The firste Booke .

AS soone as the daye appeared , and the Sunne began to shine on the toppes of the Hilles , Menne , whose custome was to liue by rapine and violence , ranne to the toppe of a Hil that strecheth towarde the mouth of Nylus , called Heracleot : where standing a while , they vewed the Sea vnderneath them , and when they had looked a good season a farre of into the same , and coulde sée nothinge that might put them in hope of praie , they caste there eies somewhat neare the shoare : where as a shippe , tied with Cables to the maine lande , laie at roade , without saylers , and full fraughted : whiche thinge , they who were a farre of might easilie coniecture : for the burden caused the shippe to draw water within the bourdes of the decke . But on the shoare euery place was full of men , some quite deade , some halfe dead , some whose bodies yet panted , & plainely declared that there had benne a battell fought of late . But there coulde be séene no signes or tokens of any iust quarell , but there séemed to be an ill and vnluckie banket , and those that remained , obtained such ende . For the tables were furnished with delicate dishes , some whereof laie in the handes of those that were slaine , beinge in stéede of weapons to some of them in the battaile , so suddenly begunne . Other couered suche as crope vnder them to hide them selues , as they thought . Besides the cuppes were ouerthrowen and fell out of the handes , either of them that dranke , or those , who had in steade of stones vsed them . For that suddaine mischiefe wrought newe deuises , and taught them in steade of weapons , to vse there pottes . Of those who lay there , one was wounded with an Axe , an other was hurte with the shelles of Fishes , whereof on the shoore there was great plentie : another was all to crushed with a leuer , many burnte with fire , and the reste by diuerse other meanes , but most of all were slaine with arrowes . To be briefe , God shewed , a wonderfull sight in so shorte time , bruynge bloud with wine , ioyninge battayle with banketting , minglinge indifferently slaughters with drinkinges , and killing with quaffinges , prouidinge suche a sight for the Théeues of Egypte to pause at . For they when they had geuen these thinges the lookinge on a good while from the Hill , coulde not vnderstande what that sight meante , for asmuch as they sawe some slaine there , but the Conquerours coulde they sée no where , a manifest Victorie but no spoiles taken away a shippe without Mariners onely , but as concerninge other thinges vntouched , as if shée had bene kepte with a garde of many men , and laie at roade in a saulfe Harboure . But for all that they knewe not what that thing meante , yet they had respecte to their Lucre and gaine . When therefore they had determined that them selues were the Victors , they drewe neare vnto the same : and not beynge now farre from the shippe , & those that were slaine , they sawe a sight more perplexed then the reste a greate deale . A maide endued with excellent beawtie , whiche also might be supposed a Goddesse , satte vpon a Rocke , who séemed not a littell to be gréeued with that present mischance , but for all that of excellent courage : she had a garlande of Lawrell on her head , a Quiuer on her backe , and in her lefte hande a Bowe , leaninge vpon her Thighe with her other hande , and lookinge downewarde , without mouinge of her head , beholdinge a certaine yonge Man a good waie of , the whiche was sore wounded , and séemed to lifte vp him selfe , as if he had be wakened out of a deade sléepe almoste of deathe it selfe ? yet was he in this case of Singuler beawtie , and for all that his chéekes were be sprinkled with bloud , his whitenes did appeare so muche the more . He was constrained for gréefe to wéepe , yet caused he the maide to looke stedfastly vpon him , and these thinges muste they néedes sée because they sawe her . But as soone as he came to him selfe a littel , he vttered these woordes very faintly . And arte thou safe in déede my swéete harte , ꝙ he ? or els haste thou with thy death by any mischaunce augmented this slaughter ? thou canst not , no not by deathe be seperated from me . But of the fruition of thy sighte and thy life , dothe al mine estate depende . Yea in you ( answeared the Maide ) doth my whole Fortune consiste , whether I shall liue or die , and for this cause , you sée ( shewinge a knife in her hande ) this was hitherto ready . But onely for your recouering was restrained , and as soone as she had saide thus , shée lepte from the stoane , & they who weare on the Hill , as well for wonder , as also for the feare they had , as if they had benne striken with lightninge , ranne euery man to hide them in the busshes there beside . For she séemed to them a thinge of greater price , and more heauenly , when shée stoode vprighte , and her Arrowes with the sudden mouinge of her bodie , gaue a clashe on her shoulders , her apparell wrought with Goulde glistered againste the Sunne , and her heare vnder her Garlande , blowen aboute with the winde , couered a greate parte of her backe . The Théeues were greatly afraide of these thinges , the rather for that they vnderstoode not what that should meane which they sawe . Some of them saide in déede that it was a Goddesse and Diana , other saide it was Isis , whiche was honored there : but some of them saide it was some Prieste of the Goddes , that replenished with diuine furie had made the greate slaughter whiche there appeared , and thus euery man gaue his verdite , because they knew not the trothe . But shée hastely runninge to the yonge man , embraced him , wepte for sorrowe , kissed him , and made pitifull moane , beinge very carefull for his sauftie , whiche thinge when the Egyptians had séene , they turned there opinions : And are these , saide they , the woorkes of a Goddesse ? woulde a Goddesse kisse a dead man with suche compassion ? they determined therefore with them selues , that it was best to take harte of grace , and goe knowe what the matter was in déede . When they had therefore encouraged eche other a little , they ranne downe , and founde the Mayde busie in dressinge the younge mannes woundes , and cominge behinde her sodainely stoode still , and durste neither speake nor doo any thing more for there liues . When shée harde the sounde of somewhat aboute her , and their shadowes before her eies , shée lifted her selfe vp a litle , and looked backe , but stouped againe straight , no whitte abashed to sée the Théeues in harnes , but applied her selfe onely to binde vp his woundes that lay before her . Sutche is the force of earnest desire and true loue , it despiseth all outwarde chaunces , be thei pleasant or otherwise , onely beholdinge that whiche it loueth , and thereaboute bestoweth all diligence and trauell . But when the Théeues passed by , and stoode before her , and séemed that they would enterprise somewhat , shée lifted her self vp againe , and beholdinge them blacke coloured , & euell fauoured , said , if ( ꝙ shée ) you be the Spirites of those who are slaine here , you trouble vs wrongfully , for moste of you were slaine with yo●● owne handes . As for vs , if we flewe any , we did it 〈◊〉 in our owne defence , to repelle the violence whiche was profered to my Virginitie , but if you be men aliue , it séemeth you are Théeues , as maie be déemed by the time you come in , you maie doo vs a pleasure to ridde vs from these presente miseries , and by deathe to finishe this our vnhappie Tragedie . Thus did shée sorrowfully lamente , but they not vnderstandinge what shée saide , leafte them there , accountinge their owne inūrmitie , a sufficient garde to kéepe them , and hasted to the Shippe , and brought out that whiche was in the same : euery man bearinge out as muche as he could of Gould , Siluer , Precious stoanes , and Silke , not regarding other thinges whereof therein was great stoare . And when they thought , they had enough , and there was suche plentye as mighte séeme to satisfie the Théeues desire , layinge their praye on the shoare , fell to diuision of the same , not accordinge to the woorthe and value of that they had , but contented them selues with equalitie of waight . As for the yonge Man & the Mayde , thei would take order for them afterward . In the meane time an other companie of Théeues , wherof twoo Horsemen were Captaines , came towarde them : whiche thing as soone as those sawe that had benne there before , not of courage to sturre against them , ranne away as fast as thei could , without taking with them any parte of the Praye , that they might geue their enemie no occasion to pursue them . For they were in number but tenne , and those who came vppon them , were thrée times as many . And nowe was the Mayde a prisoner againe , but yet , not in durance at all . The Robbers , although they hasted to the spoyle : yet partely , bicause they knewe not what those thinges signified whiche they sawe , and partely also for feare staied them selues a while , thinkinge that the former slaughter had benne made , by the Théeues that had benne there before . But when they behelde the Mayde , though straungly , yet séemely apparailled , whiche despised those daungers that hanged ouer her head , as though they had benne none , and altogeather imployed her trauell , to ease the yonge Mans woundes , & tooke his gréefe as heauily as her owne sorowe , they were not onely stroken with her beawtie and hawtines of minde , but wonderfully moued with the cumlines of the wounded Mans person . Suche was the séemelines of his countenance , and talenesse of his stature , euen as he laye along afore them . For by this time was he a little amended , and his personage had recouered his olde handsomenesse againe . At length after they had behelde them a good while , and he drewe neare who was theire Maister , he laide hande on the Mayde , and bad her arise and folowe him . Shée , although shée vnderstoode not what he saide , yet coniecturinge what he willed her to doo , drewe the yonge Man with her , otherwise shée woulde not onely not departe from him , but pointinge with a knife to her harte , threatned that shée woulde kill her selfe , if they carried them not bothe togeathers . Which thinge , when the Maister partly by her talke , but more plainely by her gesture , vnderstoode , hoping also to vse his further helpe in great affaires if he might recouer his health againe , alighted himself from his Horse , & commaunded his hranesbearer likewise so to doo , & sette his prisoners on them , Commaundinge the rest when they had gathered vp the praye to folowe them , him selfe like a lackie ranne by theire side and staied them vpright , if by meanes of their infirmitie they were in daunger to fal . Surely this déede was not without muche glorie , for he , who was their Maister , waited vppon them , and he who tooke them prisoners , was contente to serue them . Suche is the appearance of very Nobilitie , and the force of cumlines , which canne subdue the disposition of Théeues , and bringe vnder the wilde and sauage . When they had gone aboute a sixtene furlonges , by the Sea side , they turned downe straight to the foote of the Hill , and left the Sea , on their right hande . And hauing gone ouer the toppe of the said Hill , they hasted to a Poole that laye on the other side thereof , the maner whereof was thus . The whole place is called the Pasture of the Egyptians , about the whiche is a lowe Valeye , which receiueth certaine exundations of Nylus , by meanes whereof it becommeth a Poole , and is in the midste very deape , aboute the brimmes whereof are marishes , or sennes . For looke , as the shoare is to the Sea , suche is the fennes to euery greate Poole . In that place haue the Théeues of Egypte , howe many so euer they bée , their common Wealthe . And for as much as there is but a litle land without the water , some liue in smal Cotages , other in Boates , that they vse as wel for theire house , as also for passage ouer the Poole . In these doo theire women serue them , and if néede require , be also brought to bedde . When a Childe is borne firste , they let him sucke his mothers milke awhyle : but after thei féede him with Fishes taken in the Lake , and rosted in the hoate Sunne . And when they perceiue that he beginnes to goe , they tie a corde about his legges , and su●him but onely to goe aboute the Boate , teachinge him euen at the first after a new fashion to goe by a haulter . And thus what rudesbie so euer is borne and bred in the Poole , accounteth the same his countrie , and a sufficient defence , for the saftie of Théeues . And for that cause all suche people come thether very faste , for they all doo vse the water in stéede of a wall . Moreouer the great plenty of Réede that groweth there in the moorie grounde , is in manner as good as a Bulwarke vnto them . For by deuisinge many crooked : & comberous waies , thorough which the passages to them by ofte vse are very easy , but to others harde , they haue made it a sure defence , that by no sodeine inuasion they maye be endamaged . And thus muche as touchinge the Lake , and those Roges that inhabite the same . About the sunne setting commeth home theire Captaine with all his retinew . Then tooke they the yonge couple from their Horses , and laide their praye aboorde . Certaine Boates , and the reste of the Robbers that taried at home whiche was a greate sorte , ranne to méete the Captaine from out euery parte of the Fenne , and welcomed him as if he had benne theire Kinge . But when they considered the multitude of the spoyles that they had wonne , and sawe the beawtie of the Mayde to be so heauenly a thinge , they geassed that their companions had robbed some Churche , & that they had brought awaie the Prieste of the Goddes , or rather the liuely picture of the Goddesse her selfe . And this they coniectured to the Mayde , bicause they knewe not what had benne donne . And therefore they gratulated theire Captaine in hartie wise , for his valiante exploite , and so brought him into his owne house , whiche was an Ilande , farre from the reste , separated to his onely vse , and a fewe other , who moste commonly vsed to kéepe him company . Whither after he was broughte , he commaunded the other to departe euery man to his owne house , charginge them the nexte daie all to wayte vppon him . Him selfe with a fewe other that taried with him , after they had made a shorte supper , deliuered the yonge folkes to the custodie , of a Grecian ( whome he had taken a fewe daies before , that he might be their Interpreter ) lettinge them haue a corner of his owne house , not farre from his lodginge , with commaundemente , as wel diligently to sée the wounded yonge Man , as curiously to looke to the Mayde , that shée by no meanes shoulde be anoyed . But he , what with his former trauel the daie before , and also with care of his present affaires , fell a fléepe . And when al was whist in the marishe , and euery man at reste , the Maide tooke that occasion , and absence of men , to be a fyt time , to lament and waile , and the rather for that in the night , shée coulde neither sée or heare any thinge , that might comforte her , but contrariewise moue her to sorowe : when therefore with her selfe secretely shée had wailed alone ( for shée was by the Captaines commaundement separated from companie , and layde in a simple bedde , ) and wept very bitterly . Apollo ( saide shée ) howe much more gréeuous punishement doest thou take of vs then wée haue deserued . Hast thou not benne sufficiently reuenged on vs , with that , that is paste ? For as much as wée are farre from our friendes and kinsfolkes , and that we were taken by Pyrates , and subiecte to sixe hundred daungers more by Sea , but that nowe againe we muste on the lande fall into the handes of Théeues and Robbers ? beside who knoweth wither any thinge worse is like to light vppon vs ? when wilt thou make an ende ? if in deathe , that shal be voide of Iniurie . Oh that deathe woulde like me well : but rather then any man shoulde filthely knowe me , whiche Theagenes neuer did , truely with halter I woulde ende my life , referringe my selfe pure and chaste ( as hitherto I haue donne ) euen vnto deathe , and thereby gaine a bewtifull Epitaphe for my singuler Virginitie , and no Iudge shal be so cruell as thou . While shée spake thus , Theagenes willed her to be contente , and saide : Mine owne deare harte and onely ioye Eariclea , sease youre mourninge , I knowe you haue iuste cause to complaine , but in youre thus dooinge , you displease God a greate deale more then you thinke , neither haue wée néede to prouoke God to wrathe , but rather to praye for that whiche is mightier , muste with Praiers , and not with accusacion be appeased . You geue me in déede good Counsell ( ꝙ shée ) but I praye thée tell me howe you fare : Better ( saide he ) then I did yesternight , since this yonge man trimmed my woundes , wherby the burninge heate of them is wel cooled . Yea ( ꝙ he who had the charge to looke to them ) in the morning you shal sée they shal be in better case , for I wil prouide suche an hearbe for you , that within thrée dressinges shal heale vp your wounde . And this I haue proued trewe by experience , for if any that were vnder this Capitaine since I was taken prisoner , in any conflict happened to be wounded , he neuer néeded many daies to be cured . For that I am greatly moued with your estate , you néede not maruell at al , for you séeme to be in as ill case as I , & I haue the more compassion on you for that you be Grecians , because also I my selfe am a Grecian borne . A Grecian , Oh immortal God , cried they out sodenly for ioie , a Grecian in déede bothe tongue & countrie . Hereafter we trust to haue some respite from our mishaps . But what must wée calle you , saide Theagenes ? Cnemon answeared he . Of what parte of Greece saide Theagenes ? Of Athens answeared he . And howe came you here , saide Theagenes ? Peace I praie you ( ꝙ he ) & aske me that question no more , let vs leaue that to such as write Tragedies . Neither at this time woulde I gladly encrease your sorrowes , with repeting mine , besides that , the night is so farre spent , that the reste would not serue to tell you the same , and wée haue greate néede to take reste , and sléepe after our greate trauel . But when they would not cease , but were stil very instant to haue me tel the same , accompting it a greate comforte , to heare any man haue as ill lucke as they had them selues , Cnemon beganne in this sorte . My Fathers name was Aristippus , he was borne in Cnemon his excellent tale . Athens , one of the vpper Senate , as riche as any Comoner in the Cittie , he , after the decease of my Mother applied his minde to Marrie againe , thinkinge it an vnreasonable thinge for me , his onely Sonnes sake , still to be of an vncertaine and doubtful minde . He dothe therfore bringe home a little woman somewhat fine , but passinge malicious , named Demeneta , as soone as shée was Maried , shée reclaimed my Father al to her owne lure , & made him doo what shée liste , entising the olde Man with her bewtie , & was very curiouse in many other pointes , for if any woman euer knew how to make a man madde of her , shée was better skilled in that Arte , then any man woulde thinke , but especially when my Father wente foorthe , shée would be sorrowfull , and renne to him when he came home , and blame him mutche for his longe tarriynge , and not sticke to tell him , that shée woulde haue died , if he had taried neuer so little longer : At euery woorde woulde shée imbrace him , and moiste her kisses with teares , with whiche meanes my Father was so bewitched , that he neuer was well , but when he either had her in his Armes , or els looked vppon her : aboue all other , shée woulde haue mée in her sighte , as if I hadde benne her owne Sonne , by this meanes also makinge Aristippus to loue her the better . Sometimes would shée kisse me , oftentimes woulde shée wishe , that shée might pastime her selfe with me , whereof I was well content , His honest disposition . mistrustinge nothinge lesse , then that shée wente about , maruelinge also that shée bare sutche a Motherly affection towarde me . But when shée came to me more wantonly , and that her kisses were more hote then beséemed an honest woman , and her countenance passed modestie , then many thinges caused me to suspecte her , therefore I conueyed my selfe awaie , & woulde nothinge regarde her faire woordes . I will lette other thinges passe , whiche would be to longe to tell , by what meanes shée wente aboute to winne me , what profers shée made , howe sometime shee would call me her Prety boye , sometime her Sweete harte , then her Heyre , after , her owne Life , laste of all to these her faire names , would shée adde many intisementes with especiall consideration what I liked beste : so that in graue affaires shée woulde behaue her selfe like my Mother , but if shée liste to dally , then would shée manifestly declare her loue . At lengthe suche a chance befell , when Pallas highe feaste called Quinquatria The Athenians feaste called Quinquatria . was celebrated , on whiche the Athenians were accustomed to consecrate a shippe by lande , and I ( for I was not then sixtene yéeres olde ) had Songe the vsuall Hymne of her praise , and donne other Ceremonies , and Kites due to the same , euen as I was attyred in my robes . & my Crowne on my head , I came home , shée , as soone as shée espied me , was by and by distraught of her wittes , and not able with pollicie to couer her loue any lenger , but for very desire ranne to me , and tooke me in her Armes , and saide , Oh my younge Hippolitus , and my deare Theseus ? In what case was I then thinke you , who euen nowe am a shamed to tell you the same . That nighte my Father supped in the Castell , and as it often happeneth in suche companie , and publique resort , he determined to lie there all night : that night shée came to me , and striued to haue an vnlawful thinge at my hand . But I with all my powre withstoode her , and regarded , neither her flatteringe woordes , nor faire promises , no , nor her threateninges , wherefore , fetching a sighe from Demeneta inuentethe howe to greeue Cnemon . the bottom of her harte , for that time departed , but within twoo nightes after , like a mischieuous queane shée sought all meanes possible to enterrupte me . And firste of all , shée kepte her bedde , and when my Father came home , and asked her how she fared , made him answeare , that shée was sicke , but when he was very importunate , and desirous to knowe what shée ailed , The goodly yonge man ( saide shée ) that loued me so well , Sonne to vs bothe , whome I ( the Goddes knowe ) loued a greate deale better then you , when he perceiued by certaine tokens that I was greate with childe by you , whiche thinge I conceaued from you ( vntill I knewe the certeintic my selfe ) and waytinge for youre absence , when I counsailed him , as my manner was , and perswaded him to leaue hauntinge of Harlottes , and too much drinkinge ( whiche thinges I knewe well ynoughe . But woulde neuer tell you of them , leaste thereby I shoulde incurre the cruell suspicion of a Stepmother with you ) while I saie , I talked with him of these things alone , no more but he and I , leaste he shoulde be ashamed , I will not tell the worse , for I am abashed so to doo , nor in what manner he reuiled bothe you and me , lastely spurned me on the belly , and hath caused me to be in suche case as ye sée . As soone as he hearde this , he saide nothinge , nor Aristippus ●rathe against Cnemon . asked me no questions , neither gaue me leaue to speake for my selfe , but perswadinge him selfe , that shée , who loued me so well , woulde by no meanes belie me , as soone as he founde me in a certaine corner of the house , boxed me with his fistes , and callinge his seruantes togeather , scourged me with roddes , and woulde not suffer me to knowe ( whiche al menne doo ) why I was cruelly beten , when his anger was wel cooled , and he came to him selfe againe , I saide to him , Father , yet nowe at length I pray you tell mée , why I haue had thus many stripes , wherewith he much more incensed , Oh cleanly desembler ( saide he ) he would know his owne misdéede of me , he wente in againe to Demeneta , but shée not content with this , deuised Weemens wrath neuer hath ende . suche another shifte againste me . Shée had a mayde called Thisbe , which could playe wel on the Virginalles , and was otherwise faire , and a very propre wenche . Her she made calle for me , and commaunded her to loue me , & by and by shée did so in déede , and where shée refused , oftentimes attemptinge her before , nowe allured me with countenaunce , beckes , and many other signes . Nowe was I somewhat prowde , for that of a sudden I was becomme bewtiful , and in déede on a night , when shée came to my bedde , thought no scorne to make her roome , shée liked her interteinement so well , that shée came againe , and continually haunted my bedde , at length , when I gaue her counsel to vse circumspection in this mater , and take héede that hir Misters found her not with me . Cnemon ( sayde shée ) you séeme to be too simple , if you counte it a daungerous mater , for me beinge a bonde mayde , bought with money , to be taken a bedde with you , what pounishement thinke you her woorthy , that professinge her selfe a frée woman , and lawfully married to a husbande , and yet plaieth the naughty packe ? Peace ( ꝙ I ) I cannnot beléeue that . Yes ( saide shée ) if you wil , I wil deliuer the Adoulteroure to you , euen in the déede dooinge . If you wil so doo ( ꝙ I ) you shal doo me a pleasure . With al my hart ( said she ) not onely for your owne sake , who haue benne iniured by hir tofore , but for mine also , who for that shée hathe me in Ielousie , am vsed of her very extremely : wherefore , if thou be a man , apprehende him . I promised her I would so doo , and shée for that time wente her waie , aboute thrée nightes after , shée came , & waked me out of my sléepe , that an Adulter was come in , and that my Father vppon occasion suddainely was gonne into the countrie , and he accordinge to the appointmente , was gonne to bedde to Demeneta , therefore it was erpediente for me to haste me to be reuenged , and put on my swoorde , that the knaue mighte not escape . I did so , and takinge my sworde in my hande , followed those whiche carried a candle before , and wente to the beddechamber . When I came neare the doore , and perceiued the glimeringe of a candle through the sliuers , and the doores lockte . Very angrie as I was , brake vp the doores , and ranne in crieinge out , where is that Cnemon decei●ed by Thisbe . same villaine , the woorthie louer of this chaste Dame ▪ Whiche when I had sayde , I came to the bedde in minde to slea them bothe , but there with my Father , ( O God ) leapte out of the bedde , and fallinge on his knées , before me , saide , my Sonne , haue pittie vpon thy Father , spare his white heares , that hath brought thée vp . Wée haue donne thée wronge in déede , yet not so greate that therefore with deathe , thou shouldeste be reuenged on me . Géeue not so much to thy wrathe , neither by thy Fathers bloude imbrewe thy handes , this with muche more spake my Father , humbly vpon his knées , desiringe me to saue his life . But as I had ben striken with a thonder boulte , stoode still amased , and looked rounde aboute after Thisbe , who had , I knowe not howe , conueied her selfe awaie , neither had one woorde to saie , neither coulde I tel , what was beste to doo , and in this case my sworde fel out of my handes , which Demeneta straight way caught vp , & my Father then out of daunger , laied handes vpon Cnemon bound● . me , and commaunded me to be bounde . Demeneta in the meane while many waies mouinge , and setting him on , did I not tell you this before ( cried shée ) that it was beste to looke to the princokes : which woulde no doubt if time serued attempt somewhat . I looked in her face , and perceiued her minde well yenough . And he answeared , you tolde me in déede , but I beléeued you not . And thus was I in bondes , and he would not géeue me leaue to tel him , how the mater was handled . As soone as it was date , he brought me bounde , as I was , before the people , and strewinge asshes on his heade , saide , I brought not vp my Sonne ( Yée menne of Athens ) to sée him come to this ende , but trustinge he would be a staffe to staie mine age vpon . As soone as he was borne , I brought him vp gentlemanlike , Aristippus Or●tion against his sonne Cnemon . and set him to schoole , and when I had well placed him amonge our kinsfolkes , and written him in the number of other yonge menne , his equalles , and accordinge to the lawes of this Cittie , made him one of our Citizens : Lastly , I leade not a very quiet life for his sake , he hath not onely forgotten al these thinges , but also diuersly iniured me , & beaten this woman , who accordinge to our Lawe is my second wife . At length he came to me by night with a sworde in his bande , and was no further from beinge a parricide , but that Fortune hindred him , & by a suddaine feare , his sworde fel out of his hande , I flie to you , and tell you thereof . And althoughe by the Lawe I might with mine owne hande slea him , yet I woulde not : therefore remit I my whole cause to your discretion , thinking that I shal doo better , if I pounishe my Sonne , rather by publike Lawe , then priuate bloudeshedde : and therewithall he weapt , so did Demeneta also , and fained her selfe to be very sorrowfull for my mishap . Callinge me an vnhappy Creature , as truely shée mighte , beinge in daunger to die before my naturall time , whome euill sprites had sturred against my Parentes . Not onely did shée so much outwardly lament , as shée testified the same with her teares , and as though her accusation had benne true , with wéeping shée confirmed the same . And when I craued licence to speake for my self , the Scribe came to me , & propounded this streight question . Whether I came to my Father , or not , with a sworde in my hand , I did ( ꝙ I ) . But I wil tell you , how therewith euery man cried out , & saied , that I ought not to speake for my self : wherefore , ●ewe friendes in extremitie . some iudged me woorthy to be stoned to death , other to be hanged , and some to be caste hedlonge into the dungeon . Al this while that they weare consultinge of my punishment , I cried out , oh my cruell stepmother , alas for my Stepmothers sake , am I thus troubled , my Stepmother killeth me without Iudgemente , and many marked my woordes very well , and beganne to suspecte as it was in déede , but for al that , at that time , could I not be hearde , suche was the tumult , and noyse of the people , and when the voyces were reckned , those , who condemned me to die , were a thousande seuen hundred , whereof the one halfe woulde haue me stoned , the other caste into the dungeon , the other , of whome was aboute a thousande creditinge somewhat the suspicion that they had conceiued of my Stepmother , gaue sentence that I shoulde be bannished for euer , yet those preuailed , for although they were fewer then the whole number of the reste , yet forasmuche as the other voices differed , seuerally compared with euery one alone , a thousande was the greater number , and thus was I bannished from my Fathers house , & Natiue countrie . And for al that , yet was not Demeneta vnpounished , but howe , you shal hereafter knowe . Now wée muste fall to sléepe , for it is farre in the nighte , & you haue néede to take a great deale of ease . Nay saide Theagenes , you shall more greue vs , if you telle vs not howe this mischiefous woman was pounished . Sith you wil néedes knowe , then saide Cnemon , geue eare , I in suche case as I was , after I was absolued , came to the hauen , He telleth foorth and findinge a shippe ready to departe , sayled to Egnia , for I knewe I had some kinnesfolkes there by my mothers side , when I arriued there and had founde those I sought for , at the firste , I liued pleasantly ynough there , aboute a twentie daies after , runninge aboute as I was woonte to doo , I walked downe to the hauen , and beholde a barke was within kenninge . I staied there a little , and deuised with my selfe whence that barke shoulde come , and what manner of people should be in her . The bridge was scante wel placed , when one leapte out , and ranne , & imbraced me ( his name was Charias , one of my companions , ) and saide Cnemon , I bringe thee mery tidinges , Charias bringeth Cnemon 〈◊〉 of Demencias Death . nowe arte thou wel reuenged vpon thine Enimie , Demeneta is deade . Charias sayde , welcome , but why doo you not tell me these ioyfull newes , but passe ouer them , as if they were not needefull to be knowen , I praye tell me the manner of this reuenge . Surely I feare mutche that shée died not as other folkes doo , neither escaped shee suche deathe , as well shee had deserued . Iustice quoth Though Iustice deferreth longe , yet shee striketh soare at laste . Charias , hathe not vtterly foresaken vs , accordinge to Hesiodus minde . But althoughe shée wincke a while vpon the misdéedes of menne , and prolonge the Reuenge a good season , yet althoughe shée casteth a terrible eye vpon sutche offendours , who also hathe taken iuste pounishemente of the mischeiuous Demeneta , neither was any thinge either saide or donne , whereto by Thisbe , for our olde acquaintaunce , I was not made priuie . After thine vnhappy Father had procured thine Aristippus is sorowful for the losse of his Sonne . vniust bannishement , repentinge of that he had donne , conueied him selfe to a certaine solitarie manoure of his , from the companie of menne into the countrie , and there liued eatinge , ( as the Prouerbe saithe ) his owne harte out . But shée straight waie became madde almoste , and Demeneta loued Cnemon better when he was gonne . with more hotte desire loued thée absente , neither at any time seased shée from sorrowe , although shee lamented thy chaunce , but rather in déede her owne mishappe , ( and oh Cnemon , by pretie Boye , daie and nighte woulde shée crie ) callinge thée her owne life , in so muche , that when wéemen , or her acquaintance came to visit , and comforte her , they wondred greately , that shée a Stepmother , shoulde beare sutche motherly affection towarde thée , but shée woulde make them aunsweare , that it was a greater griefe to her , then , that by any comfortable woordes it might be asswaged , and that fewe of them knewe what a coresey it was to her hart , and when shée came againe to her selfe , shée woulde muche accuse Demeneta accuseth Thisbe . Thisbe , in that shée had not serued her well : Oh howe ready arte thou ( woulde shée saie ) to doo mischiefe , who haste not nowe helped me in my loue , but rather caused me to lose , in the turninge of an hande , my moste ioye , neither grauntedst thou me any time to chaunge my minde : and therewith gaue manifeste tokens , that shée woulde doo her somme harme . Shée percesuinge her to be very wrothe , and almoste ouercomme with sorrowe , & prepared to doo somme greate mischiefe to her , beinge set on , aswel with angre , as loue , determined to preuent her , and by beguilinge her , to prouide for her owne safetie . Wherefore shée entred in to her , and saide , what a doo is this Misters ? And why doo you accuse thus your mayde , for my parte I haue alwaies heretofore donne , and euen now also did as you commaunded me . If any thing happened not accordinge to your minde , you muste ascribe that to Fortune , and if nowe also you will commaunde me to diuise somme remedy for your present sorrow , you shall easily perceiue , you shall not wante my good will . What remedy ( replied she ) is there possible to be founde , séeinge he , who canne doo the same , is by distance of place separated from me , and the vnhoped for lenitie of those , that gaue sentence of him , hathe killed me ? For if he had benne stoaned , then also in one , had benne quenched , & deade the blasinge flames of my burninge desire . For that , whose hope is paste , is taken from the harte , & that whiche is looked for no more , causeth gréeued mindes to intermit all manner of sorrowe . Nowe me thinketh I sée Tokens of a guilty conscience him , and in his bannishement heare him , how he casteth in my téethe the vniust guiles , that I ensnared him with , as a thinge shamefully donne , so that I blusshe to speake to him : sommetime me thinketh , he commes towarde me , and I shall enioye him : sommetime I determined to goe towarde him , in what coaste of the worlde so euer he be . Theise thinges sette me on fire : theise thinges made me madde . But , oh yée Goddes , I haue as I deserue , for why did I not rather with good wil speake to winne him , then by crafte to compell him ? Why did I not rather humbly praye him , then like an enimie persecute him ? He woulde not take me at the firste , and by good reason , for I was an other mannes . He feared to defile his Fathers bedde , but happely either by time he might be allured to be more gentill vnto me . But I rude , and cruell , as thoughe I loued no man , and had authoritie to compell him , bicause he obeyed me not at the firste , and for that he despised Demeneta , whom in bewtie he farre excelled , haue committed an heynous crime , but O my Thisbe , Thisbe with like crafte deceiueth her Misiers , as before shee had Cnemon . what remedie is that , whiche thou wouldeste me , or what is easy ? Misters ( ꝙ shée ) many menne thinke that Cnemon is gonne out of the Cittie , and Lande of Athens , as he was iudged to doo . But I knowe well ynoughe , who haue searched all thinges narrowely for your sake , that he kéepethe him selfe secretely in a certaine place , before the Cittie . You haue hearde of one Arsmoe I knowe well , shée that plaiethe so well on the Virginalles , with her he liethe , for the Mayde after his miserie tooke him in , promised to goe awaie with him , and kéepeth him at her house , vntill shée canne prouide all thinges ready for her iourney . Oh happy Arsmoe ( sayde Demeneta ) bothe for the former acquaintaunce which shée had with Cnemon , and for the bannishment , whiche shée shall haue with him : but what doo theise thinges touche vs muche . Misters , sayde shée , I will saie , I loue Cnemon , and wil desire Arsmoe , with whom I haue benne well acquainted a greate while , by reason of my arte , that shée woulde in her stéede suffer me to lie with him one nighte . Whiche if I shall obtaine , it shal be youres , and he shall thinke you to be Arsmoe , and in her place shal you be with him : and I will prouide for that also , that when he hathe drunke a little , he shal goe to bedde , and if you gette that you desire , then shall it be beste for you to géeue ouer your loue . For in many the firste experimente hathe quenched suche earnest desire , for the séede of loue , wherewith wée prosecute any thinge , is to haue ynough thereof , but if this desire shall then also remaine ( whiche God forbidde ) then shall wée make ( as the Prouerbe saithe ) a newe viage , and speake a newe waie : in the meane time , let vs apply that whiche the presente oportunitie permitteth . Demeneta allowed , and praysed this well , and praied her not to slake this determination at all . Shée craued of hir Misters but one daie to bringe this aboute , shée went to Arsmoe , and asked her if shée knewe not Teledemus , shée aunsweared , yes . Lette vs haue a chamber I praie you quoth she , for I haue promised him this night , that he shall come firste , and I will followe as soone as I haue brought my Misters to bedde . This donne , shée wente to Aristippus into the countrie , and saide to him thus , Maister , I come to you , to accuse my selfe , and ready to This●e accuseth Demene●a to her Maister Arestippus . take suche pounishemente at your hande , as your discretion shall thinke good . By me haue you loste yours Sonne , not willinge in déede so to doo , yet of truthe an healper to the same . For when I perceiued , my Misters liued not well , but was iniurious to your bedde , fearinge not onely my selfe , if the mater came to lighte by any other , for kéepinge her counsell , shoulde haue some shrewde tourne , but especially sorrowefull for your mishappe , whoe for louinge youre wife so interely , shoulde haue suche recompence , daringe not my selfe , came one nighte , that no man shoulde knowe thereof , and secretely made you priuie to the same , tolde to my yonge Maister , that there was one , who vsed to plaie the harlot with my Mistris , he thinking that then there had bene one with her in bedde ( for he was vexed before by her , as you knowe wel ynoughs ) takinge his swoorde in his hande very angrie , and not estéeminge that I saide : then there was none , but thinkinge that I had repented me of bewraieinge the same , ranne like a madde man to your beddes side , what folowed you knowe , now is the time that you maie cleare your selfe of your Sonne , though he be in bannishement , and maie take reuenge on vs bothe , who haue donne you wronge . I wil shewe you this night , Demeneta ( whiche maketh the mater a greate deale more heynous ) lieinge with her Friende in an other mans house without the Cittie . If , saide Aristippus , thou wilte shewe me this , I I will make thée frée , and my selfe should reuiue againe , if I were reuenged of mine enemie . I haue benne greued aboute the same in my conscience a greate while , yet for all that , though I suspected no lesse , because I coulde not conuince it by manifest proufes , I helde me content . But what muste I doo . You knowe ( ꝙ shée ) the Garden wherein remaineth a monument of the Epicures , thither The Monumente of the Epicures . come a litle before night , and tarry for me , when shée had saide this , shée returned , and comming againe to Demeneta , make ready your selfe , saide shée , you muste be fine , all that I promised you is donne . Shée apparelled her selfe , and did as Thisbe commaunded her , and when the eueninge was come , shée carried her to the place , as was appointed . When they came neare the house , shée willed her to staie a while , and went in her selfe before , and destred Arsmoe to goo aside into another house , and lette al thinges be quiet , for shée saide , the yonge man was somewhat shamefaste , beinge but of late inured with Venus sportes . Shée was soone perswaded . Where returninge , tooke Demeneta , and brought her in , & laied her in bedde , and toke the candle awaie ( leaste you should knowe her , who were then in Egma ) and willed her to take her pleasure and saie nothinge , and I ( shée saide ) will fetche this younge man in to you , for he is makinge merry hereby . Thus shée wente foorthe , and founde Aristippus at the place appointed , and willed him all the waie as he came to binde the Adulterer faste , he followed her , and when they were come to the house , he ranne into the chamber , and findinge the bedde by Moone light , I haue thée ( saide Demeneta is taken . he ) O thou muche hated of the Goddes : While he spake thus , Thisbe ranne to the doores , and made them geue as greate a crashe as shée coulde , and cried out , O wonderfull thinge , the Adulterer is fledde , Maister take héede you be not deceiued againe . Peace ( ꝙ he ) and be of good cheare , I haue this wicked , & mischeiuous woman : which I moste desired , and thus after he had taken her . brought her towarde the Cittie . But shée wayinge with her selfe ( as is like ) in what case shée was , the beguilinge of her exspectation , the shamefulnes of her offence , the punishement decreed by the Lawes , moreouer vexinge her selfe because shée was taken in suche sorte , but especially takinge in heauily , that shée was thus deluded , and flouted , when shée came to the pitte , which is in the compasse of the place where Platoes schoole was , you know it I am sure , where the Noble men , and Captaines doo celebrate the honour of such as are deceased , after the manner of our Countrie , sodenly pullinge her selfe out of the Olde mans handes , leapte hedlonge into the same , and Dementas Deathe , woorse then her former Life . suche an vnhappy ende had that mischeiuous woman . Then saide Aristippus , in déede thy pounishemente hath preuented the Lawes . The nexte daie he declared the whole matter to the people , and scante hauinge obtained pardon for that déede , he wente to diuers of his frendes , and deuised with them , by what meanes he mighte obtaine leaue for you to come home againe . Whether he haue donne any thinge or no , I cannot tell , for as you sée , before any thinge coulde be finished , I sayled thither aboute certaine busines of mine owne . Notwithstandinge you ought to be in good comforte , that the people will consente easily to your returne , and that your Father shortely will come to séeke you , and fetche you home againe . Thus muche Charias tolde me . What followed , and howe I came hither , requireth both longer talke , and time to tell : and therewithal he wept . So did the straungers also vnder colour of his calamitie , but in déede for the remembraunce of their owne mishappes : and they had not seased from wéepinge , if sléepe in a manner flyinge vnto them , for greate desire , had not asswaged theire teares . And thus they fell a sléepe . But Thyamis ( for so was the Maister of the Théeues called ) when they had passed the greatest parte of the night quietly , was after troubled with certaine dreames , & therewith sodainely awaked , for aboute the time , that Cockes Two● reasons why the Cockes crowe . crowe , whether it be for that ( as men saie ) they Naturally perceiue the conuersion of the Sunne , when he approcheth neare to vs , & so are moued to salute that God , or elles , for too muche heate , or desire of meate , by theire crowinge , thei geue suche , as dwel with them warninge to rise to their woorke , such a Vision sente from God , appeared vnto him . As he entred into Isis Church at Memphis Memphis Dreame . in his owne Cittie , he thought that al was on fire , & that the Altar filled with al kinde of beastes , did swimme with bloude , & that the Churche porche , the Churchyarde , and euery place thereaboute , were filled with the noyse , and tumulte of menne : and that when he came into the Priuiest place of the Church , the Goddes mette him , and gaue Cariclia into his handes , and said , Thyamis , I committe this Maide vnto thy fidelitie , yet hauing , thou shale not haue her , but shalte be vniuste , and kill a stronger , yet shall not be killed . After he sawe this , he was troubled in his minde , castinge this waie and that waie , how that whiche was foreshewed vnto him , might be taken , at length , beinge weary of beatinge his braines thereaboutes , he drewe the meaninge thereof to his owne will . And construed it thus . Thou hauinge , shalte not haue His Interpretation thereof . her , that is a wife , not a mayde , any longer . By that thou shalte kill , he coniectured to be meante , thou shalte breake her limmes , whereof for all that Cariclea shoulde not die , and thus did he Interprete his dreame , followinge therein his owne luste , and desire . As soone , as the daie appeared , he commaunded the chiefe of those , who were vnder his iurisdiction , to come vnto him , & charged them to bringe foorthe theire Praie , whiche by a grauer name , he termed their spoiles : and callinge for Cnemon , willed him also to bringe those with him , who were committed to his custodie , as they were thus carried , oh ( saide they ) what shall become of vs ? and therewith they desired Cnemon , if by any meanes he mighte , that he woulde healpe them . He promised so to doo , and badde them be of good cheare , affirminge that theire Captaine was not altogether barbarously disposed , but had in him some Gentlenes , and Courtesie , as one that was come of a noble stocke , but by necessitie compelled to followe suche trade of life . After they were brought thither , & the reste of the company made haste also , and Thyamis was sette in a hier place , then the reste in the Ilande whiche he appoincted the place of theire méetinge , and had commaunded Cnemon ( for he vnderstoode by this time the Egyptian tongue perfectly , but Thyamis was not very well skilled in the Greeke ) to interprete what he saide to the Prisoners : my mates ( ꝙ he ) of what minde I haue The Oration of Thyamis , to his mates . ben euer towarde you , you know very wel . For I ( as you can beare me witnes ) as though I were the Sonne of the Prieste of Memphis , frustrate of the Priestely honour , for that my yonger brother by crafte beguiled me of the same , when I fledde to you , the better to reuenge my wronge , and recouer mine Aunciente estate , by all your voices , made youre Captaine , haue hitherto liued with you , and not geuen any special honour to my selfe , more then to any of the common sorte . But whether monye were to be deuided , I euer loued equalitie , or prisoners The dewtie of a good Captaine . solde , I alwaies brought the summe foorth to you , accomptinge it the office of him , that wil rule well , to doo moste him selfe , and take equal parte of that is gotten , as others of the prisoners doo , suche as were stronge , I euer Iudged to you , and the feble sorte I solde to make money of : I neuer did wronge to wemen , for suche as were of good Parentage , I suffered to departe , either redéemed with monie , or els , for pittie of theire ill happe , and suche as were of inferiour condition , whom not onely the Lawe of Armes made prisoners , but also theire continuall vse had taught to serue : I distributed to euery one of you , to doo you seruice . At this time , of al the spoiles , I craue , one Thyamis desireth to haue Cariclia for his share , to make her his wife . thing onely of you , this straunge Maide , whom although I might géeue vnto my selfe , I thought ▪ I should doo better to take her with al your consentes . For it is a foolishe thinge , by constraininge a Captiue , to séeme to doo any thinge contrary to his frendes pleasure . Wherefore , I craue this good tourne at youre handes , not for nought , but rewardinge you againe in suche sorte , that of all the other bootie , I will haue no parte at all , for séeinge the Prophetical sorte of men , despiseth the common sorte of wemen , I haue decreed to make her my companion , not for pleasure so muche , as to haue issue by her : and therefore am contente to rehearse to you the causes that moue me thus to doo . Firste , shée séemeth to be of a good Parentage , whiche a man maie easily gheasse by the Ritches founde aboute her . Secondely , for that shée is nothinge broken with these aduersities , but euen nowe also of a hawtie stomake againste Fortune . Lastly , I sée shée is of an excellente nature , and good disposition by diuers argumentes : for shée doothe not onely passe all other in bewtie , and modestie of countenaunce , but also moueth all suche as looke vppon her , to a certaine kinde of grauitie , and shall shée not therefore leaue behinde her , a woorthie estimation of her selfe ? and whiche is especially aboue all that is spoken , to be considered , shée séemeth to be the Priest of somme Goddesse . For euen in her aduersitie , shée accompteth it an intollerable , and heynous offence , to leaue of her sacred stoole , and Lawrel garlande . Can there be therefore any Marriage ( oh you that be presente ) more méete , then that a man beinge a Prophete shoulde Martie one consecrated to somme God ? All they that were presente approued his saieinges , and praied the Goddes to géeue him ioye of his Marriage . Whiche thinge , when he hearde , he saide to them againe , I thanke you all , but in mine opinion , it shall not be amisse , if aboute this matter wée enquire the Maydes minde , for if I liste to vse mine owne authoritie , my will were sufficiente , because it is a néedelesse thinge to aske theire good will , whome a man maie constraine . But in this case , séeinge wée intreate of a lawefull Marriage , it is conuenient to be donne with bothe consentes : and so turninge his talke to them , asked the Mayde howe shée liked that , whiche was propounded Thyamis asketh Cariclia her opinion , and consente to the Marriage . as touchinge her Marriage , & therewithal willed them to declare what they were , and where they were borne . But shée castinge her eies to the grounde , firste , after a good season lifted vp her head , as though shée had premeditated somewhat , and therewithall looking vpon Thyamis , and with the brightnes of her bewtie , abasshed him more then euer shée did before ( for by the inwarde cogitation of her minde , her chéekes became more redde then accustomably they were , and her eies were very earnestly Cariclias answeare . bente vpon him ) spake thus by Cnemon her Interpreter . It were more méete , that my brother Theagenes here shoulde haue tolde this tale , for mine opinion is , that a The duetie of a woman in the presence of ●enne . woman ought to kéepe silence , and a man emongest men shoulde make answeare . But séeinge you haue geuen me leaue to speake , it is an especiall token of your courtesie , that you rather meane by perswasion to attempte that , whiche is iuste , then by force to compell : and the rather , because that which hath benne spoken , most touched me , I am constrained to passe these bondes : I prescribed my selfe , to answeare to the Victors question in so greate an assembly of men . We were borne in Ionia , and are come of a Noble house of Ephesus . When wée came to the age of fouretiene yéeres , by the Lawe ( whiche calleth suche to the office of Priesthoode ) I was made Prieste , to Diana , & this my brother to Apollo . But for asmuche as this honour lasted but for a yéere , and oure time was expired , we prepared to goo to Deles with our sacred attyre , and there to make certaine Plaies , and to géeue ouer our Priesthoode , according to the manner of our Auncesters . And for this cause was our Shippe loden with Golde , Siluer , goodly Apparel , and other necessaries , asmuch as were sufficient for the expences of the same , and to make the people a publike feaste : & thus we losed out of the Hauen , but our Parentes for that they were olde , and feared the daungerousnes of the viage , taried at home : but many of the other Citezens some in our shippe , somme other in shippes of theire owne , came to accompanie vs . After we had ended the greatest parte of our viage , a tempest suddainely arose , and a vehement winde , with feareful blastes , mouing great waues of the Sea , caused vs to leaue our determined Iourney , and the gouernour ouercomen with the greatnes of the daunger , gaue ouer the gouernement , & within a while after , comminge out of the Hulke , committed the rule thereof to Fortune . Then were wée driuen with the winde seuen daies , and seuen nightes , at laste , wée were caste vpon the shoore , where in you founde vs , and sawe the greate slaughter in which place the Marriners , as wée were bankettinge , for ioye vnlooked , for deliuery , assaulted vs , and for our ritches sought to destroie vs , but they were all slaine , not without the destruction of oure Fréendes , and acquaintaunce , and wée onely miserable Creatures ( which woulde God had not happened ) obtained the Victorie . But séeinge it is thus , we haue good cause in this pointe , to accompte our selues happy , bicause somme God hathe brought vs into your handes , where those who feared deathe , haue nowe space to thinke on Marriage . Whiche surely I wil not refuse . For , that the Captaine should be Cariclia seemeth to consent , but taketh a delaie finely . iudged woorthy the Victors bedde , doothe not onely passe all other felicitie , but that a Pristes Sonne shal marrie a woman consecrated to the Goddes , séemeth not to be done without the singular forefight , and prouidence of God . I therefore craue but one thing onely , at thy hand Thyamis , suffer me firste , as soone as I shal come to my Cittie , or any place where is an Altare , or Church sacred to Appollo , to surrendre mine office , and the tokens thereof . This might be donne very commodiously at Memphis , Shee appointeth the place of her Marriage . when you haue recouered the honour of your Priesthoode , for by that meanes it should come to passe , that Marriage ioined with Victorie , & after good lucke celebrated , shal be muche more merie . But whither this muste be donne before , or after , I leaue it to your discretion : onely my request is , that I may fulfil the Rites of my Countrie , before I knowe that you wil hereunto agrée , who haue ben brought vp from your childehoode , aboute holy Offices , & thinke also very well , & reuerently of the Goddes . With this shée made an ende of speaking , and beganne bitterly to wéepe . All they , who were presente , praised her , and willed , that it should be donne euen so , & for their partes , they promised theire ready aide , to doo what so euer he woulde . Thyamis also partely willinge , partely against Thyamis is scante contente to driue of the mater so longe . his will , consented thereunto . For the more desire that he had towarde Cariclia , he accompted that same houre wherein these thinges were a dooinge , to be an infinite time . Againe he was pleased with her Oration , as it had benne with somme Meremaydes songe , and was enforced to consente to her , and therewithall he thought vpon his dreame , supposing that he should be Married at Memphis . This donne , hauing first deuided their bootie , and takinge somme of the beste Iuelles , whiche of theire owne accorde they gaue him , he suffered euery man to departe , with further commaundemente to be ready the tenth daie after , to goe towarde Memphis . He let the Greekes haue the Tabernacle that they had before : And with them was Cnemon , not as a Kéeper nowe , but as a companion , and Thyamis furnished them with as good victuall , as there might be gotten . Whereof also Theagenes , for his sisters sake , had part . He determined not to Sight oftentimes moueth a man to doo sommewhat contrarie to good temperance , and therefore Thyamis shunned this sight . looke vpon Cariclia very ofte , that her bewtie mighte not moue his hotte desire , to doo somewhat contrarie to that , which by common counsell was Decreed , as was before rehearsed . And for these causes , Thyamis would not looke vpon the Mayde , thinkinge it an vnpossible thinge , that a man shoulde bothe looke vpon a faire Mayde , and kéepe him self within the bondes of temperance . But Cnemon after euery man was quickly dispatched , and were crept into theire corners , which they had in the Marishe , went to séeke the Herbe , whiche the daie before he promised Theagenes . At this time Theagenes hauinge gotten fit oportunitie , weapt & cried out , speakinge neuer a woorde Theagenes is offended with Cariclias Oration . to Cariclia , but without seasing called vpon the Goddes . And when shée asked him whither after his accustomed manner he deplored the common mishappe , or had any newe gréefe befallen him : what ( ꝙ he ) can be more newe , or contrarie to equitie , then to breake an othe , and finall agréemente ? Cariclia hathe forgotten me , and is content to marrie another man . God defende , saide the Mayde : I Her wittie answeare to him . praie you be not more gréeuous vnto me , then the miseries I haue already , neither misdéeme any thinge , by my talke applied to the time , and perhappes to somme pourpose , seinge you haue before by many argumentes , tried howe I am affected towarde you . Excepte perchaunce , the contrarie maie happen , and that you sooner chaunge your minde , then I wil departe from any the leste iote of my promise . For I am contente , and take in good parte all theise calamities , but that I shall not liue chastely , and temperatly , there shal be no torment , that maie constraine me . In one thinge onely I know , I haue not ruled my self , that is , in the loue that I haue borne to you , from the beginninge , but notwithstandinge it is bothe lawfull , and honeste : for I like not your Louer , but at the firste concludinge marriage with you , haue committed my selfe to you , and haue liued chastely without copulation hitherto , not without refusinge you oftentimes , proferinge me such thinges , and haue waited for occasion to be married , if any where it might lawfully be donne , whiche thinge , at the firste , was decreed bitwéene vs , and aboue al thinges , by othe established . Beside this , consider how vaine you are , if you suppose , that I estéeme more of a Barbarous fellowe , then a Grecian of a théefe , then of him , whome with my harte I loue . What did those thinges then meane , said Theagenes , which in that goodly companie were of you openly rehearsed ? For in that you fained me to be your Brother , it was a very wise diuise , whiche caused Thyamis to be farre from the Ialousie of our loue , and made vs to be togeather safely . I perceiued also to what ende that tended , whiche you saide of Ionia , and of wandringe aboute Delos . For they were shadowes which might easily couer the truth , and deceiue in déede the Auditours . But so readily to Theagenes is not al satisfied with the answeare . approue the marriage , and openly to conclude the same , and to appointe the time , therefore what that shoulde signifie , neither coulde I ghesse , neither woulde I. But I wished that the Earthe mighte haue clouen , and swallowed me vp , rather then that I shoulde haue séene suche an ende of the trauelles , and hope that for your sake I Cariclia taketh in very good parte his doubtfulnes of her stedfastnesse . vndertooke . Herewithall Cariclia embraced Theagenes , and kissed him a thousande times , and bemoystinge his face with her teares , oh in howe good parte , saide shée , doo I take these feares , that for my sake you sustaine ? For hereby you declare , that you quayle not in your loue towarde me , althoughe many miseries depende thereupon . But knowe for a truthe Theagenes , that at this time wée had not talked togeather , If I had not made him such a promise . For drawinge backe with labouringe a contrarie waie , doothe muche kindell the force of vehemente desire : Whereas in yéeldinge talke , The propertie of a gentle answeare , in yeeldinge talke . and applieinge the same to the mouinge of his wil , hathe quieted his burning loue , & with the pleasantnesse of my promise , hathe broughte on sléepe to his hastie appetite . For rude Louers at the firste , thinke that they muste laboure to haue a promise , & after are of quieter mindes , still houeringe in hope , and trustinge , that at lengthe , Procrastination is sommetime profitable . they shall enioye that , whiche was promised . All whiche thinges I foreséeinge , by my present talke , committed my selfe to him , commendinge that , whiche shall followe , to the Goddes , and the Angell , that at the firste hathe obteyned the tuicion of our loue . Oftentimes the space of a daie , or twoo hathe benne very healthefull , and brought thinges to happy passe , whiche before by no deuice coulde any man bringe to prosperous ende : Wherefore I also at this time haue preferred this inuention before all other , ponderinge with vncertaintie , that which is moste sure . Wée muste therefore ( swéete loue ) vse this policie wisely , and kéepe it secretely , not onely from all other , but also from Cnemon too . For although he séeme to fauoure oure estate , and is a Grecian , yet beinge at this time a prisoner , will perhappes , if occasion serue , be ready to doo the Captaine a good turne . For neither this time of friendeshippe , neither Countriemanshippe , is a sufficiente pledge to vs of his fidelitie , and truthe : Wherefore if at any time by suspicion , he geather any thinge touchinge oure estate , at the firste wée muste denie it . For that manner of a lie is tollerable whiche What lie is beste to be borne withall . profitethe the Inuentoure , and hurtethe not the hearer . While Cariclia spake these thinges , and many suche other to this pourpose : Cnemon ranne in hastly , and declaring a great perturbation by his countenance . Theagenes ( ꝙ he ) I bringe you this Herbe , wherewith I praye you dresse your owne woundes . But I feare me , you must prepare your self , to receiue other as great woundes , & trauelles as these . But he asked of him , what the mater was , and desired him to telle it more plainely . The time ( aunsweared he ) will not suffer me : for it is to be feared , leste wée shoulde féele the stripes before , I coulde tel you the circumstances . But followe me quickly , and Cariclia also , and thus he carried them bothe to Thyamis . Whom when he founde scouring of his Helmet , and sharpening the pointe of his Speare , in good time ( saide he ) are you in hande with your Armour , put them on quickely your selfe , and commaunde the other to doo the like . For Cnemon telleth Thyamis of their Enimies at hande . suche a companie of enimies is at hande as I neuer sawe before , and are so neare vs , that I standinge on the toppe of the nexte Hille , sawe them , and for that cause came runninge as faste I coulde to tel you of their comminge , and haue moreouer by the waie as I came , commaunded suche as I sawe , to be in a readinesse . Thyamis , when he he hearde this , looked vp , and asked where Cariclia was , as though he he had benne more carefull for her , then for him selfe . Whome when Cnemon had shewed to him , standinge at the doore , carrie her alone ( ꝙ he ) into the Cariclia carried to be keapte in the Theeues Denne , where their treasure was . Denne , where our treasures are safely keapte , so that none sée her . And leauinge her charely there , couered her face with a muffler as the manner is , and came quickely againe . As for the warre , let me alone with it . He bad his Shielde bearer bringe his offeringe , that after sacrifice donne to the Goddes , they might beginne the battell : Cnemon did as he was commaunded , and carried Cariclia awaie diuersly lamentinge , and ofte lookinge backe vnto Theagenes , and at the length , put her into the Denne . This was no naturall woorke , as many are The propertie of that Denne . bothe in , & vnder the Earthe : but deuised by the witte of Théeues , that followed nature , and digged out by their handes very artificially , to kéepe theire spoyles . And it was made after this sorte . It had a very narrowe mouthe , and was shut with priuie doores , so that euen the Threshoulde was in stéede of a gate when néede required : and woulde open and shut very easily : the inner part was countermined with diuers ouerthwart waies , the whiche sommetime woulde runne alonge by them selues a greate waye , sommetime , they woulde be entangled like the rootes of trées , but in the ende , they all leadde to one plaine place , whiche receiued a little lighte out of the marishes at a little lofte in the toppe , when Cnemon was well experiensed in that place , and had put Cariclia into the same , and comforted her many wayes , but especially in that he promised her , that he with Theagenes , at nighte woulde comme vnto her , and that he would not suffer him to strike one stroke in the battaile , but priuelie conueyed him out of the same , he lefte her , who spake not one woorde , but was striken with that mischiefe , as if it had benne with deathe , in that shée was depriued of Theagenes , whome shée loued as her owne soule , and wente foorthe , and in shuttinge of the outmost doore , he weapte a little , not onely for that of force he was constrained so to doo , but for her sake also , in asmuche as almoste he had buried her quicke , and committed the ioyfullest name in the worlde , Cariclia , to night , and darkenesse . This donne , he ranne backe to Thyamis , whome he founde very desirous to fighte with Theagenes , well armed , and makinge those that were with him , almoste madde with his earnest Oracion , for as he stoode in the middest of them , he sayde thus , my mates , The Oration of Thyamis to his companions . I sée not to what ende it shoulde tende , to vse many woordes in exhorting you , who néede no incouragement at all , but euer haue accoumpted warre , the pleasantest life : especially , for that the suddaine approchinge of our enimies will not permitte vs to vse many woordes , for séeinge our enimies doo nowe violently assaulte vs , if wée shoulde not with like courrage propulse theire violence , it were altogeather a pointe of those , that in like case , were voyde of Counsell , and at theire wittes ende . Sithe therefore wée knowe , wée fight not for our wiues , and children , whiche onely in somme were ynoughe to make them plucke vp theire hartes , ( although in déede they are not of greate valewe , and wée shall haue all that whiche the Conquerours doo gaine , if wée gette the victorie ) but for our owne liues , & safetie , for warre amonge Théeues , is neither taken vp with truce , nor ended with Howe Warre with Theeues is ended . league , but it muste néedes be , that the Victours shall liue , those who are ouercommed muste die , let vs euen with our hartes , and handes haste to méete our cruell enimies . When he had sayde thus , he looked aboute for his Shielde bearer , and called him by name , Thermutes , but when he coulde not sée him any where , gréeuously threatninge him , he ranne as faste as he coulde to the landinge place . For by this time was the battell begonne , and a man mighte sée those that dwelled a farre ▪ euen in outer coaste of the Fenne come into theire enimies handes , for they , who came vpon them , burned vp the Boates , and Cotages of suche , as either were slaine , or els fledde out of the Battaile , whose eyes also were daseled with the greate , and intollerable brightnesse of the fire , that burned vp the Kéedes , whereof there was greate plentie , and theirs cares filled with the greate noyse , and tumulte , so that now a man might bothe sée , and heare the whole manner of the skirmishe , those who dwelled there , mainteininge the Battaile with all theire power , and strengthe , and theire enimies beinge more in number , and takinge them at a suddaine , killed somme of them on the earthe , other somme they drowned in the Poole with Boates , and houses too , of all , whiche , aswell of those that fought by lande , and lake , did kill , and were killed , as also of those , who were besette with Fiere , and Water , arose a marueilous sounde in the Ayre , whiche when Thyamis sawe , he remembred his dreame , wherein he sawe Isis , and her Churche filled with fiere , and deade menne , and supposinge thereby to be meante , that whiche he nowe had séene , geathered thereof a contrarie interpretation to that he made before , that hauinge , thou shalt not haue Cariclia , as taken awaie by Warre , and that he shoulde kill , and not wounde her , that is , with his sworde , & not with Carnall copulation . At lengthe railinge on the Goddes , as though shée had beguiled him , and thinkinge it not méete , that any other shoulde enioye Cariclia , commaundinge his men to kéepe their places , and mainteine the Battaile as longe as thei might : him self fighting in euery parte of the Ilande , and diuers times making priuie erruptions , out of euery quarter vpon his enimies , thinkinge it also to be good , if that waie he could preuaile againste them , him selfe as though he wente to seeke for Thermutis , & doo certaine Sacrifices to his priuie Goddes , sufferinge no man to goe with him , in haste wente to the Caue . Surely a barbarous nature cannot easily be withdrawen , or turned from that , that he hathe once determined . And if the Barbarous people be once in dispaire of theire owne safetie , they haue a custome to kill all those , by whome they sette muche , and whose companie they desire after deathe , or els woulde kéepe them from the violence , and wronge of theire enimies . For that same cause also Thyamis , forgettinge all that he had to doo , beinge inclosed with his enimies armie , as if he had benne caughte in a Nette , almoste enraged with loue , gelousie , & anger , after he came in haste to the Caue , goeinge into the same , crieing with a loude voice , and speakinge many thinges in the Egyptian tongue , as soone as he hearde one speake Greeke to him aboute the entrie of the Caue , & was conducted to her by her voyce , he laied his lefte hande vpon her heade , & with his sworde thruste her through the body a little beneath the pappes , and after this sorrowfull sorte , that woman geuinge vp her laste , and ghostly grone , was slaine . But he , after he came out , and had shut the doore , and caste a little grauell thereon , with teares , saide , these espousalles hast thou at my hande : and comminge to his Boates , founde a greate many ready to runne theire waie , as soone as they laide eies on theire Enimies , & Thermites also comminge to doo sacrifice , chidinge him sharpely , for that he had offered the moste acceptable offeringe already , went with him into a Boate , and had an other to rowe them , for the Boates that they vse in the pooles , will carrie no more , beinge but rudely hewed out of the whole Trée . Theagenes also , & Cnemon tooke an other Boate , so did all the reste . After they had gonne a little from the Ilande , and rather rowinge aboute the bankes then venturing into the Déepe , they staied their Ores , & sette theire Boates a fronte , as thoughe they woulde haue receiued theire enimies face to face . After this prouision , goeinge forewarde a little , but not mindinge to abide the mouinge of the Waters , as soone as they sawe theire enimies , fledde , and woulde not abyde the firste Clamor , and Noise of the battel . Theagenes also , and Cnemon , but not for feare , by little , and little withdrewe them selues , onely Thyamis accompted it a shame to flie , and not in minde to liue after Cariclia , thrust him The description of theire Battaile . selfe into the thickest presse of his Enimies , and as soone as they were comme to blowes , one cried out , this is Thyamis , let euery man doo his beste to take him aliue , and therewithall they compassed him aboute , and helde him enclosed as a ringe , in the middeste of them . And fought againste them stoutely , and to sée howe he wounded somme , and killed other somme , it was a woorthy sighte . For of so greate a number there was none , that either drewe his swoorde againste him , or elles caste any darte , but euery man laboured to take him aliue , he fought againste them a greate while , but at length , he loste his speare , by reason that many fell on him at ones , he loste also his Harnesbearer , who had donne him very good seruice , for he beinge deadly wounded ( as might be gheassed ) despairinge of his safetie , lepte into the poole , and with muche adoo did swimme to lande , in as muche as no man remembred to pursue him . And now had they taken Thyamis , and with him thought , that they had gotten the whole victorie : and although they had loste so many of theire companions , yet in asmuche as they had him in theire handes ( by whome they were slaine ) they had a greater ioye thereby , then sorrowe for all theire The nature of a Theefe . deade Frendes , and Kinsfolkes . Suche is the nature of Théeues , that estéeme more monie then theire owne liues , and make much of the name of frendshippe , and affinitie , so farre as Lucre , and gaine shall extende . Which might easily be gathered by these , for they were those , who at the Mounte of Nilus called Heracleot , fledde for feare of Thyamis , and his Companions , and were no lesse gréeued for the losse of other mennes goodes , then if they had benne their owne , and therefore tooke vp aswel all suche as were theire housholdfrendes , as also those that dwelled neare aboute them , promisinge them equall parte of theire bootie , and that they woulde be Conductors , and Captaines to guide them thereunto . Nowe why they tooke Thyamis prisoner , this was the cause . He Why Thyamis is taken aliue . had a Brother called Petosiris at Memphis , who contrarie to the manner and ordinaunce of the Countrie ( in as muche as he was a yonger Brother ) had by crafte beguiled him of the Priesthoode . And hearinge nowe that his Brother was become a Captaine of certaine Robbers , and fearinge , leaste that if he gatte good occasion he woulde retourne , and manifestly detecte his subtle dealinge , and beside this , consideringe the voice of many people , that supposed he had slaine him , because he coulde no where be séene , he promised a greate Summe of monie , and other goodes , to those who woulde take and bringe him aliue . Wherewith the Théeues beinge allured , no not in the middest of their warre , forgettinge theire gaine , after one knewe him , with the deathe of Thyamis throughe the deathe of many of his enemies , is taken aliue . many of them , tooke him aliue , and carried him to lande , and placed the one halfe of them , as a garde aboute him , castinge into his téethe diuersly the curtesie that they vsed towarde him , ( although in déede he misliked woorse theire bandes , then deathe it selfe ) and the reste wente to searche the Ilande , in hope to finde other Treasures that they sought for . But after they had gonne ouer the same , and had lefte nothinge , either vntouched , or vnsearched that was there , and had founde nothinge of that they hoped for , excepte a fewe thinges of littell valewe , if oughte was lefte aboute the mouthe of the Caue , while they conueyed the reste into the grounde , settinge fire on the Tabernacles , when it drewe towarde night , and that they might tarry no longer in the Ilande , for feare they shoulde falle into the handes of those , that escaped out of the Battaile , retourned to their owne Companie .

Here ended the Firste Booke .