Coralbo a new romance in three bookes / written in Italian by Cavalier Gio. Francesco Biondi ; and now faithfully render'd into English.

CORALBO Of Cavalier: GIOƲ. FRANCESCO BIONDI.

THE FIRST BOOKE.

CORALBO was gone to accompany the valiant Lindadori and her Parents at their departure from Memphis: When, he being left alone, found him∣selfe enflamed by the fire of this reverberating absence, in the same manner, as things here on Earth use to be enflamed, more by the Sunnes reflection, then by the Sunne it self. Her presence had till now, kept him from those paines which grew in an instant, like a dolefull birth, of such a privation nourished by the overflowing milk of fancy. There was not any sensible thing in him, which, to aggravate the sence, did not make an exact scrutiny of those desired perfections. His memory represented unto him his confusions, his darknesses, and in the thickest of them, the Altar con∣secrated to the Idol of those faire eyes, which having formerly been objects of astonishment and delight, were now become unto him ob∣jects onely of necessity and desire. It was objected unto him, that he had evill resolved himself, and that the covetous desire of Kingdoms and jealousie of honour (for the most part vicious and vaine) had more prevailed with him, then a maidens desert, worthy to be pre∣ferred to all the Crowns and Honours in the world; her selfe being a sufficient crown and honour to any one, who should have the for∣tunate happinesse to possesse her, and whose lot it might be to be crowned with her love, a Crown far exceeding any other Diadem. He came to the Court late, and though imagined he had at other times seene it, yet that very thought seemed fallacious to him; so naked it

appeared bare of that Ornament (which in his opinion) was the very height and transcendency of its beauty. Nor could any one that saw so much mutation in him, penetrate into the cause of it. It was ima∣gined, his melancholly proceeded from the losse of his companions indifferently: That passion is a virtue, which not to discover it selfe to be love, doth cloath it selfe with the vail of friendship. The Prin∣cesse of Cyrene, who had to her first amorous affection (after he was declared Prince) joyned the second of a good opinion, and did so wind about him, and hang upon him, being grieved to see his minde perplexed, that she vexed him even when she imagined with her dal∣liances to comfort and cherish him. She thought alone to possesse him, not perceiving that being borne to misfortunes in respect of a lawfull love, all unlawfull ones were momentary and mournful to her: what eye was there ever that could penetrate the Heavens, and with the priviledge of discerning, know the occult characters of divine pro∣vidence, unlesse discerning be a perceiving that disordinate affecti∣ons never come to any good end, and that the punishment which followes them, though it does not touch the life, yet it ruines mans honour and reputation by an ignominous report? Psemitides failed not in providing of what he judged to be needfull for the undertaking of what he had designed and promised, and wherewith he had threat∣ned another, having given order for all things with such facility, that one might easily perceive his long practise in warfaring, had made him free from all irresolutions. And having sent for Celitcazween of Arabia, with the princesse Bell-alba her Daughter to Memphis, hee received them with all such honours, as any raigning Princesses could expect, having already resolved in the secret counsel of his thoughts, that he could not bestow his Daughter Elitrea upon a more worthy Son in law, then Coralbo, who being obliged by affinity and benefits, he promised himself an undoubted secureness within his Dominions, whilst he lived; and after his decease, a potent and faithfull tutele for his eldest Sonne Gradovido. Having ruminated and digested such thoughts in his minde, calling Celitea aside, he thus spake unto her. I am resolved (Madam) to goe very shortly into Arabia for the recupe∣ration of your Kingdomes, which I hope to recover with my forces, justified by your rights. But I have resolved first to do a thing, which as it shall be a benefit to you, so will it give me abundance of satis∣faction. Your benefit it will be, to encourage and hearten my Souldi∣ers in such manner, as that having an interest in your affaires, they may not only willingly expose themselves to the dangers of War, but be as it were obliged to die in your service: Otherwise I might justly have cause to feare, their hope of ransacking and plundering being taken from them (seeing the body of your Dominions must be kept entirely whole for you, as I intend they shall) they will hardly with cheerefulnesse engage or adventure themselves, being deprived of all their military emoluments, and especially they being to fight neither for me, nor for themselves; and Aegypt not to gaine the propriety, nor any benefit of such conquests as it shall gaine with th'expence of

its own blood. Then it will be a great satisfaction to me, to make it appeare to the world (which will hardly believe Princes do stirre, unlesse it be for some interest of their owne) that my resolution to aide you, proceeds from a free will: and that if there be any interest, it is worthy my greatnesse, and others commendation. I will give your Sonne Coralbo my Daughter Elitrea to wife, and your Kingdomes (which I will recover at mine owne perill and cost) for a Dowry. If this proposition shall be acceptable to you, it shall much content me, if not, I will not howsoever faile to make trial of my fortune, and the obedience of my subjects without any condition. Celitea who stood all this while suspended, not knowing or imagining to what Psemitides's speeches would tend, would have kneeled to him to give him thanks, but he taking her under the arme, would not suffer it; when she with a Majestick humility, answered him: Sir, though your Maje∣stie will not permit me to kisse your hands, which is the duty to which your magnanimity binds me, yet shall not you deny me with a tongue enflamed with affection to give you such thanks as I am able, though all too little, in respect of your transcendent favours. The Gods endowed you with so much prudence, and enriched you with such abundance of curtesie, that to make use thereof, you please to be carelesse of that esteem, which is justly due unto you, for your other transcendent parts. That Scepter which so happily go∣verns so many Kingdomes, is held in a hand as powerful as Clement: Your subjects, my Lord, are neither so bare of affection, or armed with power sufficient as to disobey you. Not so little inriched with so many spoiles, attained through your many-fold glorious Victories, that they will pretend either any hopes more worthy then the obey∣ing of your commands, or greater profits, then to eternize their re∣nown under the unconquered ensignes of your incomparable valour. Wherefore he that should imagine, that need of this should be the motive of this unheard of courtesie, were unworthy to receive it. And as for that which you pretend, under pretext of cautions to ac∣cumulate me with favours, it is the utmost can be, not only pretended, but also imagined. Who is it but may perceive, that where such ver∣tues are, there can be no roome or place void for any interests? your Majesties head is begirt with so many Diadems, that the addition of more would not onely be supernumerary, but troublesome also. The sublimenesse of this your royal mind, composed ever of magnificent Liberalities, joyned to the innumerable vastnesse of your Treasures, cannot breed in any one such irrational impressions; wherefore what∣soever you say or doe for me, will be but a publique Declaration to the world, that you are a King and Monarch without any equall in all manner of vertues. Behold sir, here I am, your servant, together with Coralbo. Dispose of us as you please, goe on in causing Nature to admire, seeing it is your will so to doe, raise your servant to be your Sonne; raise me who am abased by so many misfortunes, to the hap∣py title of Mother to your onely Daughter, a Princesse so eminent, to make me happy in serving her. All these will be Miracles, Sir, and if

they be not so to you, to whom doing good is an ordinary course of nature, yet will it be so to us, to whom it, receiving any comfort, hath a long time been extraordinary and supernaturall Having thus said, she would againe have made obeysance unto him, but he (having de∣creed within himselfe to intreat her, not onely as his equall in degree, but also with all such respect as any courteous Knight might afford to a great Lady) would not suffer it, but holding her up, answered. Ma∣dam, The courteous opinion wherewith you please to honour me, as it doth surpass all manner of conception, so can not my duty equal the great desire I have to serve you. If the Gods have been liberall to∣wards me of any extraordinary Talent, it was conditionally, that I should employ it for the publique benefit. They did not establish worldly powers to oppresse, but to relieve the oppressed; and though there be some composed of oppressions, yet they are not all such. The different degrees to power, make the difference betweene Powers. Those whose ends were avarice and covetousnesse, had no other meanes to attaine to them, but frauds, corruptions, and hypocrisies: the Gods make use of such for scourges and instruments of wrath amongst mortals. But the others, whose ends are glorious, raised themselves by the onely meanes of fortitude and clemency, by which they represent together with Omnipotency, celestial mercy. In the first, there was never any but nominal peace. In the latter war it selfe promises peace, and subjection, a state of securenesse and rest. Now they having, placed me amongst the latter, and your Kinsman Bramac amongst the first; your protection duely belongs to me, without pre∣tence of your any way being obliged unto me. In the meane time, let this marriage be concluded betwixt us, which you shall intimate to Prince Coralbo, and my wife shall speake of it to my Daughter. Celitea lost no time, in communicating of the Kings proffers to her Sonne, thinking to make him lift up his hands to heaven for joy: but the con∣trary befalling her, being much perplexed therefore, she having re∣proved him for his folly, and shewed him, that a dishonest and hurt∣ful affection, ought not to prevaile above the interests of profit and honour, intimating to him by such conceipts, the love of the Prin∣cesse of Cirene, in such sort that he might very well perceive it. But Coralbo after a little agitation of the minde, answered her, Madam, I am not so farre divided from my selfe (though I be not throughly my selfe) as to be ignorant of the great good which you offer me, see∣ing that of my selfe being poore, and without any state, there is of∣fered me, together with an estate, the possession of so great and wor∣thy a Princesse. I would smoother my mine evills in silence, if I were not perswaded it might make you believe a thing too dissonant from truth, the bonds whereby I am bound unto you, as my mother and soveraigne being too great to suffer me to be disobedient. The love of the Princesse of Cirene doth not trouble me, and if it should, I could not pretend to make her my wife, she being already married. Here he related unto her the History of Lindadori, his amorous inclinations, how he had resolved to serve her and make her his Lady; but shee

not knowing thereof, and he consequently being free, he intended (though unwillingly) to accept of the gift, which at this present was tendred him by fortune, being assured that Elitrea, infected with the same malady, would not consent to it. And because Celitea could not well understand what he would infer thereby, he prosecuted the relation of the comming of Lindadori and Eromena, to that Court in the habit of Knights, and how Eromena having inflamed the Queene, and Lindacori Elitrea, with their loves, he could not esteeme her free to bestow her selfe on any other. Celitea smiled at these casualties, rest∣ing well satisfied of her Sonne, who preferring obedience to his youthful affections, had put her out of those doubts which she alrea∣dy did begin to feare. The King, when night was come, communi∣cated to his wife Leiride, what had passed betweene him and the Queene of Arabia, alledging amongst others reasons two as chiefe. One, that he could not bestow his Daughter upon a nobler Prince then Coralbo, unlesse he had resolved to make choice of one of the two Princes of his blood, not yet espoused, which he ought not to do, for feare of such confusions as might arise within his owne Domini∣ons, in case he should die before his Son Gradovido were come to age; be∣sides that, he did not perceive either of them to be capable of it. The Duke of Siene too young, and linked to the Prince of Berenice. The Duke of Missorme, vicious and temerarie, imbued with Maximes full of poyson and dangers, both for state and subjects. His other reason was, that having cause to stand in feare of those Princes, by reason of his Sonnes tender, and his own failing age, he being by course of na∣ture near his end, he ought to get a Son in law, who should be power∣ful of himselfe, and void of all pretences to the Kingdome of Aegypt: That to this end he undertooke the War of Arabia, because that ha∣ving conquered it, he might invest him in it, by the name of Dowry, and so leave him never a foot of Land on this side the Sea, from whence he might have forces or assistance, intending in time, to leave him Tutor to his Sonne, assuring himselfe he could not be able to a∣buse the Authority of that title, having so many who would watch over his actions; nor the Princes attaine to the ends of their designes, being opposed by a great Prince, strong in his owne and the Countries Forces, by the Lawes, and the person of the pupill King. That if any one should take occasion to taxe him, for giving his Daughter that for a Dowry, which in meer propriety belonged to his Son in law; it was an objection of no great moment. Prudent Princes caring little for others discourses, words wounding no man: and roy∣al spirits being of sufficient proofe against the tongues of the vulgar. But that these were not his ends, though but rationall if they had been such, being sure he should spend as much Treasure in the con∣quests of the Arabies, and a great deale more, then would have countervailed his Daughters portion, and that his subjects would hardly have stirred, fought but weakly, and destroyed the whole Country, if he had not before hand made it knowne, that it was for his interest in a thing which concerned his Daughters portion, and

his future Grand-childrens. Leiride applauded her Husbands discour∣ses, and purposing to move the question to her Daughter, Elitrea was no sooner up, but she sent for her, and with much joy related unto her, her Fathers intention, thinking nothing could be more pleasing to a maiden, then the proposall of marriage. But simplicity enforced by love, caused her to oppose all her Mothers perswasions, declaring she would have no other Husband but Lindadori, whom she knew by no other name; but the youngest of the Knights of Europe, who had beene at the Court but few moneths since. Leiride was troubled at it, not knowing what answer to give her Husband, fearing his just in∣dignation and displeasure. But seeing that neither prayers, nor threat∣nings, could alter her resolution, she was constrained to relate unto him what the Princesse her answer was, mitigating the offence with her simplicity and childishnesse. Psemitides laughed at it, and unfold∣ing the Riddle, unfolded unto her the Riddle of the two warrieresses, excusing himselfe that he had not before disclosed it unto her, by reason of his promise made to Coralbo. He related unto her the oc∣casions of their comming into Aegypt, and of their suddain departures thence, wherewith she remained no lesse astonished then comforted; seeing her self freed from those affections, which the love of Eromena had raised in her: for having till that time lived an enemy to any thing as savored of dishonesty, her Conscience was troubled for having harbored any thought contrary to her former course of life and de∣meanour, which though she had not in effect violated, yet she had in Cogitation at least corrupted and stained. Having passed some time in pleasant discourses upon these newes, she took her leave, to relate these particulars to her Daughter, who made question a long time, whether she should believe them or no, till at last very fortu∣nately Celitea came in, who relating many other particulars which she had heard from Coralbo, it was not difficult for her, in few dayes to alter that affection which was framed upon a false supposition, into a true one, without any change of fortune; for as she was deceived in the one at first, so was she extreamly in the latter. The marriage pub∣lished, and to be consummated after the enterprize was brought to an end (Elitrea being yt too young to undergo so great a burthen;) there was every where a generall joy; the Banks of Nilus being every day frequented by the continuall passage of Men and Horses. There were at that time in the Court, as many factions as there were Prin∣ces of worth in it, it being an ordinary thing among Warlike Nations, to corrupt the inward peace, while the externall flourisheth with all the Neighbours. Psemitides, a great Philosopher in knowing the na∣ture of his subjects, had endeavoured many yeares by divers means, to breed one War out of another, employing those turbulent spirits abroad, to keep himselfe peaceable in the internall quietnesse of his own Dominions. But his thoughts at last proved vaine, his designs being not continued by him, and his valour having caused him too quickly to terminate those victories which might have rendred him compleatly happy, if he could have been contented to conquer more

slowly, wanting Kingdomes to conquer, and Wars whereby he might obtaine that security which was needfull for him. Whereby that proved true in him, namely that accelerated virtue, prone to exces∣ses, did for the most part prove hurtfull, and sometimes mortal. For esteeming himselfe formidable to all, for his so many royal conditi∣ons, with the reputation of such transcendent victories, free from en∣vie, having no peer, beloved for his clemency and justice: he for∣sooke his solid judgement, and gave himselfe over to Fortune, not considering that virtue had enemies, who the more cowardly they were, were so much the more cruell and inexorable. It was almost ten yeares, since his forces being driven back by the excessive hot sea∣sons of the Equator, and by the vast sands of Libya he returned home, weary of so long a War, purposing to forsake Mars, and follow Ve∣nus; a War far more dangerous for him then for any other, as well for the too late appliance of himselfe thereunto, his haire being al∣ready grown hoary, as also because the same having corrupted and depraved his imaginative faculty, endammaged his advice, and made way to the plotting of meanes to ruine him, to which the tender age of his successor was a great invitation. The Rebels being perswa∣ded, they might not onely govern him according to their own desires, but also take from him his richest Jewels, and pluck the fairest flow∣ers out of his richest and fairest Garlands. The King of Ethiopia had already solicited many, by secret Messengers, and large pensions to procure his death by any meanes, for feare of being one day oppressed amongst those which were daily conquered; but none of them durst undertake so hard and dangerous a taske, as well because he being beloved of all, they saw him environed continually by so many Guards, as also because they would avoid being obliged (he then having neither Wife, nor legitimate Children) to obey their com∣panion: being rather willing to obey a lawful and vertuous Prince, then a tyrannical Traytor whom they could not trust, nor he them. Then this plot being interrupted by the ensuing peace, and the ve∣nome remaining in their hearts, it tooke effect in this new raising of Armes. Aegypt had many Princes, whereof foure were of the Royal blood. There were some others, if not equal in degree, yet in traines of followers no lesse powerful then they. Of the first sort, the Prince of Berenice, and the Duke of Missormo, hated the King to death: the former offended in his Wife, with whom he had held some kind of not well concealed practise for many yeares, and did still continue it; and although he was enriched, and had daily favours accumulated upon him, yet that was a continuall sting sticking in his heart. Missor∣mo had no cause at all given him, yea was daily obliged by innume∣rable benefits, yet he hated him, by reason of the dissimilitude of their customes. And because he was the first Prince, the Government fell to him during the successors minority, he by his death aspired not on∣ly to the Government, but also (if he could procure his death) to the Crown it self. The Prince of Cirene, who till that time had been faith∣ful, began to waver after the marriage with Elitrea was published.

For hating Coralbo, he could not without despight, see him with any authority in Aegypt; his Wife not onely inamoured, but frantick in publishing her love to him. The Duke of Siene, by reason of his ten∣der yeares, unable to dispose of himself, did depend upon the Prince of Berenice, who had been his Fathers Brother. The others, who were not of this rank, some followed the King, and some the Princess, the former guided by their duty and loyalty, the latter by vast hopes, which easily sprung up in those, who become poore by spending richly, would try any way to grow rich, to the end they might by spending, grow poor againe. Bramack having received Psemitides Em∣bassie, grew not faint-hearted, trusting both upon his own Forces, and his treacherous deceits. He had already secured himselfe of his own subjects in such manner that he did not feare them, having ob∣liged some few with benefits, who were his instruments to keep the others within the bounds of fidelity, leaving no publique nor private place, no Harbour, House, nor Temple, without spies, where woe was it for them who but durst to have held their tongue whilest o∣thers spake: Actions, words and silence, being all equally danger∣ous. Praises being made crimes, discourses concerning the Royall per∣son indifferently hurtful, publique assemblies prohibited, conversa∣tions forsaken, parents suspected, diffidencies and dissimulations a∣mongst brethren, Praytors the more abominable, the more prodigal∣ly rewarded; wherefore unhappy was that Father, whose chance it was to have an unnatural disobedient Child. Whatsoever was done by himselfe, was by his Sycophants applauded, as if it had been de∣creed in heaven. He shadowed his Art with cunning, making use of hypocrisie to deceive the most penetrating judgements; indoctrina∣ted and taught, if not by others, by himself, that the best way to cozen people, was by meanes of superstition. It having Iron lawes, Ada∣mantine bits, and a yoak of lead; whereas piety is gracious in its Lawes, having mild bits, and its yoak being light, serving none but it selfe, if any else, such Princes onely, whose Gods onely object were the subjects welfare. That a Prince as he was, could not attaine to his designes without deceiving, and that after he had so done, he was sure he might dazle the best sighted eyes, bow the most flexible necks, cloak perfidie with Religion, and under pious and religious names, make it lawful to himselfe, to grow cruel against charity, religion and nature: He had caused to come out of the neighbouring Indies, a sect of Philosophers called Samaneans, who hating poverty, and the incultivated rigidnesse of the Gymnosophists their institutors, had with politenesse and wealth, embraced a more tractable Philosophy, and gained to themselves most of the riches, and the pleasantest seats of all the Indies: they were divided into Classes, and though all under one profession, yet had they severall ends. Their chiefe Classis go∣verned the rest. And as the Watch-maker with one key, gives an uni∣versal motion to the whole Worke; so this Classis moved the sub∣ordinate ones, which in the manner of insensible wheeles, being con∣strained by their discipline, came to operate each one by it selfe,

and to terminate times without knowing them, by others directions, joyning the first to the seconds carreer, towards their last scope: name∣ly to gaine full authority over Princes and Nations, and having got∣ten it, to constraine the one by the favour of the others, to obey their becks, to suppresse all other Sects as superfluous, and unuseful, to in∣herit thereby all offices, wealth, and honours. These therefore being by Bramack, known to be men of extraordinary understanding, of much repute among the Indians, so that Princes themselves stood in awe of them; he would trie if within his Dominions they could bring that to passe, which others of their sect had done in other places, namely to instill into his subjects minds, to not esteem of dangers, but to adventure themselves into any perils in his behalfe, and to even die for him. Neither was he deceived, for they having received honours, and liberall gifts, and freedome of will and advice (which is the thing they chiefly aimed at, and seemed most to despise) those spirits were so refined, that in a small time they gained many for him, perswading them to devote their lives to his service, telling them this was the shortest way, and the securest to bring them to the happy springs of the everlasting Gardens, confirming their thoughts there∣in, with (besides the everlasting fame which they should gaine) other recompences which were promised to their Wives, Children, and Heirs. After Psemitides had declared War against him, his first con∣ceipt was to make use of these men, but he could not tell upon which of the two his death to resolve, Psemitides or Coralbo. He considered, that the murtherer being taken (which in Psemitides murther must needs happen, he being continually environed by so many men) a∣live, and proving rather resolved to die, then to be tormented, he then should find himselfe in the Sands, if not in a worser case then he was: for the Aegyptians would continue warres against him, in re∣venge of their King, and that which imported most, accompanied with everlasting ignominy, which though in opinion contemptible, would not perhaps prove so in effect, supposing it might give a strong alarum to all the neighbouring Kings. The killing of Coralbo, he thought might prove easier, it being possible to find him alone, and so the murtherer might (after the act was done) save himselfe by flight, which proving right, he deprived Psemitides of his cause of war∣ring, and if it did not, the Arabians lost their pretence of building new hopes: for though a Mother and a Sister survived, yet the in∣clination of the subjects depended upon the Son, neither would they exchange a male Prince, possessed of his rights, for two dis-inherit fe∣males, subject to such dangers as their sex brings them into. These considerations made him resolve Coralbo his death, designing the o∣thers also if need required. But before the effecting of it, he sent a great confident of his into Aegypt, a man, who surpassing all others in cunning, was so skilful in the Aegyptian tongue, that he questioned not but he might passe for an Aegyptian, in such a wast City as Memphis, and amidst the concurrency of so many Souldiers of severall Nations and Tongues. He commanded him to observe the

Souldiery, their Order, their Qualities, their Armes, their Municions. And causing a little letter of credency to be sown up in a doublet he had made of Hippotatamus skinnes, he appointed him to deliver it to Geldebar, one of Queen Celitea her servants, who used to informe him of all the Queens proceedings, and had sent him word of Coralboes arrival. He bid he should by him informe himselfe of all the most secret parti∣culars of the Court, especially concerning Coralbo. What his course of life was, what friends he had, with whom he conversed, how he pas∣sed the time away, whether he followed hunting whether he went of∣ten from Court, whether accompanied, or alone, or by night; what enviers, or enemies he had; in what esteem he was with the Princess, and others: Whether a plot might be laid against his person without danger; if with danger, how it might be avoided. He gave him or∣ders for the receiving of great summes of money by such by-wayes, and with so many cautions, that they seemed not to come out of Ara∣bia, having been formerly returned by Bills of exchange at severall times in all places of Syria and Rhenicia; from thence into Cyprus, and thence to Memphis by severall blanks. He bid him give a good part of it to Geldebar, to be employed by his advice: His intention being they should purchase themselves dependencies upon one Prince or more of that Court: and besides money, he gave him very rich Jewels, discoursing to him that covetous Princes, in dangerous affairs did spend more ten to one, then liberall ones; that wisdome is blin∣ded with the love of money; that which is expended besides the ma∣terial charge, of Souldiers and Ammunition, seemed to some to be cast away, who do not know that intelligences, spies, and corruptions are the true meanes either to extinguish Warres, or bring them to a good period. Raisemet (for so was this man called) being thus dispatched, arrived to Memphis without any danger, neither was it difficult to him to find out Geldebar, in a City so full of inhabitants, and at that time more then ever, full of strangers. After he had given him the letters, and enriched him with a great summe of ready money, and filled him with great hopes; he related unto him Bramacks concepti∣ons, according to the malice of their understandings, being both ex∣ceeding cunning. They pleased Geldebar extreamly, and so much the more, because they were most conformable to his owne, wherefore though he were prevented in the proposall of them, he was not so in the advice of the executing of them.

Having therefore given Bramack many thanks for his bountifulness, and highly commended his prudency, he told him that the Princes of the Court (excepting some few) were all apt to be corrupted; Idlenesse, prodigality, and ease, having rendred them stubborne, poor, and desirous of changes. That he notwithstanding, thought it not fit to make use of any more then one of them; one being suf∣ficient to draw in more without any danger. He named Missormo, de∣ciphered him what manner of man he was, temerary, ambitious, co∣vetous, enemy to the King, and much more to Coralbo, whom he e∣steemed to be the onely obstacle to his designes: So that upon this

basis, ought the whole designe to be grounded, that the death of the King, Coralbo, or both, would be fruitlesse without him. That the least advantage Bramack could gaine thereby would be, to transport the War out of his own Kingdome into others, or to enjoy a calme peace, while there should spring up in Aegypt an infinite of seeds of dissention, which were by such a hand to be sowen. Geldebars caute∣lous discourse, pleased Raisemet wondrous well, and remitting the care thereof to him, he would have given him Jewels, and Gold for the Duke, but he would not take them, judging it would be better to give them himselfe. He had already gotten some knowledge of the Duke, giving him to understand by his talke, that he was evill af∣fected towards his Mistresse and her Sonne, but had proceeded no farther, thinking him startled at that discourse. But he was deceived, for he was very well pleased therewith, and very well contented, to have some of Coralboes houshold depend upon him. So that whilest Geldebar sought some occasion to speak to him for Raisemet, he himselfe presented him one, by enquiring concerning the Ports, Castles, and Forts of Arabia: But Geldebar giving him a civill and discreet an∣swer, with some reserves, as if such a relation deserved some more se∣cret place, made him call him apart, where continuing his interrupt∣ed discourse, he described Arabia to him so strong, that Psemitides for∣ces might find some obstacles and oppositions in it. Bramack to be the most prudent and generous Prince in the world, whose subjects would rather die at his feet then yeeld; and that they did not onely think Coralboes pretence to be unjust, but did also imagine this to be a supposed Coralbo, and that the right one was taken and killed when he fled; but that it was not published, because Bramack thought it not fitting lest it should be hurtful to him, to make himselfe hateful in the beginning of his Raigne, to those who favoured Celitea: That amongst all his laudable qualities, his chiefe was, to make high esteem of generous Princes: That Missormo was very much inclined towards him, and had thought many times to send a secret Ambassadour to him, to offer him his friendship and amity. Missormo assured of Gelde∣bars hatred to Coralbo, and that he being of one of the chiefe Families of Arabia, might hold some intelligence with Bramack, thought hee himselfe was the same Ambassadour, so that undermining one ano∣ther they came at last to discover themselves; but having heard Raise∣mets Ambassage, and of the presents sent him, the facility of killing the King, though with the murtherers certaine death, with the prof∣fers made to maintaine Warres for him in Aegypt, to raise him to the Crown: He admitted Raisemet, and accepting of the presents, appoin∣ted the time of the murtherers comming to slay Psemitides. Coralbo af∣ter his decease, remaining without any forces, and Bramack secured from the Aegyptians Armies, comming into Arabia. Raisemet prodi∣gal of what his Master had given him for many, gave it all to Missor∣mo alone, examining the occasions wherewith he should availe him∣selfe of them: And being returned home, he rendred so pleasing an accompt of his negociation with Bramack, that in a short time he be∣came

for Titles, Dignities, and Revenues, the greatest man in the Kingdome. And though Missormo his opinion concerning the death of Psemitides, was by him judged to be the best to free him from war, yet the making away of Coralbo, he also esteemed absolutely neces∣sary, to free himselfe from the onely competitor he could have, whom since he had reason to feare, he could not naturally chuse but hate ex∣treamly. Wherefore having made choice of two murtherers, he sent them to Memphis, without directing them to any man; the subjects on whom they were to employ themselves, being so conspicuous, that the venturing of them to the sight of any (though very good friends) could not chuse but be very dangerous Wherefore being first perswaded, they should by this deed (if they dyed) obtaine everlasting happinesse; he added thereunto promises of high rewards to their posterity, the most cunning deceivers being of opinion, that one ought to think that natural reason being able to reflect with some raye of truth amidst the thickest fogs of deceipt, and dissipate them, it was needful to raise up deceiptful hopes of the equally fallacious imagination, with the reall ones of sence, which are not subject to such grosse illusions. In the meane time, there were in Aegypt, such preparations for Warres, as being calculated by humane judgement, one might have verily believed, that Psemitides might therewith have made himselfe Master, not of Arabia onely, but of the Universe: when his unexpected death over-threw all mens expectation. He was come forth of the City into the field, to add wings unto the Cap∣taines diligence by his presence, who marched away under their Co∣lonells, six or eight thousand at a time towards the Arabian Sea, the Chanels of Nilus being full of great Boats to passe them over with all their Baggage. There was he (not content to stay and take his ease in a Tent) running up and downe so swiftly, that followers were troublesome to him. There was a Regiment newly imbarqued, when the King retreating a little from the bank side, espied a Souldier on Horseback, and called back the next Boat to carry him away, and in the meane time espying in his hand a little Cross-bow all of Iron, and judging it of no use for warre, would see it, and the Souldier taking it againe, as it were to shew him the trial of it, bent it with a Key, and laded it with a steel Arrow, not above a span long, and run∣ning at him on Horse-back, shot it into his heart, so that passing clean through him, it remained in the body of another Knight who was be∣hind him; all which was done so suddainly, and without any noise, that had they not both fallen suddainly without speaking ever a word, no body could have imagined any such thing. The Boat which was called back, knowing that man to be none of theirs, went away without waiting the Kings command. The Princes were in a Tent playing with Coralbo. The Souldiers were at a distance looking to their Furnitures, ready to passe over as soon as the Barks returned. Some of Psemitides Houshold were with him, but a foot as he was, so that the Traytor had time to fly without being presently pursued: But the rumour thereof being arrived to the Kings Tent, you cannot

imagine what an astonishment possessed all the sences of Coralbo. Mis∣sormos knowing whence the blow came, and fearing least the parri∣cide should be taken alive, got upon the next Horse, and followed him with all speed: so did all the Horsemen, running every way to thwart his passage which they might easily doe, the Country being watered by many Chanels made by the hands of men. He in the meane time fled, keeping upon the border of Nilus, to reach to a bark four miles higher, which he had hired to passe him over: But find∣ing it alone, the owner being gone a little way about some businesse, and his pursuers following him so close, he could not have had time to embarque his Horse, though the Boat had beene loose, it being made fast with a lock and a chaine, he thought it therefore his safest way, to adventure himselfe in the River, then to fall into the hands of so many enemies. The Horse did as much as a Horse could do, to overcome the swiftnesse of the streame. But though it were one of the best of Arabia, it was not able long to strive against the violence of the current, suffering it selfe in despight of hand and spur to be carried towards the bank: Missormo being spectator, and raging that he did not sink, feigning he believed he might escape, commanded him to be shot with arrowes. But there was by chance but one Bow to be found in the whole company, every one upon such a suddaine oc∣casion, being runne thither onely with Sword and Spear. The Tray∣tor in the meane time perceiving the danger, and that crossing the water directly, (as he at first had foolishly attempted) was impossible, suddenly turned his Horse, and let him goe with the streame, think∣ing by little and little, he might gaine the other side. Neither might he, peradventure, have been deceived, if he had at the first guided him with a more gentle hand; but being bred with the former vio∣lent courses, he began to take in water so fast, that he was in danger of sinking, if he perceiving it had not eased him, and casting himselfe out of the saddle, had not catcht hold of his tail: But the Beast, whose ends were contrary to his Masters, finding it selfe at liberty, turned towards the nearest shore, where nature prompted him he might save his life, his Master being not able to turne or stay him by the tayl. Missormo being resolved he should not be taken alive, aligh∣ted (blaming within himselfe the mans cowardlinesse, who to live some few dayes longer, should make choise of a most cruell death amidst a thousand torments, rather then to be drowned in an instant without any more pain) & taking the next Lance to him, run him just into the wind pipe before he came to the shore, so that the water running into the wound, and the blood issuing out, he remained in the River till he was almost dead, and being drawn out, (and though some cried he should be let alone with that little breath he had, Mis∣sormo not contradicting it, seeing him in such case that he was not like to speak any more) was by the inraged people cut into a thousand peeces upon the shore, there remaining nothing but the Horse left, whereby one might judge who was he that had employed him in this businesse, which was known to be Bramacks by the crowned Phenix

which was on his thigh, the ancient and famous mark of the Kings of Arabia's horses. Coralbo had in the meane time with inward griefe, caused Psemitides body to be brought into the Tent, and finding Chi∣rurgery had no power over death, riding towards Memphis in a full cariere, to speak with the Queen and her Mother before the Princes arrival, no body following him but foure of his own houshold. He was hardly come out of the camp, when a Horseman crossed his way, who seemed to desire to speak with him; Coralbo stayed, thinking he had been sent upon some message. And as desire uses to be often times a raiser of dead hopes, he thought him a messenger of Psemitides despai∣red life. But the man being come neare to him, let fall his cloak, and drawing out a short Semitar, ranne upon him to wound him, and had done it, if Coralbo before hand suspecting it, had not spurred his horse another way. The assailant passed forward, carried away by his hor∣ses fiercenesse, so that he had no time to turne his face upon Coralbo his four men, who were upon him suddainly, and one of them taking hold of his bridle, gave the three others time to take away his wea∣pon, by him easily yeelded, because he would lose no time in striving for it; but drawing his dagger, he wounded two of them with two mortal wounds, and spurring on to do the like to Coralbo, who was come nearer him, his Horse grew unruly, and he reyning him in hard to make him obedient to the bit, the reynes broke, and the horse car∣ried him away against his will, and falling under him he had been ta∣ken alive, if with a desperate resolution he had not with his owne dagger deprived himselfe of life. Coralbo took breath seeing the dan∣ger past, yet grieved much for his two wounded servants, especially one of them who was upon dying. But seeing necessity drove him to go forward, and his stay not being able to doe dying men any good, he left the two which were not wounded, to take care of the other two. Being come to Memphis, I am not able to relate how his dolour was increased by the lament which he heard, being many times stayed by the weeping people. He found the Palace despoiled of all its ornaments. Leiride and Elitrea, Celitea and Bel••alba, the Prin∣cesses and Ladies, their haire loose, and their vestiments torn, lying on the ground, their howlings (rather then teares) increasing at his comming in, his grieved affections could not chuse but second them, humanity, piety, and the apprehension of evills, having at that in∣stant taken away his constancy from him; neither could he choose, unlesse he would have been wanting to himselfe, seeing that accom∣panying teares with griefes, is in extreame mis-fortunes, an image of content. The Queen arose, and with her all the rest, by whom being encompassed, they called as earnestly upon his assistance, as if the enemy had been comming upon them: He having stayed the teares, which, with an importunate violence flowed from his eyes, taking the Queen and Mother aside, into a little chamber adjoyning there∣unto; said unto them, Ladies, If teares could call back the Kings life, or withstand the perills threatned us by his death, I should esteeme comforts to be treacheries, and a kind of compliance to the guilt not

to mourn for the effect. But as the one is impossible, so are we like to have time more then enough to grieve, and too little to look for re∣medies. The life of this glorious King, the more it deserves lamen∣ting, the more it ought to perswade us, to suspend our laments, to examine the dangers which hang over our heads. What hath befallen him you have already heard, what hath befallen me, and is like to happen to us all, I will now relate. Here he made a narration of his own case, the death of the assaulter, and the little hope of life of both the wounded men, which reiterated the terrour of both the Queenes which heard him. Then directing his words to Leiride, he went on, saying, Madam, These things do all proceed from the ma∣chinations of Bramack, and from the Duke of Missormo. The arguments and reasons which perswade me are: That the Horse which was ta∣ken out of Nilus, is of Bramacks race, and the parricides accents Ara∣bish, Missormo amongst all the Princes alone, (an imployment farre too low beneath one of his rank) followed him, and killed him, whilest he ought, and might have taken him alive to have driven the truth out of him, and cleared all doubts, and punish him by the hang∣mans hands, though in this last he deserves pardon, he being the true formal executioner of Aegypts whole Monarchy. But that which in∣creases in me the credency thereof, that the King some three moneths since told me, that he knew by a Gentleman belonging to the said Missormo, that Geldebar my Mothers servant, was often with him in secret conference: and that about a moneth since, the same Gentle∣man had told him that Missormo had disbursed abundance of money, and it not known that he had alienated any thing of his owne, or o∣thers lent him any. That he had given the Princes of Cirene and Be∣renice money, and jewels of great value. Practises, and liberalities which had oftentimes perswaded and enticed him to secure his per∣son, but had abstained from so doing, moved by the inconveniencies which might follow, and the hope he had to catch him at such a time as he should not be able to excuse nor save himselfe. And besides, I was no sooner known to be Coralbo, when I came disguised with Po∣limero Prince of Sardinia to see my Mother, but Bramack had notice of it. That any other hath done this, but Geldebar, we have no likelihood; wherefore this, and the secret practises and conferences he had with Missormo, make me certainly beleeve, that they two were the plotters of this Treason, to the end that Bramack freed from the danger of lo∣sing his state, and revenged of us who would have taken it from him, might make way for Missormo to usurpe the Crown, by disinheriting and killing of Gradovido. The two Queenes were astonished: But Ce∣litea accustomed to such affaires, affirmed it could be no otherwise, she having for a long time observed upon severall occasions, that she had spies in her house; and that she had also advice thereof, by some friends out of Arabia. It was therefore agreed upon, after sundry con∣sultations, that Geldebar should secretly be made prisoner, before Mis∣sormo his arrivall, and putting him to torments, to draw the truth out of him. Celitea had all (save this one) faithfull servants: so that it

proved an easie matter, the same night to keep him prisoner without any tumult. Finding himselfe discovered he disclosed all; adding that Celitea, together with her Daughter, were to be yeelded up to Bramack without any great noise, for being to be forced to leave the Court, and retire to their first old habitation, they might easily be ta∣ken by the Arabians with the Princes conveniences. That Missormo his intention, was to make himselfe King, but that he dissembled it for feare of his companions, who had concurred in Psemitides death, to enjoy equally (in the Princes minority) the benefits of the go∣vernment. That he aspired to the marriage of Eli rea to effectuate his designes with lesse difficulty, to which he hoped to attaine in de∣spight of them by Gradovido his death, he being next to succeed. That supposing Coralbo dead, there was no other resolution taken con∣cerning him; but that being escaped, he was not to live long, all of them having conspired his death. Leirides was astonished in the vast chaos of so many machinations; but more seeing Coralbo and Celitea forced to give way to fortune, seeing that with them she was depri∣ved of all aid and counsell. Such a resolution distasted Coralbo, seem∣ing to him that his honour suffered thereby, but considering himselfe to be too weak a fence, against the torrent of so many Princes, being a stranger without any followers, hated and envied, his marriage bro∣ken off, treasons certaine, and his death manifest, but above all the imminent danger of his Mother and sister; he desired Leirides to be of good courage, assuring her that her right, and virtues would soon gaine her friends and advice. That hands open to liberalities, would unite those which were not yet united to her service, and divide those who were already united to her dammage. That by such means she might penetrate into the most secret councels with this advantage, that her enemies could have done nothing but weakly, and by wicked (and consequently unfaithful instruments, who would be perswaded easily to revolt by hopes, and more certaine rewards, or by feare, and their duty. Whereas she with her royal right, benefits, and treasures, of which she ought to make her selfe the sole distributrix, could not want the best (and consequently the most faithfull) besides the good reputation which she should gaine thereby, which though it be a birth of the imagination, yet such an one that without it, it is impos∣sible for Common-wealths, or Kingdoms to stand long and not ruine. That if she could keep Geldebar alive without discovering his impri∣sonment, she should doe it. He being a strong engine at any time, and upon any occasion against the conspirators; but if the secret should come to be disclosed, before the establishment of her authority, and that disturbances might happen thereby, she should cause him to be put to death secretly. That she should not by any meanes, give the Princesse Elitrea in marriage to Missormo, but rather to the Duke of Siene, and that as soon as possible it might be: For as jarres and di∣visions would ensue thereon, amongst all the Princes, so with the establishment of her party, would she secure her Sonnes state and life. That the resolution of his, and his Mothers going away, was

as necessary for her, as for them, their presence being but a pretence for others to trouble her; and seeing they were not able to assist her with any service, why should they stay there to damnifie her? The dangers dryed up Leirides tears, and the weaknesses of her mind were strengthned by the knowledge of her affaires, and the manner of ma∣naging of them. So that there was not thence-forth, any Queene that carried her selfe better then she: obliging, cherishing, and conni∣ving; and by this meanes restoring a monarchy to health, which a∣midst the putrifaction of many humours, was by the Colledge of Po∣litians judged incurable, and mortall. She caused the next day a small light Gallie first to be rigged and fitted with good rowers, and load∣ing it with most precious riches, for the reliefe of such deare friends, she took leave of them with abundance of teares. And being im∣barqued by night with all their servants, they gained in small time the open Sea; when Celitea, unresolved of what place she might make choice of to end her dayes in: Sardinia was by Coralbo propounded unto her. But that generous spirit, not overcome by so many adver∣sities, could not but unwillingly abandon those Climates which were nearest her ancient Kingdome: hoping fortune, inconstant in hu∣mane affaires, might shew it selfe the same to her enemies. But she was deceived in it, for it would be a kind of constancy, or at least of justice in fortune, if in her volubilities she did equally raise the op∣pressed to her former favours.

Being arrived to Cyprus, and having understood the qualities of him that governed it, she thought she might sojourn there securely, better then in any other place. Ortoman was dead, in a short time af∣ter the Nuptialls were contracted between his Son Gradamoro, and the valiant Deadora: So that the Kingdome (though in mourning) flourished under the command of the two new espoused couple. Ce∣litea would not have had any one know what she was, but whether the Mariners had blabbed it out, or the splendor of her servants, or her own royall carriage, which though overshaddowed with adversity, could hardly be hidden: she was presently known to be there: So that Queen Deadora hearing of it, sent not, but went in person to vi∣site her: and being informed of her disasters, having made proffer both of the King and her selfe to serve her, she provided her with a habitation worthy her greatnesse, and did what she could to keep Coralbo there also. Gradamoro also inviting him thereunto with parti∣cular urgent instances. But he staying there some few dayes, and sen∣ding back the vessel with his Mothers, Sisters, and his own, to Leiri∣des and Elitrea; he would needs depart, his old affections having converted his sufferings into comforts: he being permitted therby to returne to his first loves. So that having taken his leave of all, with promise of speedy return, he directed his course towards the Cicla∣des, sayling many dayes without any encounter, until one morning about the dawning of the day, he found himselfe a little beyond the comming out of th'Egean Sea in a great calm. The Marriners taking their Oars in hand, advanced so fast, that they overtook a Vessel

which being newly come out of the Port of Arcadia, coasted (as they did) along Peloponnesus. Wherefore having enterchangeably saluted each other according to their custome, they rejoyced that they should unitedly go some dayes journeys together. A young Cavalier was master of that Vessel, who being at that instant asleep, as Coralbo also was in his own, and would not have waked so soon, if the rejoycing cries of the Marriners had not broken their sleeps: so that rising at his, and comming out of his Cabine, Coralbo likewise appeared in his Vessel. The inbred noblenesse, their equality in yeares, and beauty, invited their curious eyes to examine and survey each other. Their mutual salutes were accompanied with many courteous terms. And desirous to know one another, especially Coralbo, who was weary of being alone; the first Complements being ended, he craved leave of him to come into his Vessel, which having obtained, they fell into discourse. Coralbo began first to relate to his voyage: He con∣cealed what he was, and such particulars as in discretion he had rea∣son not to reveal: He said he came out of Aegypt, and was going up∣on some occasions into Sardinia. The other, who for more secret cau∣ses concealed himselfe, related unto him that he came out of Greece, which he had punctually gone thorough from place to place: and ha∣ving visited all the Islands of the Ionick and Egean Sea, he had left none unseen but Ericusa, and Feacia, which he purposed at the present to visite, to passe from thence into Sicilia, Bartenope, Sardinia, and fur∣ther. This was not Coralboes right way, those two bearing too much on the right hand of his course; yet having heard some wonders of them (if it be a wonder that a new Country should represent unto us, with the variety of persons varieties of accidents) he resolved to goe on in that bending course with such good company, and for∣sake his direct way: thinking it would not be well done of him to bestow some few dayes more in visiting a place of such renown as E∣ricusa was in those dayes (Renown which ceased after they were gone thence who were the cause of it.) And having so determined, they went on, Coralbo retreating at night into his owne Vessel, and passing the day with singular pleasure in such sweet company. He observed very curiously, and precisely the behaviour and carriage of the Knight, finding them so delicate, that they argued him to be brought up amongst Ladies at Court, rather then amongst Knights in the field. And his former keeping company with Lindadori and Eromena, having opened his understanding, gave him to imagine, that this was not a man. The sweetnesse of this voice, the grace of behaviour, the modesty beyond manlike a one, were arguments to perswade him thereunto: besides the service which a Damsell did him, which he made more frequent use of then an Esquire. But being not able to pick out any certainty of it, having observed him to be melancholly and pensive: he one day said unto him, Let it (I pray sir Knight) be lawful for me, to be by you informed of one thing, Whether you be∣ing alone as you are, do not passe your time away in such a long Na∣vigation (as I do) in amorous thoughts: If you do not, I have great

cause to pitty you. Phantasies in young men as we are, if they have no such imployment, are in danger to be spoiled after the same man∣ner, as stomacks which having no nourishment put into them, are filled with evill humours. The Knight was amazed; and although the discourse did not dislike him, yet he was sorry he could not satis∣fie him as he would have done: yet he answered him, Sir, I will not say, I do not passe away the time in such manner: yea, my Phanta∣sie feeds upon no other food. True it is, that stomacks sometimes feed upon noxious food, so that it would be better to keep them fast∣ing: for if amorous thoughts be without hopes as mine are, it would be better have none hopes in love, hold (in mine opinion) the same proportion towards the imagination, as the radicall humidity does with the body, which humidity being spent, there is no more life: therefore if they be mortified, it is contrary to nature that love should subsist; and if it doth subsist, its life is not reall, but phantastical and imaginary, drawn on by force of an amorous Magick: Coralbo smiled, the Knights beauty (if such he had been) seeming to him to be free from such despairs; wherefore he said unto him, I know not how this your youth, accompanied with all those ornaments, can make you so unfortunate as you describe your selfe, unlesse you take a de∣light in imagining it to be so. Many take pleasure in weeping when they are in love, and will procure occasions so to doe, or at least pre∣tend to have some. There are some tasts, which are better satisfied with sowre, then savory meates. And if I doe not believe any such thing of you, yet I will believe at least, that your hopes are thus mor∣tified, rather by the losse of the thing beloved, then having it still want occasion to hope, or talent to obtaine as much as you honestly desire.

The teares stood in the Knights eyes hearing this, and he had much adoe to retaine them: but with great labour at last repressed them, and answered him. I know not whether I be yet in this case, and stopping would have gone forward, when the teares before re∣pressed, did in despight of him return, gushing out in such abun∣dance, that his overflowing eyes became a torrent. And because no∣thing should be wanting to make up a reall storme, all parts concur∣red thereunto, insomuch that the face before overclouded with grief, resolved into a shower of teares, was accompanied with thunders of sobs, and winds of sighes, that it seemed a deluge of beauteous and amorous raine. Coralbo stayed waiting the serenity of it, which the longer it was a comming, the more constant and calm it proved, so that following his former discourse, he said, I know not sir Knight what my merits are, but I well know that I am the most unfortunate she that ever was born: for others once born, die but once, (having by death rescued themselves from the tyranny of fortunes changes) whereas I never born, and once dead, did rise again to die (against the lawes of nature) continually subject to a cruell and implacable destiny. These last words had not their perfect accents, having per∣ceived she had too openly spoken. But Coralbo grown tender with

compassion, comforted her with most courteous and affectionate words, proffering his assistance and service in whatsoever he should be able to doe. But she more then ever sorry, for having disclosed her selfe to be a woman (griefe having deprived her of understanding) would have corrected her selfe, by alledging that when she had said unfortunate she, it was in relation to Creature. But he already perswa∣ded of her being, answered, Lady, let not your mistake grieve you; I am here not to oppose, but serve you. It is all one to me of whe∣ther sex you are; if a man, I honour you without enquiring any fur∣ther: if a woman, I will serve you with that respect, and assist you with such fidelity, as a Knight is obliged to serve a Lady of such me∣rit as your selfe. Wherefore if relating your mis-fortunes to me, may avail you any thing, doe it, I imagine them to be extraordinary, as I hold also your condition to be no lesse. If otherwise, let what hath been spoken suffice, promising that to give you satisfaction, I will overcome mine own sence, and believe you to be that man which you are not. Coralbo's speeches pleased the Lady very well, but much more the ingenuity wherewith they were expressed; wherefore gi∣ving him many thanks, after a short pause she spake thus.

I am indeed an unfortunate one (sir Knight) and a woman, which is beyond the equivocation of unfortunate Creature. My name Liarta, my birth Royal, my Country Lusitania, my Ancestors Celtes, of those Celts, which subdued great part of Iberia, so that not long after, the youngest of those Princes, comming over into Lusitania, became Lord of it, leaving it peaceable to his successors. My Father Deviaco, was the youngest of four Children to the last King save one, so there fal∣ling to him a smal inheritance, between Minius and Limus, two famous Rivers, I was (I will not say born there, for I suppose ripped up out of my dead Mothers belly) brought up, far from all courtlike hopes, and ambitions, believing the greatnesse of my birth was sufficient to make me as worthy as I was scornfull and carelesse of attaining to any higher degree of greatnesse. An Affection, or defect borne with me, taken from my Fathers nature, who after the death of his Fa∣ther, withdrawing himselfe from Court, left his two other Brothers there with Viriatus the eldest of all: A King of such worth, that he was singular among Princes, for holding in esteem the good qua∣lities of those who belonged to him: a rule, which if it did suffer exception in me, yet did it not in my Father Deviaco, but when he pleased: A noble and generous mind, born under Monarchicall Go∣vernment being able to serve his Prince, and enjoy those fruits which fortune affords him, without any constraint of corruption. In the same manner as (by meanes of a due proportion) any one may enjoy and make use of the heat of fire without burning in it. True it is, that if one ought to judge, by any other rule but that of rigorous and vul∣gar passions, I can not with any reason accuse him: for dying con∣stant in that course of life, whilest he lived it was so that no exorbi∣tant vice could be found in him, going to the Court (when publique affaires required) upon the least call of his Brother; having served

him, returning home (without ever desiring any thing of him) to his domestick rest. I must rather accuse my selfe, time and variety of chances having made me now to perceive, that my retirednesse was no solid body of vertue drawn from my Father, but a shadow and a coppy embossed from his originall, which failing me, I had no fur∣ther power to bring it to perfection, so that mine might have beene esteemed a vertue as his, if it had been constant. King Viriato having buried his first wife, without any issue by her, took another in his old age, by whom he had two, equally (by reason of their royal condi∣tions) judged the flower of all those that ever were borne. It hap∣pened that Almadero being the eldest, was endowed with such sin∣gular beauties, as well internall as externall, grew so neare to Divi∣nity, that no man almost thought him mortall. He had not obtained to fourteen yeares of age, when they began to talke of giving him a Wife. The Princesse of Cantabria excelling in beauty, had the gene∣rall favour and applause of the whole Kingdome, in Betica and Tarracon, were two worthy Princesses: But Viriato (whilest his and the neighbouring people stood in expectation of what would be done,) had in himselfe long before concluded to bestow a wife upon him, of his own family, one of his Neeces, the only daughter of one of his eldest Brothers that were already dead, brought up by him to this end, with a fatherly and extreame care. But he was deceived there∣in: His, and others examples shewing us, that the heavens seldome favour those matches which are designed in the Cradle. My Father in the interim dyed, leaving beind him Children enow, but small for∣tunes, and which was worse, rich thoughts joyned with poverty, which brought the house and us almost in an instant to utter ruine. His sicknesse was no sooner divulged at Court, but my two eldest Brothers who sojourned there, came flying home, just when he was in his extremity, yet time enough to receive by word of mouth, the last codicill of his admonitions, amongst which was the care of their Sisters, and of a reciprocall love amongst themselves. But the chief was of an exact obedience, to proceed (more then out of obligation) from a reverent affection, doubly due unto the King, both as Uncle and Lord. Which (all other meanes laid aside) should be the sole foundation of their hopes, therein (more then any thing else) con∣sisting the summe of all praise and merit: wherein he so much ex∣tended himselfe, and with such effectuall words, that considering them afterward within my selfe, I can not believe he spake them, but onely because he was doubtful they would operate a quite contrary effect in me, as it afterward happened. The Funeral was solemnized, to honour which, the King sent many of the chiefe of the Councell, with great summes of mony, not so much for the expence of the Fu∣nerall which was great, as to defray our journey to the Court, whe∣ther (to relieve us from the importunate oeconomy of a desolate house) he invited, and commanded us to come. I having with much griefe resented my Fathers death, being while he lived his supreme delight, found my selfe no lesse troubled, being forced to leave my

known aire and Country, and houshold Gods, and that quiet rest of mind, which I was inwardly perswaded (either by a better Geni∣us, or by melancholly) to be habituated in me. But I could doe no lesse, then obey mine Uncle, follow my Brothers, visit my Sisters, who were long before married, and in thinking to shun evills, runne full into the mouth of them, seconding the maligne influences, with which mine unlucky ascendant threatned me. Being arrived to Court, I was by the King received with such termes of piety and love, that no greater could have been used if I had been his own Child. He as∣signed me a pension, worthy my consanguinity, taking a resolution in his mind, suddainly to give me in marriage, considering I was of suf∣ficient age. For though in this habit I seem very young, they reckon∣ed at that time, that since my birth, might be reckoned ••4 Solar re∣volutions. I had never before cared for marriage, not so much in con∣sideration of our poverty, (assuring my selfe that upon such an oc∣casion, my good Uncle would not have failed me in his assiance) as because I was loath to forsake so good a Father: who though he had tried me many times with an intent of strayning his ability to the utmost, reason requiring, that in such a case he should part from me; yet he forced me not, being content to have from my free will, that deniall which he so much desired, yet would not willingly have ob∣tained without my spontaneous consent. But behold that which I mentioned but now: while I resigne my selfe, being Fatherlesse wholly unto an Uncles commands, who was by me reputed a second Father, I thinking by this fortune to relieve my selfe, do find by this meanes my selfe quite overthrowne and undone. Prince Almadero when I arrived to Court, was entred into the fifteenth yeare of his age, yet old (by particular gift of heaven) in all perfections belong∣ing to the greatnesse of his princely birth. I was entertained by him with termes beyond a Coufins, testifying with honours, and affection, the pleasure he took in my comming, but ere many dayes were past, by continually frequenting of my company, he was so plunged in it, that honours and affection, came unawares to be altered, consangui∣ty and courtesie, first causes of benevolence, turning into a kind of veneration, from which, as from a branch sprung love, which (as least expected or looked for by me) grew strong and constant in him. Whilest uncertaine I observe him, not being able to perswade my selfe that it was true; and if so, yet in state rather of breeding, then of being borne; behold I found it growne to a full ripenesse, and not believing mine own sences, thought it to be a flame of some smal substance, a flash, which in its flashing terminated its effect: But when convinced, it appeared to me a constant fire, no more a lightning, but a sun-beame. I know not which was greatest in me, pleasure or feare, delighted in the dignity, beauty, and merits of so great a con∣quest, and fearing the secret notice which I had from my Father, how he was destinated for his Cousin; so that being tossed by these af∣fections, I had like to have lost my selfe upon the Rocks of despaire, not being able to resolve my selfe upon conforming my will to his,

although I were willing, knowing the difficulties, fore-seeing the im∣pediments, and divining our dangers and damages. The Courtiers careful observers of others actions, especially of their Princes, pre∣sently perceived Almaderoes inclination; and my Brothers having no∣tice thereof, preimmediately came to me, wishing me to imbrace this good fortune: But I who even at that time thought it to be slippery and uncertaine, shewed them the dangers, which presented them∣selves unto me, if I should take hold of it: That hopes were not to be measured by the affections of a young Prince, but by the solidity of an old King, whose resolutions were to be considered, together with his passions. Mine age as unequall, too dangerous for an Heire of a Kingdome. Considerations which should altogether, if not satisfie, yet retard the precipitations of such Counsells. But they being per∣swaded, that ambition and pleasures which were their ends, should also be mine, were angry with me, thinking me foolish, for that which others would have commended in me, and esteemed me wise for it. They represented to me the Princes dignities and beauty, able to in∣flame the most frozen breasts, but I commiserating their ignorance in this case, shewed them the deceipt of it. Love not breeding, but entring into a well composed soule, the doores being opened with the keyes of reason, to goe out againe the same way. I confessed the Princes merits, but these were not to deprive me of the knowledge of my selfe. I set them before mine eyes to venerate as his subject, but not to enjoy them as his wife: another being destinated thereunto, and (which was of more moment then any thing else) his Father being of a contrary disposition, which was the summe of all other reasons. But what availed it me to be wise in my discourses, when mine actions proved me to be a fool in every ones judgement. Al∣madero thinking generall demonstrations, were not sufficient to mani∣fest his love to me, resolved to goe on with me in more particular termes, and he accommodated himselfe thereunto with such plea∣sing wayes, as would gave proved impossible to any but himself, for farre from any artifice, they were uttered with sighes, and accompa∣nied with alternate palenesse and blushings, innocently artificiall. Lady and Cousin (said he) I have a secret inclosed within my brest, which though reason and honesty perswade me, that I may freely disclose unto you, yet the respect I beare to that invisible deity which I apprehend to be in you, will not permit me to discover it, unlesse I first be permitted and commanded by you so to doe. I giving him thanks for this his so courteous opinion of me, answered him, that considering the mutuall relation betweene him and I, of Lord and Vassall, knew not how such a request could fittingly be made to me; yet I would pray him not to set a barre before his will: and judging my selfe apt and able to keep such a gage if committed to my trust, if he thought me worthy of it; did assure him, I would reserve it within my bosom, lockt up by the same key, as it had beene till that time locked up in his. He exceedingly well pleased with this answer, with a trembling voice and sparkling eye, proceeded, saying, I believe,

Lady, you know my Fathers intention is to give me a Wife, but a∣mong many propounded unto him, it is not yet perceived upon which of them he doth or will resolve. I have not hitherto cared to take any thought therefore, indifferency having made me free, and conse∣quently content with such a one as he should chuse for me.

But since your happy arrivall at this Court, I feele a suddain altera∣tion and change; For being free, I find my self made subject to your incomparable beauty, and vertues: and of contented as I was of any election my Father should make for me, I cannot be pleased with any but mine own, which of necessity I must prepose to all others: any other wife being not able to satisfie me; nor I having so much power over my self, as to will to take any other. I do not believe my Father will deny you to me. Your Nobility and the lustre of your incompa∣rable vertues in rendring you worthy to felicitate and make happy a greater Prince then my selfe; But I would not speak unto him before I had spoken to your self, beginning even from this hour to resigne my will totally up to yours. I who had already conceived Almaderoes love within my self, as it was represented unto me barely, by mine own bare imagination, feeling thereby no commotion at all within my self; but now being conveied to mine internall sences, in its reall be∣ing. I felt my heart so battered and bruised therewith; that laying away those rigidnesses which I used in answering my brothers, I so far inclined to pitty (but why speak I of pitty? Let not the truth be concealed) I yielded so farre to an extream love, that if Almadero had not been a suiter to me, I should have made suit to him: Yet in this suddain perturbation, the Image of those letts which had been so maturely calculated by me when I was my selfe, and free from passion, being still before mine eyes, having made a new and short examination of my self, I answered him, Sir, The businesse which you propose unto me, it being to seat me in an extream happinesse (so far that I want conceptions to expresse how much I am therefore bound to you) is lyable to more objections then you imagine; For you my Lord are already married many years since: yours and my Cosen Bru∣nichilde being appointed to be your Spouse. I know it by your Fa∣thers will, who long since revealed this secret to mine, neither is a∣ny thing expected for the publication thereof but maturity of yeares. Therefore I humbly beseech you, that continuing your gracious in∣clination towards me under some other title, you will assure your self that Liarta (being not to attain so high a happinesse as to be your wife) will adore you all the daies of her life (which can be but short) as the most obliged servant and vassall that ever you are like to have. The Prince was so grieved at so unexpected an answer, that through sorrow he had like to have been beside himself. And though he knew I had not spoken this casually, yet hee would understand me better, examining me more particularly concerning it. But having apprehended how, Brunichildes Education, and other circumstances, did Iumpe with this my advice, he took my hand and most affectio∣nately kissing it said, Lady and Mistrisse, Since fortune pretends to

oppose me, with an opposition by me not imagined, I purpose to reop∣pose it, with a resolution the world thinks not of. And taking this Dia∣mond which I wear from off his finger, putting it on mine, he said, Almadero espouseth Liarta, in the presence of Heaven. He would have proceeded further, when I interrupting him, he stood still to hear me. May it please you my Lord (said I) that this your too courteous re∣solution concerning me, being suddain, may remain a while suspended; Till there may be added unto it, if there be any part wanting, either of reason or counsell. There can befall me no greater happinesse then that of being your wife. But what misery shall equall mine, if being made so, if you shall be forced to forsake me for another by the just obedience due to your Father? He again kissing me, answered, Take you no care for that Lady. My Father may deny you me, but can ne∣ver force any other upon me. You are mine, and I yours. And if this marriage should have any such hard fortune as not to be published during my Fathers life; I shall notwithstanding neverthelesse not ab∣stain from loving, respecting, and courteously entreating of you. All this might have been confuted by me with very good reasons, which would not have failed me, but ardent love tryannising over me would not suffer me to do it, perswading me, that if my good counsells should take effect, they would prove most pernicious to me, seeing my death would certainly through grief ensue. Remaining then in this manner wife to Almadero, I would not permit him to consum∣mate the marriage unlesse he first gave my brothers notice thereof; which he deferred not, thinking the hour too long a comming in which he should possesse me; It being come, our delights increased as the difficulties and dangers grew of his being with me. So that he lan∣guished by reason he could not every night steal to me out of the Pa∣lace. He had a very faithfull squire who knew this secret, but he could not alone manage an affair of such an importance; It not being possible for Princes to blind the eyes of so many Argus's as they have about them. He would put off his clothes, and go to bed before them all, and would rise again and put them on, this squire alone helping him; and then he left him alone locked up in his own Chamber where he lay. He went down alone into the Garden, comming out at which door he found my brothers ready, accompanied him and brought him back again. All which could not be done without being buzzed abroad, that the Prince in love with some Lady went every night out of the Palace. Which though it were very well liked of by the Court, being glad to have an enamoured Prince, was not plea∣sing to us; who certain how the case was, would have had every one else to stand in doubt of it. Neither could we ever discover how this businesse should come to be known, unlesse it were that passing once through the Garden, and being casually seen, he had given occa∣sion of being watched at other times. For being known by the way, my brothers would likewise have been known, and consequently the businesse would have been discovered, which notwithstanding was never known. The first who gave us notice thereof was the squire, be∣ing

advertised by some companion of his, who had heard a buzzing of it. He told him, that the noise thereof being publick, it was im∣possible it should not at last (if it was not already) come to the King his Fathers eares, who in case he should desire to get the truth out of him, as from him who was the most intimate of all his ser∣vants, how should he alone have been able to deny that which all the world affirmed? He besought him to refrain going out (some nights at least) to the end that not being taken in the fact, he might have way to lie strongly. This businesse displeased us both, and the Prince had much adoe to be perswaded to follow the squires advice: which if he had not done, the businesse would have been discovered at that time: for the King being informed thereof, had already placed spies abroad about the Garden door, to observe whither he went, more for curiosity, then any distaste he took at it. But judging that these his escapes were sufficient reasons, to delay no longer, the giving him a wife, and seeing also that he being advised of the waits which were laid for him, he staid at home, commending his cautelousnesse, hee sent for him, and without taking notice of any such matter, said un∣to him; Son, I have sent for you for a most important (but pleasing) businesse, nature so requiring, and your youth leading me to it. I am old, and it is the property of such an age to desire (as a Father) to see my succession secured, not onely in your self and your brother, but in you, and your posterity: Which done shall I die contented. I am resolved to give you a wife, which for conformity of blood, age, and beauty, you cannot chuse but very well like of. The Prince (who a long time since had with our mutuall advice concluded what answer to make to such a request) readily replied, Sir, The busi∣nesse which your Majesty propounds unto me, if it were not of such importancy as you tell me, and with those priviledges which are an∣nexed to it, the Authority of Lord and Father, yea, your onely beck of inclination and desire, should have had power to make me obedi∣ent. Wherefore (if your Majestie please) I will be ready to submit my self unto this yoak; which of it self heavy, I imagine would be most insupportable, if it should so happen, that the wife should not prove according to the husbands mind. Which seeing it may so be, I humbly beg of your Majesty: that if I should not like of her whom you shall propound unto me, you will give me leave to chuse me one; seeing that in the casting of this dye consists the chance of my good or evill. The King, who expected from his Son an absolute and not conditionall obedience: did very distastfully receive this answer; con∣ceiving by it and the relations he had heard, that his love had been drawn after some evill consequences. But dissembling what he sus∣pected, he replied without any sign of alteration: Prince Almadero, I held you to be more discreet towards me, then you are, and that you had a better opinion of me then you have: but I pardon you, though you accuse me, as old of small prudency, and as a Father, of want of affection. This believing me to be ill advised, and void of love in a thing which so much imports you, proceeds from your own being ill

advised, and want of love in your selfe: You pretend the chusing of a Wife to belong to you, but upon what grounds? of Law, or of Nature? if of Nature, it may either be good or evill, well or ill in∣clined. If evill, the Lawes have power to correct it; if good, it can∣not be good, unlesse the effects thereof be good: if upon the ground of the Lawes, what are those Lawes, Common, or Particular? If common, take heed they be not against you. If particular, of what Nation shall they be? of our own, by no meanes. If others, you may peradventure hit upon some which will make you three times more your Fathers slave, and render him absolute Lord over all your actions, Wife, Children; yea of your very life, and death. Nature set you in the world by meanes of a Father, nourishes you by him, and by him puts you in the way of action.

And if in brute beasts, the Mothers care doe last until the time of the young ones material subsistency, to the end they may not be abando∣ned: why shall it not be the same in men, till they have got a perfect subsistency of reason, by which onely man is able to govern himselfe? Nature permits not liberty of marriage in any man, unlesse the nup∣tialls be first contracted by her self, together with his owne perfect judgement: neither is that man of perfect judgement, who pretends to emancipate himselfe from his Fathers obedience. The Lawes (if a Father by death comes to faile) give tutors till the age of five and twenty yeares; and shall you who are scarce fifteen, your Father be∣ing alive, and a King, pretend to have free will in a thing which hath in your age no reason nor end, but pleasure, and sence? fountaines of beatitude to delight, but in humane actions, two most unfaithful and foolish Councellers. The Wife which I intend to give you, is Bruni∣childe, a noble and beautifull maid. Could I chuse you a better? Al∣demero, who at his Fathers angry words, full of humility, had cast himself upon his knees, kissing his hand to mitigate his wrath, answer∣ed, Sir, I confesse I erre in many things: and if in this particular I have committed a fault against your Majesty (as I question not, see∣ing your Majesty hath been pleased to repute it such) I most humbly begge your pardon and though I do not of my self deserve it, let the error it self make me worthy of it, which being of ignorance, ought to be remissible. But as for the reverence which I owe unto your Royal Majestie, I beseech you not to have any such opinion of me, although the confidence which I have in your goodnesse, and father∣ly tendernesse (which I have alwaies found to mine ineffable con∣tent) should make me againe seem to erre in alledging reasons for my selfe, and make me appeare as it were contumacious. I doe not pre∣tend to have any choice or election in any thing, unlesse it be by you granted me through your beignity: which being laid as a founda∣tion, let your Majesty give me leave to tell you, that Nature can not be corrected by any Law, it being the fountaine from which all lawes derive: neither ought that Law be esteemed good, which any way opposes or declines from that nature. But if your Majestie meanes by nature, evill inclinations, the difference is as great as it is biggest in

things which have no analogy nor similitude at all amongst them∣selves; so that if it were granted to have recourse unto nature, I would have recourse to that which gives, and not to that which re∣ceives Lawes. As for the other, which are used according to the dif∣ferent institutes of particular Nations, I will confesse none of them to be unjust, but such as any way derogate from fatherly authority: yet amongst all those, there is not one which gives them leave to ap∣point wives for their Sonnes which are not pleasing to them. Yea the divine Law, setting her hand to this, doth declare invalid, all mar∣riages which are contracted without the mutuall consent of those who are espoused and knit together; a manifest argument, that if Fa∣thers authority alone were sufficient, such a consent would be unne∣cessary. I conclude therefore (alwaies saving the respects due to fa∣therly obedience, which I will never exclude, nor that of parity of blood and honesty) the father cannot without injustice, deny to satis∣fie his Son in so just a request, and that if he do not so, it is no longer authority (but to speak truth) a fatherly tyranny. As for the choice you have made of my Cozen Brunichilde, I confesse your Majesty could not have made it better, being considered meerely of it selfe. But ma∣ny things, though good, are not alwayes good in all men, and the love which I bear unto her, being become professe in the habit of Brother∣hood, will not suffer me to put on a second habit so contrary to the first. The passages which are made from one, being to another, though by chance they may be easie, yet they are in Nature either impossible or monstrous. Her infantile estate, cannot but be against my stomack: Every one will thinke us coupled together rather to make babies, then get Children: and I being bound to love my wife, (seeing without a fervent affection, marriages are unfortunate) mine will be most unhappy, seeing that under that title, I shall never be able to love her. The neerenesse of blood also which is between us, should not passe for an inconsiderable argument, for we see foales begotten by stallions, upon Mares of the same race, (though they be very handsome) prove ill favoured and degenerous; and shall we think nature by the same unknown reason, may not work the same in us, so that imagining to beget Children, it may produce monsters? But grant that this doe not follow (seeing that we, divers in kinds, may be diversly disposed, which generally is not so, rationability not ma∣king this difference: let it be lawful for me, Sir, humbly to aske you, what necessity is there for me to take such a Childe to wife against my will, seeing by her we contract no affinity with Princes, we ob∣taine no benefits of state, no friendships, no peaces, nor any such things. Wherefore there being no urgent cause for it, why shall not the urgency of my satisfaction prevaile, especially with so just a King, and so loving a Father? and also if you will be satisfied with my marrying one of our own blood, will you be pleased to let the In∣fanta Liarta be she; for she being a Princesse endowed with all man∣ner of vertues which may cause a woman to be beloved, I will in no wise refuse her. The King had all this while with delight hearkned

to his Sonne without any alteration at all, when at this last period he did hang down his head, and having a while bethought him, he rose, and without any more speaking went away from him. Almadero stood astonished at this act, and withdrawing, presently writ to me what had happened: and I taking it for a bad augury, writ to him againe, praying him for the present, to forbeare his nightly voyages, till time should level the way to us for some more mature deliberation. The King, in whom age and practise had refined his natural pruden∣cie, presently imagined after he had named me, how the case stood; and were it his zeale to be obeyed, or my Brethrens nature by him ab∣horred, and who he believed would become insupportable by this marriage, he fully resolved not to suffer the going forward of it: and too late repenting, his causing me to come to Court, he resolved to vend me away from it, by presently marrying me away. Lusitania hath for some hundred years, possessed all that Country which lies between the two Rivers of Ana, and Betis, the King, my Grandfather, having conquered it in his youth, the faire City of Hispalis being compre∣hended therein; whence many Warres had ensued, smothered up through weariness, rather then by any accord or peace made. Now the King of it treated of giving his Daughter to Almadero, and the ces∣sion of all his pretended rights in that Country for a Dowry. Where∣unto Viriato would never assent, it seeming to him an unworthy act, to confesse that not to be his, which by his Fathers valour, was here∣ditarily fallen to him. Now changing his deliberation, he thought to deprive himselfe thereof upon mine occasion, intending my marriage with the Prince of Betica, should take me off from pretending that of his Sonne, and his pretences to mine, being already married. Alma∣dero, on the other side, intended whatsoever should come of it, to break off this treatise, resolved (being so advised by my brothers) to send thither likewise as privately as possibly be could. And having to that end made choice of a favourite he had called Dragillo, he gave him Letters of credence, commanding him disguised to make all the speed he could to get to Betica before the Ambassadors arrival thither. His Commission being to represent unto that King, that the Propositions which were to be made to him by his Fathers Ambassa∣dor, would be of none effect, being without his or the states con∣sent. That the interest was publique, belonging both to him and them: seeing it was therein treated of dismembring that part of the Kingdome, which (though anciently belonging to Betica) was late∣ly joyned and annexed to the Lusitanian Crown, and consequently inseparable from it, without the same authority, by which it was formerly by a decree united. That the Infanta Liarta, was not ca∣pable of marriage out of the Kingdome, because the succession fal∣ling to her (as it might for want of other Heirs) the Kingdome would never have endured a Forrainers Government. That these rea∣sons taking no effect, he should alledge these other two, of which the first should be of advice, the second of proffer. Of advice, that Liarta was already married, and with child. Of proffer, that if he

would not give ear to his Father Viriato, he promised him by the faith of a Prince, Solemnly to restore unto him with the authority of the States, after his Fathers decease, without any condition, that which now was by him proffered under condition of this marriage. That if he would do him this favour, besides the profit which would re∣dound, he should ever remain much obliged to him; proffering him a perpetuall, reall, and undoubted amitie. I heard of this expedition by my brothers after it was made, and took such grief at it, that it had like to have cost me my life. Judging that if there were a necessity of preci∣pitating the businesse, there had been less evil to reveal it to the King his Father, then, with so much dammage and shame, to his enemies: For besides that, prudence would have advised him to make a vertue of necessity: seeing that the businesse being irrevocable, he would not have been so much offended as he was: offence joined with a certainty of making him an irreconcileable enemy. Besides, he last proffer was most impertinent and superfluous. There being no likelyhood that I should bee accepted for a wife, after the advice was given that I was married and with child. The King had reason to hate my brothers: who wholly degenerating from my Father, breathed nothing but avarices, expecting but the hour to govern, yea to swallow up their Uncle, the Kingdom, their Cozen, and my self. I laboured, as much as in me lay, to make them see the foolish obstinacy of their Councills; But perceiving it was in vain to hope to retain water in a sive, I resolved to write to the Prince, be∣seeching him to call Dragillo back. But hee unfortunate being espied and pursued, was taken with his letters and instructions, not above halfe a daies journey from Olisipho: Which being read by Viriato he alte∣red his purpose, the businesse being changed: recalling his Am∣bassadour which was not gone far, and demanding of the Prince the Key of his study, perswading himself that there he should have found other things, He met with the rough draft of the instruction written by one of my brothers own hands, and with other letters of mine, that which I had last of all written to him, which onely had power to justifie me. For being certified by the instructions that his son was married to me; and Dragillo his confession upon the rack, that he was sent by the advise of my brethren: His anger was so great, that if they had not fled upon the advice of this imprisonment, he would irremis∣sibly have put them presently to death, as he did Dragillo for the first act of our Tragedie, Sending me for the second, with a good guard, into a strong Castle between the River Tagus and Ana, called Leuci∣ana. The Prince being in an instant struck with an astonishment by the death of his servant, the flight of his Kinsmen, and mine imprison∣ment, was like to be cast down; For finding his Father inexorable to∣wards Dragillo, not satisfied by his confessing himself to be onely guilty, and worthy of death, nor offering his own life to save the o∣thers; Perswading himself hee would use the same rigor towards my person as he had done towards Dragillo, he took his bed, and had such symptomes, that it was thought many times he would have died. So

that the King (though once resolved not to see him) could not con∣tain himself from visiting him, and mitigating his grief, by promising he would not proceed to any further punishment with me: the pre∣sent being by him termed but a correction. He took heart, more through anxiety of desiring to save me, then any desire he had to live, he did, within some few daies, forsake his bed. In the mean time, the case being divulged as it was, most men did judge that the King had proceeded therin with more passion then reason, generally cōdemning his resolution of taking from the Crown so noble a member, acquired with the subjects blood, under the conduct of the King his Father; That though the Prince had the same resolution, he was excusable, as young, resolved thereunto by force, and having taken longer time to do it, and not excluded the vote of the States. That his taking me to wife was an act of great prudencie, I being sufficient to govern the Kingdom, and to set him in the way, of so doing, if his Father should chance to die. There being no other Princes of the blood but my bro∣thers, who would have been debarred from all licentiousnesse if I were Queen. The reason of common interests by blood, giving me authority to govern them. Whereas without my respect, with their prerogative they might have put all to confusion. And would have done it, if Brunichilde a child had been preferred before Liarta a wo∣man. Deviaco his vertues were rehearsed, his valour, and the servi∣ces he had done. That the same worth was in me, and would be no otherwise; being a fruit of such a plant, nourished, and cultivated by him. But if such discourses were so free in City and Country, they were no lesse at Court. I and my brothers favoured, if not for our own sakes, yet for our Father his deserts: and Almadero exceeding well beloved as ever any Prince was; So that Viriato in a day remain∣ed in a manner excluded out out of all mens hearts. But he holding his authority sufficient to doe, cared little what liberty other men took in speaking. Yet he fixed a deep displeasure in his heart, and took notice of the persons who did so: but time not permitting him to manifest his resentment, he concealed it; resolving howsoever to be obeyed, and to disanul my marriage, though I was with child. So much doth the jealousie of Empire prevail in Princes. And in effect all these disturbances had no other Origine; for the question being of two, who were both Neeces: the disadvantage which he pretended on my side, was the suspicion of my brethrens greatnesse he being alive. Which disadvantage was counterpoised by this advantage, that he dying, the State remained quiet, and peaceable by mine occa∣sion, there being no question that by the other marriageal would have been turned upside down, whereas by my marriage there was no reason to fear any trouble, the Princes and my opposition being suffi∣cient to cause them to live in peace. They in the mean time being re∣tired to their own home, in their own conceipts secure from any disturbance, heard presently of mine imprisonment, the execution of Dragillo, and a thundering edict against themselves, being proclaimed seducers of the Prince, disturbers of the publick peace, and guilty of

treason. Their Lands forfeited to the Crown, their persons banished upon paine of death, with large rewards for those who should bring them either alive, or dead, which proved the Bellowes to kindle their rage; For thinking themselves to be too evill intreated, consi∣dering their quality, too rigorously in comparison of their offence, and without any accompt made of their humiliations interposed by meanes of friends, they were moved with such disdaine, that they resolved their Uncles death, which not possible to be obtained any other way, they purposed to purchase with their own ruines, having no respect or regard of me, the Prince, or Kingdom.

They first resolved to set forth a stinging Declaration to stirre up the subjects hearts, then having raised a sufficient Army, with the secret assistance of the Tingitanian, they so troubled for three months that flourishing Country, that the King forced by the imminent re∣bellions, rather then by his Councils advice, recalled his Proclama∣tions, and penalties: Conditionally that laying downe their armes, they should crave pardon of him, which they did being absent: not laying down their wrath, nor desirous of vengeance. It being mani∣festly perceived, that what he had condescended unto, was but through meer violence, to accommodate himselfe to the times. See∣ing that otherwise, he retained his former rigidnesse towards me, the Prince, and themselves: they not being able to obtaine amongst the articles of peace, that of my deliverance: having mitigated the ef∣fects of his cruelty, by saying it was not fit that any should set him down a law how to punish his Children, and putting me into that number, sought to allure our hopes by such a title, to the end hee might be the better able to deceive us. The Prince who out of his naturall goodnesse, had till then expected with patience, the ebbing of his Fathers wrath, finding in this occasion the most forcible of all, that he expected in vaine, was like to fall into despaire; and be∣ing able to endure any thing, save onely my absence, he resolved to free me at any price. On a day after he had revolved many thoughts in his heart, kneeling before his Father, he said, Sir, I am now almost sixteen yeares of age compleat: Neither is there any Prince of my age, that stayes so long at home at ease. Wherefore I have delibe∣rated to beseech you, to give me leave to goe abroad, being an ar∣med Knight, desiring to receive this Order by no other more valiant, or happilier presaging hand then yours. And if my former mis-for∣tunes should peradventure make you believe that my resolution were upon any other occasion, I should not altogether deny it hoping I should not wholly displease you, if I should doe as those — which in raine come forth of the — and goe in againe in faire weather. The raine of distasts, which by mine ill fortune (yet sore a∣gainst mine intention) I have to my extreame sorrow occasioned in you, invite me to spend some time voluntarily abroad: Till mine actions, and a manifest penitency, afford me the cleare and serene skie of your favour. His Father rejoycing at this his resolution (in hope that the diversity of Climates would alter his Sonnes affections,

not considering that amorous forces have power not onely to change nature, but also to reduce innocency and simplicity, to malice and cunning) very well contented answered; Prince, I commend your resolution, and am therewith satisfied, I being ready also to give you satisfaction in any thing wherein vertue shall be your aime. I will arme you Knight, hoping, that having laid aside the — of your owne House for some time, you will for ever lay aside that which with too bold an obstinacy you had taken upon you, against the re∣spect due to my obedience. Almadero would make no reply, fearing to overthrow his designes; But kissing his hand was within three dayes, with much solemnity made Knight, Brunichilde (being so com∣manded) girding on his sword. And the next day armed, having taken leave of those who accompanied him, feignedly directed his course towards Gaule, as he had made his father, and all the Court believe. My Brothers having heard of his departure, were extreamly grieved at it, firmly believing, that the marriage being voided, and I lost mine honour, (mother of a Bastard to the Kingdome of Lusita∣nia) they would for ever remaine infamous. Wherefore, if before they were incensed against their Uncle, their evill talent was now much increased, thinking that his very life would scarce be sufficient recompence for their wronged honours: and knowing that would displease Almadero, they thought I should be sufficient to appease him. Or that fortified in his absence, they would at his returne trouble and tire him, and peradventure deprive him of the Crown, concep∣tions which would all easily enter into their corrupt imaginations. Almadero, as soon as he saw himselfe deprived of their advices, be∣came intimate with Philarchus a young Knight, but of as good un∣derstanding as any could be of his age, with whom having conferred about his designes, he caused him to aske leave of his Father many dayes before he craved licence for himselfe, under the same pretence of seeking adventures, who having obtained it, went out of Lusita∣nia, entring in the Kingdome of Castile, staying there unknown, till the comming of Almadero, who being come, he took his armes from him and put them on, giving him many Letters dated from those places which lay in the way to Gaule, to send them to the King by the ordinary messengers. So that if Viriato should have imagined his Son to lie lurking in Lustiania, he might be put out of such thoughts, by the continuall advices he received from him. Almadero therefore ha∣ving pull'd off his armes, as I said, clothed himselfe in a pastorall habite. And having passed over the River Tagus, left his Esquire in a remote place farre out of the way, re-entring into Lusitania alone towards the Castle where I was kept, whither he arrived without any disturbance in few dayes afoot, lightlier, and with more ease, then another would have done, though accustomed to long journeys. His Father had caused him to be watched, till he was gone out of the Kingdome. But those who had order so to doe, observing that hee had taken through Castile the right way to Gaule, returned, bringing with them the first Letters which he had left in the hands of the Go∣vernour

who was appointed upon those Frontires. This his bold re∣solution had fortune only for its basis and foundation. For Dorcallo Captain and Keeper of Leuciana was most faithfull to the King, though he had before been a most affectionate servant to my Father. So that it was impossible without him he should either speak with me, or let me so much as know he was in the Country.

And I, though my windowes being near the wall, enjoyed the prospect of the fields, never looked out. My onely comfort being to be continually accompanied by bitter tears, and heart-breaking sighes. But what thing can be so difficult that doth not become easie, or so hard, that may not be penetrated by love? He devised to be∣come acquainted with a certain shepheard dwelling there close by, and having told him some tales of a mother in law he had, and having given him some pieces of Gold, as in deposite to assure him of his ser∣vice, he obtained of him the keeping of his flock; and driving it out to feed into the Castle dike, as he had seen his master do, he began to cry aloud Lilla, Lilla, as if he had called back some one of his sheep, which had been disbanding from the rest, and casting clodds of earth after it with the paddle end of his staffe as true shepheards do, ceased not, replying the same word. The King when he sent me to prison, had taken away all my men, and maiden servants, save onely this one whom you see here, called Dorilla. She by chance standing at the window, and setting her eye upon such a handsome youth, was so sa∣tisfied (to not say taken) therewith, that she could not refrain com∣ming presently to me to tell me, how there was come over against our Balcone the handsomest young shepheard that ever was seen, very busie with a disobedient stubborn sheep, which hee incessantly was calling back to come to the rest by the name of Lilla; a name indeed which of it self was of a gentile sound; but especially being uttered by such a pretty mouth: And having told me so much, she desired me to come to the window to take a little fresh air and recreate my selfe. I hearing that name, found my self moved at it. Lilla being my self, so formerly called in jest by Almadero in our amorous discourses. I a∣rose and looked out, feigning I did it onely to give her satisfaction. I was no sooner come thither to look whither it were he or no, but he saw me, turning his eyes towards the window, feighning I did it onely to give her satisfaction. I was no sooner come thither to look whither it were he or no, but he saw me, turning his eyes towards the window, feigning to turn them another way. He did not for a long time call upon the figurative Lilla, the true one, which he so much desired, being come in his sight. But taking breath a while, af∣ter this unexpected joy, in a rustick manner pulling off his hat to me; he began again with a more cheerfull voice to call upon the sheep: which caused so much pleasure to me, that it was sufficient in an in∣stant to make me forget all the miseries I had formerly suffered. Oh how willingly would I have spoken to him, if I had not feared. I doubted my Damzell had known him: but she who fed onely upon looking on him, the image of Almadero being far from her imagina∣tion,

could not contain from doing of her self that, which peradven∣ture she would not have done if I had requested her. She asked him how he durst adventure to come and feed his Flock in the Castle dike without the Captains leave? He holding up his head, but with his hat drawn down close over his eyes, answered, Lady, the shepheard my master hath sufficient leave. Such Castles as these, especially in time of peace, are not so strictly looked unto. And hath not the Captain him∣self a Garden planted and manured in the dike next to the Castle gate? And besides, Captaines do not use to fear or mistrust men of our trade, Almadero could not frame himself to so much Rusticity, but that Dorilla presently perceived that his language and idiome was not common. Wherefore having asked him whence he was, he answering her of Castile, she no more marvelled at it; that language, especially in comparison of the Lusitanian, being the sweetest and po∣litest language of all Iberia. Whilst she with great content stood lean∣ing upon the Balcone talking with him, I had time, standing behind her, to make signes to him, that I knew him. She asking him why he was come out of his own Country? To recover my Lilla, said he. Have you her not then replied she. Is not that it you took even now such paines with, to bring her back to the rest? I have her not (an∣swered he) though she be alwaies with me; My master takes her a∣way from me. But I will have her again whatsoever it cost me, because she may be mine own, and not anothers; And what will you give him for her? said Dorilla. To which he answered; a years wages if he would ask it. She asking him how much his wages was? he answered, hee knew not: But my Lilla, said he, would not be so much worth as she is, if I or others could limit her price. But you Lady might peradven∣ture by your authority procure that I might have her, which if you would do, I should be so much bound to you, that Lilla and I would remain yours all the daies of our life, and would reward you in such manner as you should esteem your self happy. Dorilla laughed at the young shepheards simagined implicity: neither would she have gone from thence, if I (fearing some misfortune) had not commanded her to come away. Wherefore being constrained so to do: She went away with an ill will, having first promised the shepehard to do what shee could for the restitution of his Lilla: which hee much rejoyced at, made her new proffers, which in such a person as he was, seemed to correspond to the rest of his imagined follies. Having withdrawn my self far more unwilingly then Dorilla, I diligently examined the mean∣of all Almaderoes speeches, found that hee having an intent to get me away from thence, judged it could not well be done without my Maid. The danger was great, but I did not fear it, saving my case could not be brought to a worser condition. For if I had died while I was in prison, it had been a great comfort in prison, being reduced to live without Almadero. Thus I resolved, I would not lose the occa∣sion of speaking to her, wherefore (she being not able to get the sup∣posed shepheard out of her mind) I said to her, Me thinks Dorilla thou art strangely taken with this young man. Do not blush, nor seek

to conceal it from me, for thou canst not. Who knowes but that his internall condition (which others see not) be not far different from his externall, and his course habit? Truely I cannot believe but hee is some great mans son, for it seems impossible that a meer Country fellow, should be endowed with so much beauty, and such gracious behaviour. Whereunto she answered: Madam, I am not yet come to that passe as you imagine: for though beauty be the object of love, (especially a singular one as this mans is) yet it doth not alwaies take one effect. And you (Madam) find it at the present in your self. Though not stung as (to not dissemble) I confesse I am. Imparitie is of too great importancie to a woman that esteems her reputation; for if she should make choice of a husband of base condition, it being an argument of lubricitie in her, would make her abominable in o∣ther womens sights. I must confesse (Madam) that were he not what he is, I should die with desire of having him; being as he is, But I must sacrifice such a desire upon the Altars of honesty and honour. A woman (Madam) that loves, is not to be blamed, affections being naturall. But she is questionlesse praise-worthy, that loving against the common Lawes of conveniencie, chuseth rather to die, then give her selfe satisfaction, Dorilla uttered all these reasons with such a passion, that one might very well apprehend, her greatest passion was, that there were reasons against it. But her reasons being not correspon∣dent to mine ends; I was forced to feign I understood them in ano∣ther sence. Wherefore I said to her, Dorilla, I cannot chuse but com∣mend thee extreamly, that armed with gentlenesse and honesty, thou seekest, by overcoming thy self, to conquer those two great powers, Nature and Love. But tell me I pray thee, what wouldest thou infer, when presupposing that beauty the object of Love doth not alwaies attain the same end; you tell me, I find it in the present occasion? Thinkest thou that being what I am, I ought to be indiffe∣rently subject to every beauty? knowest thou not that another beau∣ty in condition equall to mine estate, hath heretofore attained its end in me? whereby (whether I will or no) I come to be freed from the punctures of any new sight whatsoever? which being so, how much more shal I be free, from being stung by a person so disproportionable to me; The beauties of Prince Almadero have so pricked me already, that I can not be subject to any further punctures. If that were not, I should not be here now, nor should I be subject to those evills, which make me commiserate thine. But if I have such compassion on thee, onely moved thereunto by discreet reason, thou being a woman, sub∣ject as well as another to these passions (not putting it to thine ac∣compt that we are not obliged, so much as to imagine them to be beauties, which may any way damnifie us in others opinions) why dost not thou compassionate me, who am so much more worthy of it, then thee, as in my love there is not any thing, can yeeld me any blemish in any bodies opinion whatsoever? Dorilla was astonished at these words: seeming to her to be spoken (as in deed they were) out of the purpose, and without any reason. Wherefore being in a great

confusion she answered me. I know not (Madam) why you speake this to me, I never had any intent to offend you, Heaven knowes it and my will ever was, and shall be, to serve you. Mine opinion is not so indiscreet, as to believe you subject to the beauties of a poor shep∣heard, Yea, quite the contrary. In the meane time (Madam) please you to give me leave to aske you, what you ever discovered in me, that should make me seem to you without compassion, and without that passionate affection I have to desire, your case may have as hap∣py a period as you your selfe can wish? and if nothing else can make you believe me, let mine interests perswade you, seeing that in your misadventures, it being my fortune to serve you, I cannot pretend to have any greater reward then from your selfe, nor any hope to attain to it, but by your being Princesse of Lusitania, and in time Queene. But if I were so happy, as to have you esteeme mine affections graft∣ed upon yours without this basenesse of interests, I should think my self already rewarded. Neither is this hard for you to believe, if you will but consider who you are, the vertues which are in you, and the courtesies wherewith you daily oblige me; for which, if I could as∣sure you of my devotion, with deeds besides words, I would doe it without any reserve, not so much as of my life. I felt such comfort in this answer, seeing the words proceeded from her very heart, that having strictly embraced her, and most affectionately kissed her, I said. My deare Dorilla, what I said was not to charge thee with any thing, (knowing I had no reason for it) but onely to try thee: so that now trusting to thine entire fidelity, laying aside all manner of deceipt, I will discover all my secrets unto thee, assuring thee, that if Heaven please to favour my just desires, I will acknowledge thy vertuous inclination, with such termes of honour as are due to ver∣tue, and fortune raising mine estate, will so raise thine, that none that belongs to me shall go beyond thee; she prostrating her selfe to kisse my hand, did reassure me of her fidelity, specifying that she esteem∣ed her selfe more obliged to me then to the King: I causing her to rise, told her, That her shepheard was my Almadero: that the Lilla which he would have again was my selfe: the desiring her to inter∣cede with her Master was, to assist with her helping hand in this bu∣sinesse: and that the offers made in shepheards habit, were to be per∣formed in termes of a Prince.

The good Gentlewoman seemed not a whit astonished at this my∣stery: and after many speeches had passed, told me, she had many times in her selfe blamed the Prince, believing (by reason he stirr'd no way in this occasion) he had not loved me. And if she had not doubted to augment my grief, she would have told me so. But that now recalling her ill opinion of him, she esteemed him to be the fairest and worthiest Prince on earth. She lauged at her selfe and her love, glorying in that she had so well bestowed it, and boasting of her judgement that had dared to penetrate with her affection under that vile barque, into the pith of such high deserts. Now having a long time laughed and jeasted about this business, she proceeded, say∣ing,

That it was impossible for me to obtaine my liberty, but by sca∣ling the walls, which could not then be done, I being so neare my time to be brought to bed: That as soone as I was eased of my bur∣then, it would easily be done, seeing I was accompanied with two such great Champions, as generosity and love. That in the meane time I should set down in a little Letter, what seemed necessary for me, which should the next day be thrown down with a stone in it, to the end the Prince might have notice of what was intended to be done. But I asking how we should doe to come by an answer? shee answered me, there needed none. The Prince being able to answer me by word of mouth, and make himselfe to be understood as he had done not long since. But that in the meane time, she would en∣deavour to procure Radimiro his good will, who was Dorcalloes Bro∣ther, who made a shew of being desperately in love with her. But she did not hold it expedient to procure it as yet: it being to be pre∣supposed, that affaires which were dangerous, being communica∣ted, had no greater an enemy then delay, which I being necessitated to by reason of my present unweildinesse, it was good to secure our selves therein by not communicating them; but just when the busi∣nesse was to be put in execution, Dorillaes wise propositions liked me wondrous well. For if Radimiro would be faithfull to me then, he would be the like to me now. But it was doubted whether we might trust him at all at any time. She thinking upon it a little while, an∣swered me (Lady) I cannot assure my selfe of him no further then I have told you: and if necessity constraine us to trust some body, why so long before the time? Peradventure when he knowes the Prince, his presence, and his promises, may prevaile more with him then my words. But what good will this prevention doe, if there be no need of it: It will do good quoth I, for I know the Princes af∣fections. He will desire to come up hither though he fly up, which can not be done, unlesse we can gaine the sentinel which by night stands here by. Now after many consultations writing was resolved upon, and if he resolved to come to me, then Radimiroes mind was to be tried. We writ, Aldemero came, I saluted him in her presence, therefore he knew to his great comfort that we were agreed, and ha∣ving shewed him the Letter, it was thrown into the Dike to him, having first looked all about, beckening to him that he should be gone. But he returning after dinner, demanded ingresse as I had fore-seen he would. I writ to him again, that we knew not how to compasse it, unlesse we could win Radimiro to our side, having rela∣ted to him the whole design. But he returning the next day, he gave us to understand, that he would not have Dorilla to treate with Ra∣dimiro by any means, but that she should procure the meeting of the Prince and him. Radimiro came every day to visite me, being so com∣manded by his brother as he told me; but I believe it was rather for love of Dorilla, or for some designe. For seeing her all alone by me, he might imagine that my businesse, being accommodated (as all the world hoped) it would prove an advantagious match for him.

He failed not to come that very day, and just at that houre when Almadero disciplinating his sheep, was speaking to us. He said, he brought me news that I should have a Nurse, a Gentlewoman of very noble behaviour, but poor, and that she would give me very good satisfaction. I was going to give him an answer, when Dorilla inter∣rupting us, lead him to the window, asking him, whether Castles were kept in that manner, by letting the Enemy at noon day take the Dike, and lodge himself there with a whole Regiment, pointing at Almadero and his flock. Radimiro smiling at Dorilaes jesting, had an∣swered her, if fixing his eyes upon the shepheard (who merrily fixed his eye upon him) had not been as it were out of himself, knowing the Prince, or at least a face which was very like him. Dorilla seeing him so astonished, said, what aileth you? Doe you want reasons to an∣swer me, as well as courage to defend the counter-scarfe? Doe not you see him ready to assault the Cortine, and having taken it, to take us also away? Radimiro not regarding these toyes, said unto me, Ma∣dam, you do not see what I see? If I were not more then certaine that our Prince is now in Gaule (I having spoken with such as met him by the way) I would say that shepheard were he, disguised in those ragges. I shall not be so happy, replied she. And looking upon him as if she had not before observed him, she answered, Surely you have very good reason to say so, for he is exceeding like him. But if he went away as you say, how can he now be here? He may very well (answered Dorilla) if he be of the nature of spirits, who are any where they desire. But if this be he, he had rather be here with us, then amongst a company of such insipid and foolish beasts. Radi∣miro observing the authority wherewith the shepheard looked upon him, began to suspect how it was, and turning towards me againe, said, Madam, I should live in too much anxiety, if I did not go pre∣fently to look upon that face at a nearer distance. Doe I pray, said I, but go by your self, and say nothing to any one else. I'le beware of that, quoth he, neither will speak with him here below for severall good respects. When he was gone, we beckoned to Almadero that he was comming. He presently understood us, as if he had been all his life time accustomed to speake by signes. He went away before with his sheep, taking the way of the Wood: Radimiro following a farre off, never losing him out of sight. Being gone out of the way, he staid in a place covered with Trees, expecting him, where Radi∣miro having over-taken him, knew him presently: and having first looked about very carefully, he said, My Lord, Let me crave pardon of your highnesse, if I speak in these Clothes and keep on my Hat: I know you, and therefore fear lest you should be known by some bo∣dy else. I imagine the cause of your comming in this manner; and am here ready to receive your commands, intreating you onely to be more wary: for your royal face is not onely imprinted in the hearts, but in the memory also of your subjects, wherefore it will be hard for you to escape unknown. Almadero thanked him for his good will, with such curteous termes, as would have been impossible for any

man else to utter, and said, Radimiro. I shall not need to spend many words touching my comming hither in this habit, thou knowest it, and art not a whit deceived in it. The Infanta my Lady is here in thy brothers custody; I would release her: if thou wilt be instrumen∣tall to me in it, I promise thee in the faith of a Bride (when my time shall be come) to exalt thee in such man∣ner, as thou shalt have no occasion to envie any one. I know the enterprise is hard, but if your brother would assist in it, it would be easie. Tell me thy mind, and where thou canst not help me with effects, assist me with counsell, Of me (answered Radi∣miro) your Highnesse may assure himself of whatsoever a most faith∣full servant is able to do, fearing no danger, nor yet your fathers anger. For if it be my fortune to serve you, I have served my Prince. If diso∣beyed your Father, I have disobeyed nothing but his fashions, which every one mislikes. My brother I dare not trust; Not but that he is your servant as much as any one can be; but he is of such an austere nature, that his Oath will hold him indissolubly conjoined to his Majesty. As for the rest give me to advise with my self, and give me time to consider what I had best to do for your service, unlesse you have already resolved what you will do. The resolution is already taken (replied Almadero) I will have the Infanta as soon as she is delivered of her childe, seeing it is impossible to have her now with∣out eminent danger of life. In the mean time I must imagine some way to be with her; The shortest, peradventure, will be to gain the Sentinell, and scale the wall. My Lord, said Radimiro, howsoever give me time, that I may not onely think of it, but also consult with the Infanta, and Dorilla; To morrow at this hour and in this place, I will give an answer. Almadero returned to his cottage as full fraught with hopes, as Radimiro came to my Chamber full of fears; where it was first resolved, that to corrupt the Sentinel was not hard, but a dan∣gerous thing, seeing the next Sentinels might perceive it, or the round come by. But especially that the Sentinell being corrupted, must trust another and discover the businesse, thereby overthrow∣ing my hope of liberty; which if it could not be obtained but by this onely way, we must then reserve all means to do it, and resolve to adventure upon any dangers whatsoever; It was also propounded that he should put on womens apparell, and under the name of Nurse be admmitted for some few daies. But this was not liked of, seeing he was so easie to be known, as he had been of Radimiro, and because hee was to come forth again: which he would not do. Many other things were spoken of, but all frivolous and impossible; When Dorilla more malicious and peradventure wiser then the rest propounded; That she taking in hand to feed a great company of silke-wormes to cause me to passe away the time. Radimiro should at once cause severall baggs of mulberie leaves to that purpose to be brought in, and that Aldemero should be one of the Porters. For having his face besmeared with durt and coal, he would not be taken notice of amongst so many, nor yet of his staying behind. This was concluded to be the best in∣vention;

Almadero having notice thereof made ready for the next day: having resigned his sheep into the shepheards hands, and asked leave to go a little way, which he easily obtained by meanes of the gold which remained in the shepheards hand. Radimiro having gotten together nine men for nine sacks of leaves; one being provided a pur∣pose more then there were men, Almadero came by, who being con∣strained, took the tenth by compulsion; Radimiro threatning him with a military insolence to cudgell him if he would not do it; having un∣loaded his leaves, the other Porters went away. Almadero being gone by, last of all with his burthen into my Chamber, where neither re∣garding smut nor dirt, he presently embraced and kissed me with such affection as Lovers use after they have been long debarred from such sport. While we thought our selves securely joyned together, and imagined we had brought our tossed ship to a firm Anchor, and might now sleep soundly, free from all suspicions and jealousies, in the calme Haven of Radimiroes fidelity. Fortune made us know wee could not live securely under her wing, unlesse we were her Vota∣ries. The King loved hunting exceedingly, and if ever he had follow∣ed it, it was now since the Princes departure, to passe away melan∣cholly; loving him most tenderly, more then he had before that time shewen by any externall effects (if so be that the naturall love of children, doth not suffer the same difference between private men and Princes, as there are different qualities between them) employ∣ing himself in this exercise so often; that he would many times loose himself in it: happening into Cottages and such poor places, either by occasion of long courses, or of some other disturbances. His most delightsome chases were beyond the River Durio, about the pleasant City of Baccara, not above twelve miles distant from our Lordships and Lands, where he presently went: whither it were for the Chaces sake onely, or intending to lay a snare for my brothers, as some be∣leeved, though I can not justly affirm it to be true. They hearing of his comming, sent suddainly a well qualified gentleman, to beseech him to admit them to kisse his hand: He who already purposed to vi∣sit their houses as he was hunting: Far from imagining consanguini∣ty could be capable of any such mortall hatred; answered they should be welcome: He intending to passe away that season between the Du∣rio and Minto, specially in the pleasant Chaces of their Forests. They presently came to him, having left order for their businesse at home, and were received by the King, with great affability, seeming to for∣get all former distastes of their rebellions, and they all precedent injuries, together with the present disgust of mine imprisonment: Within three daies being invited to some of their houses, he left the greatest part of his train behind him, either because he would not o∣verpresse them with superfluous expence, as he made shew. Or be∣cause having observed distracted thoughts in them, he imagined they mistrusted him. Alcerio leaving Colimbrio and a page of his own who carried his sword, did with great delight run along the pleasant bankes of that River. Neither would he have been so soon weary of

it, if Colimbrio measuring the time of the Courtiers comming, had not brought him to the Castle a nearer way, whilest the others who fol∣lowed him, being gone about a further way, gave time for the effecting of their designs. They found the place without any people in it, except some few servants who were come with Alcerio to meet him at the Gate. Being alighted from their Horses, the King with his Faulcon on his fist, followed Colimbrio up a private pair of staires, Alcerio staying behind to shut the doors which they went thorow, exclu∣ding the rest That solitude seemed very strange to the King at first; and more, when being come into the last Chamber, he found him∣self lockt in between two doors, and espied a man comming out from behind the hangings, of a swarthy pale countenance, with a naked dagger in his hand, at whose appearing, Colimbrio laying aside all manner of respect, and turning towards him with a pale looke, through the alteration of his spirits, said, Viriato, the hour is now come, for me to call thee no longer Uncle, nor King, having equally made thy self unworthy both of my veneration and affection: Thou art come now to be that Viriato, who must die for having so much of∣fended me. Having thus said, he presently went out at the door ex∣pecting no further answer, which was the onely cause of his ruine: It is (besides being a feminile thing) a matter of exceeding dam∣mage, for a man to feare looking upon that evill, which he feared not to be the beginner and causer of; wherefore I believe that wicked Polititians axiome to be true; that there is not a man to be found, either perfectly good, or perfectly bad: not good, by reason of his na∣tural depravation; so all men believe, and not bad (and this is mine opinion) by reason of the repugnancy of Conscience, whose prick∣ing and tormenting often hinders the Delinquent from committing some part of the evill he had intended, which being thus left imper∣fect, and without any basis, comes falling to catch him under its own burthen. If Colimbrio had had the courage to endure the sight of his own cruelty against his Uncle, and to be a party in the executing of it, that evill had not befallen him which did. The King hearing so bitter a decree, and perceiving in the naked weapon his death be∣fore him, his heart failed him not; but encountring the murtherewith a bold and couragious spirit, said to him: And who art thou that da∣rest lay hands upon my person? What profit wilt thou reap there∣by? Knowest thou not, that I being dead, thou must needs die (it not being expedient for them who set thee a work, to keep thee alive when thou hast done the deed) and if I live, I may raise thee to wealth better then any one else? The Murtherer, who was before re∣solved to kill him, being strook into a suddaine fear and amazement, cast himselfe at his feet, craving pardon at his hands. The King ta∣king up the Dagger, went to the window, crying out he was betray∣ed, and running to the door which he came in at, made it fast with the Bolt, and thinking to doe the like by the other, was not there time enough, finding Colimbrio comming in at it, and the murtherer running out. Viriato suddainly stabbed at him with his Dagger, but finding he

was armed, closed with him, giving him no time to wound him. When the King seized on the Dagger, he had set down his Faulcon, and finding him baiting, ready to fly away, loath to lose him, set his foot, for all his danger, upon his jesses so long as he could. The Cour∣tiers who followed the King, were already come into the Court, when the King cryed out: but finding the door shut, strove to break it open: when the Page, who had been oftentimes in the Castle, and knew the advenues of it, runne up another paire of staires, on the edge whereof he found the King upon the ground, closed with Colim∣brio, both ready to tumble down; whereupon drawing the Kings owne sword, which he had in his hand, he made a thrust at Colimbrio, but finding he was armed, he thrust it up into his groine, not with∣out danger of killing the King also; whereupon Colimbrio's strength failing him, he dyed presently. Alcerio, who was at the other door, endeavouring to come in to help his Brother, when he perceived by his words that he was dead, would have fled out of the Castle, but be∣ing met by the Kings followers, unwilling to be taken alive, having killed three of them, was at last slain in an instant, being run through in severall places in the Kings presence, who was glad that he dyed not by his hands, to avoid the hatred which he might have incurred by doing it: And having taken a little breath after so great a danger, receiving his friends congratulations, and taking a glass of wine in stead of a Dinner, he took Horse for Leuciana which was my prison, no man knowing to what end: making what hast he could to get thither, before the news of this businesse should arrive, or tydings of his comming. But ill news sometimes exceed the very wind in swift∣nesse, and so did these which being of such importancy, were pre∣sently blown abroad and arrived to Leuciana, whilest I free from all suspitions, was in the height of happinesse: when loe as it were thun∣der-stricken by this news, I fell down dead (or at least was so esteem∣ed) with such a grievous fall, that (whether it was the cause of it, or the excesse of my pain) I was presently delivered of a creature which lived but few minutes, and was laid dead by me, (I being al∣so thought to be such) that we might be buried together, as after, wards we were. Dorcallo was the onely he who caused all this evill: for having brought me word of this killing news (thinking the King came to put me to death) he used me as if I had been already con∣demned, wounding me with such reproachful words, so void of dis∣cretion and respect, that they were sufficient to bring me to that passe which you have heard. Almadero at Dorcalloes comming, was retired into a little closet, when hearing the confused rumour of many Wo∣men, who were come to me upon this occasion, and Dorillas out-cryes, knew not what to think: For though lovers imaginations, in case of evill, alwaies judge the worst: yet mine being Paramount above any other, could not but be thought lesser then it was. He was newly gone from me full of hopes and contents, to give way to Dorcalloes com∣ming in, when he saw, in lesse time then a flash of lightning, my life turned to death; his sweet and momentary pleasures, into bitter∣nesses

and eternall dolours. Radimiro who in such an expected casu∣alty, had not as yet well recollected his dispersed spirits: thinking me (as others also believed) to be dead, remembred Almadero, and re∣presenting to himself the imminent hazard he was in by the Kings ap∣proach came in where he was, and said: Arm your self my Lord now to the worst newes you can possibly expect. If Fortune had long studied how to harme us, she could not have learn'd how to do us more hurt then now she hath. Your cosens (my Lord) have sought to murder your Father: but they have been killed, and he in safety will be here presently the Infanta my Lady hearing the newes, hath had a mortall fall, and being delivered at that instant, is dead together with her birth. Now becomes it your highnesse to bear a resolution brave against such mortall stroaks as these are, and remove presently from hence, to avoid the dangers which hang over our head, seeing we may mistrust, that enraged Fortune will not be satisfied with the pre∣sent evills.

And having thus said, he laid before him his former ragged clothes, and a paper of soot, to smear himself with; But he having a while fixed his eyes upon him, went towards the door where I lay; neither had Radimiro been able to have hindred him if Dorilla had not surve∣ned at the same time, who prostrating her self before him, besought him to have compassion on them, for by shewing himselfe he would have manifested what service was done to him, and what disservice to the King, whereby they should have come to that punishment which could not be but expected from a justly incensed King. Upon their words he stopped, retreating back by litte and little towards a little bed, upon which he fell down: Good luck for them, for being fallen into a deep sound he gave them time to change his habit, and besoot his face: and being at last come to himself again, he said, is it possible Radimiro that this is true which you told me? And if it be: how comes it Dorilla that you suffered my Lilla to die, without seeing me? But suppose you could not help it, cannot you now suffer me to see her before I die, to take my leave of those welbeloved beauties: that our bodies may after a short time be united here, while our spirits in despight of Fortune come to be perpetually united in another place? But they, falling again on their knees, and remonstrating to him the inevitable danger of an ignominious death for them, said, Cease friends, I am perswaded, I will condescend to what you will have me do: but I thought that when she died, we must all have died. I will die alone, let it be so. And to pay death use for this little time, I will depart without seeing of her; that the beautifull, though dolefull ob∣ject, mitigating my grief, may not make it delightfull to me, whilst reason is, that I should lament her death, without receiving so much as a shaddow of any delight: having said thus, oceans of tears flowed from him, seconded by the other two. But he suddenly stopped his vertue drying up his tears and saying, Friends, if I did think to live (as I be∣lieve I shall die) I would with thankfull words, certifie you of my gratefull mind. The obligements whereby I am bound to you are

great; and if Fortune continue her hatred to me by forcing me to live, I will whilst I live revenge my self on her by loving you in despight of her. In the mean time let this little Cabinet remain with you as a pledge: There are her jewells in it; let them be yours, and seeing you love each other, enjoy them, being married together (he had left he the key with me, as if he had meant to command me to do, what I do with them) Neither can any body trouble you for them hereaf∣ter, for being given her by me, no man knowes she had them. The Heavens grant you more happily to enjoy them then she did. I re∣commend unto you the last offices due to this fair body; and seeing I can do you no good by staying, I will be gone, for fear lest my pre∣sence might cause you some evill. They having kissed his hand, and shed abundance of tears, and Radimiro having put a — upon my shoulder, brought me through the Kitchen out of the house, and out of the Castle. Going a long with his brother to meet the King, Viriato had heard of my death by the way, wherefore being arrived, he would see me. It being proper to humane affections, not to believe unlook't for, and wished for chances, which suddenly befall to make them happy; he gave orderimmediately to have me buried at night, rejecting all the Physicians reasons, who unanimously affirmed, that women who died in Childbirth, ought to have three daies respit, or at least forty hours intervall, between their death and buriall: the matricall vapours making them to seem dead before they be so; which being comprehended by Radimiro and Dorilla, it seeming notwithstanding impossible to them (believing I had really exhaled my last breath) they would neverthelesse make triall of it, so that having suffered me (according to the Kings order) privately and without any cere∣monies to be put into a large sepulcher, to which they descended down a pair of brick stairs, closed up with a heavy stone: it was not difficult for them with the help of a Priest, in the dead of the night to take me out; Just at that instant, when by my hearts panting, and the beating of my pulses, my vitall spirits apppeared to be within me; so that rejoycing at it, they closed up the Sepulcher again with fresh morter; and following Dorilla, who went before them with a lantern, they laid me in the Priests house; where by means of Fomentations and Frications, I began to breath, and open mine eyes: But when I began to grieve and lament (life having brought me with the first discommodity, the remembrance of mine evils) Dorilla putting her finger to her mouth, beckned to me to hold my tongue, and in two words told me what had happened: So that with sorrow I restrained all my grieved affections, suffering them to do with me as they would: Almadero's going away thinking I was dead, was the saddest privati∣on of life to me. I prayed Radimiro to go in quest of him, which hee could not do; but the next day very late after the King was gone; and had been very liberall towards Dorilla of my cloths, and some few Talents: Then he went, and having looked all about those places without any fruit, he promised that after he had put me in some place of safety, he would return to seek him all the world over. But there

was no need of it, for within a fortnight after he had happily gotten me out of the Castle with Dorilla, and brought me into the Kingdome of Castile, to the place and house where Almadero's esquire had long harboured, we heard he had been there himself, describing him by severall markes: whereunto he added, that there hee had provided himself with a mourning armour, and a shield painted with teares. And that from thence he had dispatched, an expresse messenger with a letter to the King of Lusitania. I being resolved to follow him, took my journey that way: the gift of my Jewells which he had given Do∣rilla, doing me very good service: for without them I had not been able to follow my designes; wherefore I made use of them, not to re∣possesse my self thereof, but onely to use them, and restore what should be equivalent to them, with large use. We went from place to place, where he had passed through, leaving every where (in any oc∣casions as had presented themselves, which were not few) famous report of his valour, being come to Barcello, there we heard he had imbarked himself for Italie. We had stormy weather a while, almost for a whole month together, all which time we durst not put to Sea, and then we heard newes of Viriato's death, and that Almadero was proclaimed King, and the Kingdom during his absence, guided by certain Governours, till his comming home. It was reported he died with grief of a letter his Son writ to him, in which he protested he would never come in his sight again. I was upon this advice once resolved to return: But desire of finding him out my self (it being more tedious to me to stay, then look up and down for him) I conti∣nued in my first resolution; I bought this vessell, and providing it with Marriners, I put my self to th' adventures of the Sea. Being arri∣ved at Liguria, I heard he had imbarqued himself for Partenope, at Partenope, for Greece. The long voyage no whit displeased me, the tedi∣ousnesse thereof being taken away, by hope and desire. But being come into the Egean Sea, I had no news at all of him, till running o∣ver from Iland to Iland, almost through all the Ciclades: I met with one that told me that the Knight I sought for, had many months since sojourned in Ericusa: and gave me such makes of him, that I doubted no error nor equivocation in it. But the sweetnesse of his advice, was quickly answered with bitternesse, I being at the same time told that he lay there ensnared with the Princesse of Feacias love: But I (though I believed al therest) would not beleeve that, because I would not do both of them so much wrong, as to make way in my brest for a mortall jealousie: Which being not able to enter into my heart, doth not withstanding assault it with continuall battery to make it yeeld. I know Almadero, and mine own Fortune also: Peradventure that esteeming himself free, and willing to wave the griefs, of my re∣membrance, he may by a living subject, seek to exclude the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one, for such doth he believe me to be: But on the other side, I cannot imagined it so to be, the year since my pretended death being not yet quite compleated. I will rather believe that fortune having made the the butt at which she shoots all her arrowes, and being loath to trouble

any but my self with them, shoots new Darts at me, to wound me with fresh wounds; which if she should, it would be (in despight of her) but for a short time. Ericusa being so neare, the Princesse of Fe∣acia married, Almadero loyall, and alive.

Coralbo had been very attentive in hearkening to the Princesses tra∣gick History, which being ended, he comforted her with such a stile as they use to comfort unfortunate folkes, namely with arguments of hopes: whereunto those soules willingly fit themselves when they are nearest to despaire, cautelously dallying with their own be∣liefe. But such a prevention will hardly take place, where fortune with its violence overcomes all manner of prudence and wisdome. For being in a few days arrived to Ericusa, and meeting with that which neither of them imagined, they presently were cast down both in body and mind. Having cast anchor and come ashore, the first news they heard, was the death of the old Prince of Feacia, and the Marri∣age of the widdow Princess of Feacia, with the Knight of the tears, un∣der the name of Almadero King of Lusitania; and that the chief of that Kingdom were come no longer then a fornight since with a powerful fleet, to carry him away with his new wife. Liarta at this news, wax∣ed cold as a stone; and if she fell not, dyed not, and wept not, it was because all her vital faculties were so stupified with a horrid chilli∣ness, that being runne from the first apprehension to the heart imme∣diately, it did from thence take possession of all other parts: So that shewing no effects of an ordinary passion, it proved her wretch∣ednesse to be surpassing (being extraordinary) any demonstrations of a naturall grief. Dorilla, and the Squire, who was Radimiro, seeing her in that case, were ready at hand, and laying her in bed, endea∣voured, I cannot tell whether to take away, or restore her sences: the privation or habit being incertaine in her, and consequently her life also. Coralbo who felt this dolorous accident as if it had been his own, laboured as much as he could to ease her, but finding he spake to a deaf Statue: He thought it would be best for him (she being a Woman) to leave her alone with discreet Dorilla, and go out (though it were drawing towards night) to give her place, and ease his limbs, benummed by a tedious Sea-voyage. He was scarce gone out of th'in∣habited place, when at the entrance of a wood, he heard a noise of voices, which began to grow lesse, being drowned by the loud shreeks of a complaning woman: and rushing forward, he espied five theeves, whereof three were leading a man, and the two other a woman towards the Sea, which was there hard by: He had no Armes about him but his sword; nor could he have overtaken them, if the woman had not given him time by lying down upon the ground. He set upon them, and that so suddainly (they being busied in saving their pr••y) that according to the custome of theeves, they would have made no resistance, if his being alone had not encouraged them. Coralbo was naturally bold, but when he was to be employed in a cause which was manifestly just, (as this was) he seemed rather desperate

then valiant. His being disarmed, and against many made him not to desist: a generous man, not thinking upon dangers of life, when the incompatibility of an unworthy action, inflames him with a ge∣nerous rage, to punish them for it, who commit it. He wounded one of the two, which held the woman more sparingly then needed, fear∣ing to hurt her: wherefore the blood raising wrath in him who was wounded, quenched the feare, which his base and abject condition, and the unexpected enemies arrivall had put him into: Yet alone he durst not stirre, but leaving the woman with his companion, he called one of the three which were going before with the man: but because Coralbo (hoping for no assistance himselfe, would not give them time, neither to receive any) he redoubled his blow, the vil∣laine sought to revenge himself thereof with so much force, that the blow falling to the ground in vaine, the sword was ready to break, had it not been of a most refined temper: the other companion in the meane time, comming in with a thrust, intended to have runne him thorow: but it proved otherwise, for Coralbo having put it by, took hold with the left hand on his Hilt, and ran him thorow with the right, whereby he fell to the ground and dyed presently. The other taking his opportunity, while the Knight was killing his com∣panion, wounded him in the reyns of the back, but he was so farre from him, that he could not put his thrust home, which if he had done, it had been his last night. The others seeing one of their fel∣lowes wounded, and another killed out-right, forsaking their Priso∣ners, fell all upon him, one of them throwing a hatchet at him, which hitting him on the left arme quite deaded it; yet was it a happy blow, for had it lighted but four fingers more towards his body, it would have marred the fashion of it. He seeing four swords about his eares, thought to retire towards a great Tree to secure his back parts; in the meane time the Prisoner that was taking the dead theeves sword, ran to aid the Knight being known by him, and the woman to be Coralbo: for though the night was farre spent, yet was it very luminous and light. This reliefe came to him in good time; for retreating he hit his heel against a root of the Tree, that grew out of the ground, which threw him backward, leaving him at his Ene∣mies mercies. The first hurt he received being in his posture was a thrust clean thorough the right knee joynt. The second a cut on the left hand, which he held up to save his head, whilest he strove to raise himself up with the other. The third, a back blow, which carri∣ed away a peece of skinne of the breadth of three fingers, haire and all to the ground, which blow was aimed at his neck. The fourth fai∣led, the Prisoner staying the blow by taking away his life. Coralbo see∣ing himself thus evill intreated, his force enereased with his anger, and in that instant he was wounded in the hand, raising himself from the ground with the other, not feeling when he was hot (as he did af∣terwards) the hurt in his knee, full of evill talent, yeelding himself for dead, flew in amongst them, killed one, and whilest he was kil∣ling

another, he was runne quite thorough the body by the last, who paid for it soundly, being runne thorough the heart by the Prisoner: so that falling, he had not the time, so much as to draw the sword out of Coralbo's body. The woman, who according to the nature and delicacie of her sex, might since the beginning of the skirmish have saved her self, never stirred from the place, aiding her friends with her voice as well as she could, but seeing her enemies dead, and the quarrell ended, and Coralbo run through in that manner, it is not to be expressed what hast she made to draw the sword out of his body. He knew her not in the twilight; but helping as well as he could with his hand (that she might not with drawing it out make the wound bigger) he lay down, being not able to stand any longer. But obser∣ving how, she tormented her self, and grieved for his sake, and by her habit judging her to be a Lady of great worth, said, Madam, I give you many thanks, for that forgetting the joy you should expresse for regaining your liberty, you now condole mine evill, which I rejoice at, as an effect of such an employment. If I die, it is no great matter, it will be but the death of a poor Kinght: whereas your life and liber∣ty may be of great importancy to the world, by reason of the sublime merits (which others cannot suppose) in so worthy a presence. But seeing her, without answering, increase her laments; fixing his eyes upon her, he thought he saw the Dutchess Chrisanta's face: and though it was night, he found by the Moane she made (well remem∣bring her behaviour) that it was she.

So that thinking her (as he did yet) dead, he was astonished and amazed, imagining that her soul having carried the love of him with it, into the other world, was now come thither to meet him, to shew him the way thither. Wherefore if he was afraid of death before, the present sight increased it so, that he dust nor more speak to her, nor look upon her. There were in that place not far from them a compa∣ny of shepheards, who having brought their flocks together into the wood, to let them at the break of day enjoy the pastures refreshed with Aurora's dew. These hearing the Ecchoes of the clashes of swords before they heard their voices, ran swiftly that way, being ac∣customed many times, by a just force, to represse the insolencie of theeves and Robbers. But being come to the place, seeing the massa∣cre, and having heard by the Ladies servant how the case stood, proffered their aid and assistance. The Lady in the mean time having made a pillow of her lap for Coralbo to lie on, while he being between dead and alive, felt nothing, with an unexpressible passion said unto him, Hath fortune then reserved me, from so many anguishes, and from such a cruell and ignominious death to afflict me now with the most cruell of all anguishes, to kill me with the cruellest of all deaths, with your death I mean, my Celio, my Coralbo? Shall I live after you? I who neither breath nor live but in you, and shall you die I remain∣ing alive? No, no. Nature can not operate against its own lawes. I who am your body cannot subsist, you being separate from me, who

are my soul, Must I kill you to find you out: and be, if not the mur∣therer, yet at the least the inexcusable cause of your death? who shall revenge it if I do not, being both Judge and Delinquent; to con∣demn my self, and suffer the punishment due to such a crime? In whom were ever seen amidst extream happinesses extreame miseries, or in extream delights extream hearts griefes, as there are now to be seen in me? Could I meet with a more happy or delightfull object then this, and having met with it, reape greater heart-breaking griefs and miseries by it? What have I done to thee Fortune? that having undertaken to torment me, thou art not satisfied with one, but wilt have me die by many deaths, making me to feel them all in my most sensitive sences? and to shew me the manifold Idea of thy de∣formities thou tookest away mins honour, and spared'st my life, to the end I might being deprived of Children, and Coralbo, remain a mournfull example to all the unhappy ones of the earth? And having said thus, and shaken off the body (by her already esteemed dead) from that lappe which was become a Lake of blood, shee rose in a rage, and taking up the sword she had drawn out of Coralboes breast, which lay at her feet, and having put the pomell of it to the ground, cast her self upon the point, and had killed her self with it, if her ser∣vant and the shepheards had not prevented her, which they could not so soon do, but that she had before they could take hold of her, give her self a small wound in the breast, a benefit which she then esteemed as an inexplicable injurie: and endeavoured with more then womans forces to recover the not deep enough wounding sword, and accusing them of impiety that took it from her. The cha∣rity, Piety, pretended forces all in vain to make her quiet; If a small breath and weak sigh, coming out of that beloved body, giving hope of his life, had not kept her from ruining her self: Freed then from the Frensie of killing her self, coming again near unto him, she tore all the linnen she had about her, to bind up his wounds, while the shep∣heards (two of them being returned to the guard of their Flockes) having cut some poles, laid him gently upon them, bearing him softly to Chrisanta's lodging, where they were with Royall liberality, rich∣ly recompenced. The Chirurgion, who was there entertained by the communality, finding the wound in the brest, not to touch the in∣ward parts, gave hope of life, so that the Dutchesse being quieted, they looked to the rest of his wounds; his head being but superficially hurt, his hand without danger, his knee onely in such termes as it was likely to remain lame. Coralbo while they were dressing of him began to come to himself, and the blood being stopped, he fully re∣vived and opening his eyes, while Chrisanta with her tears wash∣ed his unhurt hand, and kissed it, he was no more in doubt of her be∣ing a spirit, being subject (as other bodies are) to the touch. So that being greatly comforted therewith, he said unto her, I know not (Madam) which exceeds in me joy, or wonder, in seing of you alive, having by undoubted relation heard, that you were cruelly murthe∣red.

If you be alive, as you seem to be, I praise heaven for it: if you be not, I cannot chuse but returne to my former laments: I give you in the meane time thanks, for having againe taken the paines to sup∣port and help me in so extream a calamity as this present is to me. He would have said more, but could not, and she vivified by see∣ing him in termes somewhat hopefull, answered him, My Caelio (for so I love to call you) I never was dead: and as I li∣ved, doe I now live, and hope for the future to live and die wholly yours. That relation was false (as you see) though believed to be true by all the world, as you shall shortly understand. All my losses I now repute to be precious gaines, seeing I have found you. And though it be an evill meeting, I hope it will not prove nothing neare so malignant, as it was prepared for me by mine inexorable destiny. Let us now look to your recovery, and I pray take your rest, and say no more at this time. But Coralbo seeing her wounded, being dismay∣ed thereat, said; And how shall I be silent, (Madam) seeing you in such a case? Who was that mercilesse Barbarian, that durst so cru∣elly wound that faire and pittifull breast? she being taken on a sud∣daine, gave him a confused answer, saying, that it was a small blow which casually lighted upon her, and would be whole within a day or two, the skin onely being superficially razed. So having againe imposed him silence, she caused the Chirurgion to dresse her. Liarta stood in the meame time a little way off, dallying with death, calling upon it, as a hope without fraude, as an Asylum of inviolable security, and as a place of eternall rest.

But of unfortunate folks miseries, I believe the worst to be that, that it is not in their power to free themselves from, by meanes of that last sigh which scorns all manner of adverse fortune, a strange thing, and void of all reason it is: That Nature at one and the same instant, will not have us be able to die, nor able to live. These are her scornes, her dalliances, and if they be insupportable, we may ea∣sily free our selves of them. Death hath no meane to fly a resolute and generous hand. But will it be generosity to die through coward∣linesse of mind, for want of heart to endure torments? The good Souldier (a pious soule) shall he forsake the place in which his Cap∣taine (God) hath set him without his leave and command? But do we believe that Liarta desired to die indeeed, or rather that her griefe made her imagine so? I believe the latter. My reason is, that no body is satisfied with living, unlesse he be first satisfied with all things. She was not satisfied with hers, being not satisfied of Al∣madero, of whom to be satisfied, was alwaies impossible to her. But grant she did desire death, and placed it in the highest degree of all benefits; yet not that death, she was author of her selfe, a voluntary death having alwayes been blamed: and though there may be ho∣nest Titles for it, yet good, though it may produce accidentall evils, yet it will never bring forth premeditate and fore designed ones. That one opposite should have the other opposite for its object, is impos∣sible: If an honourable death be of power to honour him who li∣ved

ignominously, shall not an ignominious one (particularly this which is contrary to all Laws) make any one infamous, though he have lived never so vertuously and meritoriously? Liarta de∣desired death, but would have heaven take her; when (so little certainty doth our judgement afford us, especially in passions which take us suddainly) on a suddaine her will and desire changed. Her good Genius, which prompted her with good thoughts, shewing her that Almaderoes fault was remissible, and the marriage with the o∣ther invalid, she being alive. That she was first chosen, first beloved, and his first spouse. Dorilla thus inspired, discoursed unto her upon these points. Radimiro voted himselfe to voluntary damnation, if at her first appearing in Lusitania, Almadero did not forsake all the Princesses as ever the Island of Feacia had, and all the Queenes ever raigned in Asia, or any where else in the world. Whereby comforted, nothing hindred her mirth but jealousie, that venemous Serpent, whose bitings notwithstanding, were continually cured with Almaderoes innocent ignorance. All these infirmities and con∣valescencies, all these deaths and revivings, succeeded in lesse then three or foure hours. And she seeing Coralbo did not returne after so long time, imagining he had in respect of her, because he would not disturbe her, gone some where else to lodge▪ she sent Radimiro to seek him, who going out (heard of the Knights unfortu∣nate successes) which notwithstanding went himselfe to see him, but hearing he was at rest, would not disturbe him. Being come home, he related to Liarta the disastrous adventure, particularly as it befell: Who forgetting her own indisposition, rose out of her bed to goe vi∣site him. Chrisanta taking her to be a Knight, desired her to forbeare seeing of him till the next morning: But Coralbo hearing her voice, sent to intreat her to come in. The disguised Lady could not at first sight chuse, but betray with th'abundance of teares, the condition of her sex. She thought to have desired his company in her voyage to Lusitania; now finding him in this sad condition, the affection she bore him, and the losse of so good a companion in travell, made her doubly to bemoane his evill. But Coralbo glad to see her on foot (ha∣ving left her in a dying condition) comforted her, and told her, he made no question, but her businesse would have a happy period; and she (though very desirous to be gone, would not forsake hated Eri∣cusa, till such time as she saw him sure to live: then taking leave of him, she loosed her sailes towards the West, leaving him to the pious care of th'enamoured Chrisanta.