Cyane hearing them descanting thus on her plaine song , to marre their musick rowsed from her muse , and with a stearne gesture , such as women vse when they are waspish : thought to conclude her tenor in some discording tune , had not the house disagreeing on certaine poyntes , suddainly been dismissed , and they compelled by constrainte to attend their Lady Goddesses , where I must leaue them to their seruice , my selfe tyed to their secrets : whom because I may not reueale , for that they belong to women , I will rest with Phaebus , and expect Auroras glad appeare .

BY this had Tytan tane his restie Stéedes , and traced them vnto his Chariot , when Mercurye the swift winged messenger saluteth him from the King of Gods after this manner .

Faire Phaebus saide he , from my Father Ioue I haue to gréete thée , and thus it is : he craueth thy presence to sit with him in Parliament : shall , saide Apollo , then faire Terra be of her light be refte ? not so ( answered Hermes ) for this day the heauens as earst with sable cloudes shal ouer mantled he : so that thine absence is no misse to men , & yet as acceptable will it proue to the Gods : & to auoide Dame Tellus distemperature , my Father will dispose a plot that best may fit their profit .

Short tale to make , it was not long before that all addresse and betake them to their sollemne counselles , whose decrées because they egresse my purpose , they must exceede my pen , Qui supranos , nihil ad nos , Starres may be poynted at , but not pulled after : me list not treate of the secrets of Gods , being the mean of al men : nor intermeddle with the heauens , least with the Typheonis I be ouerwhelmed in the earth : I had rather sit in the Sunne with Irus , then rule the Sunne with Phaeton : créepe on the earth with the Ant , then soare in the heauens with Icarus : I leaue the Capitall too high for my capacitie , and returne to the great Chamber where are sitting my merry companye , whome maye I smoothely bring to this daies end . I shall performe such a taske as will glad me for euer .

Dorys and Clymen haue gotten them to a corner of the Chamber , as it should seeme to talke of their late nightes rest , or early mornings rising : Venus alone in a bay windowe was busie beholding the faire fruites of Flora , who in great brauerie adorned a garden plot prospectiue in the Chamber lights : Cyane no sooner entred the presence , but she began to descant on the former daies parliance , and with the very sight of the place renued her old passions : Ganymede ( his Lord yong Ops , now newly entred the Capitall , because he would not sit expecting the aduent of his adherents ) had no sooner recouered the Chamber , but pryed for his companions , who that day were to holde the chat : and soothelye to say , had not Ganymede driuen Cyane from her dumps , verye mellenchollye of minde had brought her to her death : which sadde comfort when Ganymede had well viewed , he fell immediatly like a prittie wagge into his olde vaine of wantonnes : running in all the haste to Cyane , crying arme , arme , arme : Cyane halfe amased , skipt soddainly from her seate , and Clymen with Dorys brake off their silent whispering , when Venus at his woords began to turne from the windowe , séeking the author of this sodain alarme , who espying Ganymede encompassed with the companye , with her siluer voice refoundeth these woordes , the messengers of her conceipte .

In faith ( Sir wagg ) come you so suddainlye crying for armes ? no doubt by that all haue said , you wil shame your arte : be it with shame or honor Venus saith he , I will bring it all to end : Nyphe , Hyale , and Ramys , with all the rest of the Nymphes , being at the neather end of the Chamber , and beholding them conuocated in a cluster , not vnlike their former daies order-mused much of the match , and drewe something néer to vnderstand the matter , the which by diuers circumstances hauing gathered sitting eche by her fellow , expecting what would be the greeting : whose presence Ganymede beholding , fearing euery one to cast in her verdict , which in his opinion séemed verye vaine , began with this caueat to giue them all the canuas .

Ladyes saide he , I being héere elected as iudge , adiudge on paine of my displeasure , no one Nymphe open her lippes to speake among this presence , except Dorys , Cyane , Clymen , and Venus , wherewith euerye Ladye repast her laughter , demaunding Ganymede to whom he would graunt his leaue : to Dorys answered Ganymede , wherefore speake Dorys be it but to winne the praise . Dorys looking Ganymede steadye in the face , beholding his countenance and the rest of her crue , between earnest and iest , shot foorth her bolte in this or the like bente .

Cyane in her yesterdaies courtinges , grounded her gratious loue Ganymede on thy lookes , measuring thy bounty , by thy beautye : but of a contrarye censure frame I my fancye by thy fame : preferring thy witte before anye other woorthinesse , my reasons in a woord are these .

The chaste Penelope chose not the great Lord of Ithica for his wealth , but his wisdome : nor Andromache , Hector for his valure , but his vertue : so tooke Sulpedia , Lentulus : and Hypperstria wedded the Philosopher Crates , infinite were examples , should I dwell in their repetition , being extant in wit , and tryed by experience : I wil not héere enter in the discourse of wit , but leaue you to suppose it greater then it is by coniecture , then finde it lesse then it ought to be by triall : but this haue I heard diuers men say , being my selfe but a woman , that wit bewitcheth , when wealth wearyeth : Inuention and disposition Rethoritians tell me , are two diuers things by their diuers rules , not so hard is the inuention in getting , as the disposition in kéeping when it is gotten : Kingdomes are easier conquered , then kept : and Lordships sooner purchased then loue : one thing is cast away in a moment , that was not composed in a moneth : Troye was but a day burning , that was tenne yéeres conquering : the foolish fisherman that let the Eéele slippe through his hand into the water , was not so glad of his taking vp , as sorrowfull for his slyding downe : the giftes of fortune are transitorie , tyed to no time : the giftes of nature permanent , during in all times .

I account it héere no fault my Ganymede to be beautifull , but a commendation to be wittie : nor scorne I him that hath wealth , but honor him that is wise : wit wil get wealth , but wealth shal neuer purchase wit : and yet both wit and wealth agrée in the brauest sympathye : counsell maketh the meanest comelye , but comlynes sildome or neuer counselleth : and yet comelynes where is good counsel , is a grace that giueth the brauest grace . I remember a Gentleman in my time mouing an Italian question to an English Louer , referred him in his choise to the election of thrée changelings : the first a faire foole , the second a wise wanton , the third a crooked Saint : because of euery one he hath discussed so well , I shame to say any thing except I could do better . Hyperchyon neuer strained his voice after he heard Orpheus play on his Harp : the Black-birde represseth her notes where the Nightingale sound out her layes : I could héere recite to Ganymede , the commodities and pleasures reaped by the profit of wit , were not the repetition néedlesse , being already known , and the knowledge manifest , taught by daylye experience : what attempteth not wit ? what causeth not wit ? what offereth not wit ? which discouereth the eminence of euils , and is a soueraigne medicine to recure their maladies , tryeth the secrets of Ladies thoughtes , and entreth conqueror into their daintiest hartes . Agamemnon had a kingly grace , but Paris a courtely gesture : Aiax fought hard for Achilles honors , but Vlysses pleaded better that got away his armour : why preferred Cornelia a poore Miller before a wealthye Mizer : and Cyrca a bell to enchaunt many millions of men to dispell her enchauntments , shewing her selfe too much like a woman .

Shall I tell Ganymede what the famous Epyrote Pyrrhus could doo with his wit , and eloquence of Blundus , entituled Roma Triumphanta , doo not deceiue me , who saith , that this Pirrhus was so eloquent and wise , that the man with whome once he had spoken , remayned so much his , that from that time forward in his absence he tooke his parte , and declared his life in presence : the saide Blundus also saith , and Tytus Lyuius affirmeth the same : that as the Romaines were of all things provided ( seeing he was of so rare wit and eloquence ) for him were they so prouided , that no Romaine Ambassadour conferred in his presence , but by the mediation of a third person , otherwise he would so allure them with his sweet woords , that they returned perfourming matters of little woorth .

And there-vpon I conclude that Ganymede being wittie , must be beloued of Ladies by constraint , and honoured of duetye : So now Cyane affectes Ganymede for his beautie , Dorys for his wit thy countenance making a breache ( Ganymede ) into Cyanes brest , thy wit woorking wonders in Dorys thoughts , if therefore Ganymede be beloued for his beauty , shall he be hated for his wit ? if for his outward shadowe , why not then for his outward vertue ? for by that time beautye hath cast her Cardes with indifferencye , she shall want many an ace of wit .

Héere Dorys very earnest to haue procéeded to her purpose , was interrupted by Clymen , with this merrye processe . Your wit Dorys is so good , that if we make you not to pause , you will make vs pant : what , what now Dorys ? wit whither wilt thou ? Ganymede to giue C●●●●ns clause a close with this verdue , cast in his verdit : Dorys saide he in wit , is a Doctor , who to proue me for wit singuler , giueth vs occasion to thinke Dorys for wit past compare : I would I were Dorys , so wise to finde womens wyles , or my owne weaknes : then turning no further then led by reason , I néed not for want of iudgement incurre such Ladies rage .

Venus perceiuing Cyane all this time so mute , who earst was euer wont to be merry , thought by some prittie deceit , to haue driuen her from her pensiue conceit , between mirth and game vttering this glose : while you treate of wit , others talke of warre : you are amid your mirth , but Cyane mornes with melancholye : trust me the Ladye either féedes on pilles , or on displeasure , her taste seemeth so vntoothsome : why how now Cyane ? I pray you Lady what chéere ?

Cyane was stung with Venus tale , and though at firste she began to stand , yet bethinking her selfe better , she recouered her strength , & because none should know where the showe wrong , but she that wore it , with this prittie glose plaied on her game : I haue fed Venus ( said she ) too rife on Dorys reasons , so sweet is her fruite as if she bore foorth Figges : Héereat Dorys thought to catch Cyane at the nyck , requiting her curtesie with this prittie quippe : Cyane ( answered she ) euer caryeth a sweete tooth in her head , and a swéet thought in her hart , beauty bréedes no other , loue as much .

Héere Iupiter hauing béen something earnest in certain causes discussed in the Capatal , sodainly rose from his seate , forsaking the Senate : the rest he commaunded to tarrye , because he would haue further triall , leauing than alone to haue a sight of his loue : softly therfore discended he the Capitall ; and vnawares stealeth down on the merry knot sitting in the great chamber , who beholding the little Senate of pettie Nimphes and Damosels , bit the lippe in conceite , but by your leaue changed countenance : for such was Venus presence , that alwaies moued Ioues patience : yet because his changing should be perceiued of none , he entred a with-drawing Chamber by , not perceiued of any , calling in all the hast to Ganymede : and the rest of the Nymphes being earnest in their discoursings , gaue little attendance to Iupiters intercourse , so that he passed by them into the chamber before he was seene or heard of any , but when the Boy had once heard the voice of his Lord , it was no time to wil him hye ore the lappes of his Ladyes , but as if Aeolus droue him with the blast of his breath : so lightly forsooke he his company and his bench .

Iupiter his page no sooner entred his presence , but began in these tearmes to salute his pettie person . Sir wagge ( said he ) you are amidde the women when you should attend my will , beholding others braueries , but neglecting my businesse : I beseeche you Sir , what Nymph was she that attended your right hand while I passed by the left .

Ganymede remembring it was Venus , and accordinglye , infourmed his Lord , reporting her to be an attendant on Dyctymia . Venus ( answered Iupiter ) haue we been two daies séeking Venus in the Capitall , you hauing stolne her out to sporte with you in the great Chamber ? I thought ( saide he ) her some rare personage being adorned with so rare perfections . Hye you therefore to the Senate , and tell the Gods ( for this day ) I adiorne the Session : Ganymede as was his Lordinges message , hasted him to the Capitall to enforme them his maisters minde : vpon the hearing wherof , all the house rose séeking no further reason .

By this the Debyan God had discharged his fierye courses , betaking him to the bower of his beloued Thetis , it was no time for Nymphes to chat of loue , when their Mistresse to stop their mouthes , had abridged them of their leisure : they moreouer poore soules so weary of their late nightes ouer-watching , are so drowned in sléepe , that there is not one waking : and for my parte I so greatlye tender a womans ease , that rather then I would wake them , I will refuse mine arte : a swéete smyling kisse of a Ladyes sléepye lippe , I account farre greater treasure then a largis at a mighty Emperours hand : rest you therfore ( sweete loues ) secure , voide of troubled thoughts , while I trouble others to coniecture of your sugred mindes .

NOw was it time when Cynthia forsaking her siluer Orbe , had left the whole Zoane vnto Apollos charge giuing leaue to Zephirus to prouide for Aeolus passage : the Nymphes now risen attend their Ladyes call , and hasten forwards for their mistresse quick dispatch : short tale to make , each entred the Capitall , earnestly expect the comming of their King : I will héer repeat the accidents hapned with mighty Iupiter , if any can entreate Ganymede , I dare warrant my life he shal hear of much prittie sporte : the boye and his Lord long ere this are supposed lost , and Gods graunt it my fortune to pronounce them happie found .

Saturnus soon after diuers sportings with the Paphlogoman youth his Page , now mindeth the Senate , and is entred the presence : whether no sooner come , but narowly he pryeth to haue a sight of his new sweet hart Venus : what néed I héere to note Iupiters loue , wherin none are ignorant , acquainted with his life , his close courtings , glorious glaunces , and prittie practises : I rather leaue them to others , whose studies haue made them famyliar with his factions , then vndertake the charge too chargeable for my fortunes : his trewanting from Olimpus , when more méeter he had béene in the heauens : and metamorphoses of shapes , because he would not be knowen on earth : all these are better descryed by the prying of Iuno , then the penning of a nouice such as I , whose eares haue neuer yet made me priuie of such experience , nor whose experience euer attained such priuities : but thus suppose , that if euer he loued any , he loued Venus , and Venus more then any : if euer he desired any he desired Venus , and my Venus desired he before any : if euer he metamorphosed himselfe for any , he metamorphosed himselfe for Venus , & for Venus was he more strangely metamorphosed than for any : if he fained him self Aethra to obtain Calisto , now sought he a more maidenly shape than Aethraes to be conuersant with my Venus : if in habite of Dyane he deceiued the Nymph Nonacris , what shape sought he then think you to deceiue euen Phaebe her selfe ? he entertained not so many golden Actions , when he begat the famous Porsey , as he did the golden thougts at the view of his excéeding Venus .

I dare not holde him long thus doting on his Goddesse , least wanting in the Senate , I encurre the hatred of the Gods and exercising Pentheyes contempt : I endure Pentheyes punishment . He passeth on now to parliament expected of his Péeres , and my crue are now clustred entending their purpose : Ganymede hasteth Venus to vndertake her promised charge , and giueth charge to the Ladyes none interrupt Venus heste . And now being silent , the royall crue of Carthage , the Ilyan stranger gréeteth Dydo after this semblaunce .

Lycurgus ( saide Venus ) the Lacidimonians lawe giuer , had neuer liued renowned in Greece , had not his lawes obserued , maintained the state of Greece , and him self in Greece framed his life correspondent to his lawes , the lawe maker must be no Law breaker : and he that gouerneth others , is then more wise , when rightlye he ordereth himselfe : infamous is that bird , that peruerting the law of nature ( as saith the olde adage ) defileth her owne nest : what Pallamides had driuen Vlisses from Greece , had not Tellemacus care reuealed his Fathers cursse : and what Ganymede compelled Venus to display her imbecilities , had not Venus own sentence pronounced her repented follies . Pardon me Ladies and Ganymede excuse thy Venus , vnwilling though I am to enter these vnacquainted actions : the Painter feathereth not the Shafte , ne the Fletcher handleth not the Pencell : who setteth the Asse to the Hare , or the Puttocke to the Partridge : The stock of Grapegraftors tell me , suteth not with the syence of the Medlar : nor is the stalke of a Thorne naturall for the graffe of a Pippin : the Gillyflower twise set , groweth double by art , when simply sowen , she springeth single by nature : long is it or the Mastie be taught to retriue the Partridge , or the Hound of the Kitchin , to maintaine chase after the Hare .