Donzella desterrada. Or, The banish'd virgin. VVritten originally in Italian: by Cavalier Gio. Francesco Biondi, Gentleman Extraordinary of his Majesties Privy Chamber. Divided into three bookes: and Englished by I.H. of Graies Inne, Gent

Cavalier Gio. Francesco Biondi HIS DONZELLA DESTERRADA. THE FIRST BOOKE.

THE obscuresable night, leaving behind her the shady twilight to make good the reare against the hot approach of the fire-breathing Sunne, surrendred up the field unto a gloomy morning; when the Marriners discovering land, changed the feare of their continuing wrack-threatning fortune, into another farre greater both in esteeme and effect. The shippe through her long working and continuall repercussions was all over riven and quite spoild, so as the ordi∣nary instruments sufficed not to empty the water, which gushing in through the chinkes of her sides above, and leakes sprung about her keele beneath, still more and more overcharged the Pumpe.

The very day before, and the selfe same night too, they (by sounding the Seas depth) knew they were not far off the land, though they yet saw no possible means of reaching to it without imminent perill of shipwrack; But now that danger (although indeed still the same) seemed in their eyes somewhat lesser, considering that which the opposite shore menaced their crazie vessell. The blustering winds incessantly whistled on all sides; But to hold more on the one hand than on the other lay not in the power of such as endeavoured it, the ship riding right under the Island, whose capes were so farre distant that there appeared no hopes to wade thither with any assurance of safety. Thus then being certaine of naufrage, every one endeavoured to fit himselfe with some small plancke or other, it be∣ing lawfull for any such as had none, to teare one off the shippe and make it the meanes of his deliverance. Their confused cries (in the meane while) mounting up to the skies equalized the rustling noise of the loud-roaring Sea, which grew to be so boldly domesticke, that it came and went fa∣miliarly in and out without asking any leave.

The now-despairing Pilot, who with the furtherance of three assistants,

and helpe of his strongest Cables was not able to command the helme, having now abandoned it, and eased him of the burthen of his cloathes, sought out for some thing serviceable for the conveying his body from the tyranny of the devouring Ocean; whilst the night to the Sunnes shame (which being totally eclipsed by the interposition of the terrestriall Globe continued its course in the opposite horizon) recovering the possession of her hereditary darkenesse imparted to these distressed caitives a glimpse of dusky light, to the end the sight of their miserie might encrease its sensibility.

The Ship (like a Sea-bird among the surging waves) held on her course, diving under the foaming surface of the raging maine, whilst the boiling billowes grew still more and more swelling and violent, by how much the nearer they approached the shore, till by buldgeing on an occult rocke, it wanted little of being quite overturned, so forcibly was it hur∣ried along the dissembling smoothnesse of the water by the fury of an un∣resistable wind; feare so encreasing their out-cries, as they seemed to bee perswaded, that they could with their vowes force the heavens to doe what they would have them.

Among other passengers there aboard was an aged Gentleman, whose gray haires and grave countenance spake him worthy of a respective re∣verence, he alone among all these clamours had the power to containe himselfe all this while within the bounds of silence; Till now casting his eyes on the shoare and sailes, at the very instant that with the benefit of a favourable wave they had surmounted the rocke (though with their Ship shrewdly bruised and well neare split) hee loudly pronounced this speech.

And is this (my masters) a time to be spent in lamentations, and lazily invoking the heavenly assistance, without using the necessary meanes of your deliverance? Peradventure you beleeve it should by some strange∣ly-miraculous way be prest upon you, whilst it being already proffered you, you have neyther the judgement to conceive it, nor the will to make use of it: To what end (I pray you) were your hands made, and the reach of reason confer'd upon you? you call out for instruments as though you wanted them, and knowing that the gods ab horre idlenesse would yet have them be propitious to your sloathfull oraisons. The danger is not yet such altogether as you conceive it to be, though indeede it will doubt∣lesse grow to be such, if you use not the remedy to prevent it; Seeing we have yet a good way to the land, our Shippe being almost all over leaky and battered; the shore abounding in sandy shelves, and all our Sailes strucken downe. True it is, that whilst the night lasted, it was our sa∣fest course to strike all save a small Trinket Saile, the violence of the winds and the darkenesse then requiring it; But now (alas) our state is farre diffe∣rent, For I tell you, that if you put not in practise all the meanes you can imagine to runne us ashore with all expedition possible, it will be unpossi∣ble for us to escape drowning.

This speech of his was so efficacious, as it seemed to infuse new courage into their drooping spirits, so as hoissing up all their Sailes, the Ship re∣ceiving (as it were) a new livelinesse from the forwardnesse of their reso∣lutions, merrily ranne aground in a Channell not farre remote off the

land, whence after a short space, at the ebbing of the Sea, they had the convenienceie of conveying themselves at their leasure, to the much desired shore.

The old Gentleman (with a servant he had with him) having landed, tooke his way towards a wood, where lighting on a small path, hee fol∣lowed it so farre, that at last it led him to the mouth of a cave. But by then the death-menacing disquietnesse hee had endured in the night, the drow∣sinesse of his spirits for want of sleepe, the tedious toilsomnesse of the un∣couth way hee was come, but above all, the irkesome heavinesse of his old age had so overtired him, as hee found himselfe unable to goe on any farther, untill hee had first refresht himselfe with a little rest. But here, as hee thought to lay him downe, hee heard an odde kinde of murmure in the cave hard by him, and more attentively listning, might distinctly heare two faintly-lamenting voices, which with a pittifull accent enterchanged some few but weake words, as though in sighes and sobbings they had beene two dolefull corrivals. Whereupon, entring into the cave (its mouth being freed of a large slate-stone wherwith it was used to be clos'd up) hee passed along through a narrow entrie so farre, that hee came to finde out its doore; through which (although it was covered with a sump∣tuous piece of hangings embroydered with gold, and adorned with a rich coate of Armes under a royall Crowne) hee might yet espie a noble ma∣tron, who having taken up in her armes a babe borne but that very instant, laid him aside on a bed, to goe & lend her assistance unto his mother, who lay groveling on a mattresse with her face in such a posture, as it could not from where hee stood be seene; continuing a pretty while in that plight, with her spirits so retired from executing their peculiar offices, as they seemed to have quite forsaken her. But the matron (assisted by an other Damsell) by wetting and chafing her pulses with soveraigne waters, brought her againe to her selfe; when upon their lifting her to lay her in a more easie posture, was discovered such a shape of a face, as (in despite of all palenesse) was one of the fairest and best featur'd that ever was painted with celestiall pensill, distended upon an youthfull tablet of some eigh∣teene yeares of age; her haire hung downe all disheveled about her seem∣ly shoulders, (the onely fitte dressing to ravish amorous hearts) her appa∣rell too was costly, and all things else in her promised no lesse eminencie than excellencie; onely the place and her present condition wore the badges of a distressed state. A long while continued shee deprived of the ability to make use of the Organs of her speech, left alone of her women, who were gone downe to the bottome of the cave to looke to the new∣borne babe; onely her sighes kept her company by turnes, now and then interrupted by a weeping groane (I might well say) loving, if a lugubrous and desperate love could be capable of so sweet an epithete.

The Matron returned more cheerefully than shee went (so much pleased her a male childe, but much more a manly beauty) and making her a low reverence, shee thus bespake her.

Most excellent and dearest Madame, bee of good comfort, (I beseech your Highnesse) for behold here the fairest and best proportioned crea∣ture that ever was borne: Oh what a beautifull and goodly progenie would the world produce if really affectionate love were alwayes sole a∣gent

in himencall unions! I have alwayes heard say, that stolen embraces and furtive births prov'd to be ever the best, goodliest, and most beauti∣full; all the spirits concurring, and being with an affectionate will strongly united together, and wholly intentive to the performance of that onely office. The heavens be praysed, for having now at length out of the masse of our diasters extracted us this dragme of comfort.

The young Lady raising her selfe upon her elbow, tooke at one looke a full survey of her childe; but being reduced to such weakenesse as shee was not longable to rest on the feeble support of her arme, causing him (wrapped in a rich mantle) to be laid by her on the bed, shee tenderly kis∣sing him thus answered.

Ah Paralette: And good reason have you to say, hee is a goodly faire childe, for so indeed he is (unfortunate infant!) Peradventure hee pre∣tends to make the deformity of his destiny seeme lesse ugly through the vaile of these his goodly beautifulnesse and comely making; these (alas) looke not as if they were for their birth-place beholding to homely caves seated among desolate groves, where the necessity of shunning the day∣light, presents their owner for his first object with darkenesse and horror. But with this return'd to weeping and then againe to kissing him, shee pro∣ceeded, saying.

And seemes it unto you (Mother) that an effect so beautifull ought to be a just ease to my calamities? and that the Gods have, out of my mis∣deeds, extracted that for my good, which is likely to prove to mee a per∣petuall occasion both of griefes and miseries? No, no, the heavens not fully satisfied in having made mee in the highest degree miserable in my owne person onely, are pleased to manifest their infinite power in an end∣lesse misery; for in extending it to another they multiply my agonies with the multiplication of the causes of my fortunes; shee was notable to utter another word, for being fallen into a swound, more through the extremi∣ty of her griefe, than the agony of her sicknesse, continuing a good while in this deadly trance, whilest her women carefully employed the best of their endeavours for the recovery of her senses.

The old Gentleman, full of noble pitty, would willingly have added an helping hand to assist her, but that he considered, that extreame afflictions admit not of any other reliefe, than little-availing compassion. Besides, that the quality of her infirmity prohibiting the presence of men, would have made his curtesie beene construed for an unexcusable point of incivility. Taking afterwards more observant notice of the place, hee discovered in its poverty an object of discorrespondent furnitures, the bed and arras hangings being all of silke and gold. But whilest he thus stood observing what they were a doing, Carildo a Squire appeared at the call of the Ma∣tron, which caused him to retire from the cave, but not to part away thence, in that he conceived shee was sending him forth, nor was he indeed therein mistaken; for as this Squire would have put himselfe on his way out, he came to meet him full butt; at which unexpected sight the Squire (carried by the violence of a just judgement to an unjust suspition) was no lesse dismaid than afrighted: till the Gentleman courteously saluting him, enquired the way to some neighbouring village, where hee might provide himselfe of a ship, seeing that the vessell that had brought him thither

had beene (through the discourtesie of the sea and tempest) wracked on that shore; To which the Squire (perceiving now by his language that hee had entertained a wrong suspition of him) made answer; That how∣beit to finde shipping in that Iland would be somewhat difficult, yet that he could not lightly misse of fitting himselfe in Feacia. But in the meane time, where may I (replied the Gentleman) provide me some victuals? In a very good place (answered the other) for on the way that I am now going, we shall passe by the house of a reverend Druide, who entertaines very kindly all strangers, but more especially Gentlemen of merit as you seeme to be; who also will out of his ordinary goodnesse see you provi∣ded of shipping, and supplied of all other necessaries; Being then by the Gentleman asked the name of that Iland: It is properly called (said hee) Ericusa, but more commonly the Iland of Adventures, for here arrives not any Cavalier, that in a short time lights not on divers strange and un∣expected accidents; Certainely (replied the old Gentleman) I beleeve that to be most true, since my shipwrack may very well be accounted in the number of these accidents, but much rather that which I chanced to see within your cave: Here observing the Squire grow pale at his pro∣nouncing of these later words hee proceeded.

Be not dismaid (my kinde friend) for it was neither curiosity nor any ill intention that brought me to prie into your secrets; onely I would to God it lay within the reach of my power to doe this noble Princesse any ser∣vice, you should then soone see, that I would willingly effect it even to the effusion of my blood.

[Now the Gentleman knew not as yet, that the Lady delivered of the childe was a Princesse, yet did he boldly stile her so, for that hee ghessed her to bee such, as well by the title given her by the Matron, as by the Crowne he had discovered above her Armes, perswading himselfe, that by boldly giving her that eminent title, he might easily worke out of the Squire the secrets of her being and quality, which indeed fell out accor∣dingly] for the Squire hearing him relate the passages of the cave, which induced him to conceive that shee was already knowne unto him, had not the power to be longer silent; and the subtle old Gentleman perceiving him come to the point he wish'd for, praid him to disclose how her for∣mer fortunes had guided her to the state of her present being: To the which he willingly condescending, said: (Sir) There is not any body here that knowes her otherwise, than by meere conjectures, so as what you might have beene casually informed of, cannot choose but be farre wide off the truth.

Corianna my Lady and Soveraigne Mistresse became enamoured of Lucano Duke of Lucania, a Gentleman in all excelling qualities, the most accomplisht that was, (I will not say of all her Fathers Subjects, but) of all the Princes that are this day in the world; For in nobility and estate there was not one that equalled him in the whole Kingdome of Parthenope, nor else-where any that exceeded him in comlinesse of per∣sonage, hardinesse or knightly valour, yet were these (though rare) en∣dowments but handmaides to others farre more prize-worthy; at least∣wise to those wherewith he captivated mens minds, as his bounty and mo∣desty, and above all, his discretion, the moderatresse of all other vertues,

and of her selfe too. So that to love then the Duke of Lucania was so farre from being a fault, that hee was not held for a gentle spirit that did not both honour and (in a manner) adore him.

Corrianna then (casting both her eyes and heart, I know not whether more upon the comely and well-featured personage or sweete disposition, and other excelling qualities of Lucano) grew to be so affectionate both to the one and the other, that her becomming blinde thereat, so dimm'd his eyes, that they stumbled, or rather tumbled downe both together over the precipice of inconsiderate resolution, into the bottomlesse gulfe of despairing miserie.

The King her Father had solemnly promised her to the King of Sicily, for the Prince his Sonne; and shee very readily had assented thereunto: for, being (at that time) a free woman, shee wholly rendred her selfe obe∣dient to the disposition of her parents: But after that love (the infringer of wholsome lawes, and destroyer of good orders) had violated her mo∣desty and corrupted her minde, shee then gave liberty to her licentious will, which afterwards occasioned his fatall end, and her utter ruine.

The Princes & Lords of that Kingdome are (for the most part) used to resort to the Court but few moneths in the yeare; for, it being their hu∣mour to make a glorious shew, the great expences they make therein doe so farre exceede their abilities, that for not being able to maintaine them∣selves there (any long time) in their accustomed pompe, they are con∣strained (for feare of their utter undoing) to retire themselves to their owne home and meanes.

The Father of Lucano by thus over-running his courses, left at his death his estate so incumbred, as it was judged a happinesse that hee died (al∣though for other occasions hee was well worthy of life) and his Mother being his guardian, assigning an honourable allowance towards her house∣keeping, and towards the maintenance and nobly breeding up of her sonne (who at that time passed not nine yeares of age) imployed the residue towards the discharging of debts; so that at his going out of his minority, hee was so rich, that without prejudice to his estate, he could liberally spend conformable to the unbounded greathesse of his minde, and eminent degree of his nobility. This was the reason that Lucano ne∣ver frequented the Court but (in his Fathers time) when he was very young, making his abode during the residue of his blooming yeares in forraine countries, it being discreetly considered of his prudent mother, that ones naturall climate and aire (how temperate and pure soever) is subject to the imperfection of being uncapable of it selfe to make any man compleate; studie and instruction being of themselves dead things without Travell and Experience, the onely meanes to pollish the rude∣nesse, and imbellish the deformity both of mindes and manners.

At the publishing of these nuptials, the Court was enriched with Prin∣ces, Lords, and Knights, and pompously adorned with magnificent and glorious shewes, in so much, as Parthenope (though alwayes gentile) seem∣ed now exeedingly to exceed her selfe, so as such as beheld her, wondred what wit could invent, or purse minister and supply the excellencie and abundance of the Artifice, and stately curiosities that were there seene.

The wals seen 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 but 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 such 〈…〉〈…〉

expressible varieties of delightsome objects: In the morning the temples refounded with the harmonious noise of care-ravishing Mufick, and odo∣riferously smelled of sense-recreating and fragrant savours: In the after-noone their faire large streetes strowed all over with rich Caroches and proud Coursers, made a most glorious shew in the distinct medley of such a number of Nobility, who towards the setting of the sunne, retired them∣selves under the jetting-out windowes, and faire balcones of the Kings Pal∣lace, enriched with a comely aspect of most beautifull Ladies, a sight which wrought in the Cavaliers an ardent desire to deserve the being eyed and gaz'd upon.

The Sunne (taken with the delightsomnesse of these heroicall exercises) was loath to withdraw himselfe to his accustomed rest, untill he had seene broken by two hundred lances (that there were burst in shivers) two hun∣dred of his more resplendent rayes; the vapours of the earth, at that houre, serving for sticklers to devide it equally among the tilters.

From the lists they betooke themselves to the dancing hall, the first place of admittance granted novice-lovers in Cupids Academy, and best affected solace of rosiall and love-adoring yeares.

In this happy time came Lucano to the Court, entertained by the King with particular favours, his worth speaking him the prime Peere of the Realme, but much more his gracefull aspect and Princely presence, qua∣lities forwardly recommended by Nature unto other mens favours. And having with all ceremonious reverence performed his duty to the Queene, hee with a sweetly-respective-humblenesse kiss'd the hand of the Prin∣cesse. But while they interchangeably beheld one another, their eyes were at first sight so constantly fixed on each others countenance, as though their objects had beene long before familiar to them, and seene else-where; for clearing themselves of which ambiguity, their rayes as faithfull Heralds by peering while here while there, question either the other about it. What the particular answers of either side return'd were, is unknowne; onely most certaine it is, that the scope of it was love, for to love they concluded.

Now the daily newes of the future bridegroome began to sound harsh in Corrianna's eare, all his rich presents were priz'd but as meere drosse in her esteeme, nor could shee endure to give the Embassadours as much as a looke, that might any way promise them that shee bare the least good liking to their embassie, her thoughts, affection, and will were in a mo∣ment quite altered, and if the fayning of her selfe sick had not depriv'd her of the sight of Lucano, shee from fayning had become sick in good earnest, her body being already disposed to follow the indisposition of its minde, which was discovered by the evident signes of the alteration of her countenance, were it for the relation that is between it and the minde, or through her want of sleepe, or rather because from that time her heart began to make an ominous presage of her ensuing disasters.

The sports and revellings were reduced all into one place, where in dancing were by them laid the ruinous foundation of their utter ruine. It never came within the reach of my knowledge, to discerne which of them both was the first that made the motion of love, but I am perswa∣ded that (their wounds being equall) both at the selfe same time sought

for the proper salve to cure them with: yet I have heard the Princesse her selfe often say, that shee alone was in all the fault, and that the unfortunate Duke (foreseeing the future misfortunes) resolved to goe on, rather be∣cause he would not have her beleeve that he little esteemed her, than be∣cause he was either inconsiderate, or any way uncapable of performing the office of a prudent and discreete Gentleman; Nature having fore∣ripened his bosome, because the Destinies had over-forwarded his death. But where fortune prevailes (it is most certaine) that little availes there any humane Iudgement.

Their flames then being thus reciprocally revealed, there wanted no∣thing now save the meanes and opportunity of attaining to the remedy; but because that place was inconvenient to treate thereof, and their con∣ference often interrupted, (not without danger also of being observed) they resolved to talke further thereof in her chamber; yet dancing almost every evening, and holding on sometimes till the breake of day, it behov'd her to counterfeite her selfe sick whensoever shee desired to enjoy his company.

Paralette Dutchesse of Magnagrecia, a principall Lady and neere kins∣woman to Lucano, was her governesse, her it behoved the Princesse to win of her party, being shee alwayes lay in her chamber, and almost never de∣parted out of her presence; yet was it a difficult thing (I will not say) to perswade her to be a furtherer of their desires (that being a thing impossi∣ble to be accomplish'd) but to prevaile with her so farre, as to procure her silence, shee often menacing to reveale all to the King: Corianna for all that (certain of the contrary for the affectionate respect shee bore her, and being howsoever resolved to goe on, although the King himselfe had beene already acquainted with it) little regarded her threats of discove∣ring all; yet, finding her so averse to her desires, was enforced to disclose the whole tenor of her secrecies unto one of her women, of whose faith∣fulnesse shee boldly presumed to be confident.

At the houre appointed Lucano came, but then the Dutchesse slipt away, and the Gentlewoman, by casting a small coard out of the window, drew up a scaling lader, and fastned it to two iron hookes, by which meanes hee clim'd up into her chamber, where, after their complementall salutes, shee thus bespake him.

My Lord Lucano, I know not what opinion you may entertaine of mee, who being already promised to a husband, have yet beene the occasion of your comming into this place; I therefore beseech you (Sir) if such boldnesse be otherwise unexcuseable, that you (out of your noblenesse) would yet be pleased to extenuate it, by giving it some other name; and by so much the rather, that it proceeds from my over-loving you, an ex∣tremity which constraines me to make you a participant of my dangers, as I am conforted with the hope of your being a reciprocall partaker of my love: The truth (in briefe) is, that I desire to be yours, though I can∣not (in that manner as I pretend to be) without a world of dangers, yet if the affection which you beare me be of such a carract, as that it weighs them not, I shall then thinke on the meanes that shall worke our full con∣tent, and that is, to goe with you whithersoever your discreete resolutions shall be pleased to guide us. But if in such a degree I possesse not a roome

in your noble bosome, then doe, I beseech you, but disclose it unto mee, that I may then resolve of some meanes of weaning me from the thought of it.

Much amazed remained Lucano at this so unlook'd for a proposition, for that hee a little before beleeved, he should safely arrive at the harbour of his desires without hazarding the vessell of his content and fortunes among the dangerous rocks of inconsiderate and desperate resolutions; love her hee did very ardently, but yet not in such a way; nor imagined hee, that shee (who was already as good as married) had any such thought in her, perswading himselfe that one woman might very well be interessed in two men, under the distinct titles of law and love; and although such a thing in it selfe be indeede ill, yet thought he its badnesse much extenuated by its commonnesse, accidents of that quality hapning every day unto thousands. But what could a generous heart, and a heart overflowne with a deluge of love (upon such a sudden pinch) resolve of? Having therefore kiss'd her hand, he return'd her this answer.

Right noble Madame, I beseech your Highnesse not to conceive mee to be either so discourteous in opinion, or so free from the engagements of affection, that I can passe any other judgement on you, than such as obli∣ged duty and love (my only directors) addresse me unto, without either of which I have no power to judge at all: the one shewes mee, that I have neither state nor life to make account of, where I have the honour of, but simply serving you; much lesse the happinesse of being blest with the en∣joying you, as out of the inexhaustable treasure of your goodnesse, you have (beyond all my merits) benignely offered me; the other is such, as I cannot properly terme it extreame, for, the greatest extreames have their limits; whereas my love, being in me infinite, produceth its infinite ef∣fects; so as your Highnesse hath no reason to doubt, that I most loyally af∣fect you, whom I have so great reason to love and honour. But as for that which concernes the accomplishment of our desires, I confesse there ap∣peares no meanes of effecting it without evident danger both of life and honour, not in regard of my selfe (for my acquist hath no hazard equiva∣lent, nor perill that can equall it) but in respect of your royall person. For, alas, mee thinkes I already see in it toilesomnesse, travels, sufferings, a pri∣vate life, a sparing, and peradventure a poore one too, being all of them conditions contrary to your birth and quality; hard, yea and impossible for the greatnesse of your minde to undergoe and endure.

The Princesse well pleased with this his answer, (with a countenance that seemed to have expelled all clouds of mistrust from her till then-un∣certaine thoughts) thus cheerefully replied.

My choysest and dearest-best of truest friends, I have now of you what I most desired, that is, the assurednesse of your inclination, which facili∣tates unto mee all the difficulties that you in any thing propose, such (how great soever) having no equality with my affection, which is sufficiently powerfull to dispose of impossibility it selfe. That which compels me to tell you this, is, that in respect of my being already promised to a husband, it is expected I should goe home to him; but then alas! to live so deprived of you will be impossible for me; and againe to entertaine you for my se∣cret friend, honesty forbids me; besides, my resolution of choosing rather

to dye than enjoy you in such a way. The sole inconvenience then, that will follow my determination, is, that I, for being promised unto an other, shall disobey my Father; but those that will follow the contrary will bee many, as to dye, if either I enjoy you not at all, or but only for a short time, (for long I am sure you could not make your abode in Sicily) and that short time too, to the dishonour of my selfe, my father and husband; such a determination carries with it, I know, an appearance of no small mis∣chiefs, which cannot indeede choose but prove such in effect. What then is our best course? to resolve of nothing? Shall wee take instruction from those who perceiving imminent dangers to environ them on all sides, dare not, for meere feare of them, use the meanes to prevent or shunne them, whilst their irresolution brings them on to encounter them to their farre greater ruine? The faint-hearted man cannot suffer his wound to be tou∣ched, because he hath not the patience to brooke the sense of the paine, untill it grow to be so festered, that (in despight of his froward will) hee must (at last) endure both searing and lancing-irons, yea and oftentimes the losse of the diseased member, and his life to boote. Matters of great consequence are never unattended on by dangers of all sides. There is no man that in a dangerous affaire can make other than a dangerous resoluti∣on, but the lesse dangerous is (indeed) the better resolution, and the best the most suddaine. Our case hath no resolution without danger, if we re∣trune not to our former state of freedome, and unlove againe; But with what heart, I wonder, can you returne to what you professe to have utter∣ly relinquisht? For my part I am certaine, that I shall never be able to unsettle my affection; if then necessity require that you be mine, it will surely prove a lesser evill, that I enjoy you in certainty by flying away with you hence (it being so but one sole evill) than, being married to an other, to enjoy you in uncertainty with evident dangers of both life and honour.

Lucano could have wish'd to have beene at that instant rather amidst an army of enemies, than in the straight he was in, being well assured, that if once shee grew to be obstinate, they could resolve of nothing but their ut∣ter ruine, neverthelesse he thus courteously replies.

Incomparable Lady! it lies not in the power of me, your devoted crea∣ture, to be otherwise than altogether obsequious unto your Highnesse will and pleasure; since that two wils are incompatible in one only soule; much lesse fitting is it for mee to advise you in an affaire that tends to my owne good and interest, which altogether debilitates my judgement, and cloudes it with passion; yet, so you be but pleased to grant me leave to suspend our peculiar wils for the better accomplishing of our mutuall de∣sires, I trust I shall be then able in some sort to advise you, my interesses being surmounted by the feeling consideration I have of your utter un∣doing. To come to particulars were superfluous, for I am sure your High∣nesse comprehends them better, than I know how to display them; or if I thought that you resolved of the contrary, for some reasons by me un∣conceived, I would then humbly beseech you not to demand my coun∣sell in it, but to command me its execution, wherein I shall ever be most ready to obey you.

At this the Princesse, surprized with a skarlet blush, thus interrupted him.

Ah Lncano, I see now you are not in love, for love is neither fcrupulous nor forecasting; nay it hazards all, and is uncapable of other consideration than of it selfe. In which point shee so enlarged her selfe, as Lncano would have had much adoe to raze out of her conceit the wrong impression of his love; if (laying aside all perswasive reasons) hee had not expressed his willingnesse of flying away with her; but how to effect it they knew not, doubting whether it were their better course to convey themselves privi∣ly away from Parthenope, or to stay till they went for Sicily, and so steale away by the way; judging the later to be the lesse dangerous, they agreed to cause to be pack'd up in a little fardell all their Iewels and gold Coyne, that so they might be ready for their embarking and flight.

That night was employed in no other occasions, shee pretending to ex∣tenuate her errours with the title of matrimony, besides their mindes trou∣bled with stinging considerations made them uncapable of delight: and though hee thought to make authentick their resolved ruine with the sweetnesse of some momentary pleasure, yet would shee by no meanes yet permit him, but promised him, that another night shee would (as a lo∣ving wife) be conformable in all things to his discretion and will.

Lovers most commonly at their parting from the objects of their loves have their hearts swollen with content, onely Lucano parted from his with a minde over-charged with sad and heavy thoughts, yet were they so sup∣ported by the vigor of his youth, and repulsed by the power of his de∣sires, that he made no great account of them, preferring the value of the reward before the greatnesse of the danger; it being the more confirmed, since the Princesse, constant in her promise, was contented in the pre∣sence onely of her Gentlewoman to receive the wedding-ring, not daring as then to acquaint therewith the Dutchesse as afterwards shee did; which was the occasion that shee (good Lady) kept her bed, deprived of the a∣bility of stirring thence for a great while after.

Fridone Duke of Daunia was then Lord high Constable of that king∣dome, a Peere (next Lucano) the chiefe of the Realme, and this office of great authority, seconded by the greennesse of his blooming yeares, made him become both rash and arrogant. Tis true, that hee was Lucano's own Cozen, but it is not the vicinity of blood that formes the unanimity of friends; for their Fathers having long contended in law, left an heredita∣ry ill-will rooted in the hearts of the sonnes. Also Fridone, besides this hereditary evill inclination, was of his owne nature worse affected towards Lucano, whom he envied at the heart, because he saw him surpasse all o∣thers in deserts, and excelling qualities. It happened as hee passed one day by a shop, where were a making certaine tassels for his horses, that he en∣tred into it (not so much for any necessity or desire that he had to see them, as that he idlely loytering, sought for any occasion to passe away the time with) where at first sight, he espied (lying upon a shelfe) a bundle of silke, which he having snatch'd out of the hands of the shop-keeper that endea∣voured to hide it from him, perceived to be a ladder wrought with marvei∣lous curiosity; and imagining it was made of purpose for amorous thefts, hee so earnestly sollicited him both by faire words and meances, that hee got him at length to confesse, it was the Duke of Lucania's, brought him the day before to be mended, where it was a little worne out by the edge

of a window, Parted thence, he began to bethinke himselfe, where Lu∣cano could in so short a time have gotten him a Mistresse; but finding no probability for his imagination to pitch on, he resolved to watch him nar∣rowly at the next shew at Court, being assured, that there hee should discover what game his fancie flew at; yet found hee himselfe (when hee had in that behalfe used all the best meanes he could) as farre to seeke as at first, Lucano shewing himselfe still indifferent in his carriage to all, which so madded this other Lord, as he bit his lips for meer anger, accusing him∣selfe for an inapprehensive and simple fellow; yet still neverthelesse per∣severing in observing him, the heedlesse Princesse gave him occasion to build a great suspition on the foundation of her carriage; for, being allu∣red by the sweete baite of his love, and by their secret matrimoniall knot, shee might be easily perceived (by one that were a curious observer) to entertaine Lucano with termes both of love and respect; whereupon the other's envie increasing, and his jelousie ingendring an indelible hatred, (himselfe having had the boldnesse to love her too in private, and not en∣during that another man should possesse what he durst not somuch as as∣pire to) he resolved to sound the depth of his designes, by his nightly fre∣quenting the wals of the Pallace; which he had not done the second time, ere the Princesse (under pretence of enjoying the prospect of the water, and of going privately to take the benefit of the fresh sea-aire in a Barge) was retir'd into a Castle scituated on the sea-shore, the more conveniently to flie away from thence; having altered her first resolution upon the feel∣ing of her selfe to be quick with childe, and upon the comming of her pre∣tended Bride-groome from Sicily in person to fetch her away.

Lucano (in the meane time) had (unknowne to his Mother) secretly mortgaged so much of his lands, as had rais'd him a great summe of mo∣ney, wherewith, with the addition of his Iewels and those of the Princesse (over and besides some other few but precious houshold-furniture) hee made account to leade a contented life, which may, perhaps, be lighted on by such, who depending on the supply of their owne meanes, and li∣ving free from the tyranny of affections (especially of those two disquie∣ting ones, Covetize and Ambition) have the fortune to live either alone, or in company conformable to their proper humour and wayes. But alas! we see it but too frequently fall out, that humane designes prove altogether deceitfull, when the execution of them wholly relies on the favour of content-thwarting fortune.

The Dutchesse (who was Corrianna's governesse) seeing her thus preci∣pitate her selfe (the love shee bare her having by this time wrought an al∣teration in her minde) determined, now that shee saw no other remedy, to participate both of her weale and woe, especially seeing her to be with childe, little (for her owne particular) regarding how the world would censure her; yet repenting, though now too late, that shee had not in time revealed all to the King, not without fearing the being punished for them all, in case shee stayd behinde them.

Lucano glad of this company so necessary and acceptable to the Prin∣cesse, by the meanes of a most faithfull servant of his, provided himselfe of a pinnace, that by chance then anchored in the haven, ready to way an∣chor and hoise up sailes for the East, and causing him to goe and stow

their baggage aboord her; he gave order that shee should ride at anchor, just but so wide off the Castle, as shee might well heare the signall that should be given, which was the throwing of a stone into the sea, in a direct line towards her.

The Princesse (immediately after midnight) came forth at a private doore where Lucano stood all alone expecting her comming, and on her waited onely the Dutchesse, her Gentlewoman and I loaden with a bur∣den of apparell; scarce were wee come to the doore which stood to the sea-ward, when the Gentlewoman opening it, and looking out at it, all afrighted, skreech'd out to the Duke; Looke to your selfe my Lord! I see people approaching: And true it was indeede, for three men came ma∣king hastily towards us; upon this the Duke having made all of us to get speedily aboord (the pinnace being by this time already come without any signall at the noise of the unbolting of the doore) knew one and the foremost of them to be Fridone.

Now he (by vertue of his Constables office) might come and goe any where unquestioned, yet not without speciall occasion into that Castle, reserved then (being a time free from all suspition of hostile invasion) to the sole use of the Princesse, so as Lucano's comming thither was alwayes by stealth, even so was he also faine to use the like meanes for his entrance, and now come neere Lucano was by him thus greeted.

What's, I pray you, the best newes Cozen? And (if it may without of∣fence be knowne) whither away wend you so late? To chastize thee for thy treachery (answered the other.) With that word their swords were suddenly drawn out, & Lucano set upon by three at once, made short work to rid himselfe of two of them, whose so unmanly assault hee with two blowes so repulsed, that they lay prostrate at his feete, without hope of ever rising more to requite the curtesie he had done them; being left now hand to hand with the Constable, he thrust at him with his point, where∣with he ran him quite through the body; with this he (feeling the pangs of death seaze on him) advanced on so forwardly with a desperate pas∣sage, that his mortally-wounded brest came to touch his enemies hilts, and then throwing away his sword, he with his dagger stab'd Lucano, that hee fell to the ground, himselfe having the precedencie of falling before him. All this was done in a moment, and I beleeve there passed not above foure Stoccadoes of a side, but all mortall, for I having hastily laid aside my bur∣then (accompanied with the Dukes servant) came in as speedily as I could to his succour, but found him groveling on the ground with a whole streame of blood gushing out of his fainting body, yet was hee alive, and as yet unforlorne of either sense or memory: for seeing us busied about him, hee said, Leave off now, oh! leave off Carildo; sithence to employ any care about me is but labour lost; I am alas! a dead man; with that, laying his hand upon the wound in his throate, as though he would a little while have kept in his latest breath, he proceeded.

Carildo, leade away the Princesse and that quickly too, it will be easier for her to obtaine her pardon and reconcilement, being a free-woman, than a prisoner, so shall shee avoide the imminent calumnie, and be timely delivered of her burden: Conjure her by vertue of our true immaculate love, to support with a generous courage this my untimely death: for my

part I cannot choose but joy, that I dye in her service. The supreme powers have beene pleased to let her, by my death, see, that I was not worthy of her: Assure her also, that if in the other world I shall finde a∣ny measure of compassion, I will then procure a licence to passe the A∣cheron, to come and hover about her; peradventure that favour will not be denied me, my case being but too compassionable, besides the privi∣ledge of lovers to continue after death in the perseverance of their affe∣ctions. There is nothing that makes me diffident therof, but the meannesse of my deserts, which cannot choose but fall short of the merit of so great a glory; yet hope I with her merits helpe to obtaine it, beauty being such a power, as it once forced Pluto to wander out of his infernall dominions. And to the end shee be not affrighted, to see me appeare all imbath'd in blood; tell her I will come transformed into a gentle breath of winde, and will, without either affrighting or annoying her, softly steale under her vaile, and so solace and sport my selfe in her beloved bosome, which as oft as shee feeles, tell her it is I, and pray her to receive me joyfully: Tell her also—. But here his spirits failing him, his last will remained unexpressed, to my so great griefe, that I had undoubtedly kill'd my selfe in the place, had I not more deerely tendred my Ladies welfare, than my owne despised life. But now, danger not affording us the leisure to vent our griefe in teares, I ranne to call away the mariners, with an intention to beare him away with us whatsoever came on't; when my companion comming running after me hastily, told me he descried people approach∣ing, and true it was indeede. Wherefore wee highed us aboord, crying out to the mariners to launch out, which they suddenly did, their pinnace being mann'd with fourteene good Oares.

The Princesse having heard the clashing of the swords, and compre∣hending (by our feare, by our being alone, and by our faces all besmea∣red with the blood that spowted out of the Dukes throate) the disaster that had befallen us, incontinently swounded; the wofull-hearted Dut∣chesse, in a plight not much better, used for reviving her the best meanes shee could, which soone after successefully effected, shee, all enraged with passion upon her comming againe to her selfe, burst out into these speeches.

And what, a Gods name, meane you to doe? to contend with the cru∣elty of fortune and to overcome it? or to procure me a sensibility, there∣by to make me become more lively sensible of death? Carildo! how left you Lucano? I, miserable wretch, had not the power to finde out on a suddain fit words to sweeten so great a bitternesse; whereupon shee seeing me so silent, ask'd me if he were dead? But I, weeping afresh, knew not how to expresse so dolorous an affirmative; whereat tearing her haire and face, shee proceeded.

Hast thou then so forsaken me Lucano? No, no, it is indeede I that have forsaken thee; Pardon me, oh pardon me! I beseech thee my deerest lo∣ver, when once I come againe where thou art, I will never leave thee more, but will ever follow thee, and be anew joyn'd inseparably unto thee; With this shee would have desperately flung her selfe headlong into the sea, had not her garments, the tacklings of the Barke, and all we that stood about her, hindred her from executing her so desperate an inten∣tion.

The Dutchesse supporting her betweene her armes, comforted her the best shee could; but alas! possibility it selfe hath no possible arguments availeable in extreame calamities; onely this one good effect it wrought, (which was) the procuring her to be silent; so as the mariners, understan∣ding litle or nothing of our language, could not comprehend our case or being: And although the suddennesse (at first, and afterwards the renew∣ing) of our lamentations made them curious in better observing of both our words and actions, yet did the ignorance of both the fact and persons keepe them afarre off from the conjecture of the truth. Shee in the meane time never ceased from weeping, depriving her selfe of all refreshing & refection, either of sleepe or sustenance, so as her body was reduced to such a weakenesse, and her throate waxen so dry, that shee was scarceable to speake any more; yet did shee, for all this, pronounce the name of Luca∣no, with such a compassion-meriting passion, as was able to enforce even cruelty it selfe to beare a share in her sorrowes.

Greived to the heart was the good Dutchesse to see her in so wofull a plight, yet seeing she could not perswade her to use any restorative means to her body (already disposed to pine it selfe away) shee bethought her selfe to assay if shee could any way cheere up her drooping spirits with the more soveraigne medicines of the minde; wherefore with a no lesse ar∣dent than compassionable affection shee thus bespake her.

Madame! the time now presents you with an occasion to manifest the greatnesse of your worth; oh then I beseech you be but pleased to consi∣der, that Nature having bestowed on you a talent larger than that of any other woman, as you may therefore jusly esteeme your selfe to be singu∣lar among all those of your sex, so may shee as justly accuse you to be a∣bove all other women living singularly ingrate, if you make not an oppor∣tune use of her benefits. True it is, that your crosses exceede those of any one of your sex, nay though all their severall disasters were added toge∣ther, yet could they not amount to the summe of yours; for, you have not onely lost your husband, but also utterly abandoned your countrey, your fortunes, your state and parents: yet (me thinkes) that shee that had the resolute boldnesse to hazard such inestimable losses, should not want the courage to endure and slight them with a magnanimous patience; For∣tunes game, Madame, is like that of dicing, at which no body should ven∣ture other than such a stake as hee cared not whether hee wonne or lost, yours was (I confesse) an unlucky cast; nor is it any marvell that your losse was multiplied upon the by, since that your hazard was a thousand to one. But will it not be yet worse, if you, having lost that thousand, should meerely, out of a desperate folly, throw away all the rest of your stock, without reserving any thing, if not to hazard another time at a more indif∣ferent lay; yet, at least wise, for setling the foundation of some better ad∣vised course of life? Remember Madame, I beseech you, that the afflicti∣ons which the Gods send us should serve us (and you in particular) for fa∣vourable admonitions, since they are the meanes of recalling us into their love and favour; which if they seeme so greivous unto you, now that they are but the emblems of their anger; how terrible will they then ap∣peare, when they shall be transformed into the effects of their unappease∣able fury? It lies, you know, in their power to reduce you to a more

miserable plight than you yet are in. They have not their hands so short∣ned as that they cannot lengthen them at their pleasures: Although wee cannot with the weake eyes of humane judgement discover the manner how, which is the onely argument that makes for your comfort. But if for your corporall crosses you will needs have a corporall comfort, then doe but looke into your selfe, and remember, that you are a bearer of a burthen that will doubtlesse prove an abortive, if you in time desist not from your grieving, fasting and watching. Vp, up, deere Madame, and be confident, that if worldly fortune hath disfavoured you, the heavenly will not faile to glaunce a favourable looke on your distressed state, pre∣supposed, that you must both aspire to, and expect it. Lucano, whose soule is, I am sure, ever present with you, cannot choose but be much agreived at your so litle esteeming that deere pledge of his love he left you. Doe him not then (oh doe him not) such an injury; hee already pretends to live againe to you in another quality; and yet you, because you cannot enjoy him alive that way that you would, will in another quality put him to death againe in the person of another. This the Dutchesse told her in so gentle, and yet feeling a manner of delivery, that the Princesse recol∣lected all her weake powers to returne her this answer.

Mother, the reasons of one that comforts are ever the same, though the griefes of the afflicted be never so different; if I had but one sole losse, and one onely griefe, as I have, the Gods know, but too too many of ei∣ther, I am perswaded you would still comfort me with the selfe same ar∣guments; as indeed the intellect hath not conceits proper for all misfor∣tunes, nor can one and the same salve serve to cure all manner of sores; some afflictions there are, that admit of no consolation, for want of com∣fort proper and proportionable to their peculiar degrees; make triall of it in mine, and you shall see, that every one is of it selfe worthy of those reasons you inferre for all.

Can there any griefe come neerer ones heart, than the losse of ones countrey? how many have chosen to die miserably in it, rather than to live any where else? Our goods and meanes, are not they numbred a∣mong our chiefest felicities? yet alas! I have lost them all. Now for my state and quality, what woman will not (for this onely respect) deeme me the most unfortunate of my sex, that am from an adored Queene become an ordinary, unknowne, yea and disrespected woman? And to come to my parents, what greater misery can there be imagined, than to lose the loving care of a provident Father, and the sweete comfort and charily∣tender affection of a deere Mother, and to remaine an orphant depriv'd of the priviledge of ever more invoking those endeered names? then for my husband; 'tis, I grant, to a disaffecting wife, a happinesse to be rid of a bad husband; but otherwise, where there is true, reall, indissoluble, and reciprocall love, 'tis a misery that cannot be paralleld. The losse of coun∣trey, meanes, fortunes, state, dignity, and parents, bring with them a mul∣titude of heart-stinging anguishes, but yet with limits, because time may weare them all away; but the losse of a loving and a deserving husband (being withall a man every way most worthy and accomplish'd) is to an affecting wife the summe of all misfortunes, in so much as that shee is not able to endure the want of him, without ever leading an ever-dying-life:

Moreover yet, if things in this world be not such as they seeme, but such as wee imagine them to be, especially in subjects of extreame affection, then certainely my misfortunes farre surpasse those of all others, since for the enjoying of a husband agreeable to my owne hearts desire, I esteem∣ed it an happinesse to become unhappy with the losse of my countrey, meanes, dignity, fortunes, state and parents; nay I would have bin conten∣ted to have lost more too, had I but had more to lose. (Here the Dutchesse would wilingly have replied, but shee commanding her silence procee∣ded.) Besides all this, I have lost mine honour, oh that mine inestimable jewell mine honour! which you have not as yet reckoned, supposing, per∣haps, that for being placed among imaginary things, it was not at all to be esteemed of; but in my case, my disobedience to my Father, my breach of a marriage concluded on my owne word, and my flight from my na∣tive countrey, have all relation to the rule of common honour, against which I have not imaginarily but really offended.

As for the talent you say Nature hath bestowed on me, I am full litle (God wote) beholding to her for it: Since priviledged spirits have (besides the acutenesse of the understanding) an equall quicknesse of sensibility, so as who-so is most apprehensive, is likewise most sensible: Againe, to contrast with crosses and to overcome them, proceeds not from the privi∣ledge of Nature, but from an habit acquired by us; which if I owne (as it is not likely, since I have not beene yet much enured to ill fortune) I then have it among so many thornes, that it is a great marvell, if it be not by this time torne to pieces.

To game with-fortune is the trade of all that live, so to be of the losing hand is ordinary, but yet not to be quite undone; for that is incident onely to persons extraordinary as I am, Princes seldome lose without being ut∣terly ruin'd: yet should I not be (for all that) much blamed for hazarding so much as I did, for great and right precious was the stake that I hoped to winne, which cannot be valued either by quantity or weight, One pre∣tious Iewell is more prized than many masses of gold.

Now for what concernes the Gods, I know not how to answer you, for I neither know nor comprehend their wayes; no, I have (I confesse) but too much straid besides them, yet if their mercies exceed our offences, wherefore have they not then exceeded mine? They will raise mee up (you will say) and againe restore me to my former state! In good time; but if I voluntarily forsooke it for Lucano's sake, and they taken him from mee, how can they then any way ease my griefe, seeing hee is the onely thing I want and desire? Is their Omnipotencie (can you tell mee) so regulated, as to extend even to contradictories? Can they let mee have him in the same instant both dead and alive? More shee would have spo∣ken, but the good Dutchesse well knowing that extreame passions mini∣ster unwholsome conceits, interrupted her, by inferring consolative rea∣sons; and shee after patiently listning unto her, finding her selfe at length convicted with her discreete arguments, returned to tell her.

Mother, the Gods are not so firmely bound by the unabsolveable oathes they vow by the infernall Lake, as you have bound me to let him live to me, upon the interest of the burden I goe now with childe of. Live then I will, that he may leade a living, and I an ever-dying life, among perpe∣tuall

teares in eternall sorrowes. Here shee thought to have proceeded further, thereby to have vented out her griefe, but the watry humour a∣bundantly flowing from her eyes, so suffocated her words as she could not.

In the evening she was perswaded to taste of some restorative conserves, continuing so to doe the other dayes following, untill the marriners touch'd in this Iland to refresh themselves. But then shee leaving us a-boord with the goods, attended only by her women, would by all meanes goe ashore; where espying (by chance) the cave you saw, shee boldly entred it, and out of the litle esteeme shee had any more now of her life, a desire tooke her to settle her abode there, for that shee judged it a place most proper to live concealed in.

The marriners therefore, after being largely rewarded, were licensed, and my fellow-servant and I (necessity being our crafts-master) hew'd out the inside of the cave, and contrived it into divers convenient roomes that you yet saw not; on its backside we erected a wall, covered so artificially with brambles and briars, as no man would imagine to be there either house or garden. As soone as wee were thus accommodated, the Dut∣chesse Lucano's man, clad in a pilgrims habit, to Parthenope, to learne out what succeeded after our departure, whilst we with extreame patience endeavoured to moderate the extreame impatience of the Princesse, who calling me (one day) unto her, would needs know of mee, if Lucano spake any thing of her as he lay a-dying; for, all that while had not I related any of his speeches, for feare of augmenting her afflictions: But now holding my selfe obliged in conscience to performe the will of the dead, I impar∣ted her all he had enjoyn'd me to tell her. A strange thing it was, to see what a sudden effect it wrought in her. Shee searched in every corner of the cave, without finding the least breath of winde, the ayre being so calme, as there was not a leafe that stirr'd; till come to the entrie doore, shee there felt a gentle blast of ayre, (occasioned by some subtile exhala∣tion, that arising there, were kept in by the ayre, which being issued from the concavous content of the cave whirl'd round in that streight; for being so beaten back as it could not get out, but was forced to turne back againe, converted into a litle breath of winde through the doore where the Prin∣cesse stood) which shee with opened armes welcomed, conceiting, that shee embraced Lucano; accompanying this act with teares and words so compassionable, as none of us could refraine from weeping with her; this imagination nourishing her so efficaciously, as (I am confidently perswa∣ded) that but for it shee had beene dead ere this time.

Moreover, shee hapning sometimes to dreame that Lucano was not dead, wee made a shew of beleeving it, inferring, that the selfe same visi∣ons are never reiterated but in dreames unquestionably true and certaine, the soules of lovers communicating their plights and beeings one to ano∣ther by naturall (though unknowne) wayes, so perswading her upon this uncertainty to suspend the certainty of her griefe, till the returne of Ol∣miro: (for such is the name of Lucano's servant whom wee expect from Parthenope.) True it is, that then peradventure wee shall be in a worse case than now we are in, being he can bring us no other newes, than such as shall augment our griefes; yet shall we then (maugre the worst that can befall us) remove from hence, which will prove no litle breathing to

the suffocation of our so grievous disasters.

Much did the good old Gentleman commiserate the so miserable case of so worthy a Princesse, and faine would have beene a furtherer in the employment of removing her thence, but that he saw no meanes of effecting it till Olmiro's returne; yet, but that a greater tye of duty call'd him thence, he had staid there of purpose to expect the opportunity of serving her: Having therefore kindly thanked Carildo, hee told him, hee was sorry at the heart for the ill-fortunes of so great a Princesse, and the more for her being (untill the hearing of more certaine newes) uncapa∣ble of resolving how to dispose of her selfe; howbeit he hoped that his returne would be in a time convenient enough to dedicate to her his ser∣vice, which he unfainedly meant to performe, it being a case that bound any Gentleman to put a helping hand unto; here observing Carildo be∣come a glad man at his offer, he on and told him, that it behoved him of necessity to strike over into Greece for a certaine affaire which would not detaine him above two or three moneths time, and that if it stood with the conveniencie of his Ladies service to stay there but for that small while, he would come and serve her in all things, especially in removing her from that most noysome habitation so obnoxious to her health, and would waite on her whithersoever shee pleased to goe: And (withall) would take on him as though hee came thither accidentally, and also (for giving her no cause of other suspition) attend him without the cave, that so gotten out thence they might conferre, and resolve of what should be done.

Full well pleased was Carildo with what they agreed on, conceiting, that the heavens had sent thither that Gentleman: (for yeares and gravity fittest of any man for such an employment) yet for his better assurance thereof (after yeelding him respective thankes) he craved his name; which not being denied him, and to him by report well knowne (as it is a thing ordinary to know the names of great persons eminent in the Courts of Princes) he desired to kisse his hand.

Continuing reciprocally in courteous language each to other, they wal∣ked on till they entred into a very pleasing site for prospect, where, on the brow of a little hillock, stood erected an homely house, and close by it a faire Temple, encircled all about with meadowes and a delightsome sha∣dy grove; heere it was that the Druide dwelled, and here tooke Carildo his leave, whose daily exercise was to goe see if any Vessell came thither from the West, to the satisfaction of the impatient Princesse.

Now the way to get up to the hill passed through the wood, on the one side whereof stood erected under a lofty Siccamore-tree the Image of Iove the preserver, and on the other one of Venus with her Sonne; in the shade of the tree at the foote of the Goddesse, the Gent: (who was the good old Count of Bona) might see, sleeping with his face upwards, a goodly and well-featured young Knight, by sight under seventeene yeares of age, his shield painted over with a violet-browne, besprinkled with teares rested on the footestall of the statue; and not farre thence stood grazing a horse of such perfections, as nothing that tended to singularity was wanting in him. Hee was of colour bay, with legge, taile, and mane black, daintily crisped and platted with silke, his head litle and leane, full

of veines and nerves, was beautified with a white starre in the forehead, and adorn'd with short thinne prick't up eares, and a goatish large sparkling eye, his nostrils were flaggy and so puft out, as there lay discovered to the beholders eye their fiery coloured insides, and withall wide enough to e∣vaporate the often fumes of his proud lungs; his mouth ragged, full of thick foame ever champing on the Bitt, his neck short, and eminently hoo∣ked in the bent of its crest; broad and ample was his brest, his back short and dented downe to his very taile, his crupper large and fleshy, his legges straight and leane with one white foote, a short pasterne with a hard, high concavous, and round huffe.

The sight of the horse, and the well-promising demeanour of the Squire that stood neer him, bred in the Count a curiosity of knowing his Masters name, which after saluting him he demāded. I am sorry Sir, (answered him the Squire) that I may not obey you, but hope the command imposed on me to conceale it, will free me from the censure of behaving my selfe un∣manerly to-you-wards, with this much only I can acquaint you, that he is of a remote country, and travels abroad guided by a desperate mellancho∣ly; something more he would have said, but stopt his speech, when hee saw the Count observe the Druide descending with a Gentleman in his company, who seemed to contend as they came, the Druide with grave gestures, the Gentleman with vehement but humble ones. The Count thought it unfitting to intrude (as then) into their company, seeing them so serious in a discourse (to his ghessing) very important; but retiring behind a fir-bush, caused the Squires to doe the like.

Being come before the Image, they adored it, where afterwards espy∣ing the young Knight that lay asleepe, and observing him a while to their wonder, they passed-on farther without awaking him. What the two discoursed of, these could not over-heare, till a pretty while after, their passion transporting them to high words.

Sithence you then will not (said the Druide) be satisfied with what's reason, I cannot helpe it; And doth your Highnesse (answered the Gent.) call it reason to bee confin'd here without having regard to what you should? And to what (replied hee) should I have a regard to, but to my selfe? Mary to these (said the other) whose weale and woe depends sole∣ly on your Highnesse; or if so great a tye of duty cannot yet prevaile with you, (since you pretend to be quite stript of all humane affections) yet let the duty which you owe the Gods, worke something on you, who preor∣dain'd you should be borne a Prince, to governe the people committed to your charge, a charge which you without their consent cannot lay by, no more than they may without your assent accept of any other Sove∣raigne Lord. And thus much my duty bindes me to tell you; nor pretend I hereby to perswade you to give over this kinde of life, which (you say) is so pleasing unto you, though (to the end it may prove yet more delight∣some by your continuing it without either scruple of conscience or vexa∣tion of spirit) I can doe no lesse than beseech you to but onely returne home to comfort the King your Father; and then (having once setled the Realme-affaires) either to returne hither, or leade a solitary life there, as shall best suite with your liking: what the answer was could not be under∣stood, because in respect of their discoasting them, these could not (being

so farre off them) heare other than the confused sound of their voices, so as the Count (become curious by reason of what he had heard) had now a great desire to know who hee was, thinking the extreames to be passing strange betweene a populous court and pensive solitarinesse, a spacious Kingdome and an homely hermitage. Whilest in this manner reasoning with himselfe he traced him with an observant eye, he might see him, ha∣ving taken in hand a booke from under his arme, part from the Gent: who the same very way returned much confused in minde. The Count stepping out to goe meete him, they curteously saluted each other, and the Gent: understanding the manner of his landing in that Iland, bade him be of good comfort, with assuring him, that he could not be unsupplied with shipping by such time as, for refreshing himselfe after his sea-sufferings, he had made a competent abode in that place, which though it were remote and but a kinde of an hermitage, was yet sufficiently commodious to en∣tertaine Cavaliers, for which sole end it was builded: The Count (well pleased to finde in such a place such unexpected curtesie) said unto him: Me thinkes (Sir) this hermitage hath a society convenient to it self, which is the variety of sites, and objects therein, that here all about are to bee seene, effects of industry and invention more than ordinary; which induce me to beleeve, that the religious Founder thereof hath fashioned out the rongues of a ladder to heaven by these of a foreseeing and quick-witted humanity, the meanes of enjoying both the one life and th' other. I con∣ceive not what it is that you mean (answered him the Gent:) sithence that though the love to serve the Gods ought indeed to spring from the know∣ledge of things, yet beleeve I not those things to be (for all that) humane, especially if it be true that our election depends not immediately on us, but on him that cals us; howsoever it be, such an election should have wings to raise us to heaven without any mixture of terrene causes, and without making one and the same things serve both for cart and wheele. By all this meant the Gentleman the Druid's person, which (because the Count well conceived him not) occasioned betweene them a long dis∣pute. The first maintain'd, that the vocation of such was no true calling, who either wearied with paines-taking, or forsaken of their pleasures, make choyce of a solitary life; such motions proceeding neither from the spirit, nor from any desire of serving the Gods, but either from the desire of repose, or from the irkesomnesse of not being able to satisfie their own corrupt affections; which the Count opposing not, onely added, that the Gods call men sundry wayes, and that that of wordly interesses manife∣sted their power in converting what was ill into good. But the Gentleman (whose minde was transported with passion) not able to containe himselfe within the compasse of generalities, said unto him; And would you thinke such a vocation befitting a Prince, who being tyed in duty to procure the welfare of his Father and Countrey, abandons both the one and the o∣ther, meerely out of a frantick mellancholy for his love's proving unfor∣tunate. But the Count not resolving him, but demanding such an exam∣ple: I will (answered the other) satisfie you willingly, hoping that you also will (since the Gods have conducted you hither) satisfie the honest desire I have to be by you assisted in so pious a worke, sithence the Druide that you saw, is he, who (being deceived in his conceits) goes about to

cover his affects with the pretext of serving the Gods, pretending that charity towards himselfe which he denies to others, like those who being over-charged with debts for feare of disincommodating themselves, pay not one of their creditors though hee starved for want of it; with this, ta∣king him gently by the hand, he proceeded.

I beseech you (kinde Sir) let us retire to yonder shade, where you shall be fully informed of our case and being, to the end, that knowing us you may be moved to take compassion of him, me, and infinite others, who beare a share in his sufferings; I am confident that you (worthy Sir) may with the authority of your reverend aspect and presence much further my charge, it being unpossible that the reverence of hoary age worke not much in a young Prince, already, by reason both perswaded and convi∣cted: As for time and opportunity to accomplish it, wee shall not misse of that, it being his ordinary use to walke through this grove for the preser∣vation of his bodily health, though it conduce nothing to that of the spi∣rit, which the Count, not contradicting, leaving his Squire to accompany the other, sate him downe by him to heare his story.

The young Knight (in the meane time) over-wearied with past watch∣ings, continued his sleepe, arrived-upon unexpectedly by a Lady, both for complexion, beautifull comelinesse, and comely beauty worthy to bee numbred among the fairest; shee was cloth'd in a sky-colour'd, silke gowne embroydered with gold and pearle, which shee wore after the fashion most used by Nymphes, tuck'd up with a rich girdle about her slender waste, so as there lay discovered to the eye her silvered buskins, fastned with tyes of riband, which in the form e of leaves encircled in the mid'st of them a litle rose of diamonds; her brest sparingly discovered, disper∣sed not else-where the beholders sight, but engrossed it wholly to it self, without giving it any occasion to repent it's employment; the parts sub∣ject to excellencie and defect indifferently appearing; her haire neatly smooth'd but dishevelled, made disorder become so seemely and delight∣some, that never any order could boast of such passing seemlinesse: There encompassed them for honour (for, for ornament themselves were their sole adorners) a gay and odoriferous garland: Her dainty hands (the a∣morous hookes of hearts) discovered transparently, how slender-boned they were, flesh'd tender, soft, and almost unpalpable; exquisitely pro∣portioned and long, delicately hilly, and lasciviously dimpled, adorned with golden bracelets, interlaced with claspes that hooked together hearts inlaid with diamonds. Shee was thither come all alone, carrying with her a basket of Roses, and in a little silver vessell quick embers. The sight of the Knight staid her not from adorning with her flowres the God∣desse and her little one, nor yet from burning some of her sweete incense, the odoriferous fume wherofawoke him; so as rising from off the ground, and gazing on her with astonishment, he could hardly (as hee had reason for it) beleeve himselfe; opening therefore his eyes better (and then yet more fixed in his errour) hee opened their fluces, and with a flood of teares, burst her out these speeches.

Oh with what words should I thanke you, the Lady of my life, Liarta, who having already but too much obliged mee whilst you liv'd a mortall, are (now that you are celestiall) come to undoe me with your unmerita∣ble

favours? Is it possible that my plaint could mount so high, and move you, enthroned among the glory of the happy, to come and comm••••tate my griefes? Which said, he (rapt with a conjugall love) ran to embrace her, which shee avoyding, hee spake on; And will you not then (deare life of my soule) permit mee to claspe you in my unfortunate armes? No: I am sure you cannot, for I know you to be unpalpable; yet let me enfold and hold within the circle of my armes this faite Image, which though dead to the world, lives yet in the center of my heart; with that offering againe to embrace her, and shee shunning him as before.

I perceive it is not then true (proceeded he) that to the blessed spirits, together with the affects of vertue, doth (for their greater blisse and glory) remaine the memory of things past; for then (I am sure) you would not have forgotten your Almadero: Or was there perhaps together with your mortall body buried my immortall love, as unworthy to be blest with you in heaven, to make me onely among all upon earth most mise∣rable and unfortunate? What! are soules dumbe, or can they not distin∣guish words as well as represent personages? But (be it as it be will) I am sure I see you, in whose faire countenance I yet discerne the lillies I so e∣steemed; but ah! what is become of the roses? alas! death hath gathered them off. Which the Lady with a beck of her head denying, and gently smiling, shewed him those of the Goddesse. When hee (being now come to himselfe somewhat better) perceived shee was not indeede the same he beleeved her to be, and would therefore have craved her humble pardon, but so suddenly lost both his speech and conceit, that hee could not ac∣complish his intent.

Shee that attentively had observed him in all his deportments, and no lesse liking his person than pittying his passion, returned him this an∣swer. I am not (gentle Sir) the Lady you take me for, since I have a reall body, am yet a woman and live; nor enjoy I ought that is celestiall, save the sole hope of this Goddesse. I am very sorry that I awoke you, and crave you pardon for it, but being come hither expressely to adore the Goddesse, I could doe no lesse than offer her my accustomed oblations.

The Knight with a greedy eye examining in her all those beauties that in a faire woman could be desired, (dispensing withall now, if not forget∣ting, his loyall affection to his Liarta) makes her this reply.

The favour (faire Lady) that I receive from you, is of it selfe too great to be merited, without the unexpressible addition of these your-to-me-too-too-courteous satisfactions: yet wonder I not thereat, knowing that as the Gods extend not their liberality unto us according to our dignity, but conformable to their abundant benignity, so cannot those divine beau∣ties of yours, choose but participate of the selfe same nature, which if when unimployed it excell the loftiest imaginations, will (no doubt) when it is well imployed surpasse all humane merit; both curtesie and beauty in you with equall pace march on to exeedingnesse; so as I being too feeble∣eyed to behold the shining splendor of the one, am dazled with the glit-Tering rayes of the other, nor can I possibly correspond with any parity an imparity so discorrespondent; for, having beene already dazled with the like beames, I finde my selfe so weake-sighted, that my very intellect being, together with my senses and optick organs enfeebled, cannot ex∣presse,

nor fully discern the good which in its ill it receiveth: yet will I not (for all that) forbeare to acknowledge, meerely out of my being sen∣sible of the greatnesse of your merits, how deeply I am engaged unto you; to the end you may both know mee to be yours, and withall (so you bee pleased so much to honour mee) declare me being such for your Knight and servant.

The Lady (who by nature was endued with a vivacity disposed to a pawze-not-intermitting-motion) impatient at so long a discourse, would gladly have many times interrupted him, being inclin'd rather to speake than heare; but restrain'd or rather curb'd by a certaine unknowne force, shee stood patiently-silent, no otherwise than doth a generous Courser, who though hee bite and champe the Bit, refuseth not (for all that) to obey his rider. The sight of this gentle Knight disliked her not, though shee yet liked not well the passion of his old affection, so as making as though shee meant to turne from him with an odde kinde of betweene an amorous and disdainefull looke, shee would oft move her lips, eyes, and body in the action of parting, whilst part yet shee neither could nor would. Till ob∣serving him afterwards silently expect what shee would say, and his dis∣courses (contrary to his custome) seem short unto her, her selfe withall be∣come now tongue-tied with new affects, & (for so being new) undisgested.

Sir Knight (said shee) the freenesse of your speech, and your language it selfe speake you a stranger, in respect whereof though you have not a litle offended mee, yet judge I you worthy of both excuse and pardon: For know (Sir) that wives live in this Countrey subject to lawes not com∣mon, whilst husbands live after the particular lawes of their owne passio∣nate-unjust wils; Indeede the maids that live free from them, observe no other law than that common one of honesty, conserving themselves (like starres in all aspects) intirely beautifull; whereas the married women have their wanes in the aspects of their husbands, from whom proceede both their light and the manner of using it: For my part (Sir) I am a married woman, and though living in a Countrey favourable to women, yet with a husband disfavourable to a wife; his age and my youth, his jealousie and my honesty, with other contrary conditions (which for mo∣desties cause I conceale) have occasioned many wanes, but many more eclipses to my liberty; your thus-entertaining mee therefore with private conference is so farre from steeding mee, that on the contrary it would much prejudice me, if any body but saw you here with me, since your qua∣lities aswell by women as by men will ever presuppose arguments of su∣spition, if not of blame, especially in regard of me, who (for many re∣spects) might have reason to love any other than the Prince my husband. As for your courteous proffers, I lovingly thanke you for them, and to rid from you all suspition of my being discourteous unto you, I kindly and gratefully accept your good will, and so commending you to the Gods, I am gone: Yet as though shee had beene nayled to the earth, stirr'd ne∣ver a foote, but standing with her eyes immoveably fixt on those of the Knight, seemed to expect rather a reply than a farewell.

Behold wee Liarta, before so heavily sighed for, now quite forgotten, yea and of a spirit once reputed constant; the ashes (in fine) burne not, they are no more than the memorials and markes of an extinguish'd fire, and

death is no progresse but an end of love, whose object are neither carcasses nor buried bones, but a living body, the rather if it be well featured and much more if accompanied with a gentle minde, nay though it be such as participates of neither, yet shall it suffice that it be endued with affecti¦ons proportionate to the nature or (at leastwise to the) imagination of the lover. But to thee deceased Liarta what imports all this? who if thou hast now no more beeing (as fooles argue) thou hast surely then no organs to expresse thy griefe by; or if thou livest (as 'tis most certaine thou dost) then questionlesse thy present beeing (freed from the rags of flesh) cares no more for our materialities; but being united to that first essence, en∣joyes in a pure way of action the purity of actions, loathing now what it formerly loved in the materiall beeing of thy sences, so that since there now remaines with thee no other love, than such as wholly conformes it selfe with the effect of the spirit and vertue, thou scorne and abhorrest the other; and now that thou art blessed, griev'st onely, that hee (being yet earthly and mud) doth wallow so in earth. But returne wee now to the Knight, who by the words & actions of the Princesse was fatally caught, insomuch as quite altering his purpose and designes, hee (resolved now both to love and waite on her) thus bespake her.

The heavens forbid (Madame) that I who was borne to serve you, should ever be the occasion of your least discontent. The duty of a Cava∣lier is not to ease but to remove and rid the afflicted from misery. How then can I endure, that you so deserving should be so unworthily dealt withall, whilst I more than any other am obliged to procure your con∣tent? It was no vulgar fortune (sweetest Madame) that conducted mee hither, but that eternall moderatrix, to the end your wants might by my meanes be supplied, since Nature made mee a King to attempt it, dignity a Knight to effect it, and love an Orator to crave it at the hands of your promising-goodnesse: Let not your husbands jealousie any whit dismay you, for I will protect you both against him and all the world. Yet if you will not either credit or favour mee for the present, vouchsafe then (I beg of you) to command my stay here, till such time as after being ascertained of both my quality and affection, you may be pleased by accepting my service, to favour my desires.

The title of King wrought on the Princesse inclination as much (if not more) than the beauty and youth of this young Knight, but espying (with that) from a farre off the servants that came for her; My Lord (said shee) the time permits mee not to answer you, see yonder where my folke come, I pray you let them not see you, but lay your selfe downe disten∣ded as you were. For the rest, since I may not pretend any authority over you, you may doe what suites best with your owne liking.

The Knight well comprehending that these speeches tended not to a refusall (to obey her) squatted close to the ground, following her never∣thelesse with his eyes as farre as hee could see her, and fixing her shape and gesture so deepe in his thoughts, as hee had not for a good while the power to get up, affording thereby leisure to the Cavaliers (whom we left sitting under the trees shade) to finish their discourse.

By this time they two were retired to a place, whence they might (for doubt of being surprized by the Druide) see him as hee returned; and the

Squires having withdrawne themselves, afforded them the convenien∣cie and leisure of speaking freely; whereupon the other (losing no time) said unto the Count; I shall (noble Sir) recite you the strangest story that ever you heard or read of; wherein you may observe truely miserable effects, occasioned by youthfull passions, imaginations that corrupt health, mellancholy that physick abhorres, and in these the occasion too that I have to finde my selfe agreeved: Be then (Sir) pleased to under∣stand, that among the Royall and Soveraigne Scepter-swayers of no lesse faire than fertile Albion, one of them is entitled King of Venedotia, who by a faire and vertuous wife had issue three sonnes and two daughters, whose comlinesse of personage and surpassing beauties were such, as al∣though the Iland for these endowments beareth away the bell from all the people of the world, and Venedotia from the rest of the whole Iland, yet did the Royall House as farre againe surpasse that way all the Families of that Kingdome, as the condition of a Subject is exceeded by one who borne to superiority, beares the Royall thereof, which are titles and Crownes. The elder they waxed in yeares the more grew they (though borne all of one and the same body, and sprung all from one and the same seede, to differ in qualities, affections, and inclinations, to falsifie the common tenent, that arguments of the body can determine any ones wit and disposition: vertues and vices being here individually devided; insomuch, as, looke what portion of good was owned by some of them, even so much possessed the others of evill, and because there was a disparity in the number, badnesse would (without any nay) seize on the greater part, so as two of them being wholly inclined to vertue, the other three gave themselves altogether over to all lewdnesse and dishonest abomina∣tions. The bringing up of them was in every respect equall, or if other∣wise, yet but so much unequall or different as was due to the difference of the disequality of the sexes, since for the rest, as time, direction, and yeares, the one enjoyed not any priviledge more than the other: Their vertuous Father thinking it unfitting to bee partiall in the breeding of his children, sithence Nature had given them him without partialitie in bring∣ing them into the world.

The last borne among the males was call'd Feredo, the very same you (in a Druid's habit) saw with me erewhiles; of the other two, the first-borne was named Edmondo, the other Galfrido. Scarce was Feredo full eighteene yeares of age, when Gelinda his eldest sister fell in love with him, whilst Edmondo and Galfrido (blinded with the like affection) doted on their younger sister named Adeligia. Full glad was the King to see his children so loving each to other, whilst hee (good man) was farre mistaken, for conceiving himselfe blessed in that, which made him after∣wards an example of misery to all Fathers.

Gelinda nourished her fire so covertly that none could perceive it, nor durst shee indeede discover it to her brother, whose integrity (which was a naturall inclination to goodnesse) curb'd if not terrified her, besides her owne conscience accusing her of the deformity of her love. ••••ine would shee have shaken it off, when it shewing her the sweets of its delights, ever also multiplied by imagination, deprived her of the sight of her internall lights; no servant had Feredo more diligent about him than was his sister;

for were he disposed to exercise himselfe in any feates of Chivalry, his officious sister (not trusting his Squires) would with her owne hands arme him; if arm'd hee hapned to be before, shee (forsooth) must goe ••••ite him; and if disarmed, 'twas shee that rub'd and dri'd him; were he 〈…〉〈…〉 ride a hunting, shee would never leave him, but be his perpetuall compa∣nion; no Roe-buck nor Grey-hound was to be found, that for velocity surpassed her or her swift Courser: no precipice could stop her careere; If descending shee were, shee seemed to precipitate; if running, to flee: In affronting wilde beasts shee alwayes prevented him, though then ever with a panting heart too, for being still jealous and fearefull of her owne in anothers life. In fine, shee so behaved her selfe, that Feredo had beene stupid, if he had not perceived the occasion of all these curtesies, instructed therein no more now by a vulgar prudence, but by the love of the other two brothers towards Adeligia; for which hee abhorring them, abhor∣red also Gelinda for the selfe same regard, conceiting with himselfe, that the very thought of an affection so abominable was able to attaint him with guiltinesse. For the first remedy, hee determined to shunne her so∣ciety, without taking on him to conceive her designes; so as hee continu∣ed to ride a hunting, but without her company; whereat when he saw her grieve, he excused himself with displaying before her the inconvenience that time had laid before his consideration, how that a Princesse ambus∣cadoed betweene hunters and savage beasts, incurr'd continually manifest hazard of her life; beseeching her therefore to stay at home; or if shee would needs goe, he wish'd it might be when her mother and sister went. This so over-chary circumspection pleased not well Gelinda, especially when shee once penetrated into the cause thereof. And hee on the other side (seeing that obstinate courtesie is wont to argue discourteously in who-so denies to accept it) knew not how to disenvelop himselfe other∣wise than by the hope he had of weaning her from it by litle & litle with∣out discontenting her.

The other Brothers (in the meane while) hotly sollicited Adeligia, whose shunning them could not serve her turne. Edmundo the elder and bolder of the two, had the audacity to expresse himselfe unto her one day in these speeches.

I know not wherefore I affecting you (Adeligia) farre more than a si∣ster, you love not mee somewhat more than a brother. Whereto shee an∣swered: (My Lord) if I lov'd not you, I should surely hate my selfe, yet if in loving you I surpassed the limits of a sisters love, I should then neither love my selfe nor you, but were worthy of both your hatred and scorne; The Prince could as then make her no reply, for his sister favoured with the occasion of her mothers comming (who the very same instant entred into the chamber) was rid of him for that time, though it steeded her not much (sithence hee still made use of any opportunity of meeting her) but much lesse Galfrido, for being the occasion of depriving him of the meanes of ever speaking to her any more. A resolution irkesome and heavy to one, but mortall to the other two; for the Brothers gone one day out on hunting, and in chasing the Hart (happening to be severed a good distance off the rest) the Prince made a stand, that Galfrido might passe before him, and then suddenly running him with his sword through and through, bare

him sheere off his saddle, alighted that hee was off his horse to dispatch him, hee might perceive him starke dead before: Return'd home alone, the Father (who some dayes before had observed both the misaffections and disaffections of his sonnes) ranne with his imagination to the very truth; and giving thereupon order to some few (but trusty Gentlemen) to goe in search after him, he was the selfe same night found out, and carried into his chamber.

I will not take on me the taske of expressing his heavinesse, because the tongue is not a pensill to pourtray the griefe of a Father, to whom the death of one sonne may give just occasion of becomming cruell against the other. Having therefore called before him the Prince, he shewed him the corps, with asking him if he had slaine him: but seeing him deny it in away that argued somewhat of guiltinesse, he said unto him; he that makes no scruple to murther a Brother, will surely make no great conscience to tell a lye: the blood that at thy appearing gurled out of this wound, both convicts thee, and requires at my hands Iustice, which I will not deny it; Onely I am sorry that thy quality (in consideration of my selfe) permits thee no other executioner; with this, snatching out his sword (not as yet wiped fully dry from the blood of his Brother) hee ranne it in his heart; and then (causing them to be laid in two coffins) he strictly commanded, that this tragicall case might dye with his sonnes; charging all that knew it, to give out, that they were sick, and three dayes after dead of a pesti∣lentiall fever.

Well might the feare of offending the King tye mens tongues (which are subject to sense) but not their judgements, which being internall and free, enjoy the priviledges of a free exemption from any humane domini∣on: But the best was, that the Kingdome made no great reckoning of the losse of either, both of them being by their behaviour growne to be as unworthy of bemoaning as of life. But now the Sister (good soule) the innocent occasion of the evill, could not be either comforted or quieted, till her Father permitted her to retire to the Ile of Man, where under the discipline of certaine religious persons there residing, shee dedicated the rest of her dayes to a contemplative life. Onely Feredo now remain'd of the youngest the eldest, and his so being the sole sonne had more endeer'd him to his Father, if his other worthy qualities had not beene more singu∣lar and respect worthy, than his being an onely Sonne.

Gelinda (having understood the true tragick story of her Brother (mor∣tified her selfe a litle, or at leastwise somewhat deprest the growing fire of her affection from suggesting occasion of more disgrace: till seeing Fe∣redo increasing together with his yeares, in comelinesse of person, vertue, and the love of all, shee deemed it very inconvenient for her to faulter in her affection. Banishing therefore from her memory the sufferings and shame of her Royall House, which till then taught her to be cautelous if not honest, shee began to prosecute her desires anew, with such fervent affection and winning-allurements, that the Fort of Feredo's constant goodnesse remain'd therewith shaken if not battered. But because in him goodnesse prevail'd more than youth, and continencie more than the in∣tising baites of an enchanting love; he purposed (for clipping the wings of her incestuous hope) to goe live farre off her, praying his Fathers as∣sent

thereunto, under pretext of going to travell, which hee no sooner ask'd than obtain'd; for, the good old King (having noted his Daughters incestuous affection, and fearing the arising thence of some new accidents) found his absence for some time to bee to purpose, hoping that time would in that while dry up in her that ill humour with the medicine of ob∣livion, or some other new affections easie to be exchanged for old, espe∣cially (as hee imagined) in the inconstant nature of that amorous sex.

But Gelinda more constant than the vertue of constancie permitted her, obstinate in retaining her first designes, and resolved either to die or trans∣mute Feredo from a brother to a lover; emboldened with her illegitimate love, and raised by her mortiferous resolution within a degree of the height of impudence, taking him from the company of some young Gen∣tlemen that entertained him in discourse, and conducting him in her hand to the garden, shee thus bespake him.

I hold it (my Lord and Prince) a thing superfluous, to consume the small time I have to stay with you, in any other than a free and briefe language: sithence neither the growth of yeares have beene sufficient to give you notice of my affection, nor the late tragedy of our Brothers serv'd for a president to mollifie you, which me thinkes it should, if not for my loves sake, yet (at least) for the honour of our Father, our House, and our selves: you are now going to travell, for not having mee neere you, and conceit (perhaps) by so doing to shunne me; but (alas) you much deceive your selfe; for I am resolved, not onely to be neere you, but also closely to cleave to you, as doth your inseparable Genius or shadow; and if by vio∣lence you discoast or avoide me, I will then so accoast and haunt you, as (doe what you can) you shall not shake me off; for, if it lye in the power of spirits to doe it, mine then perpetually shall doe it, since you will not permit my selfe to enjoy so much happinesse; Pity mee! oh! (I beseech you) pitie me, that without you am worse than nothing: nor let the de∣formity of my love serve you for an excuse; for I sweare by the immortall Gods, that if you quite reject and abandon mee, I will when I am so scorn'd or hated, transforme me into a Fury, & will haunt you whitherso∣ever you goe, nor will I (so it be within the reach of my power) suffer e∣ver any other woman to enjoy you more than I.

Strucken dumbe remain'd Feredo with this so rash and dishonest propo∣sition; about her eyes (as kindled embers) hee observed a deadly blewish palenesse, arguing a mortall rancor and gastly despaire; well knew he that neither reproach nor reproofe was able to terrifie one that feared not to dye, nor was hee lesse confident of her desperately-bold haste, which might easily raise her resolution to such a hight of frantick desperatenesse, as shee would not stick to kill her selfe; holding it therefore his safer course rather to shunne than hazard a certaine mischiefe, hee return'd her this milde answer.

Deere Lady and Sister, the love which I beare you is such, that if you knew it, you would then know you had no cause to thinke your selfe ag∣grieved; I intend to part ('tis true) not to elong my selfe from you, but to be more worthily neere you, when the heavens shall be pleased to fa∣vour my returne. Love (deere Sister mine) is not to bee required with hate, (as you seeme to doubt of) especially by me towards you, whom I

(for many speciall reasons) am bound both to love and serve; all then that I begge of you, is, that (abandoning your passions) you unite your selfe to reason, which can of it selfe alone give you on my behalfe suffici∣ent satisfaction. Doe then but discreetly remember (sweete Sister) who wee are, and what the name of a Brother imports in nature, law, and use; and next call to mind and consider the miserable end of the others, which should serve us for an example, not of imitation, but of detestation and horrour. Grant mee (I lovingly beseech you) your good leave to be gone on my intended journey, since I desire it may be with your free as∣sent and good liking. And to the end you may rest fully assured of my true affection towards you, I here faithfully promise, that if it come to my hands to dispose of you (my Father not preventing me for manifesting my brotherly affection to you that way) I will spend all the Royall trea∣sure, yea and my very Crowne besides, but I will see you well setled to your owne hearts desire.

Vpon this the King calling him hee left her, preparing himselfe to be∣gin the morrow following his journey towards the Kingdome of Logria.

But shee (to whom brotherly admonitions were reproaches, courteous language abuses, and promises of a rich dowry an unappealeable sentence of death) putting on a manly courage, and laying aside all appearance of griefe, could so farre temper nay command her passion, as with unbeteared eyes to see him at parting, yea to salute him, and bid him her last farewell; and that in so free a way too, as made him thinke her an altogether altered woman; whereby he became so consolated, as hee could not refraine at his departing to drop some teares for meere unlook'd for joy, though gaz'd on by all the Ladies that stood by her, and accompanied (a good while on his way) by the flowre of the Nobility. But no sooner lost shee once the sight of him, than that shee remained as a statue cold, senselesse, and immoveable: Recovered out of her stupifying fit, shee retir'd to her bed-chamber too too delicious (God wote) for a sceane of so lugubrous an act. The returne of such as had sent Feredo on his way was the passing∣bell that rang out her knill of death, the recommendations sent her from him, shee received with disdaine and contempt: and then presently (not having the patience or power to stay till night) shee put off her cloathes and laid her downe; where being (as shee thought) all alone, shee burst forth into these termes.

It is now time Gelinda for thee to free thy selfe from the tyrannie of thy insulting enemy [Love] 'tis high time that thou now revenge thy selfe on this thy neither brother nor lover. Come, thou must die, and that's no newes to thee; death shall not seize on thee at unawares. Thou shalt have the oddes of the rest of mortals, in being thy selfe thine owne Iudge, so freeing thy selfe both from the judgement of others, and from the quali∣ties and diversities of deaths, being conditions that make unexpected death looke on the dying wretch with an aspect so fearefull and horrid. A great spirit as thine is will flight it, to be by it cruelly revenged on him, that no lesse cruelly than ungratefully hath injured thee. This said, shee would have kill'd her selfe, but thinking it too short a preamble for so dolefull an end, her despairing soule roaring from within her with an hor∣rible and gastly noyse, shee proceeded.

Implacable Dieties, yee infernall Powers, to you have I (forlorne wretch) recourse, to you doe I bequeath and consecrate this re••••••ed life of mine, in recompence where of I desire no more, than that I may persue and haunt the ingratefull Feredo whithersoever he goes; put me no 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 implore the heavens or their influences; for if mortals (subject to the h••••vie clog of a body, and by consequence ignorant and feeble) can domi∣neere over them, what may then the immortall soules doe, which being separated from these imperfections, must needs be more powerfull, in re∣spect of their habits corresponding to that privation? I grant too, that hu∣mane judgement and discretion may perhaps shunne them, yet mighty yee, whose power hath no paragon, are able (I am confident) either to corrupt or alter them. But (alas!) if it prove not so to be, how ill then am I advised? yet how can I (that despairing hope) be possibly well advi∣sed? whilst I beleeve revenge to have place among the infernall miseries, which to the damned might prove happinesse and glory, if glory and hap∣pinesse had any accesse to those dismall horrors? Die I will, were it but to spite and grieve Feredo. But what place (I wonder) among the disor∣dered confusions there, shall the order of my uncouth affections hold? Shall it be possible, that among those eternall disorders there, the soule be not confounded with all its parts, especially the intellect; and that also the order which I prefix to my revenge, be not in danger to be broken? But oh that the web I warpe here might be there spunne, for then would I thinke hell were blessed! and all would then goe thither; But who will assure me thereof? yet doubtlesse thy death (Gelinda) will grieve Feredo, will it so? dye then meerely to vex him. But soft, too too foolish were such a revenge, as but makes an addition to the avengers proper prejudice. But said I not, that hell observes no order? then no reason neither by reason of that disorder. If so, to what end tend then so many considera∣tions? they are needlesse and superfluous, ('tis true) yet let them be dis∣penced withall, in priviledge of being my last farewell. Here (respiting a while to vent out the anguish of approaching death) shee with a heavy groane spake on.

Happy thee Gelinda had'st thou never beene borne, since that being borne thou wast borne for hell, whose first torments thou proved'st when first thou fell'st in love: Yet if I deserved so much misery, had it not beene a greater paine for me not to have beene borne at all? if true it be, that such had beene greater than to be borne to be damned as I was? But ah me! if this were true, sure then I had never beene borne; for if among all the things that I am none of, there had beene but one, that in privation of being, had exceeded the not being of others, then surely that same one thing had beene Gelinda. Therefore Gelinda (to her greater anguish) be∣leeves that such a thing cannot be. Besides, the Gods were unjust, if they punished such as were not any way blemished with as much as originall sinne.

Enough then! let these be my last meditations. Dye I must and will; Feredo will none of mee, no more will I him now, and for not having him I must goe else-where: The passage is (I confesse) hard, the issue doubt∣full, but whatmatters all that? I'le even venture and runne with the rest; the Furies of hell shall direct mee, nay I'le make one among them, they

shall adopt mee, and I'le be the fourth of those Eumenidan Sisters, which if it cannot otherwise steede me, it shall then suffice me, that the dise••••••••¦teous Feredo be troubled in his sleepe, and in his repose, desire death the sole remedy to his heart-wasting miseries; and besides, that in his loves never woman beloved by him may ever love him, that some untimely end betide her not. More shee would have said, when one of her women (that all this while had attentively observed her) ranne towards the bed; at the first trampling noise of whose feere Gelinda stab'd her selfe under the left pap, with a long silver bodkin, where with shee used to righten her haire, but by her destined for this fatall effect, which succeeded her desire so well (if a man may say well in so ill a case) that slipping betweene her ribs, it pierced her heart; which prov'd now as tender to the force of hand, as it had before done to the dart of love.

The Gentlewoman that faw no signes of any violence done, and by consequence, not suspecting any such matter, did the best shee could to comfort her, till (seeing shee could get no answer of her) shee opened the windowes, and then seeing her looke so pale, shee was againe amazed; yet finding no drop of blood about her (though her lips and eyes looked of a pale blewish colour) shee gently tooke her by the hand, and respe∣ctively kissing it, besought her to speake one word to her, but was answe∣red with a gastly grone, wherewith shee expired, because of her wounded heart's being by then quite suffocated with blood.

The Gentlewoman searching over her body a-new, and yet finding no∣thing, (considering that the occasion of her death was not to be divulged) shut the doore, and went and acquainted therewith the King; who, be∣cause hee could not beleeve that shee died without violence, commanded to view her better, himselfe casting (the meane while) an eye on her pulses and paps, under one whereof as hee more heedfully observed, hee came to discover the bodkin by a litle blood that trickled off the orifice of the wound; and so comprehending the cause of her death, he charged that no words should be made thereof, giving out the morrow following, that shee was dead of an apoplexie.

Feredo in the meane time hastned on his journey (beleeving that the farther hee went from Venedotia, the neerer he came to content and qui∣etnesse) till hee chanced to come to the famous Court of Logria; whose then King Alfrido observing him (besides the comelinesse of his person) to be endued with incomparable qualities, had a minde, at first sight, to make him his Son-in-law: for establishing the dominions which hee pos∣sessed, lying open to divers hostile incursions, with the alliance and stay of a King, for territories and power next himselfe the greatest of all Al∣bion.

One sole Daughter had he of some eighteene yeares of age, named A∣lite; for beauty singular among the fairest; and one sonne (as then absent) addicted to exercises of Chivalry. No sooner was Feredo seene by her, than that shee began to affect him, seconding her Fathers secret designe with an honest open love: and the correspondencie (as it was fitting it should) had beene by him as forwardly repaid her, but that at his first com∣ming thither he began suddenly to feele strange passions of mellancholy; which (transporting him to turbid imaginations) would never suffer him

in quiet, for that he thought hee saw Gelinda every houre in an horrid shape with a naked and bloody brest settle her selfe by him, whether hee were laid in bed or walking any where abroad, so as he passed most nights without closing his eyes; which made him desire to watch with merry company, who upon his corrupted affects wrought just such an effect, as doth one single drop of water on one tormented with a burning feaver, that thinkes all the rivers of the world too litle either to coole his heate, or quench his thirst.

Many a time have I thought upon these visions, whether any such really be or no, and whether that which appeared was the very spirit of Gelinda, or nothing but the meere imagination of Feredo. For if the Gods permit the dead to walke, why more for hatred than for love, since we heare not (for the most part) of any such apparitions, save in the likenesse of such as have come to their deaths by violent meanes? betweene husband and wife, father and sonne, brother and brother, and friend and friend (in whom Nature and long practice imprint reciprocall affections with greater efficacie) wee seldome or never heare of any such, though they should be ordinary. Which though they also were, yet could they then neither be no arguments making for imagination, and use would discover unto us those of reason, Nature being not able to worke ordinarily by ex∣traordinary reasons, contrary to it selfe.

The Count who attentively listned, seeing him looke as if he expected an answer, said unto him: Nature (gentle Sir) cannot give a reason for all things, as (it seemes) you expect it should, since we have for attaining to it onely the two meanes of the practick and speculation. By the practick we cannot, shee requiring time, and we being short-liv'd. By speculation much lesse, she never soaring higher than the pitch of sense. Hence comes it, that our common knowledge (obscure even in things manifest) is sub∣ject to the censure of contradictions, where of such as were Antagonists choosed for the surer side, rather to doubt of all, than to affirme any thing for certaine out of the uncertainty of our understanding; and the same knowledge, though in much deceivable, is yet neverthelesse embraced for want of a better, which well may (I beleeve) be hoped for, but not found by the meanes of humane organs without a long and almost eter∣nall life.

If then we be so ignorant in things subject to our very senses, what can we be in those of the soule abstracted from them? yet should not (for all this) the insufficiencie of meanes of attaining to the knowledge of things make us deny their effects, if any be; and yet the curiosity of seeking out for them is hurtfull, because speculation too much subtilized makes a man unfit not only for the active, but even for the contemplative life; so as if he be but short in conceiving the first heads, he becomes quite dull by that time he comes to the second; so blunted shall hee finde his intellect with the hardnesse of what hee understands not; therefore a mans choyser course were to rest at quiet, and to beleeve that which common opinion both drawne from all the lawes, and approved by all the prime School∣men of the world in all ages, induceth us to beleeve; which if otherwise it were not so, this Prince his very case might be a sufficient argument for it. Since hee was in perfect health when he came from home, nor was he

ever troubled with any infirmity of his fancie, till after the death of his Sister, and then too without knowing whether shee were dead or no. So as we must of necessity, either deny all, and by consequence make the Prince a lyar; or in beleeving him, beleeve the generall terient, which is a reall apparition of the dead, a beleefe due to the obedience of the Lawes.

The Gentleman that stood listning unto him, litle satisfied with what was alleadged, and loath to let the discourse fall, replied. My doubt (ho∣nour'd Sir) neither toucheth nor arrives to the law, but is (as I may say) an abstract from it; touch it perhaps it might, if it were incorporated with it, and partaked of its substance and colour, as wine doth with those of water. The lawes have all of them the selfe same principals and the selfe same ends (at leastwise in appearance) that is, God and good dealing or piety, the end of this is to feare those. It will not be denied mee, that apparitions belong to piety, and by consequence make wonderfully for it: my doubt doth but question the power of Nature; for, if Nature could but be united or conform'd to the Law in things supernaturall, and that what the one affirmes might be visually proved by the other, then had neither wee occasion to doubt, nor the Lawes to multiply as they have e∣ver hitherunto done; so as all that I say, is, but to attempt their union, (if it may be) if not, I rather retire to the Law, being well assured that in so doing I cannot erre, though the intellect remaine (for all that) subject to be snapp'd at by its naturall enemy [ignorance.] Let it not then (I be∣seech you courteous Sir) offend you, that I say, that the denying of the effects of things (when any such really are) is but an ignorant presumpti∣on. Now our question is, whether any such be or no: but how can they be, if neither reason nor sense comprehend them? Nature shewes them us not, the intellect conceives them not, the relations of them are uncer∣taine, & the Prince his example absolutely concludes them not; conclude them perhaps it might, had he not knowne his Sisters intention. But be∣cause imaginations cannot be fully illustrated otherwise than imaginati∣ons, I will fall againe to my story.

Alfrido having had intelligence of the death of Gelinda by the Fathers owne letters, endeavoured (by charging all the Court to make no words of it) to conceale it from Feredo, though hee become by his continuall visions most certaine (as he thought) of the truth, incessantly bewailed it with such excesse of griefe, that hee at length conceived Gelinda's ghost (seeming to be therewith in some sort appeased, if not satisfied) had left him in quiet. How be it he could not for many dayes recover himselfe from the great weaknesse he thereby was reduced unto. To weane him from those his mellancholy fits, hee was accompanied with all the Court by turnes; Alite shewing her selfe in a deede so pious more fervent than a∣ny other, though most cruell to herselfe; for her continuall conversing with this right noble Cavalier, kindling every day more than other her affection towards him, brought her at last to that passe, as shee could no longer conceale it from him.

Feredo was in one respect a naturalist, desirous of posterity, especially in consideration of his being brotherlesse, insomuch as he began already to be sorry he had left his home, not for being taken with any domestick

pleasures, but because he (considering to how many dangers travell was subject unto) would gladly first have seene a sonne of his owne, to secure the succession, in case the heavens disposed of him otherwise than well. Looking therefore with a no lesse judicious than amorous eye into the me∣rits and affection of the faire Alite, he thought himselfe bound to assure her as much as by words could be express'd, of the gratefull correspon∣dencie of his re-affection, entitling himselfe her Knight and servant.

The night following arose a tempest so cruell, that at the ayre's being filled with haile, thunder, and lightning, the better halfe of the Citie was burnt amidst a deluge of water, and the innocent Alite strucken with a thunder-bolt, found on the morrow in her naked bed converted to ashes. The desolation of the Court, the griefe of the King, the complaint of the Queene, and the ruine of so faire a Citie, would have moved even Tigers to compassion; and Feredo that thought himself the sole cause of all these disasters, & raving exceedingly thereat, banishing all further hope of for∣tune or content, abandoning his servants, and all that ever he had secretly stole away from this destroyed Citie, when poasting to the next haven, hee suddenly embarked himselfe on the first ship that launched out, which was bound for Gallicia, whence travelling whither fortune carried him, he came to Catalonia, making his first residence in the Citie of Barcelona.

To acquaint you with his designes or intentions for parting from Logria so unaccompanied and unattended, and wherefore thence to Gallicia and so to Catalonia, without any regard of his quality, or determinate end of his intentions, would prove but superfluous, nor are you to expect of mee any reason for it; for that desperation and love worke not by any reasona∣ble or orderly meanes.

Scarce was hee come, when eyed by the Catalan Prince, and in him ob∣served his disposition, and a certaine majestie, farre different if not contra∣ry to his then present-seeming fortune; a humour tooke that Prince to have him (for certaine ends of his) to the service of the Princesse his wife, and Feredo (thinking thereby to vaile himselfe from the eyes of both the world and fortune) willingly accepted of the proffer. Become so from a Prince a subject, and from an onely sonne a punie servant, sealed this me∣tamorphosis with his name, which hee by altering Feredo into Calaplo, en∣deavoured with his present condition to raze out the memory of his past misfortunes; hoping to appease at full his Sisters Ghost with the severi∣ty of such a penance: Wherein (for now seeing himselfe no more tor∣mented) hee grew to be so confirm'd, as he resolved with himselfe never to returne home more, conceiting that very place to be subject more than any other to the influence of his horrible visions.

Few moneths had he continued in that Court, when Don Peplasos (for so was the Prince called) taking him with one other Gentleman and a Gentlewoman in his company, went with his wife on pilgrimage to the Temple of the Goddesse Iuno, in the Pyrenean Mountaines. That Prin∣cesse was one of the fairest and most vertuous Ladies of the world; but for antipathy of qualities extreamely hated of her husband, who being resol∣ved to rid himselfe of her, intended to have her slaine in those Mountains, and then by procuring at the selfe same time the death or flight of Calaplo, to make the world beleeve, that shee being enamoured of him, was runne

away with him, hoping this report would bee the rather beleeved in re∣spect of his comelinesse and bodily perfections, and much more, for that hee having beene with mortall passions wooed by the fairest and noblest Dames of all that Kingdome, had (poore as hee seemed to be) rejected great fortunes in marriage, which (would be thought) hee did meerely for the correspondencie of affection, hee hoped for at the hands of the Princesse Eleina, a worthy occasion of slighting that of all the rest.

But come to the Temple, and considering that two murthers could not (without great danger) be committed in one and the same time, hee gave Calaplo a litle wallet stuff'd full of Coyne and Iewels, brought thither (it should seeme) for that purpose, together with a menacing charge contai∣ned in a few words, but concluding, that without any reply he should take it, and get him gone so farre as hee might never be more seene nor heard of. Hee not imagining the occasion of it, knowing the Prince to be no lesse mischievous than cruell, and therefore doubting lest his denying to take the wallet might prove dangerous unto him, thought it his best course to obey him; so as taking it with prompt obedience from before him, hee set himselfe onwards on his way which the Prince himselfe had shewed him. But passing the day following from mountaine to mountaine, and chancing to see in a deep bottome that vallied a steeper precipice, a bare-foote and bare-legg'd woman weeping, (whom upon better observance hee discovered to be the Princesse) which as he thought to turne back to succour, he was set upon by three (as he then thought) high-way theeves, but were indeede man-butchers sent purposely thither (for ought I be∣leeve) by the Prince; whereof hee having at the first blow laid one a∣long at his feete, and with the sight thereof put the second to flight, the third remaining alone, thought to save himselfe by the nimblenesse of his heeles, till Calaplo being now justly enraged, by obstinately pursuing him, overtooke him (after a full leagues race) with a blow so mortall, that depriving him both of speech and breath, hee could make no answer to any thing he asked him. Endeavouring to returne to the Princesse, hee could by no possible meanes finde out either her, or the place where hee had left her; but resolved to leave no where thereabouts unsearched for her, and comming by chance (as hee enquired for her all about) to the sea-shore, he had tidings of her by certaine fisher-men, who had seene her (a-farre off) made a prize by Pirats. Whereupon reputing himselfe a compend of miserie, and conceiting that he could not choose but infect with his very presence all such as he should ever but converse withall; he resolved with himselfe at last (after he had bestowed in the search of her foure other moneths in Africk, where most Pirats have ther residence) to retire to some-where farre remote from his native home, and there to end the remnant of his dayes. Crossing over therefore into Sicily, hee thence arrived into this litle Iland, and judging it commodious for his pur∣pose, hee by the permission of the Prince of Feacia, (who is Lord there∣of) made this his resting place, reducing it which before was savage, into the state you at this present finde it in, bestowing therein the best part of his time to withdraw his minde from more noysome fancies.

The King his Father thus deprived of five children, three of them come to untimely ends, a fourth dedicated to the Gods, and the fifth a

lost childe, whom (after hee had caused him to be sought for, though in vaine, over the greater part of the knowne world) hee had utterly de∣spaired of ever hearing any newes of, had he not beene consolated with new hopes, springing from the voluntary proffers of certain Knights, who bound themselves by solemne oath never to returne home, unlesse they found him out, or heard certaine newes what became of him: which comming to the eares of others, the company increased to the number of fifty (where of I am one) dividing (by unanimous assent) our selves over all the Countries of the world, with order to send and give intelligence at a place by us agreed on, for that end. Fortune would so have it that I found him out, though to my as yet but small comfort: for though the King will be glad to heare that he lives, yet will he be extreamely sorry, when hee understands that hee will not returne home, he pretending to passe here a blessed life, and thinking the shades of these trees here to be the Elizean fields, for having never seene here abouts any apparition of Gelinda. And alleadging withall, that since he is resolved never to marry, his returne would be but unprofitable to the Kingdome, troublesome to himselfe, and prejudiciall to her he might match withall, in case that upon altered determination he might be perswaded to resolve of a further triall in that kinde.

Much wondred the Count at the strangenesse of the story, and comfor∣ting the Knight, hee promised him to stay there some dayes of purpose, to further him in his designes. But scarce had hee opened his mouth to re∣quite this story of the Knights, with the relation of his adventures, when he might espie issuing from out one part of the wood Feredo, and from out the other the young Knight. Arisen up, they went to meete the later that was next them: After reciprocall salutes, and complementall lan∣guage past of either side, the Venedotian Knight invited the young Knight to dine with the Druide; (shewing him, with that, Feredo) the young Knight espying him, and well-liking his garb and habit, went onwards to give him the meeting: And hee understanding they were none of those that came to seeke him, received them with extraordinary courtesie, with thanking them kindly for the favour they did him. Then would hee have them mount on horse-back to get up the hill, thinking all of them there∣withall provided; but seeing the Count want one, he told him, hee was sorry for it, the heate being great, the sunne of a good hight, and that day as faire and calme, as the preceding night had beene foule and tempe∣stuous.

The young Knight was so farre from following his advice, as he blush'd to heare him, whilst his proud Steede by his pransing seemed to invite the Knights, to prove whether hee were as good, as well shaped. The heate put them off their ceremonies, by causing them to hasten to gain the shade not farre off them under a thick row of trees, that began at the foote of the hill, which Nature had all about adorned with choyse vines. The way to ascend had planted orderly on each side thereof (like so many halber∣diers) fruite-bearing trees worthy the being grafted by a Princely hand; the hillocks top yeelded a fragrant od our from its faire crown of Orenge∣trees; flowers might there be seene laid scatteringly over the surface of the earth, in such a forme as the starres are placed in the firmament, seem∣ing

to lie glorying in their rich shew, encamped in pavements embroyde∣red with odoriferous hearbs contrived into divers figures.

The first part of the habitation that presented it selfe to the eye, was the Temple, round in forme, and rough-cast without as farre as its Architrave with fine white lime, supporting a ranke of finest white marble pillars, or∣derly placed by two and two, with so much distance betweene them, as sufficed to afford it light; the spire-roofe having no other opening, nor the round body of the Chappell other windowes. Vpon the pillars (which were foure and twenty) was displayed a thinne border of fine skie-colour'd mettle, divided into twelve equall spaces, every space where of conteyning one signe of the Zodiake, was againe subdevided by very small lines into 30 Degrees, the first point of Aries touching the last of Pisces in the very midst of the Frontispice. About this border might bee seene to gire the two celestiall lights, the one colour'd with gold, the other with silver, with an Index towards the lowermost surface of their circumference, which precisely pointed out the place, which the true lights posses'd in that very instant in the celestiall Zodiake. There might a man see all the aspects in their proper characters. Moreover, the Moone (for the better fitting her conjunctions) had an ampler gire than that of the Sunnes; nor could it have other in respect of us, though it were contrary to the spheare in respect of the firmament: that same thing representing in the artificiall the convex, which indeede is naturally the concave; the eclipses likewise might be there seene (when any were) by a plate of darke-coloured Iron's covering so much of the Moone as was re∣quisite. The figure of the Sunne (drawne to a correspondent circumfe∣rence) corresponded to the truth of the Eclipses of the true Sunne, cove∣red or rather vailed by his fister, according to astronomicall suppositions. And being not able to imitate the spheare in setting and rising, it shewed instead thereof the eclipses, that were out of our sight in the other He∣mispheare.

Vpon the spiry roofe stood a brazen statue of excellent workemanship, representing time, that in its footestall with the but-end of its cive struck the houres and quarters, with so dainty an artifice, as the eare could dis∣cerne no noyse of counterweights or wheeles, nor the imagination con∣ceive that any such could be contained in the streightnesse of so narrow a concave. The doores standing one of them towards the East equinocti∣all, and the other on the opposite, side, were both of them adorned with seemely pillars, the Easterne of snow-white Alablaster with staires, threshold, and lintell of the same. The Westerne with its supplements of a cole-black touch-stone; that garnished with a white Eagle, being the Hieroglyphick of heaven, this with a barking Cerberus sad embleame of hell, never opened but when sacrifice was done to the infernall Deities for Gelinda's ghost. For the same purpose also stood erected two Altars, and on either of them an Image.

These briefly survaid, all of them entred into the Temple, where the sacrifices were the hearts of two white doves, burnt upon the quick em∣bers; that done, they retired to the house, and were invited to sit at the table, where the two guests were strucken with amazement at the ser∣vants and order of service; they admired at such abundance without ex∣cesse,

and such delicacie without defect; and withall, to see conform'd to the humility of faire white earthen dishes such a royall personage, place, and service. The Druide entertained them with pleasant discourse, ap∣parelling his countenance with an aspect to outward seeming cheerefull and blithsome; shewing them withall, how that Countrey was the ut∣most bound of Greece to the sea-ward; and then made them a gratefull expression of the great courtesies hee had received at the hands of the Prince of Feacia Lord of that Ile, and was about to particularize some∣what thereof, when altering his conceit upon turning towards the Count, hee besought him to impart some occurrences of the Westerne parts, it being ten yeares space, sithence he had heard any newes from thence.

The Count willingly embracing the occasion of assaying to perswade him to returne home, making no shew of knowing any thing thereof, ex∣prest a forwardnesse to satisfie him; so as having made some prelueds pro∣per to his ends, he spake in this manner.

Irinico King of Gaula Belgica had besides two sonnes (the eldest where∣of died) one onely daughter, whose beauty (though singular) was yet surpassed with so many vertues, that the people thought her the compend of the Kingdomes glory; desired shee was of many, wooed by few, and wonne by one that was litle thought of; among her Suitors, the princi∣pall man was Teuton King of Scandinavia a Prince, who though rich both in yeares and posterity, was not yet by his yeares brought to any disability of body; and now his disgusts which hee received every day more than other from his sonnes, made him desirous of new heires, since hee was growne resolute to raise wals against wals, till he had levelled with the ground those, which (to his confusion) were by them built against him, a thing practised by him many yeares before to the cost of the lives of some of them, and the brothers too. Now hee had already taken many wives, and had used them all very ill, as indeede hee married them not for love, but altogether for meanes, nor ever admitted he any one of them to his bed on other, than the sole hopes of their patrimoniall Kingdomes, which conformable to his expectation failed him not. Knowne it is not whether it was pollicie or nature in him to affect not one of them, the sole ayme of his love being levelled at the enlarging of his Monarchie, and making himselfe great.

Hee had already by the meanes of some Kings of his alliance, gotten a great footing in neighbouring Countries; whereupon growne desirous to become one day owner of Irinico's Kingdome, hee made suit for his alliance, meerely to ground thereupon a foundation for his pretentions, and not to enjoy those incomparable beauties, the onely white whereat the desire of all other Princes aymed. And having gotten an use of letting himselfe to be seene but of a very few, by withdrawing himselfe some∣times (for many moneths together) from the popular sight, a fancie tooke him in the head to goe himselfe in person to Irinico, and so (under the vaile of an Embassadour) to prie into the secrets of his Kingdome, corrupt his subjects, and winne himselfe a wife, and by her in time a Kingdome.

Having then left such order as he thought requisite to such as were to manage the secrecie of his absence, hee parted, accompanied with very few, increasing by the way his retinew with such persons as had never

seene him before; travelling with all the litle that he went by land, so se∣cretly by an invention that he had got, to confine himselfe for some retired imaginations within his horse-litter, that no man in the whole dominions could come to see him in the face.

Irinico receiving him with all possible courtesies, understanding the summe of his embassie would not suddently dispatch him (though he were already resolved of what he meant to doe) but referr'd the businesse to his privy Councell, not so much to understand their opinions, as to know those who (some while before) were suspected to have beene corrupted.

Hee (in the meane time) being admitted to the sight of the Princesse, prov'd to be in love; indeed a strange effect in him, and yet more strange by reason of his so fretting thereat; for, perswading himselfe that he could not choose but love his owne person the lesse, by such a portion of affecti∣on as he setled upon any other; so as hee could have heartily wished the possiblenesse of distinguishing the person of a Prince from that of an Em∣bassadours, had beene within the reach of his power, that so in persona∣ting either, he might exercise his cruelty over the other. But love (as the case stood) domineering over the fury of his furious projects, brought his pride to so low an ebbe, as from a States-man he would have gladly sub∣jected his stout spirit to any inferiour servile condition, had it not shewed it selfe too too apparantly contrary to the issue of his desires.

No whole day suffered he to passe without visiting Doricrene, this solli∣citous Embassadour labouring to gaine the favour of her affection to his Prince, which was himselfe, who for being more than ordinarily enrich'd with a buffonizing and jearing humour, was generally in all companies a most welcome companion; for, laying aside all gravity, hee served for a make-sport, not onely to the Princesse, but to all the Court besides; in∣somuch as Irinico himselfe (taking pleasure therein) liked his company marveilous well, and withall affected very much his way of expressing himselfe so different from those of other men, for that he never spake but by figures and proverbs, applied with particular acutenesse, with signifi∣cations ever-equivocating to be solved as he pleased; (it being indeed but reason for the speaker to be his owne words interpreter) his countenance, carriage, and habit speaking him to be one that cared for nothing; and though he indeede was rather a Sophister than a Philosopher, yet seemed he by his outward expression of himselfe, to be meerely composed of re∣fined Court-philosophy. Speake he would the plaine truth when he was sure there was no credit given to what he spake, yet blush'd he not to lye loudly, when it made any way for his ends, both the one and the other alwayes most false and deceitfull like himselfe; litle gave he, though hee promised much, yet the freenesse of his carriage in what he did, grounded in mens conceits, a foundation for the performance of his large promises. A marveilous sower hee was of soaring hopes, from which since there sprung nought else than briars and nettles, he imputed the fault to their ill husbanding, deferring the harvesting both of them and of other new seede to the ensuing yeare. Yet with all his shifts and devices he had ne∣ver the fortune to arrive to the hight of his first designe, the true artifice of accomplishing such, consisting indeede either in not having any double meaning, (which is the sure way) or in a handsome way of concealing it,

which is full of difficulties; or being otherwise accompanied with ex∣cessive promises, it dismembers it selfe and becomes subject to the brand of incredulity.

Now Irinico had (long before this) made choyse for his Son-in-law of the King of Vlmigaria, a Prince of knowne great dignity, whom hee thought might serve him for a strong linke in the long chaine by him fore∣contrived on that part of Europe in barre of the growing power of Teuton; and therefore hee so crept slily on with his pollitick reaches, dissembling being a prime article in gaining or establishing the possesion of Kingdomes; and thought that the affinity with that other King carried with it apparent advantages, yet the counter-poysing disadvantages proceeding from it, were also so apparent, nay so palpable, that an ordinarily discreete perso∣nage (much more such a sage Prince as he was) would have not only refu∣sed but abhorred the alliance of such a froward old man, ill reported of, and worse conditioned, cruell to his wives, brothers, and children; be∣sides the consideration of the likelihood of making away the Prince Eli∣mante by sword or poyson, the Princesse being capable of succession, and sole heire in case her brother were dead.

Well perceived Teuton (though somewhat of the latest) that his was a journey vainely bestowed, being secretly advertized, that Doricrene was otherwise to be disposed of, so as he now comprehends how his ex∣pences in that Kingdome (in hope of furthering his affaires) was but mo∣ney cast away; his dependences and those of his faction being not onely suspected, but most of them knowne, so that therefore his stay there could not be otherwise than very chargeable, as the profit hee could expect or hope to gaine thereby could be (in comparison of his charge) but very small; nay (which spited him most) that Irinico himselfe laughed (as we say) in his sleeve to see his subjects and state enriched by his ill-founded projects and bounty. Resolved for such reasons to alter his first determi∣nation, he fained the receiving of new commissions importing,

That his King had commanded him (sithence he had not, all that while, concluded the marriage) suddenly to returne homewards, his yeares now disswading him from matching any more; howbeit that he should assure Irinico of his friendship, in a degree no lesse than if the affinity had beene contracted; and in case he saw him enclined to a crosse match, to proffer him his Daughter Celene for Elimante.

To this last proposition Irinico willingly listned, & (licensing the seem∣ing Embassadour with many presents) willingly embraces the offer.

As soone as Teuton came home, he sends back thither an expresse Em∣bassadour, giving him charge to keepe the marriage from concluding as long as he could, and yet to subscribe to promise all rather than breake off.

The faire Doricrene was (in the meane time) married to her designed husband, abandoning unwillingly her deere Countrey, and deere Brother; a match lesse fortunate than corresponded to the merit of so accomplish'd a Princesse, and indeede the unfortunate and deceiving effect of humane prudence. Before these nuptials, pictures of her were spread farre and neere over the greater part of the world, so as there was not a Prince that therewith adorned not the most conspicuous wall of his Pallace, to re∣joyce and recreate by the eyes the internall senses of the heart with an ob∣ject

of such an excelling beauty; onely Durislao King of the Sarmatians, was that one, that taking it away from the common view, stored it up in a secret place, thinking it sacriledge to prophane an image by him reputed celestiall, so much, as to suffer it to be exposed to the survey of the pur∣blind eye of popular judgement. And growing to like it every day more than other, he at length arrived to that passe, as he knew not whether he were more enamoured of the true Doricrene which he had never seene, or of her (by him so continually courted) picture. When at any time he re∣solved to absent himselfe from his Realme to goe to Gaule to see the ori∣ginall, he had not the power to stirre when he came but to take a farewell of the Coppy, conceiting he could not be present with the one, as long as he was absent from the other; nay he would sweare, it did stirre, rejoyce and grieve too, according as it saw the disposition of his affection enclined; to such a point of insensibility had amorous superstition reduced him un∣to, in beleeving false imaginations (the Meteor of his desires) to bee the true effects of sense and reality. But when he heard shee was married in Vlmigaria with a neighbouring diffident Prince, and one whose domini∣ons bordered with his, hee was like to dye with hearts-grefe, rage, and spite; and had resolved (even then suddenly) to have either forcibly ta∣ken or stolen her away, if the extreame griefe which he conceived there∣at, had not (by corrupting his health) stopt the current of that his enter∣prize.

The faire picture exposed then to any ones view, was placed in his sight, at his beds feete, where he two moneths lay sick, nor had he then risen, but for the comforts of his uncle Teuton, who upon information re∣ceived of its cause, sent to tell him;

Hee wondered the fierce Sarmatia could so much degenerate from it selfe, as to have insteede of a martiall King a dejected lover; who for cer∣taine could not possibly be other than a changeling, being those of his Royall Family and blood were never owners of soft & effeminate hearts; which if otherwise hee were indeed a true branch of so Royall a stocke, that hee should then rouze up his spirits and be well, since both lay in his power; warranting him, that the noyse of trumpets would soone awake him from his dump of heavinesse, and a contrary imagination as soone re∣store him to his former health, his love being no other than a meere con∣ceit, and his sicknesse an effect of the like cause: Adding (for his more comfort) that he himselfe had also sought her to wife, but had since with more wholsome counsell withdrawne from her his affection; wishing him to doe the like; or if affection in him (for being the younger man) bare somewhat a greater sway, yet should its force be weakened, by conside∣ring, that if he could leave and slight her when the effect thereof was pos∣sible, much rather then should this nephew of his desist from an impossi∣ble enterprize, necessity teaching him to forget her, and amorous disdaine to abhorre her now that shee was enjoyed by another; or if all this yet sufficed not, yet should he not droopingly abandon himselfe to griefe and heavinesse, but like a brave Bull winne her from out the hands of his rivall, and deprive him not onely of her, but also of his scepter, state, and life. Since Kings have no other law than their wils, nor other Iustice than power and Armes, the rest being but old-wivestales, and fables of weake

and heartlesse men. Promising if he (like himselfe) bravely resolved to doe thus, that then hee should see how he would shew himselfe to be an uncle unto him, they being both of the same family, and having now a joynt colour of quarrell against one and the same enemy; and withall, that he was (for his part) content to let him have to himselfe, and owne toge∣ther with his Mistresse, the booty, honour, and conquest.

This embassie delivered, up got Durislao off his bed, perswasion being a hard Chizell to ding out of his fancie his amorous conceit, and a sharpe spurre to prick him on to disdaine and anger; that sweete love-comman∣ding countenance, that before with its sweet perfections so ravished him, seemed loathsome to him, now that violent passions were chased away by their opposites extreame ones; the faire picture rent off his bed was un∣rooted from out his heart, and the disdaine that succeeded in its place (kin∣dled by the remaining sparkles) flash'd up with an outragious fury.

Behold we now Sarmatia resounding all over with the death-menacing clattering of Armes, and her vaste Champion-fields covered with swar∣ming troupes of man and horse; Fame which saw them mustered (carry∣ing the newes thereof from the next adjacent to the remoter Regions) caused peace to retire to the heavens at the appearance from out their a∣bisse of the infernall Furies, with all the rabble of their haggish traine.

There was betweene Vlmigaria and the other neighbouring Kings a strong defensive league, wherein, though the enemy were not expressely named, yet their intent levelled at Teuton and Durislao; so as at the first notice of the being of so great an army on foote, they hudled together a great number of bodies though few hearts, and each of these few too go∣verned by its feares, and by their inducement rather inclined to truce than fight; whence sprung the source of all the ensuing evils: for, humane pru∣dence teacheth us to embrace peace till it begin to appeare prejudiciall un∣to us; but the dice once cast, the true Cavalier cannot (without exposing himselfe to dangers) manifest his valour, since life and fame cannot equally be cared for.

Durislao appeared on the confines, where he found Defendants enough, or such at least as seemed to be such; who gave him battell, lost it, and fled, or rather indeede fled ere they lost it. The extolled prudence of their Generall, so many yeares before in estimation incomparable, being now tried by a true touch-stone, discovered the falsenesse of its mettle; the mountaines-promising valour of so many Princes that under their pavilli∣ons seemed to be invincible, as soone as it now appeared in open field was beaten downe and trampled, or (at least) put to flight, choosing to lose (rather than hazard their lives) both their dominions, friends, and liber∣ties; yet among all these evils, there was one good thing, that the more base and dastard spirits (preventing the time) gave (by their running away the first) time to the Court to save it selfe by flight, the City being unable to defend it under the command of so faint hearts: their greatest care was to informe themselves, whether the enemy had as yet entred into or sac∣ked the Citie, the terrour whereof so wrought upon their timerousnesse, as many of them forgot their very children in their cradles.

The sweetly-majesticall Queene seeing things reduced to such a point, the Citie and Kingdome lost, the women weeping, and the men standing

staring about them with beteared eyes, and so confusedly crowded toge∣ther, as their disorderly swarming might endanger their escaping with safety: Shee (mounted on horse-back) said thus unto them.

I have no cause to wonder at my women, whose weapons are their teares, but at you, who being Knights by your profession, had not the cou∣rage to defend them, and yet now discover your effeminatenesse so far, as to imitate them in weeping; I can doe no lesse than be astonished; yet (now that I consider it) you doe well; for, it may chance to save your lives, since the enemy (how litle generous soever he be) will scorne to embrue his warlike sword in such cowardly blood as yours. Here without staying for any answer, shee (putting onwards her Steede) spurr'd away, much repenting, shee had not made one in the battell, her heart giving her, that her very presence there had prevented the disaster.

Durislao (having gotten so easie a victory) with his Lance in rest mar∣ched in brave order towards the City, where he found the gates wide o∣pen, and no man that durst either gainesay or withstand him; yet seeing himselfe deprived of his hoped-for spoyles, now thought himselfe to bee rather the conquered than conquerour. Egg'd on therefore by his old love-fits, kindled by the ancient fire that lay raked up in the ashes of his contrary resolution, hee spurr'd onwards to overtake the runne-away Court troupe, who followed by their King, (having abandoned their pe∣culiar charges) had betaken themselves to the speedy legges of their swift Coursers. Discovering the baggage, he hoped to finde there Doricrene, but found nothing answerable to his expectation, there being no other than persons of servile conditions, indifferently unworthy of either his love or hatred. Here understanding for a certaine, that hee could not o∣vertake her (for his comming too late, and her having farre out-strip't him, and that in a crosse-way too) he stop't his course, taking no joy in any thing hee had got, sithence he had lost her, the sole booty that he made any e∣steeeme of.

Whilst hee stood a good while fix't in this imagination, love opened unto his apprehension the doore of humanity, by laying open to his medi∣tation's-consideration, a Queene, a great Kings daughter, deprived of her dominions, forced to flye, and wander through woods and uncouth parts, without having (now that shee had lost her baggage) as much as cloathes to shift her withall; whereat hee could not refraine from drop∣ping out teares amaine; not love now, but meere humanity, a generous spirit, and native nobility ministring him this subject of condoling. Cau∣sing therefore the cariages to advance under the convoy of a strong troupe of horse, hee commanded them to present them her from him, offering her there withall his Royall person to be her knight and servant.

The faire Doricrene gotten out of the Citie, never once turn'd back to looke on it, so diligent was shee in her speedy course, for not falling into the hands of her well-wishing enemy, and unbeloved lover: Onwards galloped she all-alone foremost of all the company, without either drop∣ping a teare or breathing a sigh; but yet her fiery eyes kept every one a∣loofe off her, shee being (for her disposition) generally knowne to owne a generous heart, that never made reckoning of any losses how heavy so∣ever; so as what now troubled her minde was onely the dasterlinesse of

her forces, and their misbehaving themselves; and now shee fled without knowing or caring whither, when at the King's stopping his horse, all the rest made a stand.

My friends (said he) our trouping in this manner were good, if we were to fight, but not to save our selves by flight, as we must doe; we are (yee know) unprovided of victuals, which if we chance to light on by the way, yet will there not be enough for all of us; our better course therefore were, to separate our selves, and take every one of us that way fortune shall direct him in; and if the Gods shall ever hereafter behold me with a more propitious eye, I will then remember such as have well served mee. Here licensing and embracing them one after another, he burst forth into such a passionate weeping, that the Queene become thereat impatient, girked her Palfrey and so (followed onely by one Gentle woman) in an instant got out of all their sights: Away shee rode shee knew not whither, onely shee (as neere as shee could ghesse) directed her course towards that starre which the King at their parting seemed to tend his too, till losing the sight thereof at her entring into a Forrest, shee committed her selfe to the discretion of her horse, who (somewhat after mid-night) brought her to a litle dwelling, where she stopp'd her pace, and espying some light there, shee threw her selfe off her horse, her Gentlewoman not being able to a∣light without helpe; peering then through the key-hole, shee might see an old hermit, that praysed God with unfained devotion, and so attentive∣ly, as he heard not the trampling of the horses, nor had hee but for the neighing of one of them heeded them when he did; but then, not stay∣ing till they knocked, he courteously opened the doore, without asking who was there: No sooner saw hee the guest, than that hee (used to the splendor of Royall Majesties) fail'd litle in ghessing what shee was, con-Ceiving in an instant the merits, if not the titles of so high a presence: Ta∣king then a light in his hand, he went out, cloathing his countenance with a welcome-speaking charity so gravely-gladsome as the Queene become consolated, thereat said unto him.

Father, may it be permitted us to stay here with you, till the comming of the new day? being wee know not whither to goe, we having lost our company and they us: Whereunto the good old man with a respective humblenesse made answer.

Worthy Lady, to a person of your quality all things should be permit∣ted, except suffering, therefore your stay here depends on your own will, though the discommodiousnesse of your entertainment in so homely a place cannot be as I could wish it were; so as albeit I have (for the service of the Gods) made choyse of a voluntary poverty, yet would I thinke it no sinne to wish for a momentary proportion of riches to serve and ac∣commodate you; with that helping downe off her horse the Gentlewo∣man, he lead the Steeds to a neere-adjoyning Cottage, where, casting his eye on the furniture, he saw wrought in gold on the saddle, the Armes of that Kingdome, whereby he (not ignorant of the comming of the ene∣mie) conceived rightly who shee was; entring then into his cell, and ob∣serving her to be the very same as had been formerly described unto him, he said unto her.

And what misfortune (Royall Madame) leades your Majestie so alone,

& at so late an houre into my poore lodging? Let me howsoever bewaile the universall miseries, since your unparralled constancie teacheth me to suffer your private ones to passe without any teare. Is that goodly king∣dome lost (Madame, I beseech you?) which if it be, then are we lost too, & utterly ruin'd (for company) with it; yet is that losse of our infinitely augmented by the losse of your Majestie, which was the richest purchase that ever wee acquired?

The Queene unwilling to leave unsatisfied so good an inclination; I am not (honest friend) answered shee, the first that was, nor shall I be the last that shall be oppressed by the tyrannie of fortune; though yet its violen∣ces have indeede no force against such as esteeme them not, as its blowes are weake to a constant minde arm'd for them long before: But since I see you know me, you shall doe me a speciall piece of service in shewing mee some secure way, for, I shall not thinke my losses great, so I but escape the being made the enemies prey.

The Hermit (drying his beteared eyes) assured her, he would guide her on such a way as should (God willing) bring her beyond all danger; and then making her a frittado of egges and milke he set it before her, whereof shee (not having eaten any thing all that day) willingly tasted, and then being by him pray'd to repose her selfe on his straw-bed, shee there laid her downe, giving her selfe over (for the space of two houres) to a sound and sweete sleepe.

The good man in the meane time looking to the horses carefully, atten∣ded his time of awaking her, which was a good while before day, and causing her to ride with her woman hard by her, he led them the way, ha∣ving much adoe (although he were well acquainted with the Forrest) to finde the way out, warning them, not to speake a word; all thereabouts being a dangerous place fortheeves, whom hee yet hoped to escape by keeping wide off their dens. The journey through the wood endured as long as the night lasted, there appearing unto their view by that time it was day the open fields and houses, but so abandoned that no living soule was to be seene in any of them.

Assured of her being out of danger, shee thought to license the old man, and in the way of almes to give him a diamond, which he refused to accept of, with telling her.

Such things (Madame) befit not me, who am obliged to serve you as I am a Knight; and besides, as I am a religious man my gemmes are those above, whose beauty and order make me comprehend the Deity; I will waite on you yet a litle farther (if you please to give me leave) of purpose to declare unto you a case, which, if the having of company in adversity can give any comfort to an oppressed heart, will afford yours (I am per∣swaded) no small argument of consolation.

The Queene hearing he was a Knight, used him with a greater respect, and therefore the more earnestly importuned his returne, till seeing him resolved to accompany her yet farther, shee said unto him.

Kinde Father, the journey will be too great a trouble for you to goe on any farther, which if that you doe, is (I assure) much against my will; yet sithence you will neede have it so, I will not refuse your courtesie in hea∣ring the story you would tell me; where at he drawing neerer her, spake as followeth.

I (Madame) am a native of Norwey, a great Kingdome; which though it lye situated under a very cold clime, is not yet 10 barren that it enjoyes not many benefits of Nature, Gimislao was the last that there sway'd scep∣ter, a Prince exceeding well conditioned to suite with the birth of a pri∣vate man, but too too simple for a Soveraigne King, which prov'd by con∣sequence to be prejudiciall no lesse to his subjects than himselfe. Teutone King of Seandinavia who of (whilome) so poore a petty King is now come to be so great a Monarch, casting an observant eye on the simplici∣ty of Gimislao, never left him, till (by deceiving him by fained signes of friendship) he had wrested him out of his dominions; whereof though he (harmelesse Prince) was often warned by divers, (and among them by my undeserving selfe in particular) yet was it never possible to make him understand it, so as he (unfortunate man) was in the same time assaulted and pillaged of all that hee had, saving with much adoe his person by flight, the two Princes his sonnes remaining behinde in the hands of for∣tune. I (that had bred them up, and from the beginning of the warre had safely placed them in a strong castle, knowing it could not hold out long when all the rest were once lost) abandoned the Father already past all helpe) to save the sonnes from the tyrranous pawes of the usurper, I cloa∣thed them then poorely; and suiting my selfe in the like equipage, I bare-foote and bare-legg'd conducted them (as mine) through the midst of the enemies army, assured by poverty which no man tooke notice of: Gotten to the sea, I sayled prosperously, the winde driving me to the Cimbrians, who (in maintenance of their liberty) wage continuall warre with Teutone: There found we Gimislao, who repenting him too late of his over-coldnesse, moved even the very stones with the pittifull moane he made for regaining his Realme; and after, having spent in spies and leavying of troupes the litle treasure he brought with him, he died a beg∣gar for want of any one to releeve him, ambition assayling him now out of season, who was as incapable of riches with a kingdome, as of poverty with a private life; having performed for him his last rites of funerall, I seeing the impossibility of establishing the Princes in their dominions, left them in pay with those people; and then examining (by the vanity of the world) the inconstancie of fortune, and how moving the wheele wherein shee gir'd was, I resolved to bid her adieu, and to retire my selfe some-where, where neither shee nor humane hopes should ever any more de∣ceive or molest me: Travelling then through many countries, I chanced (at last) to light on and like the place that I now reside in, where the me∣ditation of divine things rid my mind of terrene affections, making me be∣come farre more happy in my present poverty, stript of all vaine desires, than I was in worldly riches and honours, incumbred with insatiable af∣fections, grieving onely that I had not knowne sooner, that 'tis meerely o∣pinion that torments the minde, a torture that ever augments the unhappi∣nesse of humane life.

I thought good (Madame) to tell you this short story, for ministring un∣to your present state some argument of consolation, and that you might support your losses with a minde worthy your selfe. Which said, he kis∣sing the skirt of her garment, returned without either taking any further leave, or staying for other answer.

The Queene calling to minde that her husbands last resolution was to goe to the Cimbrians, was no whit affraid to see her selfe alone, but still holding straight forwards on that way, shee found at the waxing browne of the evening a few cottages, where shee was lovingly (though poorely) entertained. The day following shee saw no body. On the third shee met with a young countrey-swaine, that with a piece of bread in his hand was chasing away his hunger. And shee that the day before had not eaten any thing, and the fore-past dayes but very litle, prick'd on by the spurre of famine said unto him:

Impart me (good lad) I pray thee, some of thy bread, and I will wil∣lingly requite thee for it. The boy that till then had never seene a woman of so majestick an appearance (paring off with a knife that part where his teeth had bitten) reached unto her the rest with a liberall readinesse; and then seeing them and their horses too almost starved for hunger, hee (ser∣ving them for a guide) led them into a village, where shee was unexpe∣ctedly met by her husband, accompanied with a few others; who fearing till then that shee had beene lost, joyed now very much to see her safely escaped.

Advertized afterwards of the enemies sending her her wardrope that was comming a litle after them, with one who in his name came to pre∣sent her with it; shee (in an anger) rose up, and calling for her Palfry an∣swered them, that shee would have none of her enemies gifts, and much wondred that they were not sent backe when they were first proffer'd; which said, shee rode on, (followed by her traine) till shee came to the Cimbrians, whither were a little before arrived from Gaule many Ladies and Knights, among whom was Elicarncta Dutchesse of Monconciaco, daughter to the old Dutchesse that had beene her governesse. The plea∣sure and joy which shee then conceived in seeing her, exceeded her past∣grievances and displeasures: The Dutchesse exceeding by qualities not ordinary, all ordinary merits, though great in that sex; thither was shee come (good Lady) extreamely afflicted both in minde and body; in mind for the incomparable crosse-fortunes of her beloved Mistresse; in body for the weaknesse of her tenderly-delicate complexion, which imitating the delicacie of her noble conditions (the singular deliciousnesse of that Court) seemed to teach us, that nature formes complexions with declina∣tion and disadvantage after the image and according to the excellencie or defect of spirits; Weepe they did, but not much, so just were they in paying every one its due, a few teares dropp'd they for the infortunate, omitting not though the consolation due to prudence.

Irinico that (in the meane time) could not either with embassies or rea∣sons disswade the Scandinavian from siding with the Sarmatan King a∣gainst his sonne-in-law, hearing now of his overthrow, and being not able to re-install him by Armes; smoothering the injury, thought with him∣selfe to prosecute the affaire of matrimony (the Prince Elimante being already enamoured of his pretended wife) hoping that this meanes might open him the way to the restitution of what was taken away from his daughter; but the marriage being all this while unconcluded on, he resol∣ved to permit the Prince to goe himselfe in person into Scandinavia, there to prosecute the enjoying of his loves; accordingly he goes thither un∣knowne,

giving out, that hee went to travell as a Knight-errant into other parts: Arrived there, he saw the King, whom (though the home-glasse of many yeares were since runne out) he yet knew by that Embassad our that had beene at his Fathers, a caveat that taught his intellect to guide his behaviour somewhat the more warily; become in that regard more cau∣telous of concealing himselfe than before, he assaid all the meanes his in∣vention could propose to come to the sight of the Princesse, who stirring abroad but very seldome, by consequence could be but seldome seene: But prudence and love, or rather a prudent love instructing him farre a∣bove his yeares, and discreetely governing him in all his wayes, hee came (I know not how) to have ingresse into a parke where for her health's sake shee used to walke sometimes all alone in.

The Prince was cloath'd in the habit of a Squire, and though his Roy∣all greatnesse remain'd not vailed by the disguise of the habit he was cloa∣thed in, yet was it neverthelesse shadowed with a certaine taking-kinde of humility, wherewith hee beleeving to hide it from the fight of others, made it become (indeede) in the eyes of all men more observed, and re∣gardfull for its inexpressibly-sweet delightsomnesse, and rarely selfe-pe∣culiar hearts-winning amability.

The Princesse had (given her by her Father) Elimanto's picture sent from Irinico, and now walking all alone, shee opening its Diamantine co∣ver, heedfully beheld it; when casting her eye aside towards a by-corner not farre off the place where shee walked, shee discovered its true origi∣nall: Start back at the unexpected sight of him shee did not, but drew her eye from the artificiall to the naturall; and then beleeving shee was not deceived in the certainety of her conjecture, said unto her selfe. Sure this is Elimanto.

Hee pierced through the heart with that sudden glance, had surely fain∣ted, but that love received himselfe before him the shaft shot by the bow of her faire eyes, (a pittie not imputable either to piety or vertue, know∣ing him without any new wounds to bee already wounded, and withall, that he could not (in case he kill'd him out-right) so triumph over him as he intended.)

Elimanto tooke on him to be by this encounter surprized at unawares, and doing her submissive reverence, made a shew of retiring himselfe, when shee asked him whom he belong'd unto, and how hee got in there: The answer was.

Most excellent Madame, it is not long since the Knight my Master died, and then I desirous to see, and seeke a fortune in this great Court, for the famousnesse thereof, came hither to that end; for the rest, I beseech your Highnesse pardon, for my being got in hither as a stranger, curious to see what I had never seene before.

Vpon this, Celene asking him if he had ever knowne her before, and if not, how he then came to know shee was the Princes? I never had (in∣deede) the happinesse to see your Highnesse before (answered her the Prince) but yet to know you is as easie as to know the sunne by its shi∣ning rayes; besides, my comming from a countrey, in which your High∣nesse is knowne by pictures, merits, and relations, I might say by love too, if I thought there were any Prince living worthy of your Highnesse:

At this Celene smiled with a gentle gravity, without taking off him her eye, more certaine than before that hee was Elimanto; then asking him what Countrey that hee spake of was, and understanding it was Gaula Belgica, shee not daring to passe any farther held her peace: But he with a courage spurr'd on by a sincere affection) proceeded.

If Prince Elimanto could but imagine me here, I am sure hee would with all his heart exchange beings with me, he owning not that affect that more sweetly tortures him, than the desire of serving your Highnesse; so as if the affaire of the-by-him-so-ardently-desired-nuptials be not short∣ly determined, I would not give one of these leaves for his life.

Knoweth-you then the Prince? (said Celene) if yea, why then suffers he you to goe seeke any other Master? Yes Madame (said he) he knowes me, but is as willingly content that any of his subjects travell hither, as he would more gladly come himselfe, so (as I dare say) that this sole favour (I am now honoured with in seeing your Highnesse) would suffice, to make him the happiest of all the Princes in the world; how then can he choose but be well content, that others come here for service, your High∣nesse being Soveraigne Mistresse of his desires, and by all his so reputed? And could I be but so fortunate, in joyning the desire to the effect so farre, as that your Highnesse would be pleased to receive me into your service; Prince Elimanto would thinke a great part of his desires accomplished in my being so for his sake accepted, the most honourable marke of your Princely favour that your Highnesse can favour him withall.

My favours (said then Celene) stand at the dispose of the King my Fa∣ther, of whom I have not as yet received any command to any such pur∣pose; but you (for being a stranger, and hapning to come to me before a∣ny other) I will accept into my service, seeing the desire you have to serve me. With that, bidding a Lady that followed her, to cause him to be (on her behalfe) entertained of her Stuart, shee yet held him some while lon∣ger in discourse, growing to be ever more and more assur'd, that shee had not judged amisse.

Elimanto seeing himselfe at his first entrance so highly favoured by for∣tune, conceived a confident hope of a good issue therein; and conferring by night with his Fathers Embassadour, under colour of bringing him letters, made him when hee knew him) tremble to thinke of his no lesse bold than dangerous enterprize, Teutone being of all Princes the most malicious, whose honour-despising resolutions had no other scope, than his owne private profit.

Litle lesse than a whole yeares time lived Elimanto in this habit, and yet the businesse went on never a whit all this while, one day suggesting unto the other new articles of difficulty to hinder its conclusion. Nor had he (good Prince) beene yet disinveagled so soone as he was neither, (so in∣tent were all his thoughts on the object of his love) but for the Princesse her selfe, who was the first that shew'd him the false carde dealt him.

Now shee had endeavoured by all the meanes shee could, to carry her selfe fairely; for though of tender yeares, yet being at one and the selfe same time no lesse prudent than upright-hearted, divers conjectures had made her imagine, that her Father treated of this alliance with no faire meaning; so as shee gave not her affection full power to settle it selfe

wholly on Elimanto, doubting lest he should be betraid, and so excluded from her; watching therefore continually an occasion to cleere her imagi∣nation of that doubt, Fortune at length favoured her better than she expe∣cted; for, chancing to be one day in her Fathers gallery, whereinto no man entred but himself alone, she at the chamber-doore heard him in discourse with one of his Councell & favourites; saying, he was sorry that the King of the Sarmatans carried not himselfe more sagely in his courses than he seemed to doe, since being assured of having Celene, and that the holding of Irinico in hopes, was but to establish what he had already conquered, and to facilitate the way for acquiring of more; he had (for all that) im∣portuned him with perpetuall embassies, as if the jealousie of Doricrene could not be otherwise extinguished than with the new love of his daugh∣ter. A foule shame for a great Prince to love women for affections sake, whereas his love should have no other end than his owne proper ends and interesses. Whereof in respect hee had divers times written unto him without being able to make him yet conceive the mysterie of his intenti∣on, hee was now resolved to send him thither to tell him by word of mouth: That Celene was his, and should be no other mans, since he neither would nor indeede could settle her in a better or fitter place, their blood and interesses loudly proclaiming her his; That the late conquest of Vl∣migaria did but make his way to greater enterprizes, if he would be but ruled by him, if not, that then he might chance to encounter with greater difficulties than he yet imagined; That his intention was to goe on the way he had begun, which was, to procure Armes of Irinico (that hang rusting on the wals) under the hopes of the marriage of Celene to his son; That therefore if he heard of any treaty about it, he should not be (in the least manner) moved thereat, nor in any case beleeve it, though his eares and eyes with all his outward senses shewed it him concluded: That his designe was to negotiate it till such time, as their joynt Standard-royall and victorious Armes (passing the Rhene and Elbe) were displaid victori∣ous in the Countries and dominions of Irinico, where he had infinite de∣pendents that favoured their faction. And that so high a designe merited his patience, the delay not depriving him of his Spouse, but presenting him (together with her) occasions to make him become the famousest King that ever wore Crowne; to these added he many other instructions tending all to one and the same purpose: But here the Princesse (for feare of being espied) retired, astonished at such a master-plot of treachery and being conditioned differently from her Father, could not choose but fa∣vour Elimanto's true affection, and correspond thereunto as farre as her honour permitted her, so as shee resolved (whatsoever came on't) to open the matter unto him that he might be gone his wayes, and dispose other∣wise of his affection.

All this while had shee governed her selfe with such circumspection, that he could never perceive that shee knew him, and he (on the other side) was endued with such a singular modesty, as he had not the boldnesse to discover himselfe, content onely to contemplate in the sunne (as doth a generous Eagle) those rayes he so admired and loved; and though youth prompt him on to more bold resolutions, yet bore reason and discretion in him a greater stroake than any other affect whatsoever.

Celene went (according as shee was wont) into her parke to walke, whi∣ther causing to be brought her by Elimante (that gave out his name to be Velusio) a litle mantle (which she usually wore to keepe her from the cold ayre when shee walked) shee thus bespake him.

Velusio, I have hitherto knowne thee so discreete, that I hope thou wilt serve me faithfully in a businesse wherein I meane to imploy thee; which is, that thou returne to thy countrey, and tell Prince Elimante from me, that all the meanes which hee and his Father use to obtaine me are but meerely vaine, the King my Father being resolved to dispose otherwise of me; acquaint him further, that his love hath obliged me to correspond him, if not in love, yet (at least) in good will, which hath transported me to discover unto him this countries crossing of his designe, seeing I cannot (with my honour) requite him with any greater or other expression of my gratitude; here told shee him all that shee had heard, charging him to part suddenly, and to advise Elimante to alter the object of his love, and thinke of another wife: I know not whether or no there distilled at these words some humidity from her faire eyes, for, the staidnesse of her coun∣tenance and speech made not any shew of any greater affect than her lan∣guage uttered. To describe the case Elimante was in, were impossible for me, whose heart (good Prince) was so overwhelmed with extreamity of anguish, that if anger & disdaine (which served for a compound cordiall) had not sustained his drooping spirits in their functions, he had doubtlesse sunke to the ground: But considering how much it then stood him upon, he with a generous resolution returned her this answer.

Incomparable Madame, I yeeld your Highnesse the greatest thankes that I can expresse or imagine, since the favour you doe me farre excels any merit of mine, onely in one respect I may thinke my selfe worthy, which is, that your Highnesse shall not be deceived in the opinion you conceive of my fidelity. I see in this businesse two great extreames; the King, and your Highnesse: Prince Elimante (though betrayed) will never repent him of having served so high and vertuous a Princesse, whose ex∣emplary gratitude shall make him thinke well employed all the time spent in bearing with the ingratitude of others. I shall acquaint him with as much as your Highnesse commands me, beseeching you to rest assur'd, that he will never forget his beholdingnesse to your Highnesse for so great a favour; One sole thing I doubt of, (which is) that the badnesse of the newes will goe neere to kill him, and by so much the rather, that in the losse which he sustaines, the same in the very act of its losing shewes the inestimablenesse of its excellencie and value. But the Princesse having not the heart to answer him (her constancie beginning now to faile her) without further speech to him, went and placed her selfe among the La∣dies.

The Prince making no longer tarrying (having conferr'd with his Fa∣thers Embassadour, and changed his apparrell) departed thence, arriving within few dayes at his owne home, where unbuttoning his brest, he pluc∣ked out thence the wrongs done him. Hee burst off the treaty, and would (if his Father had suffered him) have broken off the peace too; howsoe∣ver, the seeming preparation he is now busied about, makes the world ex∣pect for warres.

The other Princes stand all of them observing the issue, desirous to free themselves from suspicions and hidden treacheries, though with manifest dangers; and I am now going to recall Polimero Prince of Sardinia, (now many yeares sithence banished, through the occasion of the King his Fa∣ther-in-lawes-doting fits) to the end he, returned home, may (if neede be) make one with the rest. This is the danger wherein weare: The world on that part hath one sole enemy, superior to any one, inferior to all toge∣ther; this is knowne unto all, and yet such as can withstand him, will not; they shut their eyes, and runne for company downe the streame of the rui∣ned to their owne utter ruine, thinking themselves more hurt with the bi∣ting of a flea that skips in their shirts, than with the venemous teeth and poysoned breath of the dragon, that both infects them and devoures their dominions. Some Princes there are, that (for certaine rules) cannot leave off siding with the Scandinavian, though they be sure to be in the end op∣pressed, or (which is the least evill they can hope for) to be of free-men made first subjects, and then slaves: Others thinke it a happinesse to be the last that perish. We have none of us any prudence, but are all carried to action it we doe any thing) by spirits of confusion, and brought to that passe, that the Gods (being pleased to punish mortals) reduce them unto, which is, to deprive them of their diviner part their understanding.

Here held the ancient Knight his peace, seconded with a sad silence of all, full of that horror wherewith an unexpected evill encumbers mens spirits: But the Druide having stood a good while with downe-cast eyes, thinking his present profession obliged him to speake, knew not well what to resolve of; so distracted was he with a passionate affection that egg'd him on, to make others beleeve that, which reason suffered not himselfe to give any credit unto. Now he had ever since the arrivall of the Vene∣dotian Knight had great conflicts in his minde about his returne, but his first deliberation growne up now to the hight of obstinacie, tyed him fast to his resolution of not parting; though love and filiall duty perswaded him strongly to the contrary, insomuch as he perswaded himselfe that that was his best course, now that the entrance into wholsome counsels was shut up, and that hee fostered (in their steede) imaginations, which being once tasted, it is a hard matter to forget their smacke, & leave them to catch hold of the reall substance and guile-detesting truth.

Having then heard this story treating of a publick State, which impo∣sed on him a necessity of changing his purpose, hee gladly would for not changing it have deceived himselfe, with beguiling also the rest of the company, and perswading them to thinke well of that opinion, which he knew in his owne conscience to be starke naught.

This noble Knights tale (said hee) hath horrible appearances, and minds taken at unawares may easily conceive fears to be where none are, by measuring the effects, or rather the expectation of them with the de∣ceivable rule of false good and false evill: Here is presented to our view an altered and a new world, as if it and its accidents had not ever been the same, sithence it first began to have a beeing; not that I deny alterations, but consider them in the revolution of times, which if they could choose but be changed, mutations then could not but be denied; but if they be at this present in a bad state, they shall (no doubt) hereafter be in a goood

one. 'Tis ordinary for old men to praise the greennesse of their youth, and for Poets to runne on the commendation of the Spring, yet perceive not the former, that if they were not waxen old, nothing would seeme alte∣red unto them; Cities, townes, and houses would then have the selfe same aspects, and appeare unto them with the very same beauty; menthen should have their delights confined to past-sports, would taste all meates with the same rellish, and the spirit glutted and tired with merry thoughts, farre distant from mellancholike Philosophie, would not be capable of such differences, no not so much as to imagine that any such were or could be. Poets likewise would say, that the world were ever the same, or if it ever altered, that then it rather bettered than otherwise; for, in later ages were never knowne (as in the first) brother-killers without any precedent example, promiscuous lusts without shame or punishment, incests with fa∣thers, nor a thousand other mischiefes and lewde villanies.

Alterations of States, civill and domestick enmities, pestilences and famines have beene in all times; so have there ever beene eclipses, light∣ning, thunderbolts, droughts, earth-quakes and comets; and if not al∣wayes deluges, no more doth there alwayes meete in the deepest of the heavens in the signe Cancer the great conjunction of Iove and Saturne: Be∣sides, the Gods (which is indeede the true reason) doe not alwayes punish us according to our deservings. The world though placed in the midst of the ayre, yet falls not, its owne nature upholds it, and makes it durable for alterations, without which the heaven and earth would seeme to us to be of iron. If it be so; then things present should not seeme so strange to us, (seeing they are but even what have beene before) nor yet afflict us, if leaving naturall considerations, we accoast to the supernaturall, which may alone serve us for a true rule in all things. Men talke of a generall re∣volution in the world, by which most beleeve, that the buds of the grow∣ing Monarchy is to be prun'd off, no otherwise, than if we thought it pos∣sible to strike a naile in the celestiall wheele, or beleev'd that the dispo∣sition of the Gods were unto us as prejudiciall as incomprehensible: But if we beleeve that there are Gods, and that they have a provident care o∣ver us, doth it not imply, that the meanes of their providence stand above the reach of our knowledge, and that they oftentimes make for our good, when they seeme in our eyes to worke our prejudice? Humane mindes (capable onely of the individuall things present) measure all eternall uni∣versall acts by the short Ell of their clouded capacity, not considering, how that the infinite essence hath a constant care of the finite, with an Idea of eternity, which we comprehend not: for, to comprehend it, would be required an instrument proportionable, which is divinity, being a rule fit to square all things by, from which are derived, and wherein ends the circle of the whole universe and all things therein contained, with a per∣petuall undeceivable gire, not casuall, but predeterminate & certaine, so as our oppositions cannot hinder it, nor our reasons perswade it to alter its course. Which if it so be, to what end then serve either our feares or com∣plaints? And againe, if it be not so, what good doe our Altars or Tem∣ples doe us? What! are there no Gods at all? well! we'le then be gods to ourselves, and may then rest confident, that in whatsoever we doe or take in hand, either the strongest or subtlest will prevaile; Let the hopes

and feares of the life to come then cease, nor let us any more vainely spend either our time or blood for maintaining the opinion of Deities in this pre∣sent life, not knowing either what or who they are: But if such both are indeed, and will needs have these alterations, let's then cede to their pow∣er and will, it befitting not us to know or dispute the reason why, but humbly to kisse the whip wherewith wee are scourged: Nor should our having in our owne hands the disposing of our owne free-will make us be∣leeve that we are (for all that) withdrawne from under the subjection of their providence; for if it so were, then were that providence in vaine, and divinity quite abolished, or at least idle, unactive, and uncapable of any operation: Now then if any Gods be, doubtlesse they doe foresee and provide, not that which we, but what they in their inscrutable wise∣dome judge expedient for us; And if to withstand or repine at what befals us be to oppugne the divine providence, then who-so beleeveth, opposeth it not, but obeyeth their irresistable wils, and suffers this wheele to runne round, since it cannot but gire, to the end its standing still make it not be∣come contrary to the nature of the eternall motion. The world could not conserve it selfe in its generall beeing but for corruption, which in it in∣genders singular things of their owne essence; and this change is that so much spoken of vicissitude, by which the Gods abase and exalt whom and what they please.

These are the reasons which for the one only (though the onely good) part, may partly be alleadged in this matter.

For the other, I see no reason of opposing rising commands, or growing Monarchies; be it of Prince or people; of Princes, they know that theirs must one day come to a period, and therefore the signes foreshewing it being once come, they should not either impugne them, or oppose the will of Fate. Alteration is lesse violent in ceding than withstanding, The bow that bends not, breakes: But grant, that they will defend themselves, tell me, will they doe it solely or joyntly? If solely, the inferiority then of forces will be the touch-stone of their losses; if accompanied, then the disaccompanying of their interesses will reserve them by such delay for a greater precipice. The colleagues have all of them their particular and severall ends, and when in the extreame ruines of their fellowes they see themselves likely to escape the being ruined for that present, they ne∣glect to succour them in the field, and withdraw their hand from the community of their perils, for feare of falling with them. Examples there∣of we have enough in the present dayes, without borrowing any from past ages; but could a Prince be alwayes in the same state, it were doubtlesse better for him: The worst is that, which this noble Knight tels us; That the world become senselesse, neither sees nor feeles its owne imminent evils; That the enemy may ever runne and rove wheresoever he list, the impediments being few and weake; That who-so can withstand him, is by fatall inconsideration become so confident as he will not doe it; being all of them signes, whereby Princes are admonished to foresec, and with prompt remedy to provide for the evils that hang over their heads, which in wils so disjoyned in such a conjunction of perils and interesses, I see not how they can otherwise doe than by ceding; since yeelding brings farre lesser losses than utter undoing.

For the people, I know no necessity of their ruining themselves with their Soveraignes, they are alwayes sure to serve one or other; to what end then should they purchase a ruinous decaying servitude at the price of their blood, and ruine of their countrey? Must the ambition (forsooth) of Princes destroy the world? the Fates forbid that; Why they have commanded already their shares, let them therefore (a gods name) give place to others. Have they more pretension in what they or their Ance∣stors acquired, than others have had? Were they borne (trow we) Prin∣ces with the world, or came they by that dignity after a long succession of yeares, and after others that ruled before them? If so, the first that got it, could he come by it otherwise than by violence? and if by such meanes, why then may not another doe the like? The selfe same shall in future a∣ges befall our present Conquerours, who for being by then founded on the continuation of a long possession, will thinke it an injury to them what now they make no scruple of doing to others, though indeed it neither then will be, nor now is such. The world is a scene where are represented its accidents; the spectators are the Gods, who delighting themselves in humane things, would take no pleasure therein, if they continued to be al∣wayes the same; they will that their power shine over all; and such men as ordinary (though miraculous) things cannot illuminate, must bee ta∣ken out of darkenesse by extraordinary meanes: In fine, I beleeve, the Gods deprive not Princes of their judgement and valour, but to bring in new personages in a new commedy, and the scene being theirs, they may represent there what they please, and we can but serve them at a beck, in taking up and letting downe the hangings, and in putting a hand to the machines, and being employed in other common and meaner services, whilst the Princes appearing in the sceane (sometimes happy, and some other times miserable, one while triumphant, and another while captives) shew themselves in the Catastrophe to be subject to a power greater than theirs.

Here ended the Druide, when the Venedotian Knight, who had many timés changed his colour, seeing him now silent, rose up and said.

Feredo Prince of Vencdotia (even this same (my Lords) you here see in this habit) and with that turning towards him; I beseech your Highnesse (said he on) to pardon my discovering you.

The times now permit you not to be any longer confin'd to these weeds, nor with them to those resolutions that ruine the person of so great a Prince; you pretend that humane judgement, for being deprived of the right instrument to judge things by, is deceivable; and true it is: But be it what it will, either you were not pleased to expresse it, or else you would not seeme to know it, for doubt of being induced to yeeld to what you might by irrefuteable arguments be perswaded unto. The Gods (with your gracious pardon) are not that instrument, though they be indeed the Authors and the end thereof; nor in giving it us, give they us themselves, but their assistant grace, whereby we are made capable of using it; nor yet have they been pleased to bestow it upon us in an incomprehensible way, beyond the capacity of our senses, as they themselves are; lest we should then impudently deny it, as they themselves have beene sometimes im∣piously renounced; to prevent which, they have naturally engrafted it in

us, and withall made us doubly sensible of having it in our heart, and in our intellect; Conscience that witnesse against our selves, is that instrument, that conscience which I will terme Naturall, to distinguish it from the Re∣ligious one. By this Naturall Conscience, I meane that remorse common to all creatures, which though voide of reason, are not (for all that) deprived of a certaine knowledge of the evils they commit, more or lesse accor∣ding to the degrees of their capacities; and such a conscience is singular in us in the yeares of our infancie.

A Religious Conscience I intend to be that, whose object is Divinity, but for being built upon divers lawes (contrary or disaccording) cannot be so generall, as to forme this instrument; Naturall Conscience then, as a com∣mon immutable principle, shall serve us for a rule in our affaires, without neglecting (for all that) the use of the religious one, when we treate of the Gods, or of their operations in us.

Let us now then first see, if Princes and people be indifferently bound to conserve, those their dominion, these their present state; or if the pre∣text of predestination or divine will doth constraine them to runne to ruine, for default of defending themselves: For the Princes, my Prince here beleeves there is no reason for it, since their owne interesses will make them use the meanes. For the people, he speakes neerer the quick of the seeming trueth; for he holds them exempted of all defence, for not receiving any change thereby (as touching the naturall conscience) and for not opposing the divine will in obsequiousnesse to the religious one. But I (being (under correction) of a contrary opinion) say, that they ought to shunne by all meanes any new principality; for being by the re∣ligious Conscience thereto bound by oathes of fealty and obedience. And the alleadging, that the beginnings of Monarchies were violent, is a rea∣son that (under favour) proves not his, but my opinion; since when the Law declareth things unowned to be his that first comes to the enjoying of them, it shewes cleerely the property thereof to be by naturall reason such or such a ones: And the same Law that by the selfe same reasons would take away all occasions of contentions that might spring from old pretensions, gives us likewise prescription of time, which being expired, declares the things in controversie to be under the dominion of the last possessor; But I admit not this violence, much lesse beleeve it to have bin a degree to the first Signiories: For, if it be true, that golden ages first were and afterwards degenerated, 'tis strange to me, since I finde them not now degenerated nor abased, but rather reduced to a finer caract and a better state than ever they were before in.

Nature desires Monarchy and will needs have it; wee see not any one thing that depends not on another. The Sunne lords over the Planets, a∣mong beasts the Lion rules, and of birds the Eagle is soveraigne; The secondary causes also depend on one prime singular; the affects and tem∣peratures are subject to one predominating Element; the soule rules the body, the father his children and family; if then every litle house hath by nature its King, why shall not then a City, a Province, nay a whole Nation have one? The first that reduced men together, did it not to lord over, but to instruct and disciplinate them; nor can indeed a Teacher dis∣charge well the function of a Teacher, without jurisdiction over his Dis∣ciples;

and the Heavens that would have a Monarchy among men, as in other things brought in for Monarches elevated wits, which were the first that began to oversway the depressed and servile: And though I did admit (which I doe not) that the streame of Monarchies sprung from the fountaine of tyrannie, yet might I gather thence the learning of good government by bad (as by the infirmity the medicine, and by it the restau∣ration of health) which being an inestimable treasure, let us endeavour as much more to conserve it, as in procuring its reduction from tyrannie to a legitimate and necessary Magistracie, whereby and by whose meanes man-kinde is governed and made happy. So farre therefore are those that first ruled out of the reach of accusation, that even antiquity it selfe hath (to eternize their memories) honoured them as Gods.

The people then ought (for the religious conscience's sake) to obey their Princes, and (for the naturall one) to doe the same for their owne peculiar interesses. Never was there State seene passe from one govern∣ment to another without its owne proper violence of Lawes or customes, which being so violated, breakes the peace, and ingenders factions and sometimes insurrections, by reason of the Subject's being restrain'd to new lawes and orders contrary to the first; a passion in Nature intollera∣ble: Besides that, a new Prince, though he enter never so peaceably, can∣not yet otherwise choose but come arm'd, so as the Subject's goods and houses remaine to be exposed to the Souldiers, and justice in the hand of new Ministers under new termes and lawes: And if the change chance to be from a bad Prince to a worser, or from a good to a bad one, should not then an indifferent and easie servitude be preferr'd before an heavy and intollerable one: The comparison demonstrating unto us, that a great difference in things, though of the selfe-same species, makes them become not onely unequall but opposite? My Lord (the Prince) counsels as a Druide, that which as a Prince hee surely would not doe, which is, that considering the confusion and ill intelligence among Princes, and seeing the signes of the divine will to threaten (as it were) their ruine, it would prove their best course, quietly and patiently to endure the yoake of the divine will, and withall as willingly to subject themselves to the hand of man for feare of perishing. But I would faine know, who will or can assure me of the will of the Gods? or in case I might be thereof as∣sur'd, yet who will calculate me the degrees thereof, or shew me the li∣mits of its extent? But will they needs have me undone howsoever? In∣deede, if I looke into my owne demerits, it will be no difficult matter to induce me to beleeve it, nay I doubt me, that by this reason most, if not all the world would be undone.

That then which concernes me to know more particularly, is, Whe∣ther they will deprive me of my dominion totally, or with it subject me to another, or neither this nor that, but afflict me with long warres? If no man can tell it me, how shall I then behave my selfe for not opposing the divine will? Nature teacheth me to defend my selfe. The Gods for∣bid me not to doe it, and men will commend me for so doing; none will blame me for it save mine enemies, to whom only my vertue will be de∣testable, for being prejudiciall unto them. If to conserve my state I bow my neck to the yoake of subjection, I shall then oppose the Gods, in case

their will be to have me either afflicted or utterly ruined; the same may I say of any other election of mine. The Gods when they are disposed to subject, ruine, or afflict me, will not send me Geniuses to buzze or trum∣pet it in my eares, they need no meanes, but can make my selfe serve for the instrument of my owne raising or downefall: yea my owne ill dire∣cted actions will conduct, nay hurry me to the end prefixed me by their will; so as under such a pretext to doe this rather than that, will give them cause, not onely to crosse me, but to be withall justly displeased at me, for pretending to pry into that which is inscrutable, whilst I should rather second it with the meanes bestow'd upon me, which is defence.

As for the reason, that Princes have no just title in their possessions, pre∣supposing their comming by them anciently to have beene by violence, I would here faine know how the new may be termed just, if the old (justi∣fied by ancient possession, with the prescription of times, assent of subjects, and confirmed with blood oftentimes, spilt in defending it, yea with the death of the Princes themselves) be unjust? And as touching the scene and its representations, the Gods would not be spectators if there were no stage-players, whose parts to act, one Prince must defend if another as∣saile. But if there be this day any Prince obliged to the defence of his Subjects, you (Prince of Venedotia) are surely he, you having no brother, your father being sickly and weake; your people left for a prey to their enemies, without any Prince, or defender. With which, prostrating himselfe at his feete, he proceeded. Therefore I humbly beseech your Highnesse, that, abandoning your incertaine deceivable conceits, you re∣assume the filiall affection that you have forgotten, the inclination of a Prince which you have left off, and the duty of a Cavalier by you some while sithence abandoned. More he would have said, but that his tender∣heartednesse restrained him, so as, with an affectionate respect, kissing his knees, he besought him with silence and teares more effectually, than he could have done by either perswasions or entreaties: But he graciously raising him up off the ground, after a short pause, said unto him.

Cataulo no more, since you have already by doing your duty taught me mine, and though ought otherwise than good should come thereof, yet will I preferre the publick good before my owne private interesses; I thanke you for the paines you have taken, which shall not (on my word) prove to be sowne in the sands. Behold, I am now perswaded to goe and restore my selfe to my father and Countrey, in hope the Gods will bee therewith well pleased: At these words, all of them rising up did him humble reverence, with congratulating and praysing the resolution he had taken.

All that day passed they over exceeding joyfully, and the ensuing, the Prince (desirous to know them) enquired who they were, especially the young Knight, who now standing in a muse, discovered by his face a con∣fused minde, he seeming at the instant of Feredo's resolution, to ruminate some till then unthought of deliberations, and to contemplate that site with greater curiosity than before. Of which new passion of his, the Prince taking notice, could not choose but tell him, that he much marveiled to see him so transported.

My Lord (with blushing thereat said he) I beseech your Highnesse not

to take it ill I obey you not, my fortunes and quality being so meane, as the knowing them cannot be any way serviceable unto you; and though that the concealing thereof might disadvantage me in the way of begging a fa∣vour at your Highnesse hands, neverthelesse such is the opinion that I have of your generous and noble disposition, that I hope you will grant it me by so much the willinger, by how much the lesse my silence merits it; And withall, I should thinke my obligation doubled to your Princely fa∣vour, if vouchsafing to admit of my excuses, you deeme me the lesse dis∣courteous by beleeving, that I conceale my selfe for an urgent and neces∣sary occasion.

Feredo that by this young Knights Squire had secretly learn'd who he was, not caring to know thereof any further, answered him. Your aspect (Sir) promiseth so much, as your quality and unseene merit cannot with∣out injury be doubted of; therefore if the desire I had to be acquainted with you onely to serve you, made me desirous to know your being, the same now teacheth me to content my selfe with what best pleaseth you, so as your silence should no whit disencourage you from commanding me, since it deprives me not of the will to obey you.

The young Knight blushing at this courteous answer, with doing him humble obeysance, said. I must then (my Lord) in begging this favour at your Princely hands, first tell you this much of my selfe, that being a di∣stressed Gentleman exil'd from my Countrey, and in disfavour with my Prince, I thought (my heart indeede so giving me) when first I had the fortune to see you, that the tempest had brought me hither to shroude me here as in a sanctuary: But seeing your Highnesse now resolved to re∣turne home, I bethought me of a new course, which was to implore of your liberality, the resignation of this place under such vassallage and ob∣ligation as might stand best with your Highnesse good liking.

Much wrought this request on the noble heart of Feredo, who by his owne case had learn'd to have a feeling of that of anothermans; full loath was he to say his demand, nay, and yet having beene informed of his de∣sperate love, he feared that the subscribing to his desire might turne to his prejudice; Taking him therefore aside, hee praid him to acquaint him with the occasion that moved him to settle himselfe in that Iland: But seeing he could not draw any thing out of him, he then by laying before his eyes his owne example, counselled him to alter his resolution, for the suspition or rather beliefe he had, that some desperation had guided him to some ruinous resolution; but the young man with a gladsome countenance assur'd him, no manner of desperation now troubled him, any passion ten∣ding that way being cured by that climate, where it behoved him to stay some time, to take the benefit of that ayre for confirming it.

Feredo would not rest satisfied with such reasons, neither would the o∣ther manifest unto him his secrets, yet so much did he by the order and manner of his speech discover, that the Prince might penetrate somewhat into his new love, or at least free himselfe of the suspition he had of him before; observing now in him those joyes, which cannot easily be con∣cealed in those enamoured hearts, which confidently hope for the full fruition of their desires, so as, laying aside all doubts, he bestowed on him the house with all that was therein, with no other obligation but to

acknowledge it the Prince of Feacia's; so gladsome was the Knight of this gift, that he would by all meanes kisse his hands for so noble a favour.

As they two stood pleasantly conferring together of divers subjects, their discourse was interrupted by the trampling of two horses, who (prick'd hotly on) thought by the swiftnesse of their course to shunne the sting of the spurre; the one fled from the other, and the foremost (being not able to rule his) suffered him to runne his brest against the wall, and his fore-feete into a window of a house, that stood erected on that plaine, but thence fell downe so neere the wall, that his rider (tumbling down topsie-turvy with his head undermost) ding'd out his braines, and remained stone-dead in the place; The second that pursued him, being already a∣lighted, seeing him quite dead, remounted on horse-back, without doing him other harme, but turning back to encounter a great troupe of high-way the eves that made after him; and giving no eare to the Prince, (who courteously welcomed him thither) hee furiously galloped downe the hill, and rushing in among them, made of them so great a slaughter, that by that time Feredo arrived (who with the others came in speedily to his succour) the greater part of them lay dead in the field, the rest (knowing themselves inferiour in force, and seeing no possibility of running away) yeelded to the vanquisher; who being weary, and in some parts of his body wounded, went and laid himselfe downe on the ground, to recover his then well-neere-forlorne breath.

Before I tell you who this was, give me leave to let you know, how that the Princesse Elenia staid a great while in Sardinia with Eromena, for being so fond each of other, as they could not part company; till at last the mul∣tiplied messengers from Elenia's father, her duty, and desire of seeing him after so many yeares, induced her to take her leave, shee parting obli∣ged, beloved, and presented with rich gifts.

Her tenderly-loving father (that in her misfortunes had refined his love, by the experimented confirmation of the constant opinion he had of her goodnesse) welcomed her with all those expressions of a fatherly affection, which could be shewed towards an onely beloved and vertuous (though litle fortunate) daughter.

Her step-mother having first heard of, and afterwards seene the reality of her merits, conformed her selfe in her entertainment both to her hus∣bands will and her owne inclination. Don Eleimo was seene of her with such an eye, as generous Princes are wont to behold with, such as have loyally served them, shee thinking it withall no shame to publish her ob∣ligation, and confesse her engagement to him; for which shee could never satiate her selfe in rewarding his merits, and gratifying him, though indeed shee thought all money too light for such an use. But to Don Eleimo seem∣ed it on the contrary, that so great and accumulated favours, brought (in some sort) a prejudice or blemish to the greatnesse of his generous minde; and living perpetually in some measure tormented with an extreame de∣sire of going to seeke after Don Eulavio, whom he feared to be in a weake and succour-needing fortune, he made suit to depart, obtaining at length by his assiduall importunity leave, though with much adoe, which but for that sole occasion he could not have obtained. And so away hee goes to travell, & seekes him over all such countries as his Genius directed him to;

and at last (after the spending of many yeares in the search of him) found him out, and brought him to the Court of Aquitaine, where he resolved to make a period of his travels, and to spend the remnant of his dayes, not trusting to the Catalan's promises, but refusing them, hee (banishing the too-tender affects to countrey and kinred) resolved to let the world see, that he could live any where, and that a sincere innate goodnesse is more ac∣ceptable in forraine countries than in its owne. Needs would Don Eleimos by all meanes beare him company in his exile, to recompence in some measure his accompanying him in his misfortunes, the sole occasion of his so living a banished man.

Impossible it were to describe a happier life than this of theirs, both of them being ennobled Gentlemen of one and the same Countrey, nurst up with the milke of one and the same Court, banished for the selfe same cause, both alike magnanimous in enduring misfortunes, and in counting them instruments of their felicity, for having beene the meanes of joyning them together, the one serving to the other for father and brother, having but one and the same purse, one interesse, and one heart. But Don Eulavio fortuning to dye a litle after, the other (deprived of so desre a friend) see∣ing fortune not yet satisfied to have loaden him with perpetuall vexation of spirit, thought to lighten it with toyling exercises of his body; In ac∣complishment whereof, when hee had sought after death through all the warres of the Westerne, Northerne, and Southerne parts of the knowne world, and yet not found it; he resolved to seeke then after new enterpri∣zes in those parts where the Sun riseth, but being by a storme wind-driven into Ericusa, he happened (as he walked along the sea-shore) to light on that good bird Catascopo.

That villaine was fled from Arelate the very day before he should have made a miserable spectacle of himselfe unto the popular eye, by paying with his death the debt due from the deeds of his mischievous life. Hee had about him in his clothes a flat-fashioned bottle of a certaine water of so strange a vertue, that it made all the iron it but touch'd become instantly as brittle as glasse, which he had got from one, that having spent all his substance in alembicks, in hope of finding out the richest transmutation of mettals, had by chance lighted on this rare secret: Nor is it a thing to be wondred at, for such men happen sometimes (after many losses and much time and coyne spent in vaine) to meete by the way with many excellent things, without being therefore beholding either to other mens doctrine or their owne proper judgement. And this purchase came in that arch∣caitive his way, just as (returned from the Pyrenean Mountaines) he lived in doubt how to dispose of himselfe, when he had counterpoyzed in a just ballance his Masters nature with his owne foule demerits.

Having then oftentimes experimented the secret, and found it by proofe to be right and good for his purpose, he bought it, ministring thereby mat∣ter to the poore Alchimist to waste his braines about his endlesse search of his rich gold-hatching Elixar, though the others conscience made him esteeme this water farre more precious than the Philosophers-stone itselfe: yet never was he favoured with the opportunity of making use of it all the time of his long imprisonment in Sardinia, nor yet in Arelate, till the very night that should have preceded his ignominious death; But then

being cast into a low prison not much pestered with company (as in sun∣dry places is usuall and ordinary, to the end the condemned may dispose of what they have, and prepare themselves for death) he having by his waters vertue made brittle and beaten to pieces first his manacles and shackles, and then his heavy boults, escaped sheere away: And then, not knowing either whither to goe, or what course to take, his worse than bad inclination (depriving him of the least good thought) brought him to rob on the high-way; but being weary of the Gaules, he passed the Alpes, and got into the faire Provinces of Ausonia, where growne to be for his in∣famy famous, he in a short time assembled all the murtherers and theeves of that Countrey, by whom he being proclaimed king of the fields, u∣surp'd the authority of commanding often contributions and exactions, not onely from Villages and Castles, but even from walled Townes and strong Cities, till such time as being desirous of a staid life, he entred into the pay of the Eugaenean Republick, entertained by them to confront o∣ther theeves like himselfe that pestered their sea coasts; but hee neither obeying them in any thing committed to his charge, nor going whither he was by them directed and sent, but busying his braines about the sack∣ing of Cities, that he might afterwards retire againe to his wonted haunts, and sheltering groves, was ere he could execute his purpose set upon una∣wares by the Generall of that noble people, and constrain'd to flie away with but sixteene of his consorts, leaving the rest a prey to the fish and Vulturs; whereof when sixty of them were hang'd, the rest were reser∣ved for the galleyes: Hee in the meane time chanced to be wind-driven into Ericusa, where lighting on a Barke (that launching out of the Illirian Bay, was bound for Peucetia) laden with horses, he robb'd her of them, and then mounting thereon his confederates, was (as hee stood busied in putting them in order to disorder the Iland) unexpectedly arrived on by his old betrayed Master Don Elcimos, whose physiognomy and counte∣nance, though not seene by him long time before, neverthelesse so stung his horrid conscience with a feeling of his owne infamous treachery, as his eyes unable to endure the justice-menacing-lookes of his betrayed Lord, forced him to fly his presence, but was as speedily pursued by him, who with prompt counsell mounted on one of the very same horses, and fiercely chased him, till the hapning of what hath beene already related.

Iust that very morning had Feredo put off his habit of Priesthood, so as it was now lawfull for him in his comming downe to buckle on his ar∣mour, which hee alwayes kept in a by-roome for that purpose, thinking (nor did he therein thinke amisse) that such a store was no sore, as might steede no lesse a peaceable man in conserving his quiet, than a man of a contrary inclination to a contrary use. Yet had hee now no occasion to make use of them, the troupe of theeves being before he came, put to route and forced to yeeld; so as he needed to take no other care, than about Don Elcimos wounds, which though not very deepe, did yet somewhat trouble him in minde, because he had not wherewithall to cure them; but the patient himselfe making no reckoning of them, (for having beene used to be his owne Chirurgion) courteously thanking them all for their care∣full loves, suffered himselfe to be convayed to the house, where with Tur∣pentine incorporated with the yoalke of an egge (an easie and soone made

medicine) hee in a few dayes cured himselfe.

Causing in that meane space to be brought before him all Catascopo's companions, and enformed by them at full of their quality and beeing, he determined to let them goe free, for not knowing what to doe with them; now, that he had already restored the horses and barke to the Merchants that owned them: Having therefore admonished and perswaded them to leave off that wicked course of life, he licensed them to depart, when one of them speaking for the rest, after having humbly thanked him for so great a favour, said thus unto him.

My life's Lord, we have promised you to leave off the wicked life which hitherunto we have led, and that surely with a sincere and fraudlesse inten∣tion; because (if nothing else induced us so to doe) our very being wearied therewith necessarily enjoynes us thereto, besides the being impossible that fortune also be not as much wearied in conserving us. But yet no man can be bound to doe more than he can doe, wee are now in such a case as wee cannot live anywhere safe, since that the eye of justice being bent to∣wards our past life, will (without making any reckoning of our present in∣ternall repentance) punish us wheresoever we be resident. The proposi∣tion therefore of reducing us to a civill life, is (though weebe most obse∣quious thereto) a thing even unpossible for us to performe, since we enjoy not the least assurance of our secure living by such a life, our offences being innumerable, our enemies infinite, there being no Prince by us un∣offended, and our selves, though accustomed to toylsomnesse and suffe∣rings, yet be not enured to the miserablenesse of poverty or want, the sole motive that compels many men to take leude and desperate courses of life; Nay give me leave to tell you yet further, that any he of us that shall have the greatest desire to be reduced to a good course of life, cannot at∣taine thereto but by wicked meanes, (and that is) by the murthering of one or more of us his companions, without whose deaths it is certaine he is sure not to obtaine the impunity of his delicts; therefore as it lay in your hands to give us both life and liberty, so may you also (if you please) conserve those lives of ours to a good use, without suffering them to be the meanes of greater misdeeds. You have here Catascopo dead, his head (so your goodnesse be pleased to give it us) is of a value sufficient, not only to restore us to our liberties, and procure us our free pardon in our owne Countries, but also to raise us to a competent estate, which may serve us to live honestly withall, it being worth many talents which shall be a∣mong us equally shared.

This request of theirs no whit displeased Don Elcimos, who freely granting it, gave them leave to depart with it, and use it as they pleased. Whereupon they taking it off the trunke, emblamed it to preserve it from putrefaction, and then carried it to Parthenope the Metropolis of those happy Countries, where (crowned with a counterfeit Diadem) it was placed on the principall Gate for a perpetuall example.

Don Elcimos was courteously visited of all, and especially of Feredo, who having first heard Catascopo's name, and then seene his wicked head, knew him for that of the Traytors: But because Don Elcimos had need of repose, hee thought it unfit to trouble him with any discourse till the day following, and then he acquainted him with his being also a personall a∣ctor

in the Tragyck-comedy of that vertuous Princesse Eleina; the other astonished at so strange an accident, (with humbling himselfe before him more submissively than before) told him, he was heartily sorry to have had for companion in his miseries so worthy a Prince, howbeit hee now beleeved the Gods had so many yeares reserved Catascopo to make him in both their sights an example of his justice, to satisfie both of them the debt due to their revenge, the Princesse being partly avenged before by his long imprisonment.

The Prince afterwards falling into discourse of the generall affaires of the then-present times, and desirous to know why Polimero lived an exil'd Prince, the Count of Bona not knowing how to conceale himselfe, tels him what he was, relates unto him all Polimero's affaires, and what had hapned him from his first parting from Sardinia even to his second, where he continuing his discourse, proceeded in these words.

King Arato remain'd so profoundly heart-strucken with the death of Prince Perosphilo, that not ceding in his love to him to the Queene his Mo∣ther, he would needs evidently testifie it, though not by being starke fran∣tick as shee was, yet by raving in such a manner, that as oft as hee hapned to remember it, he (deprived of his understanding) spake and did things unworthy of his Regall quality; and if hee chanced to observe in any young Gentleman any extraordinary good parts, he would then instantly repine at them, as robb'd from his sonne, and withall extreamely hate such as owned them. But if there was any accomplish'd Gentleman, that in bodily feature and excelling qualities exceeded all others, and paragoni∣zed Perosphilo, then surely that same one was the excellent Polimero, who returned from Mauritania with his wife and daughter, passed three yeares time without any notable disturbance, his father-in-lawe's doting humour being not as then growne up to its full ripenesse, but increasing proportio∣nably with his age, and by his remarking every day more than other in Polimero such qualities as were peculiar in Perosphilo, he began first to envy and then by degrees to hate him, till at last he grew to that passe, that hee could not endure the sight of him.

In all things else Arato conserved his ancient prudence with other ver∣tues wherewith he was well stored; nor were they alwayes obscured with this frantick humour of his, which being a motion of the imagination con∣trary to the ordinary motion of reason, prevailed onely then when reason (oppressed with this frantick humour) remained impedited in its operati∣ons, free in any other thing where the minde was not obstructed by its malignity, onely in this one thing he lost, nay went besides himselfe, so as there was no man about him that could or durst either shew him his error, or appease or divert him from the passion of his no lesse unreasonable than violent desire, either to see Polimero dead, or never to see him at all.

Eromena more troubled in minde with this than ought else that ever befell her, spake and did (good Princesse) what shee could; the same did also the Kings Councell: But (alas!) what good can perswasion worke upon a doting braine, that in its fancie formes things diversly from what they really are, by reason of the judgement and senses being corrupted and spoyl'd? But Arato finding the point of ridding him away to be dif∣ficult to be resolved on, it treating of a Prince and his supposed successor,

innocent, generally beloved, & behoovefull to commonweale and coun∣trey, thought now to beguile his humour, in making the world beleeve, 〈…〉〈…〉 was not he that he disaffected, but that the bow of his hatred (a strange and unheard-of fantasie) was bent against the babe, presumed heire to Pe∣rosphilo, being such a one too as indeed together with the kingdome suc∣ceeded him in perfections of body & mind, those of manly valour (though in a woman) not excepted; on her therefore spent he all the talent of his hatred, whilst shee (pretty soule) that with her sweete lovelinesse and quaint pratling was able to winne the hearts of the cruellest tigers, could never (for all that) any whit mollifie that of her braine-sick Grandfather, by whom shee being banished from Sardinia, was conveyed by her mo∣thers affectionate care into Majorica, whither for some new progressions of the Tingitan, Metaneone was runne with his Eromilia, of both which shee was received with affections different from those of her Grandfa∣ther, they compassionately bemoaning in the tendernesse of her yeares the hardnesse of her fortune, for which respect no body could ever after∣wards endure to call her Lindadori, but ever by the nick-name of Donzel∣la Desterrada (that is). A damosell expelled or banished her countrey.

Expresse I would (if knew how) the faire Eromena's griefes in their pure essence (especially at her parting from her deerely-tendred girle) and the adorations which shee made her father to remove him from that pas∣sion, if the expression of them were lesse difficult than their imagination; yet this beteared privation neither augmented nor diminished, onely it ag∣gravated his frensie, for not discerning before which of the two it was that he hated; but now seeing himselfe ridde of the one, which confoun∣ded his judgement, in distinguishing the hatred he bare to the other, hee came to know that he had erred, the plummet of his passion falling not on Lindadori, but on Polimero; it may be, he would have thought the same of her if shee had staid, because the violence of the humour was come to such a passe, as it passed all limits of discretion and judgement, the first effects of his infirmity taking up all his minde, and staying it from pro∣ceeding to any other operation. And withall, to contradict or disswade him from any of his Capricio's, was as dangerous as bootelesse, for then he becomming raging mad, both commanded as a King, and executed as an officer; the Court being taught by other mens harmes to shunne him in those fits, or at least to stand quiet without contrasting with him, who in the rage of his fury would have gone neere to have kill'd Eromena her selfe, had shee not prov'd as strong in resisting as discreete in evading his furious passions.

The noble-hearted Polimero was therefore constrained to give his hu∣mour way, and to retire into Corsica, a kingdome (by his prowes) acquired and united to the Crowne of Sardinia. But because Eromena went often to see him, the crasie-brain'd King, upon calling to minde the repining hate of the Corses, the reason that Polimero had to detest him, the great∣nesse of his reputation in both kingdomes, together with the neerenesse of his affinity and alliance with the two neighbouring Kings of Majorica and Mauritania, resolved not to have him by any meanes abide so neere him. And knowing that it was his best course to confirme his banishment with the authority of his Privie Councell (a prime article in the art of ru∣ling,

to make other men the authors of things odious and displeasing to the people) he call'd them unto him and told them:

That hee well knew that his kingdomes, and some (or perhaps all) of them there present disliked his demeanour towards his sonne-in-law (a Cavalier in all things else of royall parts, and reall worth) but yet that the reasons moving him so to doe were of so high a consideration, as would astonish them, were it but lawfull for him to publish them; That now then the same reason that before induced him to banish him from Sardinia, constrained him also now to exile him from Corsica; hee would have said from Majorica and Minorica too, if in those parts hee had had the same jurisdiction over him as King, as he had as predecessor and father-in-law; but where the one wanted, his intention and will was, that the other might supply its defects, with promising, that if (as a good sonne) hee so made appeare unto him the respects and observance he owed him by this implicite obedience, not retiring into Majorica or Mauritania places by him suspected, that then his such obsequiousnesse should serve as an in∣strument to scrue into his favour by, and a prevailing Orator for obtaining leave for his more speedy returne, telling them plainely therewithall, That his sending for them to come to him, was not to aske their counsels, but to make them the authors of his, which he straightly enjoyn'd them to execute in such forme as best suited with the accomplishment of his desire.

The sweetly-majesticall Princesse that till that instant knew nothing of her fathers designe, remain'd blanke at such an Oration; what to resolve of shee knew not; contrasting with him being as perilous as profitlesse, till at last with bending one knee, shee thus briefly bespake him.

My Soveraigne Lord, there is no reason for any one to contradict your Royall will, and yet lesse for me than any other; yet, because I know that Prince Polimero is to you both a good sonne, and a loyall servant; and that though declared for such by your owne mouth, you are for all that resolved to banish him; it is not fitting that I (being his wife) be here con∣senting to any such decree against him, much lesse by dissenting to oppose any will or command of yours. Which said, shee went her wayes out, though then neither her warlike ferocity, nor native generosity was able in that delicate sex to stop the lubrick channels of her eyes from dropping a few pearlike teares.

The King let her goe without speaking any word to her, but seemed by his actions to expresse, that he would not have her know all; the decree was hard to be expounded, it being unpossible for colours to subsist with∣out any substance. But that which made it the more difficult, was, that the King unwilling to expresse himselfe, would yet have his intention effe∣cted, as if they had understood him; which was the occasion, that they there spent the whole day about it, the Secretaries being puzled in pen∣ning each his peculiar draught, and the King leaning on the shoulders while of the one and while of the other, was ever busied in reading, can∣celling or interlining, all-to-be-blurring and blotting it, as black and foule indeede was all that was there done. At length a long edict was conclu∣ded upon, couched in abstruse words with an equivocall sense, to make it the more difficult to be understood of any that would conster it in the right and worse sense, plainely discovering absolute authority in the

whole, justice never a whit, words enough without any kinde of sense; The contents of as much as might be understood thereby was:

That Prince Polimero was at the request of the Privie Councell banish∣ed both kingdomes (during his Majesties pleasure) for secret reasons con∣cerning the State: In this decree were involved particular letters from some of the Councell to Polimero, wherein were plainely expressed their unwilling sorrow to be drawne to subscribe to such a resolution, beseech∣ing him to retire to some place unsuspected, farre distant from the king∣domes of Majorica and Mauritania, from which it lying not in their power to banish him, they did as good as pray him to banish himselfe, otherwise that the punishment of his transgression would be, his being deprived of all hope of ever being recalled againe.

Eromena presently upon her going out (as I told you) from the Coun∣cell, gave order that (whilst shee arm'd her selfe) the fleetest galley that then rode in the bay should be made ready to part suddenly; nor knowing how otherwise to evaporate the bitternesse of the anger shee conceived against her father, shee wrote him a letter, and then accompanied onely with Aretia and a few servants, shee went to the port, where turning to∣wards those that had attended her thither, shee said unto them.

Countrie-men and friends, I goe in expedition of a businesse that much imports both yee and me, I leave you in a setled peace, and recommend to your care, obedience, and love, the King and Realme; and you Count of Toralba I shall enjoyne to deliver the King this letter.

The people that no lesse loved than honoured her, seeing her arm'd at all peies (a habit not used to be worne by her, save in time of warre or tourneyes) remain'd amaz'd thereat, kissing with all affectionate reve∣rence some her faire hands, and other some the skirt of her bases; but she causing the ladder to be hoist a-boord the galley, that none might follow her, went a-boord the long boate, and then (without permitting either the Ghing to salute, or any Trumpet to be touch'd) launch'd out, steering a direct course for Sardinia, where the second day shee safely arrived, and being there landed, would not suffer any other messenger than her selfe to bring her husband the newes of her arrivall thither.

Polimero abode in Corsica adored by all, insomuch as even those, to whom (by occasion of the warres) he had beene somewhat prejudiciall, seeing now in so many occasions his royall demeanour, grew to be so af∣fectionate towards him, as that they accounted their losses well imploy∣ed, for having made so advantageous an exchange of Epicamedo for him: And though his domesticall affaires, as the privation of his wife and daughter much troubled his minde, yet the noble company of the Mar∣quesse of Oristanio & other accomplish'd Gentlemen much sollaced him, who also discreetly endeavoured to weane his mind from griefe, by being alwayes employed in some exercise or other.

And now it so pleased fortune, that he was that day rode forth on hun∣ting that very same way that Eromena came galloping to finde him out, who hearing the winding of the hornes, and deepe crie of the hounds, imagined what was there a doing; following therefore the crie, shee ar∣rived unawares just as the Prince, the Marquesse, and I were alighted to the fall of a goodly Stagge: Shee leaping from off her horse into her

husbands armes (that with great amazement was by then runne to helpe her downe) having affectionately kissed him with out answering to his de∣mand of her sudden comming, would needs come benignely to greete us and all the rest one after another.

The Prince most glad of this unexpected encounter, said unto her; Your comming (sweete Lady of my blisse) cannot prove but most welcome and happy unto me, be it for what occasion it will; though in token of my extreame content I cannot (at this present) dedicate to your welcome o∣ther than the life of this Hart.

The tired beast lay on the ground expecting his death with beteared eyes, grieving perhaps, that Nature having beene liberall in enduing him with so long a life (if what is thereof reported be true) humane cruelty for an inhumane delight corrupted his enjoying it, without the curiosity of as much as trying in him, whether his life could extend it selfe to many ages; whether hee had in himselfe any such discourse or no I know not, though I well know, that the gentle Eromena, accoasting and seeing him a goodly one, and to seeme (at the very point of death) to begge favour at her hands, answered: Be your present (my endeer'd Lord) waited on by a good augury, which I accept with a better, and will (so please you) that he live: with this, calling for the huntsmen, shee asked them what yeares he might be of; But because the Gods gave us the world in controversie, not excluding as much as those things whereof practique and observation are our masters, they could never accord about his yeares, by reason of their disagreeing in the markes of his age: The beliefe then of knowing any thing certaine, so as others thinke they have not their certainties to contradict it, is a beliefe notoriously false.

The Princesse (whose minde was busied in a more important thought) remounting with the rest, rode towards the Citie, where being come, shee would needs have the Marquesse and my selfe to be partakers of her re∣lation contained in a few words: By which shee unfolded her fathers ob∣stinate minde, her departing without his leave, and resolution to live and dye with her husband; discourse there was enough, without (for all that) so much as once proposing any thing that savoured of violence; the Mar∣quesse and I being old enough to know what are the troubles of a civill warre, especially of such a one which (for all the reasons making for it) cannot but bee unjust against a father with the schisme of subjects and states; and they though young, and undeservedly hardly used, being yet of a sweete nature, patiently bare with the author of their injuries, choo∣sing rather to suffer, than to endeavour to avenge or right themselves.

The whole difficulty consisted in the choyse of a place to reside in; for Majorica and Mauritania being prohibited, they knew not whither to betake themselves; wee argued a long time whether or no it were her best course to follow him, and leave the Realme in the hands of a frantick father, whose infirmity might encourage the Corses to attempt innovati∣ons, spurr'd on by the Tingitan with promises of men and shipping. Be∣sides, the ill constitution of Sardinia whose dangers were manifest, by reason of the intelligences of bandities (beeing the reliques of the Admi∣ralls conspiracie) who, back'd by the Tingitan, daily wrought and per∣swaded their kinsfolkes and allies to revolt; which once hapning, who

alas was there then to sustaine the ruine, shee being farre off, the Corses become rebels, and the King for his weakenesse contemned? these reasons the Princesse would neither give eare to, nor admit of. Polimero knowing them to be good as he opposed them not, so contradict his wife hee durst not, yet wish'd he that some body else would perswade her to stay: but because the decree was not as yet come thither, and that for the executing thereof there was no necessity of an immediate departure, they resolved to stay till it came, their deliberations in the meane while ripening with the priviledge of this short time.

Arato gone out from the Councell, was by the Earle of Toralba pre∣sented with Eromena's letter, whereat he asking if shee could not come to speake to him her selfe? No (my Liege) answered the Count, for shee is some two houres since gone aboord the vice-admirall and lanch'd out without acquainting any body whither shee went, but for ought was seene shee made towards the Promontory of the East. Arato confused in mind opened the letter, which I afterwards often read, so as I beleeve I shall not faile much in repeating it, whose tenor was such.

My Soveraigne Liege, I goe to Corsica to finde out Polimero, a husband taken by me by your Royall assent, a Prince every way worthy and ac∣complish'd, to whose vertue and prowes the kingdome owes its conser∣vation, and you both the Crowne of Corsica and Perosphilo's revenge. I know not whether I ought or no to excuse my selfe for departing without your Royall leave, nor yet in case I should, know I to whom to doe it, to a King, or to a father; your Majestie using towards me the power of the distinct person of a King, and quite debarring me from the priviledge of the other; I well know that I speake to a King, yet forget I not that I am a Kings daughter and heire, and that I ought to be used as such a one. I am sure I have ever honoured you as a daughter, served you as a vassall, and borne with your passions in so obsequious a manner, as other than such as have the gift of obedience (as I have) could not have done. I will not (my Liege) exaltmine owne merits, though the having the power to trans∣gresse and not to doe it, is in some respects esteeme-worthy. Onely I must tell you, that as I have from you the right of the Realmes succession by nature, so have you from me the possession thereof by prowes, for (though as then a may den) I onely with the assistance of Prince Polimero saved both it to you, and you to it; and did (when your infirmities brought you to be uncapable of holding its scepter) binde it to your hand, and with my owne hands fastened on your head the kingdomes Crowne: whereas you now suffer your selfe to be upbraided, rather than you will acknowledge, much lesse remunerate the deserts of others, so constraining mee to leave you for your unjustly-depriving me of my husband, and more cruelly be∣reaving me of my daughter, to whom by the Lawes both of God and na∣ture the mother is so expressely bound to tender and bring up; from which since I cannot otherwise conjecture, than that your pleasure is to live all alone in the world, I leave you to live so (in Gods name) and pray Heaven (to the end you may the longer live) to showre on you all content and hap∣pinesse. Eromena.

This letter wrought not that effect that reason required it should, for, the King more enraged for it than before, would (by all means)

disinherit his daughter, suspending the decree against his son-in-law, with an intention to unite them in the fault, that so he might winde them both in one punishment; so as it was very difficult to weane him from that hu∣mour, with the considerations of his being aged, his having no other childe, and the being of no other Princes of the blood to succeede him, have the Marquesse of Oristanio, who was not onely old and issuelesse, but above all others the most faithfull servant to Eromena and her husband: Besides the being of Corsica in dange to be lost, for, being environed with enemies, and bereft of her friends, unlesse it yeelded to the subjection of the Tingitan, the onely meanes to deprive (together with his daughter and grandchilde) himselfe also of the Sardan Crowne, since other than he would never accept of a kingdome in the midst of the sea, so farre di∣stant, with so many difficulties, and undergoe the charge and trouble of defending it from so many enemies, which were Right, the Corses, the Moores, and the Balears.

The King bare an innate hatred to the Tingitan, than whom hee knew no other would have accepted the proffer of succession, being so deere a purchase, considering the danger & charge wherewith it was to be main∣tained; but that which most of all vexed him, was, to thinke that his children in all probability would (if all other helpes failed) put them∣selves (out of meere desperation) under his protection, which hee would not see come to passe for as much as his life was worth. Doubting there∣fore, lest they should settle themselves in Corsica, and bee there crowned, he commanded his horse and foote to be suddenly mustered, marching himselfe in person towards Luogodori, followed by all the Nobility and attended by his Councell. Hee received by the way the Marquesse of Oristanio's letters with newes of the Princesse's arrivall, and how that ex∣pecting the decree against her husband, shee prepared to accompany him in his banishment: Hence taking occasion he shewed him the discon∣tents and inconveniences that might thence arise, displaying before him his sonne-in-lawes merits, with the advantages hee had in keeping him neere him.

The King was upon these newes somewhat pacified that his daughter departed not for any evill intent of doing him any hurt, yet not quite freed from suspitions, and resolved not to suffer Polimero to live either at home or neere him, hee wrote to the Marquesse, sending him the Councels de∣cree, and commanding him to put it in execution, composed neverthelesse of moderate words, as if he desired rather to triumph over his sonne-in∣lawes obedience, than to harbour any intention of keeping him long a farre off him; The same made he his daughter also beleeve, writing unto her a kinde letter, and recalling her home with the hope of her husbands speedy returne.

These letters being read, Polimero knew not what to resolve of, well conceiv'd hee that the humbling himselfe to his father-in-law could not but be imputed unto him for glory, so as the satisfying of his desire trou∣bled him not, but to be deprived of a beloved wife, & debarr'd of either seeing his daughter, saluting his brother, or visiting his father, without knowing whither to betake himselfe, was that which tortured him much, but much more Eromena, who not caring for her father, was resolved to

neglect all other affaires and follow him; company (God wot) of all o∣thers to him the deerest, and incomparably most desired, but yet neither expedient or necessary; Oppose her (as I have already said) hee would not, love being a thing too too delicate, and too much incumbred with feares and jealousies; Who knowes (thought he with himselfe) but that prudence may be by her construed for an effect of small love, which (for being blinde) neither sees nor admits of vertues if they thwart it, nor any other affect save it selfe? But the Marquesse and I wrought so much, that wee both perswaded the one, and disposed of the other. The agreement was, that shee should stay, because that besides her watchfulnesse over the state-affaires, shee might light on an opportunity of procuring his more speedy returne, and that he should travell towards the East, where having spent such time as he pleased in seeing of forraine countries, hee might (in case his returne were not by that time procured) make his abode in some part of Greece; Athens was named for the place of correspondencie, whither were to be directed, sent, and conveyed their letters, messengers, and monies. Of this his resolution to part, they sent the King word, to free him (as much as in them lay) of his doubts and jealousies, which the Prin∣cesse also signified unto him by writing, praying withall leave to stay there till her husbands departure, wherewith hee was well contented, not abandoning (for all that) the sight of Corsica, but standing alwayes in a readinesse with his Army, and Galleyes prest to crosse the channell if oc∣sion requir'd.

The few dayes that the Prince spent with his wife were by her passed in qeeping and heavinesse, which made us endeavour to hasten his depar∣ture, that so shee might the lesse waste her selfe with the imagination of this privation; but the day being come, shee said thus unto him.

I see then (my Lord) you will goe, and leave behinde you your Ero∣mena, which wanting you will want both heart and soule, impossible will it be for her to live being separated from you, or if any thing keepe her alive, it must needs be the hope of seeing you againe shortly. I am sorry that her love hath so small interest in you, as that other considerations exceede it; such force have they not in her, whom if you permit to goe along with you (as by your mutuall affection shee thereto conjures you) no losse (though it were the heaviest that could be by any imagination conceived) shall then taste bitter in her pallate, might it be but sugred with the unexpressable sweetnesse, which shee shall receive in being present to serve you; with that word she affectionately kiss'd him without ceasing to importune him with more earnest entreaties mingled with her teares, till hee being no longer able to refraine from accompanying her in the weep∣ing-expression of her heavinesse, return'd her this answer.

I part hence (deere directresse of my destiny) 'tis true! but not so, as not to have you continually with mee; the tempest of my travels shall ever have repose in the pleasant calme of your ever-deere memory, the onely soveraigne cordiall to my misfortunes; which without it would sinke me into the gulfe of an unmedicable despaire; as for my love I can∣not imagine how you can in the best manner doubt of it, or how you can but imagine that I can preferre any necessity how urgent-soever before that of enjoying your presence, since it is in you onely that I both joy and

live. But if such whose judgements are not clouded with our passions hold it convenient, the execution of it then depends on you; for, I not ha∣ving the power to discontent you in any thing, would much more unwil∣lingly displease you in that whereon all my content and joy depends.

Their kisses confused among their teares were numberlesse, their grievings measurelesse, all in extreames and endlesse. But goe hee needs must howsoever; I would have had our departure to have beene about midnight without making any words of it, but that the Marquesse would not; laying before our eyes the distaste which shee would have conceived threat, beside the being unpossible for us to steale away whilst shee lay asleepe, for shee as then never clos'd her eyes; the last parting-words were Polimero's concerning his daughter, which were not well heard of any, or at least I was so heart-stucken with their griefes as I heeded them not; but I suppose that their purport were to advise her not to take away their daughter from her uncle, as long as Arato continued in his madde whimsees.

Arrived that we were in Greece, I would by all meanes passe further on, and accompany him whithersoever he went: But no sooner came wee to Athens, than that he made me returne back to bring tidings of him: Ac∣cordingly I went, and carried first to Mauritania to the King his father the packet I had for him, and thence passed over into Sardinia, where ha∣ving with his letters and my relations comforted Eromena, I found unex∣pectedly the King a quite altered man; for hee not onely (contrary to his wonted custome) vouchsafed to admit me to his presence, but also with great tendernesse kindly asked me how his sonne-in-law did. And I being afterwards desirous to goe to Maurica to see the young Princesse, he hearing her but named, was suddenly moved with a passionate tendernesse of affection, which made him (after he had stood a pretty while silent) say thus unto me:

My Lord, you shall doe me a speciall courtesie in thanking the King of Majorica and Prince Metaneone his sonne-in-law for the favours I receiv'd from them in my Lindadori, and to tell them, that I meane shortly to send to fetch her away, which friendly office I would have now pray'd you to have done me, if I thought that you could passe with her hither in safety. But our seas being full of the vessels of the Tingitan, I doubt shee cannot safely be conveyed hither without a fleete, and I hope that to strengthen the convoy, both he and the King of Mauritania will for such an occasion prove so courteous, as to lend me their galleyes. The Princesse (hearing this) ranne to kisse his hands, and he courteously (lifting her up) kissed her on the cheeke, promising her to performe it the next Spring, willing her (in the meane time) to take the charge of putting all the galleyes in a rea∣dinesse, and me on his behalfe to write to Mauritania, and to further the offices which he would cause to be there done by his Embassadour; ad∣ding, that he would to that end send by me letters to the King and Prince of Majorica. And further promising her (on his Royall word) that when this were done, he would (for the accomplishment of her content) imme∣diately recall Prince Polimero, assuring her, that he was already well plea∣sed, that he came when he thought good.

Having heard this good newes, and sent them in writing to Polimero, I

went to Majorica, where I found the no more now Lindadori, but Donzella Desterrada, so displeased at her grandfather, as that shee openly and plain∣ly said, that shee would never see him more; which I at first conceiving to be some by-phrase that some Lady had taken pleasure to teach her to say by rote, perceived it afterwards to be no such matter, sithence her uncle and aunt, and all the rest with perswasions, and pretty alluring toyes, en∣deavoured to winne her to the contrary, though to no purpose; for, the generous girle, by reciting the occasions she had to disaffect him, shewed, that such conceits were her owne, and not infused into her by others.

Arato (by this time fully returned to his senses) not onely disliked his former extravagancies, but was sorry that hee heard no newes from his sonne-in-law, who (not making account to returne till after his father-in∣lawes death) was parted for Greece, with a resolution to survey the ut∣most parts of the earth, leaving in Athens his letters which were received of Eromena, with that heavinesse which an interrupted hope brings with it. Faine would shee have gone in person to seeke him out; but Arato u∣sing no more now the authority either of a King or father, shewed her so many disswasive reasons, and so earnestly entreated her to the contrary, that she yeelded to his perswasions upon the uncertainety of finding him out.

For Donzella Desterrada were galleyes a trimming, and new ones a buil∣ding in three severall Arcenalls; meane while the Tingitan had his spies every where, it being ordinary with him to spend more on them than on his souldiers.

The South hath for its scourge the Tingitan, as the North hath the Scandinavian, who for their age, nature, and ends, a man would take for one and the same thing; In those parts the one enjoyes all, in these the o∣ther confounds, entangles and devoures all that he can; shewing himselfe very liberall to the corruption of States, taking example from the corrup∣tion of an humane body, after which followes sicknesse, and after sick∣nesse death. Being fortunate in having an advantage over all other Princes, not one of them using such pollitick reaches and cunning wayes in gover∣ning as he doth; for which sole reason he would by this time have gotten into his subjection all that part of the world, if the great body of his dominions, and monstrous division of its members (which in maintaining themselves contrast with nature) had not made the end of his designes al∣most impossible. The three kingdomes of Majorica, Sardinia, and Mauri∣tania lye so neere and fit for him, that he thinkes himselfe no King till hee acquire those, so as he hath many complices in every of them, brought to bee at his devotion by pensions and hopes which many times prevaile more than even present gifts themselves; for, when Kings governe after the manner of ancient times, when there were not any superior forces, without altering upon new occasions their old forme of government, they doe (in some sort) foreshew their downe-fall; whereupon the more am∣bitious, aspiring to the raising of their owne particular fortunes, cannot choose but desire if not attempt the ruine of their Prince and Countrey.

The Tingitan then having understood by these his spies, the secret pre∣paration of the fleete with the occasion thereof, was exceeding glad of it, and being rich of invention hatch'd many projects, whereof he would be

well content if but any one tooke effect. First then he sent Embassadors to all three, to expresse how sorry he was, that the pirates (without any feare or danger) insolently scoured all the coasts, and commanded the sea, whilst their galleyes (to the common prejudice) lay rocked in their havens, of three things therefore he demanded any one, that they would agree to, (which were) either that they would cleare the seas alone, or unite themselves with him, or else give way to him to cleare them alone at his owne sole charge, which he would doe, upon condition, that the parts of all three stood open and free for him, and that withall his fleet might have for money such provision as it should stand in need of.

This embassie was by the wiser States-men taken for a martiall defi∣ance, and the Embassadours reputed for Harrolds, who entertaining them∣selves at the charge of the Kings, (under pretext of staying for new Com∣missions) pried into the secrets of the King and State that entertained them, the poasts and vessels of intelligence (in the meane while) going and comming incessantly without any businesse; long it was ere the answers were return'd, by reason of the Kings communicating them betweene them, that so they might the better accord on them; for which end I was sent from Prince Metaneone to Sardinia, and thence to Mauritania. The summe of their contents was;

That the Tingitan complain'd of what they had farre more reason to complaine of, none of them having to doe in that businesse. Sithence as for the Kingdome of Majorica, that (alas!) could not be tearmed other than a point (as it were) in the Mediterranean, and withall stood so farre distant from Africk, as there was no reason to charge it, where it had nei∣ther utility nor interest. That the parts neerest it were the Tingitans now acquists in Iberia, and the farthest off it Africk it selfe, being the Tingitan's ancient possession, so as the defence thereof concerned him most, the pi∣rates (a few excepted) being his naturall subjects, and nested in his owne ports, where he might (if he pleased) take them without a fleet; a deede well becomming both the justice of a good King, and power of a great Monarch.

The same was answered for Sardinia, for being separated from Africk and its commerce; shee trafficking and trading with the opposite shores of Gaule, Liguria, and Ausonia; adding, that shee was sorry for the inso∣lent roaving of the pirates, whose pride shee would be glad to see abated; yet held it not fitting to doe with more that which well might as well be done with lesse; especially since each by himselfe (but with an unani∣mous accord) might in one and the same time pursue and extirpate them, if the neighbouring Kings would but accord as well to doe good, as they did to effect what was evill: which was not indeede to be hoped for, because the pirates being his subjects and harboured in his ports, had cor∣respondencie with many great ones, and (what imports more) the speech went, that they were countenanced by him himselfe.

And for Mauritania the answer was, That shee wondred at his demand, shee suffering no dammage by such rascally sea-scummers, who having their abode in Tingitana, lye lurking onely for the shipping of the Ocean, from whom they got more than they were like to get from his, and whose being so molested and hindered, redounded to the Tingitan's no small

profit, the greater part of them being such as before were his subjects, and colourably pretend to be rebels against him; besides, that in case she were any way incommodated by them, shee would not expect to be led on or assisted by any other, but would with her owne sole forces & power cha∣stise them conformable to their demerits. So might the Tingitan also doe (if he listed) being potent enough to effect it, without borrowing forreine galleyes, or needing the use of forreine havens.

This last answer netled the Tingitan more than the other two, which he had made knowne to the world too; but that hee had enough to doe else-where, yet being desirous to lay a foundation to the ruine of that kingdome confining with him by a long space of ground, besides its being that of his, its competitor by name, and ancient enemy by neighbourhood, he bethought himselfe how to gaule him another way, without making any shew of it, and that was, by putting in execution a conceit of his, sprung from his fertile braine many yeares before.

There stands East of Mauritania the Iland Melita, of a most strong scituation, under the command of a particular Prince; many times had the Tingitan thought with himselfe, that to separate the countries, he had acquired in the West of Europe from their assistants in the East, it behoved him to become Lord of the sea, without which he was never able to en∣joy his acquists, nor to pretend claime to the rest, or live much above the common opinion of other ordinary Princes: But not knowing where to set footing, he was advertised, how that in this Iland (owning most ample ports, under the jurisdiction of a weake Prince) he might by sending thi∣ther unexpectedly a strange fleete, build a good fortresse, wherewith hee might not only shut up the ports on that part of that sea, as he had block't up on the other part those of the Ocean by his conquests in Iberia, but also make way to the conquering of Sicily, and by it to that of Ausonia, barring up the passage betweene Sicily and Africk, and penning in the Ilands within it, together with Mauritania, so as all those Kings could never hope to be succoured by other than their owne forces.

This project till now being (as I said) immature in the fertile soyle of his braine-plot, grew upon this occasion to be fully ripened; for, gathe∣ring together his galleyes (under pretence of sending them against pi∣rates) and ballacing them with tooles and materialls to build withall, he first scouring amaine along those coasts, passed before Majorica and Sar∣dinia to terrifie them, and then (with his sayles swollen with a faire stiffe gale of winde) went and landed unawares at port Euro in Melita, where (disembarking his troupes) hee in a few dayes built a fortresse, which at this day is unexpugnable. To the Prince's Embassadours (that came to know what that fleete pretended was answered, that the King of Tingita∣na, taking into his carefull consideration the safety of that sea, because of the large share of dominions hee had thereabouts, (desirous to cleanse it from pirates, and understanding that the Prince of Melita kept so impor∣tant a port in danger of being seised on by some forreine power for want of being fortified) had sent to build the sconce they there saw, for the good of the Iland, Prince, and all the Mediterranean Kings: A charity by the Embassadours judged tyrannie and wicked hypocrisie, as if it were lawfull to rob and enjoy that which is another mans, for feare some other

should rob him of it and possesse it. To this they answered, that their owne Prince would make one himselfe; whereunto was replied, that then he should doe well to treate of it with their King, for that subjects were bound to execute such orders as they received.

The walls being thus reduced to a defensive forme, the Generall leaving there a strong Garrison and a Squadron of thirty galleyes, returned back, passing and repassing in a braving manner before the channell of Birsa, so to hinder Catalampo from joyning with Arato: It was my chance to bee then there, where I saw the Mauritanian King stand a good while in a muse not knowing what to resolve of; at length hee thought of dispat∣ching me into Sardinia, for counselling Arato to send privily to fetch a∣way the litle Princesse with a swift shallop under my conduct, saying, that in desperate cases unlook'd for attempts thrive best. Since he could not pos∣sibly unite himselfe with him and Majorica, for being hindered by the fleete that coasted his kingdome, but much more for the danger hee re∣main'd in, if when he wanted his fleete, the enemy came and assail'd him; besides, that although they were joyn'd, yet lay it not in their power (ri∣ding as they must have done in the open sea) to shunne the fight, wherein if they chanced to have the worst, then they lost all, if the better, yet could they not reape from that victory other fruite than forcing the ene∣my to a retreate, their forces being too weake to assault him at his owne home, the ordinary disadvantage of all those that warre in defence.

Having received my instructions, I passed over to Sardinia upon a gal∣ley re-inforced to the full, where having delivered my embassage to A∣rato, I added: That if the counsell seemed dangerous in his eyes, it might then very well be suspended, there being not any urgent necessity that re∣quired (for ought I knew) the returne of the Princesse in that instant, since that Metaneone and Eromilia tendred her deerer than any daughter of their owne, and would be loath to hazard her unnecessarily to so great a dan∣ger. Vpon this Eromena seeming to sparkle fire out of her eyes, turning towards her father thus bespake him.

My Lord and Soveraigne, it is a foule shame for us to endure to be so braved and cubb'd in as we are; the returne of my daughter (though nor otherwise necessary than to enjoy the favour you have done me) should be hastened, were it but to let the Tingitan see, that hee with all his forces are not able to hinder it, my opinion therefore is, that embracing the King my father-in-lawes counsell, you send the Count of Bona to fetch her a∣way.

The King consenting thereto gave order to the Admirall to arme se∣cretly the shallop of the Royall, and to double-man her with the best and choysest of the whole fleete. I embarked my selfe the very same night, leaving my owne galley riding in the bay, which made every one thinke, that I was in Caleri, the King giving out, that I was sick, and causing a fame to be spread abroad by a most trusty physitian of his, that my disease was both infectious, very dangerous, and past all hope of recovery, with strictly forbidding all men from comming to visite me.

I, in the meane time (resting neither day nor night, but changing rowers every five miles, and leaving some to repose themselves whilst the others laboured) arrived (by force of oares in the still calm of summer with fresh

ghing) at Majorica; where wondring to see me come in such a vessell so unexpectedly, they expected some bad newes after the subjection of Me∣lita; but the letters being read, they resolved to deliver me, the Princesse, that I might depart with her that very night; and shee (being already in∣formed of the altering of her grandsires humour) was now most willing to returne; for though shee loved well her aunt, yet had shee a great de∣sire to see her mother; whom though shee did not otherwise remember than (as it were) in a dreame, yet hearing that shee was fierce and marti∣ally given, shee thought every houre an yeare till shee might feast her eyes with the delightsome spectacle of seeing her clad in compleate armour, that she also might arme her selfe with her. Shee was then neere thirteene yeares of age, of a stature somewhat taller than ordinary, and withall so well proportioned, and in her deportment so gracefull, as that shee had not her equall; her manners and demeanour were formed altogether after the Idea of honour by nature, education, and hight of courage; for the rest, shee was endued with peculiar pure spirits, and inclinations quite different to those of all other girles, yea and unto her very sex; It griev'd her to be a woman, because shee could not endure man should be term'd her supe∣rior, which made her professe him open enmity. Love shee would and hate too without any mediocrity, friendship shee would have to exceede reason, and reason to be trampled under the feete of disdaine; being all affects extreame, and unjust, but yet generous.

Whilst then it was thought, that I (wearied with my sea-voyage) lay sleeping in bed, having taken leave of the King and Metancone, and of Eromilias teares (the children-princes and all the rest knowing nothing of this my parting) I embarked this martiall girle, accompanied with one onely damosell and two Knights: and returned (in the same manner as I came) without any breath of winde, when the third night the arising of a thick dusky cloud (the Moone then not appearing for being weary of running through almost all the Signes of the Zodiake) so deprived us of the benefit of our sight, that in the maine sea, we (thinking we were runne against some rock) fell foule on the larbur side of a fleere-galley of pirates, which (carried by the tide) fell towards us. The shallop entangled in the shrowdes could not put off, & the pirates (perceiving themselves shrewd∣ly bruised) fell to their Armes, and killing some of our Oare-men, became master of our shallop, ere wee could well put our selves in defence.

My griefe for this unexpected disaster cannot be described, whose un∣supportablenesse would surely have forced me to drowne my selfe, had there not sprung from my heart I know not what kinde of hope, which raised my spirits to that hight of boldnesse, as to aske who they were, whereunto they as boldly answering mee, prov'd to be such as I well knew; yet doubting lest they should violate the Princesse, I (turning to∣wards the principall among them) said thus unto him:

Captain, you have in your hands a prey of a great value, from which you may raise as great an utility, I beseech you then to use her with all due re∣spects, for which I promise you such a ransome as shall well merit your being courteous unto her; upon this hee asking me who I was, I told him freely; and for the Princesse, though I once thought to faine her my daughter, yet doubting my being found a lyar, would redound the more

to her prejudice, and knowing that the worst was but a matter of ransome, I preferr'd her security before any interest of treasure whatsoever. Hee (glad of so rich a booty) promised me to use her with all the respects that could be, praying me onely to bring her aboord the shippe, where shee should be well accommodated more at her ease in a convenient chamber.

The Princesse that from out the poope Roome of the shallop had heard all, yet spake never a word, till after shee had caused her selfe to be halfe cloath'd, shee asked who was there? whereupon I acquainted her with our misfortune, but yet told her, that we were in the hands of a noble fel∣low that would not suffer her to be any way injured; whereunto shee (being very sleepy and voyde of apprehension, peering out in the darke through the caban window, answered, that it was no great matter; yet changing her disposition in an instant, with shaking off her drowsinesse, and making a reflection upon my words, seeing before her the shippe and those smotty-faces, shee concealing her disdainefull anger, said, shee would sleepe no more, because it was day, which by then was so indeede, the cloudes together with the night vanishing away for feare of the fiery looke of the approaching Sunne.

Then wee passed over into the shippe, where we were with interessed kindnesse conveniently accommodated in the Castle of the poope, with∣out being pestred with any of their company, and bringing thither our bedding, they laid the Princesse's bed in a litle chamber, whereon she lay a while in her clothes, causing her woman to lye downe by her.

The pirates searching our shallop, and finding nought there (save victu∣alls, our Armes, and the Princesse's Iewels) towed her along, having first assur'd her with six of their men to secure her from the rowers already dis∣armed.

At Sunne-rising there began to breathe a gentle breath of winde, so as desirous to spread the sayles, one of the saylors came abaft to the misen mast neere us, and where the Princesse (come out of her chamber with her Gentlewoman, to shunne the sweltry hot ayre of her caban) was laid her downe upon a quilt. This fellow being a lusty young lad (as soone as he espied them) in beastly manner threw himselfe upon the Gentlewo∣man that was neerest him, straightly embracing her to force a kisse from her, The Princesse not accustomed to such sports, seising on a whinyard shee spyed hanging at his side, stabb'd him with many thrusts, not with∣out endangering th Gentlewoman; the young fellow escaping out of her hands, lept downe, shewing of himselfe a miserable spectacle to his com∣panions.

The Castle of the poope was the standing-place of the archers, and therefore well furnished with bowes, arrowes, speares, and javelings to steede them in occasions of boording. The Princesse tooke a bow in hand without any further intention, than to assay if shee had well learnt that art. Whilst the pirates looking for no worse than what was past, desirous to chastise our boldnesse, and not beleeving that such stabbes were given by a maydens hand, would needs come up to us: wee (fortified by the oddes of our side) kept them off with halfe pikes wee there found, which (for all that) had done us but small service, if the Princesse had not secured us with her bow, whose ascendent being Sagittarius it was no marveile, if

shee never shot that shee either wounded or kill'd not.

I seeing the two sides well defended, seconded the stout Princesse with another bow, the Gentlewoman supplying both of us with arrowes; but it was not possible for me to levell one shaft aright, for shee triumphing in her hits, came to me to rejoyce for them, as it our shooting had beene in jest, and those living bodyes immoveable markes not to be accounted of. Our good-fortune indeede was the indiscretion of the pirates, who excepting in the poope, and on maine Top, had never a bow; therefore they went climing along the shrowdes to get to the maine-yard, but ere they scarce could proffer to touch a rope, they still fell downe dead or wounded; yet they having no other save this one (though dangerous) way to releeve themselves, thought to attempt it in so many severall pla∣ces at once, as the obstinate resolution of many might gaine time of our few shaftes, so as they endeavoured to get up by clammering by three and three upon divers severall tackles.

The Princesse glad to have the pleasure of varying her shots ministred her by their so varying of her markes, bethought her of a subtiltie fitter indeede to be experimented some other time; and that was, to try if (lea∣ving the men) shee could cut in two the shrowdes; whereupon making her ayme at the file of the rope, shee clove it in twaine, which for being well twisted, received the blow for them that climb'd it up; but being un∣able to beare their waight, burst just in the cloven place, letting the three fall downe on the hatches betweene dead and stupified: Of this shot the Princesse was so exceeding joy full, as shee ranne to embrace me, shewing me (by pointing at) those that tumbled downe with such gladsomnesse, as greater shee could not have conceived at any recreative spectacle whatso∣ever. And I busied in shooting, did applaude her for it, to the end shee might neither give over her selfe nor hinder me.

The Captaine seeing the bloody slaughter of his men, stood crying, and lifting up his hand, with a desire (it should seeme) to speake some thing: Be there the Princesse deeming that posture of his worthy one of her arrowes, shot at him, wherewith she nail'd fast his hand to his mouth, as if the one had enjoyn'd the other to silence, so as in the selfe same time shee paid and he received her ransome. In fine, shee slew so many of them, as I with the two Knights durst (though unarm'd) descend to make an end of the rest, who were crouch't and squatted downe to shelter and hide themselves, some behinde the masts, and others beneath in the sinke.

In the shall op were heard these great out-cries, though the occasion thereof was unknowne, till the accoasting of the six to one of the sides af∣forded our Knights the commodity to tell our Oare-men that the ship was by us taken, and all her men slaine; whereupon they, suddenly assaulting their guardians, slue three of them, and had not then staid their hands, but for my crying out to them to save the rest alive.

The Princesse then laying aside her bow, return'd all-quiet into her shallop, and having given the sack of the ship unto her rowers, wee set her a fire and so left her, arriving in Caleri the day following.

The King understanding that shee was arrived at the haven, would needs goe in person to meete her, followed with such shoutings for joy by the Court, Citie, and whole kingdome, as the like was not seene for many

yeares before. The old King could never satiate himselfe in making much of her, and blaming himselfe for his fault, for which he had done suffici∣ent penance by being (for so long a time) deprived of her all-delighting company. Eromen a likewise (giving full reines to her extreame affection) expressed unto her a mothers unparalleled tendernesse to an only childe.

Whilst thus shee stood halfe-extasied with joy, there were presented her letters from Polimero, written from Pelusio, wherein he promised to returne shortly into Greece; Whereupon both father and daughter praid me to goe to finde him out, and bring him home: Whence being for this effect parted, I hapned to come hither in the manner you already wote of.

Extreame was the delight which all of them conceived at the Count's narration; in way of courteous expression where of the Prince assur'd him, he would not depart till he saw him accommodated, who soone after sent Cataulo to the Prince of Feacia (that resided not farre thence in one of his houses of pleasure) with order to tell him who hee was, and also to ac∣quaint him with his resolution of parting thence, (though not without first thanking him for the favours received of him) and to intreate him, that he might (with his Princely assent) leave that place to a Knight, who be∣ing banished from his Countrey, would (so it stood with his Highnesse good liking) make his abode there. Hee charged him further, to enquire out for some ship bound for Greece.

Full sorry was the old Prince, for having had in his house vail'd under such a habit so great a Prince, without honouring him conformable to his high quality; causing therefore his horses to be sadled, he went to visite him. Feredo taking by the hand the Knight of the teares, went to meete him, whom (when they had done complementing) hee presented unto him, with saying, that he had substituted him to be his servant in his steed, whereunto the Prince answered, that he was sorry for his parting, but em∣braced the favour of his substitute, not to expect any service from him, but to doe him the service he owed his substitutor.

Going afterwards to take his leave, hee had much adoe to finde justifi∣cations against the courteous quarrels of the Princesse, to whom hee pre∣sented (as unknowne) the Knight that shee well knew before; and then ha∣ving courteously resign'd him his house and servants, he parted for Feacia, whence taking his journey towards the Westerne parts, he kindly tooke leave of the Count of Bona and Don Eleimos, who em∣barked themselves together, turning their prow towards the Easterne territories.

The end of the first Booke OF Donzella Desterrada.