Astrea. Part 3. a romance / written in French by Messire Honoré D'Urfe ; and translated by a person of quality.

The Sequel of the History of DORINDE and Prince SIGISMOND.

AS soon as Leontidas was entered, and done all due reverence unto the Nymph, to Godomar, and to the Princess; Madam (said he,) I come from a place where I have received all manner of honour, and all man∣ner of discurtesie; honour from Prince Sigismond, and discurtesie from King Gondebaut: And that you may understand all things in order, be pleased to know Madam, that according to the command which I received from Prince Go∣domar, I came into Lions, not acquainting any from whom I came; As soon as it was night, I made the cause of my Voyage known unto Prince Sigismond, and beseeched him to admit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••nto the speech of him. That Prince was indeed kept

a prisoner in his house by command from Gondebaut, but not so close as some re∣port, nor so but any may speak with him when he please, and almost every night he goes out and visits the Princess Clotilda. As soon as ever, he heard of my ari∣val, he sent one of his men unto me to bring me up a back pair of stairs into his closet, where presently after he came and received me with so kind a countenance, as made it evident I was welcome unto him. The first question he asked me was, how the Prince his brother did; but the second was, not staying for an answer to the first, how the fair Dorinde did, and so empathically, as I saw his heart was in his tongue; and after he had asked me many particular questions concerning her, Cavalier (said he) I beseech you excuse my passionate curiosity, for the very truth is, I do love that fair one above my life.

Dorinde at this blushed, and held her hands before her face: Nay, nay, fair one, replied Leontidas, never blush at what I say, for most assuredly he loves you beyond my capacity of language to express, and then he continued: The Prince then thus excusing himself, he asked me, Madam, how you did, and offered him∣self to assist me in all things that conduced to your service: for, said he, I am much obliged unto her for her merit, but much more for the kindness she shews unto Dorinde, as I am informed by a Souldier belonging to Clorantes, who fol∣lowed my brother under pretence of being one of his men, and so got into Mar∣celles, where he saw Dorinde, and the honour which the Nymph did unto her: then returned at fast as he could, and made report of it to the King, who upon this information dispatched away Alerantes to the Nymph, upon the most imper∣tinent Embassie that ever was sent unto such a Princess.

After this discourse I presented your Letters unto him Madam, and that from the Prince; and because he saw none from Dorinde, I perceived him to be a little astonished and sad, which made me say unto him, I keep this to present unto you at more leasure, assuring my self that it does not import any business of state: but he taking it, and giving it many a kiss, This, this, said he, is it which most im∣ports my business, and opening it he found these words.

DORINDES Letter unto Prince SI∣GISMOND.

MAy I believe that this testimony which Dorinde gives of her remembering Prince Sigismond, will be welcome unto him▪ when I set before mine eyes my being abandoned to the mercy of the Wolves, and all manner of injurious Fortune, I believe not: If I give credit unto the Prince your brother, I believe yes; but when I consider how all men have hitherto failed me, O how soon am I of a∣nother faith? What then wilt thou do Dorinde? lest she should bely the o∣pinion she has of this Prince, I will believe that he is no deceiver, and that he does love me; and therefore I will love, honour, and serve him, that if he do deceive me, he may have left no excuse either before the gods or before men. As a consequent therefore of this resolution, I do assure you Sir, that I will be no more Dorinde when I am not yours.

O Dorinde (said he as soon as he had read this Letter) O my dearest Dorinde, how much cause hast thou to complain against me? and how much cause have I to complain against my Fortune? Cavalier (said he unto me) were you ever in love? And seeing me smile without giving him any answer, if ever you were in love, continued he, I would not excuse the raptures of my affection; but if hi∣therto you have been exempted from that passion, I beseech you to wave your judgement of me, until you become a lover, and then I will give you leave to say

what you will of me. I knew by this that no other business was to be talked of, till all was discoursed of concerning Dorinde; and therefore I answered him, I am not so ignorant of that passion Sir, but that I know it to be one of the greatest, and one of the most just: most just, because nothing can be more reasonable then to love that which is lovely; and most great, because Nature and Will does most violently prompt us unto it. And therefore, I was not only charged with a Let∣ter from the fair Dorinde, but I have also a present which the Prince your brother hath sent unto you, and which I assure my self will not be altogether unwelcome to you.

Then going to the door, I fetched Dorindes picture, which I commanded one of my men to bring. When I opened it, he fixed his eyes so upon it, and was so ravished, that he seemed himself a statue.

At last, returning to himself, and considering the pains I took in holding it so long, he made some excuses unto me for it, yet still could not chuse but look up∣on it and admire: after a long contemplation he cast his eyes upon the Shep∣herdess habit wherein she was drawn, O (said he) how this Shepherdess does swell all those upon the banks of Lignon with envy? Most true, answered I, and therefore, Sir, she stayed so little amongst them, but came amongst the Nymphs of Amasis, where though in the plain habit of a Shepherdess, yet she appears like unto a Diana amongst her Nymphs. Upon this he commanded me to relate unto him the whole Fortune of Dorinde, and by what good Genius she was advised to retire her self unto Amasis: which to satisfie, I told him all that I had learned from her own mouth, from Merindor and Periander: I observed, that when I related unto him the frights wherein she was when Duriana left her, he sighed se∣veral times, as grieving that he was not with her; but when he heard what cruel∣ty Clorantes would have shewed unto her, and in what a pitiful condition she was, when Merindor, Periander, and Bellimartes rescued her. O most cruel Father, said he, couldst thou have eyes, and see Dorinde thus wronged by the appointment? And when he heard of Bellimartes his death in that quarrel: Dear friend, said he, thou art a greater gainer in thy death then in thy life, and assure thy self we do all envy thee in the honour thou hast got in bestowing thy life so nobly: To be brief Madam, this Prince did so resent every thing that concerned this fair Lady, that I verily believe never any was inspired with a more noble love then he. Having eve∣ry way satisfied his curiosity as well as I was able: he opened the rest of the Let∣ters, and they being only Letters of credence, I acquainted him with every thing according to your commands, and particularly with your joyes to see Dorinde in such a place where you might serve her for his sake, which you assured him you would do, and hold her as dear in your esteem as Galathea her self: afterwards I related unto him all that I had in commission from the Prince his brother, and how deeply he resented every thing that concerned him: to be brief, I omitted no∣thing which I had in command; unto which he answered with such abundance of thanks, as I plainly saw how much he thought himself obliged unto you in the be∣half of Dorinde. But when I acquainted him with the design of Polemas, and of King Gondebaut to make him Lord of that state, and with the Letters which he had written and sent by Clorantes, which imported the death of Clidemant, and invited Polemas to take up arms, offering unto him all favour and assistance: I do solemnly protest and swear (said he) that laying aside all respects of a son to a Fa∣ther, I will never as long as I live, suffer such an injury to be done unto the Princess: I have hitherto carried my self with all humility and sweetness; but if he do arm, I will unvail my self, and declare in behalf of the Nymph, with all my friends and confederates: for besides the particular interest which I have, the general title of a Cavaleir, does oblige me to this just defence. Upon this he acquainted me with the correspondencies, which he held with the Dukes and Earls of high & low Burgundy, for so he called all those Provinces which are on both sides the Ararri he told me what great forces he could have from the Hudeois and Allobrogians, and assured me that he should draw after him the better half of the Souldiery that were in his Fathers Kingdome, and that those who did not follow him, would not take arms against him: Afterwards I acquainted him with the Letters which for

an umbrage of my voyage were sent from you unto the King; also I acquainted him, how I had it in charge from you to express your joys at the coming of Prince Godomar into your Court where you would endeavour to do him all man∣ner of service, both for his own merit••, and in respect of the King, seeming not to know of any mis-understandings that were betwixt them; which at the first he laughed at, and told me the excuse was good, but that Gondebaut would not take it so; and therefore I advise you to conceal the Letter (said he) and only de∣mand audience, which I am sure he will not permit; but on the contrary, will commit you to custody, to the end you may not have a sight of me, and there∣fore have a little patience, and I will presently give you an answer; which he pre∣sently did, and charged me to tell you, that his obligations unto you were so great, that he would never rest until he had acquitted himself, and in the mean time commanded me to assure you, that as soon as Polemas took the field, he would do the same with his friends, under a pretence of Assisting the Prince his brother: That if the King came himself in person to aid Polemas, he would then openly take Arms also, and come in person, being resolved either to die, or to de∣fend you against all the puissance of the earth.

As for Dorinde (said he) pray tell her, that I am much more hers then my own, and that ere long she shall receive all desireable assurances of it. Then Ma∣dam, being parted from the Prince, I retired to my Lodging the next morning so fortunately, that none saw me either in going or returning from him.

But the next morning, as soon as I let Gondebaut know that I was come unto him from you, he fell into such a passion, that he commanded me upon pain of death to get out of Lions within an hour, and presently set a Guard of Souldiers upon me, as Prince Sigismond foresaw; I answered him, who brought this mes∣sage from him, that I claimed the priviledge of the Law of Nations, to be safe from all harm; and having done my chief business with Prince Sigismond, I took horse, and made all the speed I could to this Town, the news being all over the Province, that Polemas was coming to besiege it with thirty thousand men.

Upon this Leontidas held his peace, and presented the Letters from Prince Sigismond unto the Nymph, unto Prince Godomar, and unto Dorinde: And because the last of these did not desire to have any witnesses at the reading of her Letter, she retired into Daphnides chamber.

In the mean time, upon the intelligence of Leontidas, it was thought necessa∣ry to send unto Lindamore, to let him know, that he was to take heed of King Gon∣debau•• and assure himself in Prince Sigismond; that in his return he should come by the Picts and the Boyens, and bring with him all those Forces which the Queen Argira and the Prince Rosilion would give him: Then considering who was the fittest messenger for this voyage, Galathea remembring the discourse which Leo∣nide told her she had with Fleurial, she proposed him as the fittest to be trusted, who could pass away without suspition, and who knew the way. Every one ap∣proving of him, he was presently dispatched; and having received his Instructi∣ons, departed the same night, being charged to have a most special care to hide his Letters, so that if he were taken by Polemas, yet that they should not be found.

In the mean time, Dorinde got into a corner of Daphnides chamber, with a Wax candle in her hand, and abundance of joy in heart at the News which Leon∣tidas told her; there she broke open the Letter which Prince Sigismond had sent unto her, and found these expressions.

Prince SIGISMONDS Letter unto DORINDE.

I Must needs confess, my Fairest, that Dorinde has suffered abundance of sorrows, but I do deny that they have been greater or more sensible then mine own: I need no excuse either towards Gods or men for failing in that affection, which I have promised unto you: For the Gods do know how pure it is, and without the least stain: And men do see that it is the tyrannie of a Father, which to my sorrow hindered me from keeping you company. Perhaps your doubts of me might make you accuse my Love as imperfect: But Heaven will not let me harbour any such thought: For I am confident the grandeur of my affection will oblige you to love me for ever.

Dorinde read over this Letter several times, and every time she observed some new expression of Prince Sigismonds affection, which swelled her with so much joy, that she thought she could never read it oft enough; and doubtless she would have been longer, if she had not been diverted by Galathea, who came to visit Daphnide, and tell her what news Leontidas had brought concerning the Rebellion of Polemas, which now was openly spoken of.

But in the mean time, Adamas who had intelligence from all sides of the great Forces of Polemas, and what haste he made to fall upon the Nymph, he now un∣derstood by his Spies, that the Artillery, and all Engines of War were gone out of the Arsenal of Sarion, and that his Army began to march; whereof adverti∣zing the Prince, Alcidon, and Damon, they all thought it expedient to send out a party of Horse to discover, and to scour the ways, and in the mean time to appoint every one his station where he was to fight: and because they imagined the ene∣my intended a storm, they prepared themselves with every thing necessary to su∣stain it. But Adamas who could not imagine that Polemas would ever think of carrying the place before he had made a breach, unless it was upon hopes of some intelligence, he therefore moved unto them to change the several quarter•• ••f the Souldiery in the Town▪ so as being often shifted, those that send Polemas any In∣telligence, cannot tell what Quarter will fall unto their lot; and perhaps, if we keep observant eyes, we may discover who they are and what Intelligence is given, as soon as he to whom it is sent.

This counsel was approved of as good, and to prevent such things not only at this time, but also during all the Siege, it was appointed that every night the Quarters should be changed: And because no question was made of any but the Townsmen, they resolved that the walls and the Ports should be guarded only by strangers, and that the Townsmen should be kept together in a gross Body, to relieve any place in cases of necessity: An Order which at this time saved the Town: For Merontes who had the Guard of one the Ports committed unto him, had promised to set it open when Polemas should begin his general storm.

All the night then was spent in shifting the guards from one place to another; and about an hour before day, the party of Horse which Alcidon sent out to discover the enemy, began to hear the noise of the Army, and to see the lights which conducted the Artillery; for the night being extreamly dark, they were forced to light some Links, that the carriages might be directed which way to chuse. Alcander who commanded the Horse, though he was sure of the Armies coming, yet would he not return, till he could carry the news upon more certain∣ty; yet thinking it necessary to make it known unto Prince Godomar, he ordered his brother to return with seven or eight horse, and give an account of what they

had seen and heard: and continuing on his way with about fifty Archers, he hid himself and them amongst some bushes which grew close by the high way, where he had no sooner placed himself and his Sentinels, but day began to break, and he ap∣pointed seven or eight of his men to stand in the high way, and when they disco∣vered the Army coming then to run away towards the Town, as if they were af∣frighted, purposely to make them follow them in disorder: so it fortuned, that when it was light enough to see, the Army appeared discovering those whom Alcander had set in the high way▪ did begin to follow them; and seeing none but these seven or eight men, they see spurs to horse, and rid after them in great disor∣der, out of an earnest desire which every one had to be the first which should do any signal act. Above two hundred horse passed by the place where Alcander was, in this confusion; who coming out of his ambuscado, did charge them so furiously, that their horses being almost all out of breath, and the riders surprized, so that except three or four, who were very well mounted, and fled away, all of them were either killed or taken: But it concerned Alcander to make a speedy retreat, for immediately three great bodies of horse pursued him to the very gates, where Damon received him with abundance of welcome; but they had not leisure to stand upon very many Complements: For the main Body of the Army appearing, every one betook himself to his defence. Alcidon would have gone out with his horse, but the Prince at the supplication of Adamas, would not permit him; because not being well assured within, by reason of much corre∣spondency which they feared▪ it was not safe to part from their horse, which was their greatest safety. Alcidon in obedience to orders, contented himself to stay in the Town, and disposed of his men unto those places that were assigned unto them to repulse the Assault, which they foresaw would be very great. Peliodontes was already come up to the Town with his horse, and facing it till the Foot were also come up, he set on foot certain Archers to begin the Approches: but those of the Town sallying out by command from Damon, and under the conduct of Lucindor, did so repulse them, that had it not been for their Horse, they had fated as ill as their Forlorn Hope: At last the three Bodies of the Army being arrived, they of the Town prepared themselves for defence.

Marcelles is so seituated, that towards Mount Verdune and Isaures, there is both Plains and Mountains. The Castle (which stands at one end of the Town, is a most safe Ram part unto it from the Mountains, standing so high, that it is al∣most inaccessible: for besides the Rock upon which it is seated, there is a torrent which passeth between the Mountain and the Castle, and serves for such a Ditch as is impassible. The Avenues in all other places are very difficult; the Ditches deep, and the Wall•• well ••••anked with Towers very corresdondent.

When Polemas came first, not needing any view of the place, he knowing it very well, all his Infantry were drawn round the Town in form of a Half Moon, and being within Bowe shot of the Walls; the Cross bow men and Engineers be∣gan to play, and covered the Battlements of the Town with clouds of stones and arrows. In the mean time making passage for their Engines over the Ditch where∣in was no water, they filled it up with abundance of Faggots and Hurdles in many places; then passing over these Hurdles, and bringing abundance of Ladders, they ran to the Walls on all sides at one time: and which was most admirable, all things were done upon such a sudden, that they who were upon the defensive part, were no sooner upon the Battlements, but they found them full of hooks, which had Ladders fixed to them, and men of all sides mounting them: the Cranes also were lifting up men in Baskets, who were ready to step upon the walls; which did so astonish those within, seeing themselves assaulted on all sides at once, that one could not run to help another, every one having enough to do in his own defence.

In the mean while Polemas went round about encouraging his men, and look∣ing whether Merontes would open the Gate unto him, according to his promise. But they within taking heart, did most couragiously oppose this furious assault, some with halbards, and others with clubs, knocking down the enemy from the Walls. But such was the resolution of the Assailants, that some were no sooner knocked down, but others were in their places. At last, those within be-thought

themselves of great Sythes sixed unto long Poles, with which they cut in pieces the cordage of their Ladders, Cranes, and other Engines: and these En∣gines being that which most troubled them, this invention was well thought upon.

But Polemas, who would needs shew unto Alerantes the valour of his Army, he caused his other great Engines to be brought called Tortoyses, and with them they mounted a great bridge of hurdles, as high as the walls, on which fourty men might go abrest: Then he caused three thousand men with targets and swords, the stoutest in all the Army, to mount this bridge, which they did, and came to handy blows with them on the walls.

Now was the Town in great danger to be forced, and had not Damon come to that place, it had been impossible they should have made any long resistance; but his coming was such an encouragement to his men, and so great a terrour to his enemies, that it became a fierce dispute: besides, he caused a great quantity of boyling oyl and brimstone to be brought, and threw it upon the enemy with so many artificial fireworks, that they were not able to endure them: Many were wounded, and many faining to be so, began to retreat; which Prince Godomar perceiving, he opened a Sally Port, and sent out two hundred men under the con∣duct of Ligdamon, who setting artificial fires to their bridge of Hurdles which bore up the Tortoyses, and which kindled upon such a sudden, that most of those that were upon them were destroyed: In this disorder the two hundred which sal∣lied out made a most miserable slaughter, for fear entring into the hearts of Po∣mas his men; they made no defence, but leaving all their Engines and their Arms, they fled away: In so much as those of the Town had time enough to burn all their Engines, Ladders, Hurdles and Faggots.

Polemas who saw his men thus killed and burned, and then not able to relieve them, for the bridge was all on fire, he began to curse both against heaven and Fortune, for failing him in his first attempt: and he was so extreamly vexed at this repulse in the presence of Alerantes, that had it not been very late, doubt∣less he would have made a second attempt; but his councel advised him to defer it until next morning, when the fire would be extinguished; telling him that his Souldiers were weary, that it was late, and necessary to lodge them in such a place of security, that those within the Town could not hurt them in the night. The Army therefore making a retreat some two or three miles distant, they encamped themselves that night under a hill, whose scituation was so advantageous, as they thought themselves in safety, and so contented themselves with that natural forti∣fication for that night.

In the mean time those that were sent to the banks of Lignon to seiz upon A∣lexis were conducted by their guide into a little grove close by the house of A∣strea; where hiding themselves, they stayed till it was day. O what what a strange alteration did those trees now find? Formerly they were wont to be the harbour and shade of harmless of lovers, but now become a receptacle of ravenous Re∣bels and inhumane ravishers.

As Fortune was, Celadon waked that morning betimes, and as it was his cu∣stome very often, he put on Astreas clothes: Then, after he had looked a while upon her as she lay in bed, with Diana and Phillis, and seeing her to sleep very soundly, he had no mind to wake her, but went to walk in the hasel wood, which was close by the house, and there entertain himself with his own thoughts. Those who lay hid in the next Grove, saw him come forth; but thinking him to be Astrea, by reason of her garments, they stirred not, but kept as close as they could, assuring themselves that Alexis would not be long after, in which they were not mistaken: for Astrea waking presently after, and finding the windows open, and Alexis neither in bed nor in the chamber; my companions (said she and waked them) we are very sluggards, Alexis is up and gone to walk without us; upon this, putting her arms out of bed, she took the Druides clothes, and her extream desire to be with her, made her use all the hast that possibly she could and went out of the chamber sooner then her companions, and before they were half drest, assuring her self to find Alexis in the grove of Hazels; for there it

was she most delighted to walk: She had no sooner set her foot out of the house, but those that waited for her, discovered her; and lest they should fright her back again to the house; they lay still untill she was a good distance thence, then com∣passed her about, seized upon her, and do what she could, set her before a hors∣man, who held her before him in his arms whilst she wept, and cryed out for help.

Great was the wonder of this woman to see her self hurried away in this man∣ner, but much greater grief and wonder was it to Celadon, who running to the place where the Shepherds used to meet, in hopes of help to rescue, could do no∣thing but cry out for help; but knew not what to do: he enquired which way these Ravishers went, and ran after them, still not knowing what to do but to die near Astrea. He followed the track of their horses, more like a mad woman then a Shepherdess of Lignon; crying, or rather howling, after these Ravishers: cal∣ling out for help from the gods, from men, from animals, from trees, from rocks, from the river Lignon, from all things he either saw or could think upon, but all in vain; for these Souldiers having got what they came for, they rid away as fast as they could; and thinking to find Polemas at Surieu, they took that way, but when they came near, and heard he was gone to Marcelles, but they went thither, and by Fortune, came when Polemas having lodged his Army, was hark∣ing unto Ligonias and Peledontes, who were telling him what loss they had received at this assault: the number of the dead amounting to above two thousand, and the wounded as many more at the least: And when he was in the height of his anger, these Souldiers presented Astrea unto him, under the notion and habit of Alexis: when he first heard of it, he rejoyced exceedingly, and commanding her to be brought into his presence, his anger had so transported him, that it was a hundred to one, but he would have done some violence unto her; yet she keep∣ing her self at an humble distance, and sad behaviour, he was ashamed to offer any violence to a woman, especially in the presence of Alerantes, and some other Cavaliers that were in his Tent. But having looked a while upon her: Come hi∣ther (said he unto her) thou child of the most wicked father that ever liv∣ed; what do you think I caused you to be brought hither for? I cannot tell Sir, (answered she, and looked sweetly upon him) But O the unresistable power of beauty? This Polemas, who flamed with fury, and breathed nothing but death and blood against this woman: he was no sooner touched with the Luster of her eye, but as snow melts before the Sun, so his fury and his rage did vanish at her beauty; yet making some resistance against the first glance: O most miserable daughter of a Father, far unworthy of such a child. To morrow (said he) thy body shall be a covering to my whole Army; for I will have thee fastned to the points of several Pikes, and opposed against the blows of those wicked Rebels in the Town: and in this condition shalt thou go with a torch in thy hand, and set fire to the gates of that Town. Sir (answered Astrea) if ever I did you any wrong let the gods forsake me: and if I be innocent, let them defend me: as she utter∣ed these words, tears flowed from her eyes, which moved compassion not only in Polemas, but all that saw her. Yet seigning the contrary, if these tears (said he) could mollifie the heart of Adamas, and make him open the gates of the Town, they might do you some good; but otherwise assure your self, they will do no good at all.

Astrea now saw, that they took her for Alexis; and though she looked for a most certain death, yet would she die rather then discover her self; hoping by this means to save the life of Alexis, who otherwise would doubtless be taken, and brought into her room. Her desire therefore to die for her, moved her to say thus: I with Sir, my father had no occasion to wish you ill, but to think that the consideration of my life or death will move him to do any thing against his duty, is infinitly to deceive your self. for what will it advantage him whether I live or die; you know Sir, that we who are as it were cast out into the world, are commonly but hindrances to our parents. We shall see (said Polemas) how he will take it; for let him assure himself henceforward, that he has nere a daugh∣ter: The loss wherewith you menace him, replied Astrea, will not much trouble

him nor me. Upon this Polemas commanded he she should be safely guarded un∣til Silvia came, and afterwards to be bound together, because the next morning they should run both the same fortune. This command was no sooner given, but they brought a Shepherdess who desired to speak with her. As soon as Astrea saw her, she knew her to be Alexis in her clothes; Oh how it grieved her to the soul•• for knowing that all the ill they intended unto her, was only because they thought her to be the daughter of Adamas, she feared that if Alexis was known, all the harm would fall upon her; and to give her a hint of it, Oh fair Shepherdess (said she unto her) what fate brought you hither, where they seek only for me, as being the daughter of Adamas? It is fate indeed (answered Alexis) that brought me hither, and the best that ever was, Astrea, since it brought me hither to un∣deceive those that took you for me. Ah Astrea (cryed out Astrea) Why should you offer to Sacrifice your self innocently for another.

Alexis giving her no answer, but turning towards Polemas, who heard them, yet knew not their meanings, Sir (said she unto him,) you see how I am all wet and dirty, but it is by reason of the haste I made, to prevent your errour? What errour (said Polemas) do you mean? Your errour (replyed she) in taking this Shepherdess for me, who am the Daughter of Adamas. How? (said Polemas) are you the daughter of that wicked man? Sir (answered she) if you call Adamas wicked, I am the daughter of him you call so. Sir (answered Astrea) believe her not, some distemper in her Brain makes her speaks thus, she is Astrea the daugh∣ter of Alces and Hyppolita, and I am the daughter of the great Druide Adamas, as indeed you may see by my habit: And because those who were tying the hands of Astrea did stay upon this dispute, she held her hands unto them; Nay, nay, said she, tye only mine, for I assure you I am the Druide Alexis. But Alexis on the contrary opposed her, Sir (said she, thrusting away the hands of Astrea, and holding her own) let not her clothes deceive you, for we changed them this morning, as we many times were accustomed to do: Consider that she is too young to have been so long at Carnates, as I have been: If you please to ask her any particular questions concerning the Druides daughters, and of their Statutes, I dare say her answers will let you see she attributes to her self more then is her due.

Polemas and all the company were even ravished with admiration at this con∣test, which of them should be the party exposed to death. After he had a while looked upon them both, and considered how vehemently they maintained their cause; Alas poor silly wenches (said he unto them) Why should you thus dispute about the matter? Do you think any great recompence will be given unto her that is the daughter of Adamas? No, no, you are much mistaken, for all she must expect, is a most certain death: and to morrow she shall be tyed to the points of our Pikes, with a Link in her hand, and shall set fire upon the Gate of the Town, where she can look for no less then death, either from their hands, or from ours, unless paternal affection move the heart of her wicked father to open the Gates, and let us enter. Sir (said Alexis) I knew as much before, and my com∣passion upon this innocent Shepherdess, moved me to make all the haste I could, left she should suffer those pains that are due unto me. And why (said Polemas) do you think them due unto you? Because they say (answered she) that the child is to bear the iniquity of the Father; and since so, It is not reasonable that I who am Alexis should not suffer for Adamas who is my Father, but Astrea who is only an innocent Shepherdess? Sir (said Astrea and interrupted) these arguments which Astrea urges, moves me to tell you again, that she is out of her wits, and that I am the same whom my habit speaks me; and I would not have that harmless Shep∣herdess expose her self to death for me; It is I that ought to pay for my Father, and not you Astrea, whom it nothing concerns.

Alexis then interrupting; Ah fairest Shepherdess (said she unto her) What a most strange errour are you possessed withal? Why should you without any rea∣son soon desire to end your days! Preserve your self for the happiness of him that must enjoy you, he still the glory of Forrests, and an honour unto the Banks of Lignon. Let me pay what I owe unto Nature, as the daughter of Adamas, and do not deprive me of that honour I shall have by such a death. Sir (continued she

and turned to Polemas, you may be sure that only one of us can be the daughter of Adamas; and I swear unto you, by all that is sacred, that this Shepherdesse whom you see before you, is not Alexis the daughter of Adamas, but is Astrea: Send her back therefore without any harm, and expose me to as many deaths as you shall please. Can you imagine that I who expect nothing but a death to mor∣row, should perjure my self to day? Astrea, who saw that Polemas was inclina∣ble to the perswasions of Alexis; O Sir, said she, I wonder you should be led into such an errour by the perswasions of this woman. You must know, that e∣ver since she lost her father and her mother, and since she her self fell into the river Lignon, her judgement and intellectuals have been much distempered: so, as sometimes she will fancy her self to be a Druide, as now she does, sometimes a Shepherd, nay sometimes a Cavalier, and rage against all such as will not believe her: Pity her good Sir, I beseech you, and send her home to her uncle Phocion, who doubtlesse is looking for her, and in fears, lest she should throw her self into some Pool, or the river Lignon, as before she did.

This dispute had lasted longer, if Polemas, fearing lest this difference should turn to confusion, had not interrupted them.

Well, well (said he unto them) it is enough: I will agree you; then addres∣sing himself unto Alexis. Are you Alexis (said he unto her) the daughter of Adamas, the most pernicious villain upon earth? Every one, answered she, takes me to be the daughter of Adamas the Grand Druide; and under the notion of that Adamas, I do acknowledge my self to be his daughter. Then turning to Astrea, and you, said she, are you the daughter of this Adamas? Certainly I am, answered she, look upon the clothes which I were. Since, said he, you are both the daughters of that villain, you shall both be treated accordingly. Upon this he commanded them to be both tied together, and guarded safely till the morning, still keeping an eye upon Astrea as he went out of the room, and say∣ing, It was a thousand pities so fair a woman should have such a devil to her fa∣ther: but ambition, which is a monster that will admit of no companion, as soon as she was out of his sight, made him quite forget all her merits.

Polemas his intention was to expose Silvia to the blows of the Town, and A∣lexis also, as well to try whether the Nymph and Adamas would yield it to save them alive, as to shew the world how deeply he resented the death of his friends, in the person of Climanthes; of which Silvia and Leonide were principally accu∣sed. This was the reason, that when he departed from Surieu to storm Marcelles, he left her under safe custody in the Castle: Silvia being of a timorous nature, did nothing but dream all night of mortal accidents, and thought her self to be in the midst of Pikes and Arrows. Which so affrighted her, that she started out of bed all tears and fears. As soon as it was day, and finding no rest in her bed, she got up sooner then her custome: and sometimes walking up and down the chamber, and sometimes looking out of the window, she passed away some hours with as much inquietude as she did in the night time.