; desiring him to pardon his follie, caused by ex∣treame griefe, which easilie might bring foorth anger. Sweete Gentleman (saide Palladius) you shall onely make me this amendes, that you shall cary this your Lords armour from me to him, and tell him from an vnknowen knight (who admires [ 15] his worthines) that he cannot cast a greater miste ouer his glory, then by being vn∣kind to so excellēt a princesse as this Queene is. Ismenus promised he would as soone as he durst find his maister: and with that went to doo his duetie to the Queene, whom in al these encounters astonishment made hardy; but assoone as she saw Ismenus (looking to her picture) Ismenus (saide shee) here is my Lord, where is yours? [ 20] or come you to bring me some sentence of death from him? if it be so, welcome be it. I pray you speake; and speake quickly. Alas Madame, said Ismenus, I haue lost my Lorde, (with that teares came vnto his eyes) for assoone as the vnhappie combate was concluded with the death both of father and sonne, my maister casting of his armour, went his way: forbidding me vpon paine of death to follow him. Yet diuers daies I followed his steppes; till lastly I found him, hauing newly [ 25] met with an excellent Spaniell, belonging to his dead companion Philoxenns. The dog straight fawned on my master for old knowledge: but neuer was there thinge more pittifull then to heare my maister blame the dog for louing his maisters mur∣therer, renewing a fresh his complaints, with the dumbe counceller, as if they might [ 30] comfort one another in their miseries. But my Lord hauing spied me, rase vp in such rage, that in truth I feared he would kill me: yet as then he said onely, if I would not displease him, I should not come neere him till he sent for me: too hard a commaun∣dement for me to disobey: I yeelded, leauing him onely waited on by his dog, and as I thinke seeking out the most solitarie places, that this or any other country can [ 35] graunt him: and I returning where I had left his armour, found an other in steede thereof, and (disdaining I must confesse that any should beare the armour of the best Knight liuing) armed my selfe therein to play the foole, as euen now I did. Faire Ismenus (said the Queene) a fitter messenger could hardly be to vnfold my Tragedie: I see the end, I see my end.

[ 40] With that (sobbing) she desired to be conducted to the next towne, where Palla∣dius left her to be waited on by Clitophon, at Palladius earnest entreatie, who desired alone to take that melancholy course of seeking his friend: and therefore changing armours againe with Ismenus (who went withall to a castle belonging to his master) he continued his quest for his friend Daiphantus.

[ 45] So directed he his course to Laconia, aswell among the Helots, as Spartans. There indeede hee found his fame flourishing, his monuments engraued in Mar∣ble, and yet more durably in mens memories; but the vniuersall lamenting his

absented presence, assured him of his present absence. Thence into the Elean pro∣uince, to see whether at the Olympian games (there celebrated) he might in such concourse blesse his eyes with so desired an encounter: but that huge and sportfull assemblie grewe to him a tedious louelinesse, esteeming no bodie founde, since Daiphantus was lost. Afterward he passed through Achaia and Sicyonia, to the Co∣rinthians, [ 5] prowde of their two Seas, to learne whether by the streight of that Isthmus, it were possible to know of his passage. But finding euerie place more dombe then other to his demaundes, and remembring that it was late-taken loue, which had wrought this new course, he returned againe (after two moneths trauaile in vaine) to make a freshe searche in Arcadia; so much the more, as then first [ 10] he bethought him selfe of the picture of Philoclea (which resembling her he had once loued) might perhaps awake againe that sleeping passion•• and hauing alrea∣die past ouer the greatest part of Arcadia, one daie comming vnder the side of the pleasant mountaine Maenalus, his horse (nothing guiltie of his inquisitiuenes) with flat-tyring taught him, that discrete stayes make speedie iourneis. And there∣fore [ 15] lighting downe, and vnbrideling his horse, he him selfe went to repose him selfe in a little wood he sawe there by. Where lying vnder the protection of a sha∣die tree, with intention to make forgetting sleepe comfort a sorrowfull memorie, he sawe a sight which perswaded, and obteined of his eyes, that they would abide yet a while open. It was the appearing of a Ladie, who because she walked with [ 20] her side toward him, he coulde not perfectly see her face; but so much he might see of her, that was a suretie for the rest, that all was excellent.

Well might he perceiue the hanging of her haire in fairest quantitie, in locks, some curled, and some as it were forgotten, with such a carelesse care, & an arte so hiding arte, that shee seemed she would lay them for a paterne, whether nature [ 25] simply, or nature helped by cunning, be the more excellent: the rest whereof was drawne into a coronet of golde richly set with pearle, and so ioyned all ouer with golde wiers, & couered with feathers of diuers coulours, that it was not vnlike to an helmet, such, a glittering shew, it bare, & so brauely it was held vp from the head. Vpon her bodie she ware a doublet of Skie colour sattin, couerd with plates of golde [ 30] & as it were nailed with pretious stones, that in it she might seeme armed; the nether part of her garment was so full of stuffe, & cut after such a fashion, that though the length of it reached to the ankles, yet in her going one might sometimes discerne the small of her leg, which with the foot was dressed in a shorte paire of crimson vel∣uet buskins, in some places open (as the ancient manner was) to shew the fairenes [ 35] of the skin. Ouer all this she ware a certaine mantell, made in such manner, that com∣ming vnder her right arme, and couering most of that side, it had no fastning of the left side, but onley vpon the top of the shoulder: where the two endes met, and were closed together with a very riche iewell: the deuise whereof as he after saw was this: a Hercules made in litle fourme, but set with a distaffe in his hand as he [ 40] once was by Omphales commaundement with a worde in Greeke, but thus to be in∣terpreted, Neuer more valiant. On the same side, on her thigh she ware a sword, which as it witnessed her to be an Amazon, or one following that profession, so it seemed but a needlesse weapon, since her other forces were without with∣standing. But this Ladie walked out-right, till he might see her enter into a fine close [ 45] arbour: it was of trees whose branches so louingly interlaced one the other, that it could resist the strongest violence of eye-sight; but shee went into it by a doore

she opened; which moued him as warely as he could to follow her, and by & by he might heare her sing this song, with a voice no lesse beautifull to his eares, then her goodlinesse was full of harmonie to his eyes.

[ 5] TRansformd in shew, but more transformd in minde, I cease to striue with double conquest foild: For (woe is me) my powers all I finde With outward force, and inward treason spoild.

[ 10] For from without came to mine eyes the blowe, Whereto mine inward thoughts did ••aintly yeeld; Both these conspir'd poore Reasons ouerthrowe; False in my selfe, thus haue I lost the fielde,

[ 15] Thus are my eyes still Captiue to one sight Thus all my thoughts are slaues to one thought still: Thus Reason to his seruants yeelds his right; Thus is my power transformed to your will, What maruaile then I take a womans hew, [ 20] Since what I see, thinke, know is all but you?

The dittie gaue him some suspition, but the voice gaue him almost assurance, who the singer was. And therefore boldly thrusting open the dore, and entring into the arbour, hee perceaued in deed that it was Pyrocles thus disguised, where∣with [ 25] not receauing so much ioy to haue found him, as griefe so to haue found him, amazedly looking vpon him (as Apollo is painted when hee saw Daphne sodainelie turned into a Laurell) he was not able to bring forth a worde. So that Pyrocles (who had as much shame, as Musidorus had sorrow) rising to him, would haue formed a substantiall excuse; but his insinuation being of blushing, and his diuision of [ 30] sighes, his whole oration stood vpon a short narration, what was the causer of this Metamorphosis? But by that time Musidorus had gathered his spirites together, and yet casting a gastfull countenaunce vpon him (as if he would coniure some strange spirits) he thus spake vnto him.

And is it possible, that this is Pyrocles, the onely yong Prince in the world, formed [ 35] by nature, and framed by education, to the true exercise of vertue•• or is it indeede some Amazon that hath counterfeited the face of my friend, in this sort to vexe me? for likelier sure I would haue thought it, that any outward face might haue bene disguised, then that the face of so excellent a mind could haue bene thus ble∣mished. O sweete Pyrocles, separate your selfe a little (if it be possible) from your [ 40] selfe, and let your owne minde looke vpon your owne proceedings: so shall my wordes be needlesse, and you best instructed. See with your selfe, how fitte it will be for you in this your tender youth, borne so great a Prince, and of so rare, not onely expectation, but proofe, desired of your olde Father, and wanted of your natiue Countrie, now so neere your home, to diuert your thoughtes [ 45] from the way of goodnesse; to loose, nay to abuse your time. Lastly to ouer∣throw all the excellent things you haue done, which haue filled the world with your fame; as if you should drowne your ship in the long desired hauen, or like

an ill player, should marre the last act of his Tragedie. Remember (for I know you know it) that if we will be men, the reasonable parte of our soule, is to haue absolute commaundement; against which if any sensuall weaknes arise, wee are to yeelde all our sounde forces to the ouerthrowing of so vnnaturall a rebel∣lion, wherein howe can we wante courage, since wee are to deale against so weake [ 5] an aduersary, that in it selfe is nothinge but weakenesse? Nay wee are to re∣solue, that if reason direct it, we must doo it, and if we must doo it, we will doo it; for to say I cannot, is childish, and I will not, womanish. And see how extreme∣ly euery way you endaunger your minde; for to take this womanish habit (without you frame your behauiour accordinglie) is wholie vaine: your beha∣uiour [ 10] can neuer come kindely from you, but as the minde is proportioned vnto it. So that you must resolue, if you will plaie your parte to anie purpose, what∣soeuer peeuish imperfections are in that sexe, to soften your hart to receiue them, the verie first downe-steppe to all wickednesse: for doo not deceiue your selfe, my deere cosin, there is no man sodainelie either excellentlie good, or extremelie euill [ 15] but growes either as hee holdes himselfe vp in vertue, or lettes himselfe slide to vi∣tiousnes. And let vs see, what power is the aucthor of all these troubles: forsooth loue, loue, a passion, and the basest and fruitlessest of all passions: feare breedeth wit, Anger is the cradle of courage: ioy openeth and enhableth the hart: sorrow, as it closeth, so it draweth it inwarde to looke to the correcting of it selfe; and so all [ 20] of them generallie haue power towardes some good by the direction of Rea∣son. But this bastarde Loue (for indeede the name of Loue is most vnworthylie ap∣plied to so hatefull a humour) as it is engendered betwixt lust and idlenes; as the matter it workes vpon is nothing but a certaine base weakenes, which some gentle fooles call a gentle hart; as his adioyned companions bee vnquietnes, lon∣gings [ 25] fond comforts, faint discomforts, hopes, ielousies, vngrounded rages, caus∣lesse yeeldings; so is the highest end it aspires vnto, a litle pleasure with much paine before, and great repentaunce after. But that ende how endlesse it runes to infi∣nite euils, were fit inough for the matter we speake of, but not for your eares, in whome indeede there is so much true disposition to vertue: yet thus much of his [ 30] worthie effects in your selfe is to bee seene, that (besides your breaking lawes of hospitallitie with Kalander and of friendship with me) it vtterly subuerts the course of nature, in making reason giue place to sense, and man to woman. And truely I thinke heere-vpon it first gatte the name of Loue: for indeede the true loue hath that excellent nature in it, that it doth transforme the verie essence of the louer into the [ 35] thing loued, vniting, and as it were incorporating it with a secret and inwarde wor∣king. And herein do these kinde of loues imitate the excellent; for as the loue of heauen makes one heauenly, the loue of vertue, vertuous; so doth the loue of the world make one become worldly, and this effeminate loue of a wōman, doth so womanize a man, that (if hee yeeld to it) it will not onely make him an Ama∣zon; [ 40] but a launder, a distaff-spinner; or what so euer other vile occupation their idle heads can imagin and their weake hands performe. Therefore (to trouble you no longer with my tedious but louiug wordes) if either you remember what you are, what you haue bene, or what you must be: if you cōsider what it is, that moued you, or by what kinde of creature you are moued, you shall finde the cause so small, [ 45] the effect so daungerous, your selfe so vnworthie to runne into the one, or to bee driuē by the other, that I doubt not I shal quicklie haue occasion rather to praise you

for hauing conquered it, then to giue you further counsell, howe to doo it. But in Pyrocles this speech wrought no more, but that hee, who before hee was espied, was afraide; after, being perceiued, was ashamed, now being hardly rubd vpon, left both feare and shame, and was moued to anger. But the exceeding [ 5] good will he bare to Musidorus striuing with it, hee thus, partly to satisfie him, but principally to loofe the reines to his owne motions, made him answere. Cosin, whatsoeuer good disposition nature hath bestowed vpon me, or howsoeuer that dis∣position hath bene by bringing vp confirmed, this must I confesse, that I am not yet come to that degree of wisedome, to thinke light of the sexe, of whom I haue my [ 10] life; since if I be any thing (which your friendship rather finds, then I acknowledge) I was to come to it, born of a womā, & nursed of a womā. And certēly (for this point of your speach doth neerest touch me) it is strāg to see the vnman-like cruelty of mā∣kind; who not content with their tyrānous ābition, to haue brought the others ver∣tuous patience vnder them (like childish maisters) thinke their masterhood no∣thing, [ 15] without doing iniury to them, who (if wee will argue by reason) are framed of nature with the same partes of the minde for the exercise of vertue, as we are. And for example, euen this estate of Amazons, (which I know for my greatest honor do seek to counterfait) doth well witnes, that if generally the sweetnes of their disposition did not make them see the vainnesse of these thinges, which wee ac∣cōpt [ 20] glorious, they nether want valor of mind, nor yet doth their fairnes take away their force. And truely we men, and praisers of men, should remember, that if wee haue such excellēcies, it is reason to thinke them excellent creatures, of whom wee are: since a Kite neuer brought foorth a good flying Hauke. But to tell you true, as I thinke it superfluous to vse any wordes of such a subiect, which is so praysed in it selfe, as it needes no praises; so withall I feare lest my conceate (not able to [ 25] reach vnto them) bring forth wordes, which for their vnworthines may be a dis∣grace to them I so inwardly honor. Let this suffice, that they are capable of vertue and vertue (ye your selues say) is to be loued, & I too truly: but this I willingly con∣fesse, that it likes me much better, when I finde vertue in a faire lodging, then when I [ 30] am bound to seeke it in an ill fauoured creature, like a pearle in a dounghill. As for my fault of being an vnciuill guest to Kalander, if you coulde feele what an in∣ward guest my selfe am host vnto: ye would thinke it very excuseable, in that I ra∣ther performe the dueties of an host, then the ceremonies of a guest. And for my breaking the lawes of friendshippe with you, (which I would rather dye, then effec∣tually [ 35] doo) truely, I could finde in my hart to aske you pardon for it, but that your now handling of me giues me reason to my former dealing. And here Pyrocles stay∣ed, as to breath himselfe, hauing beene transported with a litle vehemency, be∣cause it seemed him Musidorus had ouer-bitterly glaunsed against the reputation of woman-kinde: but then quieting his countenance (aswell as out of an vnquiet [ 40] minde it might be) he thus proceeded on: And poore Loue (said he) deare cosin, is little beholding vnto you, since you are not contented to spoile it of the honor of the highest power of the mind, which notable mē haue attributed vnto it; but ye de∣iect it below all other passions, in trueth somewhat strangely; since, if loue receiue any disgrace, it is by the company of these passions you preferre before it. For those [ 45] kinds of bitter obiections (as, that lust, idlenes, and a weake harte, shoulde bee, as it were, the matter and forme of loue) rather touch me, deare Musidorus, then loue: But I am good witnesse of mine owne imperfections, and therefore will not defende

myselfe: but herein I must say, you deale contrary to your selfe: for if I be so weak, then can you not with reason stir me vp as ye did, by remembrance of my owne ver∣tue: or if indeed I be vertuous, then must ye confesse, that loue hath his working in a vertuous hart: and so no dout hath it, whatsoeuer I be: for if we loue vertue, in whom shall wee loue it but in a vertuous creature? without your meaning bee, I [ 5] should loue this word vertue, where I see it written in a booke. Those troblesome ef∣fectes you say it breedes, be not the faults of loue, but of him that loues; as an vnable vessell to beare such a licour: like euill eyes, not able to looke on the Sun; or like a weake braine, soonest ouerthrowen with the best wine. Euen that heauenly loue you speake of, is accompanied in some harts with hopes, griefes, longinges, and dis∣paires. [ 10] And in that heauenly loue, since there are two parts, the one the loue itselfe, th'other the excellencie of the thing loued; I, not able at the first leap to frame both in me, do now (like a diligent workman) make ready the chiefe instrument, and first part of that great worke, which is loue it selfe; which when I haue a while practised in this sorte, then you shall see me turne it to greater matters. And thus gentlie you [ 15] may (if it please you) thinke of me. Neither doubt ye, because I weare a womans apparell, I will be the more womannish, since, I assure you (for all my apparrel) there is nothing I desire more, then fully to proue my selfe a man in this enterprise. Much might be saide in my defence, much more for loue, and most of all for that diuine creature, which hath ioyned me and loue together. But these disputations are fitter [ 20] for quiet schooles, then my troubled braines, which art bent rather in deeds to per∣forme, then in wordes to defende the noble desire that possesseth me. O Lord (saide Musidorus) how sharp-witted you are to hurt your selfe? No (answered he) but it is the hurt you speake of, which makes me so sharp-witted. Euen so (saide Musido∣rus) as euery base occupation makes one sharp in that practise, and foolish in all the [ 25] rest. Nay rather (answered Pyrocles) as each excellent thing once well learned, ser∣ues for a measure of all other knowledges. And is that become (saide Musidorus) a measure for other things, which neuer receiued measure in it selfe? It is counted without measure (answered Pyrocles,) because the workings of it are without measure but otherwise, in nature it hath measure, since it hath an end allotted vnto it. The [ 30] beginning being so excellent, I would gladly know the ende. Enioying, answered Pyrocles, with a deepe sigh. O (saide Musidorus) now set ye foorth the basenes of it: since if it ende in enioying, it shewes all the rest was nothing. Ye mistake me (aun∣swered Pyrocles) I spake of the ende to which it is directed; which end ends not, no sooner then the life. Alas, let your owne braine disenchaunt you (saide Musidorus.) [ 35] My hart is too farre possessed (saide Pyrocles.) But the head giues you direction. And the hart giues me life; aunswered Pyrocles.

But Musidorus was so greeued to see his welbeloued friend obstinat (as he thought) to his owne destruction, that it forced him with more then accustomed vehemency to speake these words; Well, well, (saide he) you lift to abuse your selfe; it was a very [ 40] white and red vertue, which you could pick out of a painterly glosse of a visage: Confesse the truth; and ye shall finde, the vtmost was but beautie; a thing, which though it be in as great excellencye in your selfe as may be in any, yet I am sure you make no further reckning of it, then of an outward fading benefite Nature bestowed vpon you. And yet such is your want of a true grounded vertue, which must be like [ 45] it selfe in all points, that what you wisely account a trifle in your selfe, you fondly become a slaue vnto in another. For my part I now protest, I haue left nothing vn∣said,

which my wit could make me know, or my most entier friendship to you re∣quires of me; I doo now beseech you euen for the loue betwixt vs (if this other loue haue left any in you tovvards me) and for the remembrance of your olde careful fa∣ther (if you can remēber him that forget your selfe) lastly for Pyrocles ovvn sake (who [ 5] is novv vpon the point of falling or rising) to purge your selfe of this vile infection; other vvise giue me leaue, to leaue of this name of freindship, as an idle title of a thing vvhich cannot be, vvhere vertue is abolished. The length of these speaches be∣fore had not so much cloied Pyrocles, though he vvere very impatient of long deli∣berations, as this last farevvell of him he loued as his ovvne life, did vvound his [ 10] soule for thinking him selfe afflicted, he vvas the apter to conceiue vnkindnesse deepely: insomuch, that shaking his head, and deliuering some shevve of teares, he thus vttered his greifes. Alas (said he) prince Musidorus, hovv cruelly you deale with me; if you seeke the victorie, take it and if ye list, the triumph; haue you all the reason of the world, and with me remaine all the imperfections; yet such as I [ 15] can no more lay from me, then the Crow can be perswaded by the Swanne to cast of all his blacke fethers. But truely you deale with me like a Phisition, that seeing his patient in a pestilēt feuer, should chide him, in steed of ministring helpe, and bid him be sick no more; or rather like such a friēd, that visiting his friend condemned to per∣petuall prison; and loaden with greeuous fetters, should will him to shake of his fet∣ters, [ 20] or he would leaue him. I am sick, and sick to the death; I am prisoner, nei∣ther is there any redresse, but by her to whom I am slaue. Now if you list, leaue him that loues you in the hiest degree: But remember euer to cary this with you, that you abandon your friend in his greatest extremitie.

And herewith the deepe wound of his loue being rubbed a fresh with this [ 25] new vnkindnes, began (as it were to bleed againe, in such sort that he was vnable to beare it any longer, but gushing out aboundance of teares, and crossing his armes ouer his woefull hart, he suncke downe•• to the ground which sodaine trance went so to the hart of Musidorus, that falling downe by him and kissing the weping eyes of his friend, he besought him not to make account of his speach; which [ 30] if it had beene ouer vehement, yet was it to be borne withall, because it came out of a loue much more vehement; that he had not thought fancie could haue receiued so deep a wound: but now finding in him the force of it, hee woulde no further contrary it; but imploy all his seruice to medicine it, in such sorte, as the nature of it required. But euen this kindnes made Pyrocles the more melte [ 35] in the former vnkindenes, which his manlike teares well shewed, with a silent look vpon Musidorus, as who should say, And is it possible that Musidorus should threa∣ten to leaue me? And this strooke Musidorus minde and senses so dumbe too, that for greefe being notable to say any thing, they rested with their eyes placed one vpon another, in such sort, as might well paint out the true passion of vnkindenes [ 40] to be neuer aright, but betwixt them that most dearely loue.

And thus remained they a time; till at length, Musidorus embrasing him, said and will you thus shake of your friend? It is you that shake me of (sayde Pyrocles) being for my vnperfectnes vnworthie of your friendshippe. But this (said Musido∣rus) shewes you more vnperfect, to be cruell to him, that submits himselfe vnto [ 45] you; but since you are vnperfect (said he smiling) it is reason you be gouerned by vs wise and perfect man. And that authoritie will I begin to take vpon me, with three absolute cōmandemēts: The first, that you increase not your euill with fur¦ther

griefes: the second, that you loue her with all the powers of your mind: and the last commandement shalbe, ye command me to do what seruice I can, towardes the attaining of your desires. Pyrocles hart was not so oppressed with the two mighty pas∣sions of loue and vnkindnes, but that it yeelded to some mirth at his commaunde∣ment of Musidorus; that he should loue: so that some thing cleering his face from [ 5] his former shewes of griefe; Well (said he) deare cousin, I see by the well choosing of your commandementes, that you are farre fitter to be a Prince, then a Counseller: & therfore I am resolued to imploy all my endeuour to obey you; with this condition that the commandementes ye commaund me to lay vpon you, shall onely bee, that you continue to loue me, and looke vpon my imperfections, with more affection [ 10] then iudgement. Loue you? (said hee) alas, how can my hart be seperated from the true imbrasing of it, without it burst, by being too full of it? But (said he) let vs leaue of these flowers of newe begun frendship: and now I pray you againe tel me; but tell it me fully, omitting no circumstance, the storie of your affections both begin∣ning, and proceeding: assuring your selfe, that there is nothing so great, which I [ 15] will feare to doo for you: nor nothing so small, which I will disdaine to doo for you. Let me therefore receiue a cleere vnderstanding, which many times we misse, while those things we account small, as a speech, or a looke are omitted, like as a whole sen∣tence may faile of his congruitie, by wanting one particle. Therefore betweene frends, all must be layd open, nothing being superfluous, nor tedious. You shalbe [ 20] obeyed (said Pyrocles) and here are we in as fitte a place for it as may be; for this ar∣bor no body offers to come into but my selfe; I vsing it as my melancholy retiring place, and therefore that respect is born vnto it; yet if by chance any should come, say that you are a seruant sent from the Queene of the Amazons to seeke mee and then let mee, alone for the rest. So sate they downe, and Pyrocles thus [ 25] said.

Cousin (said he) then began the fatall ouerthrow of all my libertie when walking among the pictures in Kalāders house, you your selfe deliuerd vnto me what you had vnderstood of Philoclea, who much resembling (though I must say much surpas∣sing) the Ladie Zelmane, whom so well I loued: there were mine eyes infected, and [ 30] at your mouth did I drinke my poison. Yet alas so sweete was it vnto me, that I could not be contented, till Kalander had made it more and more strong with his de∣claration. Which the more I questioned, the more pittie I conceaued of her vn∣worthie fortune: and when with pittie once my harte was made tender, according to the aptnesse of the humour, it receaued quickly a cruell impression of that won∣derfull [ 35] passion which to be definde is impossible, because no wordes reach to the strange nature of it: they onely know it, which inwardly feele it, it is called loue. Yet did I not (poore wretch) at first know my disease, thinking it onely such a woon∣ted kinde of desire, to see rare sights; and my pitie to be no other, but the fruits of a gentle nature. But euen this arguing with my selfe came of further thoughts; and the [ 40] more I argued, the more my thoughts encreased. Desirous I was to see the place where she remained, as though the Architecture of the lodges would haue beene much for my learning; but more desirous to see her selfe, to be iudge, for sooth, of the painters cunning. For thus at the first did I flatter my self, as though my wound had bene no deeper: but when within short time I came to the degree of vncertaine [ 45] wishes, and that those wishes grew to vnquiet longinges, when I could fix my thoughts vpon nothing, but that within little varying, they should end with Philo∣clea:

when each thing I saw, seemed to figure out some parte of my passions; when euen Parthenias faire face became a lecture to me of Philocleas imagined beautie; when I heard no word spoken, but that me thought it caried the sounde of Philocleas name: then indeed, then I did yeeld to the burthen, finding my selfe prisoner, be∣fore [ 5] I had leasure to arme my selfe; and that I might well, like the spaniell, gnaw vp∣on the chaine that ties him, but I should sooner marre my teeth, then procure liber∣ty. Yet I take to witnesse the eternall spring of vertue, that I had neuer read, heard, nor seene any thing; I had neuer any tast of Philosophy, nor inward feeling in my selfe, which for a while I did not call to my succour. But (alas) what resistance was [ 10] there, when ere long my very reason was (you will say corrupted) I must confesse, conquered; and that me thought euen reason did assure me, that all eyes did degenerate from their creation, which did not honour such beautie? No∣thing in trueth coulde holde any plea with it, but the reuerent friendship I beare vnto you. For as it went against my harte to breake any way from you, so did I [ 15] feare more then any assault to breake it to you: finding (as it is indeed) that to a hart fully resolute, counsaile is tedious, but reprehension is lothsome: and that there is nothing more terrible to a guilty hart, then the eie of a respected friend. This made me determine with my selfe, (thinking it a lesse fault in frendship to do a thing with∣out your knowledge, then against your will) to take this secret course: Which con∣ceit [ 20] was most builded vp in me, the last day of my parting and speaking with you; whē vpō your speach with me, & my but naming loue, (whē els perchaūce I would haue gone further) I saw your voice and countenance so chaunge, as it assured me, my reuealing it should but purchase your griefe with my cumber: & therfore (deere Musidorus) euen ran away from thy wel knowne chiding: for hauing writtē a letter, [ 25] which I know not whether you found or no, and taken my chiefe iewels with mee, while you were in the middest of your sport, I got a time (as I thinke) vnmarked by any, to steale away, I cared not whether so I might scape you & so came I to Ithonia in the prouince of Messenia; wher lying secret I put this in practise which before I had deuised. For remēbring by Philanax his letter, & Kalāders speech, how obstinately Ba∣silius [ 30] was determined not to mary his daughters, & therefore fearing, lest any publike dealing should rather increase her captiuitie, then further my loue; Loue (the refi∣ner of inuentiō) had put in my head thus to disguise my selfe, that vnder that maske I might (if it were possible,) get accesse, and what accesse could bring foorth, com∣mit to fortune & industry: determining to beare the countenance of an Amazon. [ 35] Therefore in the closest maner I could, naming my selfe Zelmane, for that deere La∣dies sake, to whose memorie I am so much bound, I caused this apparell to be made, and bringing it neere the lodges, which are heard at hand, by night, thus dressed my selfe, resting till occasion might make me to be found by them, whom I sought: which the next morning hapned as well, as my owne plot could haue laide it. For [ 40] after I had runne ouer the whole petigree of my thoughts, I gaue my selfe to sing a little, which as you knowe I euer delighted in, so now especially, whether it be the nature of this clime to stir vp Poeticall fancies, or rather as I thinke, of loue; whose cope being plesure, wil not so much as vtter his griefes, but in some form of pleasure.

But I had song very little, when (as I thinke displeased with my bad musicke) [ 45] comes master Dametas with a hedging bill in his hand, chasing, and swearing by the pantable of Pallas, & such other othes as his rusticall brauery could imagine; & when he saw me, I assure you my beauty was no more beholding to him then my harmo∣ny;

for leaning his hands vpon his bil, and his chin vpon his hands, with the voice of one that plaieth Hercules in a play, but neuer had his fancie in his head, the first word he spake to me, was, am not I Dametas? why? am not I Dametas? hee needed not name himselfe: for Kalanders description had set such a note vpon him, as made him very notable vpon me, and therefore the height of my thoughts would not dis∣cend [ 5] so much as to make him any answer, but continued on my inward discour∣ses: which (he perchaunce witnes of his owne vnworthines, and therefore the apter to thinke himselfe contemned) tooke in so hainous manner, that standing vpon his tip-toes, and staring as if he would haue had a mote pulled out of his eie, Why (said he) thou woman, or boy, or both, whatsoeuer thou bee, I tell thee here is no place [ 10] for thee, get thee gone, I tell thee it is the Princes pleasure, I tell thee it is Dametas pleasure. I could not choose, but smile at him, seeing him looke so like an Ape that had newly taken a purgation; yet taking my selfe with the manner, spake these wordes to my selfe: O spirite (saide I) of mine, how canst thou receaue anie mirth in the midst of thine agonies, and thou mirth howe darest thou enter into a [ 15] minde so growne of late thy professed enemie? Thy spirite (saide Dametas) doost thou thinke me a spirite, I tell thee I am Basilius officer, and haue charge of him, and his daughters. O onely pearle (saide I sobbing) that so vile an oyster should keepe thee? By the combe-case of Diana sware Dametas) this wo∣man is mad: oysters, and pearles? doost thou thinke I will buie oysters? I tell [ 20] thee once againe get thee packing, and with that lifted vp his bill to hit me with the blunt ende of it: but indeede that put me quite out of my lesson, so that I for∣gat Zelmanes-ship, and drawing out my sworde, the basenesse of the villaine yet made me stay my hande, and he (who, as Kalander tolde mee, from his childe∣hood euer feared the blade of a sworde) ran backe, backward (with his handes a∣boue [ 25] his head) at lest twentie paces, gaping and staring, with the verie grace (I thinke) of the clownes, that by Latonas prayers were turned into Frogs. At length staying, findinge himselfe without the compasse of blowes, hee fell to a fresh scolding, in such mannerlie manner, as might well shewe hee had passed through the discipline of a Tauerne. But seeing mee walke vp and downe, without [ 30] marking what he saide, he went his way (as I perceiued after) to Basilius: for within a while he came vnto mee, bearing in deede shewes in his countenaunce of an ho∣nest and well-minded gentleman, and with as much courtesie as Dametas with rude∣nesse saluting mee, Faire Lady (saide hee) it is nothing strange, that such a solitary place as this should receiue solitary persons; but much doe I maruaile howe such a [ 35] beauty as yours is, should be suffered to be thus alone. I (that now knew it was my part to play) looking with a graue maiestie vpon him, as if I found in my selfe cause to be reuerenced. They are neuer alone (saide I) that are accompanied with noble thoughts. But those thoughts (replied Basilius) cannot in this your lonelines neither warrant you from suspition in others, nor defende you from melancholy in your [ 40] selfe. I then shewing a mislike that he pressed me so farre, I seeke no better warrant (saide I) then my owne conscience, nor no greater pleasure, then mine owne contentation. Yet vertue seekes to satisfie others, (saide Basilius.) Those that bee good (saide I,) and they will bee satisfied as long as they see no euill. Yet will the best in this country, (saide Basilius) suspect so excellent beauty being so weake∣ly [ 45] garded. Then are the best but starke nought, (aunswered I) for open suspec∣ting others, comes of secrete condemning themselues; But in my countrie

whose manners I am in all places to maintaine and reuerence) the generall good∣nes (which is nourished in our harts) makes euerye one thinke the strength of vertue in an other, whereof they finde the assured foundation in themselues. Ex∣cellent Ladie (said he) you praise so greatly, (and yet so wisely) your country, that [ 5] I must needes desire to knowe what the nest is, out of which such Byrds doo flye. You must first deserue it (said I) before you may obtaine it. And by what meanes (saide Basilius) shall I deserue to know your estate? By letting me first knowe yours (aunswered I.) To obey you (said he) I will doe it, although it were so much more reason, yours should be knowen first, as you doo deserue in all points to be [ 10] preferd. Know you (faire Lady) that my name is Basilius, vnworthily Lord of this country: the rest, either fame hath alreadie brought to your eares, or (if it please you to make this place happie by your presence) at more leasure you shall vnderstand of me. I that from the beginning assured my selfe it was he, but would not seeme I did so, to keepe my grauitie the better, making a peece of reuerence vnto him, Mightye [ 15] Prince (said I) let my not knowing you serue for the excuse of my boldenes, and the little reuerence I doe you, impute it to the manner of my country, which is the inuincible Land of the Amazons; My selfe neece to Senicia, Queene thereof, line∣ally descended of the famous Penthesilea, slaine by the bloudie hand of Pyrrhus: I hauing in this my youth determined to make the worlde see the Ama∣zons [ 20] excellencies, aswell in priuate, as in publicke vertue, haue passed some daungerous aduentures in diuers countries, till the vnmercifull Sea depriued me of my company: so that shipwrack casting me not farre hence, vncertaine wan∣dring brought me to this place. But Basilius (who now began to tast of that, which since he hath swallowed vp, as I will tell you) fell to more cunning intreating [ 25] my aboad, then any greedy host would vse to well paying passengers. I thought no∣thing could shoot righter at the mark of my desires; yet had I learned alredye so much, that it was against my womanhood to be forward in my owne wishes. And therefore he (to prooue whether intercessions in fitter mouths might better pre∣uaile) commaunded Dametas to bring forth with his wife and daughters thether; [ 30] three Ladies, although of diuers, yet all of excellent beauty.

His wife in graue Matronlike attire, with countenaunce and gesture sutable, and of such fairenes (being in the strength of her age) as if her daughters had not bene by, might with iust price haue purchased admiration; but they being there, it was enough that the most dainty eye would thinke her a worthye mother of [ 35] such children. The faire Pamela, whose noble hart I finde doth greatly disdaine, that the trust of her vertue is reposed in such a louts hands as Dametas, had yet to shewe an obedience, taken on shepeardish apparell, which was but of Russet cloth cut after their fashion, with a straight body, open brested, the nether parte full of pleights, with long and wide sleeues: but beleeue me she did apparell her [ 40] apparell, and with the pretiousnes of her body made it most sumptuous. Her haire at the full length, wound about with gold lace, onely by the comparison to shew how farre her haire doth excell in colour: betwixt her breasts (which sweetlye rase vp like two faire Mountainettes in the pleasaunt vale of Tempe) there honge a verie riche Diamond set but in a blacke horne, the worde I haue since read is this; yet still [ 45] my selfe. And thus particularlie haue I described them, because you may know that mine eyes are not so partiall, but that I marked them too. But when the ornament of the Earth, the modell of heauen, the Triumph of Nature, the life of

beauty the Queene of Loue, young Philoclea appeared in her Nimphe-like appa∣rell, so neare nakednes, as one might well discerne part of her per••••ctions; and yet so apparelled, as did shew she kept best store of her beauty to her selfe: her haire (alas too poore a word, why should I not rather call thē her beames) drawē vp into a net, able to haue caught Iupiter when he was in the forme of an Egle; her body (O sweet [ 5] body) couered with a light Taffeta garment, so cut, as the wrought smocke came through it in many places, inough to haue made your restraind imagination haue thought what was vnder it: with the cast of her blacke eyes; blacke indeed, whether nature so made them, that we might be the more able to behold & bear their won∣derfull shining, or that she, (goddesse like) would work this miracle with her selse, in [ 10] giuing blacknes the price aboue all beauty. Then (I say) indeede me thought the Lillies grew pale for enuie, the roses me thought blushed to see sweeter roses in her cheekes, and the apples me thought, fell downe from the trees, to do homage to the apples of her breast; Then the cloudes gaue place, that the heauens might more free∣ly smile vpon her; at the lest the cloudes of my thoughts quite vanished: and my [ 15] sight (then more cleere and forcible then euer) was so fixed there, that (I imagine) I stood like a well wrought image, with some life in shew, but none in practise. And so had I beene like inough to haue stayed long time, but that Gynecia stepping betweene my sight and the onely Philoclea, the chaunge of obi••ct made meere-couer my sences: so that I coulde with reasonable good manner receiue the sa∣lutation [ 20] of her, and of the princesse Pamela, doing them yet no further reuerence then one Princesse vseth to another. But when I came to the neuer-inough praised Philoclea, I could not but fall downe on my knees, and taking by force her hand, and kissing it (I must confesse) with more then womanly ardency, Diuine Lady, (said I) let not the world, nor these great princesses maruaile, to se me (contrary to [ 25] my manner) do this especiall honor vnto you, since all both men and women, do owe this to the perfection of your beauty. But she blushing (like a faire morning in May) at this my singularity, and causing me to rise, Noble Lady, (saide she) it is no maruaile to see your iudgemēt much mistaken in my beauty, since you beginne with so great an errour, as to do more honour vnto me then to them, to whom I my [ 30] selfe owe all seruice. Rather (answered I with a bowed downe countenaunce) that shewes the power of your beauty, which forced me to do such an errour, if it were an errour. You are so well acquainted (saide shee sweetely, most sweetely smiling, with your owne beautie, that it makes you easilie fall into the discourse of beauty. Beauty in me? (said I truely sighing) alas if there be any, it is in my eyes, which your [ 35] blessed presence hath imparted vnto them.

But then (as I thinke) Basilius willing her so to do, Well (said she) I must needes confesse I haue heard that it is a great happines to bee praised of th••m that are most praise worthie; And well I finde that you are an inuincibl•• Amazon, since you will ouercome, though in a wrong matter. But if my beauty bee any thing, then let [ 40] it obtaine thus much of you, that you will remaine some while in this companie, to ease your owne trauail, and our solitarines. First let me dye (said I) before any word spoken by such a mouth, should come in vaine. And thus with some other wordes of entertaining, was my staying concluded, and I led among them to the lodge; truely a place for pleasantnes, not vnfitte to flatter solitarines••e for it be∣ing [ 45] set vpon such an vnsensible rising of the ground, as you are come to a prety height before almost you perceiue that you ascend, it giues the eye Lordship ouer a

good large circuit, which according to the nature of the countrey, being diuersified betwene hills and dales, woods and playnes, one place more cleere, an other more darksome, it seemes a pleasant picture of nature, with louely lightsomnes and artifi∣ciall shadowes. The Lodge is of a yellow stone, built in the forme of a starre; ha∣uing [ 5] round about a garden framed into like points: and beyond the gardein, ri∣dings cut out, each aunswering the Angles of the Lodge: at the end of one of them is the other smaller Lodge, but of like fashion; where the gratious Pamela liueth: so that the Lodge seemeth not vnlike a faire Comete, whose taile stretcheth it selfe to a starre of lesse greatnes.

[ 10] So Gynecia her selfe bringing me to my Lodging, anone after I was inuited and brought downe to sup with them in the gardein, a place not fairer in naturall orna∣ments, then artificiall inuentions: where, in a banquetting house among certaine pleasant trees, whose heads seemed curled with the wrappings about of Vine-bran∣ches The table was set neere to an excellent water-worke; for by the casting of [ 15] the water in most cunning maner, it makes (with the shining of the Sunne vpon it) a perfect rainbow, not more pleasant to the eye then to the mind, so sensibly to see the proofe of the heauenly Iris. There were birds also made so finely, that they did not onely deceiue the sight with their figure, but the hearing with their songs; which the watrie instruments did make their gorge deliuer. The table at which we [ 20] sate, was round, which being fast to the floore whereon we sate, and that deuided from the rest of the buildings (with turning a vice, which Basilius at first did to make me sport) the table, and we about the table, did all turne round, by meanes of water which ranne vnder, and carried it about as a Mille. But alas, what pleasure did it to mee, to make diuers times the full circle round about, since [ 25] Philoclea (being also set) was carried still in equall distance from mee, and that onely my eyes did ouertake her? which when the table was stayed, and wee be∣gan to feede, dranke much more eagerlie of her beautie, then my mouth did of any other licour. And so was my common sense deceiued (being chiefly bent to her) that as I dranke the wine, and withall stale a looke on her, me seemed [ 30] I tasted her deliciousnesse. But alas, the one thirste was much more inflamed, then the other quenched. Sometimes my eyes would lay themselues open to re∣ceiue all the dartes she did throwe, sometimes cloze vp with admiration, as if with a contrary fancie, they would preserue the riches of that fight they had gotten, or cast my liddes as curtaines ouer the image of beautie, her pre••ence had [ 35] painted in them. True it is, that my Reason (now growen a seruant to passion) did yet often tell his master, that he should more moderatly vse his delight. But he, that of a rebell was become a Prince, disdayned almost to allow him the place of a Counseller: so that my senses delights being too strong for any other resolution, I did euen loose the raines vnto them: hoping, that (going for a woman) my lookes [ 40] would passe, either vnmarked, or vnsuspected.

Now thus I had (as me thought) well playd my first acte, assuring my selfe, that vnder that disguisment, I should find opportunitie to reueale my selfe to the owner of my harte. But who would thinke it possible (though I feele it true) that in al∣most eight weekes space, I haue liued here (hauing no more companie but her pa∣rents, [ 45] and I being familiar, as being a woman, and watchfull, as being a louer) yet could neuer finde opportunitie to haue one minutes leasure of priuate conference: the cause whereof is as strange, as the effects are to me miserable. And (alas) this it is.

At the first sight that Basilius had of me (I thinke Cupid hauing headed his arrows with my misfortune) he was striken (taking me to be such as I professe) with great affection towards me, which since is growen to such a doting loue, that (till I was faine to get this place, sometimes to retire vnto freely) I was euen choaked with his tediousnes. You neuer saw fourscore yeares daunce vp and downe more liuely [ 5] in a young Louer: now, as fine in his apparell, as if he would make me in loue with a cloake; and verse for verse with the sharpest-witted Louer in Arcadia. Doo you not thinke that this is a sallet of woormwood, while mine eyes feede vpon the Am∣brosia of Philocleas beauty. But this is not all; no this is not the worst; for he (good man) were easy enough to be dealt with: but (as I thinke) Loue and mischeefe ha∣uing [ 10] made a wager, which should haue most power in me, haue set Gynecia also on such a fire towardes me, as will neuer (I feare) be quenched but with my de∣struction. For she (being a woman of excellent witte, and of strong working thoughts) whether she suspected me by my ouer-vehement showers of affection to Philoclea (which loue forced me vnwisely to vtter, while hope of my maske foo∣lishly [ 15] incouraged me) or that she hath takē some other marke of me, that I am not a woman: or what deuill it is hath reuealed it vnto her, I know not; but so it is, that all her countenances, words and gestures, are euen miserable portraitures of a desperate affection. Whereby a man may learne, that these auoydings of companie, doo but make the passions more violent, when they meete with fitte subiects. Truely it were [ 20] a notable dumb shew of Cupids kingdome, to see my eyes (languishing with ouer-vehement longing) direct themselues to Philoclea: and Basilius as busie about me as a Bee, and indeed as cumbersome; making such vehement suits to me, who neither could if I would; nor would if I could, helpe him: while the terrible witte of Gyne∣cia, carried with the beere of violent loue, runnes thorow vs all. And so ielious is she [ 25] of my loue to her daughter, that I could neuer yet beginne to opē my mouth to the vneuitable Philoclea, but that her vnwished presence gaue my tale a conclusion, be∣fore it had a beginning. And surely if I be not deceiued, I see such shewes of liking, and (if I bee acquainted with passions) of almost a passionate liking in the heauenly Philoclea, towardes me, that I may hope her eares would not abhorre my discourse. [ 30] And for good Basilius, hee thought it best to haue lodged vs together, but that the eternall hatefulnes of my destinie, made Gynecias ielousie stoppe that, and all other my blessings. Yet must I confesse, that one way her loue doth me pleasure: for since it was my foolish fortune, or vnfortunate follie, to bee knowen by her, that keepes her from bewraying mee to Basilius. And thus (my Musidorus) you haue my Tra∣gedie [ 35] played vnto you by my selfe, which I pray the gods may not in deede prooue a Tragedie. And there with he ended, making a full point of a hartie sigh.

Musidorus recommended to his best discourse, all which Pyrocles had told him. But therein he found such intricatenesse, that he could see no way to lead him out of the maze; yet perceauing his affection so groūded, that striuing against it, did rather an∣ger [ 40] then heale the wound, and rather call his friendshippe in question, then giue place to any friendly counsell. Well (said he) deare cosin, since it hath pleased the gods to mingle your other excellencies with this humor of loue, yet happie it is, that your loue is imployed vpon so rare a woman: for certainly, a noble cause dooth ease much a grieuous case. But as it stands now, nothing vexeth me, as that I can∣not [ 45] see wherein I can be seruisable vnto you. I desire no greater seruice of you (an∣swered Pyrocles) thē that you remayn secretly in this country, & some-times come to

this place; either late in the night, or early in the morning, where you shall haue my key to enter, bicause as my fortune, eyther amends or empaires. I may declare it vnto you, and haue your counsell and furtheraunce: and hereby I will of purpose leade her, that is the prayse, and yet the staine of all womankinde, that you may haue so [ 5] good a view, as to allowe my iudgement: and as I can get the most conuenient time, I will come vnto you; for though by reason of yonder wood you cannot see the Lodge; it is harde at hande. But now, (sayd she) it is time for me to leaue you, and towardes euening we will walke out of purpose hetherward, therefore keepe your selfe close in that time. But Musidorus bethinking him selfe that his horse might [ 10] happen to bewray them, thought it best to returne for that day, to a village not farre of, and dispatching his horse in some sort, the next day early to come a foote thither, and so to keepe that course afterward, which Pyrocles very well liked of. Now fare∣well deere cousin (said he) from me, no more Pyrocles, nor Daiphantus now, but Zel∣mane: Zelmane is my name, Zelmane is my title, Zelmane is the onely hope of my ad∣uauncement. [ 15] And with that word going out, and seeing that the coast was cleare, Zelmane dismissed Musidorus, who departed as full of care to helpe his friend, as be∣fore he was to disswade him.

Zelmane returned to the Lodge, where (inflamed by Philoclea, watched by Gynecia, and tired by Basilius) she was like a horse, desirous to runne, and miserablie spurred, [ 20] but so short raind, as he cannot stirre forward: Zelmane sought occasion to speake with Philoclea; Basilius with Zelmane; and Gynecia hindered them all. If Philoclea hap∣ned to sigh (and sigh she did often) as if that sigh were to be wayted on, Zelmane sighed also; whereto Basilius and Gynecia soone made vp foure parts of sorrow. Their affection increased their conuersation; and their conuersation increased their affec∣tion. [ 25] The respect borne bred due ceremonies; but the affection shined so through them, that the ceremonies seemed not ceremonious. Zelmanes eyes were (like chil∣dren before sweet meate) eager, but fearefull of their ill-pleasing gouernors. Time in one instant, seeming both short, and long vnto them: short, in the pleasingnes of such presence: long, in the stay of their desires.

[ 30] But Zelmane fayled not to intice them all many times abroad, because she was desirous her friend Musidorus (neere whom of purpose she led them) might haue full sight of them. Sometimes angling to a little Riuer neere hand, which for the moisture it bestowed vpon rootes of some flourishing Trees, was rewarded with their shadowe. There would they sit downe, and pretie wagers be made betweene [ 35] Pamela and Philoclea, which could soonest beguile silly fishes; while Zelmane prote∣sted, that the fit pray for them was hartes of Princes. She also had an angle in her hand; but the taker was so taken, that she had forgotten taking. Basilius in the meane time would be the cooke himselfe of what was so caught, and Gynecia sit still, but with no still pensifnesse. Now she brought them to see a seeled Doue, who the [ 40] blinder she was, the higher she straue. Another time a Kite, which hauing a gut cunningly pulled out of her, and so let flie, caused all the Kites in that quarter, who (as oftentimes the world is deceaued) thinking her prosperous, when indeede she was wounded, made the poore Kite find, that opinion of riches may well be dangerous.

[ 45] But these recreations were interrupted by a delight of more gallant shew; for one euening as Basilius returned from hauing forced his thoughts to please them∣selues in such small conquests, there came a shepheard, who brought him word that

a Gentleman desired leaue to do a message from his Lord vnto him. Basilius gran∣ted; whereupon the Gentleman came, and after the dutifull ceremonies obserued, in his maisters name tolde him, that he was sent from Phalantus of Corinth, to craue licence, that as he had done in many other courts, so he might in his presence defie all Arcadian Knights in the behalfe of his mistres beautie, who would besides, her [ 5] selfe in person be present, to giue euident proofe what his launce should affirme. The conditions of his chalenge were, that the defendant should bring his mistresse picture, which being set by the image of Artesia (so was the mistresse of Phalantus named) who in sixe courses should haue better of the other, in the iudgement of Basilius, with him both the honors and the pictures should remaine. Basilius (though [ 10] he had retired himselfe into that solitarie dwelling, with intention to auoid, rather then to accept any matters of drawing company; yet because he would enter∣taine Zelmane, (that she might not thinke the time so gainefull to him, losse to her) graunted him to pitch his tent for three dayes, not farre from the lodge, and to proclayme his chalenge, that what Arcadian Knight (for none els but vpon his [ 15] perill was licensed to come) would defende what he honored against Phalantus, should haue the like freedome of accesse and returne.

This obteyned and published, Zelmane being desirous to learne what this Pha∣lantus was, hauing neuer knowne him further then by report of his good iusting, in somuch as he was commonly called, The faire man of armes, Basilius told her [ 20] that he had had occasion by one very inward with him, to knowe in part the dis∣course of his life, which was, that he was bastard-brother to the faire Helen Queene of Corinth, and deerly esteemed of her for his exceeding good parts, being hono∣rablie courteous, and wronglesly valiaunt, considerately pleasant in conuersation, and an excellent courtier without vnfaithfulnes; who (finding his sisters vnper∣swadeable [ 25] melancholy, thorow the loue of Amphialus) had for a time left her court, and gone into Laconia: where in the warre against the Helots, he had gotten the reputation of one, that both durst and knew. But as it was rather choise then na∣ture, that led him to matters of armes, so as soone as the spur of honor ceased, he willingly rested in peaceable delightes, being beloued in all companies for his loue∣ly [ 30] qualities, and (as a man may terme it) winning cherefulnes, whereby to the Prince and Court of Laconia, none was more agreable then Phalantus: and he not giuen greatly to struggle with his owne disposition, followed the gentle currant of it, hauing a fortune sufficient to content, and he content with a sufficient fortune. But in that court he sawe, and was acquainted with this Artesia, whose beautie he [ 35] now defends, became her seruant, sayd himselfe, and perchaunce thought himselfe her louer. But certainly, said Basilius) many times it falles out, that these young companions make themselues beleeue they loue at the first liking of a likely beautie; louing, because they will loue for want of other businesse, not because they feele indeed that diuine power, which makes the heart finde a reason in passion: and so [ 40] (God knowes) as inconstantly leaue vpon the next chaunce that beautie castes before them. So therefore taking loue vppon him like a fashion, he courted this Ladie Artesia, who was as fit to paie him in his owne monie as might be. For she thinking she did wrong to her beautie if she were not prowde of it, called her disdaine of him chastitie, and placed her honour in little setting by his honou∣ring [ 45] her: determining neuer to marrie, but him, whome she thought worthie of her: and that was one, in whome all worthinesse were harboured. And to this

conceipt not only nature had bent her, but the bringing vp she receaued at my sister in lawe Cecropia, had confirmed her: who hauing in her widowhood taken this young Artesia into her charge; because her Father had bene a deare friend of her dead husbandes, had taught her to thinke that there is no wisdome but [ 5] in including both heauen and earth in ones selfe: and that loue, courtesie, grate∣fulnesse, friendship, and all other vertues are rather to be taken on, then taken in ones selfe: And so good a disciple she found of her, that liking the fruits of her owne planting, she was content (if so her sonne could haue liked of it) to haue wi∣shed her in mariage to my Nephew Amphialus. But I thinke that desire hath lost [ 10] some of his heate, since she hath knowne, that such a Queene as Helen is, doth offer so great a price as a Kingdome, to buie his fauour; for if I be not deceaued in my good sister Cecr••pia, she thinks no face so beautifull, as that which lookes vnder a Crowne. But Artesia indeede liked well of my Nephew Amphialus; for I can neuer deeme that loue, which in hauty harts proceeds of a desire onely to please, and as it [ 15] were, peacock themselues; but yet she hath shewed vehemencie of desire that way, I thinke, because all her desires be vehement, in so much that she hath both placed her only brother (a fine youth called Ismenus) to be his squire, and her selfe is con∣tent to waite vpon my sister, till she may see the vttermost what she may worke in Amphialus: who being of a melancholie (though I must say truly courteous and [ 20] noble) mind, seemes to loue nothing lesse then Loue: and of late hauing through some aduenture, or inward miscontentment, withdrawne himselfe from any bodies knowledge, where he is: Artesia the easier condiscended to goe to the court of Laco∣nia, whether she was sent for by the Kings wife, to whome she is somewhat allied.

And there after the war of the Helots, this Knight Phalantus, (at least for tongue-delight) made him selfe her seruaunt, and she so little caring, as not to showe mislike [ 25] thereof, was content onely to be noted to haue a notable seruaunt. For truely one in my court neerely acquainted with him, within these few dayes made me a plea∣saunt description of their loue, while he with cheerefull lookes would speake so∣rowfull words, vsing the phrase of his affection in so high a stile, that Mercurie would [ 30] not haue wooed Venus with more magnificent Eloquence: but els neyther in be∣hauiour, nor action, accusing in himselfe anie great trouble in minde, whether he sped or no. And she of the other side, well finding how little it was, and not caring for more, yet taught him, that often it falleth out but a foolish wittinesse, to speake more then one thinkes.

[ 35] For she made earnest benefite of his iest, forcing him in respect of his profession, to doo her such seruice, as were both cumbersome and costly vnto him, while he still thought he went beyond her, because his harte did not commit the idola∣trie. So that lastlie, she (I thinke) hauing in minde to make the fame of her beau∣tie an oratour for her to Amphialus, (perswading her selfe perhaps, that it might fall [ 40] out in him, as it doth in some that haue delightfull meate before them, and haue no stomacke to it, before other folkes prayse it) shee tooke the aduaun∣tage one daye vppon Phalantus vnconscionable praysinges of her, and certaine cast-awaie vowes, howe much hee would doo for her sake, to arrest his woord assoone as it was out of his mouth, and by the vertue thereof to charge him to [ 45] goe with her thorow all the courts of Greece, and with the chalenge now made, to giue her beauty the principality ouer all other. Phalantus was entrapped, and saw round about him, but could not get out. Exceedingly perplexed he was (as he

confest to him that tolde mee the tale) not for doubt hee had of him selfe (for indeede he had little cause, being accounted, with his Launce especially (whereup∣on the challenge is to be tryed) as perfect as any that Greece knoweth; but because he feared to offend his sister Helen, and withall (as he said) he could not so much be∣leeue his loue, but that he must thinke in his hart (whatsoeuer his mouth affirmed) [ 5] that both she, my daughters, & the faire Parthenia (wife to a most noble Gentleman, my wiues neere kinsman) might far better put in their clayme for that prerogatiue. But his promise had bound him prentice, and therefore it was now better with willingnes to purchase thankes, then with a discontented doing to haue the paine, and not the reward: and therefore went on, as his faith, rather then loue, did lead [ 10] him. And now hath he already passed the courts of Laconia, Elis, Argos & Corinth: and (as many times it happens) that a good pleader maks a bad cause to preuaile; so hath his Lawnce brought captiues to the triumph of Artesias beautie, such, as though Arte∣sia be amōg the fairest, yet in that cōpany were to haue the preheminēce: for in those courts many knights (that had bene in other far countries) defended such as they had [ 15] sene, & liked in their trauaile: but their defēce had ben such; as they had forfaited the pictures of their Ladies, to giue a forced false testimonie to Artesias excellencie. And now lastly is he come hether where he hath leaue to trye his fortune. But I assure you, if I thought it not in dew and true consideration an iniurious seruice and chur∣lish curtesie, to put the danger of so noble a title in the deciding of such a dangerles [ 20] combat, I would make yong master Phalantus know, that your eyes can sharpen a blunt Launce, and that age, which my gray haires (onely gotten by the louing care of others) make seeme more then it is, hath not diminished in me the power to pro∣tect an vndeniable verity. With that hee bustled vp himselfe, as though his heart would faine haue walked abroad. Zelmane with an inwarde smiling gaue him out∣ward [ 25] thanks, desiring him to reserue his force for worthier causes. So passing their time according to their woont, they wayted for the comming of Phalantus, who the next morning hauing alredy caused his tents to be pitched, neere to a faire tree hard by the Lodge, had vppon the tree made a shield to be hanged vp, which the de∣fendant should strike, that woulde call him to the mainteyning his challendge. The [ 30] Impresa in the shield; was a heauen full of starres, with a speech signifiyng, that it was the beauty which gaue it the praise.

Himselfe came in next after a triumphant chariot, made of Carnation veluet in∣riched with purle and pearle, wherein Artesia sat, drawne by foure winged horses with artificiall flaming mouths, and fiery winges, as if she had newly borrowed them [ 35] of Phoebus. Before her marched, two after two, certaine footemen pleasantly attired, who betweene them held one picture after another of them, that by Phalantus well running had lost the prize in the race of beauty, and at euery pace they stayed, tur∣ning the pictures to each side, so leasurely, that with perfect iudgement they might be discerned. The first that came in (following the order of the time wherein they [ 40] had bene wonne) was the picture of Andromana, Queene of Iberia; whom a Laconian Knight hauing sometime (and with speciall fauour) serued, (though some yeares since retourned home) with more gratefulnes then good fortune defended. But therein Fortune had borrowed witte; for indeede she was not comparable to Artesia; not because she was a good deale elder (for time had not yet beene able to impoue∣rish [ 45] her store thereof) but an exceeding red haire with small eyes, did (like ill com∣panions) disgrace the other assembly of most commendable beauties.

Next after her was borne the counterfaite of the princesse of Elis, a Lady that taught the beholders no other point of beauty, but this, that as lyking is, not al∣waies the child of beauty, so whatsoeuer liketh; is beautyfull; for in that visage there was neither Maiestie, grace, fauour, nor fairenesse; yet she wanted not a ser∣uaunt [ 5] that woulde haue made her fairer then the faire Artesia. But he wrote her praises with his helmet in the dust, and left her picture to be as true a witnes of his o∣uerthrow, as his running was of her beauty.

After her was the goodly Artaxia, great Q. of Armenia, a Lady vpon whom na∣ture bestowed, and well placed her most delightfull coulours; and withall, had pro∣portioned [ 10] her without any fault, quickly to be discouered by the senses, yet altoge∣ther seemed not to make vp that harmony, that Cupid delights in, the reason whereof might seeme a mannish countenance, which ouerthrew that louely sweetenes, the noblest power of womankinde, farre fitter to preuaile by parley, then by battell.

Of a farre contrary consideration was the representation of her that next follow∣ed, [ 15] which was Erona Queene of Licia, who though of so browne a haire, as no man should haue iniuried it to haue called it blacke, and that in the mixture of her cheeks the white did so much ouercome the redde (though what was, was very pure) that it came neare to palenes, and that her face was a thought longer then the ex∣acte Symmetrians perhaps would allow; yet loue plaid his part so well, in euerie part, [ 20] that it caught holde of the iudgement, before it could iudge, making it first loue, and after acknowledge it faire, for there was a certaine delicacie, which in yeelding, conquered; and with a pitifull looke made one finde cause to craue helpe himselfe.

After her came two Ladies, of noble, but not of royall birth: the former was named Baccha, who though very faire, and of a fatnes rather to allure, then to mis∣like, [ 25] yet her brests ouer-familiarly laide open, with a made countenaunce about her mouth, betweene simpring and smyling, her head bowed somewhat downe see∣med to languish with ouer-much idlenes, and with an inuiting look cast vpwarde; disswaded with too much perswading, while hope might seem to ouerrunne desire.

The other (whose name was written Leucippe) was of a fine daintines of beauty, [ 30] her face carying in it a sober simplicitie; like one that could do much good, and ment no hurt, her eyes hauing in them such a cheerefulnes, as nature seemed to smile in them: though her mouth and cheekes obeyed to that prety demurenes which the more one markte, the more one woulde iudge the poore soule apte to beleue; and therefore the more pitie to deceiue her.

[ 35] Next came the Queene of Laconia, one that semed borne in the confines of beau∣ties kingdome: for all her lineaments were neither perfect possessioners thereof, nor absolute strangers thereto•• but she was a Queene, and therefore beautifull.

But she that followed, conquered indeed with being conquered; and might wel haue made all the beholders waite vpō her triumph, while her selfe were led captiue. [ 40] It was the excellētly-faire Queene Helen, whose Iacinth haire courled by nature, but intercurled by arte (like a fine brooke through goldē sādes) had a rope of faire pearle which now hiding, now hidden by the haire, did as it were play at fast and loose, each with other, mutually giuing & receiuing richnes. In her face so much beauty & fauour expressed, as if Helen had not bene knowen, some would rather haue iudged [ 45] it the painters exercise, to shew what he could do, thē the conterfaiting of any liuing patterne: for no fault the most fault finding wit could haue found, if it were not, that

to the rest of the body the face was somewhat too little: but that little was such a sparke of beauty, as was able to enflame a world of loue. for euery thing was full of a choyce finenes, that if it wanted any thing in maiestie, it supplied it, with increase, in pleasure; and if at the first it strake not admiration, it rauished with delight. And no indifferent soule there was, which if it could resist frō subiecting it selfe to make it his [ 5] princesse, that would not lōg to haue such a playfellow. As for her attire, it was cost∣ly and curious, though the look (sixt with more sadnes then it semed nature had be∣stowed to any that knew her fortune) bewraied, that as she vsed those ornaments, not for herselfe, but to preuaile with another so she feared, that all would not serue. Of a farre differing (though esteemed equall) beautie, was the faire Parthenia, who [ 10] next wayted on Artesias triumph, though farre better she might haue sitte in the throne. For in her euery thing was goodly, and stately; yet so, that it might seeme that great-mindednes was but the auncient-bearer to the humblenes. For her great graie eye, which might seeme full of her own beautie:, a large, and exceedingly faire forhead, with all the rest of her face and body, cast in the mould of Noblenes; was [ 15] yet so attired, as might shew, the mistres thought it either not to deserue, or not to neede any exquisite decking, hauing no adorning but cleanlines; and so farre from all arte, that it was full of carelesnesse: vnlesse that carelesnesse it selfe (in spite of it selfe) grewe artificiall. But Basilius coulde not abstaine from praising Parthenia, as the perfect picture of a womanly vertue, and wiuely faithfulnes: telling withall [ 20] Zelmane, how he had vnderstoode, that when in the court of Laconia, her picture (maintained by a certaine Sycionian Knight) was lost, thorow want, rather of va∣lour, then iustice: her husband (the famous Argalus) would in a chafe haue gone and redeemed it with a new triall. But shee (more sporting then sorrowing for her vndeserued champion) tolde her husbande, shee desired to bee beautifull in no [ 25] bodies eye but his; and that shee would rather marre her face as euill as euer it was, then that it should be a cause to make Argalus put on armour. Then woulde Basilius haue tolde Zelmane that which she already knew, of the rare triall of that coupled af∣fection: but the next picture made their mouthes giue place to their eyes.

It was of a young mayd, which sate pulling out a thorne out of a Lambes foote, [ 30] with her looke so attentiue vppon it, as if that little foote coulde haue bene the circle of her thoughts, her apparell so poore, as it had nothing but the inside to a∣dorne it; a shephooke lying by her with a bottle vpon it. But with all that pouertie, beauty plaid the prince, and commanded as many harts as the greatest Queene there did. Her beautie and her estate made her quicklie to be knowne to be the faire [ 35] shepheardesse, Vrania, whom a rich knight called Lacemon, farre in loue with her, had vnluckely defended.

The last of all in place, because last in the time of her being captiue, was Zelma∣ne, daughter to the King Plexirtus: who at the first sight seemed to haue some re∣sembling of Philoclea, but with more marking (comparing it to the present Philoclea, [ 40] who indeed had no paragon but her sister) they might see, it was but such a likenesse as an vnperfect glasse doth giue; aunswerable enough in some feitures and colors, but erring in others. But Zelmane sighing, turning to Basilius, Alas sir (said she) here be some pictures which might better become the tombes of their Mistresses, thē the triumphe of Artesia. It is true sweetest Lady (saide Basilius) some of them bee [ 45] dead, and some other captiue: But that hath happened so late, as it may bee the

Knightes that defended their beauty, knew not so much: without we will say (as in some harts I know it would fall out) that death it selfe could not blot out the image which loue hath engrauen in them. But diuers besides these (said Basilius) hath Pha∣lantus woon, but he leaues the rest, carying onely such, who either for greatnes of [ 5] estate, or of beauty, may iustly glorifie the glory of Artesias triumph.

Thus talked Basilius with Zelmane, glad to make any matter subiect to speake of, with his mistresse, while Phalantus in this pompous maner, brought Artesia with her gentlewomen, into one Tent, by which he had another: where they both wayted who would first strike vpon the shielde, while Basilius the Iudge appointed sticklers [ 10] and troumpets, to whom the other should obey. But non that day appeared, nor the next, till all ready it had consumed halfe his allowance of light; but then there came in a knight, protesting himselfe as contrarie to him in minde, as he was in apparrell. For Phalantus was all in white, hauing in his bases, and caparison imbroidered a wa∣uing water: at each side whereof hee had nettings cast ouer, in which were diuers [ 15] fishes naturally made, and so pretily, that as the horse stirred, the fishes seemed to striue, and leape in the nette.

But the other knight by name Nestor, by birth an Arcadian, & in affection vow∣ed to the faire Shepherdesse, was all in black, with fire burning both vpō his armour and horse. His impresa in his shield, was a fire made of Iuniper, with this word, More [ 20] easie, and more sweete. But this hote knight was cooled with a fall, which at the third course he receiued of Phalantus, leauing his picture to keepe companie with the other of the same stampe; hee going away remedilesly chafing at his re∣buke. The next was Polycetes, greatly esteemed in Arcadia, for deedes he had done in armes: and much spoken of for the honourable loue he had long borne to Gyne∣cia; [ 25] which Basilius himselfe was content, not onely to suffer, but to be delighted with; he carried it in so honorable and open plainnes, setting to his loue no other marke, then to do her faithfull seruice. But neither her faire picture, nor his faire running, could warrant him from ouerthrow, and her from becomming as then the last of Artesias victories: a thing Gynecias vertues would little haue recked at another [ 30] time, nor then, if Zelmane had not seene it. But her champion went away asmuch discomforted, as discomfited. Then Telamon for Polexena and Eurileon for Elpine, and Leon for Zoana; all braue Knights, all faire Ladies, with their going downe, lifted vp the ballance of his praise for actiuitie, and hers for fairenes.

Vpon whose losse as the beholders were talking, there comes into the place [ 35] where they ranne, a shepheard stripling (for his height made him more then a boy, and his face would not allow him a man) brown of complexion (whether by nature or by the Suns familiaritie) but very louely with all; for the rest so perfectly propor∣tioned, that Nature shewed, shee dooth not like men•• who slubber vp matters of meane account. And well might his proportion be iudged; for he had nothing [ 40] vpon him but a paire of sloppes, and vpon his bodie a Gote-skinne, which hee cast ouer his shoulder doing all things with so pretie a grace, that it seemed ignorance could not make him do a misse, because he had a hart to do well, holding in his right hand a long staffe, & so cōming with a looke ful of amiable fiercenes as in whō choller could not take away the sweetnes, hee came towards the king, and making [ 45] a reuerence (which in him was comely because it was kindly) My liege Lord (said he) I pray you heare a few words; for my heart wil break if I say not my mind to you

I see here the picture of Vrania, which (I cannot tell how, nor why) these men when they fall downe, they say is not so faire as yonder gay woman. But pray God, I may neuer see my olde mother aliue, if I think she be any more match to Vra∣nia, then a Goate is to a fine Lambe; or then the Dog that keepes our flock at home, is like your white Greihounde, that pulled downe the Stagge last day. [ 5]

And therefore I pray you let me be drest as they be, and my hart giues me, I shall tumble him on the earth: for indeede hee might aswell say, that a Couslip is as white as a Lillie: or els I care not let him come with his great staffe, and I with this in my hand, and you shall see what I can doo to him. Basilius sawe it was the fine shepheard Lalus, whom once he had afore him in Pastorall sportes, and had greatly [ 10] delighted in his wit full of prety simplicitie, and therefore laughing at his ear∣nestnesse, he bad him be content, since hee sawe the pictures of so great Queenes, were faine to follow their champions fortune. But Lalus (euen weeping ripe) went among the rest, longing to see some bodie that would reuenge Vranias wronge; and praying hartely for euery bodie that ran against Phalantus, then beginning [ 15] to feele pouerty, that he could not set him selfe to that triall. But by and by, euen when the Sunne (like a noble harte) began to shew his greatest countenaunce in his lowest estate, there came in a Knight, called Phebilus, a Gentleman of that coun∣try, for whom hatefull fortune had borrowed the dart of Loue, to make him mi∣serable by the sight of Philoclea. For he had euen from her in fancie loued her, and [ 20] was striken by her, before shee was able to knowe what quiuer of arrowes her eyes caried; but he loued and dispaired; and the more hee dispaired, the more hee loued. He sawe his owne vnworthines, and thereby made her excellencie haue more terrible aspect vpon him: he was so secrete therein, as not daring to be open, that to no creature he euer spake of it, but his hart made such silent complaintes [ 25] within it selfe, that while all his senses were attentiue thereto, cunning iudges might perceaue his minde: so that hee was knowne to loue though hee denied, or ra∣ther was the better knowne, because hee denied it. His armour and his attire was of a Sea couler, his Impresa, the fish called Sepia, which being in the nette castes a blacke inke about it selfe, that in the darkenesse thereof it may escape: [ 30] his worde was, Not so. Philocleas picture with almost an idolatrous magnifi∣cence was borne in by him. But straight ielousie was a harbinger for disdaine in Zelmanes harte, when shee sawe any (but her selfe) shoulde bee auowed a cham∣pion for Philoclea: in somuch that she wisht his shame, till shee sawe him shamed: for at the second course he was striken quite from out of the saddle, so full of griefe, [ 35] and rage withall, that he would faine with the sworde haue reuenged it: but that be∣ing contrary to the order set downe, Basilius would not suffer; so that wishing him selfe in the bottome of the earth, hee went his way, leauing Zelmane no lesse angry with his losse, then shee would haue bene with his victory. For if she thought before a riuals prayse would haue angred her, her Ladies disgrace did make her much more [ 40] forget what she then thought, while that passion raigned so much the more, as shee sawe a pretie blush in Philocleas cheekes bewray a modest discontentment. But the night commaunded truce for those sportes, and Phalantus (though intreated) would not leaue Artesia, who in no case would come into the house, hauing (as it were) suckte of Cecropias breath a mortall mislike against Basilius. [ 45]

But the night measured by the short ell of sleepe, was soone past ouer, and the next morning had giuen the watchfull stars leaue to take their rest, when a trum∣pet

summoned Basilius to play his iudges parte: which he did, taking his wife and daughters with him; Zelmane hauing lockt her doore, so as they would not trouble her for that time: for already there was a Knight in the fielde, readie to proue Helen of Corinth had receaued great iniury, both by the erring iudgement of the chal∣lenger, [ 5] and the vnlucky weakenesse of her former defender. The newe Knight was quickly knowne to be Clitophon (Kalanders sonne of Basilius his sister) by his ar∣mour, which all guilt, was so well handled, that it shewed like a glittering sande and grauell, enterlaced with siluer riuers: his deuice hee had put in the picture of He∣len which hee defended. It was the Ermion with a speach that signified, Rather [ 10] dead then spotted. But in that armour since hee had parted from Helen (who woulde no longer his companie, finding him to enter into termes of affection,) hee had performed so honourable actions, (still seeking for his two friends by the names of Palladius and Daiphantus,) that though his face were couered, his being was discoue∣red, which yet Basilius (which had brought him vp in his court) woulde not [ 15] seeme to do; but glad to see triall of him, of whom he had heard very well, he com∣maunded the trumpets to sound; to which the two braue Knights obeying, they performed their courses, breaking their six staues, with so good, both skill in the hit∣ting, and grace in the maner, that it bred some difficulty in the iudgement. But Basi∣lius in the ende gaue sentence against Clitophon, because Phalantus had broken more [ 20] staues vpon the head and that once Clitophon had receiued such a blowe, that hee had lost the raines of his horse, with his head well nie touching the croper of the horse. But Clitophon was so angry with the iudgemēt, (where in he thought he had receiued wrong) that he omitted his duty to his Prince, and vncle; and sodainly went his way still in the quest of them, whom as then he had left by seeking: and so yeelded the field to the next commer.

[ 25] who comming in about two houres after, was no lesse marked then all the rest before, because he had nothing worth the marking. For he had neither picture, nor deuice, his armour of as old a fashion (besides the rustie poorenesse,) that it might better seeme a monument of his graundfathers courage: about his middle [ 30] he had in steede of bases, a long cloak of silke, which as vnhandsomely, as it needes must, became the wearer: so that all that lookt on, measured his length on the earth alreadie, since hee had to meete one who had beene victorious of so ma∣ny gallants. But hee went on towardes the shielde, and with a sober grace strake it; but as he let his sworde fall vpon it, another Knight, all in blacke came rustling in, [ 35] who strake the shielde almost assoone as hee, and so strongly, that hee brake the shielde in two: the ill appointed Knight (for so the beholders called him) angrie with that, (as hee accounted,) insolent iniurie to himselfe, hit him such a sound blowe, that they that looked on saide, it well became a rude arme. The other aun∣swered him againe in the same case, so that Launces were put to silence, the swords were so busie.

[ 40] But Phalantus angry of this defacing his shield, came vpon the blacke Knight, and with the pommell of his sworde set fire to his eyes, which presently was reuen∣ged, not onely by the Blacke, but the ill apparelled Knight, who disdained ano∣ther should enter into his quarrell, so as, who euer sawe a matachin daunce to i∣mitate [ 45] fighting, this was a fight that did imitate the matachin: for they being but three that fought, euerie one had two aduersaries, striking him, who strooke the third, and reuenging perhaps that of him, which he had receaued of the other.

But Basilius rising himselfe came to parte them, the sticklers authoritie scarslie able to perswade cholerike hearers; and parte them he did.

But before he could determine, comes in a fourth, halting on foote, who com∣plained to Basilius, demaunding iustice on the blacke Knight, for hauing by force taken away the picture of Pamela from him, whiche in little forme hee ware in a [ 5] Tablet, and couered with silke had fastened it to his Helmet, purposing for want of a bigger, to paragon the little one with Artesias length, not doubting but euen in that little quantitie, the excellencie of that would shine thorowe the weake∣nesse of the other: as the smallest starre doth thorow the whole Element of fire. And by the way he had met with this blacke Knight, who had (as hee saide) rob∣bed [ 10] him of it. The iniurie seemed grieuous, but when it came fully to be examined, it was found, that the halting Knight meeting the other, asking the cause of his going thetherward, and finding it was to defende Pamelas diuine beautie against Artesias, with a prowde iollitie commaunded him to leaue that quarrell onely for him, who was onely worthy to enter into it. But the blacke Knight obeying no such [ 15] commandements, they fell to such a bickering, that hee gat a halting, and lost his picture. This vnderstoode by Basilius, he told him hee was now fitter to looke to his owne bodie, then an others picture: and so (vncomforted therein) sent him a∣way to learne of AEsculapius that he was not fit for Venus. But then the question ari∣sing who should be the former against Phalantus, of the blacke, or the ill apparel∣led [ 20] Knight (who now had gotten the reputation of some sturdy loute, hee had so well defended himselfe) of the one side, was, alleged the hauing a picture which the other wanted: of the other side, the first striking the shield; but the con∣clusion was, that the ill apparelled Knight should haue the precedence, if he deli∣uered the figure of his mistresse to Phalantus; who asking him for it, Certainely (said [ 25] he) her liueliest picture, (if you could see it) is in my hart, and the best comparison I could make of her, is of the Sunne and of all the other heauenly beauties. But be∣cause perhappes all eyes cannot taste the Diuinitie of her beautie, and would rather be dazeled, then taught by the light, if it bee not clowded by some meaner thing; know you then, that I defend that same Ladie, whose image Phebilus so feebly lost [ 30] yesternight, and in steede of an other (if you ouercome mee) you shall haue mee your slaue to carrie that image in your mistresse triumphe. Phalantus easilie agreed to the bargaine, which alreadie he made his owne.

But when it came to the triall, the ill apparelled Knight choosing out the grea∣test staues in all the store, at the first course gaue his head such a remembraunce, [ 35] that he lost almost his remembraunce, he himselfe receyuing the incounter of Pha∣lantus without any extraordinarie motion. And at the seconde gaue him such a counterbuffe, that because Phalantus was so perfite a horseman, as not to bee driuen from the saddle, the saddle with broken girthes was driuen from the horse: Phalantus remaining angrie and amazed, because now being come almost [ 40] to the last of his promised enterprise, that disgrace befell him, which he had neuer before knowne.

But the victorie being by the iudges giuen, and the trumpets witnessed to the ill by apparelled Knight; Phalantus disgrace was ingrieued in lieu of cōfort of Artesia who telling him she neuer lookt for other, bad him seeke some other mistresse. He [ 45] excusing himselfe, and turning ouer the fault to Fortune, Then let that be your ill Fortune too (saide she) that you haue lost me.

Nay truely Madame (said Phalantus) it shall not be so: for I thinke the losse of such a Mistresse will prooue a great gaine: and so concluded; to the sport of Basilius, to see young folkes loue, that came in maskt with so great pompe, goe out with so little constancie. But Phalantus first professing great seruice to Basilius for his cur∣teous [ 5] intermitting his solitary course for his sake, would yet conduct Artesia to the castle of Cecropia, whether she desired to goe: vowing in himselfe, that neither hart, nor mouth-loue, should euer any more intangle him. And with that resoluti∣on he left the company. Whence all being dismissed (among whom the black Knight went away repining at his luck, that had kept him from winning the honor, [ 10] as he knew he should haue done, to the picture of Pamela) the ill apparelled Knight (who was only desired to stay, because Basilius meant to shew him to Zelmane) puld off his Helmet, and then was knowen himselfe to be Zelmane: who that morning (as she told) while the others were busie, had stolne out to the Princes stable, which was a mile off from the Lodge, had gotten a horse (they knowing it was Basilius plea∣sure [ 15] she should be obeyed) and borrowing that homely armour for want of a bet∣ter, had come vpon the spur to redeeme Philocleas picture, which she said, she could not beare, (being one of that little wildernesse-company) should be in captiuitie, if the cunning she had learned in her countrye of the noble Amazons, could with∣stand it: and vnder that pretext faine she would haue giuen a secret pasport to her [ 20] affection. But this act painted at one instant rednesse in Philocleas face, and palenesse in Gynecias, but brought forth no other countenances but of admiration, no spee∣ches but of commendations: all these few (besides loue) thinking they honoured themselues, in honouring so accomplished a person as Zelmane: whom dayly they sought with some or other sports to delight, for which purpose Basilius had in a house not farre off•• seruants, who though they came not vncalled, yet at call were [ 25] redye.

And so many daies were spent, and many waies vsed, while Zelmane was like one that stoode in a tree waiting a good occasion to shoot, and Gynecia a blauncher, which kept the dearest deere from her. But the day being come, on which accor∣ding [ 30] to an apointed course, the sheapheards were to assemble, and make their pa∣storall sports afore Basilius: Zelmane (fearing, lest many eyes, and comming diuers waies, might hap to spy Musidorus) went out to warne him thereof.

But before she could come to the Arbour, she sawe walking from her-ward, a man in sheapperdish apparrell who being in the sight of the Lodge it might seeme [ 35] he was allowed there. A long cloke he had on, but that cast vnder his right arme, wherein he held a sheephooke, so finely wrought, that it gaue a brauery to pouerty; and his rayments, though they were meane, yet receiued they hansomnes by the grace of the wearer; though he himselfe went but a kinde of languishing pace, with his eies sometimes cast vp to heauen, as though his fancies straue to mount higher; [ 40] sometimes throwne downe to the ground, as if the earth could not beare the bur∣then of his sorrowes; at length, with a lamentable tune, he song these fewe verses.

Come shepheards weedes, become your masters minde: Yeld outward shew, what inward change he tryes: [ 45] Nor be abasht, since such a guest you finde, Whose strongest hope in your weake comfort lyes.

Come shepheards weedes, attend my woefull cryes: Disuse your selues from sweete Menalcas voice: For other be those tunes which sorrow tyes, From those cleere notes which freely may reioyce. Then power out plaint, and in oneword say this: [ 5] Helples his plaint, who spoyles himselfe of blisse.

And hauing ended, he strake himselfe on the brest; saying, O miserable wretch, whether do thy destenies guide thee? The voice made Zelmane hasten her pace to ouertake him: which hauing done, she plainly perceaued that it was her deare [ 10] friend Musidorus, whereat maruailing not a little, she demaunded of him, whether the Goddesse of those woods had such a powre to transforme euery body, or whe∣ther, as in all enterprises else he had done, he meant thus to match her in this newe alteration. Alas, (said Musidorus) what shall I say, who am loth to say, and yet faine would haue said? I find indeed, that all is but lip-wisdome, which wants ex∣perience. [ 15] I now (woe is me) do try what loue can doo. O Zelmane, who will resist it, must either haue no wit, or put out his eyes? can any man resist his creation? certainely by loue we are made, and to loue we are made. Beasts only cannot dis∣cerne beauty, and let them be in the role of Beasts that doo not honor it. The per∣fect friendship Zelmane bare him, and the great pitie she (by good triall) had of such [ 20] cases, could not keepe her from smiling at him, remembring how vehemently he had cryed out against the folly of louers. And therefore a litle to punish him, Why how now deere cousin (said she) you that were last day so hie in the Pulpit against louers, are you now become so meane an auditor? Remember that loue is a pas∣sion; and that a worthie mans reason must euer haue the masterhood. I recant, I [ 25] recant (cryed Musidorus,) and withall falling downe prostrate, O thou celestiall, or infernall spirit of Loue, or what other heauenly or hellish title thou list to haue (for effects of both I finde in my selfe) haue compassion of me, and let thy glory be as great in pardoning them that be submitted to thee, as in conquering those that were rebellious. No, no saide Zelmane, I see you well enough: you make but [ 30] an enterlude of my mishaps, and doo but counterfaite thus, to make me see the deformitie of my passions: but take heede, that this iest do not one day turne to earnest. Now I beseech thee (said Musidorus taking her ••ast by the hand) euen for the truth of our friendship, of which (if I be not altogether an vnhappy man) thou hast some rememberance, and by those secret flames which (I know) haue like∣wise [ 35] neerely touched thee; make no iest of that, which hath so ernestly pear∣ced me thorow, nor let that be light to thee, which is to me so burdenous, that I am not able to beare it. Musidorus both in words and behauiour, did so liuely de∣liuer out his inward griefe, that Zelmane found indeede, he was thorowly woun∣ded: but there rose a new ielousy in her minde, lest it might be with Philoclea, by [ 40] whome, as Zelmane thought, in right all hartes and eyes should be inherited. And therefore desirous to be cleered of that doubt, Musidorus shortly (as in hast and full of passionate perplexednes,) thus recounted his case vnto her.

The day (said he) I parted from you, I being in mind to returne to a towne, from whence I came hether, my horse being before tired, would scarce beare me a mile [ 45] hence: where being benighted, the light of a candle (I saw a good way off) guided me to a young shepheards house, by name Menalcas, who seing me to be a straying

stranger, with the right honest hospitalitie which seemes to be harboured in the Ar∣cadian brests, and though not with curious costlines, yet with cleanly sufficiencie, entertained me: and hauing by talke with him, found the manner of the countrie, something more in particular, then I had by Kalanders report, I agreed to soiourne [ 5] with him in secret, which he faithfully promised to obserue. And so hether to your arbour diuers times repaired: and here by your meanes had the sight (O that it had neuer bene so, nay, O that it might euer be so) of the Goddesse, who in a definite compasse can set forth infinite beauty. All this while Zelmane was racked with iea∣lousie. But he went on, For (saide he) I lying close, and in truth thinking of you, [ 10] and saying thus to my selfe, O sweet Pyrocles, how art thou bewitched? where is thy vertue? where is the vse of thy reason? how much am I inferior to thee in the state of the mind? And yet know I, that all the heauens cannot bring me to such thraldome. Scarcely, thinke I, had I spoken this word, whē the Ladies came foorth; at which sight, I thinke the very words returned backe againe to strike my soule; at [ 15] least, an vnmeasurable sting I felt in my selfe, that I had spokē such words. At which sight? said Zelmane, not able to beare him any longer. O (said Musidorus) I know your suspition; No, no, banish all such feare, it was, it is, and must be Pamela: Then all is safe (sayd Zelmane) proceede, deare Musidorus. I will not (said he) impute it to my late solitarie life (which yet is prone to affections) nor, to the much thinking of you [ 20] (though that cald the consideration of loue into my mind, which before I euer neglected) nor to the exaltation of Venus; nor reuenge of Cupid; but euen to her, who is the Planet, nay, the Goddesse, against which, the onely shield must be my Se∣pulchre. When I first saw her, I was presently striken, and I (like a foolish child, that when any thing hits him, will strike himselfe againe vpon it) would needs [ 25] looke againe; as though I would perswade mine eyes, that they were deceiued. But alas, well haue I found, that Loue to a yeelding hart is a king; but to a resisting, is a tyrant. The more with arguments I shaked the stake, which he had planted in the ground of my harte, the deeper still it sanke into it. But what meane I to speake of the causes of my loue, which is as impossible to describe, as to measure the back-side [ 30] of heauen? Let this word suffice, I loue.

And that you may know I doo so, it was I that came in black armour to defende her picture, where I was both preuented, and beaten by you. And so, I that waited here to do you seruice, haue now my selfe most need of succor. But whereupon got you your selfe this aparrell? said Zelmane. I had forgotten to tell you (said Musidorus) [ 35] though that were one principall matter of my speech; so much am I now master of my owne minde. But thus it happened: being returned to Menalcas house, full of tormenting desire, after a while faynting vnder the weight, my courage stird vp my wit to seeke for some releefe, before I yeelded to perish. At last this came into my head, that very euening, that I had to no purpose last vsed my horse and armour. [ 40] I tolde Menalcas, that I was a Thessalian Gentle-man, who by mischaunce hauing killed a great fauorit of the Prince of that country, was pursued so cruelly, that in no place, but either by fauour, or corruption, they would obtaine my destruction; and that therefore I was determined (till the fury of my persecutors might be asswaged) to disguise my selfe among the shephards of Arcadia, and (if it were possible) to be [ 45] one of them that were allowed the Princes presence; Because if the woorst should fall, that I were discouered, yet hauing gotten the acquaintance of the Prince, it might happen to moue his hart to protect me. Menalcas (being of an honest dispo∣sition)

pittied my case, which my face through my inward torment made cre∣dible; and so (I giuing him largely for it) let me haue this rayment, instructing me in all the particularities, touching himselfe, or my selfe, which I desired to know: yet not trusting so much to his constancie, as that I would lay my life, and life of my life, vpon it, I hired him to goe into Thessalia to a friend of mine, and to [ 5] deliuer him a letter from me; coniuring him to bring me as speedy an answere as he could, because it imported me greatly to know, whether certaine of my friends did yet possesse any fauour, whose intercessions I might vse for my restitution. He willingly tooke my letter, which being well sealed, indeed conteyned other mat∣ter. For I wrote to my trustie seruant Calodoulus (whome you know) that assoone [ 10] as he had deliuered the letter, he should keepe him prisoner in his house, not suffe∣ring him to haue conference with any body, till he knew my further pleasure: in all other respects that he should vse him as my brother. And thus is Menalcas gone, and I here a poore shepheard; more proud of this estate, then of any kingdome: so manifest it is, that the highest point outward things can bring one vnto, is the con∣tentment [ 15] of the mind: with which, no estate; without which, all estates be mise∣rable. Now haue I chosen this day, because (as Menalcas told me) the other shep∣heards are called to make their sports, and hope that you will with your credite, finde meanes to get me allowed among them. You need not doubt (answered Zel∣mane) but that I will be your good mistresse: marrie the best way of dealing must [ 20] be by Dametas, who since his blunt braine hath perceiued some fauour the Prince dooth beare vnto me (as without doubt the most seruile flatterie is lodged most easilie in the grossest capacitie; for their ordinarie conceite draweth a yeelding to their greaters, and then haue they not wit to discerne the right degrees of duetie) is much more seruiceable vnto me, then I can finde any cause to wish him. And [ 25] therefore dispaire not to winne him: for euery present occasion will catch his sen∣ses, and his senses are masters of his sillie mind; onely reuerence him, and reward him, and with that bridle and saddle you shall well ride him. O heauen and ••arth (said Musidorus) to what a passe are our mindes brought, that from the right line of vertue, are wryed to these crooked shifts? But ô Loue, it is thou that doost it: thou [ 30] changest name vpon name; thou disguisest our bodies, and disfigurest our mindes. But in deed thou hast reason, for though the wayes be foule, the iourneys end is most faire and honourable.

No more sweete Musidorus (said Zelmane) of these philosophies; for here comes the very person of Dametas. And so he did in deed, with a sword by his side, a for∣rest-bill [ 35] on his neck, and a chopping-knife vnder his girdle: in which well prouided sort he had euer gone, since the feare Zelmane had put him in. But he no sooner sawe her, but with head and armes he laid his reuerence afore her; inough to haue made any man forsweare all courtesie. And then in Basilius name, he did inuite her to walke downe to the place, where that day they were to haue the [ 40] Pastoralles.

But when he spied Musidorus to be none of the shepheards allowed in that place, he would faine haue perswaded himselfe to vtter some anger, but that he durst not; yet muttering, and champing, as though his cudde troubled him; he gaue occasion to Musidorus to come neare him, and feine this tale of his owne [ 45] life: That he was a younger brother of the shepheard Menalcas, by name Dorus, sent by his father in his tender age to Athens, there to learne some cunning more then

ordinarie, that he might be the better liked of the Prince: and that after his fathers death, his brother M••nalcas (latelie gone thether to fetch him home) was also decea∣sed: where (vpon his death) he had charged him to seeke the seruice of Dametas, and to be wholy, and euer guyded by him; as one in whose iudgement and integri∣tie, [ 5] the Prince had singular confidence. For token whereof, he gaue to Dametas a good summe of golde in redy coine, which Menalcas had bequeathed vnto him, vpon condition he should receiue this poore Dorus into his seruice, that his mind and manners might grow the better by his dayly example. Dametas, that of all man∣ners of stile could best conceiue of golden eloquence, being withall tickled by Mu∣sidorus [ 10] prayses, had his brayne so turned, that he became flaue to that, which he, that sued to be his seruant, offered to giue him: yet for countenance sake, he seemed very squeimish, in respect of the charge he had of the Princesse Pamela. But such was the secrete operation of the golde, helped with the perswasion of the Amazon Zelmane, (who sayde it was pittie so handsome a young man should be any where [ 15] els, then with so good a master) that in the ende he agreed (if that day he behaued himselfe so to the lyking of Basilius, as he might be contented) that then he would receiue him into his seruice.

And thus went they to the Lodge, where they found Gynecia and her daughters ready to go to the field, to delight themselues there a while, vntill the shepheards [ 20] comming: whether also taking Zelmane with them, as they went, Dametas told them of Dorus, and desired he might be accepted there that day, in steed of his brother Menalcas. As for Basilius, he staied behind to bring the shepherds, with whome he meant to confer, to breed the better Zelmanes liking (which he onely regarded) while the other beautifull band came to the faire field, appointed for the shepher∣dish [ 25] pastimes. It was indeed a place of delight; for thorow the middest of it, there ran a sweete brooke, which did both hold the eye open with her azure streames, and yet feeke to close the eie with the purling noise it made vpon the pibble stones it ran ouer: the field it selfe being set in ••ome places with roses, and in all the rest constantly preseruing a florishing greene; the Roses added such a ruddy shew vnto [ 30] it, as though the field were bashfull at his owne beautie: about it (as if it had bene to inclose a Theater) grew such sort of trees, as eyther excellency of fruit, statelines of grouth, continuall greennes, or poeticall fancies haue made at any time famous. In most part of which there had bene framed by art such pleasant arbors, that (one answering another) they became a gallery aloft from tree to tree almost round a∣bout, [ 35] which below gaue a perfect shadow, a pleasant refuge then from the chole∣ricke looke of Phoebus.

In this place while Gynecia walked hard by them, carying many vnquiet conten∣tions about her, the Ladies sate them downe, inquiring diuerse questions of the shepheard Dorus; who (keeping his eie still vpon Pamela) answered with such a [ 40] trembling voice, and abashed countenance, and oftentimes so far from the matter, that it was some sport to the young Ladies, thinking it want of education, which made him so discountenaunced with vnwoonted presence. But Zelmane that saw in him the glasse of her owne miserie, taking the hand of Philoclea, and with burning kisses setting it close to her lips (as if it should stand there like a hand in the margine [ 45] of a Booke, to note some saying worthy to be marked) began to speake these words. O Loue, since thou art so changeable in mens estates, how art thou so constant in their torments? when sodainly there came out of a wood a monstrous Lion,

with a she Beare not far from him, of litle lesse fiercenes, which (as they ghest) ha∣uing bene hunted in Forests far off, were by chaunce come thether, where before such beastes had neuer bene seene. Then care, not feare; or feare, not for them∣selues, altered some thing the countenances of the two Louers, but so, as any man might perceiue, was rather an assembling of powers, then dismaiednes of courage. [ 5] Philoclea no sooner espied the Lion, but that obeying the commandement of feare, she lept vp, and ran to the lodge-ward, as fast as her delicate legs could carrie her, while Dorus drew Pamela behind a tree, where she stood quaking like the Partridge, on which the Hawke is euen ready to seaze. But the Lion (seing Philoclea run a∣way) bent his race to her-ward, and was ready to seaze him selfe on the pray, when [ 10] Zelmane (to whome daunger then was a cause of dreadlesnes, all the composition of her elements being nothing but fierie) with swiftnesse of desire crost him, and with force of affection strake him such a blow vpon his chine, that she opened all his body: wherewith the valiant beast turning vpon her with open iawes, she gaue him such a thrust thorow his brest, that all the Lion could do, was with his paw to [ 15] teare of the mantle and sleeue of Zelmane, with a little scratch, rather then a wound; his death-blow hauing taken away the effect of his force. But there withall he fell downe, and gaue Zelmane leasure to take of his head, to carrie it for a present to her Ladie Philoclea: who all this while (not knowing what was done behind her) kept on her course, like Arethusa when she ran from Alpheus; her light apparell being [ 20] carried vp with the winde, that much of those beauties she would at another time haue willingly hidden, was presented to the sight of the twise wounded Zelmane. Which made Zelmane not folow her ouer hastily, lest she should too soone depriue her selfe of that pleasure: But carying the Lions head in her hand, did not fully ouertake her, till they came to the presence of Basilius. Neither were they long [ 25] there, but that Gynecia came thether also: who had bene in such a traunce of mu∣sing, that Zelmane was fighting with the Lion, before she knew of any Lions com∣ming: but then affection resisting, and the soone ending of the fight preuenting all extremitie of feare, she marked Zelmanes fighting. And when the Lions head was of, as Zelmane ran after Philoclea, so she could not find in her hart but run after Zel∣mane: [ 30] so that it was a new sight, Fortune had prepared to those woods, to see these great personages thus runne one after the other: each carried forward with an in∣ward violence: Philoclea with such feare, that she thought she was still in the Lions mouth: Zelmane with an eager and impatient delight; Gynecia with wings of Loue, flying she neither knew, nor cared to know whether. But now, being all come be∣fore [ 35] Basilius amazed with this sight, and feare hauing such possession in the faire Philoclea, that her bloud durst not yet to come to her face, to take away the name of palenesse from her most pure whitenes, Zelmane kneeled downe, and presenting the Lions head vnto her. Only Ladie (said she) here see you the punishment of that vnnaturall beast, which contrary to his owne kind would haue wronged Princes [ 40] bloud, guided with such traiterous eies, as durst rebell against your beauty. Happy am I, and my beautie both (answered the sweete Philoclea then blushing, for feare had bequeathed his roome to his kinsman bashfulnes) that you excellent Amazon, were there to teach him good manners. And euen thankes to that beautie (answe∣red Zelmane) which can giue an edge to the bluntest swords. There Philoclea told [ 45] her father, how it had hapned: but as she had turned her eyes in her tale to Zelma∣ne, she perceiued some bloud vpō Zelmanes shoulder, so that starting with the louely

grace of pitty, she shewed it to her Father and mother: who, as the nurse sometimes with ouer-much kissing may forget to giue the babe sucke, so had they with too much delighting, in beholding and praysing Zelmane, left of to marke whether she needed succour. But then they ran both vnto her, like a father & mother to an one∣ly [ 5] childe, and (though Zelmane assured them it was nothing) would needes see it; Gynecia hauing skill in surgery, an arte in those daies much esteemed, because it ser∣ued to vertuous courage, which euen Ladies would (euer with the contempt of cowardes) seeme to cherish. But looking vpon it (which gaue more inward blee∣ding wounds to Zelmane, for she might sometimes feele Philocleas touch, whiles she [ 10] helped her mother) she found it was indeed of no importance: yet applied shee a pretious baulme vnto it, of power to heale a greater griefe.

But euen then, and not before, they remembred Pamela, and therefore Zelmane (thinking of her friend Dorus) was running back to be satisfied, when they might all see Pamela comming between Dorus and Dametas, hauing in her hand the paw of [ 15] a Beare, which the shepheard Dorus had newly presented vnto her, de••iring her to accept it, as of such a beast, which though she deserued death for her presumption, yet was her witt to be esteemed, since she could make so sweet a choice. Dametas for his part came piping and dauncing, the meriest man in a parish. But when he came so neere, as he might be heard of Basilius, hee would needs breake thorow his eares [ 20] with this ioyfnll song of their good successe,

NOw thanked be the great God Pan, which thus preserues my loued life: Thanked be I that keepe a man, [ 25] who ended hath this bloodie strife: For if my man must praises haue, what then must I that keepe the knaue?

For as the Moone the eie doth please, [ 30] with gentle beames not hurting sight: Yet hath sir Sunne the greatest praise, because from him doth come her light: So if my man must praises haue, what then must I that keepe the knaue?

[ 35]

Being all now come together, and all desirous to know each others aduētures, Pamelas noble hart would needs gratefully make known the valiāt mean of her safety which (directing her speach to her mother) she did in this māner. As soone (said she) as ye were all runne away, and that I hoped to bee in safetie, there came out of the [ 40] same woods a foule horrible Beare, which (fearing belike to deale while the Lion was present, as soone as he was gone) came furiously towardes the place where I was, and this young shepheard left alone by me; I truly (not guilty of any wisedom which since they lay to my charge, because they say, it is the best refuge against that beast, but euen pure feare bringing forth that effect of wisedome) fell downe flat [ 45] of my face, needing not counterfait being dead for indeed I was litle better. But this yong shepheard with a wonderfull courage hauing no other weapon, but that knife you see standing before the place where I lay, so behaued himselfe that the first

sight I had (when I thought my selfe already neare Charons ferry,) was the shep∣heard shewing me his bloudy knife in token of victory. I pray you (said Zelmane, speaking to Dorus, whose valour she was carefull to haue manifested) in what sorte, so ill weaponed, could you atchiue this enterprise? Noble Ladie (saide Dorus) the manner of these beastes fighting with any man, is to stande vp vpon their hinder [ 5] feete: and so this did, and being ready to giue me a shrewd imbracement, I thinke, the God Pan, (euer carefull of the chiefe blessings of Arcadia) guided my hand so iust to the hart of the beast, that neither she could once touch me, nor (which is the on∣ly matter in this worthy remembrance) breed any danger to the Princesse. For my part, I am rather (withall subiected humblenes) to thanke her excellencies, since the [ 10] duety thereunto gaue me harte to saue my selfe, then to receiue thankes for a deede which was her onely inspiring. And this Dorus spake, keeping affection as much as he could, backe from comming into his eyes and gestures. But Zelmane (that had the same Character in her heart) could easily discipher it, and therefore to keepe him the longer in speach, desired to vnderstand the conclusion of the matter; and how [ 15] the honest Dametas was escaped. Nay (sayd Pamela) none shall take that office from my selfe, being so much bound to him as I am, for my education. And with that word (scorne borrowing the countenance of myrth) somewhat shee smiled, and thus spake on? When (said she) Dorus made me assuredly perceiue, that all cause of feare was passed (the truth is) I was ashamed to finde my selfe alone with this shep∣heard: [ 20] and therefore looking about me, if I could see any bodie; at length wee both perceiued the gentle Dametas, lying with his head and breast as farre as hee could thrust himselfe into a bush, drawing vp his legges as close vnto him as hee coulde: for, like a man of a very kinde nature, soone to take pittie of himselfe, hee was full resolued not to see his owne death. And when this sheephearde [ 25] pushed him, bidding him to be of good cheere; it was a great while, ere we coulde perswade him, that Dorus was not the beare: so that he was faine to pull him out by the heeles, and shew him the beast, as deade as he could wish it: which you may be∣leeue me, was a very ioyfull sight vnto him. But then he forgate all courtesie, for he fell vpon the beast, giuing it many a manfull wound: swearing by much, it was not [ 30] well such beasts should be suffered in a common welth. And then my gouernour, as full of ioy, as before of feare came dauncing and singing before as euen now you saw him. Well wel (said Basilius) I haue not chosen Dametas for his fighting, nor for his discoursing, but for his plainnesse & honestie, & therin I know he wil not deceaue me. But then he told Pamela (not so much because she should know it, as because [ 35] he would tell it) the wonderfull act Zelmane had perfourmed, which Gynecia likewise spake off, both in such extremitie of praising, as was easie to be se••ne, the constructi∣on of their speach might best be made by the Grammer rules of affectiō. Basilius told with what a gallant grace shee ranne with the Lyons head in her hand, like another Pallas with the spoiles of Gorgon. Gynecia sware, shee sawe the very face of the young [ 40] Hercules killing the Nemean Liō, & al with a grateful assent cōfirmed the same praises: only poore Dorus (though of equal desert, yet not proceeding of equal estate) should haue bene left forgottē, had not Zelmane again with great admiratiō begun to speake of him; asking, whether it were the fa••hion or no, in Arcadia, that shepherds shoulde performe such valorous enterprises. [ 45]

This Basilius (hauing the quicke sence of a louer) tooke, as though his Mistres had giuen him a secret reprehension, that he had not shewed more gratefulnesse to

Dorus; and therefore (as nymblie as he could) enquired of his estate, adding pro∣mise of great rewards: among the rest, offering to him, if hee would exercise his courage in souldierie, he would commit some charge vnto him vnder his Lieute∣nant Philanax. But Dorus (whose ambition clymed by another stayre) hauing first [ 5] answered touching his estate, that he was brother to the shepheard Menalcas; who among other, was wont to resort to the Princes presence, and excused his going to souldierie, by the vnaptnesse he found in himselfe that way: he tolde Basilius, that his brother in his last testament had willed him to serue Dametas; and therefore (for due obedience thereunto) he would thinke his seruice greatly rewarded, if hee [ 10] might obtaine by that meane to liue in the sight of his Prince, and yet practise his owne chosen vocation. Basilius (liking well his goodly shape and handsome man∣ner) charged Dametas to receiue him like a sonne into his house: saying, that his va∣lour, and Dametas truth would be good bulwarkes against such mischiefes, as (hee sticked not to say) were threatned to his daughter Pamela.

[ 15] Dametas, no whit out of countenance with all that had bene said (because he had no worse to fall into then his owne) accepted Dorus: and withall telling Basilius, that some of the shepheards were come; demaunded in what place hee would see their sports: who first curious to know whether it were not more requisite for Zelmanes hurte to rest, then sit vp at those pastimes; and she (that felt no wound but one) ear∣nestly [ 20] desiring to haue the Pastorals, Basilius commanded it should bee at the gate of the lodge: where the throne of the Prince being (according to the auncient man∣ner) he made Zelmane sit betweene him and his wife therein, who thought her selfe betweene drowning and burning: & the two young Ladies of either side the throne and so prepared their eyes and eares to be delighted by the shepheards.

[ 25] But before all of them were assembled to begin their sports, there came a fellow, who being out of breath (or seeming so to be for haste) with humble hastines tolde Basilius, that his Mistres, the Lady Cecropia, had sent him to excuse the mischance of her beastes ranging in that dangerous sort, being happened by the folly of the kee∣per; who thinking himselfe able to rule them, had caried them abroad, and so was de∣ceiued: [ 30] whom yet (if Basilius would punish for it) she was readie to deliuer. Basilius made no other answere, but that his Mistres if she had any more such beastes, should cause them to be killed: and then hee told his wife and Zelmane of it, because they should not feare those woods; as though they harbored such beasts, where the like had neuer bene seene. But Gynecia tooke a further conceit of it mistrusting greatly [ 35] Cecropia, because she had heard much of the diuellish wickednesse of her heart, and that particularly she did her best to bring vp her sonne Amphialus (being brothers sonne to Basilius) to aspire to the crowne, as next heire male after Basilius; and there∣fore saw no reason, but that she might coniecture, it proceeded rather of some mis∣chieuous practise, than of misfortune. Yet did shee onely vtter her doubt to her [ 40] daughters, thinking, since the worst was past, shee would attend a further occasion, least ouer much haste might seeme to proceede of the ordinarie mislike betweene sisters in Lawe: onely they maruelled, that Basilius looked no further into it, who (good man) thought so much of his late conceiued common wealth, that all other matters were but digressions vnto him. But the shepheards were ready, and with [ 45] well handling themselues, called their senses to attend their pastimes,

The first Ecloges.

BAsilius, because Zelmane so would haue it, vsed the artificiall day of torches, to lighten the sportes their inuentions could minister. And because many of the [ 5] shepheardes were but newlie come, hee did in a gentle manner chastise their negligence with making them (for that night) the Torchbearers; and the others, he willed with all freedome of speech and behauiour, to keepe their accustomed me∣thod. Which while they prepared to do, Dametas, who much disdayned (since his late authority) all his old companions, brought his seruant Dorus in good acquain∣tance [ 10] and allowance of them; and himself stood like a directer ouer them, with nod∣ding, gaping, winking, or stamping shewing how he did like, or mislike those things he did not vnderstand. The first sports the shepheards shewed, wearful of such leapes and gambols, as being accorded to the pipe (which they bare in their mouthes, e∣uen as they daunced) made a right picture of their chiefe God Pan, and his compa∣nions [ 15] the Satyres. Then would they cast away their Pipes; and holding hand in hand daunce as it were in a braule, by the only cadence of their voices, which they would vse in singing some short coplets, whereto the one halfe beginning, the other halfe should answere. as the one halfe saying.

[ 20] We loue, and haue our loues rewarded The others would answere. We loue, and are no whit regarded, The first againe. We finde moste sweete affections snare. [ 25] With like tune it should be as in a quire sent backe againe, That sweete, but sower dispairefull care. A third time likewise thus: Who can dispaire, whom hope doth beare? The answere: [ 30] And who can hope that feeles despaire? Then all ioyning their voyces, and dauncing a faster mea∣sure, they would conclude with some such wordes: As without breath, no pipe doth mone: No musicke kindlye without loue. [ 35]

Hauing thus varied both their songs and daunces into diuers sorts of inuentions; their last sport was one of them to prouoke an other to a more large expressing of his passions: which Thyrsis (accounted one of the best singers amongst them) hauing marked in Dorus dauncing no lesse good grace & hansome behauiour, then extreame [ 40] tokens of a troubled mind; began first with his Pipe, and then with his voice, thus to chalenge Dorus, and was by him answered in the vnder-written sorte.

Thyrsis and Dorus.

[ 45]

Thyrsis.

Come Dorus, come, let songs thy sorrowes signifie And if for want of vse thy minde ashamed is,

That very shame with loues high title dignifie. No stile is held for base, where loue well named is: Each eare suckes vp the words, a true loue scattereth, And plaine speach oft, then quaint phrase better framed is.

[ 5]

Dorus.

Nightingales seldome sing, the Pie still chattereth The wood cries most, before it throughly kindled be•• Deadly wounds inward bleed, each sleight sore mattereth. Hardly they heard, which by good hunters singled be. [ 10] Shallow brookes murmure most, deep silent slide away, Nor true loue loues his loues with others mingled be.

Thyrsis.

If thou wilt not be seene, thy face goe hide away, Be none of vs, or els maintaine our fashion: [ 15] Who frownes at others feastes, doth better bide away. But if thou hast a loue, in that loues passion, I challenge thee by shew of her perfection, Which of vs two deserueth most compassion.

[ 20] Dorus.

Thy challenge great, but greater my protection: Sing then, and see (for now thou hast inflamed me) Thy health too meane a match for my infection. No though the heau'ns for high attempts haue blamed me, Yet high is my attempt. O Muse historifie Her praise, whose praise to learne your skill hath framed me.

[ 25]

Thyrsis.

Muse holde your peace: but thou my God Pan glorifie My Kalas giftes: who with all good gifts filled. Thy pipe, ô Pan, shall help, though I sing sorilie [ 30] A heape of sweetes she is, where nothing spilled is; Who though she be no Bee, yet full of honie is: A Lillie field, with plowe of Rose which tilled is. Milde as a Lambe, more daintie then a Conie is: Her eyes my eyesight is, her conuersation [ 35] More gladde to me, then to a miser monie is. What coye account she makes of estimation? How nice to touch? how all her speeches peized be? A Nimph thus turnde, but mended in translation.

[ 40] Dorus.

Such Kala is: but ah my fancies raised be In one, whose name to name were high presumption, Since vertues all, to make her title, pleased be O happie Gods, which by inward assumption Enioy her soule, in bodies faire possession, [ 45] And keepe it ioynde, fearing your seates consumption. How oft with rayne of teares skies make confession, Their dwellers rapt with sight of her perfection

From heau'enly throne to her heau'n vse digression? Of best things then what world can yeeld confection To liken her? decke yours with your comparison: She is her selfe, of best things the collection.

[ 5]

Thyrsis.

How oft my dolefull Sire cried to me, tarrie sonne When first he spied my loue? how oft he said to me, Thou art no souldier fitt for Cupids garrison? My sonne, keepe this, that my long toyle hath laide to me: Loue well thine owne: me thinkes woolles, whitenes passeth all: [ 10] I neuer found long loue such wealth hath paide to me. This wind he spent: but when my Kala glasseth all My sight in her faire limmes I then assure my selfe, Not rotten sheepe, but high crownes she surpasseth all. Can I be poore, that her golde haire procure my selfe? [ 15] Want I white wooll, whose eyes her white skinne garnished? Till I get her, shall I to keepe enure my selfe?

Dorus.

How oft, when reason saw, loue of her harnised With armour of my hart he cried, O vanitie [ 20] To set a pearle in steele so meanly varnished? Looke to thy selfe reach not beyond humanitie. Her minde, beames, state, farre from thy weake wings banished: And loue which louer hurts is in humanitie Thus Reason said: but she came, Reason vanished; [ 25] Her eyes so maistering me, that such obiection Seem'd but to spoyle the foode of thoughts long famished, Her peereles height my minde to high erection Drawes vp; and if hope fayling end liues pleasure, Of fayrer death how can I make election? [ 30]

Thyrsis.

Once my well waiting eyes espied my treasure, With sleeues turnde vp, loose hair, and brest enlarged, Her fathers corne (mouing her fair limmes) measure. O cried I, of so meane worke be discharged: [ 35] Measure my case, how by thy beauties filling With seed of woes my hart brimme full is charged. Thy father bids thee saue, and chides for spilling. Saue then my soule, spill not my thoughts well heaped, No louely praise was euer got by killing. [ 40] These bolde words she did beare, this fruite I reaped, That she, whose looke alone might make me blessed, Did smile on me and then away she leaped.

Dorus.

Once, O sweete once, I saw with dread oppressed [ 45] Her whom I dread: so that with prostrate lying Her length the earth in Loues chiefe clothing dressed.

I saw that riches fall, and fell a crying; Let not dead earth enioy so deare a couer, But deck therwith my soule for your sake dying. Lay all your feare vpon your fearefull louer: [ 5] Shine eyes on me, that both our liues be guarded; So I your sight, you shall your selues recouer. I cried and was with open rayes rewarded: But straight they fledd, summond by cruell honor, Honor, the cause desart is not regarded.

[ 10]

Thyrsis.

This mayde, thus made for ioyes, ô Pan bemone her, That without loue she spends her yeares of loue: So faire a field would well become an owner. And if enchantment can a hard hart moue, [ 15] Teach me what circle may acquiant her sprite, Affections charmes in my behalfe to proue. The circle is my (round about her) sight, The power I will inuoke dwelles in her eyes: My charme should be she haunt me day and night.

[ 20]

Dorus.

Farre other case, ô Muse, my sorrow tries, Bent to such one in whome my selfe must say, Nothing can mend that point that in her lies. What circle then in so rare force beares sway? [ 25] Whose sprite all sprites can foile, raise, damne, or saue: No charme holdes hir but well possesse she may, Possesse she doth, and makes my soule her slaue: My eyes the bandes, my thoughts the fatall knot. No thrall like them that inward bondage haue.

[ 30]

Thyrsis.

Kala at length conclude my lingring lotte: Disdaine me not, although I be not faire. Who is an heir of many hundreth sheep Doth beawties keep which neuer sunne can burne, [ 35] Nor stormes doo turne: fairnes serues oft to wealth. Yet all my health I place in your good will. Which if you will (ô doo) bestow on me, Such as you see, such still you shall me finde, Constant and kind, my sheep your foode shall breed, [ 40] Their wooll your weede, I will you musique yeeld In flowrie field, and as the day begins With twentie ginnes we will the small birds take, And pastimes make, as nature things hath made. But when in shade we meete of mirtle bowes, [ 45] Then loue allowes, our pleasures to enrich, The thought of which doth passe all worldlie pelfe.

Dorus.

Lady your selfe whome neither name I dare, And titles are but spots to such a worth, Heare plaints come forth from dungeon of my mind. The noblest kinde reiects not others woes. I haue no shewes of wealth: my wealth is you, [ 5] My beauties hewe your beames, my health your deeds; My minde for weeds your vertues liuerie weares. My foode is teares; my tunes wamenting yeeld: Dispaire my fielde; the flowers spirits warrs: My day new cares; my ginnes my daily sight, [ 10] In which doe light small birds of thoughts orethrowne: My pastimes none: time passeth on my fall. Nature made all but me of dolours made I find no shade, but where my Sunne doth burne: No place to turne; without, within it fries: [ 15] Nor helpe by life or death who liuing dyes.

Thyrsis.

But if my Kala thus my sute denyes, Which so much reason beares: Let crowes pick out mine eyes which too much sawe. [ 20] If shee still hate loues lawe, My earthy mould, doth melt in watrye teares.

Dorus.

My earthy mould doth melt in watrye teares, And they againe resolue, [ 25] To aire of sighes, sighes to the hartes fire turne Which doth to ashes burne. Thus doth my life within it selfe dissolue.

Thyrsis.

Thus doth my life within it selfe dissolue [ 30] That I growe like the beaste, Which beares the bytt a weaker force doth guide, Yet patient must abide. Such weight it hath which once is full possest.

Dorus.

Such weight it hath which once is full possest [ 35] That I become a vision, Which hath in others head his only being And liues in fancie seing. O wretched state of man in selfe diuision! [ 40]

Thyrsis.

O wretched state of man in selfe diuision O well thou saiest! a feeling declaration Thy toong hath made of Cupids deepe incision. But now hoarse voyce, doth faile this occupation, [ 45] And others long to tell their loues condicion. Of singing thou hast got the reputation.

Dorus.

Of singing thou hast got the reputation Good Thyrsis mine, I yeld to thy abilitie; My hart doth seek an other estimation. But ah my Muse, I would thou hadst facilitie [ 5] To worke my goddesse, so by thy inuention, On me to cast those eyes where shine nobilitie: Seene and vnknowne, hearde, but without attention.

Dorus did so well in answering Thyrsis, that euery one desired to heare him [ 10] sing something alone. Seing therfore a Lute lying vnder the Princesse Pamelas feete glad to haue such an errand to approch her, he came, but came with a dismaied grace, all his bloud stirred betwixt feare and desire. And playing vpon it with such sweetenes, as euery bodie wondered to see such skill in a shepeheard, he sang vnto it with a sorrowing voice these Elegiake verses:

[ 15]

Dorus.

— Fortune, Nature, Loue, long haue contended about me, Which should most miseries, cast on a worme that I am. — Fortune thus gan say; misery and misfortune is all one, And of misfortune, fortune hath only the gift. [ 20] — With strong foes on land, on seas with contrary tempests Still doo I crosse this wretch, what so he taketh in hand. — Tush, tush, said nature, this is all but a trifle, a mans selfe Giues happs or mishapps, eu'n as he ordreth his hearte. — But so his humor I frame, in a mould of choller adusted, [ 25] That the delights of life shall be to him dolorouse. — Loue smiled, and thus said; Want ioynd to desire is vnhappy. But if he nought do desire, what can Heraclitus aile? — None but I, workes by desire: by desire haue I kindled in his soule Infernall agonies vnto a bewtye diuine, [ 30] — Where thou poore nature left'st all thy due glory, to fortune Her vertue is soueraine, fortune a vassal of hers. — Nature abasht went back: fortune blusht: yet she replide thus: And eu'n in that loue, shall I reserue him a spite. — Thus, thus, alas! wofull in nature, vnhappy by fortune, [ 35] But most wretched I am, now loue awakes my desire.

Dorus when he had soong this, hauing had all the while a free beholding of the faire Pamela (who could well haue spared such honor, and defended the as∣sault he gaue vnto hir face with bringing a faire staine of shamefastnes vnto it) [ 40] let fall his armes, and remained so fastened in his thoughts, as if Pamela had graffed him there to growe in continuall imagination. But Zelmane espying it, and fea∣ring he should too much forget himselfe, she came to him, and tooke out of his hand the Lute, and laying fast hold of Philocleas face with her eyes, she soong these Sapphikes speaking as it were to hir owne hope.

[ 45] If mine eyes can speake to doo harty errande, Or mine eyes language she doo hap to iudge of,

So that eyes message be of her receaued, Hope we do liue yet. But if eyes faile then, when I most doo need them, Or if eyes language be not vnto her knowne, So that eyes message doo returne reiected, [ 5] H••pe we doo both dye. Yet dying, and dead, doo we sing her honour; So become our tombes monuments of her praise; So becomes our losse the triumph of her gaine; Hers be the glory. [ 10] If the spheares senselesse doo yet hold a musique, If the Swannes sweet voice be not heard, but at death, If the mute timber when it hath the life lost, Yeldeth a Lutes tune: Are then humane mindes priuiledg'd so meanly [ 15] As that hatefull death can abridge them of powre With the vowe of truth to record to all worlds That we be her spoiles? Thus not ending, ends the due praise of her praise: Fleshly vaile consumes; but a soule hath his life, [ 20] Which is held in loue; loue it is, that hath ioynd Life to this our soule. But if eyes can speake to doo harty errand, Or mine eyes language she doo hap to iudge of, So that eyes message be of her receaued, [ 25] Hope we do liue yet.

Great was the pleasure of Basilius, and greater would haue bene Gynaecias, but that she found too well it was intended to her daughter, As for Philoclea she was swetely rauished withall. When Dorus desiring in a secret maner to speake of their [ 30] cases, as perchance the parties intended might take some light of it, making lowe reuerence to Zelmane, began this prouoking song in hexameter verse vnto her. Wherevnto she soone finding whither his words were directed (in like tune and verse) answered as foloweth:

[ 35]

Dorus. Zelmane.

Dorus.

Lady reserud by the heau'ns to do pastors company honnor, Ioyning your sweete voice to the rurall muse of a deserte, Here you fully do finde this strange operation of loue, [ 40] How to the woods loue runnes as well as rydes to the Pallace, Neither he beares reuerence to a Prince nor pittie to begger, But (like a point in midst of a circle) is still of a neernesse, All to a lesson he draw's, nether hills nor caues can auoide him.

[ 45]

Zelmane.

Worthy shepeheard by my song to my selfe all fauor is happned, That to the sacred Muse my anoyes somewhat be reuealed,

Sacred Muse, who in one contaynes what nine do in all them. But ô happy be you, which safe from fyry reflection Of Phoebus violence in shade of sweet Cyparissus, Or pleasant mirtell, may teach th'vnfortunate Echo [ 5] In these woods to resounde the renowmed name of a goddesse. Happy be you that may to the saint, your onely Idea, (Although simply atyrde) your manly affection vtter. Happy be those mishapps which iustly proportion holding Giue right sound to the eares, and enter aright to the iudgement, [ 10] But wretched be the soules, which vaild in a contrary subiect: How much more we do loue, so the lesse our loues be beleeued. What skill salueth a soare of a wrong infirmity iudged? What can iustice auaile, to a man that tells not his owne case? You though feares do abash, in you still possible hopes be: [ 15] Nature against we do seeme to rebell, seeme fooles in a vaine sute. But so vnheard, condemn'd, kept thence we do seeke to abide in, Selfe-lost in wandring, banished that place we doe come from, What meane is there, alas, we can hope our losse to recouer? What place is there left, we may hope our woes to recomfort? [ 20] Vnto the heau'ns? our wings be too short: earth thinks vs a burden. Aire we do still with sighes encrease, to the fire? we do want none. And yet his outward heate our teares would quench, but an inward Fire no liquor can coole: Neptunes realme would not auaile vs. Happy shepheard, with thanks to the Gods, still thinke to be thankfull, [ 25] That to thy aduauncement their wisdomes haue thee abased.

Dorus.

Vnto the Gods with a thanckfull heart all thankes I do render, That to my aduauncement their wisdomes haue me abased. But yet, alas! O but yet alas! our happs be but hard happs, [ 30] Which must frame contempt to the fittest purchase of honnour. Well may a Pastor plaine, but alas his plaints be not esteem'de Silly shepheards poore pype, when his harsh sound testifi's anguish, Into the faire looker on, pastime, not passion, enters. And to the woods or brookes, who do make such dreery recitall [ 35] What be the pangs they beare, and whence those pangs be deriued, Pleasd to receaue that name by rebounding answere of Echo, May hope therby to ease their inward horrible anguish, When trees daunce to the pype, and swift streames stay by the musicke, Or when an Echo begins vnmou'd to sing them a loue song. [ 40] Say then what vantage do we get, by the trade of a Pastor? (Since no estates be so base, but loue vouchsafeth his arrow, Since no refuge doth serue from woundes we do carry about vs, Since outward pleasures be but halting helpes to decayd soules) Saue that dayly we may discerne what fire we do burne in. [ 45] Farre more happy be you, whose greatnes gets a free accesse, Whose faire bodily gifts are fram'd most louely to each ey. Vertue you haue, of vertue you haue left proofe to the whole world.

And vertue is gratefull with bewty and richnes adorned, Neither doubt you awhit, time will your passion vtter. Hardly remains fyer hid, where skill is bent to the hiding, But in a minde that would his flames should not be repressed, Nature worketh enough with a small help for the reuealing. [ 5] Giue therefore to the Muse great praise in whose very likenes You doo approch to the fruite your onely desir's be to gather.

Zelmane.

First shall fertill grounds not yeeld increase of a good seed: First the riuers shall ceasse to repay their fludds to the Occean: [ 10] First may a trusty Greyhounde transforme himselfe to a Tigre: First shall vertue be vice, and bewty be counted a blemishe, Ere that I leaue with song of praise her praise to solemnize, Her praise, whence to the world all praise hath his only beginning: But yet well I doo finde each man most wise in his owne case. [ 15] None can speake of a wound with skill, if he haue not a wound felt. Great to thee my state seemes, thy state is blest by my iudgement: And yet neither of vs great or blest deemeth his owne selfe. For yet (weigh this alas!) great is not great to the greater. What iudge you doth a hillocke shew, by the lofty Olympus? [ 20] Such my minute greatnes, doth seeme compar'd to the greatest. When Cedars to the ground fall downe by the weight of an emmott, Or when a rich rubies iust price be the worth of a walnut, Or to the Sun for wonders seeme small sparks of a candle: Then by my high Cedar, rich Ruby, and only shining Sunne, [ 25] Vertue, richesse, beawties of mine shall great be reputed. Oh no, no, worthy shepeheard, worth can neuer enter a title, Where proofes iustly do teach, thus matcht, such worth to be nought worth, Let not a puppet abuse thy sprite, Kings Crownes do not helpe them From the cruell headache, nor shooes of golde doo the gowt heale, [ 30] And preciouse couches full oft are shak't with a feauer. If then a boddily euill in a boddily gloze be not hidden, Shall such morning deaws be an ease to the heate of a loues fire?

Dorus.

O glittring miseries of man, if this be the fortune [ 35] Of those fortune lulls? so small rest rests in a kingdome? What maruaile tho a Prince transforme himselfe to a Pastor? Come from marble bowres many times the gay harbor of anguish, Vnto a silly caban, though weake, yet stronger against woes. Now by thy words I begin, most famous Lady, to gather [ 40] Comfort into my soule I do finde, I do find what a blessing Is chaunced to my life, that from such muddy abundance Of carking agonies (to states which still be adherent) Desteny keepes me aloofe, for if all this state to thy vertue Ioyn'd, by thy beauty adorn'd be no meanes these greefes to abolish: [ 45] If neither by that helpe, thou canst clime vp to thy fancie, Nor yet fancy so drest do receiue more plausible hearing:

Then do I thinke in deed, that better it is to be priuate In sorrows torments, then, tyed to the pompes of a pallace, Nurse inwarde maladyes, which haue not scope to be breath'd out•• But perforce disgest, all bitter ioyces of horror [ 5] In silence, from a mans owne selfe with company robbed. Better yet do I liue, that though by my thoughts I be plunged Into my liues bondage, yet m••y disburden a passion (Opprest with ruinouse conceites) by the helpe of an outcrye: Not limited to a whispringe note, the Lament of a Courtier. [ 10] But sometimes to the woods somtimes to the heau'n do decyphire With bolde clamor vnheard, vnmarckt, what I seeke what I suffer: And when I mee••e these trees, in the earths faire liuory clothed, Ease I do feele (such ease as falls to one wholy diseased) For that I finde in them parte of my state represented. [ 15] Lawrell shew's what I seeke, by the Mirre is show'd how I seeke it, Oliue paintes me the peace that I must aspire to by the conquest: Mirtle makes my request, my request is crown'd with a willowe? Cyprus promiseth helpe, but a helpe where comes no recomforte Sweete Iuniper, saith this, thoh I burne, yet I burne in a sweete fire. [ 20] Evve doth make me thinke what kind of bow the boy holdeth Which shootes strongly with out any noyse and deadly without smarte•• Firr trees great and greene, sixt on a hye hill but a barrein, Lyke to my noble thoughtes, still new, well plac'd, to me fruteles. Figge that yeeldes most pleasante fru'te, his shaddow is hurtefull [ 25] Thus be her giftes most sweet, thus more danger to be neere her, Now in a palme when I marke, how he doth rise vnder a burden, And may I not (say I then) gett vp though griefs be so weightie? Pine is a maste to a shippe, to my shippe shall hope for a maste serue, Pine is hye, hope is as hie, sharpe leau'd, sharpe yet be my hopes budds•• [ 30] Elme embraste by a vine, embracing fancy reuiueth Popler changeth his hew from a rising sunne to a setting: Thus to my sonne do I yeeld, such lookes her beames do aforde me Olde aged oke cutt downe, of newe works serues to the building: So my desires by my feare, cutt downe, be the frames of her honour. [ 35] Ashe makes speares which shieldes do resist, her force no repulse takes: Palmes do reioyce to be ioynd by the match of a male to a female, And shall sensiue things be so sencelesse as to resist sence? Thus be my thoughts disperst, thus thinking nurseth a thinking, Thus both trees and each thing ells, be the bookes of a fancy. [ 40] But to the Cedar Queene of woods when I lifte my beteard eyes, Then do I shape to my selfe that forme which raign's so with•• in me, And thinke ther she do dwell & heare what plants I do vtter: When that noble toppe doth nodd, I beleeue she salutes me; When by the winde it maketh a noyse, I do thinke she doth answer: [ 45] Then kneling to the ground, oft thus do I speake to that Image: Onely Iuell, O only Iuell, which only deseruest That mens harts be thy seate and endlesse fame be thy seruant,

O descende for a while, from this greate height to behold me, But nought els do, behold (else is nought worth the beholding) Saue what a worke, by thy selfe is wrought: & since I am altred Thus by thy worke, disdaine not that which is by thy selfe done. In meane caues oft treasure abides, to an hostry a king comes. [ 5] And so behinde foule clowdes full oft faire starres do ly hidden.

Zelmane.

Hardy shephearde, such as thy meritts, such may be her insight Iustely to graunt thee rewarde, such e••uie I beare to thy fortune. But to my selfe what wish can I make for a salue to my sorrowes, [ 10] Whom both nature seemes to debarr from meanes to be helped, And if a meane were found, fortune th'whole course of it hinders. This plag'de how can I frame to my soare any hope of amendemente? Whence may I show to my minde any light of possible escape? Bownd & bownd by so noble bandes, as loth to be vnbownd, [ 15] Iaylor I am to my selfe, prison & prisoner to myne owne selfe. Yet be my hopes thus plast, here fix'd liues all my recomforte, That that deare Dyamond, where wisdome holdeth a sure seate, Whose force had such force so to transforme, nay to reforme me, Will at length perceaue these flames by her beames to be kindled, [ 20] And will pitty the wound festred so strangely within me. O be it so, graunte such an euent, O Gods, that euent giue. And for a sure sacrifice I do dayly oblation offer Of mine owne harte, where thoughts be the temple, sighte is a aultar. But ceasse worthy shepheard, nowe ceasse we to weery the hearers [ 25] With monefull melodies, for enough our greefes be reuealed, If by the parties ment our meanings rightly be marked, And sorrow's do require some respitt vnto the sences.

What exclaming praises Basilius gaue to this Ecloge any man may ghesse, that [ 30] knowes loue is better then a paire of spectacles to make euery thing seeme greater which is sene through it: and then is neuer tongue tied where fitt commendation (whereof womankinde is so likerouse) is offered vnto it. But before any other came in to supplie the place, Zelmane hauing heard some of the shepheards by chaunce name Strephon and Klaius, supposing thereby they had bene present, was desirous [ 35] both to heare them for the fame of their frindly loue, and to know them, for their kindenesse towardes her best loued frinde. Much grieued was Basilius, that any de∣sire of his mistresse should bee vnsatisfied, and therefore to represent them vnto hir (aswell as in their absence it might be) he commaunded on Lamon, who had at large sett down their country pastimes and first loue to Vrania to sing the whole discourse [ 40] which he did in this manner.

A Shepheards tale no height of stile desires To raise in words what in effect is lowe: A plaining songe plaine-singing voice requires, [ 45] For warbling notes from inward chearing flow. I then, whose burd'ned brest but thus aspires

Of shepheards two the seely case to show, Nede not the stately Muses helpe inuoke For creeping rimes, which often sighings choke. But you, ô you, that thinke not teares to deare [ 5] To spend for harms, although they touch you not: And deigne to deeme your neighbors mischefe neare, Although they be of meaner parents gott: You I inuite with easie eares to heare The poore-clad truth of loues wrong-ordred lot. [ 10] Who may be glad, be glad you be not such: Who share in woe, weygh others haue as much. Ther was (ô seldome blessed word of was!) A paire of frends, or rather one cal'd two, Train'd in the life which on short-bitten grasse [ 15] In shine or storme must sett the doubted shoe: He, that the other in some yeares did passe, And in those gifts that years distribute doe, Was Klaius cald, (ah Klaius, wofull wight!) The later borne, yet too soone, Strephon hight. [ 20] Epeirus high, was honest Klaius nest, To Strephon AEoles land first breathing lent: But East & West were ioin'd by frendships hest. As Strephons eare & heart to Klaius bent: So Klaius soule did in his Strephon rest. [ 25] Still both their flocks flocking togither went, As if they would of owners humour be, And eke their pipes did well, as frends agree. Klaius for skill of hearb's & shepheards art Among the wisest was accounted wise, [ 30] Yet not so wise, as of vnstained harte: Strephon was yonge, yet markt with humble eies How elder rul'd their flocks, & cur'd their smart, So that the graue did not his words despise. Both free of minde, both did clear-dealing loue, [ 35] And both had skill in verse their voice to moue. Their chearfull minds, till pois'ned was their cheare, The honest sports of earthy lodging proue; Now for a clod-like hare in fourm they peere, Now bolt & cudgill squirrels leape do moue. [ 40] Now the ambitiouse Larke with mirror cleare They catch, while he (foole!) to himself makes loue: And now at keels they trie a harmles chaunce, And now their curr they teach to fetch & daunce. When mery May first early calls the morne, [ 45] With mery maids a mayeng they do go, Then do they pull from sharpe & niggard thorne The plenteous sweets, (can sweets so sharply grow?)

Then some grene gowns are by the lasses worne In chastest plaies, till home they walke a rowe, While daunce about the may-pole is begun, When, if nede were, they could at quintain run: While thus they ran a low, but leaueld race, [ 5] While thus they liu'd, (this was indede a life) With nature pleas'd, content with present case. Free of proud feares, braue begg'ry, smiling strife Of clime-fall Court, the enuy-hatching place: While those restles desires in great men rife [ 10] To visite so low folkes did much disdaine, This while, though poore, they in themselues did raigne. One day (ô day, that shin'de to make them darke!) While they did ward sun-beames with shady bay, And Klaius taking for his yongling carke, [ 15] (Lest greedy eies to them might challenge lay) Busy with oker did their shoulders marke, (His marke a Piller was deuoid of stay, As bragging that free of all passions mone Well might he others beare, but leane to none) [ 20] Strephon with leauy twiggs of Laurell tree A garland made on temples for to weare, For he then chosen was the dignitie Of village-Lord that whitsontide to beare: And full, poore foole of boyish brauery [ 25] With triumphs shews would shew he nought did feare. But fore-accounting oft makes builders misse, They found, they felt, they had no lease of blisse. For ere that either had his purpose done, Behold (beholding well it doth deserue) [ 30] They saw a maid who thitherward did runne, To catch hir sparrow which from hir did swerue, As she a black-silke cap on him begunne To sett, for foile of his milke-white to serue. She chirping ran, he peeping flew away, [ 35] Till hard by them both he & she did stay. Well for to see they kept themselues vnsene, And saw this fairest maid of fairer minde, By, fortune meare, in Nature borne a Queene, How well apaid she was hir birde to finde: [ 40] How tenderly hir tender hands betweene In iuory cage she did the micher binde: How rosy moist'ned lipps about his beake Mouing, she seem'd at once to kisse, & speake. Chastned but thus, & thus his lesson tought [ 45] The happy wretch she putt into hir breast, Which to their eies the bowles of Venus brought,

For they seem'd made euen of skie-mettall best, And that the bias of hir bloud was wrought. Betwixt them two the peeper tooke his nest, Where snugging well he well appear'd content [ 5] So to haue done amisse, so to be shent. This done, but done with captiue-killing grace, Each motion seeming shott from beauties bow, With length laid downe she deckt the lonely place. Proud grew the grasse that vnder hir did growe, [ 10] The trees spred out their armes to shade hir face, But she on elbow lean'd with sigh's did show No grasse, no trees, nor yet hir sparrow might To long-perplexed minde breed long delight. She troubled was (alas that it mought be!) [ 15] With tedious brawlings of her parents deare, Who would haue hir in will & worde agree To wedd Antaxius their neighbour neare. A heardman rich of much account was he In whome no euill did raigne, nor good appeare. [ 20] In some such one she lik'd not his desire, Faine would be free, but dreadeth parents ire. Kindly, sweete soule, she did vnkindnes take That bagged baggage of a misers mudd, Should price of hir, as in a market, make. But golde can guild a rotten piece of wood, [ 25] To yeeld she found hir noble heart did ake: To striue she fear'd how it with vertue stoode. This doubting clouds ore-casting heau'nly braine, At length in rowes of Kisse-cheeke teares they raine. [ 30] Cupid the wagg, that lately conquer'd had Wise Counsellors, stout Captaines puissant Kings, And ti'de them fast to leade his triumph badd, Glutted with them now plaies with meanest things. So oft in feasts with costly chaunges cladd [ 35] To crammed mawes a spratt new Stomake brings. So Lords with sport of Stagg & Hearon full Sometimes we vse small birds from nests do pull. So now for pray these shepheards two he tooke Whose mettall stiff he knew he could not bende [ 40] With hear-say, pictures, or a window looke, With one good dawnce, or letter finely pend, That were in Court a well proportion'd hooke, Where piercing witts do quickly apprehend, Their sences rude plaine obiects only moue, [ 45] And so must see great cause before they loue. Therfore Loue arm'd in hir now takes the fielde, Making hir beames his brauery & might:

Hir hands which pierc'd the soules seau'n-double shield, Were now his darts leauing his wonted fight. Braue crest to him hir scorn-gold haire did yeeld, His compleat harneis was hir purest white. But fearing lest all white might seeme too good, [ 5] In cheeks & lipps the Tyran threatens bloud. Besides this force within hir eies he kept A fire, to burne the prisoners he gaines, Whose boiling heat encreased as she wept: For eu'n in forge colde water fire maintaines. [ 10] Thus proud & fierce vnto the hearts he stept Of them poore soules: & cutting Reasons raines, Made them his owne before they had it wist. But if they had, could shephookes this resist? Klaius streight felt, & groned at the blowe, [ 15] And cal'd, now wounded, purpose to his aide: Strephon, fond boy, delighted did not knowe, That it was Loue that shin'de in shining maid: But lickrous, Poison'd, faine to her would goe, If him new-learned manners had not stai'd. [ 20] For then Vrania homeward did arise, Leauing in paine their wel-fed hungry eies. She went, they staid; or rightly for to say, She staid in them, they went in thought with hyr: Klaius in deede would faine haue puld a way [ 25] This mote from out his eye, this inward burre, And now, proud Rebell gan for to gainsay The lesson which but late he learn'd too furre: Meaning with absence to refresh the thought To which hir presence such a feauer brought. [ 30] Strephon did leape with ioy & iolitie, Thinking it iust more therein to delight Then in good Dog, faire field, or shading tree. So haue I sene trim bookes in veluet dight With golden leaues, & painted babery [ 35] Of seely boies please vnacquainted sight: But when the rod began to play his part, Faine would, but could not fly from golden smart. He quickly learn'd Vrania was her name, And streight for failing, grau'd it in his heart: [ 40] He knew hir haunt, & haunted in the same, And taught his shepe hir shepe in food to thwart. Which soone as it did batefull question frame, He might on knees confesse his faulty part, And yeeld himselfe vnto hir punishment, [ 45] While nought but game, the selfe-hurt wanton ment. Nay eu'n vnto hir home he oft would go,

Where bold and hurtles many play he tries, Her parents liking well it should be so, For simple goodnes shined in his eyes. There did he make hir laugh in spite of woe, [ 5] So as good thoughts of him in all arise, While into none doubt of his loue did sinke, For not himselfe to be in loue did thinke. But glad Desire, his late embosom'd guest, Yet but a babe, with milke of Sight he nurst: [ 10] Desire the more he suckt, more sought the brest, Like dropsy folke still drinke to be a thyrst. Till one faire eau'n an howr ere Sun did rest, Who then in Lions caue did enter fyrst, By neighbors prai'd she went abroad therby. [ 15] At Barly brake hir swete swift foot to trie. Neuer the earth on his round shoulders bare A maid train'd vp from high or low degree, That in her doings better could compare Mirth with respect, few words with curtesy, [ 20] A careles comelines with comely care, Self-gard with mildnes, Sport with Maiesty: Which made hir yeeld to deck this shepheards band, And still, beleue me, Strephon was at hand. A field they goe, where many lookers be, [ 25] And thou seke-sorow Klaius them among: In dede thou said'st it was thy frend to see Strephon, whose absence seem'd vnto thee long, While most with hir he lesse did kepe with thee. No, no, it was in spite of wisdomes song [ 30] Which absence wisht: loue plai'd a victors part: The heau'n-loue lodestone drew thy iron hart. Then couples three be streight allotted there, They of both ends the middle two doe flie, The two that in mid place, Hell called were, [ 35] Must striue with waiting foot, and watching eye To catch of them, and them to hell to beare, That they, aswell as they, Hell may supplie: Like some which seeke to salue their blotted name With others blott, till all do tast of shame. [ 40] There may you see, soone as the middle two Do coupled towards either couple make, They false and fearfull do their hands vndoe, Brother his brother, frend doth frend forsake, Heeding himselfe, cares not how fellow doe, [ 45] But of a straunger mutuall help doth take: As periur'd cowards in aduersity With sight of feare from frends to fremb'd do flie.

These sports shepheards deuiz'd such faults to show. Geron, though olde yet gamesome, kept one ende With Cosma, for whose loue Pas past in woe. Faire Nous with Pas the lott to hell did sende: Pas thought it hell, while he was Cosma fro. [ 5] At other end Vran did Strephon lend Her happy-making hand, of whome one looke From Nous and Cosma all their beauty tooke. The play began: Pas durst not Cosma chace, But did entend next bout with her to meete, [ 10] So he with Nous to Geron turn'd their race, With whome to ioyne fast ran Vrania sweet: But light-legd Pas had gott the middle space. Geron straue hard, but aged were his feet, And therfore finding force now faint to be, [ 15] He thought gray haires afforded subtletie. And so when Pas hand-reached him to take, The fox on knees and elbowes tombled downe: Pas could not stay, but ouer him did rake, And crown'd the earth with his first touching crowne: [ 20] His heels grow'n proud did seme at heau'n to shake. But Nous that slipt from Pas, did catch the clowne. So laughing all, yet Pas to ease some dell Geron with Vran were condemn'd to hell. Cosma this while to Strephon safely came, [ 25] And all to second barly-brake are bent: The two in hell did toward Cosma frame, Who should to Pas, but they would her preuent. Pas mad with fall, and madder with the shame, Most mad with beames which he thought Cosma sent, [ 30] With such mad haste he did to Cosma goe, That to hir breast he gaue a noysome blowe. She quick, and proud, and who did Pas despise, Vp with hir fist, and tooke him on the face, Another time; quoth she, become more wise. [ 35] Thus Pas did kisse hir hand with little grace, And each way luckles, yet in humble guise Did hold hir fast for feare of more disgrace, While Strephon might with preatie Nous haue met, But all this while another course he fet. [ 40] For as Vrania after Cosma ran, He rauished with sight how gracefully She mou'd hir lims, and drew the aged man, Left Nous to coast the loued beauty ny. Nous cri'de, and chaf'd, but he no other can. [ 45] Till Vran seing Pas to Cosma fly, And Strephon single, turned after him.

Strephon so chas'd did seme in milke to swimme. He ran, but ran with eye ore shoulder cast, More marking hir, then how himselfe did goe, Like Numid Lions by the hunters chas'd, [ 5] Though they do fly, yet backwardly do glowe With proud aspect, disdaining greater hast. What rage in them, that loue in him did show. But God giues them instinct the man to shun, And he by law of Barly-brake must run. [ 10] But as his heate with running did augment, Much more his sight encreast his hote desire: So is in her the best of Nature spent, The aire hir swete race mou'd doth blow the fire. Hir feet be Purseuants from Cupid sent, [ 15] With whose fine stepps all loues and ioyes conspire. The hidden beauties seem'd in waite to lye, To downe proud hearts that would not willing dye. Thus, fast he fled from her he follow'd sore, Still shunning Nous to lengthen pleasing race, [ 20] Till that he spied old Geron could no more, Then did he slack his loue-enstructed pace. So that Vrán, whose arme old Geron bore, Laid hold on him with most lay-holding grace. So caught, him seem'd he caught of ioyes the bel••, [ 25] And thought it heau'n so to be drawn to hell. To hell he goes, and Nous with him must dwell. Nous sware it was no right; for his default Who would be caught, that she should go to hell: But so she must. And now the third assault [ 30] Of Barly-brake among the six befell. Pas Cosma matcht, yet angry with his fault, The other end Geron with Vrán garde. I thinke you thinke Strephon bent thitherward. Nous counseld Strephon Geron to pursue, [ 35] For he was olde, and easly would be cought: But he drew hir as loue his fancy drew, And so to take the gemme Vrania sought. While Geron olde came safe to Cosma true, Though him to meete at all she sturred nought. [ 40] For Pas, whither it were for feare, or loue, Mou'd not himselfe, nor suffred hir to moue. So they three did togither idly stay, While deare Vrán, whose course was Pas to meet, (He staying thus) was faine abroad to stray [ 45] With larger round, to shun the folowing feet. Strephon, whose eies on hir back-parts did play, With loue drawne on, so fast with pace vnmeet

Drew dainty Nous, that she not able so To runne, brake from his hands, and let him goe. He single thus, hop'd soone with hir to be, Who nothing earthly, but of fire and aire, Though with soft leggs, did run as fast as he. [ 5] He thrise reacht, thrise deceiu'd, when hir to beare He hopes, with dainty turns she doth him flee. So on the down's we see, neere Wilton faire, A hast'ned Hare from greedy Grayhound goe, And past all hope his chapps to frustrate so. [ 10] But this straunge race more straunge conceits did yeeld: Who victor seem'd, was to his ruine brought: Who seem'd orethrown was mistresse of the field: She fled, and tooke: he folow'd, and was cought. So haue I heard to pierce pursuing shield [ 15] By Parents train'd the Tartars wilde are tought, With shafts shott out from their back-turned bow. But, ah! hir darts did farre more depely goe. As Venus bird the white, swift, louely Doue (O happy Doue that art compar'd to hir!) [ 20] Doth on hir wings hir vtmost swiftnes proue, Finding the gripe of Falcon fierce not furr: So did Vran, the narr the swifter moue, (Yet beauty still as fast as she did sturre) Till with long race deare she was breathles brought, [ 25] And then the Phoenix feared to be cought. Among the rest that there did take delight To see the sportes of double-shining day, And did the tribute of their wondring sight To Natures heir, the faire Vrania, pay, [ 30] I tolde you Klaius was the haples wight Who earnest found what they accounted play. He did not there doe homage of his eies, But on his eies his heart did sacrifise. With gazing looks, short sighs, vnsettled feet, [ 35] He stood, but turn'd, as Girosol, to Sun: His fancies still did hir in half-way meet, His soule did fly as she was seen to run. In sum proud Boreas neuer ruled fleet (Who Neptunes webb on daungers distaff spun) [ 40] With greater powr, then she did make them wend Each way, as she, that ages praise, did bend. Till spieng well she welnigh weary was, And surely taught by his loue-open eye, His eye, that eu'n did marke hir troden grasse, [ 45] That she would faine the catch of Strephon flie, Giuing his reason pasport for to passe

Whither it would, so it would let him dy, He that before shund hir to shun such harmes, Now runnes, and takes hir in his clipping armes. For with pretence from Strephon hir to garde, [ 5] He met hir full, but full of warefulnes, With inbow'd bosome well for hir prepar'd, When Strephon cursing his owne backwardnes Came to hir back, and so with double warde Emprison hir, who both them did possesse [ 10] As heart-bound slaues: and happy then embrace Vertues proofe, fortunes victor, beauties place. Hir race did not hir beauties beames augment, For they were euer in the best degree, But yet a setting foorth it some way lent: [ 15] As rubies lustre, when they rubbed be. The dainty dew on face and body went As on sweet flowrs when mornings drops we see. Her breath then short seem'd loth from home to pas, Which more it mou'd, the more it sweeter was. [ 20] Happy, ô happy! if they so might bide, To see hir eies, with how true humblenes They looked down to triumph ouer pride: With how sweet sawes she blam'd their sawcines: To feele the panting heart, which through hir syde [ 25] Did beate their hands, which durst so neere to presse. To see, to feele, to heare, to tast, to know More then, besides hir, all the earth could show. But neuer did Medeas golden weed On Creons child his poison sooner throw, [ 30] Then those delights through all their sinews breed A creeping serpentlike of mortall woe. Till she brake from their armes (although in deed Going from them, from them she could not go) And fare-welling the flocke did homeward wend, [ 35] And so that euen the barly-brake did end. It ended, but the others woe began, Began at least to be conceiu'd as woe, For then wise Klaius found no absence can Help him, who can no more hir sight foregoe. [ 40] He found mans vertue is but part of man, And part must folowe where whole man doth goe. He found that Reasons self now reasons found To fasten knotts, which fancy first had bound. So doth he yeeld, so takes he on his yoke, [ 45] Not knowing who did draw with him therin; Strephon, poore youth, because he saw no smoke Did not conceiue what fire he had within.

But after this to greater rage it broke; Till of his life it did full conquest win, First killing mirth, then banishing all rest, Filling his eies with teares, with sighs his brest. Then sports grew paines, all talking tediouse, [ 5] On thoughts he feeds, his lookes their figure chaunge, The day seemes long, but night is odious, No sleeps, but dream's, no dream's, but visions straunge, Till finding still his euill encreasing thus, One day he with his flock abroad did raunge: [ 10] And comming where he hop'd to be alone, Thus on a hillock set, he made his mone. Alas! what weights are these that lode my heart! I am as dull as winter-sterued sheep, Tir'de as a iade in ouerloden carte, [ 15] Yet thoughts do flie, though I can scarcely creep. All visions seeme, at euery bush I start: Drowsy am I, and yet can rarely slepe. Sure I bewitched am, it is euen that: Late neere a crosse I met an ougly Cat. [ 20] For, but by charms, how fall these things on me, That from those eies where heau'nly apples bene, Those eies, which nothing like themselues can see, Of faire Vrania, fairer then a greene, Proudly bedeckt in Aprills liuory, [ 25] A shot vnheard gaue me a wound vnseene? He was inuisible that hurt me so, And none vnuisible, but Spirites, can goe. When I see her, my sinewes shake for feare, And yet, deare soule, I know she hurteth none: [ 30] Amid my flock with woe my voice I teare, And, but bewitch'd, who to his flock would mone? Her chery lipps, milke hands, and golden haire I still do see, though I be still alone. Now make me thinke that there is not a fende, [ 35] Who hid in Angels shape my lîfe would ende. The sportes wherin I wonted to do well, Come she, and sweet the aire with open brest, Then so I faile, when most I would do well, That at me so amaz'd my fellowes iest: [ 40] Sometimes to her newes of my selfe to tell I go about, but then is all my best Wry words, and stam'ring, or els doltish dombe, Say then, can this but of enchantment come? Nay each thing is bewitcht to know my case: [ 45] The Nightingales for woe their songs refraine: In riuer as I look'd my pining face,

As pin'd a face as mine I saw againe. The courteous mountaines grieu'd at my disgrace Their snowy haire teare of in melting paine. And now the dropping trees do wepe for me, [ 5] And now faire euenings blush my shame to see. But you my pipe, whilome my chief delight, Till straunge delight, delight to nothing ware; And you my flock, care of my carefull sight, While I was I, & so had cause to care; [ 10] And thou my dogg, whose truth & valiant might Made wolues (not inward wolues) my ewes to spare; Go you not from your master in his woe: Let it suffise that he himselfe forgoe. For though like waxe, this magique makes me waste, [ 15] Or like a lambe whose dam away is fet, (Stolne from her yoong by theeues vnchoosing hast) He treble beas for helpe, but none can get: Though thus, and worse, though now I am at last, Of all the games that here ere now I met: [ 20] Do you remember still you once were mine, Till my eies had their curse from blessed ••ine. Be you with me while I vnheard do cry, While I do score my losses on the winde, While I in heart my will write ere I die. [ 25] In which by will, my will and wits I binde: Still to be hers, about her aye to flie, As this same sprite about my fancies blinde, Doth daily ha••nt: but so, that mine become As much more louing, as lesse combersome. [ 30] Alas! a cloud hath ouercast mine eies: And yet I see her shine amid the cloud. Alas! of ghostes I heare the gastly cries: Yet there, me seemes, I heare her singing loud. This song she singes in most commaunding wise: [ 35] Come shepheards boy, let now thy heart be bowd To make it selfe to my least looke a slaue: Leaue sheepe, leaue all, I will no piecing haue. I will, I will, alas! alas! I will: Wilt thou haue more? more haue, if more I be. [ 40] Away ragg'd rams, care I what murraine kill? Out shreaking pipe made of ••ome witched tree. Go bawling curre, thy hungry maw go fill, On yond foule flocke belonging not to me. With that his dogge he henst his flocke he curst: [ 45] With that (yet kissed first) his pipe he burst. This said, this done, he rase euen tir'd with rest, With heart as carefull, as with carelesse grace,

With shrinking legges, but with a swelling brest, With eyes which threatned they would drowne his face, Fearing the worst, not knowing what were best, And giuing to his sight a wandring race, He saw behind a bush where Klaius sate: [ 5] His well know'ne friend, but yet his vnknowne mate, Klaius the wretch, who lately yelden was To beare the bondes which Time nor wit could breake, (With blushing soule at sight of iudgements glasse, While guilty thoughts accus'd his Reason weake) [ 10] This morne alone to lonely walke did passe, With in himselfe of hir deare self•• to speake, Till Strephons planing voice him nearer drew, Where by his words his self-like cause he knew. For hearing him so oft with wordes of woe [ 15] Vrania name, whose force he knew so well, He quickly knew what witchcraft gaue the blow Which made his Strephon think himselfe in hell. Which when he did in perfect image show, To his owne witt, thought vpon thought did swell, [ 20] Breeding huge stormes with in his inward parte, Which thus breath'd out with earthquake of his hart.

As Lamon would haue proceded, Basilius knowing, by the wasting of the torches that the night also was farre wasted, and withall remembring Zelmanes hurt, asked [ 25] hir whither she thought it not better to reserue the complaint of Klaius till an other day. Which she, perceiuing the song had alreadie worne out much time, and not knowing when Lamon would ende, being euen now stepping ouer to a new matter, though much delig••ted with what was spoken, willingly agreed vnto. And so of all sides they went to recommend themselues to the elder brother of death. [ 30]

The end of the first Booke.

[ 35] [ 40] [ 45]