The history of Astrea the first part. In twelue bookes: newly translated out of French.

THE SEVENTH BOOKE of Astrea and Celadon.

AStrea, to interrupt the sad thoughts of Diane, But faire shepheardesse, said hee, who was that miserable wretch that was cause of so great misfortune? Alas, said Diane, why would you I should tell you? He was an enemy that came not into the world, but to be the cause of my euerla∣sting teares. But yet, answered Astrea, was it neuer knowne what he was? They said, replyed she some time after, that he came out of certaine bar∣barous countries beyond the Straits, I know not whether I can name the right, which they call the pillars of Hercules: and the cause that brought him so farre for my mischiefe, was, that he became amorous of a Lady in those countries, who commanded him to seeke throughout Eu∣rope, to know whether there were any other as faire as she; and if he met with any Louer that would maintaine the beauty of his Mistrisse, hee was bound to fight with him, and to send her his head, with the picture and name of the Lady. Alas! I would it had pleased the heauens that I had not bene so ready to flie when he pursued me to kill me that by my death I might haue preuented that of poore Filander. At these wordes shee set her selfe on weeping with such abundance of teares, that Phillis, to diuert her, changed the discourse, and rising vp first, We haue (said she) fate long enough, me thinks it were good to walke awhile.

At this word they all three rose, and went toward that part of their Hamlet, for it was well neere dinner time. But Leonide, who was, as I told you, harkening, lost not one word of these shepheardesses; and the more she heard of their newes, the more she desired to heare. But when shee saw them goe away without speaking a word of Celadon, shee was much troubled; yet in hope she might (staying that day with them) dis∣couer

somewhat, as before she purposed. When she saw them gone a lit∣tle off, she rose out of the bush, and making a short turne, shee set to fol∣low them, for she would not haue them thinke, shee had ouer-heard them. By chance, Phillis turning backward, as they were going, espyed her a far off, and shewed her to her companions, who stayed; but seeing she came towards them, to doe her the duty which her condition merited, they re∣turned backe and saluted her. Leonide, full of courtesie, after she had re∣turned them their saluation, addressing her selfe to Diane, sayd, Wise Di∣ane, I will this day be your gh••st, prouided, that Astrea and Phillis bee of the company: for I came this morning from my vncle Adamas, with a purpose to passe all this day with you, to know if that which I haue heard of your vertue, Diane; of your beauty, Astrea; of your merit, Phillis; an∣swere the report that is divulged of you. Diane seeing her companions referred themselues to her, answered, Great Nymph, it were better for vs, haply, that you had knowledge of vs onely from report, since that is very fauourable on our side; yet since it pleaseth you to doe vs this ho∣nour, we receiue it, as we are bound to receiue with reuerence, the gra∣ces which the heauens are pleased to doe vs. At these last wordes they tooke her to them, and led her to Diane's Hamlet, where she was receiued with so good countenance, and with such ciuility, that shee wondred how it was possible, that persons so accomplished, should bee brought vp a∣mong the woods and pastures. After dinner, they spent the time in deuices and demands which Leonide made; and among others, she enquired what was become of a shepherd named Celadon, who was the sonne of Alcippe. Diane answered, that some while agoe, he was drowned in Lignon. And his brother Licidas, is he married (said she?) Not yet (said Diane) & I think he hath no great haste, for the displeasure for his brother is yet too fresh in his memory. And by what misfortune (said she) did he miscarry? He would haue succoured (said Diane) this shopheardesse, who was falne in before him; and then she shewed her Astrea. The Nymph, who without making any such shew, tooke heede to Astreas actions, seeing that on that remembrance, she changed her countenance; and to hide this blushing, she held her hand before her eyes, knew that shee loued him in good ear∣nest; and to discouer more, held on, And was the body neuer found? No (sayd Diane) onely his hat was found, which was stayed at one of the trees, which the streame of water had made bare at the roote. Phillis, who knew, that if this discourse held further, it would draw teares from the eyes of her companion, who had much adoe to restraine them; that she might interrupt it, But great Nymph, said she, what good fortune for vs

was that, that brought you to this place? At our first meeting (said Le∣onide) I haue told you it. It was onely to haue the good of knowing you, and to enter league with you, desirous to haue the pleasure of your com∣pany. Since that is it (replyed Phillis) if you finde it good, it will be fit to goe, as vsually wee doe, to our accustomed exercises, and so you shall take more notice of our fashiō of life; especially, if you will giue vs leaue to vse in your presence, the liberties of our villages. That is it, said Leonide, I would haue requested of you, for I know, that cōstraint is neuer pleasing, & I come not hither to displease you. In this sort, Leonide taking Diane by the one hand, and Astrea with the other, they went forth, and with many discoursings, came to a wood which runnes along to the banke of Lignon, and there hauing more moysture, grew thicker, and made the place more like a forrest. They were scarce set, when they heard one sing neere them, and Diane was the first that knew the voyce: and turning toward Leoni∣de, Great Nymph (sayd she) doe you take pleasure to heare the discourse of a young shepheard, who hath nothing of the village, but the name and the habit? for hauing beene alwaies brought vp in the great Townes, and among ciuill persons, he hath lesse touch of our woods, then of any o∣ther thing. And who is he (answered Leonide?) It is (replyed Diane) the shepheard Siluander, who hath made abode among vs but 25. or 30. mo∣neths. And of what Family (said the Nymph) is he? It is an hard matter (added Diane) to tell you, for himselfe knowes not who is his father and mother, only he hath some light coniecture, that they were of the Forrests: and for this cause, when hee could, hee returned hither, with resolution to goe no more away; and indeed, our Lignon would haue great losse if hee should; for I doe not thinke there was a more accomplished shepheard of long time. You praise him too much (answered the Nymph) to make me desirous to see him: let vs goe to entertaine him. If he perceiue vs here (said Diane) and he thinke you desire it, he will not faile to come soone e∣nough to vs. And it fell out as she sayd, for the shepheard by fortune wal∣king abroad, seeing them, turned his pace towards them immediately, and saluted them. But because he knew not Leonide, he made as though he would hold on his way; when Diane said to him, Is it so, Siluander, that you haue learned this ciuility in the great Townes, to thrust your selfe into so good company, and then to say nothing? The shepheard an∣swered smiling, Since I haue offended by interrupting you, I may the lesse hold on in the fault, and so, as I thinke, may my error be lesser. That is not it (answered Diane) that makes you part hence so soone, but rather, for that you finde nothing here worth your stay; yet if you turne your eyes on

this Nymph, I assure my selfe, that if you haue eies, you will not thinke you can finde better else-where. That which drawes any thing, replyed Siluander, must haue some sympathy with it: but you may not thinke it strange, that being no such betweene so great worth and my imperfecti∣ons, that I haue not felt this attract which you reproach me for. Your mo∣desty (interrupted Leonide) hath made you put this vnlikenesse betweene vs; but thinke you it is in the body, or in the soule? For the body, your countenance, and the rest which we see of you deny it; if it be in the soule, it seemes (if you haue it reasonable) it differs nothing from ours. Sluan∣der knew well he was not now to talke to shepheardesses, but with a per∣son of an higher straine, which made him resolue to answer with stronger reasons, then he was vsed to haue among the shepheardesses, and there∣fore he sayd thus: The price, faire Nymph, of all things in the world, is not valewed according to that we see of them, but according to the pro∣per vse of them: for otherwise, a man who is the most esteemed, should be the least; since there is no creature which surpasseth not him in some things peculiar: one in strēgth; another in swiftnesse; another in sight; an∣other in hearing; & such like priuiledges of the body. But whē we cōsider that the gods haue made al these creatures to serue man, and man to serue God; we must confesse that the gods haue thought best of him. And by this reason I would tell you, that to know the price of any thing, we must haue an eye to the seruice the gods haue appointed it: for there is no like∣lihood, but that they know best the true value of euery thing. Now in do∣ing thus with you and mee, who would not say but the gods are much mistaken in vs, if being equall in merit, they serue themselues of you, as a Nymph, and of me, as a shepheard? Leonide, in her mind commended the gentle spirit of this shepheard, which so well defended so bad a cause: and to giue him occasion to speake on, she said, Though this may bee allow∣ed in respect of mee, yet wherefore is it that these shepheardesses cannot stay you, since according to your speech, they are to haue this conformi∣ty with you? Wise Nymph, answered Siluander, the lesser yeelds alwaies to the greater part; where you are, these shepheardesses must doe as you doe. And why (added Diane) disdainefull shepheard, esteeme you so slen∣derly of vs? You should rather thinke (answered Sluander) that it is for the good opinion I haue of you, that I thus speake: for if I thought hardly of you, I would not say that you were a part of this great Nymph, since that thereby I make you no whit her inferiour, but that she deserues to be beloued and respected for her beauty, for her merits, and for her con∣dition; and you, for your beauties and merits. You mock your selfe, Sil∣uander

(answered Diane:) I would haue you thinke that I haue sufficient to winne the affection of an honest shepheard. She spake thus, for that hee was so farre from all Loue, that among them, hee was alwaies called the vnsensible, and she delighted to make him talke. Whereto he answe∣red, Your conceit may be as pleaseth you, yet I must tell you, that for ef∣fecting this, you want one of the principall parts. And what is that, said Diane? The will (replyed he:) for your will is so contrary to this ef∣fect, that, said Phillis interrupting him, Siluander would neuer loue more. The shepheard hearing her speake, drew aside to Astrea, saying, that they ouer-charged him, and that hee was wronged, when so many set a∣gainst him. The wrong (said Diane) is turned onely to me: for this shep∣heardesse seeing me in the hands of so strong an enemy, and conceauing a sinister iudgement of my courage and force, would haue helped me: It is not in this (said he) faire shepheardesse, that she hath offended you; for she had had small iudgement, if she thought not your victory certaine: but it was, for that seeing me already vanquished, she would robbe you of the honor, in attempting to giue me a blow at the end of the combate; but I know not what her meaning was: for if you meddle no further, I assure you, she shall not so easily get this glory as she thinkes. Phillis, who of her nature was pleasant, and who on this day resolued to passe away the time for Leonide, answered him with a certaine lifting vp of her head: It is good (Siluander) that you haue an opinion, that to vanquish you, is a thing to be desired, and honourable for me, I say, for mee, who will place this victory among the least that euer I wanne. You should not so much vnder-valew it, said the shepheard, since this serues not but to be the first that hath conquered me. As much (replyed Phillis) as there is honour to bee the first in that which is of worth, so much shamefull is it in the con∣trary. Ah shepheardesse (interrupted Diane) speake not so of Siluander: for if all the shepheards which are lesse then he, should bee vnder-valew∣ed, I know not him that we are to esteeme. See Diane (answered Phillis) the first blowes by which you come ouer him! without doubt, he is yours. It is the custome of these haggard & wilde spirits, to suffer themselues to be taken at the first attracts; and for that they haue not beene acquainted with such fauours, they receiue them with such a taste, that they haue not power to resist them. Phillis spake these words to mock him: yet it fell out, that the gracious defence of Diane, made the shepheard thinke, that he was bound to serue her by the lawes of courtesie. And after that, that opinion, and the perfections of Diane, had that power ouer him, that hee conceaued this bud of Loue, that time and conuersation might encrease▪

as we will tell you afterwards. This disputation held some while among the shepheardesses, to the good contentment of Leonide, who wondred at their gentle spirit. Phillis, at last, turning her selfe to the shepheard, said, But whereto serue so many wordes? If it bee true that you are such, let vs come to the proofe of it, and shew me what shepheardesse makes any speciall account of you. She (answered the shepheard) whom you see me make especiall account of. You meane (added Phillis) that you seeke not after any: but that proceeds from want of courage. Much rather (replyed Siluander) from want of will. And then going onward, And you which vnder-valew me so much, tell vs what shepheard it is whom you loue so especially? All them who haue spirit and courage (answered Phillis.) For whosoeuer sees that which is louely, without louing it, wanteth spirit or courage. That reason (sayd Siluander) bindes you then to loue me, or ac∣cuse your selfe of great want. But let vs not speake so generally: name one in particular, whom you loue. Then Phillis, with a countenance graue and seuere, I would with a good will there were boldnes enough to vn∣dertake it. That is then (added Siluander) for want of courage. Rather (said Phillis) want of will. Wherefore then (cryed out Siluander) would you it should be thought more out of want of will in you, than in me? Would it be well (sayd the shepheardesse) that the actions which do besit you, should be permitted me? Would you thinke well of it, if I should runne, play on the Lute, or leape, as you do?

But our disputation is too long about so bad a subiect: let Diane set downe the conclusion, and see if I be not confident in the iustnesse of my cause, since I take a partiall iudge. I shall be alwayes (answered Di∣ane) according to the reason of my knowledge. Well (sayd Phillis) when words cannot make good that which they would vphold, is he not bound to come to his proofes? Yes without doubt (answered Diane.) Condemne then this shepheard (sayd Phillis) to giue proofe of the merit which hee sayes is in him, and that on this occasion to vndertake to serue and loue a shepheardesse of that sort, that he will enforce her to confesse that hee deserues to be beloued, that if he cannot, that hee freely acknowledge his little valour.

Leonide and the shepheardesses found this proposition so reasonable, that by a common voyce it was enacted; Not (sayd Diane smiling) that he be constrayned to loue her. For in Loue, Constraint can do nothing, and his birth must grow from a free will. But I ordayne, that hee serue and honour her as you say. My Iudge, (answered Siluander) though you haue condemned mee without hearing me; yet will I not appeale from

your sentence: but onely I require, that she whom I must serue, may merit and know how to acknowledge my seruice. Siluander, Siluander, (sayd Phillis) because your cunning fayles, you seeke out starting-holes: But I will put you besides all these meanes, by her whom I will name: for it is Diane, in whom there is wanting neyther spirit to know your me∣rit, nor desert to giue you will to serue her. For my part (answered Sil∣uander) I acknowledge more then you can speake; prouided that it be no profaning of her beauties, to serue them for wages. Diane would haue spoken, and excused her selfe of this charge; but at the request of Leonide and Astrea, she consented, yet with this condition, that this assay should last but three moneths.

This businesse being thus stayed, Siluander casting himselfe on his knees, kissed the hand of his new mistrisse, as if he were to make the oath of his fidelity: and then raysing himselfe, Now (sayd he) that I haue re∣ceiued your ordinance, will you not suffer mee (fayre Mistrisse) to pro∣pound vnto you a wrong that hath beene done me? Diane answered, hee had all liberty. He tooke it agayne thus: If in speaking ouer-much of my merits against one that vilified me, I haue iustly beene condemned to bring my proofe, why may not this glorious Phillis, who is more vaine then I, and who hath beene the cause of this discourse, be sentenced to bring forth a like witnesse? Astrea not staying for Dianes answere, sayd, that shee tooke this request to be so iust and honest, that shee made no question but it should be agreed vnto. And Diane hauing demanded the aduice of the Nymph, and seeing she was of the same opinion, sentenced the shepheardesse as he requested. I expect not (sayd Phillis) a more fa∣uourable sentence, hauing such parties. But well, what must I do? You must seeke to get (sayd Siluander) the fauour of some shepheard. That is not reasonable (sayd Diane) for Reason is neuer contrary to Duty: but I ordayne, that she serue a shepheardesse; and that as well as you, she be bound to make her loue her: and that party of you two that shall be lesse amiable, at the pleasure of them whom you serue, be compelled to giue place to the other. I will then (sayd Phillis) serue Astrea. Sister (answe∣red she) it seemes you doubt of your merit, since you goe about a worke done already. But it must be the fayre Diane, not onely for the two rea∣sons which you haue alleadged to Siluander, which are her merits and her spirit: but besides that, for that she may more equally iudge of the seruice both of the one and other, so that you must addresse your selfe to her alone.

This ordinance seemed equall to them all, that they should obserue

(after they had drawne oath from Diane, that without regard of any thing, but the truth, the three moneths being ended, she should deliuer her iudgement.) It was a pleasure to see this new fashion of loue: for Phillis played the seruant very well, and Siluander in dissembling, became so in good earnest, as wee will tell you afterwards. Diane on the other side knew so well how to play the mistrisse, that there was no body but would haue thought her to be so without fayning. As they were in this discourse, and that Leonide in her selfe had iudged this life to be most hap∣py of all others, they sawe come from the pastures side two shepheardes∣ses, and three shepheards, which by their habits shewed to be strangers: and when they were come somewhat neerer Leonide, who was curious to know the shepheards and shepheardesses of Lignon by their names, de∣manded who they were: whereto Phillis answered, that they were stran∣gers, and that some moneths are passed since they came into their com∣pany; and for her, she knew no more of them. Then Siluander added, that shee lost much, in not taking a more particular knowledge of them: for among the rest there was one named Hylas, of as pleasing an humor, as one would wish, for that he loues, as himselfe sayes, all that he sees; but he hath this good with it, that what doth him the hurt, giues him the re∣medy: for that if his inconstancy make him loue, his inconstancy likewise will make him soone forget it, and he will tell you such extrauagant rea∣sons, to prooue his humour to be the best, that it is impossible to heare him without laughter. Truly (sayd Leonide) his company must be very delightfull, and we are to put him to his discourse, as soone as he comes to vs. That will be (answered Siluander) without any great labour, for he will talke euerlastingly. But as he is of this humour, there is another with him that is of a quite contrary, because he doth nothing but bewaile a dead shepheardesse whom he loued. This is a very stayed man, and see∣meth to haue iudgement; but withall, he is so sad, that there comes no∣thing from his mouth that sauoureth not of the melancholy of his soule. And what is it (replyed Leonide) that stayes them in this Countrey? To tell you true, sayd he, I haue not yet beene so inquisitiue: but if you will, I will aske them the question; for mee thinkes they come to vs. At this word they were very neere, so that they might heare Hylas come chan∣ting these Verses:

The Towne song of Hylas vpon his Inconstancy.

The fayre that's able me to stay, The bell of Honour beares away.

I Loue to change, tis libertie, My humour beares me out in it: But what? if I inconstant be, That they misprize me, is it fit? So far is it, who me can stay, The bell of Honour beares away.

To make a barbarous soule to loue, Is signe of beauty wondrous fayre: To settle mine so vsde to moue, Would be a work that's much more rare: So that who euer can me stay, The bell of Honour beares away.

To stay the weight none hath remou'd, What weakeling cannot easely do? But to stay that is alwayes mou'd, A harder labour longs thereto: Therefore it is, who can me stay, The bell of Honour beares away.

And wherefore do you thinke it strange, That for the better I should change? He worthy is to want his eye, That will not change so happily: But she that's able me to stay, The bell of Honour beares away.

They may well say, that that fame fayre, That sets a stay vnto my heart, Must needes surpasse all beauty rare, Making me constant, vsde to start. Euen so that fayre that can me stay, The bell of Honour beares away.

Then come, deare Mistresses, I pray, That will of Beauty winne the price: And my too nimble spirits stay, By fauours and allurings nice: For she that's able me to stay, The bell of Honour beares away.

Leonide smiling vpon Siluander, sayd to him, that this shepheard was not one of those deceiuers which dissembled their imperfections, since he went singing them so. That is (sayd Siluander) because he beleeues it is no fault, and so glories in it. By this they drew so neere, that to salute them, the Nymph and the shepheard were forced to breake off their speech. And for that Siluander kept well in his memory the Nymphs de∣mand, of the state of these shepheards, as soone as the first words of ciui∣lity were ended, But Tyrcis (sayd Siluander) for that was the shepheards name, if it be not vnseasonable, tell vs the cause that made you come into this countrey of Forests, and what stayes you heere? Then Tyrcis set∣ting his knee to the earth, and lifting vp his eyes and hands, O infinite Goodnes (said he) that by thy Prouidence gouernes the world, be thou euer praysed, for that which it hath pleased thee to doe to me. And then raysing vp himselfe, to the amazement of the Nymph, and all the com∣pany, he answered to Siluander: Gentle shepheard, you aske me what brought me, and what holdes me in this Countrey? Know, that it is no other then you, and it is you alone, whom I haue so long sought for. Me! (answered Siluander) how could that be, by reason I had no knowledge of you? That is, in part, a cause, (said he) why I seek you. If it be so (repli∣ed Siluander) it is a long while since you were with vs; who will say that you euerspake to me? Because (answered Tyrcis) I know you not; and to satisfie the demand you haue made me, for that the discourse is long, if it please you, I will tell it, after you haue againe taken your places vnder those trees which you had before our comming. Siluander then turning to Diane, Mistrisse (sayd he) is it your pleasure to sit downe agayne? It is, Leonide (answered Diane) of whom you should haue asked that question. I know well, answered the shepheard, that Ciuility commands me so, but Loue ordains it otherwise. Leonide taking Diane and Astrea by the hand, sate downe in the middle, saying; That Siluander had reason, because Loue, that hath any other consideration but of it selfe, is no true loue: and after them the other shepheardesses and shepheard sate in a round. And

then Tyrcis turning toward the shepheardesse that was with him; See the happy day (said he) Laonice, which we haue so much desired, & that since our first entry into this Country, we haue expected with such impatiency! It concerneth none more then you, that wee get out of this payne as the Oracle hath ordayned. Then the shepheardesse, without making him other answer, directing her selfe to Siluander, spake thus:

The History of Fyrcis and Laonice.

OF all friendship, there is none (so farre as I can heare of) which is more affectionate, then that which is bred in youth, because cu∣stome, which this young age takes hold of, by little and little, groweth to be changed into Nature, which if it be hard to put off, they know, that endeuour to contrary it. I say this, to serue my selfe of some kind of ex∣cuse then (gentle shepheard) when you see mee constrayned to tell you, that I loue Tyrcis; for this affection was almost sucked in with the milke; and so my soule raysing it selfe with this nourishment, receiues in her selfe (as her owne) the accidents of that passion; and it seemed, euerything from my birth gaue agreement to it: for wee continued neighbours, the friendship betweene our fathers, our ages, which were very euen, and the gentlenesse of the young yeeres of Tyrcis, gaue me but ouer-great com∣modity; yet misfortune would, that much about that time Cleon was borne in our Hamlet, which (it may be) had more graces then I, but out of question, with much more better fortune. For euen when this Maide beganne to open her eyes, it seemed that Tyrcis receiued the flame into his heart, seeing that in the very Cradle he tooke pleasure to behold her.

At that time I might be about sixe yeeres, and he ten yeeres old, and see how the heauens disposed of vs without our consent! From the houre I first sawe him, I loued him; and from the time he sawe Cleon, he loued her: and though our liues were such as our yeeres might beare, yet were they not so small, but there might very well be found the difference be∣tweene vs. Afterward, as we grew, so did our loue likewise, and that to such an extraordinary height, as (it may be) there was not any that might surpasse it.

In this youth (you may we••lthinke) I went without any great heed ta∣king to his actiōs; but growing to more age, I noted in him such a want of good will, that I resolued to turne another way; a resolution which ma∣ny delights made me conceaue, but which no true Louer could execute, as I prooued long time after. Yet my courage being of••••••ded, had suffi∣cient

power to make me dissemble: and if I could not indeed withdraw my selfe intirely; yet, at least, make shew to take some kinde of leaue. That which tooke from me all meanes to doe it, was, that I could not see that Tircis affected any other shepheardesse; for all that he did to Cleon, could not mooue suspition that it was any thing but childishnesse, for that as then she could not be aboue nine yeeres old: & when she began to grow, and that she could feele the tracts of Loue, she so remooued from him, that it seemed, that this withdrawing would haue warranted her against all such blowes. But Loue, more crafty then shee, knew so well to come neere, and set before her soule, the merits, the affection, and the seruices of Tircis, that at last, shee found her selfe in the very middest, and so turned on all parts, that if she auoyded wounding on the one side, the stroke that she receiued on the other, was the greater and more deepe: So that shee could not flie to a better remedy then dissimulation; not to auoyde the blowes, but onely to keepe it from the knowledge of her enemy, or any other. She might well vse this dissembling, while it beganne to be but a little scratch; but when the sore became great, then must shee yeelde and confesse her selfe to be vanquished. Thus you see Tircis beloued of Cleon, and behold him playing with the honest sweetnesse of an amity, though at the beginning he scarce knew what his disease was, as these verses wit∣nesse, which he made at that time:

A SONNET.

O God, what ill is this thus tortures me? Since time that first I did faire Cleon see, I felt within my heart new rising paine, Although her eye tooke it from me againe.

Since by an hot desire I haue beene galde, If such a motion may desire be calde, Whose iudgement is bewitched in such wise, That it my will ioynes to his practices.

And from that spring my harme beginning takes, For this desire so great encreasing makes, That I thereby lose both my sleepe and foode, In place whereof growes an vnquiet moode:

That helpes desire to build my seruitude: Thus it the ill I feele not vnderstood.

After Tircis had knowledge of the good will of happy Cleon, he recei∣ued it with so great contentment, that his heart beeing vnable to hide it, he was forced to impart it to his eyes; which God knowes, how suddain∣ly changed from that they were, gaue but too manifest knowledge of their ioy. The discretion of Cleon was such, that shee gaue no aduantage to Tircis for his duty: so that iealousie of her honor perswaded her to make shew of louing me, that they which noted her actions, might stop at those which were more euident; and goe no further to seeke out those which she would conceale. She made choyce of mee rather then any o∣ther, for that she had long before perceiued that I loued him: and know∣ing well, it is hard to be beloued, and not to loue againe, she thought that euery body would beleeue, that this friendship, not hauing bene long be∣tweene vs, might be thought to grow from the good will which I bare him.

He that had no designe, but that which Cleon allowed, presently ende∣uoured to effect that which shee had commanded him. O God, when I remember the sweete words which he vsed to me, I cannot (though they were lyes) containe my selfe from entertaining them; and thanke Loue for those happy moments, wherewith he delighted me at those times; and wish, since I cannot be more happy, that I might at least, bee alwaies so deceiued. And indeed, Tircis found it no great paine to perswade mee, that he loued me: for besides, that euery one easly beleeues the thing they desire, me thought it might haue bin so, because I did not iudge my selfe to be so vnlouely, but that so long a conuersing as ours was, might haue gayned somewhat of him; especially with the care I had to please him. Whereby this glorious Cleon oftentimes passed the time with him: but if Loue had bin iust, he shuld haue made the deceit fal on her self, by suffring Tircis to come & loue me vnfainedly: yet it fell not out so, but contrarily, this dissimulation was so vnsupportable, that he could not continue it: and did not Loue shut vp the eyes of them that loue, I could not chuse but haue perceiued it, as wel as the greater part of them that saw vs together; to whom, as to my professed enemies, I would giue no credit: and be∣cause Cleon & I were very familiar, this cunning shepheardesse feared, that time, & the sight I had, might put me out of the errour wherein I was. But gētle shepherd, it had bin necessary that I had bin as forecasting as she: yet the better to hide herselfe, she inuented a sleight, which was not euill. Her

purpose, as I haue told you, was to shadow the loue which Tircis bare her, by that which hee made shew of to me: and it succeeded as shee set downe, for they beganne to talke somewhat loude, and to my disaduan∣tage, and though it were but they that looked no further then to appa∣rence, yet this nūber being greater then the other, the bruit ran presently, and the suspitiō that they had before of Cleon, died at that instant; so that I may say, that she loued at my cost. But she that feared, as I told you, lest I should come to discouer the practice, would cloke it vnder another; and counselled Tircis to let me know, that euery body beganne to finde out our loue, and to censure it shrowdly enough, and that it was necessa∣ry to cause it to cease by wisedome, and that it was fit he should seeme to loue Cleon, that by this diuerting, they which talked the worst, might re∣forme themselues. And you may tell her, said she, that you haue chosen me rather then any other, for the commodity you haue to be neere her, and to speake to her. I, that was all honest, and without craft, found this counsell good, so that (with my permission) from that day, when we three were together, he made not dainty to entertaine Cleon as he was accusto∣med. And indeed, it was very pleasing to them, and to any other that knew this dissimulation: for, seeing the suite that hee made to Cleon, I thought he ••ested, and could hardly hold my selfe from laughter. On the other side, Cleon noting my fashions, and knowing the deceit wherein I thought her to be, was extremely pained to dissemble it; especially, when this crafty companion made certaine winks with her eye, which often∣times were so farre from the purpose, that I might accuse the loue shee bare to the shepherd, and the contentment that this deceit brought him. And see if I were in my right minde, that of pitty I felt the displeasure which she should haue, when she knew the truth! But since I found, that I complaine in her person, yet may I excuse my selfe; for who hath not beene beguiled, since that Loue, as soone as he gets intire possession of a soule, spoyles it presently of all distrust in the person beloued? And this dissembling shepheard played his part so well, that if I had beene in Cle∣ons place (it may bee) I should haue doubted his shewes had beene true.

Being sometimes in the middle betweene vs two, if hee laboured to make ouer-great demonstration of his loue to Cleon, hee would instantly turne to me, and aske me in mine care, if he had not done well. But his master-fraud stucke not at so small a thing: heare you, I beseech you, whereto it passed. In priuate he spake more often to Cleon, then to mee; he would kisse her hand; he would bee an houre or two on his knees be∣fore

her, and would not conceale it from me, for the cause I haue told you: but generally he would neuer budge from me; sued to me with such dissi∣mulation, that the greatest part held on the opinion they formerly had of our loues; which he did of purpose, desirous, that I onely should see his courting of her, because hee knew well I would not beleeue it: but hee would not in any case, that they, who might iudge rightly, should come to the least knowledge. And when I told him, we could not put out of mens heads the opinion of our loue, and that none would beleeue it, when it was told me that he loued Cleon: How (answered he) will you haue them beleeue a thing that is not? So it is, that our plots, in despite of the worst conceits, shall be beleeued in generall. But he, that was well aduised, see∣ing an occasion presented to passe yet further, sayd to mee, That aboue all, we must deceiue Cleon; and if she were once deceiued, we had then al∣most accomplished our purpose; that for this cause, of necessity, I must speake to her for him, and I should doe it confidently.

She (saith he) that already hath this opinion, will with all her heart, receiue those messages which you bring her, and so we shall liue in assu∣rance. Oh! what a miserable fortune doe we oftentimes runne into? for my part, I thought that if at any time Cleon beleeued that I loued this shepheard, I should make her lose that opinion, when I prayed her to loue him, and confidently spake for him. But Cleon knowing what speech I had with the shepheard: and seeing in what restraint she liued, iudged she might by my meanes haue messages, and especially letters. This was the cause that she tooke in good part the proposition which I made her; and from that time she treated with him as with the man she loued and I serued to no other vse, than to carry letters from the one to the other. O Loue! to what an occupation didst thou then put me? Yet may I not complayne, for that I haue heard say, that I am not tho first that haue done such offices to others, thinking to worke for themselues.

About that time, because the Frankes, Romans, Gothes and Burgo∣nians raysed a cruell warre, we were constrayned to go into the Towne, which beares the name of that shepheard that was Iudge to the three god∣desses; for our place of abode was not farre from thence, vpon the banks of the great riuer of Seyne. And for that by reason of the great accesse of people, which from all parts came to withdraw them there, and the want of those commodities which they were vsed vnto in the Champaine, the contagious sickenesse beganne to take so violent a course throughout the Towne, that euen the great men could nor defend themselues. It fell out that the mother of Cleon was attaynted with it. And although that this

disease were so fearefull, that there was neither parentage, nor obligation of loue, that could retayne the sound about them that were infected; yet the good nature of Cleon had such power ouer her, that she would not de∣part from her mother, whatsoeuer she sayd vnto her: but on the con∣t••ary, when some of her familiars would haue withdrawne her, repre∣senting the danger whereinto she thrust her selfe; and that it was offen∣siue to the gods, to tempt them in this sort: If you loue me, would she say, vse not this speech to me, for, doe I not owe my life to her that gaue me it? and can the gods be offended that I serue him, that taught me to wor∣ship them? On this resolution she would neuer abandon her mother: and staying with her, serued her as freely, as if it had beene no infectious dis∣ease. Tyrcis was all the day long at their doore, burning with desire to enter into their lodging; but the for bidding of Cleon stayed him, who would not suffer him, for feare lest they that were ready to thinke the worst, might iudge his presence preiudiciall to her chastity. He that would not displease her, not daring to enter, caused to be carried to them all things necessary, with so great care, that they were neuer in want of any thing. Yet (as the heauens would) this happy Cleon would not escape the infectiō of her mothers disease, whatsoeuer preseruatiues Tyrcis could bring. When this shepheard knew it, it was no more possible to keepe him backe from entring into their lodging, thinking it was now no time to dissemble, nor to feare the biting of the bad-speaker. He then set in order all his affayres, disposed of his goods, and declared his last will: then hauing left a charge to some of his friends, to send him succour, he shuts himselfe in with the mother and the daughter, resoluing to runne the same fortune that Cleon did. It would serue to no purpose, but to lengthen the discourse, to tell you, what were the good offices, what the seruices that he did to the mother, for the consideration of the daugh∣ter; for he could not imagine more then those which his affection made him performe.

But when he sawe her dead, and that there remayned no more then his Mistris, whose disease growing worse and worse, I do not thinke that this shepheard rested one moment. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her continually in his armes, or else dressed her sores. Shee on the other side, who had al∣wayes loued him so dearely, acknowledged so great loue in this last acti∣on, that her owne was much increased, so that one of her griefes was, the danger wherein she saw him for her cause. He on the contrary side, tooke such satisfaction, that Fortune (though his enemy) yet had offe∣red him this meane, to giue testimony of his goodwill, that he could not

giue her thankes enow. If fell out, that the disease of this shepheardesse (being in case needfull to be launced) there was no Surgeon that would (for feare of danger) hazzard himselfe to touch her. Tyrcis, whose affe∣ction found nothing hard, being instructed what he was to doe, tooke the launcer, and lifting vp her arme, launced it, and dressed it without feare. Shortly (gentle shepheard) all the most dangerous things and most noysome, were sweet vnto him, and very casie. So it was, that the disease hourely encreasing, brought this Nymph (beloued Cleon) to that estate, that there remayned no more strength, but to speake these words: I am sorry that the gods will no longer draw out the threed of my life, not that I haue a desire to liue longer time; for this desire can neuer make me wish it, hauing had triall of the discommodities which follow mortals: but onely, that (in some sort) I would not die so much obliged to you, but that I might haue time to giue you testimony, that I am not attainted with Ingratitude, nor misprising. It is true, that when I consider what are the obligations which I owe you, I thinke the heauens are right iust, to take me out of the world, since that if I should liue as many ages as I haue done dayes, I know not how to satisfie the least of that infinite number which your affection hath brought forth. Receiue then for all that which I owe you, not an equall good, but indeed, all that I can, which is an oath which I make you, that euen death shall neuer wipe out the memory of your loue, nor the desire I haue to make all the acknowledgements that a true louing person may yeeld to him, to whom she is bound. These words were vttered with much payne, but the loue she bare the shep∣heard gaue her the strength to deliuer them. Whereto Tyrcis answered (Faire Mistris) I can hardly thinke I haue bound you, nor that euer I shall, because that which I haue hitherto done, hath not satisfied my selfe: and whereas you say, you are obliged to me, I see well, you know not the greatnes of the loue of Tyrcis, otherwise you would not thinke, that so small a thing was able to pay the tribute of so great duty. Beleeue mee (fayre Cleon) the fauour you haue done me, so kindely to receiue the ser∣uices which you say I haue done you, charge me with so great a burden, that a thousand liues, and a thousand such occasions know not how to discharge me.

The heauens which haue caused me to be borne but for you, will ac∣cuse me of misprisall, if I liue not for you: and if I haue any dessigne to employ one single moment of this life, other then to your seruice. He would haue held on longer, but the shepheardesse (ouerladen with her sickenesse) interrupted him, Cease, friend, and let me speake, to the end,

that the small remainder of my life may be employed, in assuring you, that you may not be better beloued, than you are of me, who finding my selfe ready to depart, giue you an eternall farewell, and intreate you for three things, alwayes to loue Cleon; to cause mee to be buryed neere my mo∣thers bones; and to take order, that when you are to pay the duety of mortality, your body be layed neere mine, that I may rest with this con∣tentment, that not hauing the power to be vnited to you in life, yet I may be so at least in death. He answered, The gods should be vniust, if hauing giuen beginning to so good an amity as ours, they should sunder it so soone. I hope they will yet preserue you, or at least, they will take me away before you, if they haue any compassion of the afflicted: but if they will not, I onely desire of them so much life, as may satisfie the com∣mandements which you make me, and then permit me to follow you, that if they cut not off my threed, and my hand be free, assure your selfe (fayre Mistris) you shall not be long without me. Friend (answered she) I en∣ioyne you beyond this, to liue as long as the gods please; for in the length of your life, they shall shew themselues pittifull vnto vs, since that by this meanes I shall make relation in the Elisian fields of our perfect amity, you may publish it to the liuing: and so the dead and liuing men shall honour our memory. But friend, I perceiue, my disease enforces me to leaue you; farewell, the most louely, and the best beloued among men. At these last words she dyed, leaning her head on the bosome of her shepheard.

To tell you the displeasure hee tooke, and the complaynts hee made, were but to strike the sword deeper into the wound; besides that, his gashes are yet so open, that euery man seeing them, may well iudge what the blowes were. O death, cryed Tyrcis, that hast robbed me of the better part of my selfe! either restore me that thou hast taken, or take a∣way the rest. And then, to giue roome to teares and sighes, which this re∣membrance pluckt from his heart, he held his peace for a while: when Siluander told him, he was to resolue himselfe, since there was no remedy: and that for things happened, and may no more be, complaints were but witnesses of weakenesse. So much the rather (sayd Tyrcis) find I occasion of complaynt: for if there were any remedy, it were not the part of a man aduised, or one of courage, to complayne; but he may be well allowed to bewaile that, which can find no other asswagement. Then Laonice taking agayne her speech, continued in this sort: At last this happy shepheardesse being dead, and Tyrcis hauing rendred the last offices of loue, hee tooke order she should be buryed by her mother, but the ignorance of them to whom he gaue the charge, was such, that they placed her else-where: for

as for him, he was so afflicted, as he stirred not from off his bed, there be∣ingnothing to preserue his life, but the cōmandements she had giuen him. Somes dayes after, enquiring of those who came to visit him, in what place the body so beloued was layed, hee knew it was not by her mother; whereat he conceiued such a displeasure, that contracting for a great summe with those that vsed to bury, they promised to take her vp, and to lay her with her mother. And indeed they went about it, and hauing opened the ground, they tooke her vp betweene three or foure of them; but hauing carryed her a little way, the infection was so great, that they were compelled to leaue her in mid-way, resolued rather to die, then to carry her furder.

Where of Tyrcis being aduertised, after he had made them yet grea∣ter offers, and seeing they would not respect it: And why (sayd he aloud) canst thou hope, that the loue of gayne may do more in them, than thine in thee? Ah Tyrcis! this is too great an offence to thy Loue. Hee spake thus, and as one transported, he runnes to the place where the body was, and though it had beene three dayes buryed, and that the stinke was ex∣treme, yet tooke he it betweene his armes, and carryed it to her mo∣thers graue, which was by that time couered. And after so good a deed, and so great a testimony of his affection, withdrawing himselfe out of the Towne, he stayed forty nights separated from all men. Now all these things were vnknowne to me, for one of my Aunts being sicke of the like disease (almost) at that time, we conuersed not with any: and the same day that he came backe, I returned like wise. Hauing vnderstood onely of the death of Cleon, I went to him to know the particularities; but comming to his chamber doore, I layd mine eye to the key-hole, because I came neere, I heard him sigh: and I was not deceiued, for I saw him on his bed, his eyes lifted to heauen-ward, his hands ioyned together, and his face couered with teares. If I were astonished (gentle shepheard) iudge you; for I did not thinke he had loued her, and came (in part) to delight my selfe with him. At last, after I had beheld him some while, with a sigh which seemed to part his stomake in pieces, I heard him bring foorth these words:

Stanzaes on the death of Cleon.

VVHy dowe hide our teares? this is no time to faine, A Loue, which her sad death, by my dole maketh plaine: Whoceaseth to haue hope, ought likewise cease to feare, The hope that fed my life, lies closed in her beare.

She liued once in me, and I alwayes in her, Our sprites with thousand knots, so strait combined were: Each knit to other so, that in their faithfull loue, We two were but an one, and each as two did moue.

But in the poynt that Loue vpon a firme laid ground Assur'd me pleasures, I the quite contrary found: For that my happinesse had toucht the poynt that was Allotted me to reach, and not to ouer-passe.

It was in Paris towne, that those delightfull thoughts, Which Loue infusde in me, her death did bring to nought: What time a man might see the Gaules right sore distrest. Against th'inuading force of strangers doe their best.

And must there be a tombe of lesse celebritie Then Paris, holding that I nurc'd so charily? Or that my ill should fall in times lesse sorrowing, Then when all Europe stood at poynt of perishing?

But I am wide (O God) my Cleon is not dead, Her heart to liue in me, farre from her selfe is fled: Her body enely dyes, and so by contrary, My spirit dyes in her, and hers dath liue in me.

O gods! what became of me when I heard him speake thus? my a∣mazement was such, that vnawares leaning against the doore, I entred but halfe in, whereat he turned his head; and seeing me, he made none other signe, but holding out his hand to me, prayed me to sit on the bed by him: and then wiping his eyes, for so he should alwayes need an hand∣kercher, hee spake to mee in this sort: Well, Laonice, the poore Cleon is dead, and we are left to bewayle her rauishment. And because the paine I was in, gaue me no power to answer, he went onward: I know well (shepheardesse) that seeing me in this plight for Cleon, you are amazed, that the fayned loue I bare her should giue me so true feelings. But alas! leaue that errour, I beseech you, so me thinkes I should commit a grea∣ter fault against Loue, if without cause I should hold on that dissembling, whereto my affection (till now) commaunded me: Know then Laonice, that I haue loued Cleon, and that all other suites were but to cloake that;

and if you did euer beare me friendship, for Gods sake, Laonice, condole with me this disaster, that at once haue layd all my hopes in her coffin. And if you be in any sort offended, pardon Tyrcis the errour which hee hath committed against you, that he might not be wanting in that which was due to Cleon. At these words, transported with choler, I went away (so farre besides my selfe) that I could hardly finde out my lodging, from whence I stirred not of a long time. But after wee haue crossed Loue a thousand times, yet must we submit our selues: and therfore, behold me as much to Tyrcis as euer I was. I excuse in my selfe, the treasons which he had done me, and pardon him the wrongs and faynings where with hee offended me, naming them, in pardoning them, not dissemblings nor treasons, but violences of loue. And I was the easlyer drawne vnto this pardon, for the Loue, who professeth himselfe a party in this fault, went flattring me with a certaine hope to succeed in Cleons place. While I was in this thought, behold, one of my sisters came to tell me, that Tyrcis was lost, so that he was no more to be seene, and no body knew where he was.

This recharge of griefe surprized me so forcibly, that all that I could do, was to tel her, that this sadnes being ouer-passed, he would returne as he went. But from that time I resolued to follow him, and that I might not be hindered by any, I got out so secretly, about the beginning of the night, that before day I found my selfe farre off. If I were astonished at the first, seeing my selfe alone in the darke, the heauens know it, to whom my complaints were directed; but Loue, which secretly accom∣panyed me, gaue me courage enough to accomplish my purpose. So I pursued my voyage, following (without more adoe) the way which my seet met with, for I knew not whither Tyrcis went, nor my selfe neither. So that I was a wandere more than foure moneths, hearing no newes of him. At last, p••ss•••••• the mount Dor, I met with this shepheardesse (said she poynting to Malonthe,) and with her, that shepheard called Ther∣sander, sitting vnder the shadow of a Rocke, wayting vntill the mid-dayes heate were abated. And for that my custome was to demaund newes of Tyrcis of all I met, I addressed my selfe to the place where I sawe them, and knew that my shepheard (by the marks they had giuen me) was in those deserts: and that he went alwayes bewayling Cleon. Then I told them what I tell you, and coniured them to tell me the most certayne newes they could. Whereto M••donthe (moued with pity) answered me with that sweetnes, that I iudged her strucken with the same disease that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was; and my opinion was not false: for I knew since the long history

of her griefes, by which I found that Loue strikes as well in the Court as in our woods: and for that our fortunes had some sympathy betwixt them, she desired me to tarry and end our iourny together, since we both made one kind of search. I that was alone receiued (with open armes) this com∣modity; and from that time we parted not asunder. But what serues this discourse to my purpose, since I will onely relate to you what concernes Tyrcis and me? Gentle shepheard, this shall be enough, to say to you, that after we had stayed more then three moneths in that country, at last, we knew he was come hither: where we no sooner arriued, but that I met him, and so vnseasonably for him, that he stood as amazed. At the first he receiued me with a countenance good enough: but at last, knowing the occasion of my voyage, he declared to me all at length, the extreme af∣fection he bare vnto Cleon: and that it was not in his power to loue me. Loue (if there be any iustice in thee) I demaund of thee, and not of this ingratefull, some acknowledgement of so much trauell passed.

So ended Laonice, and seeming she had no more to say, wiping her eyes, she turned them pittifully to Siluander, as asking fauour, in the iu∣stice of her cause. Then Tyrcis spake in this sort: Wise shepheard, though the history of my misfortunes be such as this shepheardesse hath told you, yet is the story of my griefes much more pittifull, wherewith yet I will entertayne you no longer, for feare of troubling you and the com∣pany, onely I will adde to that which she hath sayd, that not being a∣ble to endure her ordinary complaints (by common consent) we went to the Oracle, to know what he would ordayne of vs, and we had such an answer by the mouth of Arontyne:

ORACLE.

On Lignons bankes which glideth peaceably, Louer, thou shalt a curious shepheard see, That first enquires the ill that tortreth thee: Beleeue him. Heauen appoynts him Iudge to be.

And though we haue beene long heere, yet are you the first that as∣ked of the state of our fortunes; therefore it is that we cast our selues in∣to your armes; and we desire you to set downe what you will haue vs do. And for that nothing may be done, but according to the will of God, the old woman, who gaue vs the Oracle, told vs, that hauing met with you, wee were to cast Lots, who should maintayne the cause both of the one

and other: and for this effect, all they whom we met, should put a gage betweene your hands in a hat. The first that drawes, shall bee hee that speakes for Laonice; and the last of all, for me. At these words he desired them all to be willing to it; whereto euery one consented. By fortune, that of Hylas was the first; and that of Phillis the last: Whereat Hylas smiling, Heretofore (said hee) when I was seruant to Laonice, I should hardly haue had the minde to perswade Tircis to loue her; but now, that I am for M••donthe, I willingly obey to that the god commands. Shep∣heard (answered Leonide) you are to vnderstand by the way, what the prouidence of this diuinity is, since to mooue each one to change of affe∣ction, it hath giuen the charge to inconstant Hylas, as to him, that by vse well knowes the meanes: and to continue a faithful loue, it hath giuen the perswasion to a shepheardesse constant in all her actions: and to iudge of them both, it hath chosen a person that cannot be partiall; for Siluan∣der is neither constant, nor inconstant, since he neuer loued any. Then Sil∣uander taking the word, Since therefore you will, O Tircis, and you Lao∣nice, that I be Iudge of your difference, sweare both of you betweene my hands, that you will inuiolably obserue it; otherwise, it will bee but more to displease the gods, and for vs to take paine to no purpose. Which they did, and then Hylas began thus:

The Oration of Hylas for Laonice.

IF I were to maintaine the cause of Laonice, before a person vnnaturall, I would feare (it may be) lest the want of my capacity, might lessen in some sort, the iustice which is in it: but since it is before you, gentle shep∣heard, that haue the heart of a man; I meane, which know what the du∣ties are of an honest man, I not onely not mistrust a fauourable iudge∣ment, but hold for certaine, that if you were in the roome of Tircis, you would be ashamed to be noted for such an error. I will hold my selfe then from seeking out more reasons for this cause, which is so cleere of it selfe, that all other light would serue but for a shaddow: and I will onely say, that the name which he beares of man, ties him to the contrary of that he doth, and that the lawes and ordinances of heauen, and of nature, com∣mand him to dispute no longer about this cause. Doe not the duties of courtesie ordaine to render good turnes receiued? Doe not the heauens command, that for enery seruice some reward should bee giuen? And doth not Nature constraine to loue a fayre woman that loues him, and to abhorre, rather then to cherish a dead body? But this quite contrary;

for the fauors receiued of Laonice, he renders discourtesie; and in stead of seruices, which himselfe confesses she hath done him, seruing him so long vnder the couerture of Cleons loue, he payes her with ingratitude; and for the affectiō which she hath borne him from her cradle, he makes no shew but of misprisall. Are you so honest a man, Tircis, and doe you so seeme to know the gods? and yet me thinkes, this shepheardesse is such an one, that were it not that her influence easts her into misfortune, it were more proper for her to make others feele, then for her selfe to feele the wrongs where of she complaines. If thou beest a man, knowest thou not that it is proper to a man to loue the liuing and not the dead? And if thou acknow∣ledge the gods, knowest thou not that they can punish them that contra∣dict their ordinances? and that,

Loue neuer pardons him that neuer loues?

If thou confessest, that from the cradle she hath serued thee, and loued thee, O God, shall it be possible, that so long an affection, and so pleasing seruices, should, at last, be payd with contempt?

But be it that this affection, and these seruices, being voluntary in Lao∣nice, and not sought for of Tyrcis, may weigh little with an ingratefull soule; yet will I not beleeue that you will award (O iust Siluander!) but that the deceiuer is to giue satisfaction to the party deceiued: and as Tir∣cis (by his dissimulation) hath so long time deluded this fayre shephear∣desse, shall he not be bound to repayre this iniury to her, with as much true affection, as he hath made her take lies and falshoodes? that if euery one ought to loue his like, will not you (our Iudge) ordayne, that Tyrcis loue a person liuing, and not one dead, and place his loue there where he may liue, and not among the cold a shes in a coffin? But Tyrcis, tell mee, what may be thy dessigne? after thou hast met with a floud of teares, the sad relickes of the poore Cleon, thinkest thou that thou canst rayse her vp agayne with thy fighes and teares? Alas! they pay Caron but once, and they neuer but once enter into his boate: You may well call her backe from thence, but he is deafe to such cryes, and neuer sendeth out person that comes aboord him. It is impiety (Tyrcis) to goe about tormenting the rest of those whom the gods call away. Loue is ordayned for the li∣uing, and the Coffin for those that are dead. Desire not to confound their ordinances (in such sort) that to a dead Cleon thou giue a liuing affection; and to a quicke Laonice, a graue. And herein doe not arme thy selfe with the name of Constancy, for it hath no right to it. Dost thou thinke it fit, that a man should go naked, because he hath worne out his first garments? Beleeue me, it is as much worthy of laughter, to heare thee say, that be∣cause

Cleon is dead, thou wilt neuer loue more. Re-enter, re-enter into thy selfe, confesse thine error, cast thee at the feet of this Fayre, acknowledge thy fault, and so thou shalt auoyde thy constraint, whereto our iust Iudge (by his sentence) will subiect thee. Hylas ended in this sort, to the great contentment of all but Tyrcis, whose teares gaue notice of his griefe: Then Phillis (after she had commandement from Siluander) lifting vp her eyes to heauen, answered thus to Hylas:

The answer of Phillis for Tyrcis.

OFaire Cleon, which vnderstandest from heauen, the iniury which they purpose to doe thee, inspire me with thy Diuinity, for such I will esteeme thee, if the Vertues may euer make a mortall become diuine; and worke so, that my ignorance may not weaken the reasons that Tyrcis hath, that he should neuer loue but thy perfections. And you (wise shep∣heard) that knowes better what I should speake in her defence than I can conceiue, supply the wants which are in me, by the abundance of rea∣sons which are in my cause; and to beginne, I will say, Hylas, that all the reasons which thou hast alledged to prooue, that beeing beloued, one ought to loue, though they be false, yet they are agreed vpon for good: but wherefore wilt thou conclude by it, that Tyrcis must leaue the loue of Cleon, to beginne a new with Laonice? Thou demaundest things impos∣sible, and contraries; impossible, because no man is bound to do more than he can: and how wouldst thou haue my shepheard loue, if hee haue no will? Thou laughest, Hylas, when thou hearest me say, that hee hath none. It is true (interrupted Hylas) what hath he done with it? He that loueth (answered Phillis) hath giuen his very soule to the person beloued, and the will is but one power. But (replyed Hylas) this Cleon to whom you would he should be sent, being dead, hath nothing remaining of a person, and so Tircis is to take that againe which was his. Ah! Hylas, Hylas (answered Phillis) you speake as if Loue were a Nouice: for the do∣nations which are made by his authority, are alwaies irreuocable. And what (reioyned Hylas) shall become of this will since the death of Cleon? This little losse (said she) hath followed that great extreme losse which he had in losing her: for that if pleasure be the obiect of the will, since now he can haue no more pleasure, what hath he to doe with will? and it hath followed Cleon so, that if Cleon be no more, no more is his will, for he neuer had it but for her: but if Cleon be yet in any place, as the Dru∣ides teach vs, this will is in her hands, so content to be in that place, that

if shee her selfe would d••••••e it away, it would not returne to Tircis, as knowing well, it should bee vnprofitable, but would goe into her coffin, to rest with the beloued bones. And this being so, why accuse you the faithfull Tircis of ingratitude, if it be not in his power to loue elsewhere? And see, how you command, not onely a thing impossible, but contrary to it selfe: for if euery one bee bound to loue that that loues him, why will you not that he loue Cleon, who neuer fayled in loue to him? And as for the recompences which you demand for the seruices, and for the let∣ters which Laonice carried from one to the other, let her remember the contentment which she receiued; & how many happy daies she passed, before this deceit, which otherwise she should haue spēt miferably: let her ballance her seruices with that payment, & I assure myselfe, shee shall bee found their debtor. Thou saist, Hylas, that Tircis hath be guiled her. This is no beguiling, but a iust punishment of Loue, that hath made her blowes fall on her owne selfe, since her purpose was not to serue, but to delude the wise Cleon; that if she haue cause to cōplaine of any thing, it is, that of two deceyuers, she hath beene the lesse crafty. See, Siluander, how briefly I haue thought fit to answer the false reasons of this shepheard, and there remaines nothing but to make Laon••ce confesse, that she hath done wrong to pursue this iniustice; which I will easily doe, if it please her to answer me. Faire shepheardesse, said Phillis, tell me, doe you loue Tircis well? Shepheardesse, replyed she, no man that knowes me, doubted euer of it.

If it were of constraint (replyed Phillis) that he were to goe farre off, and that some other came in the meane time to woo you, would you change this loue? No (sayd she) for I should alwayes hope hee would come backe. And, reioyned Phillis, If you kn••w he would neuer returne, would you cease louing him? No certainely (answered she) O faire Lao∣nice! (continued Phillis) thinke it not then strange, that Tyrcis, who knowes, that his Cl••on for her merits is lifted vp into heauen, who kno∣weth, that from aboue shee sees all his actions, and ioyes in his fidelity, will not change the loue he bare her, nor suffer that the distance of place should separate their affections, since all the discommodities of life haue no more to do? Thinke not (as Hylas hath sayd) that neuer any came backe ouer the floud of Acheron, Many, who haue beene beloued of the gods, haue gone and returned: and whom shall we rather thinke than faire Cleon, whose birth hath beene beheld by the Destinies with so sweet and fauourable an eye, that she neuer loued any thing, whereof she gayned not the loue? O Laonice, if it were permitted your eyes to see the Diuini∣tie, you might behold this Cleon, who (without doubt) is at this houre,

in this place to defend her cause, and is at mine ••are to prompt the words that I must speake. Then you would iudge that Hylas hath done wrong, to say, that Tyrcis loues but cold cinders. Me thinks I see her in the midst of vs clothed with immortality, in stead of a frayle body, and subiect to all accidents; which reproches Hylas for the blasphemies which he hath vsed against her. And what wilt thou answer, Hylas, if the happy Cleon say to thee; Thou (inconstant) wouldst trayne vp my Tyrcis in thy vnfaithful∣nesse: if he haue heeretofore loued me, thinkest thou it was my body? if thou sayst, Yes: I answer, He ought to be condemned (since no louer is euer to withdraw himselfe from a loue begunne) to loue the ashes which I haue left him in my coffin, so long as they endure. If hee confesse he lo∣ued my spirit, that is my principall part; then why (inconstant) will hee change that will at this time, when it is more perfect than euer it was? Heeretofore (so will the misery of the liuing haue it) I might be iealous, I might be importunate, I must serue, I was marked by more then him, but now freed from all imperfections, I am no more capable to beare his dis∣pleasures.

And thou Hylas, thou wouldst with thy sacrilegious inuentions turne from me, him in whom onely I liue in earth, and by a cruelty more bar∣barous than hath beene heard of, assay to lay on me another death. Wise Siluander, the words which I deliuer, sound so sensibly in mine eares, that I doe not thinke but you heare them, and feele them at your heart. This is the cause, that to leaue this diuinity speaking in your soule, I will hold my peace, after I haue onely told you, that loue is so iust, that you are to feare the punishments in your selues, if the pitty of Laonice, rather than the reason of Cleon, moue and carry you. At this word, Phillis rising with a curteous reuerence, made signe she would say no more for Tyrcis. When Laonice would haue made an answer, Siluander forbade it, saying; It was not now time to defend her selfe, but to heare onely the sentence which the gods pronounced by his mouth: and after he had some while conside∣red with himselfe the reasons of them both, hee pronounced such a sen∣tence:

The iudgement of Siluander.

THe principall poynt of the causes debated before vs, is, to know if Loue may die by the death of the thing beloued? Whereupon wee say, that a loue that may perish, is no true loue; for it ought to follow the subiect that gaue it birth: Therefore it is, that they which loue the body onely, must enclose all their loues of the body in the same tombe

where it is shut vp; but they that beyond this, loue the spirit, ought with their loues to flie after this beloued soule to the highest heauens, no di∣stances being able to separate them. Therefore, all these things well con∣sidered, we ordayne, That Tyrcis alwayes loue his Cleon, and that of the two loues which may be in vs, the one shall follow the body of Cleon to the tombe, and the other the spirit into heauen. In like sort, it is ordered, That suites of Laonice be forbidden, that shee no longer disquiet the re∣pose of Cleon; for such is the will of the gods that speakes in me.

Hauing sayd thus, without regarding the complaynts and reproches which he foresawe in Laonice and Hylas, hee made a great reuerence to Leonide, and the rest of the company, and so went away without other companion than Phillis, who would stay no longer to heare the sorrowes of this shepheardesse. And because it was late, Leonide withdrew into the Hamlet of Diane, for that night; and the shepheards and shephear∣desses, as they were accustomed (except Laonice) who infinitely offen∣ded with Siluander and Phillis, sware not to goe out of that Countrey, be∣fore she had done them some notable displeasure; it seemed that For∣tune brought her as shee could haue wished. For, hauing left that com∣pany, and being placed in the thickest of the wood, to mourne at liber∣ty, at the last, her good spirit set before her eyes the insupportable con∣tempt of Tyrcis, how much vnworthy he was to be beloued of her, and made her so ashamed of her fault, that a thousand times she sware to hate him, and for his cause, Siluander and Phillis.

It fell out while these things thus passed in her memory, that Licidas, which some dayes before beganne to be euill satisfied with Phillis, by rea∣son of some coldnesse, which he thought he found in her, perceiued Sil∣uander to come talking with her. It was true, that the shepheardesse vsed more coldnesse towards him, or rather, want of heate, then she had done before she frequented the company of Diane, for that this new friend∣ship, and the pleasure that Astrea, Diane, and she tooke together, so pos∣sessed her, that she no more heeded those small wanton trickes, where∣with the affection of Licidas was nourished, and hee which knew well, that a loue cannot build vp it selfe, but with the ruine of the former, was of opinion, that that which made her more luke-warme towards him, and lesse carefull to entertayne him, was some new amity, which turned her aside. And not being able to know who was the subiect, hee went all alone gnawing vpon his thoughts, and withdrew into the most couert places, that he might complayne to himselfe with most liberty, and by

mis-hap, when he was minded to returne, he sawe (as I told you) Siluan∣der and Phillis come along: a sight that brought him no small suspi••ion. For knowing the worth of the shepheard and of the shepheardesse, he ea∣sily supposed that Siluander, hauing neuer yet loued any, was now giuen to her, and that she following the humor of those of her Sex, had willingly enough receiued the donation. All these considerations gaue him much suspition, but much rather, when passing by him, without seeing him, he heard, or he thought he heard the words of loue; and that may well be, by reason of the sentence which Siluander came from giuing.

But to put him out of all patience, it fell out, that suffering them to passe by, he went from the place he was in; and that he might not fol∣low them, he tooke the way they had come: and fortune would, that he went to sit downe, neere the place where Laonice was, not seeing her. Where, after he had some while rayled out of his displeasure, transpor∣ted with ouer-much griefe, hee cryed out aloude: O Loue! is it possible thou shouldst suffer so great an iniustice without punishing it? Is it pos∣sible, that in thy kingdome, wrongs and seruices are equally recompen∣ced? And then holding his peace for a while, at last, his eyes lifted vp to heauen, and his armes acrosse, letting himselfe goe backeward, he be∣ganne agayne thus: For conclusion, it pleaseth thee, Loue, that I must giue witnesse, that there is no constancy in any woman; and that Phillis, for being of that Sex (though furnished with all other perfections) is sub∣iect to the same lawes of naturall inconstancy: I say, that Phillis, whose loue heretofore hath beene more assured to me than mine owne will. But why, O my shepheardesse! am not I the sam•• Licidas, whose affection thou hast made shew to nourish so much? That which you haue at other times iudged commendable in me, is it so much changed that you take more delight in an vnknowne Siluander, a vagabond, a man, whom the whole earth contemues, and will not professe him for hers? Laonice, who heard this shepheard, and Phillis and Siluander named, desirous to know more, beganne to giue her eare in good earnest, and so fitly for her, that she learned before she went from thence, all that she could desire of the most secret thoughts of Phillis; and thereon taking occasion to anger her or Siluander, resolued to set this shepheard yet furder into this opinion, assuring her selfe, that if she loued Licidas, she would make him iealous; and if it were Siluander, shee would publish the loue, so that euery one might know it.

And as soone as this shepheard was gone, (for his euill would not suf∣fer him to stay long in a place) she also went from thence; and setting for∣ward

after him, came very neere him, talking with Corilas, whom he had met in the way, and seeming to demaund of them newes of the desolate shepheard, they answered, they knew none such. It is a shepheard (sayd she to them) that goes lamenting a dead shepheardesse, and who (as they tell me) is almost, euer since dinner, in the company of the shepheardesse Phillis, and of her seruant. And, who is that (answerd presently Licidas?) I know not (continued the shepheardesse:) If I knew to tell his name right, I thinke hee is called Silander, or Siluander, a shepheard of a reasonable hansomnesse of visage, somewhat long, and of an humour pleasing e∣nough, when he list. Who told you (answered Licidas) that hee was her seruant? The actions of them both (answered she:) for I haue pas∣sed by such straits; and I rememberyet vpon what feet they go. But tel me if you know any news of him I seek; for night drawes on, and I know not where to finde him. Licidas could not answer her, he was so surprized: but Corilas told her, that she must follow that path, and as soone as shee was out of this wood, she should see a great pasture, where doubtlesse she might learne some newes; for it was there that euery night they met to∣gether, before they drew homeward; and that for feare lest she might wander, he would beare her company, if she pleased. She that was wil∣ling to dissemble yet more (fayning not to know the way) receiued with great courtesie the offer he made her, and giuing the good night to Lici∣das, tooke the way which was shewed her, leauing him so quite besides himselfe, that he stood a great while vnmoueable in one place; at last, re∣turning as out of a long swound, he went repeating the words of the shep∣heardesse, whereto it was impossible but he should giue credit, not able to suspect her of falshood. It would be too long to repeate heere the sor∣row he made, and the wrongs he did to his faithfull Phillis. So it was, that all the night he did nothing but goe compasse in the most retired part of the wood; where toward morning (wearied with sorrow and long trauaile) he was constrained to lie downe vnder some trees, where all wet with teares, at the last, his extreme griefe enforced him to sleepe.

The end of the seuenth Booke.