Chap. 1. How Ornatus was enamoured of the faire Artesia .

IN the rich and renowmed countrey of Phrygia , in Prouinces not farre distant from néere neighbourhood , dwelt two auncient Knightes , the one named Allinus , the other Arbastus , men of great possessions , and much honoured . Betwixt whome , such extreame contention and hatred remained , by reason of the death of one Renō , brother to Allinus , long since slaine in a quarell by certaine gentlemen belonging to Arbastus , that neither their owne wisdome , nor the sundry perswasions of friendes to eyther partie allied , were of any force to mittigate the same . Both of them being inriched with innumerable blessings , especially in their faire progenie .

Allinus hauing a sonne of goodly stature , and commendabl● gifts , named Ornatus . And Arbastus a daughter called Artesia , of excéeding comelinesse , exterierlie beautified with aboundance of gyfts of nature , and inwardly a●orned with aboundance of diuine perfections . Yet by reason of their parents discord , they remayned as farre ignorant in knowledge one of the other , as if they had bin separated by an innumerable distance of straunge countries .

Ornatus aboue all thinges delighted in Hawking , and on a day , being wearie , he wandred without company with his hawke on his fist , into a most pleasant valley , where hée shrowded himselfe vnder the shaddowe of a tuft of greene trees , with purpose to rest himselfe , and euen when his eyes were readie to yeelde to slumber , hée was reuiued from his drowsinesse , by the noyse of a kennell of hounds that past by him in chase of a Stagge , after whome Arbastus and diuers in his company ( though to him vnknowne ) followed , who being passed by whilest he was in a deepe studie to thinke what they should be , he espied a beautifull damsell entring the same valley ▪ who being somewhat wearie , liking the prospect of that shadie tuft of trees , alighted there , which Ornatus seeing , withdrew himselfe from her sight , whilest shée tying her steed to a bush ▪ laide her dilicate bodie downe vpon the cooling earth , to breathe her selfe , and drie vp her swet , which the sooner to accomplish , shée vnbraced her garments , and with a decent and comely behauiour , discouered her milke-white necke & brest , beautified with two round precious teats , to receiue the breath of the coole winde , which was affected with a delight to exhale the moystened vapors from her pure bodie . Ornatus seeing all , and vnséene himselfe , noted with delight each perfect linament of her proper bodie , beautie , sweete fauour ▪ and other comelinesse , which filled his heart with excéeding pleasure , therewith growing into an vnrestrained aff●ction towards her , and a great studie what shee should be , when suddainly his hawke féeling his fist vnmoouable , thinking to pearch herself with quiet , primde her self , and with the noyse of her belles , made Ar●●sia start , who as one halfe agast , with a fearefull behauior arose from the ground , looking round about her from whence that sound came , she espied Ornatus ( who vnwilling she shuld perceiue he had yet seene her , laie as if hée had slept ) Artesia maruelling what he should be , & accordingly thinging he had slept , closed her naked brest with great haste , and vnloosing her horse , thought to go away vnespied . Which Ornatus perceiuing , and vnwilling without speaking to her to loose her sight , séemed to awake , and raising himselfe ▪ stedfestly beheld her , which infused such a redde vermillion blush into her bewtifull chéekes , and withall such a bashfull confusion spred it selfe in her conceits , that shee stood like one halfe amazed or ashamed .

Which Ornatus perceiuing , drew towards her , and gréeted her with these spéeches . Faire Damosel , be not abasht with my presence , though a straunger , which shall no way if I can chuse offend you , but rather commaund mee , and I wil be readie to doo you any seruice . Artesia notwithstanding his speeches , withdrew her selfe , leading her horse to a banke , where with ease shée mounted , and so rode away , not giuing him any aunswere at all . Ornatus maruelled thereat , yet rightly imputed her vnkinde departure to her feare , not discurtesie . And seeing himselfe depriued of her sight , the night approching , departed home to his fathers house . After supper , betaking himselfe to his chamber with intent to rest , he was possessed with such remembrance of the bewtifull Damosell he had seene , that his sleepe was transformed into continuall cogitations of her bewtie , forme and fauour , and the pleasing sight he had seene in the discouery of some of her hidden bewties , imprinted such a delight in his aff●ctionate conceits , that hée could take no sleepe , but continued all that night in those meditations .

The next day thinking to shake off all further remembrance of her , he gate into company of his most chosen friends , wherein before time hée tooke most delight , yet nowe by reason of his distemperature , hee rather seemed weary thereof . Hee had not continued long with them , but he was saluted by a gentleman named Phylastes , with whome he was familiarly acquainted : this gentleman belonged to an auncient Duke named Turnus , who in honour of his birth day , from which Allinus excused himselfe of purpose , because he thought hée should méete Arbastus there , but because the Duke should take no offence at him , hee graunted that his sonne Ornatus should goe to doe him honour . Which Phylastes acquainted Ornatus withall , who glad therof , departed thither in companie of diuers other gentlemen : the Duke likewise had sent another messenger to request Arbastus company , who being of a more m●de nature then Allinus , willingly went , and with him , his L●dy , and faire daughter Artesia .

CHAP. II. How Ornatus came to knowledge of Artesia , & intreated Adellena to make knowne his loue to her , and of the rebuke Artesia gaue her .

AFter the feast was ended , and the Duke had honored his guests with all manner of curtes●ie , he & the principallest , amongst whom Arbastus was one of the chiefe , according to the custome vsed in the countrey , seated themselues to behold certaine games and exercises to be performed by the young Gentlemen : which was , running , wrastling , and diuers other exercises , for triall of the strength , and nimblenesse of the bodie : amongst the rest , Ornatus ( hauing neuer before made triall of himselfe ) had such good successe , and behaued himselfe with such agilitie and strength , that he woonne the chiefest honour , and was presented before the Duke , to receiue a rich reward .

Which when hée had receiued , casting his eyes vpon the beholders , hée espied Artesia whome hée perfectly knewe againe , ●eadie to depart with her parents , who had bidden the Duke farewell . Ornatus comming to Philastes , asked if he knew that damosell , shewing him Artesia , who tolde him what shée was . Ornatus was glad of that small knowledge , which could add● litle meanes to his hopes , yet somewhat discontented that shée was daughter to Arbastus . And thus the day being ended , euery one departed to their abodes .

Ornatus hauing againe attained his chamber ; spent his time of rest in sundrie cogitations of his loue , and howe to giue her knowl●dge of his affection , noting euery daunger , and pondering how discontentedly his parents would take the same , if it should by any meanes come to theyr knowledge , finding so many le●tes to hinder him , that hée was oftentimes in vtter dispaire of attaining to the least hope of good successe . But finding his affections to increase more and more , and burning with a feruent desire , which nothing but onely her sauour could extinguish .

After that night was past , earelie the next morning hée wandred towardes the place where hée hadde behelde her with such exceeding content , and by the way as hée went , hée met with a gentlewoman named Adellena , of meane birth , and small liuing , yet of good education , who oftentimes resorted to Arbastus house , and was going thither at that instant , into whose company hee insinuated himselfe , for that hée sawe her alone , and said as followeth .

Gentlewoman , I am bolde to intreat a word or two with you . Sir replied she , with a good will , I will satisfie you in what I can . Know you not ( quoth he ) Arbastus ? I do quoth she , both know him , and am very well acquainted with him , vnto whose house I am nowe going . So woulde I quoth hée if I durst , for I serue Ornatus , sonne to Allinus , whome I doo not doubt but you know well , of whom I would tell you more , but that I feare to commit his secrets to them I knowe not , and thereby vnwillingly doe him iniurie : but woulde you vouchsafe but to heare them , kéepe them secret , and withall adde your help● to further him , which you may with safetie performe , you shoulde doo him an excéneding pleasure , and withall , bee so highly rewarded , and thankefully gratified , that you shoulde thinke your labour very well imployed : doo a déede of pittie , and binde him to you in the perpetuall bands of kinde friendship .

Sir replied Adellena , I knowe not ●he Gentleman , yet I haue heard him much commended , in whome if I coulde any way pleasure , I woulde vse both diligence and secrecie , promising you vpon my saith and credit , if you will make mée acquainted with your minde , I will either doo my good will to further him , or else conceale what you shall commit to my priuitie .

Then said hée , my maister not long since walking in yonder valley , beheld Artesia , faire Artesia , daughter to Arbastus , to whose beawtie hée is exceedingly inth●alled , that vnlesse some meanes of comfort be found to ease his torments , I feare mée it will in daunger his life : whom you onely may pleasure , by making his loue knowne to her , in such sort as shall best agrée with your wisedome . This is all , and yet so much , that the reuealing thereof may doo much harme . And to effect such a contract , might procure peace and vnitie ●wixt their parents . Therefore I intreate your aide and furtherance herein : with which good newes , if I returne to him , I knowe it will bréed no little comfort to his disquiet heart .

Sir ( said shée ) since I perceiue his loue is grounded vpon vertue , not drawne thereto by any desire of reward , I vndertake to bée his assistant therein , and will to the vttermost of my best indeuours labour to procure his content : Which this day I will in some sort put in execution . And if you returne to mée to morrow , you shall knowe her answere . I wil said he , and so they departed . Ornatus hauing left her , entered into many cogitations of his rash attempt , accounting himselfe ouer credulous to commit his secrets to her priuitie , of whose fidelitie hee had neuer made tryall : sometimes comforting himselfe with hope of good euent , and againe dispairing of comfort , for that hée supposed Artesia would rather esteeme him as an enemie then a friend , by reason of their parents hatred , and therefore would the more hardly bee drawne to giue any credit to his sute . And reuoluing a chaos of these and such like confused cogitations , he attained his fathers house , thinking the time tedious vntill his appointed méeting with Adellena ; which hée ouerpast with great care . Adellena after her departure from him , soone attained to Arbastus house , vsing her selfe as shee had formerly done , yet withall , carefull how to execute the charge shée had in hand , which shee could by no occasion vtter , till after dinner when shée found Artesia all alone in the gardein , insinuated her self into her company , which Artesia kindly accepted , entring into varietie of discourses , and continuing some time in giuing certaine hearbes their proper names : amongst the rest , Artesia espied an hearbe with partie coloured leaues , demanding of Adellena if shee knewe the name thereof , which she told her she did not . I haue oftentimes quoth Artesia seene this hearbe , and it hath two prettie names , it is by some called Loue in Idlenesse , and by some Haris Case : with that Adellena fetcht a déepe ( thogh counterfeit ) sigh , which Artesia noting , said : What maketh you sigh to heare it named Haris Case ? Mary ( quoth shée ) one way because those two names so all agrée , an other , for by the same I call to remembrance the hearts griefe I heard a young man complaine of procured by loue , which was not in idlenesse , but I think in good earnest . Why quoth Artesia , can loue procure such hartes griefe to any , and not rather content ? Yea said shee , because the partie in loue , hath no hope to attaine the good liking of the partie be loueth . Then quoth Artesia , I account him a foole that will loue so deeply without hope of reward : and that to bée rather fondnesse then true friendship , that pleaseth his affections with such inequalities . But I pray tel mée what is he into whose secrets you were so suddenly admitted ? Not admitted ( quoth she ) for vnawares I heard his complaints , which afterwardes I promised him not to make any acquainted withall , but the partie whome he so in●ierly loueth . Then quoth Artesia , I may not know , neither doo I care , for it is but a vanitie that troubleth ones cogitations . Yes quoth shée , you may and shall if you please , know who he is , conditionally you will neither be offended with me for telling you , nor reueale what I shall impart . Why quoth she , am I the pretie , or doth it any way concerne me , that I should be offended ? If it be , then kéepe your counsels vnreuealed , for it will proue vnsauorie to my stomacke , for be it far from me to be troubled with the vaine sutes of doting louers . Yet let me answere quoth Adellena , you heare too greeuous a conceit of loue , which is the diuine puritie whereby heartes are vnited in vertue . Wit●out the which , neither mortals can attaine heauen , nor other creatures haue their being : therefore not to bée abhorred : and for that any shoulde loue your selfe , can that be an offence to you , but rather bée accepted in kinde sort ? wée should by nature loue them that loue vs , then will you contrarie to nature , yéeld hatred for loue ? For you indéed are the partie that is beloued , and the partie that is so farre in loue with you euery way to be commended , & one way discommended , whose name I will not reueale , & then I hope I shall bréed no offence to your eares . Doe so quoth Artesia , for in concealing the same , you please me , & if you will be welcome into my company , vse no more of these speeches . Had I thought quoth she , they would haue bin offensius , I would not haue vttered them , but in so doing , I did but fulfill your request : then at my request againe quoth shée , giue ouer . After this communication ended , they parted , Adellena , home to to her house , and Artesia to her supper , and afterwards to her chamber , where at first , some colde thoughts of those spéeches past in her fancie , but afterwards shée spent the rest of that night in quiet sléepe .

CHAP. III. How Adellena conueled Ornatus letter into Artesias Casket , and with what impatiencie Artesia tooke the same .

THe morning being newly approched , Ornatus who had long expected the same , arose and soone gate to Adellenas house , where he arriued before shée was vp , who hauing knowledge thereof , soone came downe to him , ( taking him to bée no other then Ornatus man ) to whome shée declared the very truth of all her spéeches hadde with Artesia . Which nipt him at the heart , but being put in some hope by her perswasions , at last giuing her a purse full fraught with Gold in recompence of her paines past , and to entice her to vndertake more , hee saide as followeth .

Good Adellena be not dismaied to prosecute my sute for Artesias first frowne , for I am not Ornatus man , but poore Ornatu● himselfe , that languish with desire to attaine her loue , which I would my selfe prosecute , if the discords betwixt our parents did not hinder the same . Therefore I beséech you once againe doo something in my behalfe , for you sée how cruell desteny hath shut mée from all meanes to bée put in practise by my selfe , and you may pleasure mée without any hazard at all : for which I wil rest so thankfull vnto you , as that you shall account your paines taken wel bestowed .

Sir replied shée , I would vndertake any thing to further you , if I kn●w which way , but I perceiue Artesias frowardnesse is such , that nothing I shal bring her wil bée welcome : but if you wil aduise mée what I shal do , I wil once againe hazard the losse of her good liking for your sake . Which said , Ornatus wrote a Letter , which hée desired her by some meanes to conuey to her sight , the contents whereof were these .

To the faire Artesia .

FAirest of creatures , bee not offended with my boldnesse , but rather fauourably censure of my good meaning : for being bound to honour none but most vertuous , I thought it my dutie to giue you knowledge thereof , desiring you to pittie the extremitie of my passions , procured by the attainture of your conquering perfections . I confesse you may alledge many things as reasons , to disswade you from giuing credit to my speeches , or yeelding me the least fauour in your conceits : yet I beseeeh you , make but triall of loyaltie , loue , and dutie , so farre as shall agree with your liking , and you shall finde mee constant in the one , and perseuerant in the other , as one that hath submitted himselfe to your commaund , vowed his deuotions to purchase your fauour , and euerlastingly bound himselfe to be onely yours : vnable to expresse my humble meaning : vnwilling to be offensiue , and desirous of fauour : then I beseech you be fauourable to me , though bearing the name of an enemie , in whom you shall finde the true heart of a constant friend , whose safetie , comfort , and preseruation , resteth in your power . The first viewe of your bewties ( which was in the valley when you were last hunting ) surprised my heart with such humble regard to your vertue , that euer since my heart hath indured the bitter torments of feareful dispaire , which vrgeth me to this presumption , desiring from your sacred lippes to receiue my sentence of comfort , or affliction , rather then to spend my life in languishing vnreuealed torment . Then be you gracious to him , that is otherwise most miserable , and shewe fauour to an vndeseruing vnknowne friend , so shall you not onely shewe that you are mercifull , but also saue a miserable louer from vtter ruine .

Your humble friend Ornatus .

Adellena hauing receiued this Letter , tolde him shée would deliuer the same , which the next day shée performed in this sort : Being come to Arbastus house , shée continued most part of the day in Artesias company , not once renuing the least remembrance of the talke shée had with her the day before , but espying her open her Casket wherein shée put her workes , whilest Artesia was busie , she priuily conueyed the Letter vnseene into the same , which by and by Artesia locked , for none but her selfe had the vse thereof .

Adellena thought long till she was gone fearing least Artesia should vpon some occasion open the Casket againe , and so find the Letter , whilest shée were there , therefore shée soone founde meanes to depart . When the time of rest was come , and Artesia alone in her bed , taking a booke ( according to her vsuall manner ) to reade a while , shee suddenly fell a sléepe , and in her sléepe was possessed with a dreame , wherein her thoughts called to remembrance Adellenas speeches , which mooued such a disquiet conceit of anger in her brest , that thinking shée had chid her , with the motions of her spirites shée awaked , féeling and excéeding distemperature in all her parts , and séeing the light stil burning , she maruelled at her drowsinesse that had before forgate to put the same out , and by this meanes called to remembrance Adellenas spéeches , maruelling what hee should bee that was in loue with her , and suddenly againe , reprouing her selfe for giuing her mind libertie to think of loue , she would haue banisht al further remembrance thereof out of her minde , but the more shee laboured , the more vnable shee was to preuaile in ouermaistring her fancies , that being both vexed with her selfe , and Adellena , shee vttered these speeches .

What disquiet is this possesseth my heart , procureth such vnwonted cogitations to rise in my fancies , and disturbeth my rest ? I was not wont to trouble my thoughts with such vaine cogitations , which the more I labour to suppresse , the more they encrease .

Coulde Adellenas speeches haue such force ( which I had welnigh forgotten ) as thus long to sticke in my remembrance ? Or what reason haue I to regard them that were not worth the regarding ? but rather tended to demonstrate the affection of some ouerfond louer , that se●keth to intrappe my chastitie ? Accursed be her lippes for vttering them , and would to God I had bene deaffe that I might not haue heard their inchaunting sound .

This saide , she catcht vp her Booke , thinking by reading to driue away all remembrance thereof , but her heart was so fully possest with a kinde of cogitation what hée shoulde be , that she neither coulde reade , or when she did reade , remember what shee did reade : and finding this meanes not auaileable , shée started from her bedde , opening her Casket to take out her sampler , wherein shée tooke most delight , when suddenly shée espied the Letter , and reading the superscription , was halfe astonished thereat , especially howe it should come there , and what the contents should bée , béeing oftentimes in minde to teare the same in péeces and not to reade it , which her hearte woulde not suffer her to doo before shée had séene what was the contents : yet striuing to ouermaister her affections , shée tore the same in the midst : which done , such a remorse rose in her fancie , vnited with a desire to know further thereof , that leaping into the bed , shée closed the same togither , and betwixt a willing and vnwilling minde , redde the same throughout . With that , fetching a déepe sigh , shee said : Aye me poore soule , how are my affections betraied to mine enemie ? Was it Ornatus shée ment ? can it bée that hée wil proue my friend , that is my professed enemie ? O no : hée intendeth nothing lesse then loue , but rather vnder colour thereof , séeketh my ruine . Was it hée that I beheld in the valley ? or it is possible that hée shoulde bée so déepely in loue with mée vpon that small sight ? No , no , I wil not credit his spéeches , but stil repute him as an enemie , as indéed hée is : and henceforward abandon Adellenaes company , by whose meanes this Letter was conueyed into my Casket : then tearing the same into a thousand péeces , shée abstained ( so neare as shée could ) from all thought of yeelding the least consent to loue , and sought to increase her disdaine , and suspect of his falshood , spending the rest of that night in confused contrarieties of doubtful thoughts . Early in the morning shee gat vp , and within short time met with Adellena ( who was come as desirous to know what issue her deuise had taken ) and ●●ading occasion fitte when none was by , she vttered these spéeches .

Adellena , I maruell what follie ruleth your minde , that you ( whom I had thought had bene vertuously giuen ) should séeke my ruine : wherein haue I showne my selfe so vnkinde , that you should requite me in this discourteous sort ? You remember the spéeches past betwixt vs the other day in the Gardein , when I finding out your intent by your spéeches , desired you to giue ouer to vse any more talke to that effect , which you faithfully promised , but now most vnfaithfully haue broken , and more impudently haue betraied my quiet with your disquiet & ill sounding news : if your rudenesse had beene such that you could not desist , you might then haue deliuered Ornatus false and fained inchauntment into my hands , and not so secretly haue conueyed the same into my Casket , wherein you haue made me amendes for my loue , to séeke to betray my life into the hands of mine enemy : for otherwise I neither can nor will estéeme him . Therefore henceforwards come no more into my co●pany , for I forsweare your familiaritie , hate your counsell , and wil cause my father to banish you his house , and alienate his friendship from you for euer .

Adellena would haue answered , but Artesia refusing to hear her , departed , and left her so much gréeued , that for extream vexation , she immediately departed towards her owne house .

CHAP. IIII. How Ornatus dispairing , left his fathers house , and disguising himselfe , was entertained of Arbastus .

ORnatus desirous to heare how Artesia had accepted his Letter , came to Adellenaes house , and found her wéeping for anger , desiring to know the cause thereof , which shée declared to him at large , which wrought suche an excéeding passion of griefe in his mind , that without yéelding her either thanks for her paines or other spéech , hée departed : being so much ouercome with inward sorrow , that finding a solitarie place , hée laide himselfe downe vpon the earth , vttering these lamentations .

O miserable castiffe , what haste thou to do but lament when thy ill fortune yéelds nothing but cause of lament ? Why shoulde thy life last to endure these tormentes , and not rather to dissolue into vnséene essences ? Could any thing haue happened to mée more miserable , then to beholde Artesia , and now to endure her crueltie ? or more fortunate , if shée had bene mercifull ? But my Destenies haue drawne mée to like her that hateth mée , and to become thrall to a cruell vnrelenting enemie . Well , my loue is swéeter then my life , and therefore I wil venture life and all to purchase her liking .

Hauing said this , hée a while sat silent , when suddeinly to fauour his extremities , hée behelde certaine of his familiars passe by , with whome he departed home .

Earely the next morning ( being excéedingly troubled in minde and impatient of delaie ) hee l●st his fathers house to visite Adellena againe , whome hée had the day before left so vnkindly , whome hee founde readie to goe to Arbastus house againe : saluting her , saide : Adellena , bée not offended at my last vnmannerly departure , for my hearte was so muche disquietted at the ill successe my sute tooke , that I coulde not vse that behauiour towardes you your paines deserued , but nowe I am returned to craue your counsell what is further to bée done herein .

Syr replied shée , I know not what further meanes to vse , neither dare I any more attempt to trie Artesias curtesie , who is alreadie so much offended with me , that I feare to loose her friendship for euer , if I should vtter that againe that is so vnwelcome to her .

Ornatus hearing her spéeches , thought shée was vnwilling to prosecute his sute any further , with a heauie hearte left her , entering into many thoughtes and cogitations which way to comfort himselfe . Oftentimes vtterly dispairing , and yet purposing to leaue no meanes vnassaied , nor daunger vnattempted , though with hazarde of his life to purchase some rest to his troubled heart .

At length hée thought with himselfe what should make Artesia so hard hearted as to giue no credit to my spéeches : it is not her want of lenitie , pittie , or wisedome , for shée is yong , and therefore subiect to loue : bewtifull , and therefore to bée wonne wise , and therefore wil with consideration pittie my sorrowes . What then should alienate her good liking from mee , more then from an other ? My Name : for by that shée reputeth mée an enemie : then were I not Ornatus , she woulde peraduenture giue some regard to my sutes . Therefore I will chaunge my name , and bée an other then I am , that shée not knowing mée , may ( if not loue mée ) yet disist to hate mée : then beganne hee to studie what meanes to vse to enioy her sight ( without the which hée could not liue , ) and yet not be knowne what he was . Amongst many other deuises , this tooke déepest roote . Within fewe dayes after ( hauing prouided all things necessary ) he attired himselfe like a virgine of a straunge Countrey ( which hée might well be esteemed to be by his youth . ) And taking with him his Lute , whereon he could play excéedingly well , in the silent of the night he departed towards the sea coast , which was neare vnto Arbastus house : and seating himselfe vpon the Rockie shoare , beganne to play vpon his Lute . Early the next morning , a shepheard happened to passe by that way , and espying his straunge disguise , and hearing his swéete Musicke , was so excéedingly delighted therewith , that he stayed to sée what he was .

Ornatus turning himselfe about , espied the olde man stand gazing vpon him , wherewith he drew towardes him , and saide as followeth .

Good Father , muse not to sée me in this vnfrequented place , being by shipwrack cast on this shore , and preserued from a gréeuous death by sea , to perish for want of comfort on the land , in a straunge place , where I neither haue friendes , nor know which way to get comfort . Therefore I beséech you , yéeld comfort to my distresse , and succour ●o my want . Faire Damosell quoth the shepheard , if my homely Cottage can yeeld you any comfort , so please you to accept therof , it shal be at your command , whither so please you go , without more circumstance of spéeches , you shall be most hartily welcome . I thanke you quoth Ornatus , and I accept your gentle proffer ; so they departed togither . And when they were entered , and the sh●pheardesse in the best maner she could had welcomed him , and he had tasted of such foode as was set before him , hée tolde them his name was Syluia , and telling a tale of sufficient countenance to beare credite of the maner of their shipwracke , and the cause he vndertooke that voyage by Sea . Which the olde folkes beléeued ▪ Likewise framing himselfe to such a kinde of behauiour , that it was almost ●mpossible to discerne but that he was a woman indéede .

Where Syluia ( for vnder that name he shall a while passe ) staied some two daies , yet without any hope how to enioy Artesias company . But the third day it fortuned Arbastas being abroad hunting , was by a violent storme driuen to séeke shelter , and must fortunately lighted on the shepheards Cottage , where he boldly entered without calling , and suddenly espying Syluia , was halfe astonisht to beholde a damosell so bewtifull and richly attired in that homely place , but after that he had a while viewed her well , ( Syluia being alone ) with a curteous behauiour he thus spake .

Faire damosell , pardon my boldnesse , if I haue disquietted you , I little thought to haue found such guestes in this homely place . Syluia knowing him to be Arbastus , arose , but made him no answere : when presently the olde shepheard came in , vsing great reuerence to Arbastus , who demaunded of him , what damosell that was , whereupon the olde man declared all that he knew .

Arbastus then thus said : Damosell , I vnderstand by this shepheard some part of your misfortunes , which I so much pitty , that offer to do any thing resteth in me to do you pleasure . And for that this homely place is not agréeable to your birth , which may be greater then I can iudge of , let me desire you to accept of such entertainment as my habitation yéeldeth , whither you shall be welcome . Syluia being glad of that profer , yet fearing to be discouered by his willingnesse to yéeld , made this answere . Sir , this homely place is best agréeing to my poore estate , being by misfortune brought to miserie : which I am also vnworthie of , for that I know not how to make my hoste amends , desiring rather to liue in this quiet pallace voyde of care , then in places of more dignitie : but for that I shall be too chargeable to this poore man , and you so earnestly desire me , I wil be so bolde as to take your profer , though vnable to be so grateful as I would . Many other spéeches past betwixt them , and in the ende they departed towards Arbastus Castle : where Syluia was kindly and worthily entertained , hauing his hearts desire , which was to enioy the sight of faire Artesi● .

Ornatus being alone by himselfe , began to meditate of the good successe he had in this attempt , and how fortunatelie all things had fallen out to further him in his loue . But most of all hée meruailed how the eyes of all that beheld him were blinded , that they could not perceiue what he was . In these & many such like comfortable meditations he spent some thrée or foure dayes , taking most great content in beholding Artesiaes perfections , that he was more and more inthralled in the bands of vowed affection , hearing her spéech , noting her behauior , admiring her vertue , commending her curtesie , affecting her bewtie , and imprinting each liniament of her diuine torme , in his deuoted affection , with such immooueable resolue of constant loyaltie , that hée did not onely loue her , but also honor her as an I doll , beeing by Arbastus admitted her companie , that at all times hée was with her . Artesia likewise tooke no little pleasure in Syluians company , in whom so much curtesse abounded , that euery one both liked and commended her .

CHAP. V. How Adellena brought newes to Arbastus house of Ornatus suddaine depature . How he naming himselfe Syluian , a long time enioyed her company , and what successe he had in his loue .

ADellena hauing heard of Ornatus departure from his fathers house , and of the excéeding care and grief his parents tooke , fearing least he might by some trecherie be murdred , with which newes shée came to Arbastus house , and soone published the same , that the newes came to Arbastus hearing who was excéedingly sorie to heare the same , for that hée estéemed well o● Ornatus . And now comming into the garden where Artesia was walking with Syluian , she could not withhold herselfe from speaking , but vttered her minde in these words .

Artesia bée not offended with that I say , but rather bée displeased with your selfe , who are the originall of this woe . Ornatus whom you supposed your enemie , though indéede your most faithfull friend , taking your vnkind refusall most heauily , and accounting himselfe not worthy to liue if you dispised him , eyther hath wrought his owne vntimely death , or dispairing to finde fauour at your handes , hath abandoned both this parents , countrey and acquaintance , to liue in exile . What will bée sayd of you when the cause of his sorrow● shall be knowne ? how may your owne concience accuse your selfe of hard-hartednesse , that would not yéeld pittie to the distresse of so woorthie , vertuous , & curteous a Gentleman , who for his humble sute , was spightfully disdained , and his heartie good will , disdainfully reiected ? Which cruell déed of yours , no doubt will be one day repayed with the like disdaine , where you shall most affect . I know his loue was firme , constant and immoueable , which maketh me so much the more pittie his estate : I know his meaning was both vertuous & honorable , his birth you know , what vertues abounded in him , all can witnesse : and how hartily he loued you , the heauens can witnesse . Poore Ornatus farewell . Hard was thy hap , to place thy true loue so firmly , where thou reapest so little reward . Artesia hearing her spéeches , could not tell whether shée might blame her , or accuse her selfe , sometimes doubting whether she spake this of pollicie to try her , or of truth . Being as readie to blame her selfe , as Adellena , and yet willing to do neither . For she thought if she spake true , shée had good cause to say that shée did , and her selfe more to be blamed then any . For notwithstanding she had giuen Adellena so flat a denial , yet her conscience knewe , that some sparks of loue were kindled in her breast : That her heart being somewhat opprest with these thoughts , caused the water to stand in her eyes . Ornatus séeing all this , took no little comfort therat , especially when he perceiued Artesias heart to relent , but for that by his disguise , being known no other then a woman , he kept silence , when saine hée would haue spake , least he should discouer himselfe . Adellena séeing she had disquieted Artesia , being her selfe full of griefe , and vnwilling to vrge her any further , departed . And Artesia withdrawing her selfe from Syluians company , into an Arbor , vttered these spéeches . And can it be that Ornatus loue was so great , that for my sake hée hath done this ? Coulde hee loue her so constantly that was his professed enemie ? is loue of such a force , to draw one into these extreames ? Then may I compare it to the hearb Artas , found in Persia , who being but holden in the hand , causeth a heat through all the bodie : so loue but entertained in thought , disquieteth all the sences . But why do I conceiue so well of Ornatus , when I know not the truth of Adellenaes report : it may be he hath hired her to doe this , and thereby I may be deceiued , yéelding to pittie , when there is no cause , and with the bird Akanthu● , readie to come at euerie call . Admit it were so , I am not bound to fauour him , is he not my enemie , & sonne vnto my fathers cheefest foe ? what reason then haue I eyther to giue credit to his loue , or her protestation , when both may be fayned ? Well I will be aduised before I yéelde my selfe to loues intangling baytes , and before I loue , I will know whome I loue . I but Artesia thy fancie yéeldeth remorse alreadie , and thy conscience bids thée pittie him because he loueth thée , for loue in a reputed enemie may be as constant and loyall as in an open friend , and an enemie becomming friend , will be the more constant : then what hast thou to do , but make further proofe of his constancie , and finding him true , yéelde reward to his desert ? Soft Artesia , wade not too far : if he be constant , if hee be loyall , if he loue thée so intirely , if nowe thou hast made him forsake this countrey , or procure his vntimely death , then is there nothing else to be don for thée , but to pittie his death , and accuse thy selfe of some discourtesie . All this while Ornatus shrowding himselfe from her sight , by the thicknesse of the gréene leaues heard her spéeches , to his excéeding comfort , and againe closelie withdrew himselfe . Artesia hauing ended her spéeches , her hart being opprest with many doubts , arose and came to Syluian , to whom she said : My minde is much troubled with the newes Adellena told me of Ornatus absence , whom for that you know not , I wil tel you what he was .

There dwelleth not far hence , one Allinus , that mortally hateth my father , and al that belong vnto him , whose sonne Ornatus was , whome if I should commend , you might thinke me too cruel to refuse his loue so vnkindly : onely thus much I wil say of him , he was euery way worthy to be beloued , though my fancie coulde neuer be drawne to like of him : who vpon what occasion I know not , but as Adellena tolde me , made his loue knowne to her , which she likewise told me of , but I refusing to heare her , answered her plainly , that I was greatly of●ended with her , for making any such motion : and forbad her for euer to speake of him againe . But now this day you haue heard what shée hath told me , which I can hardly beléeue to be true , or that Ornatus would be so rash without wisedome to enter into such extreames . But if it bee so ( as I would it were not ) it gréeueth me for him , and I wish that I had not refused to heare his sute , though I am not willing to yéeld thereto . For I would not haue it said of me , nor my name so much blazed , that my crueltie procured him to that extremitie , though his wisedome might haue foreséene such mischéefe , and he more moderatelie haue tempered his loue .

Ornatus taking occasion said , I neither know the gentleman , nor how constant his loue was , but thus much my mind perswadeth me , that had not his loue bene great , he would not haue gréeued so much at your vnkindnesse : but loue is of this force , that it turneth the minde into extreames , or vtterly breaketh the heart , which force belike it had in him , else would he not haue done himselfe so much h●rme . But it may be ( as you say ) Ornatus hath not done himselfe outrage , but onely abandoning company , liueth in dispaire , and so meaneth to die : which if it bee so , then in my fancie , you might do well to let him by some meanes vnderstand that you did pittie him Stay there quoth Artesia , you must first know whether I can do it or no : for If I should say I pittie with my lips , and he not find it so , it would driue him to more dispaire , and therefore I will leaue off to do that , vntill I can finde whether I can do so or no.

These her spéeches draue Ornatus into a perplexed doubt what to thinke , being no way assured o● her loue , nor yet vtterly dispairing thereof , for that her spéeches gaue likelyhood of both . Therefore hée durst not speake too boldlie , least shée should suspect him , but onely rested in good hope to finde comfort , and by other meanes to trie her .

Then taking his Lute , he began to play so swéetely , as would haue rauisht a comfortlesse minde , with great content : to heare which harmonie pleased Artesia so well , that when hée left , shée would request him , calling him Syluian , to play againe . Whilest he sat playing , Artesia sitting close by his side , fel fast a sléep , which hee perceiuing , left of his play , to sur●et himself with beholding her sweete bewtie , in which hée tooke such delight , as almost rauisht his sences , sometimes thinking whilest she slept , to imprint a kisse vpon her swéete ruddie lippe , but fearing thereby to wake her , and loose that delightfull contemplation , hée desisted , beholding each part of her visible forme , which was most diuine , his minde was affected with inward suppose , what perfections her hidden bewties did comprehend , which his fancie perswaded him , he did in conceit absolutely contemplate . Then seeing her stirre , he suddainly catcht his lute againe , striking his swéete noate , to continue her in that slumber , and then againe , laying by the same , to enter into his former contemplation . Comparing his delight to excéed all heauenly ioy , and wishing though Artesia coulde not loue him , yet that shée woulde alwayes graunt him so to beholde her .

When hée had a good while continued in these meditations , Artesia awooke , which somewhat gréeued him , but when hée beheld her bewteous eyes fired vppon him , he thought himselfe inriched with a heauenly happines , to whome A●tesia said , I thank thée good Syluian , for thy swéet musicke hath somewhat eased my heart , by this quiet sleepe . O what content do they enioy , that liue voyde of care , and how happie was I before I heard Ornatus name ? With that she arose , and ther togither went in : when night approched ( which Ornatus thought soo soone come , for by that he must loose Artesiaes sight ) euery one betooke themselues to their seuerall lodgings .

Ornatus studying what meanes to vse to further his loue , wherein he found many difficulties , sometimes in thinking Artesia was in hope neuer to heare of him againe , and sometimes supposing she did pittie him , and being ouercome with contrarieties of doubts , he vttered these complaints .

What shuld I do to procure my content , when my miseries are one way great , & my ioyes as excéeding : when my dispaire excéedeth , and yet ●y comfort aboundeth ? I enioy not Artesiaes loue , yet she loueth me not : I enioy her sight , and yet not her sight . I haue as much comfort as fills me with ioy , & yet I am desperate with dispaire . How can that be ? She loueth me as I am Syluian , but hateth me , because she loueth not Ornatus . Vnder the name of Syluian , I enioy her sight , but not as Ornatus , and so am I depriued of her sight . I reape excéeding comfort by beholding her bewty , but I liue in dispaire , that shée wold shun loue if she knew what I were . Though I enioy many thinges by being Syluian , yet am I depriued of all comfort , as I am Ornatus . For she déemed him either dead or fled , hath no hope euer to sée him , and if I should shew any signe that hée were liuing or neare , shée would presently eschew my company : which being as I am , I may enioy : & thus am I voyd of all meanes of attayning her loue , yet liuing as I am , I shall still enioy her loue . Why Ornatus , thou hast better meanes to giue her knowldge of thy loue in this disguise , then if thou liuedst as Ornatus . Suppose thou shuldest make knowne to her what thou art , thinkest thou shée would bewray thée , considering thou offerest no other behauiour towardes her , then that which agreeth with vertue ? Or what if shée did betray thée , wert thou not better to indare the greatest extremitie by her don , then pyne away with griefe in her absence ? Yes Ornatus , in being as thou art , thou art more happie , and therefore maiest thou be in some better hope of comfort . What if shée will not loue thée , yet for thy good will shée cannot hate thée . And though shée know what thou art , shee will rather conceale thée , then bewray thée then try whether she loueth thée or no , but how ? Make my selfe knowne .

No. I will write a letter , which I will leaue in some place where she may finde it , and so by that meanes I shall sée whether shée will loue or no. And taking pen Inke and paper , he wrote as fo●●oweth .

To the most vertuous Artesia , the forsaken Ornatus sendeth humble greeting .

WEre you but so mercifull as fayre , I woulde not dispaire of pittie . Or were you willing to know my truth and loyaltie , you woulde though not yeeld to my sute , yet pittie mee . I cannot vse protestations , nor dissemble greefe : but be you most assured , that what proceedeth out at my lippes , commeth from my heart : xtremitie maketh mee ouerbolde , and dispaire maketh me more desperate , in vttering my minde : I cannot chuse but say I loue you , for that I loue indeed . I cannot set foorth my loue with fyled termes , but in plaine truth , protest that my loue is constant , loyall , vertuous , & immoueable : and though you hate , I must loue : and though you for euer denie to loue , yet will I persist in constancie : for the woorst I can indure is death : and that my soule alreadie inwardly feeleth . I haue forsaken my parents , friends , and all to become acceptable to you : for whilest I was Allinus sonne , you did hate me , then I beseech you , now that I am not Allinus sonne , nor Ornatus , pitty mee . For without your pitie I die , & litle can my death profit you : but letting me liue , you shall for euer enioy a faithfull seruant . So most vertuous Artesia , I commit my cause to your wise consideration .

Your inseparablie , neyther Ornatus , nor himselfe , but your poore seruant .

When hee had written this Letter , and sealed the same , the next morning he laid it in a place of the garden , where he knowe Artesia would walke . And from thence comming to her chamber , he found her readie to go forth .

Artesia welcommed Syluia kindely , and forth they went together , and walking vp and downe a prittie while , Artesia espied the white paper , and desirous to sée what it was , took it vp , reading the superscription , maruelled what the contents shuld be , and how it should come there , and turning to Syluian , sée you this letter , it is directed to me , I maruell how it should come here , vnlesse it were laide of purpose : well howsoeuer that was , I will reade the contents , and you shall be partaker of them . When she had redde the same , and well vnderstood that it was Ornatus , at the first shee was so excéedingly v●xed , that she said : I now perceiue , that Ornatus was wiser then I tooke him to bée , for I sée he hath committed no outrage vpon himselfe , but wiselie will trie me first , and if I will not yéelde to loue him , what will hée doo ? marrie returne to his father againe . This is Adellenaes doing , and according as I thought they are agréed : shée left this letter here , and her may I blame , and not him . For did not she promise him to do it , he would neuer of himselfe attempt it . Syluian I pray thée counsaile me , what I should do herein , for my heart is oppressed with many thoughts , that I will not vtter vntill I know thy minde ?

Syluian thus answered : since you haue giuen me licence to speake that which my heart thinketh , first I say , i● Ornatus loueth according as he protesteth , as no doubt but he doth , you haue good reason to pittie him , for that by your owne report , he is euery way worthy thereof , which if you doo , you shal be sure of a constant friend , preserue his life , and make vnitie betwixt your parents . As for Adellena , if it were her déede , she did but the part of a friend , but it was very vnlikely , for that shée was not here since yesterday . Neither can I think any man can dissemble so much as to make these protestations , and yet be false . For his words in my fancie , beare an euident likeliehood of truth . Therefore , if I may counsaile you , yéeld to that which is vertuous , and in so dooing , you shall purchase your owne good , his content , and perpetuall quiet to both your families .

Would you haue mée then ( quoth shée ) yéelde to loue mine enemie ? How is hee your enemie ( quoth Syluian ) when hée loueth you ? Hée is mine enemie , because his father hating me , how can he loue me ? Nay rather ( quoth Syluian ) his father not louing you , how can hee chuse but loue you , because he seeth them hate you , that are worthy to be beloued : besides their hatred being vniust , it sheweth his vertue the more , to loue those his parents hate : and it is commonly séene , where there is hatred betwixt the parents , the children haue loued most dearely , as in common experience it is séene : haue you not red the Histories of Pryamus and Thysbe , Romeo and Iuliet , and many other ? whose loue was the more constant , by so much the more their parents hatred was deadly .

I remember such Histories ( quoth Artesia ) but what was the end of their loue , was it not most miserable ? I grant it was , ( quoth Syluian ) which was procured by their parents crueltie , but not their loue , wherein , notwithstanding , they tooke such felicitie , that they rather chose to die togither then to be parted : which argueth , that the enmity twixt parents , cannot break off loue twixt the children , yet might such tragical euents haue bin preuented by wisedom . But how know I ( said Artesia ) whether Ornatus loue bée so constant or no ? Can you haue any greater proofe thereof , then his own letters , the forsaking of his parents , and liuing peraduenture in pennurie : but if you doubt of that , once againe trie him . Well ( said Artesia ) I asked but thy counsaile , but in stead thereof , thou vsest perswasion : but séeing thou art so forward to doo me good , which I hope is thy intent , if thou wilt keep my counsell , thou shalt know both my minde , and what I intend . Assure your selfe ( quoth Syluian ) I will rather loose my life then prooue vnfaithfull . Then said shée , I confesse to thée Syluian , that loue hath made entrance into my heart , that I would willingly both pittie Ornatus , and grant him his request : for that with often remembring him , I cannot forget him , neither doth any thought please mee , but when I thinke of him . But there are so many slips to hinder our loue , that though I loue him , I shall neuer enioy him . For should my parents know hereof , they woulde prie so warily into my actions , that it were impossible for mée once to haue a sight of him , whome I doo scarce remember , I haue so seldome séene him . You may ( quoth Syluian ) both loue him , and inioy him , and since you haue begun to like of him , he being worthy thereof , and equalling you in affection , increase that loue : & might I but once come to speake with him , I woulde not doubt but ●ffect all things with such secrecie , that you should with quiet enioy him .

Well quoth Artesia , I commit all to you , my life , for that dependeth on my loue , being willing to doo any thing that shall not disagrée with modestie . Destring you to kéepe my counsells secret , for to bewray them , may indaunger both his and my life .

After many other spéeches past betwixt them , Adellena entered the garden . Artesia espying her , at the first thus gréeted her . God-morrowe Adellena , I know not whether I may salute thée as a friend , or a priuie foe , for that by thy meanes I am brought into bandage .

I pray thée tell mée without dissembling ( which I feare mée thou canst doo too well ) when thou sawest Ornatus ? and yet I know thy answere before I aske . Dost thou not know this letter ? didst thou not hide it in this garden , that I might finde it ? did not Ornatus hire thee to say , that hée was departed from his fathers , whilest he lyeth at home in thy house ? I knowe thy aunswer● will bee no : but howe may I beléeue that ? Doest thou not likewise say hée loueth mée when thou knowest the contrarie , and doest but dissemble ? If thou harborest any vertue in thee , tell mée the truth and dissemble not ? for in doing so , thou shalt greatly con●ent me , discharge thy conscience , and peraduenture doe Ornatus a good turne .

Adellena hearing her spéeches , was so astonish at theyr strangenesse , that for a good while she stood as one sencelesse , but at the last , she made this answere . Your demaunds are such , as that I know not how to answere them : but heauens punish mée , if I dissemble . I saw not Ornatus since the time hée came to mée , to know how you accepted the letter I conueyed into your Casket . For that Letter I am altogither ignorant therein , neither did I euer sée the same before now : I neuer spake with Ornatus , sawe Ornatus , or heard from him since I last gaue him your answere : neither doo I know where hee is : but this I know , that hée is not to bée found : but poore Gentleman , languisheth in loue , which I dare protest , loueth you most dearely , neither neede you misdoubt that hée is absent , or thinke that hée is hidden at my house , for it is too true , hée hath taken such gréefe at your vnkindnesse , as will I feare me indaunger his life .

I would it were not so , but that he were at my house , then would I counsaile him rather to forget to loue , then indaunger his life thereby .

May I beléeue ( quoth Artesia ) that this thou sayest is true ? Heauens let me liue no longer ( quoth Adellena ) if I dissemble . Then ( quoth Artesia ) howe should this Letter be conueyed into this garden , but by himselfe ? With that the Christall teares fell from her eyes .