Diana of George of Montemayor: translated out of Spanish into English by Bartholomew Yong of the Middle Temple Gentleman

decorative border

DIANA OF GEORGE OF MONTEMAYOR : Translated out of Spanish into English by BARTHOLOMEW YONG of the Middle Temple Gentleman .

At London , Printed by Edm. Bollifant , Impensis G. B. 1598

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE and my very good Lady the Lady RICH.

RIGHT HONORABLE , such are the apparant defects of arte and iudgement in this new pourtraied DIANA , that their discouerie must needes make me blush and abase the worke , vnlesse with vndeserued fauour erected vpon the high and shining pillar of your Honorable protection , they may seeme to the beholder lesse , or none at all . The glorie wherof as with reason it can no waies be thought woorthie , but by boldly aduenturing vpon the apparant demonstration of your magnificent minde , wherein all noble vertues haue their proper seate , and on that singular desire , knowledge and delight , wherewith your Ladiship entertaineth , embraceth and affecteth honest endeuours , learned languages , and this particular subiect of DIANA , warranted by all vertue and modestie , as COLLIN in his French dedicatorie to the Illustrous Prince LEWIS of LORRAINE at large setteth downe and commendeth : so now presenting it to so soueraigne a light , and relying on a gracious acceptance , what can be added more to the full content , desire and perfection of DIANA , and of her vnwoorthie Interpreter ( that hath in English attire exposed her to the view of strangers ) then for their comfort and defence to be armed with the Honorable titles and countenance of so high and excellent a Patronesse ? But as certaine yeares past ( my Honorable good Lady ) in a publike shewe at the Middle Temple , where your Honorable presence with many noble Lordes and faire Ladies graced and beautified those sportes , it befell to my lot in that woorthie assemblie , vnwoorthily to performe the part of a French Oratour by a deducted speech in the same toong , and that amongst so many good conceits and such generall skill in toongs , all the while I was rehearsing it , there was not any , whose mature iudgement and censure in that language I feared and suspected more then your Ladiships , whose attentiue eare and eie daunted my imagination with the apprehension of my disabilitie , and your Ladiships perfect knowledge in the same : Now once againe in this translation out of Spanish ( which language also with the present matter being so well knowen to your Ladiship ) whose reprehension and seuere sentence of all others may I more iustly feare , then that which ( Honorable Madame ) at election you may herein duely giue , or with fauour take away . But as then by your gracious aspect and milde countenance I flattered my selfe with your fauourable applause of the first ; So now to preuent the second , I haue no other meanes , then the humble insinuation of it to your most Honorable name & clemencie , most humbly beseeching the same to pardon all those faultes , which to your learned and iudicious view shall occurre . Since then for pledge of the dutifull and zealous desire I haue to serue your Ladiship , the great disproportion of your most noble estate to the qualitie of my poore condition , can affoorde nothing else but this small present , my praier shall alwaies importune the heauens for the happie increase of your high and woorthie degree , and for the full accomplishment of your most Honorable and vertuous desires .

From High Onger in Essex the 28. of Nouemb. 1598. Your Honors most humbly deuoted , BARTHOL . YONG .

The Preface to diuers learned Gentlemen , and other my louing friendes .

ABout nineteene yeeres past ( curteous Gentlemen ) comming out of Spaine into my natiue countrey , and hauing spent welny three yeeres in some serious studies and certaine affaires , with no meanes or occasion to exercise the Spanish toong ( by discontinuance whereof it had almost shaken hands with me ) it was my good hap to fall into the companie and acquaintance of my especiall good friend Edward Banister of Idesworth in the Countie of Southampton Esquier ; who perceiuing my remissenes in the saide language , perswaded & encouraged me earnestly , by some good translation to recal it to her former place : And to that intent he gaue me the first and second Part of Diana of Montemayor in Spanish , which Booke ( although I had beene two yeeres in Spaine ) till then I neuer saw nor heard of ; whose friendly care and desire to preuent so great a losse , and to preserue such an ornament in me , I confesse was the chiefe and principall cause ( and therefore the onely credit ) of this translation , whereby I recouered that toong againe that lay ( as it were ) smothered in the cinders of obliuion . The second cause of this my labour , was the delight I passed in discurring most of those townes and places in it with a pleasant recordation of my pen , which mine eies so often with ioy and sorrow had beheld . The third , the resolued then intent I had neuer ( howsoeuer now it hath escaped my hands ) to put it in Print , in proofe whereof it hath lyen by me finished Horaces ten and sixe yeeres more . For till then I neuer tried my vnproper vaine in making an English verse : how well or ill then the hard and strange kinde of Spanish is turned , I leaue to your fauourable censure and pardon : The low and pastorall stile hereof , Montemayor in his Epistle to the L. of Villanoua excuseth , entreating of Shepherds , though indeed they were but shadowes of great and honorable personages , and of their marriages , that not many yeeres agoe liued in the Court of Spaine , whose posteritie to this day liue in noble estate . But touching the Bookes following , you must vnderstand that George of Montemayor a Gentleman sprung out of the noble house of Montemayor in Portugal , after he had ended his first Part of Diana , which he distributed into seuen Bookes , intending to set forth the second Part , and before his departure into Italie ( where I heard he died ) imparted his purpose , and the subiect of his intended second Part , to Alonso Perez , who answering his intent , wrote the second Part of Diana , contayning eight Bookes , promising in the end thereof to continue it with a third Part , which yet he hath not done , although I heare he hath a purpose to do it . But Gaspar Gil Polo a Valentian Gentleman , who in my opinion excelleth for fine conceit ( whether before or after that Alonso Perez second Part came forth ) made another Part of Diana , naming it the first Part of Enamoured Diana ; the which being diuided into fiue Bookes , he intituleth to follow in due sequence the first seuen Bookes of Diana of George of Montemayor . And in the ende of that first Part of Enamoured Diana , he likewise maketh a reference to another Part which he promised to set foorth ; the which and that of Alonso Perez , if euer they come to light , I leaue to some finer wit and better iudgement to English , my selfe hauing done too much by launching so far into the maine , vnlesse ( happily ) in your fauourable iudgements it may finde a friendly and temperate construction . Hauing compared the French copies with the Spanish originall , I iudge the first Part to be exquisite ; the other two corruptly done with a confusion of verse into Prose , and leauing out in many places diuers hard sentences , and some leaues in the end of the third Part , wherefore they are but blind guides by any to be imitated . Well might I haue excused these paines , if onely Edward Paston Esquier ( who heere and there for his owne pleasure ( as I vnderstand ) hath aptly turned out of Spanish into English some leaues that liked him best ) had also made an absolute and complete translation of all the Parts of Diana ; the which , for his trauell in that Countrey , and great knowledge in that language , accompanied with other learned and good parts in him , had of all others , that euer yet I heard translate these Bookes , prooued the rarest and worthiest to be embraced . The faults escaped in the Printing , the copie being verie darke and enterlined , and I loth to write it out againe , I pray you Gentlemen pardon , since all the last Terme that it was in the Presse ( hauing matters of greater consequence in charge ) I could not intende the correction : aduertising you by the way that the greatest faults are at the ende of the Booke set downe , the lesse being of no moment purposely omitted . Fare ye well and continue me in your woonted loue and fauours .

Yours in all friendly offices , B. Y.

THE EPISTLE To the Illustrous and noble Lord Don Iuan de Castella de Villa Noua , Baron of Bicorb and Quesa , of GEORGE of Montemayor .

ALthough this custome were not very auncient , most noble L. for Authours to dedicate their workes to personages of honour and renowne , by whome they were protected and defended ; notwithstanding your rare and high deserts ( as well for your noble and ancient house from whence you are descended , as also for the resplendant valour and vertue of your person ) might with greater reason then I can expresse , incite me to performe more then this obliged dutie . And admit the base stile of the worke , and the Authours small woorth , in reason ought not so far extend as to dedicate it to your Lordship : yet excluded from all other remedies , I presumed onely on this , that it was somewhat accounted of . For precious stones are not so highly valued for the name they haue ( for they may be false and counterfeite ) as for his estimate in whose handes they are : I humbly beseech your good Lordship to entertaine this booke vnder your Hon. ampare and correction , as to the Authour heereof ( being but a stranger ) you haue done no lesse , since his poore abilitie is not able to serue your Lordship in any other thing : whose wished life and noble estate our Lord increase for many yeeres .

To the same Lord . Moecenas was to Maro of great fame A singular good Lord and louing frend , And Alexander did enioy that same Rare wit of Homer , death though him did end : And so the Villanouas generous name The Lusitan poore Authour doth defend , Making a base and wanting wit t' aspire Vnto the clouds , and yet a great deale higher .

Don Gaspar Romani to the Authour . If Lady LAVRAS memorie vnstained PETRARC in endlesse verse hath left renowned : And if with Laurell HOMER hath beene crowned For writing of the wars the Greekes obtained : If Kings t' aduaunce the glorie they haue gained In life time , when fierce MARS in battell frowned , Procure it should not be in LETHE drowned , But after death by historie maintained : More iustly then shouldst thou be celebrated ( O excellent DIANA ) for the fairest Of all the faire ones , that the world hath brought foorth : Since all those wits , whose pens were estimated To write the best , in glorie thou impairest , And from them all the Laurell crowne hast sought foorth .

Don Hieronymo Sant-Perez , to George of Montemayor . Parnasse , O sacred mount and full of glorie , The Poets muse , delight of their desires : Methinkes thou art too comfortlesse and sorie , Compar'd with this , whose famous name aspires . In deede J am , since that the Muses left me , And with their gracious Quire from hence descended To mount this Hill , whose Greatnes hath bereft me Of all my fame , and glorie that is ended . Thrise happie his Diana , since her flower In top of this High Hill was set so lately , That all the world might view it euery hower , Where she doth liue most soueraigne and stately : In all the world most celebrate and graced , Being no lesse excelse , then highly placed .

The Argument of the first Seuen Bookes .

IN the fieldes of the auncient and principall citie of Leon in Spaine , lying along the bankes of the riuer Ezla , liued a Shepherdesse called Diana , whose beautie was most soueraigne aboue all others in her time . She loued , and was deerely beloued againe of a Shepherd called Syrenus , in whose mutuall loue was as great chastitie and vertue as might be . At the same time another Shepherd called Syluanus loued her also more then himselfe , but so abhorred of the Shepherdesse , that there was not any thing in the world , which she hated more . But it fell out , that as Syrenus was constrained to be out of the kingdom about certaine affaires , which could by no means be excused , nor left vndone , and the Shepherdesse remaining at home very sad for his absence , time , and Dianas hart with time were chaunged , who then was married to another Shepherd called Delius , burying him , whom she had but of late so greatly loued , in vniust obliuion . Who , after a whole yeere of his absence comming home againe with great affection and desire to see his beloued Shepherdesse , knew before he came , that she was already married . And from hence the first booke begins : and in the others following , they shall finde diuers histories of accidents , that haue truly happened , though they goe muffled vnder pastorall names and style .

The first Booke of Diana of George of Montemayor .

DOwne from the hils of Leon came forgotten Syrenus , whom loue , fortune , and time did so entreate , that by the least greefe , that he suffered in his sorrowfull life , he looked for no lesse then to loose the same . The vnfortunate Shepherd did not now bewaile the harme , which her absence did threaten him , and the feare of her forgetfulnes did not greatly trouble his minde , bicause he sawe all the prophecies of his suspicion so greatly to his preiudice accomplished , that now he thought he had no more misfortunes to menace him . But the Shepherd comming to those greene and pleasant meades , which the great riuer Ezla watreth with his cristalline streames , the great felicitie and content came to his wandring thoughtes , which sometimes he had enioyed there , being then so absolute a Lord of his owne liberty , as now subiect to one , who had wrongfully enterred him in darke obliuion . He went musing of that happie time , when in those medowes , and on those faire banks he fed his flocks , applying then his minde in the onely care and interest he had to feede them well : and spending the rest of his howers in the onely delight , that he tooke in the sweete smell of those golden flowers , at that time especially , when cheerefull spring-tyde ( the merry messenger of sommer ) is spread ouer the face of the whole earth : sometimes taking his rebecke , which he euer caried very neate in a scrip , and sometimes his bagpipe , to the tune of which he made most sweete ditties , which of all the Shepherdesses of those hamlets thereabouts made him most highly commended . The Shepherd busied not his thoughts in the consideration of the prosperous and preposterous successe of fortune , nor in the mutabilitie and course of times , neither did the painfull diligence and aspiring minde of the ambitious Courtier trouble his quiet rest : nor the presumption and coye disdaine of the proude and nice Ladie ( celebrated onely by the appassionate vowes and opinions of her amorous sutours ) once occurre to his imaginations . And as little did the swelling pride , and small care of the hawtie priuate man offend his quiet minde . In the field was he borne , bred , and brought vp : in the field he fed his flockes , and so out of the limits of the field his thoughts did neuer range , vntill cruell loue tooke possession of his libertie , which to those he is commonly woont to doe , who thinke themselues freest from his tyrannie . The sad Shepherd therefore came softly on his pace , his eies turned into fountaines , the fresh hew of his face chaunged , and his hart so tempered to suffer Fortunes vnworthie disgraces , that if she would haue giuen him any content , she must haue sought him a new hart to receiue it . The weedes that he did weare , was a long gray coate , as rugged as his haps , carrying a sheepehooke in his right hand , and a scrip hanging on his left arme . He laide himselfe downe at the foote of a thicke hedge , and began to cast foorth his eyes along those faire riuer banks , vntill their beames came to that place , where first they beheld the beautie , grace , and rare vertues of the Shepherdesle Diana , she , in whom skilfull nature had consummated all perfections , which in euery part of her dainty body she had equally bestowed . Then did his hart imagine that , which before it diuined of , That sometimes he should finde himselfe put amongst sorrowfull memories . And then could not the wofull Shepherd stop his teares from gushing out , nor smother his sighes which came smoking out of his brest , but lifting vp his eies to heauen began thus to lament . Ah memorie ( cruell enemie to my quiet rest ) were not thou better occupied to make me forget present corsies , then to put before mine eies passed contents ? What saiest thou memorie ? That in this medow I beheld my Lady Diana , that in the same I began to feele that , which I shal neuer leaue of to lament , That neere to that cleere fountaine ( set about with high and greene Sicamours ) with many teares she solemnly sware to me , that there was not the deerest thing in the world , no , not the will of her parents , the perswasion of her brethren , nor the importunities of her allies , that were able to remooue her from her setled thoughts ? And when she spake these words , there fell out of those faire eies teares like orientall pearles , which seemed to testifie that , which remained in her secret hart , commanding me , vpon paine to be accounted of her a man but of a base and abiect minde , if I did not beleeue that , which so often times she had told me . But stay yet a little Memorie , since now thou hast put before me the foundations of my mishap ( and such they were , that the ioy , which I then passed , was but the beginning of the greefe which now I suffer ) forget not to tune me this iarring string , to put before mine eies by one and one , the troubles , the turmoiles , the feares , the suspects , the iealousies , the mistrusts , and cares , which leaue not him , that most truly loues . Ah memorie , memorie , how sure am I of this answere at thy hands , that the greatest paine , that I passed in these considerations , was but little in respect of that content , which in lieu of them I receiued . Thou hast great reason memorie , and the worse for me that it is so great : and lying and lamenting in this sort , he tooke a paper out of his bosome , wherein he had a few greene silken strings and haire tyed vp together , and laying them open before him vpon the greene grasse , with abundance of teares he tooke out his Rebecke , not halfe so iocund as it was woont to be , at what time he was in Dianas fauour , and began to sing that which followeth .

HAire in change what libertie , Since I sawe you , haue I seene ? How vnseemely hath this greene Bene a signe of hope to me ? Once I thought no Shepherd might In these fieldes be found ( O haire ) ( Though I did it with some feare ) Worthy to come neere your sight . Haire , how many times and tydes Did my faire Diana spie , If I ware or left you by And a thousand toyes besides . And how oft in weeping sort ( Of deceitfull teares O springs ) Was she iealous of the things , Which I spake or did in sport ? Those faire eies which wrought my woe , ( Golden haire ) tell me what fault In beleeuing them I caught , When they did assure me soe ? Saw you not how she did greeue , Spilling daily many a teare , Vnto her till I did sweare , That I did her words beleeue ? Who more beautie euer knew In a subiect of such change , Or more sorrowes or more strange In a loue so perfect true ? On the sand her did I see Sitting by you riuer bright , Where her finger this did wright Rather dead then changed be . See how loue beares vs in hand , Making vs beleeue the wordes , That a womans wit affordes , And recorded in the sand .

Syrenus had not so soone made an end of his sorrowful song , if that his teares had not bene at hand , for such an one was he , from whom fortune had cut off all the waies and meanes of his remedie . Sorrowing thus , his Rebecke fell out of his hand , and taking vp the golden haire he put them in their place againe , saying , O pledges of the fairest and most disloyall Shepherdesse that humane eies may behold , how with your owne sasetie haue you beguiled me ? Woe is me , that I cannot choose but see you , my whole greefe consisting in hauing seene you . And pulling his hande out of his scrip , he found a letter , that Diana in time of his prosperitie had sent him , which when he beheld , with a burning sigh , that came from his very hart , he saide . O letter , letter burned maist thou be by his handes , who may best doe what he list : and woe be to him that now shall reade thee : But who may doe it ? And opening it , he sawe that it said thus .

Dianas letter to Syrenus .

HOw ill I should brooke thy words ( my Syrenus ) who would not thinke , but that loue made thee vtter them ? Thou saiest I loue thee not so much as I ought to doe , I knowe not whereby thou perceiuest it , and conceiue not , how I should loue thee more . Behold , it is now no time not to beleeue me , bicause thou seest , that the loue , which I beare thee , compels me to beleeue that , which from thy very thoughts and affection thou dost tell me . I imagine oftentimes , that as thou supposest , that I loue thee not ( by louing thee more then my selfe ) so must thou thinke , that thou louest me by hating me . Behold Syrenus , how time hath dealt better with thee then thou didst imagine at the beginning of our loues ( with safetie yet of mine honour ) which owes thee all that it may : wherein is not any thing , that I would not doe for thy sake , beseeching thee , as much as I may , not to trouble thy minde with iealousie and suspicions , bicause thou knowest , how few escape out of their hands with safetie of life , which God giue thee with all the content that I wish thee .

Is this a letter saide Syrenus , sighing , to make one thinke , that obliuion could enter into that hart , from whence such wordes came foorth ? And are these wordes to be passed so slightly out of memorie ? And that she then spake them , and now forget me ? O sorrowfull man , with what great content did I reade this letter when my Mistresse had sent it me , and how many times in the same hower did I reade it ouer againe ? But for euery pleasure then , with seuen folde paine I am now apaide : and fortune could doe no lesse with me , then to make me fall from one extreme to another : For it had ill beseemed her with partiall hand to exempt me from that , which to all others she is commonly wont to doe .

About this time from the hill beneath , that led from the village to the greene medowe , Syrenus might perceiue a Shepherd comming downe pace by pace , and staying awhile at euery step , sometimes looking vp to heauen , and sometimes casting his eies vpon the greene medow and faire riuer bankes , which from aloft he might easily view and discouer ( the thing which more augmented his sorrow ) seeing the place , where the beginning and roote of his mishap did first growe . Syrenus knew him by and by , and looking towardes the place from whence he came , saide . Vnfortunate Shepherd ( though not halfe so much as I am ) that art a corriuall with me in Dianas loue , to what end haue thy bootelesse suites serued thee , and the disdaine that this cruell Shepherdesse hath done thee , but to put them all on my score ? But if thou hadst knowen that the finall summe of all thy paines should haue bene like to mine , what greater fauour hadst thou found at fortunes hands , by preseruing thee still in this haplesse estate of life , then by throwing me headlong downe from it , when I did lest suspect it ? But now despised Syluanus tooke out his bagpipe , and playing on it a little , with great sorrow and greefe did sing these verses following .

I Am a louer , but was neuer loued , Well haue I lou'd , and will though hated euer , Troubles I passe , but neuer any mooued , Sighes haue I giuen , and yet she heard me neuer : I would complaine , and she would neuer heare me , And flie from loue , but it is euer neere me : Obliuion onely blamelesse doth beset me , For that remembreth neuer to forget me . For euery ill one semblant I doe beare still , To day not sad , nor yesterday contented , To looke behinde , or go before I feare still , All things to passe alike I haue consented : I am besides my selfe like him that daunceth , And mooues his feete at euery sound that chaunceth : And so all like a senselesse foole disdaines me , But this is nothing to the greefe that paines me . The night to certaine louers is a trouble , When in the day some good they are attending : And other some doe hope to gaine some double Pleasure by night , and wish the day were ending : With that , that greeueth some , some others ease them , And all do follow that , that best doth please them : But for the day with teares I am a crying , Which being come , for night I am a dying . Of Cupid to complaine who euer craue it , In waues he writes and to the windes he crieth : Or seeketh helpe of him , that neuer gaue it : For he at last thy paines and thee defieth . Come but to him some good aduise to lend thee , To thousand od conceits he will commend thee . What thing is then this loue ? It is a science , That sets both proofe and study at defiance . My Mistresse loued her Syrenus deerely , And scorned me , whose loues yet I auouched , Left to my greefe , for good I held it cleerely , Though narrowly my life and soule it touched : Had I but had a heauen as he once shining , Loue would I blame , if it had bene declining . But loue did take no good from me he sent me , For how can loue take that he neuer lent me . Loue 's not a thing , that any may procure it , Loue 's not a thing , that may be bought for treasure ; Loue 's not a thing , that comes when any lure it , Loue 's not a thing , that may be found at p●…re : For if it be not borne with thee , refraine it To thinke , thou must be borne anew to gaine it : Then since that loue shuns force , and doth disclame it , The scorned louer hath no cause to blame it .

Syrenus was not idle when Syluanus was singing these verses , for with his sighes he answered the last accents of his wordes , and with his teares did solemnize that , which he conceiued by them . The disdained Shepherd after he had ended his song , began to reuolue in his minde the small regarde he had of himselfe , and how for the loue of his cruell Mistresse Diana , he had neglected all his busines and flockes : and yet he reckoned all this but small . He considered , that his seruice was without hope of recompence , a great occasion to make him , that hath but small firmnesse , easily cut off the way of his loue . But his constancie was so great , that being put in the middes of all the causes , which he had to forget her , who neuer thought of him , with his owne safetie he came so easily out of them , and so cleerely without preiudice to the sincere loue , which he bare his Shepherdesse , that ( without any feare ) he neuer committed any ignorance , that might turne to the hurt or hinderance of his faith . But when he sawe Syrenus at the fountaine , he woondred to see him so sad , not that he was ignorant of the cause of his sorrow , but bicause he thought that if he had tasted but the lest fauour , that Syrenus had sometimes receiued at Dianas handes , such a contentment had bene ynough for him all his life time . He came vnto him and imbraced him , and with many teares on both sides they sat them downe vpon the greene grasse , Syluanus beginning to speake in this sort . God forbid ( Syrenus ) that for the cause of my mishap , or at the lest for the small remedie thereof , I should take delight or reuenge in thine , which though at mine owne pleasure I might well doe , yet the great loue which I beare to my Mistresse Diana , woulde neuer consent thereunto , nor suffer me to goe against that , which with such good will and liking she had sometimes fauoured : if thy sorrowes greeue me not , let me neuer haue end of mine ; and in such sort , that as soone as Diana was about to marry , if it killed not my hart with thinking , that her marriage and thy death should haue bene both at one time , let me neuer enioy any other estate and condition of life then now I doe . Canst thou then thinke ( Syrenus ) that I would wish thee ill , bicause Diana loued thee ? And that the fauours that she did thee , were the occasions to make me hate thee ? What man , my faith was neuer so basely poysed , but that it was euer so seruiceable to my Mistresse humour , not onely in louing thee , but in louing and honouring all that euer she loued . And yet thou hast no cause to thanke me for this care and compassion of thy greefe , for I am so dissolued into cares , that for mine owne good I would be sorie , how much more then for other mens harmes . This straunge kinde of the Shepherd Syluanus his greeting caused no small admiration in Syrenus , and made him for a while in suspence with himselfe , woondring at his great sufferance , and at the strange qualitie of his loue , that he did beare to his Shepherdesse . But remembring himselfe at last , he said . Hast thou ( Syluanus ) happily , bene borne for an example of patience to those , who know not how to suffer the aduersities , that fortune puts before their eies ? Or may it be , that nature hath giuen thee so strong a minde , that it is not ynough for thee to suffer thine owne , but thou wilt needes helpe others to support theirs ? I see thee so conformable to the hard condition of thy fortune , that , promising thee no helpe of remedie , thou doest aske no other , then that it hath already giuen thee . I tell thee ( Syluanus ) that time shewes well by thee , how euery day it discouers nouelties and straunge conceites beyonde the compasse of mans imagination . O how much more then ought this vnfortunate Shepherd to emulate thee , by seeing thee suffer thy greefes with such content , which thou mightest rather haue done to him , when thou sawest him so happily enioy his merry times . Hast thou not seene how greatly she fauoured me , and with what sweete and gracious wordes she manifested her loue vnto me ? Didst thou not see , how she could neuer goe with her flockes to the riuer , or take her lambes out of the folde , or in the heate of the day driue her sheepe into the shades of these Sicamours without my companie ? But for all this , I wish I may neuer see the remedie of my greefe , if I euer expected or desired any thing at Dianas hands that was repugnant to her honour , or if any such thing did euer passe my thought . For such was her beautie , her braue minde , her vertue , and such vnspotted puritie in her loue to me againe , that they admitted no thought into my minde , which in preiudice of her goodnes and chastitie I might haue imagined . I beleeue it well ( saide Syluanus sighing ) for I can say as much by my selfe , and thinke moreouer that there was neuer any , that casting his eies on Dianas peerelesse beautie , durst desire any other thing , then to see her , and to conuerse with her . Although I knowe not , whether such rare and excellent beautie might in some mens thoughts ( not subiect to such a continent affection as ours ) cause an excessiue desire : and especially , if they had seene her , as I did one day sitting with thee neere to you little brooke , when she was kembing her golden haire , and thou holding the glasse vnto her , wherein now and then she beheld her diuine figure , though neither of you both did ( perhaps ) knowe that I espied you from those high bushes , neere to the two great okes , keeping ( yet ) in minde the verses , that thou sungest vpon the holding of the glasse , whiles she was addressing her resplendant tresses . How came they to thy handes , saide Syrenus ? The next day following ( saide Syluanus ) in that very place I founde the paper wherein they were written , and reading them , committed them to memorie : And then came Diana thither weeping for the losse of them , and asking me , if I had found them , which was no small ioy and contentment to me , to see my Mistresse powre foorth those teares , which I might speedily remedie . And this I remember was the first hower , that euer I had a gentle and curteous word of her mouth ( how greatly in the meane time stood I neede of fauours ) when she saide vnto me , that I might highly pleasure her , to helpe her to that , which so earnestly she sought for : which wordes , like holy relikes , I kept in my minde ; for in a whole yeere after I tooke no regarde of all the woes and greefes that I passed , for ioy of that one onely word , which had in it but a small apparance of ioy and happinesse . Now as thou louest thy life ( saide Syrenus ) rehearse those verses , which , thou saidst , I did sing , since thou hast them so well by hart . I am content , saide Syluanus : and these they were .

FOr a fauour of such woorth In no doubt I doe remaine , Since with selfe same coyne againe ( Mistresse ) thou art paide right foorth . For if I enioy with free Pleasure , seeing before me Face and eies , where Cupid stands : So thou seeing in my hands , That which in thine eies I see . Let not this to thee seeme ill , That of thy beautie diuine Thou see'st but the figure shine , And I natures perfect skill : Yet a thought , that 's free and set Neuer yet in Cupids net , Better then the bond beholdes , Though the one the liuely mouldes , Th' other but the counterfet .

When Syrenus had heard the song out , he saide to Syluanus . I wish that loue , gentle Shepherd , with hope of impossible felicitie may remedie my greefes , if there be any thing in the worlde , that I would sooner choose to passe away my sorrowfull life with , then in thy sweete and gracious companie , and if it greeues me not now to the hart , that Diana is so cruell vnto thee , that she hath not ( which well she might haue done ) once thanked thee , nor showen thee a fauourable and gratefull countenance for all thy long and loyall seruice , and for so true loue that thou hast shewed therein . I could with a little content me ( saide Syluanus sighing ) if my angrie fortune would perswade Diana to giue me some hope , which she might well affoord without staine to her honour , or breach of faith to thee . But so hard harted is she , that not onely when I craue it , she denies it me , and flies from me when I come in her sight , but to comfort me with any small signe or token , whereby I might imagine or hope hereafter to enioy it , she would neuer yet consent . Whereupon I saide many times to my selfe . It may fall out that this stonie harted and fierce Tygresse may one day conceiue some displeasure against Syrenus , for reuenge whereof , and to despite him , she will perhaps shew me some fained fauour ; for so disgraced and comfortlesse a man as I am would be glad but with fained fauours to content him , and to imbrace them as true ones . And when thou wentst out of this countrie , then I infallibly perswaded my selfe , that the remedie of my greefe was knocking ( as it were ) at my doore , and that obliuion was the certainest thing to be expected after absence , and especially in a womans hart . But after when I saw her teares , her little rest and staying in the village , her delight in seeking out solitarie places , and her continual sighes , when I say I beheld all these things , God knowes with what impatience and greefe of minde I felt them . For though I knewe , that time was an approoued phisition of sorrow , which absence is commonly woont to procure , yet I desired not , that my Mistresse might passe one hower of greefe , although I hoped to get thereby two thousand of content . A few daies after thy departure I saw her at the foote of yonder hill , leaning against an oke , and staying her tender brest vpon her sheepehooke , where she stood in that sort a good while before she espied me , who , though afterwards she lifted vp her eies , yet her teares that issued out so fast , did also hinder her ( I thinke ) that she could not well perceiue me . She should then be musing on her solitarie and sorrowfull life , and on the greefe that by thy absence she conceiued : But a little after that , not without many teares ( accompanied with as many painfull sighes ) she tooke out her bagpipe which she caried in a fine scrip , and began to play on it so sweetely , that the hils , and dales , the riuers , the enamoured birdes , and the rockie mountaines of that thicke wood were amazed and rauished with her sweete musicke . And leauing her bagpipe , to the tune that she had plaied , she began to sing this song following .

O Eies , that see not him , who look'd on yow When that they were the mirrours of his sight , What can you now behold to your content ? Greene flowrie meade where often I did vew , And staid for my sweete friend with great delight , The ill , which I doe feele with me lament . Heer did he tell me how his thoughts were bent , And ( wretch ) I lent an eare ; But angry more then whelplesse Beare Presumptuous him I call'd , and vndiscreete : And he layde at my feete , Where yet ( poore man ) me thinkes I see him lye : And now I wish that I Might see him so , as then I did : O happy time were this , Sweete shadowed riuer bankes tell me where my Syrenus is . Yon is the riuer banke , this is the meade , From thence the hedge appeeres and shadowed lay , Wherein my flockes did feede the sauourie grasse : Behold the sweete noys'd spring , where I did leade My sheepe to drinke in heate of all the day , When heere my sweetest friend the time did passe : Vnder that hedge of liuely greene he was ; And there behold the place , Where first I saw his sweetest face And where he sawe me , happy was that day , Had not my ill haps way To end such happy times , O spring , O hedge , and euery thing Is heere , but he , for whom I paine continually , and misse , Sweete shadowed riuer bankes tell me where my Syrenus is . Heere haue I yet his picture that deceaues me , Since that I see my Shepherd when I view it , ( Though it were better from my soule absented ) When I desire to see the man , that leaues me ( Which fond deceipt time showes and makes me rue it ) To yonder spring I goe , where I consented To hang it on yon Sallow , then contented I sit by it , and after ( Fond loue ) I looke into the water , And see vs both , then am I so content heere , As when his life he spent heere : This bare deuise a while my life sustaineth ; But when no more it faineth , My hart surcharg'd with anguish , and cries out , but yet amisse , Sweete shadowed riuer bankes tell me where my Syrenus is . Speaking to it no wordes it is replying , And then ( me thinkes ) reuenge of me it taketh , Bicause sometime an answere I despised . But ( wofull soule ) I say vnto it crying , Syrenus speake , since now thy presence maketh Aboade , where neuer once my thoughts surmized : Say , in my soule art thou not onely prized ? But not a word it saieth , And as before me there it staieth , To speake , my soule doth pray it ( in conclusion ) O what a braue delusion , To aske a simple picture toong or sences ? O time , in what offences Of vainest hope is my poore soule so subiect vnto his ? Sweete shadowed riuer bankes tell me where my Syrenus is . I neuer can go homeward with my sheepe , When to the west the sunne begins to gyre , Nor to the foldes returne from our towne , But euery where I see , and ( seeing ) weepe The sheepe cote of my ioy and sweete desire Broken , decaied , and throwen vnto the ground : Carelesse of lambes and sheepe , there sit I downe A little while , vntill The herdesmen feeding on the hill , Cry out to me , saying , O Shepherdesse What doe thy thoughts possesse , And let thy sheepe goe feeding in the graine ? Our eies doe see it plaine : For them the tender grasse in pleasant vales doth growe ywisse , Sweete shadowed riuer bankes tell me where my Syrenus is . Yet in thine owne opinion greater reason ( Syrenus ) it had bene , thus to haue started With more constraint , and force then I did see yet , But whom doe I accuse of guiltlesse treason ? For what could make him stay and not haue parted , If fate and fortune thereto did agree yet ? No fault of thine it was , nor could it be yet In my beleefe , haue ended Thou wouldst in ought , or haue offended Our loue so plaine and simple , as to leaue it Nor will I once conceaue it , Though many shewes and signes thereof there were yet : O no , the fates did sweare it , With cloudes of sorrow to obscure my heauen of ioy and blisse , Sweete shadowed riuer bankes tell me where my Syrenus is . My song take heede thou goest where I betake thee , Yet shalt thou not forsake me : For it may be that fortune will with such a humour place thee , That may terme thee importunate and by that meanes disgrace thee .

After Syluanus had made an ende of Dianas amorous song , he saide to Syrenus , who in hearing the louing verses that his Shepherdesse had sung after his departure , was almost besides his wits . When faire Diana was singing this song , it was seene by my teares if I felt not those at my hart , which for thy sake she powred out : but making as though I had not heard , nor seene any thing , by dissembling the matter the best I could , ( which I could scarce doe ) I came to the place where she was . Syrenus interrupting him at these wordes , saide . Stay a little Syluanus , ( I pray thee ) and tell me what hart was able to chaunge , that ●elt such passions ? O constancie , O firmnesse , how seldome and how small a time doe you soiourne in a womans hart ? That the more subiect she is to loue and to imbrace you , the more ready she is to leaue and forget you . And surely I was of this opinion , that this imperfection was incident to all women , but to my Mistresse Diana , in whom I euer thought that nature had not omitted to frame euery good and perfect thing . But Syluanus after this prosecuting his historie , saide vnto him . When I came neere to the place where Diana was , I sawe her fixing her faire eies in the cleere fountaine , where vsing her accustomed maner , she began to say . O woefull eies , how sooner shall you want teares to water my cheekes , then continuall occasions to powre you out ? O my Syrenus , I would to God , before the winter with his blustring stormes despoyles the greene medow of fresh and fragrant flowers , the pleasant vallies of fine and tender grasse , and the shadowed trees of their greene leaues , that these eies may behold againe thy presence so much desired of my louing soule , as mine is eschewed and ( perhaps ) hated of thine : With this she lifted vp her diuine countenance , and by chance espied me , and going about to dissemble her sorrowfull complaint , she coulde not so cunningly doe it , but that her teares made it too manifest , by stopping the passage of her dissimulation . She rose vp at my comming , and saide . Sit downe heere Syluanus , and see how thou art now ( to mine owne cost ) sufficiently reuenged of me . Now doth this miserable woman pay thee home againe those paines , which thou didst suffer ( as thou saidst ) for her sake , if it be true , that she was euer , or yet is the cause of them . Is it possible Diana ( saide I againe ) that these eares may heare these wordes ? In the end , I perceiue , I am not deceiued by saying , that I was borne to discouer euery day new kindes of torments for thy sake , and thou to requite them with the greatest rigour in the world . Dost thou now therefore doubt , that thou art the cause of my greefe ? If thou art not , who ( dost thou imagine ) can deserue so great loue as this : or what hart in the world ( but thine ) had not before this bene mollified and made pitifull by so many teares ? And to these I added many other wordes , which now I doe not so well remember . But the cruell enemie of my rest cut off my wordes , saying . If thy toong , Syluanus , fondly presumeth to speake to me againe of these matters , and not to entertaine the time with talke of my Syrenus , I will ( at thine owne pleasure ) leaue thee to enioy the delight of this faire fountaine , where we now sit . For knowest thou not , that euery thing that intreates not of the goodnes of my Shepherd is both hatefull and hurtfull to my eares ? And that she , that loueth well , thinketh that time but ill imploied , which is not spent in hearing of her loue ? Whereupon , fearing least my wordes might haue bene an occasion to haue made me loose that great content and happines , that I had by her sweete sight and presence , I sealed them vp with silence , and was a good while without speaking a worde , onely delighting my selfe with the felicitie I had , by contemplating her soueraine beautie , vntill night with greater haste then I desired , came on , when both of vs then were constrained to goe homewards with our flockes to our village . Then Syrenus giuing a great sigh , saide . Thou hast tolde me strange things , Syluanus , and all ( wretched man ) for the increase of my harmes , since I haue tried too soone the small constancie that is in a womans hart , which for the loue that I beare to them all ( for her sake ) in very trueth greeues me not a little . For I would not , Shepherd , heereafter heare it spoken , that in a moulde , where nature hath conioined such store of peregrine beautie , and mature discretion , there should be a mixture of such vnworthy inconstancie as she hath vsed towards me . And that , which comes neerest to my hart , is , that time shall make her vnderstand , how ill she hath dealt with me , which cannot be , but to the preiudice of her owne content and rest . But how liues she , and with what contentment after her marriage ? Some tell me , saide Syluanus , that she brookes it but ill , and no maruell , for that Delius her husband though he be ( as thou knowest ) enriched with fortunes giftes , is but poore in those of nature and good education : For , thou knowest , how lowtish of spirit and body he is , and namely for those things , which we Shepherds take a pride in , as in piping , singing , wrestling , darting of our sheepehookes , and dauncing with the wenches on Sunday , it seemes that Delius was borne for no more , but onely to beholde them . But now good Shepherd , said Syrenus , take out thy Kit , and I will take my Bagpipe , for there is no greefe that is not with musicke relented and passed away , and no sorrow , which is not with the same againe increased . And so both the Shepherdes tuning , and playing on their instruments with great grace and sweetnesse began to sing that which followeth .

Syluanus . SYrenus , what thought'st thou when I was viewing thee From yonder hedge , and in great greefe suspending me To see with what affliction thou wert ruing thee ? There doe I leaue my flocke , that is attending me : For while the cleerest sunne goeth not declining it , Well may I be with thee , by recommending me Thine ill ( my Shepherd ) for that ( by defining it ) Is passed with lesse cost , then by concealing it : And sorrow ( in the end ) departs resigning it . My greefe I would recount thee , but reuealing it , It doth increase , and more , by thus recording me How in most vaine laments I am appealing it : My life I see ( O greefe ) long time 's affoording me With dying hart , and haue not to reuiue me it , And an vnwonted ill I see aboording me , From whom I hop'd a meane , she doth depriue me it : But ( sooth ) I hop'd it neuer , for bewraying it , With reason she might gain say to contriue me it . My passions did sollicite her , essaying yet With no importune meanes , but seemely grounding them , And cruell loue went hindering and dismaying it . My pensiue thoughts were carefully rebounding them On euery side , to flie the worst , restraining them , And in vnlawfull motions not confounding them . They prai'd Diane , in ils , that were not fayning them , To giue a meane ( but neuer to repell it thee ) And that a wretch might so be entertaining them . But if to giue it me , I should refell it thee , What wouldst thou doe ( O greefe ) that thus adiuring it , Faine would I hide mine ill , and neuer tell it thee . But after ( my Syrenus ) thus procuring it , A Shepherdesse I doe inuoke ( the fairest one ) And th' end goes thus , vnto my cost enduring it . Syrenus . Syluanus mine , a loue , of all the rarest one , A beautie , blinding presently disclosing it , A wit , and in discretion the waryest one , A sweete discourse , that to the eare opposing it , The hardest rocks entendereth in subduing them . What shall a haplesse louer feele in loosing it ? My little sheepe I see , and thinke in viewing them , How often times I haue beheld her feeding them , And with her owne to foulde them , not eschewing them . How often haue I met her driue , and speeding them Vnto the riuer , in the heate , where resting her With great care she was telling yet , and heeding them . After , if that she was alone , deuesting her , Thou shouldst haue seene the bright sunne beames enuying her Resplendant hayre , to kembe them manifesting her . But on the sudden meeting , and espying her , ( My deerest friend Syluane ) how oft incended was Her fairest face , with orient blushing dying her ? And with what grace , how mildly reprehended was My staying long , which she did aske , correcting me ? Which if I greeu'd , with blandishments amended was . How many daies haue I found her expecting me At this cleere fountaine , when that I was seeking her Along that thickest hedge , to greefe subiecting me ? All paines and troubles what so ere ( in meeting her ) Of sheepe , or lambes , we straight way were forgetting them , When she sawe me , or when that I was greeting her . Some other times ( Syluane ) we tun'd ( in setting them ) Our Bagpipe and the Rebeck , which we plaied on , And then my verses sung we , nothing letting them . After with bowe and arrowes we estraied on , Sometimes with nets , and she neuer refraining me , And came not home without some chase we praied on . Thus fortune went by these meanes entertaining me : Reseruing for some greater ill , and tendring me , Which hath no end , but by deathes end restraining me . Syluanus . Syrenus , that most cruell loue , engendring me Such greefe , stints not , nor hindreth the perswading me Of so much ill : I die therein remembring me . Diane I sawe , but straight my ioy was failing me , When to my onely sight she was opposing her : And ( to my greefe ) I saw long lift inuading me . How many tymes haue I found her , in losing her , How often lost , in finding and espying her ? And I my death and seruice not disclosing her . My life I lost , when meeting I was eying her Faire louely eies , which , full of anger , cruelly She turn'd to me , when that my speech was plying her : But her faire haire , where Cupides in their f●…ll lye , When she vndid and kemb'd , vnseene , then leauing me , My ils return'd most sensibly , which rue well I. But pitilesse Diana then perceiuing me , Turn'd like a cruell serpent , that in winding it , Assailes the lion : th●… my life be reauing me . One time false hope ( deceitfully but blinding it ) My hart maintain'd , ewen for my comfort choosing it , But afterwardes in such an error finding it , It mocked hope , and then it vanisht loosing it .

Not long after that the Shepherdes had made an ende of their sorrowfull songs , they espied a shepherdesse comming out of the thicket neere to the riuer , playing on a Bagpipe , and singing with as sweete a grace and delicate voice , as with no lesse sorrow and greefe , which by her countenance and gesture she so liuely expressed , that it darkened a great part of her excellent beautie : Whereupon Syrenus , who had not of a long time fed in those vallies , asked Syluanus what she was , who answered : This is a faire Shepherdesse , that hath sed but a fewe daies since in these medowes , complaining greatly of loue , and ( as some say ) with good cause , though others say , that she hath bene a long time mocked by the discouerie of a deceite : Why , saide Syrenus , lies it then in her to perceiue it , and to deliuer her selfe from it ? It doth , saide Syluanus , for I thinke there is no woman , though neuer so much in loue , whose wits and senses the force and passion of loue can so much blinde , that may not perceiue whether she be beloued againe or not . I am of a contrarie opinion , saide Syrenus . Of a contrarie , saide Syluanus ? Why , thou shalt not flatter thy selfe so much , for , the affiance which thou hadst in Dianus wordes , hath cost thee deere , and yet I blame thee not , considering that as there is none , whom her beautie ouercomes not , so is there not any , whom her wordes deceiue not . How knowest thou that , since she neuer deceiued thee by word nor deede . It is true , saide Syluanus , that I was euer ( if so I may terme it ) vndeceiued by her , but I durst ( by that which hath hitherto fallen out ) that she neuer meant any deceit to me , but only to deceiue thee . But let vs leaue this , and harken to this Shepherdesse , that is a great friend to Diana , who is well worthy for the commendable report of her wisedome and good graces to be harkened vnto . But now was the faire Shepherdesse comming towards the fountaine , and began to sing this Sonnet following .

A Sonnet . MIne eies , once haue I seene you more contented , And my poore hart , more ioyfull I haue knowne thee : Woe to the cause , whose greefes haue ouer growne thee , And yet whose sight your comforts once presented . But as this cruell fortune hath inuented ( Sweete ioy ) to roote thee vp , where she had sowen thee , So now ( Seluagia ) she hath ouer throwen thee : Thy pleasures scarce begun , she hath tormented . Let me to time or to his changing take me , Let me with motions out of order leade me , Then I shall see how free my hart is to me . Then will I trust in hopes that not forsake me , When I haue staide her wheeles that ouertread me , And beaten downe the fates that doe vndoe me .

After that the Shepherdesse had made an end of her song , she came directly to the fountaine where the Shepherdes were , and while she was a comming , Syluanus , smiling , saide . Marke but those wo●… , and the burning sigh wherewith she ended her song , what witnesses they are of her inward loue and greefe . Thereof I haue no doubt , saide Syrenns , for I woulde to God I could so speedily remedie her sorrowe , as I beleeue ( to my great greefe ) all that she hath by dolefull song vttered . And talking thus together , Seluagia was by this time come , and knowing the Shepherds , curteously saluted them , saying . What doe you in this greene and pleasant medow , despised Shepherds ? Thou saiest not amisse , faire Seluagia , by asking vs what we doe , saide Syluanus , for we doe so little in respect of that we shoulde doe , that we can neuer conclude and bring any thing to passe , that in our loues we desire to haue . Maruell not thereat , saide Seluagia , for there are certaine things , that before they ende , they that desire them , are ended . True , saide Syluanus , if a man puts his rest in a womans disposition , for she will first ende his life , before she will ende or determine to giue him any fauour , that he is still hoping to receiue at her handes . Vnhappy women are these , saide Seluagia , that are so ill intreated by your wordes : But more vnfortunate are those men , saide Syluanus , that are worse handled by your deedes . Can there be a thing more base and of lesse account , then that you are so ready for the lightest thing in the worlde to forget them , to whom you haue borne the greatest loue ? For , absent your selues but a day from him whom you loue well , and then shall he neede to commence his suite new againe . Two things I gather , saide Seluagia , by thy speech , which make me wonder not a little . The one , to see thy toong goe so much awrie , and contrarie to that which I euer coniectured , and knew by thy behauiour and conditions . For I thought , when I heard thee talke of thy loue , that in the same thou wert a Phoenix , and that none of the best louers to this day came euer neere to the extreme that thou hadst , by louing a Shepherdesse , whom I knowe , a cause sufficient ynough not to speake ill of women , if thy malice were not greater then thy loue . The second , that thou speakest of a thing thou vnderstandest not ; for to blame forgetfulnes , who neuer had any triall thereof , must rather be attributed to follie and want of discretion , then to any thing else . For if Diana did neuer remember thee , how canst thou complaine of her obliuion ? I thinke to answere , saide Syluanus , both these pointes , if I shall not wearie thine eares with hearing me . To the first , saying , That I wish I may neuer enioy any more content then now I haue , if any ( by the greatest example that he is able to alleage me ) can with wordes set downe the force and power , that this thanklesse and disloyall Shepherdesse , whom thou knowest , and I would I knew not , hath ouer my subiected soule . But the greater the loue is I beare her , the more it greeues me , that there is any thing in her that may be reprehended . For heere is Syrenus , who was fauoured more of Diana , then any louer in the world of his Mistresse , and yet she hath now forgotten him , as thou faire Shepherdesse , and all we doe know . To the other point , where thou saiest , that I haue no reason to speake ill of that , whereof I neuer had experience , I say , that the Phisition may iudge of that greefe , which he himselfe neuer had : and will further satisfie thee , Seluagia , with this opinion of me , that I beare no hate to women , nor ( in very trueth ) wish them ill , for there is nothing in the world , which I would desire to serue with more reuerence and affection . But in requitall of my zealous loue , I am but ill intreated , and with such intolerable disdaine , which made me speake so much by her , who takes a pride and a glorie in giuing me such cause of greefe , Syrenus , who had held his peace all this while , said to Seluaggia : If thou would'st but listen to me , faire Shepherdesse , blamelesse thou wouldest hold my riuall , or ( to speake more properly ) my deere friend Syluanus . But tell me , what is the reason , that you are so inconstant , that in a moment you throwe a Shepherde downe from the top of his good hap , to the deepest bottome of miserie : knowest thou whereunto I attribute it ? To nothing else but to your owne simplicitie : bicause you haue no perfect vnderstanding to conceiue the good , nor knowe the value of that , you haue in your handes . You meddle with loue and are vncapable to iudge what it meanes ; how doe you , then , knowe to behaue your selues in it . I tell thee , Syrenus , saide Seluagia , that the cause why Shepherdesses forget their louers , is no other , but bicause they are forgotten of them againe . These are things , which loue doth make and vndoe , things which time and place alters and buries in silence , but not for the want of womens due knowledge in them , of whom there haue bene an infinite number in the world , who might haue taught men to liue , and to loue , if loue were a thing that might be taught or learned : But yet for all this , there is not ( I thinke ) any baser estate of life then a womans ; for if they speake you faire , you thinke them by and by to die for your loue ; if they speake not to you , you thinke them proude and fantasticall ; if their behauiour be not to your liking , you thinke them hypocrites . They haue no kind of pastaunce , which you thinke not to exceede : if they holde their peace , you say they are fooles : if they speake , you say they are so troublesome , that none will abide to heare them : if they loue you the most in the world , you thinke they goe about to deceiue you : if they forget you , and flie the occasions of bringing their good names in question , you say they are inconstant , and neuer firme in one minde and purpose : So that the good or ill woman can doe no more to please your mindes , then neuer to exceede the limits of your desires and dispositions . If euery one faire Seluagia , saide Syrenus , were indued with this finenesse of wit and graue vnderstanding as thou art , they woulde neuer giue vs occasions to make vs complaine of their small regarde in their loue . But bicause we may knowe what reason thou hast to finde thy selfe so much aggreeued with it , so may God giue thee comfort needefull for such an ill , as thou wouldest vouchsafe to tell vs the substance of thy loue , and all the occurrents which haue hitherto befallen thee therein . For ( it seemes ) thou canst tell vs more of ours , then we are able to informe thee , to see , if his effects , which thou hast passed , will giue thee leaue to speake so freely as thou dost : for by thy wordes thou seemest to haue more experience in them , then any woman that euer I knewe . If I were not the most tried woman in them , saide Seluagia , I am ( at the lest ) the worst intreated by them , as any euer was , and such an one , who with greater reason then the rest may complaine of loues franticke effects ( a thing sufficient to make one speake ynough in it . ) And bicause by that which is past , thou maiest knowe that which I now suffer , to be a diuellish kinde of passion , commit your misfortunes a while to silence , and I will tel you greater then euer you heard before .

IN the mightie and inuincible kingdome of Portugall run two great riuers , which wearied with watring the greater part of our Spaine , not far from one another enter into the maine Ocean . Betweene both which are situated many olde and ancient townes , by reason of the great fertilitie of the soile , which hath not the like in the whole world . The inhabitants liues of this prouince are so much sequestred and estranged from things , that may disturbe the minde , that there is not any ( but when Venus by the mightie handes of her blinde sonne meanes to shew her power ) who troubles his minde more , then to sustaine a quiet life , by maintaining a meane and competent liuing with those things , which for their poore estates are requisite . The mens endeuours are naturally disposed to spend their life time in sufficient content , & the womens beauties to take it from him , who liueth most assured of his libertie . There are many houses in the shadowed forrestes , and pleasant vales , the which being nourished by the siluer deaw of soueraine heauen , & tilled by their inhabitants , fauourable sommer forgetteth not to offer vp into their handes the fruites of their owne trauels , and prouision for the necessitie of their liues . I liued in a village neere to great Duerus one of these two riuers , where Minerua hath a most stately temple built vnto her , the which in certaine times of the yeere is visited of all , or most of the Shepherdesses , that liue in that prouince : who , with the faire Nymphes thereabouts , begin , a day before the holy feast , with sweete songs and hymnes to celebrate it , and the Shepherdes likewise to solemnize the same with challenges of running , leaping , wrestling , and pitching the barre , appointing seuerall rewardes and giftes for them , that beare the bell away , sometimes a garland of greene Iuie , sometimes a fine Bagpipe , Flute , or Sheepehooke of knottie Ashe , and other guerdons which Shepherdes make most account of . But the festiuall time being come , I with other Shepherdesses my friendes and acquaintance , leauing of our seruile and worke-day apparell , and putting on the best we had , went the day before to that place , determining to watch all that night in the temple , as other yeeres before we were wont to doe . Being therfore in companie of my friendes , we sawe comming in at the doore a Beuie of faire Shepherdesses , attended on by iolly Shepherdes , who leauing them within , and hauing done their due orisons , went out againe to the pleasant valley : for the order of that prouince was , that no Shepherd might enter into the temple , but to doe his deuotion , and then presently to goe foorth againe , vntill the next day , when all came in together to participate the ceremonies and sacrifices , which were made there . The reason was , bicause the Shepherdesses and Nymphes might sit alone , and without trouble or occasion to thinke of any other matter , then deuoutly to celebrate the feast , and to make merry with one another , according to the ancient accustomed manner . And the Shepherdes to remaine amongst themselues without the temple in a faire greene meade hard by , where by the brightnesse of nocturnall Diana they might disport themselues . But the foresaid Shepherdesses being come into the sumptuous temple ( after they had saide a fewe prayers , and presented their offerings vpon the altar ) they placed themselues downe by vs . And it was my ill hap , that one of them sat next vnto me , to make me infortunate as long as her memorie did importune me . The Shepherdesses came in muffled , for their faces were couered with white vailes tied vp aboue their hats , which were artificially made of fine strawe , and so curiously wrought with many workes of the same , that it excelled the glittering golde in shew . But as I was eying her , that sat next vnto me , I perceiued how she did seldome cast off her eies from beholding me againe ; and when I looked on her , I might see her cast them downe , fayning as though she would see me , but in such sort , that I might not perceiue it . I did not meanely desire to knowe what she was , bicause , if she had spoken to me , I might not vpon ignorance haue made a fault by not knowing her againe , who all the while that I sat thinking of some other matter , did neuer cast her eies off me , but viewed me so much , that a thousand times I was about to speake vnto her , being suddenly enamoured of those faire eies , which of all her face were onely discouered and open . But she seeing me sitting in this perplexitie , pulled out the fairest , and most dainty hand , that euer I did see , and taking mine into it , did with a sweete and amorous eie a little while behold me : whereupon being now so striken in loue , as toong cannot expresse , I saide vnto her . It is not onely this hand , most faire and gracious Shepherdesse , that is alwaies ready to serue thee , but also her hart and thoughts , to whom it appertaineth . Ismenia ( for so she was called , that was the cause of my disquiet and molested thoughts ) hauing now complotted in her minde to mocke me ( as you shall heare ) answered me softly , that none might heare her , in this manner , saying . I am so much thine , sweete Shepherdesse , that , as such an one , I boldly presumed to doe that which I did , praying thee not to be offended with me , for no sooner I viewed thy faire and amiable face , but presently I lost the power of my conquered soule : I was so glad to heare these wordes , that comming neerer vnto her , with a smile I answered her thus . How can it be , gentle Shepherdesse , that thy selfe being so passing faire , shouldest fal in loue with her , who wants it so much , to make her haue the name of such an one , and more , with a woman as I am . It is that loue ( faire Shepherdesse ) saide she againe , that seldome endes , suruiuing all destinies , and which is neither subiect to change of time , nor fortune . If the condition of my estate ( saide I againe ) could prompt me so fit an answere , as thy wise and discreete wordes doe inforce , the desire which I haue to serue thee , should not let me from manifesting the same by most louing termes , but in these few ones beleeue me ( faire Shepherdesse ) that the resolution which I haue to be thine , not death it selfe can determine , nor take away . After these wordes , our mutuall imbracings were so many , and our louing speeches to one another so often redoubled , and of my part so true and vnfained , that we regarded not the Shepherdesses songs , nor beheld the daunces , nor other sportes that were made in the temple . And now by this time was I earnest with Ismenia to tell me her name , and to put off her muffler , both which not onely she cunningly excused , but very suttly turned her talke to another matter . But midnight being now past , and I hauing the greatest desire in the worlde to see her face , and to knowe her name , and of what village she was , began to complaine of her , and to tell her , that it was not possible that the loue , which by her wordes she protested to beare me , was so great , since hauing tolde her my name , she concealed hers from me : and that louing her as I did , it was impossible for me to liue , vnlesse I knewe whom I loued , or from whence I might heare newes from my loue againe , and many other things I tolde her in so good earnest , that the same , and my teares helped to mooue false Ismenias hart : who rising vp and taking me by the hand , to carry me aside into some secret place , where none might heare her , began to say these wordes vnto me , making as though they came out from the bottome of her hart . Faire Shepherdesse , borne onely for the vnrest and torment of a soule , that hitherto hath liued as exempt and free as possible might be , who can choose , but tell thee that thou requirest at my handes , hauing now made thee the sole Mistresse of my libertie ? Vnhappie me , that the chaunge of my habit hath deceiued thee , although the deceit redoundes to mine owne harme : The muffler , which thou intreatest me to pull off , behold , to please thee , I take away , but to tell thee my name makes not much to thy purpose , when as heereafter ( though I would not ) thou shalt see me oftener then thou maiest well suffer . And speaking these wordes , and pulling off her muffler , mine eies behelde a face , whose countenance , though it was somewhat manlike , yet was the fauour and beautie of it so singular , that it made me to woonder . But Ismenia prosecuting her speech , saide . And bicause thou maist knowe ( faire Shepherdesse ) the summe of this paine which thy beautie hath made me feele , and that the wordes which haue passed betweene vs but in sport , are true , knowe , that I am a man , and not a woman , as thou takest me to be : These Shepherdesses , which thou seest heere in my companie ( my kinswomen and familiar acquaintance ) to make some sport and to laugh , apparelled me in this sort ; for otherwise I could not haue staied in the temple , by reason of the olde custome so strictly obserued heere . When I heard these wordes , and perceiued as I said before , not those effeminate lookes in her face , nor that demure modestie in her eies , which maidens for the most part are woont to haue , I verily beleeued that all was true that she tolde me , and then was so far besides my selfe , that I knew not what to answere her . Yet mine eies did still contemplate that most perfect beautie , and marked those words , which with so great dissimulation she had tolde me : for neuer could any make a false and fained tale seeme more apparant and true as that craftie and cruell Shepherdesse did . Then I felt my selfe so intangled in her loue , and so well content to heare that she was enamoured of me againe , as ( gentle Shepherdes ) I am not able to declare . And though I had not till then any experience of loue passions ( a cause sufficient not to make me expresse them ) yet forcing my selfe the best I could , in this sort I saide vnto her . Faire Shepherdesse , that hast ( to make me liue without libertie , or for some other respect , which fortune best knowes ) taken vpon thee the habit of her , who for thy loue hath entirely vowed her affections to thee , thine owne had sufficed to ouercome me , without making me yeelde with mine owne weapons . But who can flie from that , which fortune hath allotted her ? Thrise happy might I haue thought my selfe , if on purpose thou hadst done that , which by chaunce , and onely for merriment thou hast deuised . For , if by changing thy naturall habit , it had bene onely to haue seene me , and to vnfolde to me thy amorous desires , I would then haue attributed it to mine owne desertes , and ( no doubt ) to thy great affection , but seeing that the intent was of an other consequence , although the effect hath resulted to this thou seest , it contents me not so greatly ( I must needes confesse ) being done in such sort as I haue saide . And let not this desire amaze nor greeue thee ; for there is no greater signe of a perfect louer , then to desire to be beloued of him , to whom she hath wholy offered vp her libertie . Whereupon by that thou hast heard me vtter , thou maiest gather , how thy sight hath blinded my vnderstanding , and made me become such an one as I am , beseeching thee to vse the power thou hast ouer me , in such sort , that I may entertaine this opinion , to thinke my selfe happie and fortunate to the end of our loue , the which for my part ( while life doth last ) shall not die in my faithfull and louing brest . Deceitfull Ismenia was so skilfull to frame a suttle answere to my simple wordes , and to faine speeches so fit for the subiect of our talke , that none coulde escape the cunning deceit , whereinto I fell , vnlesse fortune by the threed of wisedome had vnwound her out of so intricate a laberinth . And in this sort we were together vntill morning came on , talking of that , which she may imagine , that hath passed the like disordered occurrents in loue . She tolde me her name was Alanius , her countrie village Gallia , three miles from our towne , where we appointed to meete , and see one another many times together . But now gan the duskie welkin to waxe cleere , and hastie morning was come , when both of vs with many imbracings , teares , and sighes were constrained to depart from one another . She went from me , and I , turning my head backe to beholde her , and to see if she looked backe at me againe , perceiued how she went away smiling to her selfe , whereof ( thinking that mine eies did but deceiue me ) I made no regarde at all . Away she went with the companie that came with her , and I with more then I brought , since in my troubled minde I carried backe with me the eies and Idea of fained Alanius , the wordes , by the which she had opened to me her malicious and ridiculous loue , the imbracings , that I receiued of her , and the cruell greefe , which vntill that time I had neuer prooued before . And now you must knowe ( good Shepherdes ) that this false and suttle Ismenia had a cosin called Alanius , whom she loued more then her selfe , for in countenance and eies , and in euery other part and lineaments , she resembled him so much , that if they had not bene of different sexe , none could haue iudged the one from the other . And the loue which she did beare him , was so great , that when I asked her her name in the temple , and seeing that she must needes tell me some Shepherdes name or other , the first that came to her minde and mouth , was that of Alanius . For there is no greater certaintie , then that the toong in a sudden matter doth euer concurre with the hart . And her the Shepherd loued well , but yet not so much as she did him . But now when the Shepherdesses were come out of the temple , to goe home to their villages , Ismenia went to her kinsman Alanius , who , to shew her all the curtesie , that in so great and mutual loue was requisite , leauing the yongsters companie of his towne , accompanied her all alone : whereat Ismenia was not a little proude and ioyfull : who to entertaine the time with some talke by the way , tolde him all that had passed betweene vs , not omitting any thing , and not without great sport and laughter of them both , telling him also , that I went away with firme beleefe , that she was a man , and greatly enamoured of her . When Alanius heard these nouelties , he dissembled the matter the best he coulde , saying , that it was a pleasant and pretie iest . And picking all out of her , that had passed betweene vs , so that ( he thought ) there was nothing left vntold , they came to their towne . But eight daies after ( which I thought were eight thousand yeeres ) the traitour Alanius ( for so I may with greater reason call him , then he had afterward to cast me off ) came to our towne , and stood attending me in such a place , where I could not choose but see him , as I was going with other maides to the fountaine not far from the towne : whom when I espied , I was rapt out of minde for extreme and sudden ioy , thinking he was the very same , that in the habit of a Shepherdesse had spoken to me in the temple ; whereupon I made him some secret signes to come to the fountaine , whither I was going , who knowing my meaning , performed foorthwith my minde . Thither he came , and there we were talking together as long as time woulde giue vs leaue , and the loue ( of my side at the lest ) was so strongly confirmed betweene vs , that though the deceit had bene discouered ( as not many daies after it was knowne ) it was yet of so great force and vertue , that it coulde neuer make me alienate my minde and affection from him . And I also beleeued , that Alanius loued me well , and that especially from that time he was greatly enamoured of me , though afterwardes in effect he did not so well declare it : so that for certaine daies together our loue happily continued , and was handled with the greatest secrecie that might be , which was not yet so great , but that subtile Ismenia in the end perceiued it : who ( seeing her selfe to be the onely cause thereof , and most in fault ) not onely by deceiuing me , but by ministring occasion to Alanius of discouering himselfe , and by that which passed , to fall in loue with me , and to forget her ( as indeede he did ) for very greefe was almost out of her wits , but that with this poore hope she comforted her selfe againe , that , if I knew the trueth , I would immediately forget and cast him off , wherein she was not a little deceiued : for as he afterwardes loued me more and more , so by his seuerall beauties and singular deserts , I was more obliged to loue and honour him . But Ismenia purposing to open the deceite , which by her owne follie and suttletie she had framed , wrote me this letter following .

Ismenias letter to Seluagia .

IF we are bound to loue those well ( Seluagia ) that loue vs , there is nothing in the world , which I ought to esteeme deerer then thy selfe ; but if to hate them that are the cause , why we are forgotten and despised , I leaue it to thine owne discretion . I would put thee in some fault , for casting thine eies vpon my Alanius , but ( wretched woman ) what shall I doe , that am the organ of mine owne mishap . O Seluagia , to my greefe I sawe thee , and well could I excuse that which I passed with thee , but in the end such fonde prankes haue seldome good successe . For laughing but one little hower with my Alanius , and telling him what had passed betweene vs , I must now weepe and lament all my life time , if my greefe ( at the lest ) may not mooue thee to some remorse of pitie . I beseech thee ( by all I may ) that the discouerie of this deceite may suffice , and so worke with thee , to make thee forget my Alanius , and restore this haplesse Shepherdesse to that , which ( being not a little ) thou art able to doe , if loue will permit thee to graunt me this fauour , which I request at thy hands .

When I had read this letter , and imparted it to Alanius , he then at large vnfolded vnto me the maner of her deceit , but not one word of the loue , that was betweene them both , whereof I made no great reckoning ; for I was so assured of that which he seemed to beare me , that I woulde neuer beleeue that any passed or future thoughts might haue bene an occasion to haue made him afterwardes forget me . But bicause Ismenia might not by my silence thinke me discurteous , I answered her letter thus .

Seluagias letter to Ismenia .

I Knowe not faire Ismenia , whether I may iustly accuse thee , or giue thee thankes for disposing my minde and affection in this sort , nor can resolue with my selfe whether of these two I should doe , vntill the successe of my loue doe counsell me heerein . On the one side I am sorie for thy ill hap ; on the other , I see that thou wentst foorth ( as it were ) to meete and imbrace it . Seluagia was free when thou didst delude her in the temple , and is now subiect to his will , into whose handes thou wouldst needes deliuer her . Thou praiest me to leaue off the loue , that I beare Alanius , with that which thou thy selfe wouldst doe in this behalfe , I may easily answere thee . Yet one thing makes me very sad , that thou art greeued for that , for which thou hast no iust cause of complaint , which to the patient therof giueth the greatest paine in the world . I do often consider & thinke of those faire eies , with which thou didst behold me , and of that sweete face , which ( after many importunate requestestes ) thou didst shew me , and it greeues me Ismenia , that such faire things , and so like to my Alanius , should suffer any sorrow and discontentment at all . Behold then what remedie is left for thy greefe : that for the bountie , which thou hast vsed towardes me , by giuing me the most precious gemme thou hadst , I kisse thy faire and daintie hands ; which curtesie of thine being so great , God graunt that by some meanes or other I may be able to requite . If thou seest my Alanius there , tell him ( I pray thee ) what reason he hath to loue me , for he knoweth already , how much he hath to forget thee . And God glue thee the content thou desirest , which may not be to the cost of that which I haue , by seeing my affection so happily and well imploied .

Ismenia could not reade this letter to the end , for in the middest of it her sighes and teares , which she powred out , were so many , that she thought at that very time to haue lost her life . She laboured ( as much as she could ) to make Alanius forsake me , and deuised so many meanes for the same purpose , as he , to shun those places and occasions , whereby he thought he might see her . Not that he meant her any harme thereby , but bicause he thought ( by doing so ) in some part he requited the great loue that I bare him . All the daies that he liued in this minde , there escaped not any , wherein I sawe him not ; for he passed euermore that way , feeding his flockes , which from our towne did leade to his . He accounted no trauels nor troubles too great , which he did for my sake , and especially , if he thought I regarded them . Day by day Ismenia inquired after him , and neuer ceased to seeke him out , who being sometimes tolde by others , and sometimes knowing her selfe , that he was in our towne , had no patience at all to suffer such a corsiue at her hart . And yet for all this , there was not anything , that contented and pacified her troubled minde more , then when she could get some little time to speake with him . But as necessitie is so ingenious and politike , that it seekes out remedies , where mans wit can scarce imagine any , despised Ismenia aduentured to helpe her selfe by one , which I woulde to God had neuer entred into her thought , by faining that she extremely loued another Shepherd called Montanus , who a long time had loued and serued her before . And as she purposed , so she put it in practise , to trie if by this sudden change she might draw Alanius to that which so much she desired . For there is not any thing , which a man thinks he hath most sure , though making but a small account thereof , but that the losse of it ( if on a sudden he loose it ) doth not a little greeue him . But now when Montanus perceiued that faire Ismenia his loue and Mistresse had at last mollified her long obdurate hart , and now thought good to requite the great loue that he had so long time borne her , Shepherdes , you may well imagine , what content he felt . For so great was his ioy , so obsequious his seruices to her , and so many troubles that he passed for her sake , that they were an occasion ( with the disfauours and contempt that Alanius had shewen her ) to make that fained loue prooue true , which but in iest she began to beare him . So that Ismenia yeelded her hart wholy to Montanus with such firmnesse , that there was not any in the world , whom she loued more then him , nor whom she desired lesse to see then my Alanius : the which ( as soone as she could ) she gaue him to vnderstand , thinking that as by these meanes she was sufficiently reuenged of his for getfulnesse , she had likewise busied my head with the cruell thought therof . The loue that Alanius did beare me ( although it greeued him to the hart to see Ismenia loue that Shepherd , whom in all his life time he could neuer abide ) was yet so great , that he neuer seemed to make any shew of his secret greefe . But certaine daies passing on , and thinking with himselfe , that he onely was the cause of his enemies good hap , and of those singular fauours , that Ismenia shewed him , and that the Shepherdesse did now shun his sight ( who not long since before died for the want thereof ) despite , wroth , and iealousie at once so fiercely assailed him , that his impatience had almost bereft him of his wits , if presently he had not determined to hinder Montanus his good fortune , or in the pursuite thereof to haue lost his deerest life . For performance whereof , he began to looke on Ismenia againe , and not to come so openly in my sight , as he was wont to doe , nor to be so often out of his towne , least Ismenia might haue knowen it . The loue betweene her and Montanus went not on so forwardes , as that betweene me and my Alanius backwardes , though not of my part ( when nothing , but death , was able to diuorce my minde from him ) but of his , in whom I neuer thought to see such a sudden change : For so extremely he bumed with choler and rancour against Montanus , and so deepely enuied his good fortune , that ( he thought ) he could not execute nor asswage that anger , but by renewing the olde loue , that he bare to Ismenia ; for furtherance whereof , his comming to out towne was a great impediment , whose absence from me as it engendred forgetfulnesse in him , so the presence of his Ismenia , rekindled his hart with a straunger kinde of loue then before : whereupon he returned againe to his fust thoughts : And I ( poore soule ) remained all alone deceiued and scorned in mine owne affection . But all the seruice that he bestowed on Ismenia , the tokens and letters that he sent her , and the pitifull complaints that he made vnto her , or any thing els that he was able to doe , could neuer mooue her fetled minde , nor make her forget the lest part of that loue , which she bare Montanus . I being therefore lost for the loue of Alanius , Alanius dying for Ismenia , and Ismenia for Montanus , it fell out , that my father had a certame occasion of busines about the buttals of certaine pastures with Phylenus father to Montanus , by reason whereof both of them came often to our towne , and in such a time , that Mont anus ( whether it was for the superfluous fauours , that Ismenia bestowed on him ( which to men of a base minde is a cloying ) or whether he was too iealous of the renewed and earnest suites of Alanius ) waxed very colde in his loue to Ismenia . In the end when he espied me driuing my sheepe to the folde , and with a curious eie looking on me , he began presently to be enamoured of me , so that ( by the effects which he daily shewed ) it was not possible for me to beare greater affection to Alanius , nor Alanius to Ismenia , nor Ismenia to Montanus , nor Montanus to loue me more , then in very trueth he did . Beholde what a strange cousinage of loue : If Ismenia went by chaunce to the fielde , Alanius went after her ; if Montanus went to his flockes , Ismenia after him ; if I went to the hils with my sheepe , Montanus after me ; if I knew that Alanius was in the wood , where he was wont to seede his flocks , thither I hied me after him . And it was the strangest thing in the world to heart how Alanius sighing saide , Ah my Ismenia ; and how Ismenia saide , Ah my Montanus ; and how Montanus said , Ah my Seluagia ; and how Seluagia saide , Ah my Alanius . It fell out afterwardes on a day , that we fower met together in a forrest that lay betweene all our townes , and the reason was , bicause Ismenia went to visite certaine Shepherdesses of her acquaintance , which dwelt thereabouts , which when Alanius knew , being forced , and driuen on by his fleeting thoughts , he went after to seeke her out , and found her neere to a fine spring kembing her golden haire . I being tolde by a certaine Shepherd ( my neighbout ) that Alanius was gone to the forrest of the valley ( for so it was called ) tooke out before me a few goates , that were shut vp in a little yarde neere to our house , ( bicause I would not goe without some errant ) and went after him , where my desire guided me ; whom by chaunce I found weeping and complaining of his ill fortune , and the Shepherdesse laughing and iesting at his bootlesse teares , and sighes . When Ismenia espied me , she was not a little glad of my companie , and began to be merry with me , although I had no cause to be so with her , to whom I rather obiected the small reason , and lesse regarde of modestie and discretion she had , to greeue my hart with that vnciuill part and bad deceit ; whereof she so wisely excused herselfe , that whereas I thought she would haue made me some amendes for all my greefe and sorrow , by her wise and well ordered reasons , she gaue me to vnderstand , that I was rather bound to her , in that if she had mocked me , I had ( saide she ) satisfied my selfe as well , and requited her againe , not onely by taking Alanius her cosin from her , whom she loued more then her selfe , but also by enticing Montanus to my loue , from that he was wont to shew her . By this time came Montanus , who was tolde by a Shepherdesse ( a friend of mine ) called Solisa , that I was gone to the forrest of the valley with my goates . And when all the fower discontented and discordant louers met there together , it cannot be imagined what we all felt : for euery one looked vpon another that would not haue bene viewed of those eies againe . I asked my Alanius the cause of his forgetfulnes , he sued for mercie at craftie Ismenias handes ; she accused and complained of the colde loue of Montanus ; he of Seluagias cruelty . Being therefore in this sort ( as you haue heard ) euery one tormented for them , who loued them not againe , Alanius to the tune of his Fiddle by this dolefull song began to complaine of Ismenias crueltie .

NO more ( O cruell Nymph ) now hast thou prayed Ynough in thy reuenge , prooue not thine ire On him that yeeldes , the fault is now apayed Vntomy cost : now mollifie thy dire , Hardnes and brest of thine so much obdured : And now raise vp ( though lately it hath erred ) A poore repenting soule , that in the obscured Darknes of thy obliuion lies enterred . For it fals not in that , that doth commend thee , That such a Swaine as I may once offend thee . If that the little sheepe with speede is flying From angrie Shepherd ( with his wordes affraied ) And runneth here and there with fearfull crying , And with great greefe is from the flocke estraied : But when it now perceiues that none doth follow , And all alone , so far estraying , mourneth , Knowing what danger it is in , with hollow And fainting bleates , then fearefull it returneth Vnto the flocke , meaning no more to leaue it , Should it not be a iust thing to receiue it ? Lift vp these eies ( Ismenia ) which so stately To view me , thou hast lifted vp before me That libertie , which was mine owne but lately , Giue me againe , and to the same restore me : And that milde hart , so full of loue and pittie , Which thou didst yeeld to me , and euer owe me . Behold ( my Nymph ) I was not then so witty To knowe that sincere loue , that thou didst shew me : Now wofull man full well I knowe and rue it , Although it was too late before I knew it . How could it be ( my enemie ) say , tell me , How thou ( in greater fault and errour being Then euer I was thought ) should'st thus repell me ? And with new league and cruell title seeing Thy faith so pure and woorthy to be changed . And what is that Ismenia , that doth binde it To loue , whereas the same is most estranged , And where it is impossible to finde it ? But pardon me , if herein I abuse thee , Since that the cause thou gau'st me doth excuse me . But tell me now what honour hast thou gained , Auenging such a fault by thee committed ; And thereunto by thy occasion trained : What haue I done , that I haue not acquitted ? Or what excesse , that is not amply paied , Or suffer more , that I haue not endured ? What cruell minde , what angry brest displaied , With sauage hart , to fiercenes so adiured , Would not such mor tall greefe make milde and tender , But that , which my fell Shepherdesse doth render ? Now as I have perceiued well thy reasons , Which thou hast had , or hast yet to forget me , The paines , the greefes , the guiltes of forced treasons , That I haue done , wherein thou first didst set me : The passions , and thine cares , and eies refusing To heare , and see me , meaning to vndoe me : Cam'st thou to know , or be but once perusing Th' vnsought occasions , which thou gau'st vnto me , Thou should'st not haue wherewith to more torment me , Nor I to pay the fault my rashnes lent me .

Thus did my Alanius end his sweet song , wherewith I would my life had also ended , & not without great cause , since my mishap could not be more extreme , then to see him ( whom I loued more then my selfe ) before mine eies to pine so much for the loue of another , and so strangely to forsake me . But as I was not alone in these misfortunes , I did dissemble them for that time ( as well as I could ) as also bicause faire Ismenia , casting her eies vpon her Montanus , began to sing that which followeth .

HOw fond am I to hope for any rest In endlesse plaints , vaine sighes , and bootelesse teares ? The present now at hand to be exprest , Yet few to these , that , with ten thousand feares , I haue powr'd out vnto thy cruell eares . And if at any time my life did tend To other loues in earnest or in iest , This loue by that I neuer could offend , Bicause I did but then begin to prooue , And learne , how well Montanus I could loue . Then did I learne to loue , my selfe I taught To loue , by him , who lou'd me not againe : For I suspected that I should be brought Vnto thy loue ( Montanus ) when in vaine I loued him , that did my loue disdaine : I try'de ( I say ) my free and carelesse hart Of loue to taste some sorrow , that it sought : And let that Shepherd with his loue depart , That loues with thee , for all his paine and greefe Is but in vaine , when vaine is his releefe . Let none accuse me then , if I disdaine Alanius loues , whose loues are but a showe , For I could neuer loue nor entertaine Any but thee , for whom I will bestowe My deerest life , since heauens will haue it soe . And if at any time I fein'd to like , I lik'd ( I say ) but how I did I knowe , For neuer any Shepherd els could strike My hart indeede , but thou , to whom I giue My faith kept for thee since I first did liue . Let burning sighes go forth and still increase , Let both mine eies become two springs of teares , Let accidents , repugnant to mine ease Arise , for thoughts , which now my minde for sweares , Shall neuer hurt that loue which now it beares : Let sorrow goe , and ill which way they will , And now let ioies returne which way they please , For where they are , there will I houer still , Since that no harme my purpose may reclame , Nor cruell death it selfe , although it came .

Ismenia by this song had reuenged me of cruell and disloyall Alanius , ( if in the loue ( at the lest ) which I did beare him , any desire of reuenge could befall , ) but Montanus staied not long from requiting Ismenia againe , who casting his eie vpon me , sung this song as followeth .

FOolish loue , ah foolish louer , I for thee , thou for another . I am a foole , and seeme no lesse , For thee who will not be ? For he 's a foole I doe confesse , That is not one for thee : And yet this doth not well agree , To be a foolish louer , Or foole for her , that is a foole for louing of another . Now seeing thee , thou seest not mee , And diest for my foe , Eate me with sauce ( that loueth thee ) Of him thou louest soe : So shalt thou make me ( to my woe ) To be a foolish louer , And such a foole for louing thee as thou art for another .

When he had made an ende of the last verses , notwithstanding the present agonie and sorrow , that we al suffered , we could not choose but laugh hartily to see how Montanus would haue me deceiue my taste by looking on him , with the sauce and appetite of Alanius , whom I loued , as if it might haue fallen in the compasse of my thought , to suffer it to be deceiued by the apparance of an other thing . But now with greater firmnesse then the rest , I began to tune and play on my Bagpipe , and to sing a song to it , as you shall heare ; for by the same I thought to shew how more constantly then any of the rest there , I had perseuered in my loue to Alanius .

ALthough my quiet it doth let , Rather then blame discredit me , ( For God forbid that I forget ) Let me with wrong forgotten be . Not onely where obliuion raineth , There is no loue , nor can be none , Nay , where there is suspicion , There is no loue , but such as faineth ; Great harme it is to loue , where set In bootelesse hopes , the minde they free , But God defend that I forget , Forgotten though a iest it bee . If that I loue , why then loue I , To sport or leaue to loue at all ? For what more honor can befall , Then die for that , for which I die : To liue therefore and to forget , Is such a shamefull life I see , That I had rather loue one yet , Forgotten though to death I bee .

When I had made an ende of my song , the Shepherdes teares ( but those especially of faire Ismenia ) were so many , that of force they made me participate some of her greefe , which thing I might well haue left vndone , for no fault could iustly haue bene attributed to my great mishap , as to all those that were there , it was sufficiently knowen . After this euery one of vs went to their owne towne , bicause it was not meete for vs to be out of them at such inconuenient and late howers . And the next day , my father ( without telling me the cause why ) caried me out of our towne , and brought me to yours , placing me there in the house of Albania mine aunt , and his sister , whom you knowe well , where I haue remained a few daies since my comming hither , not knowing the cause of my sudden exile , but haue heard of late , that Montanus hath married Ismenia , and that Alanius was about to marrie a sister of hers called Syluia : whereupon to conclude , I wish that he may liue ( since it was not my good fortune to haue him ) as ioyfull a life with his new spouse , that nothing may want to the full accomplishment of their content and happinesse : For , the loue , which I beare him will suffer me no lesse , then to wish him all the felicitie of this life .

When Seluagia had made an end of her sorrowfull tale , she began to weepe so bitterly , that both the Shepherdes ( being a kinde of friendly dutie , wherein they had no small experience ) began also to helpe her with their teares , and after hauing spent a little time in this sort , Syrenus saide vnto her . Great is thy greefe ( faire Seluagia ) and yet I iudge thy patience and discretion greater . Take example by other mens harmes , looke into their paines , consider their woes , if thou wilt the better support thine owne : And bicause it growes now towardes night , let vs be iogging towardes our towne , and to morrow passe away the heate of the day neere to this cleere fountaine , where we will all three meete . Let it be as thou saiest ( said Seluagia ) but bicause betweene this and the towne there is a pretie way , let euery one of vs ( to passe it away with some thing ) sing a song befitting the condition and qualitie of his loue . The Shepherdes answered , if she would begin , they would follow , which Seluagia did , all three going on softly towardes the towne .

SHepherd who can passe such wrong And a life in woes so deepe ? Which to liue is to too long , As it is too short to weepe . Greeuous sighes in vaine I waste , Leesing my affiance , and I perceiue my hope at last With a candle in the hand . What time then to hope among Bitter hopes , that euer sleepe ? When this life is to too long , As it is too short to weepe . This greefe which I feele so rife , ( Wretch ) I doe deserue as hire , Since I came to put my life In the handes of my desire . Then cease not my plaints so strong , For ( though life her course doth keepe ) It is not to liue so long , As it is too short to weepe .

With a burning sigh that came from her afflicted soule , Seluagia ended her song , saying , How vnfortunate ( alas ) am I that see my selfe buried in iealousie & despaire , which cannot in the end but bring my life to no other passe , then to that which is infallibly expected of them . After this , forgotten Syrenus to the tune of his Rebecke began to sing this song following .

WEepe not my dolefull eies , But if you weepe , thinke ( at the lest ) They tolde no trueth but lies , And then it may be you may rest . Since that imagination Doth cause so much in euery state , Thinke that she loues thee as of late , And thou shalt haue lesse passion . And if you will ( mine eies ) Haue ease , imagine then the best , And that they told you lies : And so perhaps you may haue rest . Thinke that she loues as well , As euer she did heretofore : But this sad men caunot restore , To thinke what once befell : Then mournfull eies , where lies Your helpe ? Yet thinke of some at lest , If not , weepe still mine eies , Or make an end , and you shall rest .

After that sorrowfull Syrenus with many teares had made an end of his song , despised Syluanus began his thus .

MY life ( yoong Shepherdesse ) for thee Of needes to death must post ; But yet my greefe must stay with mee After my life is lost . The greeuous ill , by death that cured is Continually hath remedie at hand : But not that torment , that is like to this , That in slowe time , and fortunes meanes doth stand . And if this sorrow cannot be Ended with life ( as most ) What then doth this thing profit me , A sorrow wonne or lost ? Yet all is one to me , as now I trie A flattring hope , or that that had not bene yet . For if to day for want of it I die , Next day I doe no lesse for hauing seene it . Faine would I die , to end and free This greefe , that kils me most If that it might be lost with me , Or die when life is lost .

And in this sort the two Shepherdes went homewardes in companie of Seluagia , departing from one another with accorde to meete the next day following at the same place .

The end of the first booke of Diana .

The second Booke of Diana of George of Montemayor .

NOw did the Shepherdes , which fed their sheepe in the fieldes of Ezla , begin to shew themselues , euery one with his flockes along the bankes of those cristalline waters ( each Shepherde knowing , & choosing out the best place before the Sun did rise , the better to passe away the burning heate of the day ) when the faire Shepherdesse Seluagia came down from the hil , which from her towne did leade to a thick wood , driuing her gentle sheepe and lambes before her : who , after she had put them amongst the lowe shrubs , which grew very thicke thereabouts , and seeing them busie in knobbing the yoong and tender boughes , to stanch their hunger , went directly to the fountaine of the Sicamours , where the day before , in companie of the two Shepherds , she had passed away the noone-tide heate : and seeing the place so agreeable to melancholie , and contemplation of her sorrowes , she thought it not amisse to take the opportunitie of the time , and place , and to sit downe by the fountaine , whose waters seemed with her swelling teares to increase : where , after she had a great while busied her selfe in diuers and sundrie thoughts , she began thus to say . May it be possible Alanius , that thou art the man , whose eies I neuer saw dried vp from teares in presence of mine ? And he , who , falling downe so many times at my feete , with louing and pitifull wordes , craued mercie and clemencie at my handes , the which ( to my great harme and greefe ) I so gently bestowed on thee ? Tell me Shepherd ( the falsest that liues on earth ) is it true that thou louedst me , to cloy thy minde , with my fauours , and so soone to be wearie of the loue that thou didst beare me ? Thou mightest imagine , that it was no lesse in my power , to forget and despise thee , as thou hast forgotten me . For it is the part of those , that handle not their matters of loue so well as they shoulde , to thinke that their Mistresses may play the like partes with them , as they haue done before ; though some vse it for a remedie and policie to make their loue encrease the more . And others , that iealousie ( the occasion whereof most commonly they faine ) may so captiuate their Mistresses mindes , that ( as they make them beleeue ) they are not able to settle their affection in any other place : whereupon most of them come by little and little to manifest all that they fained before , whereby more cleerely they discouer their disloyaltie . All which extremes at last result to the greefe and preiudice of vs poore soules , who ( not considering how the endes of such things commonly fall out ) doe so deepely sinke into that kinde of assured affection , that we neuer leaue of to loue you , nor you to requite vs with ingratitude and inconstancie , as thou dost that loue ( disloyall Alanius ) which I haue borne , and doe still beare thee . So that which of these thou hast bene , I cannot coniecture . But wonder not Seluagia , that thou vnderstandest so little in matters of disdaine , that art so well practised in loues affaires . Thou didst euer beare an honest and vertuous pretence by thy wordes , whereby I neuer looked for lesse by thy deedes , which made me thinke , that that loue , ( whereby thou mad'st me beleeue , that thy desire extended to wish no more of me , then pure loue againe ) should neuer haue an end : for if any further drift had bene in thy desires , I woulde neuer haue suspected firmnesse in thy loue . O wretched woman , how soone haue I begun to know thy intentions , and yet how late to preuent my harmes ? Come thou to me my pretie Bagpipe , and with thee will I passe the time away : for had I spent it onely in thy exercise and delight , it had bene better for me : and after she had plaied a while on it , she began to sing this Sextine following .

WAters that fall from top of these steepe Hils , With such a noyse into these lowe deepe Vales , Why thinke you not of those , which from my Soule Continually distill my wearied Eies ? And what 's the cause of them ? Vnluckie Time , In which hard fortune robbed all my Ioy . Loue gaue me hope of such a golden Ioy , That ther 's no Shepherdesse in all these Hils , That had such cause to praise a happy Time : But after he did put me in these Vales Of swelling teares , that fall from both mine Eies : Not to behold such greefe as kils my Soule . Such is the paine , that wounds a louing Soule , That in the end I know what thing is Ioy : O where shall I then turne my wearied Eies ? If that the medowes , woods , the plaines , and Hils , The pleasant groues , and fountaines of the Vales , Still to my thoughts present so sweete a Time ? Who would haue thought that such a happy Time Should be so fierce a torment to my Soule ? Or cruell fortune banish me the Vale , Wherin all things were obiects of my Ioy ? Vntill the hungrie woolfe , which to the Hill Ascending vp , was pleasant to mine Eies . But fortune now , what may my drenched Eies Behold , which saw their Shepherd many a Time Driuing his lambes before him downe this Hill ? Whose name for ay shall rest within my Soule . O fortune foe vnto my former Ioy , How doe I languish in this irkesome Vale ? But when so pleasant and so fresh a Vale Is not delightfull to my wearied Eies , And where I cannot finde content and Ioy : And hope not now to haue it any Time , See what extremes enuiron then my Soule : O that he came againe . O that sweete Hill : O highest Hils , and fresh and pleasant Vale , Where once my Soule did rest and both these Eies , Tell me shall I in Time haue so much Ioy ?

About this time Syluanus was with his flockes in a thicket of Mirtle trees neere to the fountaine , musing and imagining diuers things in his minde : but when he heard Seluagias voice , awaked as it were out of a slumber , he gaue attentiue eare to the verses , that she did sing . But as this Shepherd was cruelly intreated of loue , and contemned of Diana , so his passions made him wander a thousand times out of his wits , as that he now spake ill of loue , and by and by praised it , sometimes merrie , and other times more pensiue and sad , then the most sorrowfull man in the world , to day speaking ill of women , to morrow extolling them aboue all mortall creatures . And thus did this sorrowfull Shepherd leade a life , which as to all , so especially to those that are free from loue would be tedious and difficult to describe . But hauing heard Seluagias sweete verses , and obtained leaue of his sad thoughts , he tooke his Kit , and to the tune thereof began to sing that which followeth .

TO heare me wearied is the cleerest riuer , Tedious I am to euery vale and mountaine : And now to heare ( O loue , my sorrowes giuer ) My plaining , wearied is each cristall fountaine . The Sicamour , the Oke , and Elme are wearie , Spring , Sommer , Autumne , and the winter season Hearing my cries , are sworne not to be merry . With teares I melt these rocks : and yet all reason Of pitie ( Tigresse ) thou dost still deny me , When trees , and stones for greefe are dying by me . A bondslaue of a freeman thou hast made me , And of a man of reason , cleane contrarie : With life , and death , by turnes thou dost inuade me , And to tormenting greefe my soule dost carrie . Of affable , and one that liu'd so gayly , Made me thou hast to frowards disdaining : Of one , that did conuerse with all men daily , Made me thou hast their company refraining . Eies had I once , now blinded with desire : I was a man of flesh , but now of fire . What 's this my hart , thy torments dost thou double ? Tell me mine eies , and are you still a weeping ? My soule , sufficeth not my passed trouble ? My teares , and are ye yet in riuers steeping ? My wandring wits , and are you not molested More then ynough with such incessant sorrow ? And are ye not my senses also wrested From your right course , resting not euen nor morrow ? How know I then , weepe , see , or feele this hower , When torments waste their force and seuerall power ? Who made my Shepherdesses tresses twist all Of fine Arabian gold , not gilt-like shining : Her face of cleerest and of chosen christ all , Her rubie lips , two rowes of pearle combining : Her dymond eies , like to those stars aboue all , Her necke , that whitest Allablaster stayneth , Her passing wit , inforcing vs to loue all : Her stately minde , that all our loues disdaineth . Why made shee not her hart of melting matter , Then of such marble stone so hard to batter ? One day I do conforme me to my fortune , And to my griefe , that faire Diana causeth : Next day mine yll doth vex me , and importune My soule with thoughts of griefe that seldome pauseth : Cruell and fierce and inhumane I call her , And so there is no order in my sorrow : For afterwards in phrases I install her , What now I say , I do deny to morrow . And all is thus leading a life in anguish , Which soone mine eies may see by death to languish .

When faire Seluagia knew the Shepherd Syluanus by his voice , she went to him , and saluting one another with curteous and louing words , they sat them downe vnder the shadow of a thicke and leafie mirtle , in the mids of a little medow , which for the diuersitie of fine golden flowers wherewith it was spotted , more then their sorrowfull thoughts could desire , was most pleasant to the wandring eie . And Syluanus began to speake in this sort . The diuersitie of so many vnaccustomed mishaps , that daily harme vs woefull & true louers cannot be ( faire Seluagia ) without griefe and compassion of minde considered . But amongst them all , there is none ( me thinks ) that ought to be so much feared as that , which he suffers , who hath once seene himselfe in a good and ioyfull estate : the which by experience ( as yesterday thou didst tell me ) I neuer came yet to know : for the life ( which I passe ) is so far from rest , and deliuered vp to sorrowfull imaginations , that a thousand times in vaine I seeke out new inuentions and means to deceiue and alter my tast . For remedy wherof , I do sometimes think , That I am deerely beloued of my mistresse , which thought ( without opening any further passage to this fiction ) I retaine as long as I can in my mind : but when I consider afterwards the truth of my estate , I am so confounded with my selfe , as I am not able to expresse it , and then ( against my will ) am voide of all patience : since then a bare imagination is not such a thing , that may be suffered , behold what the truth is able to do ? I would to God ( Syluanus ) I were free ( said Seluagia ) from this franticke passion that I might speake the better in it , as in such a case it were most needfull . For thou canst not know any greater signe of loue , whether it be little or much , or of passion , whether it be small or great , then by hearing her tell it , that feeles it : for a passion extremely felt can neuer be well manifested by her toong that suffers it . So that I ( being subiect to my mishap , and sorrowfull for that disgrace , which Alanius doth me ) am not with words able to expresse the Chaos of griefe wherin I am ouerwhelmed . Wherefore I leaue it to thy consideration and iudgement , as to things wherin I may put an assured confidence and trust . I know not Seluagia , what to say ( replied Syluanus sighing ) nor what remedies we may hope for of our harms , dost thou ( perhaps ) know any ? How should I not know ( said Seluagia ) And wottest thou what it is ? To leaue of to loue . And this maiest thou do thy selfe ( said Syluanus . ) As fortune and time shall ordaine ( saide Seluagia . ) Then I tell thee ( said Syluanus maruelling much ) that thou needest not trouble thy selfe so much by complayning of thy griefe , bicause that loue , which is subiect to time and fortune , cannot be so extreme , to giue one any trouble or paine that suffers it . And canst thou deny ( said Seluagia , againe ) that it is not possible to haue an end in thy loue , either by death or absence , or by being fauoured in some other place , where thy sutes & seruices may be more esteemed , and better recompenced ? I will not make my selfe ( saide Syluanus ) such an hypocrite in loue , that I will not graunt , what thou saiest may be possible , but not in me . For woe betide that louer , that ( though he see such fortune fall to others ) would haue so little constancie in his loue , to thinke that any thing ( contrary to his faith ) may befall vnto him . I am a woman ( said Seluagia ) and thou shalt see by me if I loue not as much as any may . And yet this offendes not my loue to thinke , that there may be an end of euery thing , be they neuer so firme and strong , since it is the propertie of time and fortune with their vsuall changes to alter all things , as they haue euer done . And thinke not Shepherd , that any obliuious thought of his loue , that hath so iniuriously forgotten me , makes me speake this , but that , which I haue seene by experience in these passions . And talking thus together they heard a Shepherd singing , as he came along the medow before them , whom they knew by and by to be the forgotten Syrenus , who , to the tune of his Rebecke came singing this Sonnet .

GOe now my thoughts , where one day you were going , When neither fortune , nor my loue did lower : Now shall you see that changed day and hower , Your ioies decaied , and vncouth sorrowes growing ? And in the glasse , where I was oft bestowing Mine eies , and in that sweete and pleasant flower , A sluggish drone vnwoorthely deuower That honie , which for me sometimes was flowing . And you shall see to whom I did surrender My subiect life , that causelesse did despise it : And though this ill no remedy can borrow , Yet tell her , that my minde did once ingender A feare of that , which after to mine eyes yet She makes more plaine , to end my life in sorrow .

After Syrenus had made an end of his Sonnet , he sawe faire Seluagia , and Syluanus comming towards him , whereof he was not a little glad , and after some curteous salutations between them , they determined to go to the fountaine of the Sicamours , where they had beene the day before , but before they were come thither , Syluanus said , Hearke , do you not heare certaine voices singing ? Yes ( said Seluagia ) and me thinks of more then one . Where might it be ( said Syrenus . ) In the meadowe of the Laurell trees , said Syluanus , in the mids whereof the spring , that comes out of this cleere fountaine so pleasantly runneth : It shall not be amisse for vs to go thither , but so softly , that they that are singing , may not perceiue or heare vs , lest we breake off their sweete musicke . Let vs go , said Seluagia : and so step by step , they went towards the place , where they heard that singing , & hiding themselues behind certaine trees neere vnto the brook , they saw three Nymphes sitting vpon the golden flowers , of such excellent beauty that ( it seemed ) nature had made a manifest proofe of that , she was able to do . They were apparelled with vpper garments of white silk , wrought all aboue with fringe of gold , their haire , ( which in brightnes obscured the sunnie beames ) was tied about their heads with fillets of orientall pearle , whose curled lockes vpon their christalline foreheads made a fine periwig ; iust in the mids wherof hung downe an Eagle of gold , holding betweene her talants a rich and pretious Diamond . All three with maruellous good consent so sweetly plaied on their instruments , whereunto they ioyned their Angelicall voices , that it seemed no lesse then celestiall musicke , and the first thing they sung , was this fancie .

COntents of loue , That come with so great paine , If that you come , why go you hence againe ? Not fully come , But you begin to starte : Neuer with perfect some To nestle in a woefull heart . And will you now so soone depart , And leaue me in such paine ? Then hence delights , and see me not againe . From you I flye , ( Since you denie my sight ) To make me know thereby The losse , if that I loose you quite . Then ( since you do me such despite ) Depart not griefe and paine , For when you goe , you soone returne againe .

After they had ended their song , one of them called Doria said . Are these ( Cynthia ) the riuer bankes , where the Shepherd Syrenus went vp and downe , tormented and lost for the loue of the faire Shepherdesse Diana ? I without doubt ( said the other ) they must be these , for neere vnto a fountaine not far from this medow , it was told me , they tooke of each other their last farewell , which is ( I assure thee ) worthie to be celebrated with eternall memorie , for the amorous and louing speeches , that passed betweene them . When Syrenus heard this , he was almost out of his wits , to see how the three Nymphes had knowledge of his mishaps . But Cynthia , proceeding , said . And among these riuer banks are many other faire Shepherdesses , and enamoured Shepherds , where loue hath shewed his mightie power and effects , and some cleane contrary to that they hoped for . This is a thing ( said Polydora , for so was the third called ) not greatly to be maruelled at , bicause there is no successe in loue , ( be it neuer so preposterous ) which may cause wonder in those that haue passed his disordinate effects . But tell me Cynthia , how knewest thou of this farewell ? I knew it thus ( said Cynthia ) for at that time when they tooke it , neere to the foresaid fountaine , Celius , who behind an Oke was listening to them , heard it , and committing it to memorie , did truly put it in verse , as it passed betweene them . Therfore if thou wilt heare it , I thinke , I can sing it to the tune of my lute . Faire Cynthia ( answered Polydora ) so may thy destinies and fortune fauour thee , as thy beauty and good graces are no lesse delightfull vnto vs , then the hearing of so sweete a song shall be ( wherein is matter so woorthie to be knowen ) if thou wilt deyne to pleasure vs with the recitall of it . Cynthia then taking her harpe , began to sing as followeth .

The song of the Nymph . NEere to the riuer bankes , with greene And pleasant trees on euery side , Where freest mindes would most haue beene , That neuer felt braue Cupids pride , To passe the day and tedious how'rs Amongst those painted meades and flow'rs . A certaine Shepheard full of woe ( Syrenus call'd ) his flockes did feede , Not sorowfull in outward showe , But troubled with such greefe indeede , As cruell loue is wont t' impart Vnto a painfull louing hart . This Shepherd euery day did die For loue he to Diana bare , A Shepherdesse so fine perdie , So liuely yoong and passing faire , Excelling more in beautious feature , Then any other humane creature . Who had not any thing , of all She had , but was extreme in her , For meanely wise none might her call , Nor meanely faire , for he did erre , If so he did : but should deuise Her name of passing faire and wise . Fauours on him she did bestowe , Which if she had not , then ( be sure ) He might haue suffred all that woe , Which afterwards he did endure When he was gone , with lesser paine , And at his comming home againe . For when in deede the hart is free From suffring paine or torments smart , If wisedome doth not ouersee , And beareth not the greater part , The smallest greefe and care of minde Doth make it captiue to their kinde . Neere to ariuer swift and great ( That famous Ezla had to name ) The carefull Shepherd did repeate The feares he had by absence blame , Which he suspect , where he did keepe And feede his gentle lambes and sheepe . And now sometimes he did behold His Shepherdesse , that thereabout Was on the mountaines of that old And ancient Leon , seeking out From place to place the pastures best , Her lambes to feede , her selfe to rest . And sometimes musing , as he lay , ( When on those hils she was not seene ) Was thinking of that happy day , When Cupid gaue him such a Queene Of beautie , and such cause of ioy , Wherein his minde he did imploy . Yet saide ( poore man ) when he did see Himselfe so sunke in sorrowes pit , The good that loue hath giuen mee I onely doe imagine it : Bicause this neerest harme and trouble Hereafter I should suffer double . The Sunne , for that it did decline , The carelesse man did not offend With firie beames , which scarce did shine , But that which did of loue depend , And in his hart did kindle fire Of greater flames and hot desire . Him did his passions all inuite , The greene leaues blowne with gentle winde , Cristalline streames with their delite , And Nightingales were not behinde , To helpe him in this louing verse , Which to himselfe he did rehearse . Syrenus his song . A Farewell they departure call , That loues delight did neuer knowe , But that that endes with life and all , I terme a greefe and endlesse woe . God graunt therefore that all that space My lingring life I might sustaine , Vntill I see againe the place Where my true hart doth still remaine . For onely thinking to depart , The thought doth make me so afraid , That it must kill my trembling hart With force of such great greefe apaid . Syrenus did these verses sing , And on his Rebecke sweetely play , So far from ioy or ioyfull thing , And from contentment any way : That he could not pronounce his minde For weeping , which was left behinde . And now bicause he would not be In fault , ( if that his greefe and paine The accents and the verse , which he Pronounc't , did hinder or restraine ) That which his willing minde did let , His hart to end did not forget . But after that the Shepherd had With moornefull voice these verses soong , He sawe Diana come so sad , And yet so faire , so fresh and yong , That where she cast her star like eies , With colours braue the meades she dies . Her face as faire and fresh as flower , And yet so sorrowfull againe , That none could iudge at that same hower , Whether her greefe and inward paine , Or her braue beautie did surpasse ? In her so faire , and sad ( alas . ) Thus comming many a time she staide , Casting vnto the ground her eies , So comfortlesse and so dismade , And sometimes vp into the skies , That there they hung with greefe in steede Of two bright stars , like stars in deede . Saying with greater greefe of minde ( Then humane thought can once conceaue ) Since such annoy in ioy I finde : From this day ( loue ) well maist thou leaue Thy ioies vnto thy selfe to keepe , And me , to feede no more but sheepe . The cause of all her greefe and woe , Which she by absence wrong did feare , There did she very cleerely showe , And if she wasted many a teare , Aske but those blasing eies , which still With passions did Syrenus kill . If that her loue had euer peere , Her goodnes there hid not the same : And if that absence cost her deere , Or feared her before it came , This song aboue each other thing Can tell , which she with teares did sing . Dianas song . O Loue thou gau'st me not the ioy , That in sweete presence I did finde , But that in absence the annoy Should seeme more greeuous to my minde . Thou giuest ease , thou giuest rest , But not to giue content but guile , And that the suffrance in my brest , Might be but idle for a while . She loues inuentions , neuer scant In presence to affoord releefe , Bicause in absence I should want Defence against my mortall greefe . Now faire Diana being come Vnto the place , where she did spie Her loue , she would haue spoken some Few wordes , but greefe did them denie : And wofull man , he nothing spake , Though he did oft a semblant make . How much they had betweene them both To talke , their eies made manifest , Declaring that , which very loth Lay in their secret harts and brest , With that milde countenance and show , With which they spake not long agoe . They both together downe did sit Vnder a flowrie Myrtle tree , One by the hand the other yet Did take , for ouer come was he By her , and she by him againe , Both in their mutuall passions slaine . For that great pleasure and delight Of seeing one an other there , And greefe , to leese that happie sight , So wrought their harts with ioy and feare , That to each other neither could Vtter a word , though faine they would . Some other times they met againe Vpon this banke with other passions , Which meetings they did entertaine And celebrate with other fashions : Not , as in times then gone and past , For of this sort , this was the last . A strange effect of mighty loue , To see two loue in such degree , That greater torments they did proue , When either did each other see , Then when they were remooued quite From ioying in each others sight . Syrenus seeing now the howre , When greefe of parting was to come , He had no patience nor no powre To speake , but straight was striken dumbe : Nor of his teares he could get leaue To vtter what he did conceaue . His Shepherdesse he did behold , His Shepherdesse beheld againe The man , whose hart with feare was cold , Speaking to her with cruell paine : Indeede his Greefe for him did speake , For he could not whose hart did breake . Alas Diana , who would haue said , When I was in most heauie case , Or who would haue imagined , But that , when I did view thy face , My very soule then most opprest , Should by that sight haue found some rest . In any time who would haue thought , That any thing ( sweete Mistresse ) might A greater greefe or paine haue brought Vnto my soule with more despight , Then thy sweete presence and thy sight , ( My soueraine ioy and chiefe delight ) Who would haue thought , but that againe Those eies , when that they viewed me , Should haue dissolu'd , and burst in twaine The knot of all my miserie : Which my mishaps ( so long assured ) By any way might haue procured . Faire Mistresse then behold my state , And how mishap my soule doth chace , For if I died but of late With great desire to see thy face , Now doe I die by seeing thee , Present and not thou killest me . And thinke not that this passion drawes To want of louing thee , for none Hath bene so firme , but now bicause I come vnto this meade with mone To take my leaue , where I before To see thee came , but now no more . My soule I would haue giuen faine This day , which thou hast conquer'd soe , Not to haue seene thee in this plaine ( Although no other life I knowe ) Onely to misse ( I care not how ) The greefe of this departure now . And giue me leaue ( faire Shepherdesse ) To thinke , that thou canst not deny it , But thou dost feele my heauinesse In that degree , as I doe trie it : For in thy presence t' is not such A matter to presume so much . If then , Diana , it be so , Tell me , how can I now depart ? How dost thou suffer me to go When each doth carry others hart ? Or how doe I come hither yet , To take my farewell without let ? O my faire Shepherdesse againe No reason can I yeeld thee why , Nor how of thee I should complaine , As thou shalt haue continually Absent , when I am gone from thee O , neuer to remember me . I knowe right well it is not thow , That mak'st me to depart , and lesse , My purest faith constraines me now , ( For needes I must the same confesse ) And if I should but tell and show it , Who doth the same , I doe not know it . Thus full of paine and bitter teares , And sighing , which he neuer spar'd , The Shepherd to her louing eares Did speake these words which you haue heard . And hearing them , in minde she kept Them , and full bitterly she wept . To answere him she went about A thousand times , but could not doe it , For still her greefe did put her out , And so she could not frame her to it . But then for her , her loue so stable An answere shapt ( her toong vnable . ) My friend in such a time I am , Where I shall speake more then I would , That though mine ill , which lately came , Cannot be vttered ( as it should : ) Yet ( Shepherd ) would I thinke it good , To hold my peace if that I could . But woe is me , that this great ill I come to tell , and publish it In such a time against my will , That it auailes not any whit Thy iourney to delay a while , Nor these my torments to beguile . Why goest thou hence ( O Shepherd ) tell : Why wilt thou now forsake me heere ? So full of greefe alone to dwell , Where time , and place , and all the deere , And sweetest ioyes of this our loue Shall neuer from my minde remooue . What shall I feele ( vnhappy wight ) Comming vnto this pleasant greene , When I shall say ( Farewell sweete sight ) Heere haue I my Syrenus seene ; Heere did we sit , heere did we play , Discoursing with him day by day . Behold if that it will not bee A daily sorrow , when these bankes I doe beholde , and cannot see Thy selfe , where goodly trees in rankes And in their barke my name to stand Carued so finely by thy hand . And see if any greefe or dole Is like to this , when I behold The place so sorrowfull and sole , Where deere Syrenus with a cold And trembling feare thou didst protest Thy greefe to me within thy brest . If then thy hart ( so cruell now ) Is mollified by falling teares , How melts it not for greefe , and how Consumes it not with many feares , At this occasion ( so vniust ) To leaue my comfort in the dust ? Then Shepherd weepe not , for in vaine Thy plentious teares and sighes are spent , For he that doth lament the paine , In whom it lieth to preuent , I thinke he is not sound of wit , If such a folly he commit . But my Syrenus pardon me , If my sharpe wordes thine eares offend , And giue me leaue to speake with thee In this faire meade , where ( cruell frend ) Thou leau'st me not one little how'r With my poore selfe , nor in my pow'r . For I will not , ( nor yet in iest ) Shepherd from thee my selfe absent , Then goe not , wilt thou ? say at lest , And to these eies , that euer lent Such helpe to thee , some pitie keepe , And sorrow now to see them weepe . Syrenus answered her againe , Alas thou canst not choose but knowe By all these teares I spend in vaine , If that I doe desire to goe ; But thou commaundest me to stay , And my hard hap to goe away . Thy matchlesse beautie when I see , ( Mistresse ) then am I euer bound Willing at thy commaund to be : But wofull Shepherd when I found My hap to beare so great a sway , Of force I must the same obay . Then my departure forced is , But by no fault that I did make , And credit me ( sweete Nymph ) in this , That all the world I would forsake , In these faire meades with thee to wende , Where now I see my ioyes doe ende . My Master that great Shepherd is He , that doth make me to depart , Whom I may see , and wish that his Exempted thoughtes and freest hart Braue loue may punish with such paine , As at this parting I sustaine . I would to God , my going hence ( Onely to pleasure thee this day ) By shewing of my iust pretence , Lay in my power any way : As Mistresse in thy fairest handes My life and death at mercie standes . But credit me , it is in vaine , ( To that which euer I doe trie , And that thou think'st as much againe ) That neuer in my handes did lie Ought in the world , that might but giue Any content to make me liue . Another course well might I take , And leaue my flocke to stray about , I might my Shepherd to forsake And seeke some other Master out : But if the end I marke and see , This with our loue doth not agree . For if I doe forsake my flocke , Which vnto me he did commend , And take in hand some other stocke Of cattell or of sheepe to tend , Tell me , how can I come vnseene Without thy harme vpon this greene ? And if the force of this great flame My willing presence heere detaines , It is a signe , that I doe frame My thoughts on thee , and so it staines Thy honour , which to saile is sent , Onely ( sweete life ) for my content . And if ( they say ) I doe imploy ( Faire Shepherdesse ) my loue on thee , And that againe I doe enioy Thy loue so frankly giuen me . Thee they condemne , thou dost sustaine The onely losse , and I no gaine . The Shepherdesse at this same season This answer with great greefe did make , O Shepherd tell me now , what reason Thou hast my presence to forsake ? Since that in loue there is no sound Of any reason to be found . A signe it is ( not good to vse ) By daily proofe we see the same , That he that can so well excuse His absence from his louing dame , If he were gone out of her sight , He would account the same but light . Ah greefe , since going now away , I knowe not what will chaunce to thee , And forced if I am to stay Nor then what shall become of me ? Nor there if thou wilt thinke ( my deere ) That one did see another heere . I knowe not if I am deceau'd , By hauing laide before thine eies This painfull greefe that hath bereau'd Me of my ioy , where now it dies , But that which to my harme must be , I knowe shall be most sure in me . Thou greeu'st not at my little ease , Go Shepherd then , take shipping now , With brittle barke the Ocean seas , In steede of these greene fieldes goe plow : Since of my teares these seas ( alas ) So quickly thou dost ouerpasse . The heauens from stormes thy barke defend , From rockes , from wrecke , and swallowing sand , And that thou mai'st ( my sweetest frend ) Safely arriue in wished land : And fortune better deale with thee , Then at this time thou dost with me . Alas for very greefe I die , Seeing mine eies to take their leaue Of all their sweete contents , whereby This greefe , and teares doe so bereaue My toong of speech , that faine I would Speake more vnto thee if I could . And Shepherd I doe wish besides , That these two eies ( which weepe in vaine ) Before that death my life deuides , May see thee heere yet once againe : And though their harme thou dost procure , They wish thee yet all good be sure . He answered her , my Mistresse deere , A mischeefe neuer comes alone : A mortall greefe doth not appeere Without more companie , and one That is more mightie then the rest , And this it is that wounds my brest . For though I see I must depart From my sweete life , ( since from thy sight ) Not halfe so much it greeues my hart , At seeing thee in such a plight For my departure , and sustaine Such greefe indeede and cruell paine . But if those eies I doe forget , ( The mirrours of my happinesse ) I wish that God aboue may let Me not this wished life possesse , Or if my thoughtes imploied be ( Sweete life ) on any but on thee . And if that any beautie else Shall make new motions in my minde , ( Though it be neuer so excelse ) Or in the same content I finde , For one small howre of such content , I wish eternall punishment . And if my firmest faith for strange And forren loue , that may befall , Or my sincerest loue I change , I wish that fortune may recall Me to a life most desperate , Throwing me downe from this estate . O sweetest Mistresse of my hart , Prescribe no time for my retourne : For it doth kill me to depart , And I shall neuer cease to mourne , And passe the greatest greefe and paine , Vntill these eies see thee againe . She answered him , ( my deere Syrenus ) If that I shall in any day ( Though now our destinies doe weane vs ) Forget thee , then I wish the May And freshest flowers in this meade May die , when on them I doe treade . And if on any man aliue , But onely thee ( my loue ) I thinke , I wish , that , ( when my sheepe I driue Vnto the riuer streames to drinke ) Comming vnto them , at my sight , The waters may be dry'd vp quite . Shepherd , receiue this little string Made of my haire for thy sweete sake , Bicause by seeing of the thing , Thou maist remember thou did'st take Possession of my louing hart , And them , with which thou doest depart . And this ring with thee thou shalt beare , With hand in hand , as thou dost see , Which for my sake I pray thee weare , That though our bodies parted bee , Nothing shall part , not death alone , Two soules vnited both in one . He saide with thee what shall I leaue , Naught haue I but this Sheepehooke heere : The which I pray thee to receiue , And Rebecke , to the which ( my deere ) Thou saw'st me sing in this greene meade , And play and many a daunce to leade . To sound of which ( my Shepherdesse ) A thousand songs to thee I soong , Singing of thy great worthinesse ( Too high for my base song and toong ) And of our loues and of my passions , And of my sweetest lamentations . Each one imbrac't the other fast , And this ( I thinke ) the first time was , And ( as I gesse ) it was the last , Bicause those times did change and passe : And loue with time did change and varie From that , which once they both did carie . For though Diana felt great paine For absence of her louer deere , Yet in the same she found againe A remedie , as did appeere , For after he the seas did passe , She to another married was .

Faire Cynthia hauing made an end of her sweete song , Doria and Polydora wondred that a Shepherdesse could be the cause , that loue kindled such burning flames , and marueiled no lesse how time had cured her greefe , which seemed at their farewell to be remedilesse . But vnfortunate Syrenus all the while the Nymph with her sweete song did manifest his old cares and sighes , forgot not to breath them out so thicke , that Syluanus , and Seluagia could not by any meanes comfort him : for he was now no lesse pensiue then at the very time , when he passed them , maruelling much how she knew of these particulars which passed betweene him and Diana . And Syluanus and Seluagia were no lesse astonished at the passing sweete grace , wherewith Cynthia both song and plaied the same .

But now the faire Nymphes , tooke vp their instruments , and went walking vp and downe the greene meadow , lest of all suspecting that , which happened vnto them : for hauing gone but a little way from the place , where the Shepherdes were secretly abiding , three monstrous and foule Sauages came out of a thicket of high broome and bushes on the right hande of the woode , armed with corselets and morions of tygres skins , and so vgly to behold , that to the fearefull Nymphes it was a strange and terrible sight . The braces of their corselets were at the endes armed with gasping mouthes of serpents , out of the which their armes shewed monstrously great , and full of haire , and their morions that encompassed their grisely foreheads , with dreadfull heads of lyons , being naked in euery other part of their body , but that it was couered all ouer with long and thicke haire , and bearing in their rude hands clubs , armed with iron and sharpe steeled points . At their neckes their bowes and arrowes , and likewise their shields , which were broad shels of monstrous Tortuses were hanging downe behinde them : who with an incredible swiftnes ranne vpon the fearefull Nymphes , saying . Now is the time come ( ingrate and scornefull Nymphes ) that by our strength and wils you shall be forced to do that , which our milde loue and longe suites could neuer bring to passe , for it is not reason that fortune should doe such iniurie to our captiue harts , with so long and great paine to defer our remedies . In fine , we haue now in our hands the guerdon of our sighes and lamentations , which wearied the birds and beasts of the darke and enchaunted woode , where we dwell : and the recompence of our burning teares , wherewith we made the raging and lothsome riuer , that watreth the dreadfull fieldes and plaines of our territories to swell , and ouerflowe his banks : Since then you haue no other meanes to saue your liues , but by easing & helping our harmes , be not so wilfull by resistance , to make our cruell hands take vengeance of that paine , which so long you haue made our afflicted harts to feele . The Nymphes at the sudden sur-sault of these monsters were so amazed , that they were not able to answer to these proude and cruell wordes , but onely with silence and teares . Albeit faire Doria , who had more courage then the rest , at last did stoutly answer them thus againe . I neuer thought that loue could bring a louer to so foule an extreme , as with violent hands , and such vnseemly force to sease vpon his beloued . It is the manner of cowards to carie weapons , and fight with silly women , in an open and desart fielde , where none is able to defend them , but their vertue , and honest reasons . But of one thing ( cruell & vile beasts ) you may be ascertained , that your menaces shal not make vs leese one iot of that , which our honours require , and that we will sooner leaue our liues in your barbarous hands , then suffer our deer chastities by your beastly forces to be violated . It is needlesse ( Doria ) ( saide one of them againe ) to harken to their reasons , who had none at all to handle vs with so great scorne and crueltie : wherevpon vnloosing the string from his bowe , that hung at his necke , he tooke her by both her faire hands , and rudely tied them togither , and so did his companions , Cynthias and Polydoras . The two Shepherds and the Shepherdesse Seluagia , astonished at the monstrous violence of the Sauages , and seeing what beastialitie they beganne to vse to the faire and tender Nymphes , not able to endure it , resolued to die , or to defende them from their cruell handes . Wherefore all three taking out their slings , and filling their scrips with stones , came out of the woode , into the greene medowe , and beganne to throwe them at the Sauages with such courage and dexteritie , as though their liues had lien in their handes ; And thinking to plie them so fast with stones , that the Nymphes ( while the Sauages were busie about their owne defence ) might escape , and saue their persons from their vile immanitie , they redoubled their force , with the greatest speede and valour they coulde : Whose driftes the suttle Sauages suspecting , one of them had an eie to the faire prisoners for running away , while the other two , by winning ground on their enemies , thought to make a quicke dispatch of them . But the stones came so dangerously and so many , that they had ynough to defende themselues , so that , as long as they lasted , the Sauages fared very ill . But as the Shepherdes were afterwardes occupied in stowping downe to take vppe more stones , the Sauages came running in to them so speedily with their massie clubs , that nowe they were without any hope of life , if presently a certaine strange Shepherdesse ( of such singular beautie and comely feature , as made both the Sauages and the rest amazed at her goodly personage ) had not come out of the thicke wood neere vnto the fountaine , where they before were singing . She had her bowe hanging on her left arme , and a quiuer of arrowes at her shoulder , in her hand a fine staffe of wilde oke , armed at the end with a long and well steeled pike . But when she saw the three Nymphes in so great distresse , and the effray betweene the two Sauages and the Shepherdes , who now looked for nothing more then present death , by putting quickly a sharpe headed arrow into her bowe , with no meane force and skill she shot it at one of the Sauages , leauing it halfe hidden in his hard brest , whereby the arrow of loue , that pearced his hart lost the force , and the Sauage his life . Neither was she slowe in putting another in her bowe , nor lesse skilfull in shooting it , for with the same she as well ended the enamoured passions of the second Sauage , as of the first . But setling her selfe to shoote at the third , that was keeping the three Nymphes , she could not so soone effect it , but that he came running in to her , within the length of his club , and had surely dispatched her with one blowe , if the faire Shepherdesse , by lifting vp her knottie staffe ( as he was discharging vpon her ) had not taken it vpon the iron point ( whereby his club brake in two peeces ) and immediately requited him with another vpon the top of his crowne , wherewith she made him stagger on his knees , and then running a thrust at his face ( and with such force and aime it was ) that pearcing his eies , her staffe made speedie passage thorow his braines , so that the fierce . Sauage , yelling out a horrible and lowde grone , fell downe dead to the ground . The Nymphes seeing themselues deliuered from so great violence , and the Shepherdes and Shepherdesses from expected death , whereunto they were so neere , and how by the admirable valour and strength of that Shepherdesse , not onely they , but the Shepherdes had escaped , they were in a traunce for a while , and could not afterwardes imagine her to be any humane wight . But the Shepherdesse comming now vnto them , began to vntie their handes , saying . They deserued no lesse punishment , then that they haue ( faire Nymphes ) that with these rude and rough bonds durst presume to binde such white and delicate hands , whose beauties are fitter to binde tender and relenting harts . Accursed be such proude monsters , and ill befall to such senselesse and beastly men : but Ladies , they haue their hire , and I my desire , by hauing done you this small seruice , and comming in so good a time with speedie remedie for such an outrage , although these hardie Shepherdes , and faire Shepherdesse deserue no lesse thankes for hazarding their liues in your defence , who woulde ( no doubt ) like my selfe haue thought them well emploied , and themselues well appaied , if in so good a quarrell , and for such woorthy personages they had ioyntly lost them . The Nymphes were no lesse amazed at her rare beautie and wisedome , then at the courage and force , that she had shewed in their defence , whereupon Doria with a gratious semblant answered her thus againe . Faire Shepherdesse , if thou art not ( as by thy approoued valour and braue minde , thou seemest to be ) the daughter of inuincible Mars , yet for thy beautie ( which is celestiall ) thou must needes be the daughter of louely Venus and faire Adonis ; and if of neither of them , it cannot then otherwise be , but that Minerua must be thy mother , since such great wisedome cannot proceed from any other part , although it is most true that nature hath endowed thee with the principall of them all . And since for so strange a curtesie , and good turne that thou hast done vs , extraordinarie and great must the seruices be , wherewith they must be requited , we hope , that at somtime or other , occasion may be offered , wherein thou maiest knowe , what earnest desire and entyre good wils we haue , to repaie so singular & woorthie a fauor . But bicause ( it seemes ) thou art wearie , let vs go to the fountaine of the Sicamours , neere to yonder wood , where thou maist rest and refresh thy selfe . Let vs goe ladie ( said the Shepherdesse ) not so much to ease my wearied body , as to talke of other matters , wherin my soules health and the summe of my content doth chiefely consist . That will we do with all possible diligence ( said Polydora ) since there is not any , whom we should with greater reason endeuor to content then thy selfe . But faire Cynthia turning to the Shepherdes , said . The debt ( faire Shepherdesse , and stout Shepherds ) wherein you haue perpetually bound vs to you , your selues know well ynough , which though we are neuer able to acquite , yet we will not cease to wish , that some occasion may heereafter fall out , wherein we may shewe the earnest will and affection we haue to discharge it , according to our great desire . These thankes ( faire Nymphes ) answered Seluagia , and your gentle offers , are more due to these two Shepherds then to me , that could do no more then praie for your safe deliuerie . But is this the Shepherd Syrenus ( said Polydora ) so much beloued in times past , as now forgotten of the faire Diana ? And is this other , his corriuall Syluanus ? They are the same ( saide Seluagia . ) Then am I glad ( said Polydora ) that you are such kind of men , whom we may in some part recompence , the great good will you shewed , and the perill you passed to set vs free . Doria woondring at that she had heard , said . And is it true that this is Syrenus ? I am very glad that I haue founde thee , and that there is an occasion ministred me to seeke out some remedie ( which ( I hope ) shall not be small ) for thy great cares and sorrow . Nor sufficient ynough for so great griefe , if it be small ( saide Syrenus . ) Let vs go to the fountaine ( saide Polydora ) where we will at large discourse of these and other matters . To the which when they were come , the Nymphes , placing the Shepherdesse in the middes of them , sat them downe , and the Shepherds at the Nymphes requests , went to the next towne to prouide some victuals , bicause it was now somewhat late , and that they all had an appetite to eate . But the three Nymphes remaining all alone with the vnknowne Shepherdesle , faire Doria thus began to say vnto her . It is no lesse strange to vs , to see such an one as thou art ( most valiant and faire Shepherdesse ) of such valour and strength in these plaines and woods , sequestred from all popular concourse , then to thee ( I thinke ) to see three Nymphes heere all alone , and without companie to defend them from the like assaults . But bicause we may knowe what thou art ( which is our chiefe desire ) we will inforce that fauour with this small desert , by telling thee first what we are , for the better knowledge wherof , thou shalt vnderstand ( couragious Shepherdesse ) that this Nymph is called Polydora , that Cynthia , and my selfe Doria , we hauing our mansion place in Dianas wood , where sage Felicia keepes her stately court , whose course of life , and onely exercise , is to cure and remedie the passions of loue . We , going to visit a certaine Nymph her cousin , that liueth on this side of the Gallician hils , came by chance to this pleasant and shadowed dale , where , seeing the place fit to passe away the heate of the noone day , vnder the shadowe of these greene Sicamours and Laurell trees , and emulating the harmonie of this running spring , which passeth thorow this greene medow , we tooke our instruments , to see if we could imitate the same . And our hap ( or rather mishap ) it was that these Sauages long since captiuated ( as they say ) in our loues , by chaunce came hither , who importuning vs many times with their brutish requestes , to graunt them our loue , and seeing that by no meanes we gaue them any hope thereof , with violent hands determined to put their beastly intents in practise ; and finding vs heere all alone , did that , which ( faire Shepherdesse ) thou sawest , when so fortunately thou camest to our rescue . The Shepherdesse hearing what faire Doria had told her , with plentious teares gaue an euident testimonie of the inward greefe , which her afflicted hart felt , and looking vpon the Nymphes , she began thus to say .

Loue is not such a qualitie ( faire Nymphes of the chaste Goddesse ) that the person , whom it holdeth in captiuitie , can haue any regarde of reason , neither is reason a meanes to make an enamoured hart forsake that way , wherein the cruell destinies will conduct it . For proofe whereof , experience is at hand : for though you were loued of these cruell Sauages , and that the lawes of honest and pure loue doth prohibite all iniuries , and whatsoeuer might offend you , yet on the other side , that headlong disorder comes , wherewith it workes such strange and sundrie effectes , that the same men , that should serue and honour you , seeke to spoile and hurt you . And bicause you may knowe , that I am not vrged to say this , as onely induced by that , which now at my comming I haue seene in this vallie , I will tell you that , which I thought to conceale from all the world , but onely from him , to whom I yeelded vp long since the freedome of my hart , ( if euer time and fortune grant mine eies such fauour , that they may see him once againe ) whereby you shal see how in the schoole of mishaps I haue learned to talke of loues consequences , and of the effectes , which the traitor works in their sorrowfull harts , that are subiect vnto him .

You shall therefore knowe ( faire Nymphes ) that great Vandalia is my natiue countrie , a prouince not far hence , where I was borne , in a citie called Soldina , my mother called Delia , my father Andronius , for linage and possessions the chiefest of all that prouince . It fell out that as my mother was married many yeeres , and had no children , ( by reason whereof she liued so sad and malecontent , that she enioyed not one merry day ) with teares and sighes she daily importuned the heauens , and with a thousand vowes and deuout offerings besought God to grant her the summe of her desire : whose omnipotencie it pleased , beholding from his imperiall throne her continuall orisons , to make her barren bodie ( the greater part of her age being now spent and gone ) to become fruitfull . What infinite ioy she conceiued thereof , let her iudge , that after a long desire of any thing , fortune at last doth put it into her handes . Of which content my father Andronius being no lesse partaker , shewed such tokens of inward ioy , as are impossible to be expressed . My mother Delia was so much giuen to reading of ancient histories , that , if by reason of sicknes , or any important businesse , she had not bene hindred , she would neuer ( by her will ) haue passed the time away in any other delight : who ( as I said ) being now with childe , and finding her selfe on a night ill at ease , intreated my father to reade something vnto her , that , her minde being occupied in contemplation thereof , she might the better passe her greefe away . My father , who studied for nothing els but to please her in all he might , began to reade vnto her the historie of Paris , when the three Ladies referred their proude contention for the golden Apple , to his conclusion and iudgement . But as my mother held it for an infallible opinion , that Paris had partially giuen that sentence , ( perswaded thereunto by a blinde passion of beautie ) so she said , that without all doubt he did not with due reason and wisedome consider the Goddesse of battels ; for as martiall and heroicall feates ( saide she ) excelled all other qualities , so with equitie and iustice the Apple should haue bene giuen to her . My father answered , that since the Apple was to be giuen to the fairest , and that Venus was fairer then any of the rest , Paris had rightly giuen his iudgement , if that harme had not ensued thereof , which afterwardes did . To this my mother replied , that , though it was written in the Apple , ( That it should be giuen to the fairest ) it was not to be vnderstood of corporall beautie , but of the intellectuall beautie of the mind . And therfore , since fortitude was a thing that made one most beautiful , & the exercise of arms an exterior act of this vertue , she affirmed , that to the Goddesse of battels this Apple should be giuen , if Paris had iudged like a prudent & vnappassionate iudge . So that ( faire Nymphes ) they spent a great part of the night in this controuersie , both of them alledging the most reasons they could , to confirme their owne purpose . They persisting in this point , sleepe began to ouercome her , whom the reasons and arguments of her husband coulde not once mooue , so that being very deepe in her disputations , she fell into as deepe a sleepe , to whom ( my father being now gone to his chamber ) appeered the Goddesse Venus with as frowning a countenance , as faire , and saide . I maruell Delia , who hath mooued thee to be so contrarie to her , that was neuer opposite to thee ? If thou hadst but called to minde the time , when thou wert so ouercome in loue for Andronius , thou wouldest not haue paide me the debt ( thou owest me ) with so ill coine . But thou shalt not escape free from my due anger ; for thou shalt bring forth a sonne and a daughter , whose birth shall cost thee no lesse then thy life , and them their contentment , for vttering so much in disgrace of my honour and beautie : both which shall be as infortunate in their loue , as any were euer in all their liues , or to the age wherein with remedylesse sighes they shall breath forth the summe of their ceaselesse sorrowes . And hauing saide thus , she vanished away : when likewise it seemed to my mother that the Goddesse Pallas came to her in a vision , and with a merry countenance , saide thus vnto her . With what sufficient rewardes may I be able to require the due regarde ( most happie and discreete Delia ) which thou hast alleaged in my fauour against thy husbands obstinate opinion , except it be by making thee vnderstand , that thou shalt bring foorth a sonne and a daughter the most fortunate in armes that haue bene to their times . Hauing thus said , she vanished out of her sight , and my mother thorow exceeding seare , awaked immediately . Who within a moneth after , at one birth was deliuered of me , and of a brother of mine , and died in childebed , leauing my father the most sorrowfull man in the world for her sudden death , for greefe whereof within a little while after , he also died . And bicause you may knowe ( faire Nymphes ) in what great extremities loue hath put me , you must vnderstand , that ( being a woman of that qualitie and disposition ( as you haue heard ) I haue bene forced by my cruell destinie to leaue my naturall habit , and libertie , and the due respect of mine honour , to follow him , who thinkes ( perhaps ) that I doe but leese it by louing him so extremely . Behold how bootelesse and vnseemely it is for a woman to be so dextrous in armes , as if it were her proper nature and kinde , wherewith ( faire Nymphes ) I had neuer bene indued , but that by meanes thereof , I should come to doe you this little seruice against these villaines , which I account no lesse then if fortune had begun to satisfie in part some of those infinite wrongs , that she hath continually done me . The Nymphes were so amazed at her words , that they coulde neither aske nor answere any thing , to that the faire Shepherdesse tolde them : who prosecuting her historie , saide . My brother and I were brought vp in a Nunnerie , where an aunt of ours was Abbesse , vntill we had accomplished twelue yeeres of age , at what time we were taken from thence againe , and my brother was caried to the mightie and inuincible King of Portugall his Court ( whose noble fame and princely liberalitie was bruted ouer all the world ) where , being growen to yeeres able to manage armes , he atchieued as valiant , and almost incredible enterprises by them , as he suffered vnfortunate disgraces and foiles by loue . And with all this , he was so highly fauoured of that magnificent King , that he would neuer suffer him to depart from his Court . Vnfortunate I , reserued by my sinister destinies to greater mishaps , was caried to a grandmother of mine , which place I would I had neuer seene , since it was an occasion of such a sorrowfull life , as neuer any woman suffered the like . And bicause there is not any thing ( faire Nymphes ) which I am not forced to tell you , as well for the great vertue and desertes , which your excellent beauties doe testifie , as also for that my minde doth giue me , that you shall be no small part and meanes of my comfort ; knowe that as I was in my grandmothers house , and almost seuenteene yeeres olde , a certaine yoong Gentleman fell in loue with me , who dwelt no further from our house , then the length of a garden Terrasse , so that he might see me euery sommers night , when I walked in the garden . When as therefore ingratefull Felix had beheld in that place the vnfortunate Felismena ( for this is the name of the wofull woman that tels you her mishaps ) he was extremely enamoured of me , or else did cunningly dissemble it , I not knowing then whether of these two I might beleeue , but am now assured , that whosoeuer beleeues lest , or nothing at all in these affaires , shall be most at ease . Many daies Don Felix spent in endeuouring to make me know the paines , which he suffered for me , and many more did I spende in making the matter strange , and that he did not suffer them for my sake . And I know not why loue delaied the time so long by forcing me to loue him , but onely that ( when he came indeed ) he might enter into my hart at once , and with greater force and violence . When he had therefore by sundrie signes , as by Tylt and Tourneyes , and by prauncing vp and downe vpon his proude Iennet before my windowes , made it manifest , that he was in loue with me ( for at the first I did not so well perceiue it ) he determined in the end to write a letter vnto me , and hauing practised diuers times before with a maide of mine , and at length with many gifts and faire promises , gotten her good will and furtherance , he gaue her the letter to deliuer to me : But to see the meanes that Rosina made vnto me ( for so was she called ) the dutifull seruices and vnwoonted circumstances , before she did deliuer it , the others that she sware vnto me , and the subtle words and serious protestations she vsed , it was a pleasant thing , and woorthie the noting . To whom ( neuerthelesse ) with an angrie countenance I turned againe , saying . If I had not regard of mine owne estate , and what heereafter might be said , I would make this shamelesse face of thine be knowne euer after for a marke of an impudent and bolde minion . But bicause it is the first time , let this suffice that I haue saide , and giue thee warning to take heede of the second . Me thinkes I see now the craftie wench , how she helde her peace , dissembling very cunningly the sorrow , that she conceiued by my angrie answer : for she fained a counterfaite smiling , saying . Iesus Mistresse , I gaue it you , bicause you might laugh at it , and not to mooue your pacience with it in this sort , for if I had any thought that it woulde haue prouoked you to anger , I praie God he may shew his wrath , as great towards me , as euer he did to the daughter of any mother . And with this she added many wordes more ( as she could do well enough ) to pacifie the fained anger , and ill opinion that I conceiued of her , and taking her letter with her , she departed from me . This hauing passed thus , I began to imagine what might ensue thereof , and loue ( me thought ) did put a certaine desire into my minde to see the letter , though modestie & shame forbad me to aske it of my maide , especially for the wordes , that had passed betweene vs , as you haue heard . And so I continued all that day vntill night , in varietie of many thoughts . But when Rosina came to helpe me to bedde , God knowes how desirous I was to haue her entreat me againe to take the letter , but she woulde neuer speake vnto me about it , nor ( as it seemed ) did so much as once thinke thereof . Yet to trie , if by giuing her some occasion , I might preuaile , I saide vnto her . And is it so Rosina , that Don Felix without any regard to mine honour dares write vnto me ? These are things Mistresse ( saide she demurely to me againe ) that are commonly incident to loue , wherfore I beseech you pardon me , for if I had thought to haue angred you with it , I woulde haue first pulled out the bals of mine eies . How cold my hart was at that blow , God knowes , yet did I dissemble the matter , and suffer my selfe to remaine that night onely with my desire , and with occasion of little sleepe . And so it was indeede , for that ( me thought ) was the longest and most painfull night , that euer I passed . But when with a slower pace ( then I desired ) the wished day was come , the discreet & subtle Rosina came into my chamber to helpe me to make me readie , in dooing whereof , of purpose , she let the letter closely fall , which when I perceiued , what is that that fell downe ( said I , ) let me see it . It is nothing Mistresse , saide she . Come , come , let me see , it ( saide I ) what , mooue me not , or else tell me what it is . Good lord Mistresse ( ●…ide she ) why will you see it : it is the letter I would haue giuen you yesterday . Nay that it is not ( saide I ) wherefore shew it me , that I may see if you lie or no. I had no sooner said so , but she put it into my handes , saying : God neuer giue me good , if it be anie other thing ; and although I knewe it well indeede , yet I saide , what , this is not the same , for I know that well enough , but it is one of thy louers letters , I will read it , to see in what neede he standeth of thy fauour . And opening it , I founde it conteined this that followeth .

I euer imagined ( deere Mistresse ) that your discretion and wisedome woulde haue taken away the feare I had to write vnto you , the same knowing well enough ( without any letter at all ) how much I loue you , but the very same hath so cunningly dissembled , that wherein I hoped the onely remedie of my griefes had been , therein consisted my greatest harme . If according to your wisedome you censure my boldnes , I shall not then ( I know ) enioy one hower of life : but if you do consider of it according to loues accustomed effects , then will I not exchange my hope for it . Be not offended I beseech you ( good Ladie ) with my letter , and blame me not for writing vnto you , vntill you see by experience , whether I can leaue of to write : And take me besides into the possession of that which is yours , since all is mine doth wholly consist in your hands , the which with all reuerence and dutifull affection a thousand times I kisse .

When I had now seene my Don Felix his letter , whether it was for reading it at such a time , when by the same he shewed , that he loued me more then himselfe , or whether he had disposition and regiment ouer part of this wearied soule , to imprint that loue in it , whereof he wrote vnto me , I began to loue him too well ( and alas for my harme ) since he was the cause of so much sorrow , as I haue passed for his sake . Whereupon asking Rosina forgiuenes of what was past ( as a thing needfull for that which was to come ) and committing the secrecie of my loue to her fidelitie , I read the letter once againe , pausing a little at euery worde , ( and a very little indeede it was ) bicause I concluded so soone with my selfe , to do that I did , although in verie truth it lay not otherwise in my power to do . Wherefore calling for paper and inke , I answered his letter thus .

Esteeme not so slightly of mine honour , Don Felix , as with fained words to thinke to enueagle it , or with thy vaine pretenses to offend it any waies . I know wel enough what manner of man thou art , and how great thy desert and presumption is , from whence thy boldnes doth arise ( I gesse , ) and not from the force ( which thing thou wouldst faine perswade me ) of thy feruent loue . And if it be so , ( as my suspicion suggesteth ) thy labor is as vaine , as thy imagination presumptuous , by thinking to make me do any thing contrarie to that , which I owe vnto mine honour . Consider ( I beseech thee ) how seldome , things , commenced vnder suttletie and dissimulation , haue good successe ; and that it is not the part of a Gentleman , to meane them one way , and speak them another . Thou praiest me ( amongst other things ) to admit thee into possession of that , that is mine : but I am of so ill an humour in matters of this qualitie , that I trust not things experienced , how much lesse then thy bare wordes , yet neuerthelesse , I make no small account of that , which thou hast manifested to me in thy letter ; for it is ynough that I am incredulous , though not vnthankfull .

This letter did I send , contrarie to that I should haue done , bicause it was the occasion of all my harmes and greefes : for after this , he began to waxe more bolde by vnfolding his thoughts , and seeking out the meanes to haue a parly with me . In the ende ( faire Nymphes ) a few daies being spent in his demaunds and my answers , false loue did worke in me after his wonted fashions , euery hower seasing more strongly vpon my vnfortunate soule . The Tourneies were now renewed , the musicke by night did neuer cease , amorous letters and verses were recontinued on both sides : and thus passed I away almost a whole yeere , at the end whereof , I felt my selfe so far in his loue , that I had no power to retire , nor stay my selfe from disclosing my thoughts vnto him , ( the thing which he desired more then his owne life . ) But my aduerse fortune afterwardes would , that of these our mutuall loues ( when as now they were most assured ) his father had some intelligence , and whosoeuer reuealed them first , perswaded him so cunningly , that his father ( fearing least he would haue married me out of hand ) sent him to the great Princesse Augusta Caesarinas court , telling him , it was not meete that a yoong Gentleman , and of so noble a house as he was , should spende his youth idly at home , where nothing could be learned , but examples of vice , whereof the very sameidlenes ( he said ) was the onely Mistresse . He went away so pensiue , that his great greefe would not suffer him to acquaint me with his departure , which when I knew , how sorrowfull I remained , she may imagine , that hath bene at any time tormented with like passion . To tell you now the life , that I led in his absence , my sadnes , sighes , and teares , which euery day I powred out of these wearied eies , my toong is far vnable : if then my paines were such , that I cannot now expresse them , how could I then suffer them ? But being in the mids of my mishaps , and in the depth of those woes which the absence of Don Felix caused me to feele , and it seeming to me that my greefe was without remedie , if he were once seene or knowen of the Ladies in that Court ( more beautifull and gracious then my selfe . ) By occasion whereof , as also by absence ( a capitall enemie to loue ) I might easily be forgotten , I determined to aduenture that , which I thinke neuer any woman imagined : which was , to apparell my selfe in the habit of a man , and to hye me to the Court to see him , in whose sight al my hope and content remained : which determination , I no sooner thought of , then I put in practise , loue blinding my eies and minde with an inconsiderate regarde of mine owne estate and condition . To the execution of which attempt , I wanted no industrie , for , being furnished with the helpe of one of my approoued friends , and treasouresse of my secrets , who bought me such apparell , as I willed her , and a good horse for my iourney , I went not onely out of my countrie , but out of my deere reputation ( which ( I thinke ) I shall neuer recouer againe ) and so trotted directly to the Court , passing by the way many accidents , which ( if time would giue me leaue to tell them ) woulde not make you laugh a little to heare them . Twenty daies I was in going thither , at the ende of which , being come to the desired place , I tooke vp mine Inne in a streete lest frequented with concurse of people . And the great desire I had to see the destroier of my ioy , did not suffer me to thinke of any other thing , but how or where I might see him . To inquire of him of mine host , I durst not , lest my comming might ( perhaps ) haue bene discouered : and to seeke him foorth , I thought it not best , lest some inopinate mishap might haue fallen out , whereby I might haue bene knowen . Wherefore I passed all that day in these perplexities , while night came on , each hower whereof ( me thought ) was a whole yeere vnto me . But midnight being a little past , mine host called at my chamber doore , and tolde me if I was desirous to heare some braue musicke , I should arise quickly , and open a window towards the street . The which I did by and by , and making no noise at all , I heard how Don Felix his Page , called Fabius ( whom I knew by his voice ) saide to others that came with him . Now it is time my Masters , bicause the Lady is in the gallerie ouer her garden , taking the fresh aire of the coole night . He had no sooner saide so , but they began to winde three Cornets and a Sackbot , with such skill and sweetenesse , that it seemed celestiall musicke . And then began a voice to sing , the sweetest ( in my opinion ) that euer I heard . And though I was in suspence , by hearing Fabius speake , whereby a thousand doubtes and imaginations ( repugnant to my rest ) occurred in my minde , yet I neglected not to heare what was sung , bicause their operations were not of such force , that they were able to hinder the desire , nor distemper the delight that I conceiued by hearing it . That therefore which was sung , were these verses .

SWeete Mistresse harken vnto me ( If it greeues thee to see me die ) And hearing though it greeueth thee , To heare me yet , do not denie . O grant me then this short content , For forc'd I am to thee to fliie : My sighes do not make thee relent , Nor teares thy hart do mollifie . Nothing of mine doth giue thee payne , Nor thou think'st of no remedie : Mistresse how long shall I sustaine such ill , as still thou dost applie ? In death there is no helpe , be sure , But in thy will , where it doth lie : For all those illes which death doth cure , Alas , they are but light to trie : My troubles do not trouble thee , Nor hope to touch thy soule so nie : O from a will that is so free , What should I hope , when I do crie ? How can I mollifie that braue And stonie hart , of pittie drie ? Yet Mistresse turne those eies ( that haue No peeres ) shining like stars in skie : But turne them not in angrie sort , If thou wilt not kill me thereby : Though yet in anger , or in sport , Thou killest onely with thine eie .

After they had first with a concent of musicke sung this song , two plaied , the one vpon a Lute , the other vpon a siluer sounding Harpe , being accompanied with the sweete voice of my Don Felix : the great ioy that I felt in hearing him , cannot be imagined , for ( me thought ) I heard him nowe , as in that happie and passed time of our loues . But after the deceit of this imagination was discouered , seeing with mine eies , and hearing with mine eares , that this musicke was bestowed vpon another and not on me , God knowes what a bitter death it was vnto my soule : And with a greeuous sigh , that caried almost my life away with it , I asked mine host , if he knew what the Ladie was , for whose sake the musick was made ? He answered me , that he could not imagine on whom it was bestowed , bicause in that streete dwelled manie noble and faire Ladies . And when I saw he could not satisfie my request , I bent mine eares againe to heare my Don Felix , who now to the tune of a delicate harpe whereon he sweetely plaied , began to sing this Sonnet following .

A Sonnet . MY painefull yeeres impartiall Loue was spending In vaine and booteles hopes my life appaying , And cruell Fortune to the world bewraying Strange samples of my teares that haue no ending . Time euerie thing to truth at last commending , Leaues of my steps such markes , that now betraying And all deceitfull trusts shall be decaying , And none haue cause to plaine of his offending . Shee , whom I lou'd to my obliged power , That in her sweetest loue to me discouers Which neuer yet I knew ( those heauenly pleasures , ) And I do saie , exclaiming euery hower , Do not you see , what makes you wise , O Louers ? Loue , Fortune , Time , and my faire Mystresse treasures .

The Sonnet being ended , they paused a while , playing on fower Lutes togither , and on a paire of Virginals , with such heauenly melodie , that the whole worlde ( I thinke ) could not affoord sweeter musick to the eare , nor delight to any minde , not subiect to the panges of such predominant greefe and sorrow as mine was . But then fower voice passing well tuned and set togither , began to sing this song following .

A Song . THat sweetest harme I doe not blame , First caused by thy fairest eies , But greeue , bicause too late I came , To know my fault , and to be wise . I neuer knew a worser kinde of life , To liue in feare , from boldnesse still to cease : Nor woorse then this , to liue in such a strife , Whether of both , to speake , or holde my peace ? And so the harme I doe not blame , Caused by thee , or thy faire eies : But that to see how late I came , To knowe my fault , and to be wise . I euer more did feare , that I should knowe Some secret things , and doubtfull in their kinde , Bicause the surest things doe euer goe Most contrarie vnto my wish and minde . And yet by knowing of the same , There is no hurt , But it denies My remedie , Since late I came , To knowe my fault , and to be wise .

When this song was ended , they began to sound diuers sorts of instruments , and voices most excellently agreeing togither , and with such sweetnes , that they could not chuse but delight any very much , who were not so farre from it as I. About dawning of the day the musicke ended , and I did , what I could to espie out my Don Felix , but the darknes of the night was mine enimie therein . And seeing now that they were gone , I went to bed againe , where I bewailed my great mishap , knowing that he , whom most of al I loued , had so vnwoorthily forgotten me , whereof his musicke was too manifest a witnes . And when it was time , I arose , & without any other consideration went straight to the Princesse her pallace , where ( I thought ) I might see that , which I so greatly desired , determining to call my selfe Valerius , if any ( perhaps ) did aske my name . Comming therefore to a faire broad court before the pallace gate , I viewed the windowes and galleries , where I sawe such store of blazing beauties , and gallant Ladies , that I am not able now to recount , nor then to do any more , but woonder at their graces , their gorgeous attyre , their iewels , their braue fashions of apparell , and ornaments , wherewith they were so richly set out . Vp and downe this place before the windowes roade many lords , and braue gentlemen in rich and sumptuous habits , and mounted vpon proud Iennets , euery one casting his eie to that part , where his thoughts were secretly placed . God knowes how greatly I desired to see Don Felix there , and that his iniurious loue had beene in that famous pallace , bicause I might then haue beene assured , that he shoulde neuer haue got any other guerdon of his sutes and seruices , but onely to see , and to be seene , and sometimes to speake to his Mistresse , whom he must serue before a thousand eies , bicause the priuilege of that place doth not giue him any further leaue . But it was my ill fortune , that he had setled his loue in that place , where I might not be assured of this poore helpe . Thus as I was standing neere to the pallace gate , I espied Fabius , Don Felix his page , comming in great haste to the pallace , where speaking a word or two with a porter that kept the second entrie , he returned the same waie he came . I gessed his errant was , to knowe whether it were fit time for Don Felix to come to dispatch certaine busines , that his father had in the court , and that he could not choose but come thither out of hand . And being in this supposed ioy , which his sight did promise me , I sawe him comming along with a great traine of followers attending on his person , all of them being brauely apparelled in a liuerie of watchet silke , garded with yellow veluet , and stitched on either side with threedes of twisted siluer , wearing likewise blew , yellow , and white feathers in their hats . But my Lorde Don Felix had on a paire of ash colour hose , embrodered and drawen foorth with watchet tissue , his dublet was of white satten , embrodered with knots of golde , and likewise an embrodered ierkin of the same coloured veluet , and his short cape cloke was of blacke veluet , edged with gold lace , and hung full of buttons of pearle and gold , and lined with razed watchet satten , by his side he ware at apaire of embrodered hangers a rapier and dagger , with engrauen hilts and pommell of beaten golde . On his head , a hat , beset full of golden stars , in the mids of euerie which a rich orient pearle was enchased , and his feather was likewise blew , yellow , and white . Mounted he came vpon a faire dapple graie Iennet , with a rich furniture of blew , embrodered with golde and seede pearle . When I sawe him in this rich equipage , I was so amazed at his sight , that how extremely my sences were rauished with sudden ioye , I am not able ( faire Nymphes ) to tell you . Truth it is , that I could not but shed some teares for ioy and greefe , which his sight did make me feele , but fearing to be noted by the standers by , for that time I dried them vp . But as Don Felix ( being now come to the pallace gate ) was dismounted , and gone vp a paire of staires into the chamber of presence , I went to his men , where they were attending his returne , and seeing Fabjus , whom I had seene before amongst them , I tooke him aside , and saide vnto him . My friend , I pray you tell me what Lord this is , which did but euen now alight from his Iennet , for ( me thinkes ) he is very like one , whom I haue seene before in an other farre countrey . Fabius then answered me thus . Art thou such a nouice in the court , that thou knowest not Don Felix ? I tell thee there is not any Lord , knight , or gentleman better knowne in it then he . No doubt of that ( saide I ) but I will tell thee what a nouice I am , and how small a time I haue beene in the court , for yesterday was the first , that euer I came to it . Naie then I cannot blame thee ( saide Fabius ) if thou knowest him not . Knowe then that this gentleman is called Don Felix , borne in Vandalia , and hath his chiefest house in the ancient cittie of Soldina , and is remaining in this court about certaine affaires of his fathers and his owne . But I pray you tell me ( said I ) why he giues his liueries of these colours ? If the cause were not so manifest , I woulde conceale it ( saide Fabius ) but since there is not any that knowes it not , and canst not come to any in this court , who cannot tell thee the reason why , I thinke by telling thee it , I do no more then in courtesie I am bound to do . Thou must therefore vnderstand , that he loues and serues a Ladie heere in this Citie named Celia , and therefore weares and giues for his liuerie an azure blew , which is the colour of the skie , and white and yellow , which are the colours of his Lady and Mistresse . When I heard these words , imagine ( faire Nymphes ) in what a plight I was , but dissembling my mishap and griefe , I answered him . This Ladie certes is greatly beholding to him , bicause he thinkes not enough , by wearing her colours , to shew how willing he is to serue her , vnlesse also he beare her name in his liuerie : whereupon I gesse , she cannot be but very faire and amiable . She is no lesse indeede ( saide Fabius ) although the other , whom he loued and serued in our owne countrey , in beautie farre excelled this , and loued and fauoured him more then euer this did . But this mischieuous absence doth violate and dissolue those things , which men thinke to be most strong and firme . At these wordes ( faire Nymphes ) was I faine to come to some composition with my teares , which if I had not stopped from issuing foorth , Fabius could not haue chosen , but suspected by the alteration of my countenance that all was not well with me . And then the Page did aske me , what countrey-man I was , my name , and of what calling and condition I was : whom I answered , that my countrey , where I was borne was Vandalia , my name Valerius , and till that time serued no Master . Then by this reckoning ( saide he ) we are both countrey-men , and may be both fellowes in one house if thou wilt : for Don Felix my Master commanded me long since to seeke him out a Page . Therefore if thou wilt serue him say so . As for meate , drinke , and apparell , and a couple of shillings to play away , thou shalt neuer want , besides pretie wenches , which are not daintie in our streete , as faire and amorous as Queenes , of which there is not anie , that will not die for the loue of so proper a youth as thou art . And to tell thee in secret ( because perhaps we may be fellowes ) I know where an old Cannons maide is , a gallant fine girle , whom if thou canst but finde in thy hart to loue and serue , as I do , thou shalt neuer want at her hands , fine hand-kerchers , peeces of bacon , and now and then wine of S. Martyn . When I heard this , I could not choose but laugh , to see how naturally the vnhappie Page played his part , by depainting foorth their properties in their liuely colours . And because I thought nothing more commodious for my rest , and for the enioying of my desire , then to follow Fabius his counsell , I answered him thus . In truth I determined to serue none , but now , since fortune hath offered me so good a seruice , and at such a time , when I am constrained to take this course of life , I shall not do amisse if I frame my selfe to the seruiee of some Lord or Gentleman in this Court , but especially of your Master , because he seemes to be a woorthy Gentleman , and such an one , that makes more reckoning of his seruants then an other . Ha thou knowest him not as well as I ( said Fabius ) for I promise thee by the faith of a Gentleman ( for I am one in deede , for my father comes of the Cachopines of Laredo ) that my Master Don Felix is the best natured Gentleman that euer thou knewest in thy life , and one who vseth his Pages better then any other . And were it not for those troublesome loues , which makes vs runne vp and downe more , and sleepelesse , then we woulde , there were not such a Master in the whole worlde againe . In the end ( faire Nymphes ) Fabius spake to his Master Don Felix as soone as he was come foorth in my behalfe , who commanded me the same night to come to him at his lodging . Thither I went , and he entertained me for his Page , making the most of me in the worlde , where , being but a fewe daies with him , I sawe the messages , letters , and gifts that were brought and caried on both sides , greeuous wounds ( alas & coruiues to my dying hart ) which made my soule to flie sometimes out of my body , & euery hower in hazard to leese my forced patience before euery one . But after one moneth was past , Don Felix began to like so well of me , that he disclosed his whole loue vnto me from the beginning vnto the present estate and forwardnes , that it was then in , committing the charge thereof to my secrecie and helpe , telling me , that he was fauoured of her at the beginning , and that afterwards she waxed wearie of her louing and accustomed entertainment , the cause whereof was a secret report ( whosoeuer it was that buzzed it into her eares ) of the loue , that he did beare to a Lady in his owne countrey , and that his present loue vnto her was but to entertaine the time , while his busines in the Court were dispatched . And there is no doubt ( saide Don Felix vnto me ) but that indeede I did once commence that loue that she laies to my charge , but God knowes if now there be any thing in the world , that I loue and esteeme more deere and precious then her . When I heard him say so , you may imagine ( faire Nymphes ) what a mortall dagger pierced my wounded heart . But with dissembling the matter the best I coulde , I answered him thus . It were better sir ( me thinkes ) that the Gentlewoman should complaine with cause , and that it were so indeed , for if the other Ladie , whom you serued before , did not deserue to be forgotten of you , you do her ( vnder correction my Lord ) the greatest wrong in the world . The loue ( said Don Felix againe ) which I beare to my Celia will not let me vnderstand it so , but I haue done her ( me thinkes ) the greater iniurie , hauing placed my loue first in an other , and not in her . Of these wrongs ( saide I to my selfe ) I know who beares the woorst away . And ( disloyall ) he pulling a letter out of his bosome , which he had receiued the same hower from his Mistresse , reade it vnto me , thinking that he did me a great fauour thereby , the contents whereof were these .

Celias letter to Don Felix .

NEuer any thing , that I suspected touching thy loue , hath beene so farre from the truth , that hath not giuen me occasion to beleeue more often mine owne imagination , then thy innocencie , wherein , if I do thee any wrong , referre it but to the censure of thine owne follie : For well thou mightest haue denied , or not declared thy passed loue , without giuing me occasion to condemne thee by thine owne confession . Thou saiest I was the cause that made thee forget thy former loue : Comfort thy selfe , for there shall not want another to make thee forget thy second . And assure thy selfe of this ( Lord Don Felix ) that there is not any thing more vnbeseeming a Gentleman , then to finde an occasion in a Gentlewoman to leese himselfe for her loue . I will saie no more , but that in an ill , where there is no remedie , the best is not to seeke out any .

After he had made an end of reading the letter , he said vnto me . What thinkest thou Valerius of these words ? With pardon be it spoken my Lord ; That your deedes are shewed by them . Go to , said Don Felix , and speake no more of that . Sir , saide I , they must like me wel , if they like you , because none can iudge better of their words , that loue well , then they themselues . But that which I thinke of the letter is , that this Gentlewoman would haue beene the first , and that Fortune had entreated her in such sort , that all others might haue enuied her estate . But what wouldest thou counsell me saide Don Felix ? If thy griefe doth suffer any counsell , saide I , that thy thoughts be diuided into this second passion , since there is so much due to the first . Don Felix answered me againe sighing , and knocking me gently on the shoulder , saying . How wise art thou Valerius , and what good counsell dost thou giue me , if I could follow it . Let vs now go in to dinner , for when I haue dined , I will haue thee carie me a letter to my Lady Celia , and then thou shalt see , if any other loue is not woorthy to be forgotten in lieu of thinking onely of her . These were wordes , that greeued Felismena to the hart , but bicause she had him before her eies , whom she loued more then her-selfe , the content , that she had by onely seeing him , was a sufficient remedie of the paine , that the greatest of these stings did make her feele . After Don Felix had dined , he called me vnto him , and giuing me a speciall charge what I should do ( because he had imparted his griefe vnto me , and put his hope and remedie in my hands ) he willed me to carie a letter to Celia , which he had alreadie written , and reading it first vnto me , it said thus .

Don Felix his letter to Celia .

THe thought , that seekes an occasion to forget the thing , which it doth loue and desire , suffers it selfe so easily to be knowne , that ( without troubling the minde much ) it may be quickly discerned . And thinke not ( faire Ladie ) that I seeke a remedie to excuse you of that , wherewith it pleased you to vse me , since I neuer came to be so much in credit with you , that in lesser things I woulde do it . I haue confessed vnto you , that indeede I once loued well , because that true loue , without dissimulation , doth not suffer any thing to be hid , and you ( deere Ladie ) make that an occasion to forget me , which should be rather a motiue to loue me better . I cannot perswade me , that you make so small an account of your selfe , to thinke that I can forget you for any thing that is , or hath euer been , but rather imagine , that you write cleane contrarie to that , which you haue tried by my zealous loue , and faith towards you . Touching all those things , that in preiudice of my good will towards you , it pleaseth you to imagine , my innocent thoughts assure me to the contrarie , which shall suffice , to be ill recompenced , besides , being so ill thought of , as they are .

After Don Felix had read this letter vnto me , he asked me if the answer was correspondent to those words that his Ladie Celia had sent him in hers , and if there was any thing therein , that might be amended . Whereunto I answered thus . I thinke Sir , it is needlesse to amende this letter , or to make the Gentlewoman amendes , to whom it is sent , but her , whom you do iniurie so much with it . Which vnder your Lordships pardon I speake , bicause I am so much affected to the first loue in all my life , that there is not any thing that can make me alter my minde . Thou hast the greatest reason in the world ( said Don Felix ) if I coulde perswade my selfe to leaue of that , which I haue begun : But what wilt thou haue me do , since absence hath frozen the former loue , and the continuall presence of a peerelesse beautie rekindled another more hot and feruent in me . Thus may she thinke her-selfe ( saide I againe ) vniustly deceiued , whom first you loued , because that loue , which is subiect to the power of absence , cannot be termed loue , and none can perswade me that it hath beene loue . These words did I dissemble the best I could , because I felt so sensible griefe , to see my selfe forgotten of him , who had so great reason to loue me , and whom I did loue so much , that I did more , than any would haue thought , to make my selfe still vnknowen . But taking the letter and mine errant with me , I went to Celias house , imagining by the way the wofull estate , whereunto my haplesse loue had brought me ; since I was forced to make warre against mine owne selfe , and to be the intercessour of a thing so contrarie to mine owne content . But comming to Celias house , and finding a Page standing at the dore , I asked him if I might speake with his Ladie : who being informed of me from whence I came , tolde Celia how I would speake with her , commending therewithall my beautie and person vnto her , and telling her besides , that Don Felix had but lately entertained me into his seruice , which made Celia saie vnto him . What , doth Don Felix so soone disclose his secret loues to a Page , but newly entertained ? he hath ( belike ) some great occasion that mooues him to do it . Bid him com in , & let vs know what he would haue . In I came , & to the place , where the enimie of my life was , & with great reuerence , kissing her hands , I deliuered Don Felix his letter vnto her . Celia tooke it , and casting her eies vpon me , I might perceiue how my sight had made a sudden alteration in her countenance , for she was so farre besides her-selfe , that for a good while she was not able to speake a worde , but remembring her-selfe at last , she saide vnto me . What good fortune hath beene so fauourable to Don Felix to bring thee to this Court , to make thee his Page ? Euen that , faire Ladie , saide I , which is better then euer I imagined , bicause it hath beene an occasion to make me behold such singular beautie and perfections , as now I see cleerely before mine eies : And if the paines , the teares , the sighes , and the continuall disquiets , that my Lord Don Felix hath suffred , haue greeued me heeretofore , now that I haue seene the source , from whence they flow , and the cause of all his ill , the pittie , that I had on him , is now wholly conuerted into a certaine kinde of enuie . But if it be true ( faire Lady ) that my comming is welcome vnto you , I beseech you by that , which you owe to the great loue , which he beares you , that your answer may import no lesse vnto him . There is not anie thing ( saide Celia ) that I would not do for thee , though I were determined not to loue him at all , who for my sake hath forsaken another . For it is no small point of wisedome for me , to learne by other womens harmes to be more wise , and warie in mine owne . Beleeue not good Lady ( saide I ) that there is any thing in the worlde , that can make Don Felix forget you . And if he hath cast off another for your sake , woonder not thereat , when your beautie and wisedome is so great , and the others so small , that there is no reason to thinke , that he will ( though he hath woorthelie forsaken her for your sake ) or euer can forget you for any woman else in the worlde . Doest thou then know Felismena ( saide Celia ) the Lady whom thy Master did once loue and serue in his owne countrey ? I know her ( saide I ) although not so well as it was needfull for me , to haue preuented so many mishaps , ( and this I spake softly to my selfe ) . For my fathers house was neere to hers , but seeing your great beautie adorned with such perfections and wisedome , Don Felix can not be blamed , if he hath forgotten his first loue , onely to embrace and honour yours . To this did Celia answer merily , and smiling . Thou hast learned quickly of thy Master to sooth . Not so faire Ladie , saide I , but to serue you woulde I faine learne : for flatterie cannot be where ( in the iudgement of all ) there are so manifest signes and proofes of this due commendation . Celia began in good earnest to aske me what manner of woman Felismena was ; whom I answered , that touching her beautie , Some thought her to be very faire , but I was neuer of that opinion , bicause she hath many daies since wanted the chiefest thing , that is requisite for it . What is that said Celia ? Content of minde , saide I , bicause perfect beautie can neuer be , where the same is not adioyned to it . Thou hast the greatest reason in the world , said she , but I haue seene some Ladies , whose liuely hewe sadnes hath not one whit abated , and others , whose beautie anger hath encreased , which is a strange thing , me thinkes . Haplesse is that beauty said I , that hath sorrow & anger the preseruers & mistresses of it , but I cannot skill of these impertinent things : And yet that woman , that must needes be molested with continuall paine and trouble , with greefe and care of minde , and with other passions to make her looke well , cannot be recknoed among the number of faire women , and for mine owne part , I do not account her so . Wherein thou hast great reason said she , as in all things else that thou hast saide , thou hast shewed thy selfe wise and discreete . Which I haue deerely bought , said I againe : But I beseech you ( gracious Lady ) to answer this letter , because my Lord Don Felix may also haue some contentment , by receiuing this first well emploied seruice at my hands . I am content , saide Celia , but first thou must tell me if Felismena in matters of discretion be wise and well aduised ? There was neuer any woman ( saide I againe ) more wise then she , bicause she hath beene long since beaten to it by her great mishaps ; but she did neuer aduise her selfe well , for if she had ( as she was accounted wise ) she had neuer come to haue bene so contrarie to her selfe . Thou speakest so wisely in all thy answeres , saide Celia , that there is not any , that woulde not take great delight to heare them : which are not viands ( said I ) for such a daintie taste , nor reasons for so ingenious and fine a conceit ( faire Lady ) as you haue , but boldly affirming , that by the same I meane no harme at all . There is not any thing , saide Celia , whereunto thy wit cannot attaine , but because thou shalt not spende thy time so ill in praising me , as thy Master doth in praying me , I will reade thy letter , and tell thee what thou shalt say vnto him from me . Whereupon vnfolding it , she began to read it to herself , to whose countenance and gestures in reading of the same , which are oftentimes outwarde signes of the inwarde disposition and meaning of the hart , I gaue a watchfull eie . And when she had read it , she said vnto me . Tell thy Master that he that can so well by wordes expresse what he meanes , cannot choose but meane as well as he saith : And comming neerer vnto me , she saide softly in mine eare . And this for the loue of thee Valerius , and not so much for Don Felix thy Master his sake , for I see how much thou louest and tenderest his estate : And from thence alas ( saide I to my selfe ) did all my woes arise . Whereupon kissing her hands for the great curtesie and fauour she shewed me , I hied me to Don Felix with this answer , which was no small ioy to him to heare it , and another death to me to report it , saying manie times to my selfe ( when I did either bring him home some ioyfull tydings , or carrie letters or tokens to her ) O thrise vnfortunate Felismena , that with thine owne weapons art constrained to wounde thy euer-dying hart , and to heape vp fauours for him , who made so small account of thine . And so did I passe away my life with so many torments of minde , that if by the sight of my Don Felix they had not beene tempered , it coulde not haue otherwise beene , but that I must needes haue lost it . More then two monethes togither did Celia hide from me the feruent loue she bare me , although not in such sort , but that by certaine apparant signes , I came to the knowledge thereof , which was no small lighting and ease of that griefe , which incessantly haunted my wearied spirites ; For as I thought it a strong occasion , and the onely meane to make her vtterly forget Don Felix , so likewise I imagined , that , perhaps , it might befall to him , as it hath done to many , that the force of ingratitude , and contempt of his loue , might haue vtterly abolished such thoughtes out of his hart . But alas it happened not so to my Don Felix , for the more he perceiued that his Ladie forgot him , the more was his minde troubled with greater cares and greefe , which made him leade the most sorowfull life that might be , whereof the least part did not fall to my let . For remedie of whose sighes and pitious lamentations , poore Felismena ( euen by maine force ) did get fauours from Celia , scoring them vp ( whensoeuer she sent them by me ) in the catalogue of my infinite mishaps . For if by chaunce he sent her anie thing by any of his other seruants , it was so slenderly accepted , that he thought it best to send none vnto her but my selfe , perceiuing what inconuenience did ensue thereof . But God knowes how many teares my messages cost me , and so many they were , that in Celias presence I ceased not to powre them foorth , earnestly beseeching her with praiers and petitions , not to entreat him so ill , who loued her so much , bicause I woulde binde Don Felix to me by the greatest bonde , as neuer man in like was bounde to any woman . My teares greeued Celia to the hart , as well for that I shed them in her presence , as also for that she sawe , if I meant to loue her , I woulde not ( for requitall of hers to me ) haue sollicited her with such diligence , nor pleaded with such pittie , to get fauours for another . And thus I liued in the greatest confusion that might be , amids a thousand anxieties of minde , for I imagined with my selfe , that if I made not a shew that I loued her , as she did me , I did put it in hazard , lest Celia , for despite of my simplicitie or contempt , woulde haue loue Don Felix more then before , and by louing him , that mine coulde not haue any good successe ; And if I fained my selfe on the other side , to be in loue with her , it might haue beene an occasion , to haue made her reiect my Lord Don Felix , so that with the thought of his loue neglected , and with the force of her contempt , he might haue lost his content , and after that , his life , the least of which two mischiefes to preuent , I woulde haue giuen a thousand liues , if I had them . Manie daies passed away in this sort , wherein I serued him as a thirde betweene both , to the great cost of my contentment , at the end whereof , the successe of his loue went on woorse and woorse , bicause the Loue , that Celia did beare me was so great , that the extreme force of her passion made her leese some part of that compassion , she should haue had of her selfe . And on a day after that I had caried , and recaried many messages and tokens betweene them , somtimes faining some my selfe from her vnto him , because I could not see him ( whom I loued so deerly ) so sad and pensiue , with many supplications and earnest praiers I besought Lady Celia with pittie to regard the painfull life , that Don Felix passed for her sake , and to consider , that , by not fauouring him , she was repugnant to that , which she owed to her selfe : which thing I entreated , bicause I sawe him in such a case , that there was no other thing to be expected of him but death , by reason of the continuall and great paine , which his greeuous thoughts made him feele . But she with swelling teares in her eies , and with many sighes answered me thus . Vnfortunate and accursed Celia , that nowe in the end dost know , how thou liuest deceiued with a false opinion of thy great simplicitie ( vngratefull Valerius ) and of thy small discretion . I did not beleeue till now , that thou didst craue fauours of me for thy Master , but onely for thy selfe , and to enioy my sight all that time , that thou diddest spende in suing to me for them . But now I see thou dost aske them in earnest , and that thou art so content to see me vse him well , that thou canst not ( without doubt ) loue me at all . O how ill dost thou acquite the loue I beare thee , and that , which for thy sake I do nowe forsake ? O that time might reuenge me of thy proude and foolish minde , since loue hath not beene the meanes to do it . For I cannot thinke , that Fortune will be so contrarie vnto me , but that she will punish thee for contemning that great good which she meant to bestow on thee . And tell thy Lord Don Felix that if he will see me aliue , that he see me not at all : And thou vile traitour , cruell enemie to my rest , com no more ( I charge thee ) before these wearied eies , since their teares were neuer of force to make thee knowe how much thou art bound vnto them . And with this , she suddenly flang out of my sight with so many teares , that mine were not of force to staie her . For in the greatest haste in the worlde she got her into her chamber , where locking the dore after her , it auailed me not to call and crie vnto her , requesting her with amorous and sweete words to open me the dore , and to take such satisfaction on me , as it pleased her : Nor to tell her many other things , whereby I declared vnto her the small reason she had to be so angrie with me , and to shut me out . But with a strange kinde of furie she saide vnto me . Come no more , vngratefull and proud Valerius in my sight , and speake no more vnto me , for thou art not able to make satisfaction for such great disdaine , and I will haue no other remedie for the harme , which thou hast done me , but death it selfe , the which with mine owne hands I will take in satisfaction of that , which thou deseruest : which words when I heard , I staied no longer , but with a heauie cheere came to my Don Felix his lodging , and with more sadnes , then I was able to dissemble , tolde him , that I could not speake with Celia , because she was visited of certaine Gentlewomen her kinsew omen . But the next day in the morning , it was bruted ouer all the citie , that a certaine trance had taken her that night , wherein she gaue vp the ghost , which stroke all the court with no smal woonder . But that , which Don Felix felt by her sudden death , and how neere it greeued his very soule , as I am not able to tell , so can not humane intendement conceiue it , for the complaints he made , the teares , the burning sighes , and hart-breake sobbes , were without all measure and number . But I saie nothing of my selfe , when on the one side , the vnluckie death of Celia touched my soule very neere , the teares of Don Felix on the other , did cut my hart in two with greefe : And yet this was nothing to that intollerable paine , which afterwardes I felt . For Don Felix heard no sooner of her death , but the same night he was missing in his house , that none of his seruants , nor any bodie else could tell any newes of him .

Whereupon you may perceiue ( faire Nymphes ) what cruell torments I did then feele , then did I wish a thousand times for death to preuent all those woes and myseries , which afterwards befell vnto me : For Fortune ( it seemed ) was but wearie of those which she had but till then giuen me . But as all the care and diligence which I emploied in seeking out my Don Felix , was but in vaine , so I resolued with my selfe to take this habite vpon me as you see , wherein it is more then two yeeres , since I haue wandred vp and downe , seeking him in manie countryes : but my fortune hath denied me to finde him out , although I am not a little now bounde vnto her by conducting me hither at this time , wherein I did you this small peece of seruice . Which ( faire Nymphes ) beleeue me , I account ( next after his life in whom I haue put all my hope ) the greatest content , that might haue fallen vnto me .

When the Nymphes had heard faire Felismenas tale , and vnderstoode what a great Lady she was , and how loue had made her forsake her naturall habite , and taken vpon her the weedes and life of a shepherdesse , they were no lesse amazed at her constancie and zeale , then at the great power of that cruell tyrant , who absolutely commands so many liberties to his seruice . And they were mooued besides to no small pittie , to see the teares and burning sighes wherewith the Ladie did solemnize the historie of her loue . Doria therefore , whose tender soule Felismenas greefe did most transpierce , and who was more affected to her , then to any woman , with whom she had ouer conuersed before , tooke her by the hand , and began to say to her in manner follwing . What can we do ( saire Lady ) against the blowes of Fortune , what place is there so strong , where one may be safe from the mutabilities of time ? What harneys so impenetrable , and steele so well tempered , that may serue for a defence against the violence of this tyrant , whom so vniustly they call Loue ? And what hart ( though it be harder then diamond ) which an amorous thought can not mollifie and make tender ? Certes this beautie , this valour , and this wisedome , deserue not to be forgotten of him , who had but once seene and knowne them : But we liue now in such an age , that the deserts of any thing , are the meanes and occasions of not obtaining it . And cruell loue is of so strange a condition , that he bestoweth his contents without any good order and rule , and giueth there greatest fauours , where they are lest esteemed ; but the medicine of so many ils , ( whereof this tyrant is the cause ) is her discretion & courage that suffers them . But whom doth he leaue so free , that these may serue her for a remedie ? Or who can command her selfe so much in this passion , that in other womens affaires she is able to giue counsell , how much lesse to take it in her owne . Yet for all this , I beseech thee ( faire Ladie ) to put before thine eies , and consider what thou art , bicause if women of such high renowne and vertue as thou art , are not able to tolerate his aduerse effects , how can they suffer them , that are not such . And in the behalfe of these Nymphes and mine owne , I request thee , to go with vs to the sage Felicias pallace , which is not farre from this place , for that to morrow about this time we may be well there : where ( I am assured ) thou shalt finde great remedies for thy greefes , as many others haue done heeretofore , that haue not deserued them as much as thou hast : whose profounde skill and rare experiments ( besides many other notable things in her , wherein no man or woman in our times came euer neere her ) and her princely bountie doth'make her so famous and renowned , that the greatest kings and estates in the worlde are desirous of her companie . I know not faire Nymphes ( said Felismena againe ) who is able to applie a remedie to such an ill , but he that first caused it . But neuerthelesse I will fulfill your wils heerein , and since your companie is such an ease and lighting to my paine , it were a fond part to reiect that comfort , whereof at this time I stande in so great neede . I woonder said Cynthia , that Don Felix ( al the while thou didst serue him ) did not know thee by thy faire face , thy sweete grace , and looking daily on such faire eies . He did so little remember those beauties , saide Felismena , which he had once scene in me , ( his thoughts being so deepely imprinted on Celias which he daily viewed ) that he had no power , nor knowledge left to thinke once of mine . And talking thus togither , they heard the Shepherds singing , ( that in companie of discreet Seluagia were comming down the hill ) the oldest songs they knew , or that their seuerall greefes did put into their heads , euerie one taking that , which made most for his purpose . And the first that began to sing , was Syluanus , who did sing this song following .

MY passion ( Loue ) thou dost disdaine , But God keepe thee from such a paine . I am of Loue disdained , And Fortunes wheele doth broose me , I care not now to loose me , And hope not to be gained . So care to care is chained By Fortune and by Loue againe : But God keepe thee from such a paina . In playntes Loue entertained Myhart ( such sport to choose me ) And fortune thus vndooes me , To make me thinke vnfained , That Time a change maintained , But Both do still my greefes ordaine , But God keepe thee from such a paine .

Seluagia , who bare no lesse loue , or at lest no lesse presumption thereof to her Alanius , then Syluanus to faire Diana , and who thought her selfe no lesse greeued for the change , that he had made in his loue , then Syluanus for the long perseuerance in his harme , changing the first verse of this old pastorall round that followeth , she began to sing it , applying it to her purpose in this sort .

SAie Shepherdesse , what hath depriued thee Of curtesie and ioy , Since that so merrie thou were woont to be ? The deere remembrance of my passed gladnes In middes of all my present greefe and paine , Woe to my soule , that feeles it with such sadnes , If long in such a state it doth remaine : And since that time hath changed ( to beplaine ) A Shepherd to offend and trouble me , Merrie and pleasant I could neuer be .

Syrenus thought Seluagias song sufficient enough to manifest his greefe , if Syluanus and she had agreed thereunto ; who also perswading him to choose out some song , that he had sometimes heard most fit for his purpose , he began to sing this which followeth .

MIstresse thou hast forgotten me , But more I loue and honor thee . Haples , I see I am forgot , And yet I know no reason why , To whom thy faith thou dost apply . And tak'st from whom thou dost not wot : Being belou'd , he loues thee not , And Mistresse thou dost not loue me , But more I loue and honor thee . Me thinkes I do behold with pride Those eies ( my ioyes not long ago ) And for thou wilt not see me so , Thy fairest face from me dost hide : And that I saie to thee , beside , Mistresse lift up those eies to me , For more I loue and honor thee .

The Nymphes with no small delight and content , were harkening to the Shepherds songs , but the infinite sighes and teares which the noble Shepherde sse powred foorth , did not suffer her to be idle , while the Shepherds were a singing . When they were come to the fountaine , and had done their due reuerence , they spred a faire white cloth vpon the greene grasse , and setting that meate on it , which they had brought with them from the towne , they sat them downe to eate , whom their thoughts ( at lest ) would giue leaue , and they , ( who had not such a priuiledge ) importuned by them , that were most free , must needes do the like . And after they had refreshed themselues , Polydora saide thus . The remedie of your paines disdained Shepherds , ( if it be lawfull to call you by that name , ) which ( to your greefe ) fortune hath cast vpon you , consisteth in the hands of the graue Lady Felicia , to whom nature hath giuen that diuine knowledge , which she hath denied vs : And therefore since you see , how greatly it importeth you to go visit her , in the name of these two Nymphes ( to whom you haue done this day so great seruice ) I request you , not to refuse our companie , bicause by no other meanes you may receiue the rewarde of your trauell and paine , the which this woorthie Shepherdesse intends to take , who needes it no lesse then your selues . And thou Syrenus , whom Fortune hath tossed from a happie and ioyfull time , to a life as haplesse and full of sorrowe , despaire not , but cheere vp thy selfe , for if thy Mistresse had the remedie of the miserable life , which she leades with Delius so neere her , as thou of that , which she makes thee suffer , it would be no small lighting to those churlish wordes , and iealous iarres , which I know she passeth euery day with him . There is nothing faire Polydora ( saide Syrenus ) that giues me now any greater discontent , then that Diana hath reuenged herselfe on me so much to her owne cost , for louing one , who hath not any thing in him that deserues such loue , and being perforce in his companie , thou seest how much it must greeue her ; and as for me , to seeke a remedie for my greefe , I woulde do it , if time and fortune would permit me . But I plainly see , that all the waies of it are stopped vp , and know not whither thy selfe and these faire Nymphes will carrie me to seeke it out . But let it be as it will , I will followe you , as Syluanus ( I thinke ) and Seluagia will do no lesse , if they be not of so small vnderstanding , that they conceiue not the great fauour , that you do to vs all . And so they two referring themselues to that , which Syrenus had answered , and committing their flockes to their friends ( which were not feeding farre from that place ) while they came backe again , they went altogither , which way the Nymphes did lead them .

The end of the second booke of Diana .

The third Booke of Diana of George of Montemayor .

WIth great content the faire Nymphes with their companie were going on their way thorow the middes of a thicke wood , and now the sunne being readie to set , they entred into a faire valley , in the mids of which ran a swift brooke , beset on either side with thicke Sallows and Sicamours ; amongst the which were many other kindes of lesse trees , which twyning about the greater , and the golden and coloured flowers of the one , wouen ( as it were ) with the greene bowes of the other , represented a goodly sight and delight to the eie . The Nymphes and Shepherds tooke a pathway betweene the brooke and the faire arbours , who had not gone farre , when they came to a large greene meadow , wherein was a very faire great moate of cleere water , from whence the brooke did spring , that with great force ranne thorow the valley . In the middes of that moate was an Iland , wherein grew some greene trees , amongst the which stoode a Sheepe-cote , and about the same a flocke of sheepe went seeding of the greene and tender grasse . The Nymphes thinking this a fit place to passe away the night , which was neere at hand , vpon a fine causey of stones most artificiallie ( as it seemed ) laide in order , they passed all ouer into the iland , and went directly to the cote which they sawe before them . But Polydora going in first ( for she was a little before the rest ) was scarce entred in when she came foorth as fast againe , and looking towards her companie , did put her singer vpon her mouth , in token that they should come softly on & without any noise , which the Nymphes & the Shepherdes perceiuing , with the least they could , came into the cote , and looking into it , espied a bed in a corner , not made of any other thing , then of the greene bowes of those Sicamours , that were growing about it , and of the greene grasse , that did growe about the water brinkes . Vpon the which they sawe a Shepherdesse lying a sleepe , whose beautie stroke them with no lesse admiration , then if on a sudden they had seene faire Diana before their eies . She had on a light skie coloured petticoate , and vnder that a gorget of so passing fine net-worke , that they might at pleasure behold the delicate proportion of her snow white brest , and comely feature of her euen body , for the vpper part ( being of the same colour with the rest ) hung so loose about her , that they might take a perfect view of her fine and daintie waste . Her yellowe haire in brightnes surpassing the sunnie beames , were loose and hanging downe without any order . But neuer did frizeling and adorned periwigge of any Lady in stately court beautifie in such sort , as the carelesse disorder that these had ; and her white legge , being bare by the negligence of her harmelesse sleepe , laie seemely out of her petticoate , but not so much , that the lookers on might perceiue any part , but what with modestie they might well beholde . And by manie teares that ( sleeping yet ) went trickling downe her faire and rosie cheekes , her sleepe ( it seemed ) should not hinder her sorrowfull imaginations . The Nymphes and Shepherds were so amazed at her beautie , and at her inward sorrow , which by outward signes they well coniectured did trouble her waking soule , that they knew not what to saie , but were forced to shed teares for pittie of those , which they sawe the Shepherdesse powre foorth : who ( as with pittie and admiration they were looking on her ) turned her on the other side , and with a greeuous sigh fetch 't from the bottome of her hart , saide thus to her selfe . How vnfortunate art thou Belisa , that thy greefe consisteth in no other thing , but in that thy life is of so small value , that it is not able to pay those things with extinction thereof , which by thine owne occasion are destroyed and lost ? And then with a sudden sursault she awaked in such sort , that the end of her daies ( it seemed ) was neere at hand : But when she sawe the three Nymphes , and two such faire Shepherdesses with two Shepherds , she was so amazed , that it was a good while before she came to her selfe againe , who at last lifting vp her eies to looke on them againe , without stopping her teares , which continually she powred out , or putting silence to her burning sighes , which her afflicted hart sent foorth , began to speake in this sort . Howe great a comfort to so comfortles a sonle as mine is should it be , if I were assured , that none by worde nor deede woulde endeuour to giue me any at all ; bicause the great reson , that I haue ( faire Nymphes ) to liue enwrapped in such sadnes as I doe , hath put such a kinde of emnitie betweene me and the consolation of my greefe , that if I thought at any time to enioy it , I would my selfe be the authour of mine owne death : Whereat maruell not faire Nymphes , or that I woulde seeke to preuent me of this remedie , since there is no other , that can greeue me more , then this your sudden sight and comming to this vncouth cote , a place selected out and fit for no other thing , but to bewaile remedilesse greefes . Wherefore let it be a warning to those that are attending their torments , to go quickly out of this place , bicause the misfortunes of loue haue stopped vp the waies in such sort , that they neuer let any hope of comfort or remedie enter in . But what hap hath ledde such a faire companie to this place , where nothing is that yeelds content . What is it ( thinke you ) that makes the greene grasse of this iland growe , and the waters ( that encompasse it rounde about ) to encrease , but my ceasles teares ? What is it , that moues the trees of this faire valley , but the voice of my piteous outcries , and the violent breath of my sorrowfull sighes , which , filling the aire , do execute that office for it , which for it selfe it cannot do ? Why do the pretie birdes sing among these springes , when golden Phoebus is in all his force , but to helpe to lament and bewaile my mishaps ? Wherefore is it that the timerous wilde beastes come foorth to the greene meadowe , but to heare my continuall plaints ? I pray God your fortune hath not brought you ( faire Nymphes ) to this place to that end , that mine hath , bicause nature ( according to the sorrowfull life , that I doe passe in it ) hath for no other thing ( it seemes ) framed it , but for those that are troubled with the incurable malladies of loue , therein to passe away their sorrowfull liues : If any of you therefore be in this extremitie , let her passe on no farther , if not , let her go quickly from hence againe , least by staying heere long , she be forced by the nature and qualitie of the place . The faire Shepherdesse spake these words with so many teares , that there was not any amongst them , that coulde staie theirs . They were all amazed to see the spirit , gesture and countenance wherewith she spake them , for they came ( as it appeered ) from the verie center of her painfull soule . And she coulde do no lesse then this , because the sorrowfull successe of her loue did take away all manner of suspicion , that that greefe , which so extremely she shewed , was either counterfaite or fained . But faire Doria spake thus vnto her . What is the cause ( faire Shepherdesse ) that hath driuen thy beautie to these extremities ? What greefe so strange coulde loue make an occasion of so manie teares , accompanied with so sole and solitarie a life , as thou dost leade in this place ? But what do I aske , when seeing thee to complaine of loue , thou tellest me more then I am able to aske thee . It was thy desire , when we came hether , to be assured that none of vs would offer thee any comfort , wherein I cannot blame thee , since it is the propertie of sorrowfull soules not onely to abhorre comfort , but to flie from them , by whom they thinke by any meanes to receiue it . If I should tell thee ( faire Shepherdesse ) that I could helpe thy greefe , what doth it auaile , if the same will not giue thee leaue to beleeue me ? To tell thee , that in thine owne iudgement and discretion thou dost help thy selfe , I know thou hast it not so free , that thou canst do it : Of one thing yet ( good Shepherdesse ) thou maist be assured , that there is no meanes in the whole world to rid thee from this painfull life , which I would not giue then , if it lay in my power . And if this good will deserueth any thing at all , I beseech thee for their sakes ( that are heete present ) and for mine owne , to tell vs the cause of thy greefe , because there are some in this companie , that haue as great neede of remedie , and whom loue hath driuen to so narrow a streight , that , if Fortune do not succour them the sooner , I knowe not what will become of their liues . The Shepherdesse , hearing Doria speake these wordes , came out of her melancholie cell , and taking her by the hand , carried her vnto a fountaine in a little greene meadowe not farre off . Whither the Nymphes and Shepherdes went after them , and about the same sat them downe altogither , when golden Phoebus had made an end of his diurnall course , and siluer Diana began hers with such brightnes , as if it had beene midday . Where being in such sort as you haue heard , the faire Shepherdesse began to tell this which followeth .

AT that time ( faire Nymphes of the chaste Goddesse ) when I was free from loue , I heard once a certaine thing , the experience whereof did afterwardes beguile me , finding it cleane contrarie to that which I heard reported . For it was tolde me , that there was no kind of greefe , but ( by telling it ) was some lighting & ease to her that did suffer it . I finde , that there is not any thing , that more augments my mishap , then to call it to memorie , and tell it her , that is free from the like . For if I thought otherwise , I durst not ( beleeue me ) recount vnto you the historie of my annoies . But because it is true , that the telling of it to you shall be no cause of comfort to my balefull soule ( which are the two causes most abhorred of me , ) giue eare , and you shall heare the most strange and haples accidents , that euer fell in loue .

Not farre from this valley towards that part , where the sunne doth set , there is a village in the middes of a forrest neere to two riuers , which with their currants do water and giue life to the greene trees , whose shadowed bowes are so delightfull , and thicke togither , that one house may hardly be discerned from another . Euerie one of them hath their limits rounde about them , where the gardens in sommer time are decked with fragrant flowers , besides the aboundance of pleasant orchards , which are there naturally brought foorth , though helped by the industrie of them , which in great Spaine are called ( Freemen ) by reason of the antiquity of their houses & linage . In this place was the vnfortunate Belisa borne , for this name I tooke from the funt , where I would to God I had left and lost my life . Heere liued also a certaine Shepherd , one of the chiefest for birth and riches , that was in all that countrey , called Arsenius , and married to the fairest Shepherdesse in all her time , but vntimely death ( because her destinies woulde haue it so , or else for auoyding some other inconuenience that her beautie might haue caused ) did within a fewe yeeres after she was married , cut asunder her vital thred . The greefe that Arsenius felt for the death of his beloued Florida , was so extreme , that he was almost in danger of loosing his life : the which yet he preserued by the comfort of a sonne she left behinde her called Arsileus , whose beautie and comely feature so farre excelled others , that they matched the gifts so highly commended ( and descended to him ) from Florida his mother . And yet did Arsenius for the losse of her , leade the most sorrowfull and desolate life , that might be . But seeing his Sonne in sufficient yeeres to set him to some vertuous exercise , knowing , That idlenes in boyes was the curse of vices , and an enimie to vertue , he determined to sende him to the famous Academie of Salamanca , with intent to haue him learne those sciences , which make men mount vppe to higher degrees then men , and so sent him thither indeede . But fifteene yeeres being nowe past since the death of his mother , it fell out that I going on a daie with others of our neighbours daughters to the market , kept in a prettie towne not farre from ours , vnfortunate Arsenius ( to his owne harme , and ( alas ) to mine , and to the preiudice of his haplesse sonne ) by chance espied me . This sight kindled an extreme kinde of loue in him , as it appeered afterwardes by the strange effects he shewed : for he endeuoured to make me know it sometimes in the fielde , as I was going to carrie the Shepherds their dinner ; sometimes againe , as I was going to the riuer to rince my clothes ; and somtimes for water to the fountaine , where he neuer missed , of purpose to meete me . But I , ( that was till then but a nouice in matters of loue , although by heare-saie I vnderstoode some of his disordinate effects ) sometimes dissembled the matter , as though I vnderstoode not his meaning , and sometimes made but a mocke of them , and was angry to see him so importunate and earnest . But my wordes were not able to defende my selfe from his continuall suites , nor the great loue he bare me , suffered him to leaue of to woe me more and more : And in this sort I passed away more then fower yeeres , in which space he left not of his fond attempt , nor I to resolue with my selfe to giue him the lest fauour in the worlde . About this time came his haplesse sonne Arsileus from his studie , who amongst other sciences , that he had studied , was so brauely seene in Poetrie and Musicke , that he excelled all others in his time . His father tooke such exceeding ioy in him , that he could neuer be out of his sight , and not without great reason , bicause Arsileus was such an one indeed that he deserued to be beloued , not onely of his father whom nature constrained to loue as his sonne , but of euery one else in the worlde : And so in our towne he was so much esteemed and regarded of the cheefest and vulgar sort , that they talked amongst themselues of no other thing , then of the great wisedome , graces , gentilitie , and many other good parts more , which beautified the flourishing prime of his youth . Arsenius was so secret to his sonne , that by no meanes he would let him vnderstand any thing touching his loue , whom although Arsileus had seene on a day very sad , yet he durst not aske him the cause of his heauines , but rather thought , those passions to be the reliques of that sorrow , which yet for the vntimely death of his faire mother , remained in his fathers brest . But Arsenius greatly desiring to sende me a letter , and to get it in such sort from his sonne , ( for he knewe him to be an excellent Poet ) that he might not perceiue for whom it was , he thought it most fit to discouer the matter , and the summe of his loue to a great friend of his called Argastus , a towns-man and our neighbour , praying him earnestly to request his sonne Arsileus ( as a thing that he stood greatly in neede of ) to pen him a letter , and to tell him , that it was to be sent a good wale thence to a bonnie Shepherdesse , whom he loued and serued . And so he gaue him instructions of other things , making most for his purpose , that he was to request him to put in the letter . Argastus was so carefull about his friends busines , that Arsileus ( vrged thereunto by his incessant requests ) deliuered him the letter in as ample sort as he requested it . Which Arsenius seeing so fit for his purpose , wrought the meanes , that it came to my hands : the which receiuing much against my will , I founde that it saide thus .

Arsenius his letter . FAire Shepherdesse whose hap and fare , That such it be , it is Gods will : Let not such grace and beautie rare Decay , or be imployed ill . And whose milde lambes and marked sheepe Thou maist behold ( with merrie cheere ) By flockes increase , where they doe keepe On tops of these greene hillocks heere . Harke to a Shepherdes wretched crie , Vnto himselfe so great a foe , As for thy sweetest sake to die , He findes he doth it well be stowe : Turne thy deafe eares vnto my smart , And mollifie thy hard pretences , And now begin to put thy hart Into the handes of thy sweete sences . Turne these two faire and cruell eies Vnto this haplesse Shepherd Swaine : Thy flocke regarde not , but his cries , And thinke a little on his paine , Let that but mooue and change thy will : To thinke thereof , I pray thee deine yet , And not to remedie mine ill , But to behold how I susteine it . How often hast thou come and leade 〈◊〉 the field thy flocke and dams , 〈◊〉 many times vnto the meade Hast thou brought forth thy pretie lambes ? That I told not my little ease , That I became a foole for thee , But better had I held my peace , So little it auailed me . That which I feele for thy sweete sake With what wordes shall I now declare ? Or with what knowledge shall I make My faith but knowen and heauie care ? What humane senses shall suffice To feele that paine , and that vnrest , Which for thy lake Loue did deuise To giue me ( though I tell it best . ) Why dost thou hide thy selfe from me , Since thou dost knowe it very cleere , That present when I am with thee , Most absent from thee I appeere : I , in suspences to enfolde me Being where thy faire beauties are : And thou , when that thou dost beholde me , From seeing me then art thou far . To shewe me likewise thou dost knowe ( To mocke me when thou dost pretend ) Things from thy thought , which euer goe , And so deceiue me in the end . See then who greater loue can giue , Or greater grounded loue in hand , That my deceiued thought must liue With that thou mak'st it vnderstand . Behold th' extreme wherein I am , Seeing my good in doubtfull state , That silly creatures I became , ( Lesse then my selfe ) to emulate : For , for the bird the winde doth beare , And fish that in the waues doe liue , For their sweete freedome euery where My vnderstanding I would giue . A change of thousand times I see , And nouels euery day doe raine : Minds change from that they wont to bee , Obliuions doe reuiue againe . In euery thing there is great change , The which I neuer saw in thee , Whereby thou maist perceiue how strange , And vaine my hope is vnto me . The other day thou didst passe by , Feeding thy fiocke vpon the hill : For greefe I sighed somewhat high ; Meaning thereby to thee no ill : A lambe the head then lift vp , that it Did heare , and did some pitie feele , And thou didst fling thy sheepe hooke at it : See what a hardned hart of steele . Could'st thou not ( armed with such power ) After such long time killing me Helpe me a day or but an hower ? If that doth seeme too much to thee , Doe it to see how I may proue Or how with fauours , that ensue , In better sort intreate this loue : Then after kill my soule anew . I doe desire to change estate From paine to paine , and not to pleasure : Nor yet to change from loue to hate , And all in one degree and measure . And though the ill in substance should Be but all one and of one sort : Yet in the circumstance I would That more or lesse it did import . For that may be of such behoofe , And Mistresse , so much it may doe That loue may giue thee greater proofe , Then it hath giu'n thee hitherto . And whom an ill and firmest loue Can neither greeue , nor mollifie , It may be such a greefe may moue Thee , of some greater qualitie . Vnto the meade if thou dost goe , Vnto the riuer or the plaine , Then am I diligent to knowe , If thou art gone or come againe . If angrie , when I follow thee , Or mocke me , if behinde I stay : See then how feare doth trouble me , And what extremes I doe essay . To Syluia then thy deerest friend I goe ( to seeke a poore releefe ) To know if ( haply ) in the end Thou hast inform'd her of my greefe . But nothing when of thee she speakes , Then doe I say , this cruell foe Vnto her good companion breakes Nothing of me , nor of my woe . Some other times I watch the place , To heare the singing in the night , With singular and sweetest grace , A thousand songs of great delight : For I doe heare them one by one , And thou seek'st out the worst of all , And euer from thy mouth heare none That in loue matters doe befall . I sawe thee yet the other day , Talking with Maudline , who in fine To thee her sorrow did bewray : O would to God it had bene mine . I thought thou wouldst not long defer ( Poore soule ) to cheere her heauy hart , But laughing , thou didst answere her . It is a iest , in loue 's no smart . Thou left'st her weeping all in vaine , And I came thither by and by : Of thy hard hart she did complaine , And sighing , this I did reply : No wonder , for this cruell one Delights not onely , that aboue All others she loues not alone , But that all others should not loue . Some other times I thee espie Talking with other Shepherdesses , All is of feastes and brauerie , Who daunceth best , and like digresses : That this maide hath a seemely grace , And he this , or that interest : But if of loue they touch an ace , Then straight thou turn'st it to a iest . Beware yet , liue not too secure , For in braue loue and fortunes art , There is not anything lesse sure Then such a free exempted hart . And it may be with after woe That cruell loue will subiect thee , To one that will intreate thee soe , ( Cruell ) as thou intreatest me . But ( if that fall out to thy cost ) God graunt the same may neuer bee , And first I wish my life were lost , Rather then such a thing to see . For this poore hart which in my brest Is burning in so strange a fire , Feares more thy harme and thy vnrest , Then it respects her owne desire .

With the greatest signes of dolour and of a most afflicted hart indeede , the Shepherdesse Belisa rehearsed Arsenius his letter , or ( to say more truely ) the letter of his sonne Arsileus , staying betweene many verses , and repeating some of them twise , and at other some lifting vp her eies to heauen with such anguish and greefe of minde , that one woulde haue thought her hart would haue burst in peeces . But prosecuting the sorrowfull historie of her loue , she said vnto them .

This letter ( faire Nymphes ) was the beginning of all the harme of the woefull man , that made it , and the end of all the rest and content of the haplesse woman , to whom he wrote it . For when I had read it , by some curious inuestigation that my surmise found out , I perceiued , that it sauoured more of his sonne his quicke wit , then of the father his blunt affection . And bicause the time was now at hand , wherin loue came to take an account of the small care , I had till then of his inuincible power , or bicause in the end I should haue some feeling of his poysoned sweete , I perceiued my selfe a little more mollified then before , and not so little , but that I gaue loue place to take possession of my libertie . And that which this tyrant did by me , was the strangest thing that euer hapned in matters of loue , for he made me not onely loue Arsileus , but also his father Arsenius . Truth it is , that I loued the father to requite the loue he bare me ; and the sonne , to yeeld vp my entyre libertie into his hands , as from that hower I did indeed giue it him . So that I loued the one , not to seeme vngratefull ; and the other , because it was not in my power to do any lesse . But when Arsenius perceiued me to be more gentle then before ( which thing he desired so long since ) there was not any thing in the world , which he woulde not haue done for my content and pleasure : For so many were the presents , the iewels , and manie other gifts he sent me , that it greeued me a little to see my selfe so greatly indebted to him . With euery thing he sent me , came so many amorous verses and letters , that I was forced to answer them againe , whereby I shewed him no signes of loue to put him in any hope , nor my selfe so coie as I was woont to be . But the loue I bare to Arsileus tooke euery day deeper roote in my hart , and molested my sences in such sort , that it left no quiet place in all my soule . It fell out afterwards , that Arsenius and Arsileus being in companie on a sommers night with certain of their neighbours , and sitting vnder a faire great Oke , that stoode in a broade place before our house , Arsenius began to commend the skill which his sonne Arsileus had in musick and musicall instruments , to giue them occasion that were present , to praie him to go fetch a harpe from home , and to plaie and sing there among them , who sat so neere to our house , that I could not choose , but heare the musicke . And as he imagined it , so it fell out answerable to his desire : For Arsileus , being earnestly requested by the companie , sent for a harpe , and sweetely thereon began to plaie and singe . When I heard Arsileus , and with what daintie melodie he plaied , and enticing grace he sung , I was gone almost as farre as might be in Cupids affects , seeing his father would needes bestowe the musicke on me , and vnwittingly enamour me of the excellent graces of his woorthie sonne . Wherefore I saide to my selfe . Thou dost no lesse deceiue thy selfe Arsenius by procuring thy sonne to sing , that I might heare him , then by sending me a letter of his owne hande . If thou didst but knowe what will ensue thereof , thou mightest well from this day admonish all louers , not to procure their Mistresses loue by other mens gifts & graces , bicause it commonly fals out that women do sooner fall in loue with those that are the instruments and meanes , then with those that thinke to benefite themselues by them . But nowe by this time did my Arsileus , with a singular sweete grace and voice , begin to sing this Sonnet to the tune of his siluer sounding Harpe .

A Sonnet . IN this cleere Sunne with golden beames that shineth , In thu most high diuine and rare perfection , In this sweete soule and figure , that refineth Our age with ioyes , with treasures and affection . O blinding light and face each harts subiection , Where beauties store to pities want inclineth : Sweete words , but hard condition of reiection ; Sweete lookes , yet sight that many sorrowes shrineth . For these sweete Mistresse , I am thus enwrapped , For these I feare to see mine owne desire , And passe the time in thinking of thy treasures . A case most strange , effects that neuer happed , That seeing thee , I see my greatest pleasures , And harmes , when that to see thee I require .

After he had made an end of this Sonnet , he began to sing this song with so maruellous sweete grace and delectable voice , that he helde all his hearers in a great suspence , and me ( poore sorrowfull soule ) that loued him more , then euer any coulde be .

TO see thee I lift vp my happie eies , And hauing seene thee , cast them downe againe . For further to proceede the same denies : Nor other ioy but thy loue to containe . What greater glory is there then to view thee , If that he knew the sight that he did see , For neuer was there any one that knew thee , That could be wearie of beholding thee , And though he could not knowe thee any wise As well as I haue knowen thee to my paine , Yet should he be besides himselfe , if dies Not at the least , to see thee once againe . If that my erring pen did others praise It was but trid , I see , vpon the lest , For they were all but papers of essaies Of that , wherewith thou truly wert possest . And if ( before I lou'd thee ) with surmise , My pen hath for some other writ in vaine , It was not for bicause I sawe her eies , But hop't it should see such a Soueraine . Nature in framing thee did so excell And shew'd so braue a skill and suttle art , That one of thy perfections serued well Beautie to thousand others to impart . She that to thee is like in any wise In least of all I sawe in thee so plaine : To passe no further she may well suffice , Nor he , that sees thee but must loue containe . Who sees thee as God made thee , and hath seene An other thing that 's faire and of delight , He thinkes , he sees a thing that would haue beene Thy selfe in any thing , if that it might : But if he sees thee with such perfect eies , And ( Mistresse ) as I sawe thee , then againe There 's no compare ( compare for it denies ) Nor glorie , but thy sweete loue to containe .

It was not onely this , which Arsileus sung that night to the sounde of his Harpe , but as Orpheus , when he demaunded his Nymph Euridice , made the hellish furies gentle with his sweete song , suspending for a while the paines of the damned ghostes ; so did vnfortunate Arsileus not onely amaze and mollifie their harts that were present , but wretched Belisaes also , who with great boldnes from a high garret windowe was harkening vnto him : whose sweete musicke delighted moreouer the heauen , the starres , and the cleere moone , which was then in her force and vigour , that in what part soeuer I did then cast mine eies , it admonished me ( me thought ) and tolde me , that I loued him more then mine owne life : whereof it was needlesse for any to put me in minde , for if I had then beene Lady of all the worlde , I had thought my selfe too meane to be woorthie of him . And from thence I purposed to hide this affection as little from him as I could . All that night I laie imagining , by what meanes I might best discouer vnto him my griefe , but in such sort , that my vertuous name and modestie might not suffer any blemish , though death ( when this was wanting ) with her appalled feare and danger should not haue hindred mine intent . And yet when that should come , and when we haue the greatest care to auoid the occasions that might hinder it , euen then & most of all they present themselues . The next day after needs I must go with other countrey maides ( my kineswomen & neighbours ) to a thicke wood , in the mids whereof was a cleere fountaine , whither euery other holy day we caried our kine , as well for that there was good pasture for them , as also for that ( the fresh & hungry euening being come ) we might take the milke of the next day , whereof we made sweete butter , & fresh cheefe and creame . But I and my companie being set round about the fountaine , and our kine liyng in the coole shades of the thick and branchie trees of that hedge , licking their yong and tender caluelings , that lay by them , one of my friendes amongst the rest , ( vnacquainted ( it seemed ) with that loue that warred within my soule ) with many requests importuned me ( vpon paine neuer to receiue any pleasure at her handes ) to entertaine the time and that companie with some song or other . My many excuses ( with telling her besides that times and occasions were not alwaies one , nor alike ) auailed me very little from performing that , which with so great instance she requested of me : And therefore to the sound of a Bagpipe , whereon one of them most sweetely plaied , I began to sing these verses .

LOue passed by me with his bowe vnarm'd , His eies cast downe , milde , gentle , modest gay , And ( carelesse ) left me then behinde vnharm'd : How small a time did I this ioye essaie ? For presently enuious Fortune saide , Staie loue , why passest thou so soone awaie ? Foorthwith the blinde boye turn'd to me , and staide Angry to see himselfe so checkt with blame , For ther 's no blame , where his hot fire is laide : Cupid was blinde , but well he spide his game : So blinded b● he , that he may see none , That did so blinde my wit , and sence enflame : O that I might reuenge my selfe of one That wisheth harme to all , and will not free ( With his consent ) not one poore hart alone : Straight did the traytour arme his bowe , and he with poysoned shaft did pierce my carelesse hart , Which in his bowe he put , and aym'd at me : Fortune vnarm'd did take me , for his parte Loue neuer plaies , nor workes not any feate , But on free soules , exempted from his darte : A hardned hart his arrow brake 〈◊〉 with heate , And brake a neuer subiect freedome , so That I did yeeld , and his content was great : O sole free quiet life that I forgo , O meadowe seene so oft with freest eies , Cursed be Loue , his arrowes , and his bowe : Nowe follow loue , and what he doth deuise , Come from securitie to greatest care , And passe from rest , to thousand miseries : See now how that a carefull hart doth fare , Which lately was without suspect or thought Subiect to be to such a tyrants snare . O soule with teares vndone and brought to nought , Now learne to suffer , since you learn'd to see , But what auailes , if this my Fortune wrought ? O wretched eies ( if with this terme he be Not angry ) whom you sawe with free consent , Where haue you put and plac'd my libertie ? O meadowes , groues , and woods of sweete content , Which bred so free a hart as I had heere , So great an ill why did you not preuent ? Swift running brooke , and riuer pure and cleere , Where once my flocke were wont to drinke their fill , O euery season of the passing yeere , Why haue you put me in a state so ill ? Since onely I did loue you , and these plaines , And this most pleasant vale , and greenest hill . Heere did I mocke a thousand Shepherd swaines : Who now will laugh at me , when they shall know . That now I doe begin to feele their paines . They are not ils of Loue , that wound me soe , For if they were , then should I passe them all , As thousands , who haue died in Cupids woe . Fortune it is , that turnes , and makes me fall From euery meane occasion , path , and way , Wherby I might but shew my painfull thrall . How can the causer of my passion ( say ) Helpe them , if that their paine he neuer knowes , But there 's no loue , where reason beareth sway , To how much ill is fortune drawing those , Whom she makes loue ? since nothing can restore ( sea , earth nor Sunne , moone , stars nor any showes ) Or giue delight , vnlesse one loue before . And all is thus , and wretched thus am I , Whom time perswades and hinders more and more . Cease now my verse , since loue with angrie eie Beholds , how soone of him I doe complaine , And for my harmes doe craue his remedie . Complaine not oft , for feare of his disdaine , Now hold your peace , since I seale vp my wordes , And when you see Loues fell , and angrie vaine , Cease , for Loues wroth no remedie affoordes .

These verses of the Shepherdesse Belisa pleased the Nymphes and Shepherdes , no lesse then the sweete and sorrowfull note , wherewith she sung them , who ( prosecuting the historie of her mishap ) said : But Arsileus was not farre from thence , when I sung these verses , for hauing gone foorth that day a hunting , & being in the thickest of the woode to passe away the heate of the day , it seemed he heard vs , and as one , that loued musicke well , came softly pacing amongst the thickest trees that were neere vnto the fountaine , bicause he might from thence the better heare vs . But our musicke being ended , he came straight to the fountaine , whose sudden sight engendred a forcible passion of ioy and feare in my amazed soule . Which was no great maruell , bicause an enamoured hart may be as well sursaulted with a sudden ioy , as with an vnexpected sorrow . He came to vs where we were set , and curteously saluting vs , in very good sort , and with a good grace requested pardon of vs ; That certes ( faire Nympes ) when I begin to thinke of the sweete behauiour , and ripened wisedome of vnfortunate Arsileus , I do not thinke that his sinister fates and fortune were the cause , that death tooke him away so quickly from my sight , but rather that the worlde was not woorthie to enioye any longer so singular a youth , on whom nature had bestowed so many perfections of beautie and enriched with so many gifts of the minde , as that hee left not his like behinde him . After hee had saluted vs , and leaue obtained ( which hee humblie requested of vs ) to passe away the heate of the daye in our companie , hee cast his eies vpon me ( which had hee neuer done , happie had we both beene ) and was ( as it appeered afterwardes by diuers signes , whereby hee manifested his affection to me ) extremely ouercome in my loue . Vnhappie I , ( that needed not to looke on him to loue him , being so much enwrapped in his , by seeing him before , as hee was nowe in mine after hee had seene me ) lifted vp mine eies to beholde him at the verie instant when he addressed his to looke on me , which forcible encounter both of vs would willingly had not befell , bicause that modestie and shame sharpely rebuked me , and feare left not him without bitter punishment . But he to dissemble his newe greefe , began to discourse with me in matters cleane different from those , which he woulde haue imparted to me , to some of which I answered againe , my thoughts and sences being then more careful to see , if by the alteration of his countenance , or mildenes in his words he shewed any signes of loue , then fully to satisfie his questions . For then so greatly I desired to heare him sighe , ( to confirme me in my doubtfull hope ) that in lieu of such a happines I woulde not haue cared to haue passed any greefe whatsoeuer . And in the end I coulde not wish for more apparant signes of loue in him , then at that present I behelde : for what with his toong he coulde not , with his eies he manifestly declared vnto me the amorous and secret passions of his hart . And being in these points , the two Shepherdesses , that were with me , rose vp to milke their kine , whom I praied to take the paines to milke mine likewise , for that I felt my selfe not well at ease . And needlesse it was for me to entreate them much , and for Arsileus to haue any fitter occasion to declare vnto me his greefe , wherein I knowe not if he was deceiued , by imagining the occasion why I would be without companie , but am assured , that he was not a little glad to helpe himselfe by the opportunitie thereof . The Shepherdesses were busie about milking their kine , which suffered themselues to be deceiued with humane industry by tying their gentle cauelings to their feete . That Arsileus now ( newly suprised in loue ) had yeelded himselfe so much to Cupids bonds , that nothing but speedie death could giue him libertie , I perceiued apparantly , in that fower or fiue times he began to speake vnto me , and euery time in vaine : for the feare he had of my displeasure came euer betweene him and his speech , and therefore I began to talke to him of another matter , not farre from his intent , bicause he might not digresse much from it , inducing him thereby to tell me what it was that so often he went about to speake and could not vtter , saying . Doth this countrey like thee well , Arsileus ? For the entertainment and conuersation of that , where thou hast lately spent thy time , is , I knowe , farre different from ours , which therefore cannot so well content thee as that . As of my selfe ( quoth he ) I haue not so much power , so hath not my vnderstanding ( faire Shepherdesse ) so much libertie , to answer this demand . And changing this manner of talke ( to shewe him the way with occasion ) I said vnto him againe : I haue heard say , that in those parts are many faire Shepherdesses , that paragonned to vs , they so farre excell vs , that we must seeme but meane in thy sight that are heere . I might be thought too simple ( saide Arsileus ) if I woulde confesse this , for though there are as faire there ( as you haue heard ) yet heere are they which with mine owne eies I daily see , that so farre surmount them , as the sun doth the chiefest stars in brightnes . This is the greatest glose in the world ( said I againe ) and yet for all this I am not sorrie , that our countrey-women are so farre in your good opinion and liking , because I am one of them my selfe . Which onely reason ( saide he ) if there were no other , were sufficient enough to prooue what I haue said . So that by word and worde he came to tell me that , which I desired to heare , though I would not then make him knowe so much , but rather intreated him to stop vp the passage of his wordes . But fearing least this might haue bene an occasion to qualifie his loue ( as often times it falleth out , that disgraces and disfauours in the beginning are the meanes to make any leaue of their true commenced loue ) I began to tune againe my iarring answere , saying thus vnto him . And if thy loue be such Arsileus , that it will not suffer thee to leaue of to loue me , be secret therein , since it is the manner of those that are wise and iudicious ( like thy selfe ) to be no lesse in things of meaner consequence . Albeit by all this , which I haue saide vnto thee , I would not haue thee thinke to profit thy selfe any more , then that I must for euer liue bounde vnto thee , if thou wilt follow my counsell in this behalfe . This did my toong speake , but an other thing did my pitifull eies affirme , with the which I still looked him in the face , and casting out a sigh ( an assured messenger of my inwarde and sensible passion ) which Arsileus might haue perceiued well ynough ( if Loue at the least would haue giuen him leaue ) I held my peace . In this sort we departed from one another , and many times afterwards he talked with me of these matters , who sent me besides many letters , and fine Sonnets of his owne making . And as he sung them night by night to the tune of his sweete Harpe , with amorous teares I oftentimes harkened vnto him , so that in the ende both of vs was assured of each others loue . But now did Arsenius his father importune me in such sort , with his messages and presents , that I knew not what way to take , to defend me from him . And it was the strangest thing in the world to see , how the loue , which increased euery day in the sonne , was also augmented in the father , though they were both of different age and powers : and yet the same ( I must needes confesse ) made me not reiect him , nor refuse any thing , that he sent me . But liuing now in all contentment , and seeing my selfe so truly beloued of Arsileus , whom I loued so deerely againe , it seemed that fortune would make an end of all my ioy with the most haplesse euent that was euer seene before . For thus it was , that Arsileus and I appointing to meete together on a certaine night ( too darke and dismall for me ; bicause I neuer since knew perfectly what day meant ) we concluded that he should come into my fathers orchard , and I to my chamber windowe , which opened right vpon a Mulberie tree , whereon he might easily get vp to be necre vnto me , there to talke togither of our matters . Accursed Belisa that shalt neuer conceiue to what purpose I brought him to such danger , when as euery day , sometimes in the fielde , sometimes at the riuer side , and sometimes at the wood , when I carried my kine to pasture , and sometimes when I driue my sheepe to the folde , he might at pleasure haue talked with me , as he did many daies before . But my hard hap was the cause , that fortune would be paied for the content , which she had lent me till then , with making me liue all my life time without it . For now the appointed hower , ( which was the ende of his daies , and the beginning of my woes ) being come , Arsileus came iust at the time , and to the very place , where both of vs talking together of those things , which they may imagine , that haue sometimes loued well , his wretched father Arsenius , that accustomed many nights to walke vp and downe about our house , to see if he could see me ( which if I had so well remembred , for it was so far out of my thoughtes , as if I had neuer knowen any such matter , I would neuer haue consented to put him in such danger ) in the ende happened to come thither that night , and iust at that hower when his sonne was in the tree , and so priuily , that though he had quickly espied vs , we could neither heare , nor see him . And knowing it was I , that was speaking out at the window , but not his sonne , that was in the Mulberie tree , not imagining who he might be , it was the principall cause of our ill successe . For thereupon he conceiued such great wroth and iealousie , that , without any noise at all , he bied him home , where bending a Crossebowe , and putting a poisoned arrow in it , came againe to the place where we were , and aimed so right at his sonne , that the arrow pearcing his tender hart , he fell immediately downe dead from the tree , saying . How little time ( my deere Belisa ) doth fortune lend me to serue thee according to my great good will & desire . Which wordes he could scarce vtter , when the accursed father , who by his speech knew that he was the homicide of his owne sonne , with a desperate outcrie saide . Thrise wretched and accursed may I euer be , if thou art my sonne Arsileus , who seemest to be no other by thy voice . Whereupon comming vnto him , and by the light of the moone , that shone vpon his face , knowing him well , and that he had giuen vp the ghost , he saide . Since ( cruell Belisa ) my vnfortunate sonne by thy means hath bene slaine , it is not meete that the murdering father suruiue to lament his vntimely death . At which wordes taking out his Woodknife , he thrust it into his hart , and fell downe presently dead ! O vnhappie chaunce ! O strange case , neuer heard of , nor seene before ! O greeuous scandale to their eares that shall he are the lamentable discourse of my balefull tragedie ? O miserable Belisa , may thy guiltie hart thinke of these things , and not take that way , which both father and sonne haue taken for thy sake ? Alas it shall be great impietie not to mingle thy blood with theirs , who desired so much to serue thee . But when wretched soule I sawe this vnluckie accident , without any more adoe , I left my fathers house , and went vp and downe , wearying the heauens with importunate complaints , and burning the aire with smokie sighes , vntill I came to this place , where accusing cruell fortune and hatefull death , that had in so short time taught me to feele the woundes of their cruell dartes . I haue liued sixe monethes , without seeing or speaking to any person , and not desirous of any companie or consolation whatsoeuer .

Faire Belisa hauing made an end of her pitifull tale , began to weepe so bitterly , that euery one there was forced with their teares to helpe to bewaile her dire misfortune . And adding further she saide . This is faire Nymphes , the sorrowfull historie ( or rather dolefull tragedie ) of my haplesse loues , and of their bloodie successe : Behold then if this be such an ill , that fortune or time may cure and remedie ? O Arsileus , how often did I feare it , without thinking of that , which I iustly feared . But she that will not beleeue her feare and preuent it , let her not maruell , when she sees that come to passe which she feared , for well I knew , thou couldst not be any long time without meeting me , and that my ioy could endure no longer , then when Arsenius thy father perceiued any thing of our loues . I woulde to God it had so fallen out , that the greatest hurt that he could haue done me , had bene but to banish thee his sight and our towne . For an ill which is cured with time , may with lesse harme be suffered . O Arsenius , the death of thy sonne is no impediment to the greefe , that I also conceiue for thine , for the loue which thou didst continually beare me , thy vertuous and pure zeale , wherewith thou didst euer loue me , thy bountie and cost bestowed on me , the tempestuous and ill nightes , that thou hast passed for my sake , will let me doe no lesse , then lament and bewaile thy disastrous end , for by this time I had bene married vnto thee , if thy sweete sonne Arsileus had not come to our towne . If I should say , that I did not loue thee well , I should deceiue the world ; for in the end there is no woman , if she knowes she is truly beloued , but will loue little or much againe , although otherwise she manifest the same . But now my toong holde thy peace , since thou hast told more then thou wert asked . And pardon me ( faire Nymphes ) if I haue bene tedious in my sorrowfull narration , bicause so great mishaps cannot be comprised in fewe wordes . Whilest the Shepherdesse was telling that which you haue heard , Syrenus , Syluanus , Seluagia , and faire Felismena , and the three Nymphes coulde not giue eare without some secrete teares , although the Nymphes , as women neuer touched with loue , felt her paine and greefe , but not the circumstances of it . But faire Doria seeing the comfortlesse Shepherdesse did not leaue of her bitter complaint , began to comfort her in this sort . Let thy teares cease Belisa , since thou seest what small remedie thou hast of them , and waigh that two eies are not able to bewaile so great a greefe . But what sorrow can there be , which is not ended , or endes not her that suffers it : and yet I could shew thee the way whereby I could a little lighten thy paine . Wherefore , I pray thee goe with vs as well for this respect , as for that it is not meete thou shouldest waste thy life so fondly , for in that place where we carrie thee , thou maist choose out what manner of life thou list , & where none is that may hinder thee of it . This place ( answered the Shepherdesse ) I thought most fit not onely to lament my woes in , but to end my life in the same , the which ( if time doth but intreate me as it hath done hitherto ) shall not be very long . But now since this is thy will , I am minded not to gainsay it ; and as for mine ( faire Nymphes ) from this time forward you may vse it according to your owne pleasures . They were all glad that she yeelded to goe with them . And bicause the night was passed on more then three howers , and the moone did shine as cleere as day , they supped there with that prouision the Shepherdes had in their scrips . And after they had supped , euery one chose out her place that did best content her , to passe the rest of the night away , the which the louers spent more in teares and sighes then in sleepe ; and the rest that were free , eased themselues of their wearinesse they had the day before .

The end of the third booke

The fourth Booke of Diana of George of Montemayor .

NOw did the morning starre begin to cast foorth her woonted brightnes , and with the comfort of her light the prety birdes and nightingales were warbling vp their sweetest notes to the skies , when the three Nymphes with their companie departed from the little Iland , where Belisa passed away her sorrowfull life ; whose greefe , though she was a little comforted by the enamoured shepherdes , and cheered vp by the rest , did neuerthelesse haunt her so much , that she founde no remedie , nor meanes to rid hir-selfe from it . Both the Shepherds acquainted her with their passed paines , and the Shepherdesses tolde her the sorrowfull summe of their loues , to trie if by these meanes they might mitigate her paine a little . But all comfort is in vaine where the greefe is remedilesse . The disguised Ladie tooke such delight in Belisaes beautie , discretion , and sweete graces , that she coulde not satisfie her-selfe by asking her still more questions , though Belisa was almost wearie with answering to them . And the familiaritie betweene them both was so great , that it made the Shepherds and the Shepherdesse in a manner emulate their conuersation . But they came to a thicke woode full of wilde shadowed trees , where they coulde not chuse , ( had they not beene guided by the Nymphes ) but haue lost themselues . They therefore led the way before thorow a narrow glade , where they could not enter in but by one and one . And hauing gone halfe a league thorow the thickest thereof , they came into a broade and faire plaine lying betweene two goodly riuers , both which were brinked on either side with greene & tall trees . In the middes thereof suddenly appeered vnto their sight a stately Pallace , with so high and loftie turrets , that it filled them full of woonder and delight to behold it . Before they came to this great pallace , they sawe diuers Nymphes of incomparable beautie comming foorth to meete them : All of them apparelled with daintie white vailes , curiously wouen with fine threeds of golde and siluer , wearing garlands of redolent flowers vpon their yellow haire , which in most comely grace was hanging downe loose vpon their shoulders . After them came a Lady , which seemed ( by the grauitie and maiestie of her person ) to be a woman of some great state and authoritie , attyred in blacke veluet , and leaning ( as she came ) vpon one of her Nymphes shoulders , the fairest in the companie . When the three Nymphes were come vnto them , with great ioy and many imbracings they were receiued of the other . But when the Lady came nigh , with great reuerence they kissed her handes , whom she entertained and wel-commed as ioyfully as they could wish . And before the Nymphes spake one worde of that which had passed , sage Felicia ( for so was this honorable Ladie called ) saide to Felismena . The great aduenture which thou hast done for these three Nymphes , cannot ( faire Shepherdesse ) be requited with lesse , then by euer hauing me bound vnto thee ; and to do thee all the fauour I may , which shal not be smal , thy neede being so great : For since I knowe what thou art ( without report of anie ) and whether thy thoughts do leade thee , thou shalt in the ende perceiue if I be able to helpe thee in any thing . Wherefore be of good cheere , for if I liue , thou shalt see and enioy thy desire , in pursuite whereof though thou hast passed much paine and trauell , there is nothing ( as thou knowest ) obtained nor gotten without it . Faire Felismena , maruelling much at Felicias wordes , and forgetting not to giue her due thankes for so great curtesies and promises , answered thus . Since you deigne ( sage Ladie ) not onely in the end to remedie my griefes , but to blesse the remnant of my life with happines and content , whereas there is no desert of my part that may chalenge any such fauour at your gracious hands , do but consider ( good Lady ) what is due to your selfe , and then you shall see how I remaine acquited of this debt , and your selfe sufficiently paied . For so great deserts as thine are ( saide Felicia ) and for such excellent beautie , as nature hath bestowed on thee , all that may be done , is little enough . Felismena then bowed herselfe at these wordes to kisse her hands : but Felicia embraced her louingly , and looking vpon the Shepherds and Shepherdesles , saide vnto them . Be not dismaied couragious Shepherds , and discreete Shepherdesses , at the continuance of your seuerall greefes , for I haue also no lesse care of their speedie remedies . The Shepherdes and the Shepherdesse kissed her handes , and went in all together to the stately Palace . Before which was a faire broade court , set round about with high Cypres trees , and placed in good order , and interpaued all ouer with Lozanges of Allablaster and blacke Marble in manner of checkey worke . In the mids whereof stood a fountaine of Iaspar Marble , set vpon fower great brasen Lions . And in the mids of the fountaine a Iaspar piller , about the which fower Nymphes ( most liuely made out of white Marble ) had their places . They reached vp their armes on high , and in their handes held seuerall vessels after the Antique Roman manner , out of the which from certaine Lions mouthes , that were painted in them , they powred Cristalline water : The portall of the Palace was of polished Marble , with all the bases and chaptres of the pillers gilded , as likewise the garments of the imagerie that was set in it . All the house seemed to be made of shining Iaspar , with statues and figures of many Roman Emperours and matrones therein engrauen , and with other like antiquities . All the windowes were leafed a peece , and the springs and bars belonging to them of bright siluer , and all the gates of stately Cedar . The house was quadrant , and at euery Canton was reared vp a high and artificiall tower . Comming to the portall , they staied a little to behold the strange workmanship and the imagerie that was so liuely grauen in it , that it seemed rather a naturall then artificiall worke , or wrought by humane industrie , wherein were two Nymphes of massie siluer that stood on the tops of two pillers , and helde vp betweene them a polished table of smooth Ieat with golden letters grauen in it , that saide thus .

WEll let her life that enters heere be waighed , And if she hath not chastitie estranged , And she that loues , or Loues lawes hath essaied , If for anothers loue she hath not changed : And if from former faith she hath not straied , And kept her first true loue , and hath not ranged : May enter heere into Dianas temple , Whose soueraigne grace to such appeeres most gentle .

When faire Felismena heard this , she saide to the Shepherdesses Belisa and Seluagia , I thinke we may safely enter into this sumptuous Palace , without breach of the lawes , that this table doth depaint vnto vs . Syrenus answering to that , saide . But faire Diana coulde not doe so , bicause she hath not onely gone against them , but against all , that good and honest loue commaunds to be obserued . Be not angrie with her Shepherd ( saide Felicia , ) for before many daies hence thou shalt wonder that thou wert so much angrie , and laugh at this harde opinion thou hadst of her . And so handes in handes they went into the sage Felicias chamber , which was richly hanged with cloth of golde and tissue of inestimable value . And by and by ( after they were come in ) supper was made ready , where fine white clothes being spred on the tables , and furnished with daintie cates , euery one was placed in order : Felismena was set next to the sage Lady Felicia , and the Nymphes tooke the Shepherdes and Shepherdesses betweene them , whose talke at the boord was full of modest mirth and delight . There were the rich tables of Cedar , and stooles framed out of Iuorie , with cushions of fine needle worke wrought with golde and siluer , many cups , goblets , and glasses of diuers formes and mettals , were common there , and all of no small price , some of them artificially made of strange glasse , others of fine Cristall , with the feete and handles of pure golde ; others , all of golde and siluer most richly garnished with precious stones of inestimate value . They were serued with such plentie of sundrie daintie dishes , as is almost impossible in order to set downe . After that supper was ended , three Nymphes came into the hall , one of them playing on a Harpe , another on a Lute , and the third on a base Vial de gamba , but with such sweetenesse and melodie , that they that were present , were ( as it were ) enchaunted and rauished with it . They placed themselues in one side of the hall , and the Shepherdes and Shepherdesses ( being louingly requested by the three Nymphes , and by sage Felicia ) placed themselues right ouer against them on the other side , with their Rebeckes and a Bagpipe , whereon Seluagia sweetely plaied . And then the Nymphes began to sing this song , and the Shepherdes to answere them in manner following .

The Nymphes . THe authours of subiections Fortune and Loue , and of most peeuish fashions , Aboue the moone affections Doe place , and hard reiections , And in the same extremest paines and passions . The Shepherdes . Lessemay he vaunt and boast For ioy , whom Loue did neuer yet molest , Then he , that loueth most , And fauours euer lost , Since they that suffer more are euer best . The Nymphes . If Loues extremes releene you , And did not gainsay reason , as we view them , Perhaps we would beleeue you : But seeing how they greeue you , Happy are we that can so well eschew them . The Shepherdes . The hardest things the stoute And valiant persons euer take in hand : And that of greatest doubt Braue courage brings about , For t' is no honour small things to withstande . The Nymphes . The Louer well doth see , To fight it out , it is not Loues intent With magnanimitie : In torments he must be Of those , that suffring them are most content . The Shepherdes . If any ioy we sought By any ill of Loue which we obtaine , It cannot be the thought Vnto the passion brought : But he 's more happy that endures more paine . The Nymphes . The best estate and fare , Where he doth see himselfe that loueth best , Brings nothing els but care : And yet doth neuer spare With flames to burne the dame and seruants brest : And he that 's fauour'd most , Is changed in the twinkling of an eie : For with disfauours tost , And in obliuion lost , It kils his hart and makes his ioyes to die . The Shepherdes . To leese a good estate By falling from it , is a greefe and paine : Blamelesse is Loue , but fate It is , and Fortunes hate , That no exception makes from his disdaine : Vniust and far vnfit Is death , if Loue doth say that we shall liue , If death it promis'd yet , No fault he doth commit : For in the ende his promise he doth giue . The Nymphes . Fierce Loue they doe excuse , That finde themselues entangled with his fetter : And blame those that refuse Him , but of these to chuse The blamed mans estate is far the better . The Shepherdes . Faire Nymphes , it is denied The free and bond with one toong to debate , Liue men and those that died , The loued , and defied , All speake according to their owne estate .

Sage Felicia and the Shepherdesse Felismena gaue attentiue eare vnto the musicke , that the Nymphes and Shepherdes made , and to the sundry opinions , which on both sides they shewed by singing . And Felicia smyling on Felismena , saide to her in her eare . Who beleeues not ( faire Shepherdesse ) but that most of these words haue touched thy soule to the quicke ? who with a milde and sober grace , answered her againe . Such were the words good Lady , that whose soule they did not touch , the same should not be touched with such loue as mine is . Felicia then lifting vp her voice a little higher , saide vnto her . In these loue matters I note a certaine conclusion , which I finde for the most part true , That the generous minde and delicate witte by many degrees excelleth him in affection , that hath not these gifts . Because as loue is a vertue , and vertue doth euer choose her being in the best place , it is cleere , that persons of valour and dignitie , are more enamoured , and ( as they are properly termed ) better louers , then those of baser condition and estate . The Shepherds and Shepherdesses hearing what Felicia saide , seemed to be somewhat angry in their mindes , which made Syluanus to thinke , that her words ought not to escape without an answer , who therefore saide thus vnto her . Wherein good Ladie doth a noble minde and fine witte consist ? Felicia ( who by and by perceiued to what purpose the Shepherd demanded this question , because she woulde not giue him anie occasion of discontent ) saide . In no other thing but in the proper and sole vertue of him that loues , as to haue a liuely and quicke witte , a mature and good iudgement , a thought tending to high and stately things , and in other vertues which doe arise and flow from them themselues . I am satisfied saide Syluanus , and so are these Shepherdesses , because we imagined ( discreete Lady ) that you take valour and vertue to be onely in noble personages . I speake it to this ende , bicause he is but poore in the giftes of nature , that goes to seeke them foorth in those that are gone and past . It pleased not the other Shepherdesse a little to heare what Syluanus had saide ; and the Nymphes did laugh , to see how the Shepherds did blush at Felicias proposition . Who taking Felismena by the hand , brought her into a faire chamber , where she lay her selfe all alone : And after she had passed the time with her in many discourses , she put her in great hope of enjoying her desire , & the vertuous end of her loue , by hauing Don Felix to her husband , albeit she saide , that this could not be done , without passing first some fewe trauels and troubles more : which the Lady made small account of , who in countermaund of them did encourage and comfort her selfe with the guerdon that she hoped to gaine by them . Felicia tolde her moreouer , that during her abode in her pallace , she shoulde put off her pastorall habits , vntill the time came , when she was to weare them againe . And therefore calling vnto her the three Nymphes , in whose companie she came , she commanded them to apparell her in such garments , as to her noble and high estate were requisite . The Nymphes were not slow in executing her command , nor Felismena disobedient in doing that which Felicia thought conuenient for her . They leading her therefore away by the hand , brought her into an inward chamber , at the one side whereof was a dore , which faire Doria opening , they went downe a paire of alablaster staires into a faire hall , in the middest whereof was a cesterne of most cleere water , where all the Nymphes did vse to bathe themselues . Where stripping themselues naked with Felismena , they did bathe themselues . And after they had adressed their golden haire , they went vp to one of Felicias inward chambers , where the Nymphes hauing apparelled themselues , they did also put these garments on Felismena : A faire petticoate of carnation printed satten , the vpper body of shining cloth of gold , of the same colour , and fringed beneath , and garded with a lace of beaten golde and small pearle . A gowne of crymosin veluet , with the sleeues , the bodies and skirts beneath embrodered with knots of seede pearle , and golde which was curiously wrought with needle by artificiall and cunning hande . A kirtle of pure white satten full of embrodered flowers and rare works of siluer , in the middes whereof did sticke out faire orientall pearles . And tying vp her haire with a carnation ribbon of silke and siluer , they did put thereon a caule of glittering golde , in euery corner whereof a precious Ruby was set , with a naturall crisped periwigge of her owne haire , matching the brightest golde in colour , which adorned either side of her cristalline forehead : wherein were put two iewels curiouslie enchased with tablet Diamonds and Saphires of infinite value . The border that bound vp her caule , was of chosen flowers of golde , enameled with sundrie liuely colours , and beset betweene with Emeraulds and Rubies , in the middes whereof , iust betweene the two periwigs , hung downe a rich iewell of sparkeling Diamonds vpon her snowe white browe , with three long orientall pearles in forme of acornes , hanging therea . The attyre of her head was in forme of two little ships made of Emeraulds , with all the shrouds and tackling of cleere Saphyres . About her white necke , they put a little chaine of fine golde , made in manner of a wreathed snake , with an enameled Eagle of golde in her mouth , which helde betweene both her tallons a Rubie of infinite price . When the three Nymphes did see her adorned in this sort , they wondred at her excellent beautie , and then brought her into the hall , where the other Nymphes and Shepherds were . And whereas they did till then knowe her for none other then a Shepherdesse , they remained so astonished , that they knewe not what to saie . Felicia commanded her Nymphes after this to carie faire Felismena and her company to see the sumptuous and rich temple , which was presently done , the sage Lady betaking her selfe to her solitarie chamber . Pollydora therfore and Cynthia taking Felismena between them , & the other Nymphes the Shepherdes and Shepherdesses , who for their wisedome , and many other good parts were not a little made of , went out into a great court , the arches and pillers whereof were of Iaspar marble , and the bases and chaptres of Allablaster , with many borders and workes cut out after the Romaine manner , gilded in some places very curiously , and wrought all ouer with Moysaical worke : the pillers were supported with Lyons , Ounces and Tygres , so liuely cut of brasse , that they looked as though they would assaile them that came into that place . In the midst of the court was an eight square paterne or Obeliske of shining copper , ten cubits high , vpon the top whereof stoode fierce Mars armed at all points after the ancient manner , whom the Gentils called the God of battailes . In this Obeliske with maruellous art and skill were set foorth the proud squadrons of the Romaines on the one side , and the Carthaginian campe on the other side . Before the one 〈◊〉 stoode the noble captaine Hanniball , and before the other , the inuincible and valiant African Scipio , in whom , before he had either age or experience , nature shewed great tokens of valour and magnanimitie . On the otherside stoode Marcus Furius Camillus the wise and valiant captaine fighting in the high capitoll , to set his countrey at libertie , from whence he had himselfe beene late banished . There stoode Horatius , Mutius Scaeuola , the happie Consull Marcus Varro , Caesar , Pompey with great Alexander , and all they who by warre had atchieued great enterprises , and woone great same , with scrolles & characters in golde , declaring their names and famous deeds , and in what especiall point euery one of them had shewed himselfe most valiant and couragious . And a little aboue these stoode an inuincible knight armed all ouer , with a naked sworde in his hande , and with manie dead mens heads vnder his feete , with these words ouer his head .

I Am Cid th' honour of Spaine , If that any more could bee In my workes thou shalt see .

On the other side stoode another braue knight armed in like maner , the sight of his beuer lifted vp with these words also aboue his head .

Hernand Gonçales of Castile I am In number the first Earle , and endlesse praise , The Spanish Scepters honor , since the same With my braue deedes so highly I did raise , My valour and my manhood golden Fame Can tell , that sa we it , wherefore she displaies My high deedes in eternall memorie , As tels you the Castilian historie .

Next to him stoode another knight of great force and courage , as by his face they might well iudge , armed in bright siluer , which was sowen full of Lyons and castles , who shewed by his countenance a kinde of fiercenes , making them ( almost ) afraide that looked on him ; and that which was written aboue him was this .

Bernard of Carpio I am , The Pagans terror , and their smart : An honour to the Christian name , Since that my handes aduaunc't the same By valour of my stoutest hart : Fame , iust it is not thou conceale My matchlesse deedes from tender yeeres , But nothing if thou wilt reueale , To Ronçes-Vales I appeale , That sometimes was of the twelue Peeres .

On the other side stoode a valiant captaine in gilded armour , with sixe bendes gueles in the middes of his shielde , and on the other side on him many enfolded Auncients , and a captiue king in a chaine , whose superscription said thus .

My greatest valours they shall see , Which knewe them not , whereby againe I onely haue deseru'd to bee Surnamed ( The great Capitaine ) And in strangelandes , and in our owne I purchased so great a fame , That my exploites are held and knowne To be far greater then my name .

Next to this stout captaine stoode a knight all in siluer armour , sowen full of starres , and of the other side on him a king with three Fleure de Lyses Or in his shielde Azure , before whom he tare certaine papers ; the superscription aboue him was this .

I am Fonseca whose braue historie Europe doth knowe , and doth so much commend , ( Whose life though ended ) yet my memorie Enroll'd by liuing fame shall neuer end . My souer aigne King I serued , and did beare My countrey loue , and not in fained showe , I neuer did leaue of for seruile feare To keepe that holy lawe , which euery where The seruant doth vnto his master owe.

In another quadrant of the Obeliske stoode an armed knight , his armour sowen full of little golden shieldes , who by the valour of his personage seemed to be descended from some noble and high blood : casting his eies amongst manie other Lords and knights of his ancient lynage , the subscription beneath his feete was this .

Don Luys of Villanoua I am named , And from the great Marquesse of Tranz descended , My valour and renowne ( with praise proclamed In Italie , Fraunce , Spaine ) is far extended . Bicorb , an ancient house my state is framed , That fortune to a hart hath now commended So high , sans peere , and that so much surmonnteth , As to commaund a world , it smally counteth .

After they had particularly behelde the paterne , and all the knights and valiant champions placed in it , they went into a rich hall , the feeling whereof was all of yuorie , woonderfully wrought and carued , the wals of allablaster , and many ancient histories so liuely cut out and grauen in them , that one would verily haue thought , that Lucretia killed her selfe indeede , and subtill Medea vndid her webbe in the Iland of Ithaca ; and that the famous Romaine Lady yeelded to the fatall sister , bicause she would not offende her honour with the sight of the horrible monster ; and that the louing wife of Mauseolus was making great lamentation , thinking to what end the sepulcher of her husband was counted for one of the seuen wonders of the world : And many other histories and examples of chaste Ladies worthie to be eternized with immortall fame thorow out the whole world , bicause it seemed not sufficient ynough for some of them , to giue manifest examples by their vnspotted life , but for others , by their vntimely and cruell death great testimonie of their pure and vndefiled thoughts , amongst the which the Spanish Coronella was one , who did rather commit her body to consuming flames , then suffer her chaste minde to be ouercome with the motion and delight of a dishonest thought . After they had viewed all the figures well , and the varietie of the histories round about the wals of the hall , they went into another square court , which for the riches thereof , seemed to their iudgements so much to excell all that they had seene , as the substance doth the shadowe ; for all the wals of it were couered ouer with fine golde , and the pauements of precious stones . Round about this Quadrant stood the figures of many Ladies of Spaine , and of other nations , and aboue them all , the Goddesse Diana curiously cut out of mettall of Corynth , with short garmentes like a hunter , adorned with much pearle and precious stones of great value , who had her bowe in her hande , and her golden quiuer hanging downe by her side , enuironed rounde about with a troupe of Nymphes fairer then Titan in his cheefest glorie . The Shepherdes and the Shepherdesses were so amazed at the sight of these things , that they knew not what to say , bicause the riches of the house were so infinite , the figures so liuely , the workmanship of the Quadrant so excellent , and the proportion of the Ladies that were retracted there , with so great art , that they thought it impossible to imagine a more perfect and absolute , or a more sumptuous building in the whole world then that was . On the one side of the Quadrant stood fower Laurell trees of gold , so brauely enameled with greene leaues , that in gardens there were none more fresh or liuely , and neere to them a little fountaine made all of beaten siluer , in the middes whereof was likewise a Nymph of beaten gold , which at her faire breastes thorow nybles of Rubies spouted out water cleerer then Cristall : and neere to this fountaine did Orpheus the famous musition sit , enchaunted with the age that he was in , when his Euridice was requested of importunate Aristeus : He had on a cote of cloth of siluer , interseamed and imbrodered with flowers of seede pearle , his sleeues broad about the shoulders , and falling very narrow to his elbowes , from whence his armes came out naked . He had on a paire of hose of cloth of siluer to the knee , and made after the olde fashion of Thrace , wrought full of little golden Harpes and Citherens , his golden bush of haire , which hung downe curled and long , was tied about with a faire Laurell wreath . But when he perceiued the Nymphes comming towardes him , he began most sweetely to touch a fine Harpe , which he had in his handes , with the diuine melodie whereof the strangers were so much rauished , that they forgot all that they had seene , in respect of this new delight . Felismena sate her downe vpon a faire lowe bed in the Quadrant , which for the most was couered all ouer with purple damaske , finely wrought and fringed with golde , and the Nymphes and Shepherdesses about her , the Shepherdes leaning vpon the siluer fountaine . In this sort therefore they were harkening to worthy Orpheus , as if he had bin singing amongst the Cyconians when Cyparisus was turned into a Cypres tree , and Atis into a Pine tree . Enamoured Orpheus then began to sing so sweetely to the tune of his Harpe , that with the heauenly musicke thereof he suspended their amazed senses . And turning his sweete face to Felismena , he began to sing these verses following .

Orpheus his song . HArke Felismena to the sweetest song Of Orpheus , whose loue hath bene so high , Suspend thy greefe ( Seluagia ) somewhat long , Whilst now I sing , that once for loue did die : Forget ( Belisa ) now thy woefull wrong , And to my voice sweete Nymphes your eares apply : That lost his eies , to beauties blaze then turning , And Shepherdes , cease a while your amorous mourning . I will not speake ( for God forbid the same ) Of that most heauie processe of mine ils , Nor when I so did sing , that I did tame Wilde beastes and birdes , and mooued trees and hils : Nor when I did suspend th' infernall flame , Nor when I sawe Pluto , nor that , that kils My soule with greefe , when I lookt backe to see , If that Euridice did follow me . But I will sing with pure and sweetest voice Of those perfections , and that grace display , That wisedome , wit and beautie of such choice , Of those who doe illustrate Spaine this day . Then see her ( Nymphes ) whose beautie doth reioice Vs all : her great Diana , and her gay And goodly traine , on whom both Gods and men Cannot ynough imploy their toongs and pen. Lift vp your eies this Lady to beholde , That heere is sitting in this highest chaire , With scepter neere to her and crowne of golde , And angrie fortune by her on the staire : This is the star that Spaines light did enfolde , Whose absence now her glory doth impaire : Her name is Lady Mary that hath beene Of Hungarie , Boeme , and of Austrie Queene . The next that sits to her , is Lady Iane Princesse of Portugall and of Castille The Infant , and from whom fortune had tane The crowne and scepter by her turning wheele : And vnto whom death was so inhumane , That in her selfe great wonder she doth feele , To see how soone she did stretch forth her hands On her , that was the light of Lusitans . Behold ( faire Nymphes ) that Lady Mary great And soueraigne Infant of her Portugall : Whose grace and beautie hath this day a seate , Where humane thought could neuer reach at all : Behold , though cruell for tune there doth threat : Her wisedome yet doth count of her but small : For time , and death , and destinie cannot Conquere her goodnes , vertues , and her lot . Those two that are by her on either side , Whose beauties Titans brightnesse doe offend : Their sleeues of gold , their gownes of damaske tide With pearle , and where faire Emerauldes depend : Their curled golden lockes , wauing so wide Vpon their shoulders , loose that doe descend : Daughters they are of th' Infant Lusitanc : Duarta the valiant , and great Cristiane . Those two great Dutchesses of worthy fame , For beauties prize in either of our Spaines Which there you see to life se● out in frame , With grace , and features , that all others staines Of Sessa and Najare each hath her name : Whose companie Diana not disdaines For their exceeding beautie , and desartes , Discretion , wisedome , and all other partes . Behold a golden Phoenix all alone : Arare perfection neuer seene before , Wisedome , as like was not in any one , Beautie , and grace , where neuer could be more . She that puls fortune from her vaunting throne , And hath her subiect to her will and lore : Great Lady Leonore Manuell hath to name , The Lusitane light that doth the world inflame . The Lady Luise Carillo , that in Spaine Hath made Mendoças blood of such renowne : Whose beautie , and braue grace hath in a chaine Cupid himselfe , for loue of her cast downe : She 's waiting still vpon our Goddesse traine : For chastitie worthie to weare a crowne . Of faire and honest an example heere , And of them all a mirrour bright and cleere . Rehold a sweete perfection and a rare , Of her , whom fame her selfe doth greatly feare : Behold a passing beautie , sans compare , Founded in grace and wisedome euery wheare : That both with reason binde to loue and care . For in her doth the lest part beautie beare . Lady Eufrase of Guzman is her name , Worthy to be eternized with fame . That matchlesse beautie sweete and peregrine , Not seene in any , but in her alone , Which euery wit and soule doth so refine With holy loue , as like was neuer none : Apparelled with Crimson , that doth shine With flowres of gold , and pearle that there are sowne . The Lady Mary Aragon her name : The world doth know , and he auen doth knowe the same . Her doe you knowe to whome Diane her face Doth turne , and points her to vs with her hand , Who matcheth her in wisedome and in grace , And equall is with others in this land In wit , and hath in beautie highest place , Apt to conduct and leade a martiall band . T' is Lady Isabell Mauriq of Padille , Who Mars doth conquer and with wonder fill . The Ladies Mary Manuell and Ione Osorius , are those two , which you doe see , Whose grace , and beautie , as the like not knowne , Euen Loue himselfe with loue doth wound and slee . And this our Goddesse doth not ioy alone , To see two such with her , but also wee . Since then no toong their worthinesse may praise , Reason , and fame to heauen the same shall raise . And those two sisters of such worthy name , Either of them a second neuer had . Their grace , and beautie fils the world with fame : This day their golden beames doth each one glad : Methinkes I see them in their perfect frame , To which more beautie nature could not adde . The Lady Bettrice Sarmient is one , With Castro her faire sister so well knowne . That cleerest sunne , which heere you see doth shine , And heere and there her golden beames doth cast , She , that doth laugh at louers that doe pine In loue , and at the teares , that they doe wast , And at Loues powre : whose countenance diuine Saies more then I , though praising her so fast , T' is Lady Ione Carate , in whom we see Surpasing grace and beauties praise to bee . The Lady Anne Osorius , that braue dame , And Castro next to her possesse their place , For peerelesse beautie honoured with fame , For goodly giftes , for modestie , and grace : But her hard hap ( alas ) was much to blame , So cruelly her glory to deface : Bicause her fortune equall might not bee Vnto her wisedome , beautie , and degree . That matchlesse beautie that 's adorned so With honestie , and grace so soueraine , Which was with reason chosen to bestowe Her honour in the Temple of Diana , Not conquer'd , but still conqu'ring high and lowe : Her name ( O Nymphes ) is Lady Iuliana , Neece to that greatest Duke and Conestable , Speake fame of her , for I am far vnable . Behold the beautie ( on the other part ) Of many faire and braue Valencian Dames , Whom with my pen , but more yet with my hart , I will procure to celebrate their names ? Heere Fount of Helicone , vouchsafe thy art , And heere Minerua helpe me in these blames ; To tell what those braue Ladies be , whose sight Onely to them all eies and harts inuite . See heere fowre blasing stars that brightly shine , Of whom Fame brutes their name in euery ground , That from three famous kingdomes drawe their line , And from Cardonas aneient house come downe , On th' one side Dukes most excellent decline , And from the other scepter , throne , and crowne : Daughters vnto Sogorbe , whose golden fame From Atlas vnto Maurus soundes their name . The light of all the world , the flowre of Spaine , The end of perfect beautie , and of grace , A royall hart , that euer doth maintaine Valour , and bountie , in a vertuous race : That looke so modest , and so sweete againe , Adorned with so faire and milde a face , Giuès Lady Anne of Aragon such fame , That Loue himselfe is captiue to her name . Her sister Lady Bettrice , that you see , Is next ( if that you can behold such light ) Whom none can praise , for this is onely shee , Whom none can praise according to her right : That Painter that did make her , so must bee Her praiser , and her giftes he must reeite : For where all humane wit cannot attaine , My poore conceite doth labour there in vaine . The Lady Frances of great Aragon Shew you I would , but she is alwaies hid : Her sweetest beauties leaues not any one With life , for so her starlike eies forbid Our mortall sight to view the same alone : In life and death , her vertues euer did Subiect each hart to loue , and admiration : As fame can tell in euery forrain nation . Now Lady Magdalene you may reueale , Sister vnto those three which I haue showne , Behold her well , and see how she doth steale Her gazers harts , and subiect liues to none . Her peerelesse beautie threats , and in a chaine Leades little Cupid , turn'd into a stone : None see her , but they die , and none there ar But she doth conquer without armes or war . Those two bright stars , that heere and there doe vaunt Their shining beames , that dim the starrie skie , And making that illustrous house of Gaunt In all the world with high renowne to flie . This day their wisedome , and their beauties daunt Each humane thought , and euery mortall eie . For who sees Magdeline and Marguerite , That doth not die ( for loue ) at such a sight ? But will you see the thing , that hath vndone All wits , and made them all to wonder so ? Behold a Nymph more faire then orient sunne , Or louely rose , or lilly hard by Po ; This Phoenix name , that through the world doth runne , Is Lady Caterine Milane , for so Valencia cals her , and the world doth say , She is as faire , and wise , as liues this day . Lift vp your eies ( faire Nymphes ) and now behold The Lady Mary Pexon çannoguere , How by the riuer banks her locks of gold She kembes , adorning of her shining heare , Whose beautie , wisedome , and braue giftes are told For rarest in our Europe euery wheare , Behold her eies , her faire and Cristalline face , Her sweete demeanour and her heauenly grace . Those two behold , the rest that doe excell Inperfect wisedome , and in quicke conceate : And for braue beautie beare away the bell , A paire sans peere , whose starlike eies doe threate Despaire and death , to those that view them well : For there sits Cupid in his proper seate . Their blessed names doe with their nature fit , Faire Bettrice Vigue and Bettrice Fenollir . What time Diana went to sport and play , With her most soueraine face , and more diuine , Amorning star arose in moneth of May , Like to that Star , that neere the Moone doth shine : Which when she sawe so glorious euery way ; A famous place to her she did a ssigne : Her beauties tell you , if her name you seeke , That she 's the peerelesse Lady Anna Vigue . Faire Nymphes , behold the Lady Theodore Carroz , that is great Lady and the Queene Of such braue beautie , neuer seene before , Wisedome , and grace , as like was neuer seene : Each thing of hers enamours more and more . The brauest mens deserts haue neuer beene Such , as they durst attempt , or euer sought , By them to place in her an amorous thought . See ( Shepherdes ) Lady Angelas braue grace , Of Borja , looking on Diana bright ; And how to her the Goddesse turnes her face , To view those eies , that all eies doe inuite , And mightie Loue himselfe weeping apace , And how the Nymph derides his conquer'd might : And laughes to see the cruell Tyrant lying , Wrapped in chaines , to her for mercy crying . Of that most famous stocke of çannoguere A flowre sprung out , so perfect and so pure , That liuing yet but yong , she neede not feare Any that may her beauties blaze obscure : Her mothers heire she is , for she doth beare The praise , which she did with her giftes procure . So hath Lady Hieronyma , you see , In grace , and wit obtain'd the high'st degree . Now in a wonder ( Nimphes ) will you remaine ? And see what fortune gaue to her alone , How wisedome , beautie , and the goodly traine Of vertues , make in her the chiefest throne ? Lady Veronica Marrades see againe , For onely by her figure it is knowne That she hath all , and nothing wants to serue her , Vnlesse it be , that none can well deserue her . The Lady Luise Penaroje we see In more then humane beautie and in grace , In euery thing most excellent is shee : All beauties els she staines , and gaine●…pace , Loue dies for her , and he will not agree , That any should behold so sweete a face : Who sees it dies , vnlesse he see it againe , And seene it , then his sight augments his paint . Now see I ( Nymphes ) that you are seeing her , On whom my thoughts continually deuise , And yours perforce from her can never stirre , Cupid for robs , and in her loue he dies : See how her beauties make the world to erre ? See , but beware such light blinde not your eies . The Lady Iane Cardona , that faire star , It is to whom loues powres subiected 〈◊〉 . That beautie , which exceedeth humane thought , Which you doe see , if that you can behold it , She , whose estate was blest , esteeming nought Of fortune , time , or chaunce , that could enfold it . She , to the world that such rare giftes hath brought : She that 's my Muse , and Parnasus , vntold yet , Lady Ione Anne of Catalane , The end She is of all , that e're I did commend . Neere vnto her there is a great extreme In purest vertue , high and sublimate , In comely grace , the fairest in this Realme , Her golden haire , her necke most delicate ; Each gracious eie a firie pointed beame , A noble wit , and name of heauens estate : The Lady Angela Fernando named : Whom nature to her name like gifts hath framed . Next to her sits the Lady Marian , Who hath not in the world her paragon , Neere to her sister , fairer then the swan In cristall streames , or fine Vermillion . Proud is our age of both of them , that can In tender yeeres haue no comparison For wisedome ; for so much they may presume , As thousand toongs can tell , or golden plume . The two fine sisters Borjas which you see , Hyppolita and Isabell so faire , With grace and giftes , that so adorned lee , That Phebus brightest beames they doe empaire . And see how many liues , that once were free , Their beauties conquers ( Cupids onely snare ) , Behold their haire , their countenance , and eies , This gold , that sweete , and those like stars in skies . Behold the Lady Mary Cannoguere , Who wow is Lady of sure Catarasse , Whose beautie , and sweete grace doth euery where Conque●… 〈◊〉 with vnrepaired losse ! Fame on her wings ●…row out the world doth beare Her vertues rare , that shine like gold to drosse . Since each one them that sees her must commend her , Who them can praise her well and not offend her ? The Lady Isabell Bor●… here doth stand Perfect and absolute in euery thing Behold her face , her fine and dainty hand , Ouer whose head the nightingales doe sing . Our age she honours , and th' Hiberian land : Of grace , and vertu● she 's the onely spring : And those , to whom nature did beautie giue , She staines , as fairest that did euer liue . She , that her haire hath hanging downe , and speed Abroad , and tide with golden third behinde : And that faire face , that hath so often led So many harts to bondage of the minde : Her Iuorie necke her ties in beautie bred , Faire , modest , gray , not looking out of kinde : Her famous name is Lady Iuliana , That honours ●…ere the Temple of Diana . She , whom you there doe see , whom nature made So curiously , at neuer like before , Since that her beautie neuer seem'd to fade , Nor that a faire one can desire more : Whose great deserts , and wit , doth still perswade Fame , to the world her praises to restore : Is called Lady Moncia Fenollit , To whom Loue yeelds himselfe and doth submit .

The song of renowned Orpheus was so pleasant in Felismenas eares , and in all theirs , that heard it , that it held them in such a suspence , as if they had passed by no other thing but that , which they had before their eies . Who now hauing particularly viewed the rich chamber of estate with euery thing in it that was woorth the seeing ( as all was ) the Nymphes went foorth by a certaine dore into the great hall , and by an other out of the hall into a faire garden , the beautie whereof stroke no lesse admiration into their mindes , then the strange things which they had seene before : for amongst the fruitfull trees , and sweete flowers , were many sepulchers and tombes erected of diuers Nymphes and Ladies , which with great puritie had kept their chastitie ( due to the Goddesse thereof ) inniolate and vnstained . Some of the tombes were adorned with coronets of knottie Iuie ; others with chapplets of sweete Myrtles ; and some with garlands of greene Laurell . There were also manie Allabluster fountaines in the garden , some of Iaspar marble , & some of other mettall seated under vines , which with artificiall arches and wreathes aloft did spred foorth their branches depressed with clusters of coloured grapes . The Mytrhe trees grew in manner of fower walles , with embattlements and pinnacles on the tops of them , and on the sides aboue them were certaine Terrasses and walkes , reared vp , whereon ( as ouer all the garden besides ) did growe many sweete flowers of sundry colours , as white Iesmins , Woodbyne , and many more delightfull to the insatiable eie . In the hiddes of the garden stoode a Ieat-stone vpon fower brazen pillers , and in the thids of it a tombe framed out of Iaspar , which fower Nymphes that were wrought out of white Allablaster did hold vp with their handes , and about it stoode manie Tapers of Virgine waxe burning in massie candlestickes of bright siluer , that were made in artificiall manner . About this tombe stoode certaine Lordes and Knights , some fashioned out of stone , and mettall , other som out of Iaspar marble , and other matter . Which figures shewed such great sorrow by their countenances , that they filled Felismenas hart , and all theirs that were looking on the tombe , with no lesse greefe , then admiration . But viewing it narrowly , they sawe in a table of shining golde , which at the foote of the sepulchre , a dead and pale mattone held betweene her hands , this Epitaphe subscribed .

HEere Lady Katherine entombed lies , Of Aragon and Sarmient , whose fame Doth mount with praise vnto the loftie skies : And sounds from North to South , her woorthy name . Death kil'd her , to reuenge the sacrifice Of those she killed , when she was a dame : Her body 's heere , her soule in heauen with pleasure : The world vnwoorthy to possesse such treasure .

After they had read this Epitaphe , they sawe an Eagle of blacke marble , with displaied wings on the top of the tombe , with a golden table betweene her tallons , with those verses in it .

EVen as ( O death ) the Planets should remaine Without Apollo and Diana bright , The ground without mankinde , and beasts againe , The Marriner without the North-starre light ; The fielde without faire flowers , grasse , or graine , The mornings showe without the dewe of night : Vertue and beautie so remaine and die Without the dame that in this tombe doth lie .

When they had read both these Epitaphs , and Belisa had vnderstoode by them what the Nymph was , that was buried therein , and how much Spaine lost by leesing her , calling therewithall to minde the vntimely death of her deere Arsileus , she could not , but with teares breath out these sorrowfull wordes . O death , how far am I from thinking that thou maiest comfort me with other womens harmes ? The small time , that the world enioyed the great beautie and wisedome , wherewith they tell me this Nymph was endowed , doth not a little greeue me , bicause as she was not her-selfe in loue , so did not any deserue , she should be so . For had she beene , I would then account her for so happie a woman by dying , as my selfe vnfortunate , by seeing how small reckoning thou makest of me ( cruell death ) since taking from me all my good , and the onely ioy of my life , thou dost not leaue me heere , but onely to feele the neuer-ceasing paine of this heauie want . O my Arsileus , O rare wisedome in such yoong yeeres ? O the most faithfull louer that euer was , and the finest wit that the heauens could euer infuse into so braue an ornament of nature . What eies may without inundations of reares behold thy sorrowfull absence ? And what hard hart suffer thy vntimely and difastrous end ? O Arsenius , Arsenius , how smal a time wert thou vnable to endure the violent death of thy vnfortunate sonne , hauing more occasion to suffer it , then my selfe ? Why didst thou make me ( cruell Arsenius ) participate of two deathes ? Of both which to preuent the least that did greeue me , I would haue giuen a thousand liues . Farewell ( happie Nymphe ) the light and honour of the royall house of Aragon : God giue thy soule eternall glory , and deliuer mine from so many woes and afflictions , wherinto it is so deepely sunke . After that Belisa had spoken these wordes , and after they had seene many tombes more , very richly erected , they went out by a backe dore in the garden , into a greene meadowe , where they found the sage Ladie Felicia recreating her-selfe alone , and walking vp and downe , who seeing them comming towards her , receiued them all with a ioyfull countenance . And whilest it was time to go to supper , they went to a pleasant walke in a groue of Sicamours harde by , where the Nymphes of the sumptuous temple were woont many times to go and disport themselues : where sitting downe in a little plat of greene grasse , that was encompassed round about with leauie Sicamours , they began to discourse one with another of that , which did best please their fancies . The Lady Felicia called the Shepheard Syrenus , and Felismena to her . The Nymph Doria sat her downe with Syluanus in one place of the greene meadowe , and the Shepherdesses Seluagia and Belisa went by themselues , with the most beautifull Nymphes Cynthia and Polydora into another , so that ( though they were not farre asunder ) yet they might talke togither well enough , and not trouble one another . But Syrenus desiring that their talke and conuersation might be conformable to the time , place , and person with whom he talked , began to saie in this manner . I thinke it not ( sage Lady ) much beyond the purpose , to demand a certaine question , to the perfect knowledge whereof , as I could neuer yet attaine ; so do I not meanely desire by your Ladiships wisedome to be resolued therein : and this it is . They do all affirme ( that would seeme to know something ) That true Loue doth spring of reason : which if it be so , what is the reason , that there is not a more timerous and vnruly thing in the worlde then loue , and which is left of all gouerned by it ? As this Question ( answered Felicia ) is more then a simple Shepherdes conceite , so is it necessarie , that she that must answer it , ought to haue more then a sillie womans wit : But to satisfie thy minde with that little skill I haue , I am of a contrarie opinion , affirming that Loue , though it hath Reason for his mother , is not therefore limited or gouerned by it . But it is rather to be supposed , that after reason of knowledge and vnderstanding hath engendred it , it will suffer it selfe to be gouerned but fewe times by it . And it is so vnruly , that it resultes oftentimes to the hurt and preiudice of the louer : since true louers for the most part fall to hate and neglect themselues , which is not onely contrarie to reason , but also to the lawe of nature . And this is the cause why they paint him blinde , and void of all reason . And as his mother Venus hath most faire eies , so doth he also desire the fairest . They paint him naked , because good loue can neither be dissembled with reason , nor hidden with prudence . They paint him with wings , because he swiftly enters into the louers soule : and the more perfect he is , with more swiftnes and alienation of himselfe , he goeth to seeke the person of the beloued , for which cause Euripides saide ; That the louer did liue in the body of the beloued . They paint him also shooting his arrowes out of his bowe , because he aymes right at the hart , as at his proper white : And also , because the wound of loue is like that , which an arrow or dart maketh , narrow at the entrance , and deepe in his inward soule that loueth . This is an inscrutable , and almost incurable wounde , and very slowe in healing : So that thou must not maruell Syrenus , that perfect loue ( though it be the sonne of reason ) is not gouerned by it , bicause there is nothing , after it is borne , that doth lesse conforme it selfe to the originall of his birth , then this doth . Some saie there is no other difference betweene vertuous and vicious loue , but that the one is gouerned by reason , and the other not : but they are deceiued ; because excesse and force is no lesse proper to dishonest , then to honest loue , which is rather a qualitie incident to euerie kinde of loue , sauing the one doth make vertue the greater by it , and the other doth the more encrease vice . Who can denie , but that in true and honest loue excessiue and strange effects are oftentimes founde ? Aske it of many , who for the onely loue of God made no account of themselues , and cared not to leese their liues for it , although knowing the reward they looked for , did not worke Io much in their minds . And how many againe ( enflamed with the loue of vertue ) haue gone about to cast away themselues , and to end their liues , to get thereby a glorious and suruiuing name ? A thing truely , which ordinarie reason doth not permit , which doth rather guide euery effect in such sort , that the life may honestly preserue it selfe . But what diuersitie of examples could I bring thee ( Syrenus ) of many , who onely for the loue of their friendes haue lost their liues , and euery thing that with life is lost . But let vs leaue this loue , and come againe to that which nature hath bred betweene man and woman : wherein thou must know , that if the loue , which the louer beares to the mistresse of his affections , ( although burning in vnbridled desire ) doth arise of reason , and of true knowledge and iudgement , as by her onely vertues he doth iudge her woorthy to be beloued , That this kinde of loue ( in my opinion , ) ( and yet I am not deceiued ) is neither vnlawfull nor dishonest , bicause all loue being of this qualitie , doth tende to no other end but to loue the person beloued for her owne sake , without hoping for any other guerdon or effect of his true , and sincere loue . So that this is as much as ( me thinkes ) may be saide in answer of thy question , which thou hast put me . Syrenus then saide vnto her . I am resolued ( sage Lady ) of that which I desired to vnderstande ; and also belceue , that by your gracious wisedome which is great , and bountie which is no lesse , I shall be thorowly instructed of whatsoeuer I woulde desire to know , although some finer capacitie then mine were more requisite to conceiue these deepe reasons , so perfectly alledged by your learned assertions .

Syluenus , that was talking with Polydora , saide : It is strange ( faire Nymph ) to see what a sorrowfull hart ( that is subiect to the traunces of impatient loue ) doth suffer , because the lest ill , that it causeth in vs , is the depriuation of our iudgement , the losse of our memorie , and the surcharging of our imaginations with his onelse obiects , making euery one to alienate himselfe Iron , himselfe , and to impropriate himselfe in the person of his beloued . What shall that wofull man then do , who sees himselfe so great an enimie to pleasure , such a friende to solitarines , so full of passions , enuironed with feares , troubled in his spirits , martyred in his wits , sustained by hope , wearied with thoughts , afflicted with griefes , haunted with iealousies , and continually worne with sobs , sighes , sorrowes , and woes , which he neuer wanteth ? And that , which makes me more to maruel , is , that the mind doth not procure , ( this loue being so vntolerable and extreme in crueltie ) nor hath any desire at all to part from it , but doth rather account it her enimie , that giues it any counsell to that effect . All this is true ( saide Polydora ) but I know well that Louers for the most part haue more words , then passions . This is a signe ( saide Syluanus ) that thou canst not conceiue them ( faire Nymph ) because thou canst not beleeue them , nor that thou hast beene euer touched with this pleasing ill . And I wish thou maist not , the which none can beleeue , nor knowe the multitude of woes proceeding from it , but onlie she that doth participate of his bitter effects . Why ? dost thou thinke ( faire Nymph ) when the louer that findes himselfe continually confused , his reason obscured , his memorie gone , his fancies and sences wearied by excessiue loue , that his toong can then remaine so free , that it may faine passions , and shew another thing by words , then that he feeles by deedes ? Ah deceiue not thy selfe with these wordes , which I know are cleane contrary to thy thought . Beholde heere am I , in whom there is nothing , that can be gouerned by reason ; neither can he haue it , that is so much without his libertie as I am , because all corporall subiections do suffer the will ( at the least ) to be free , but the bondage of loue is such , that the first thing it takes in hand , is to constraine one , to make a profession of it . And wilt thou Shepherdesse then beleeue , that he doth form complaints , & faine sighes , that sees himselfe handled in this sort ? It seemes well thou art free from loue , as I did but euen now tell thee . I know Syluanus ( saide Polydor a againe ) that louers are full of troubles , and afflicted in mind all the while they do not obtaine their desires . Thou speakest in a thing ( saide Syluanus ) wherein it seemes thou hast no experience , bicause their loue , whose paines cease after the accomplishment of their desires , proceedeth not from reason , but from a base and dishonest appetite .

Seluagia , Belisa , and faire Cynthia were talking togither , what the reason was that in absence , loue did for the most part waxe colde . Belisa coulde not beleeue , that for any thing in the worlde she might entertaine such disloyaltie in her hart , saying : That since she did beare her Arsileus ( being now dead , and too well assured neuer to see him againe ) the selfe same loue , that she did , when he was aliue , howe much more then was it impossible for any other to forget that loue , which one doth hope sometimes to see againe . I cannot answer thee Belisa ( saide the Nymph Cynthia ) so sufficiently as perhaps this matter doth require , because as it is a thing impertinent to our condition , so the resolution thereof is it not expected of a Nymphes witte and profession . But yet this is my opinion , that though one departs from the presence of her louer , yet the remembrance of him afterwards remaines in her eies , by the present occasions wherof she still sees the Idea of the thing that she desireth . The charge and office of this remembrance is to represent that to the vnderstanding , which it conteineth in it , and of thinking of the person whom she loueth , commeth will ( the thirde power of the soule ) to engender desire , by meanes whereof the person absented suffereth paine , by not seeing that which she loueth well . So that all these effects are deriued from the memorie , as from a fountaine , from whence the beginning of desire springeth . But you must now knowe ( faire Shepherdesses ) that as the memorie is a thing , that the more it encreaseth , the more it looseth her strength and vertue , for getting that which the eies did deliuer and put into it ; so likewise do the other powers , whose workes had their beginning in it , in the verie same sort as riuers should want their streames , if the fountaines from whence they spring , did cease to flowe . And as this is vnderstoode of him that departs , so is it likewise of her that remaines still . And whereas thou dost thinke ( faire Shepherdesse ) that time will not cure thy greefe by committing the remedie thereof into my Lady Felicias handes , thou art much deceiued , because there is not any , whom she doth not helpe , and louers more then any other kinde of people .

The sage Lady Felicia ( though she was somewhat from them ) heard what Cynthia saide , and answered . It might be thought no small point of crueltie in me , to put the remedie of her greefes ( who needes it so much ) in the hands of so slowe and tedious a phisition as time is : For though it be sometimes a helpe , yet it fals out in the end , that the greatest malladies ( if they haue no other remedies then their own ) do last so long a time that before they haue an ende , they ende their liues that haue them . And therefore because I meane to be thinke me of that , which toucheth Felismenaes ease , and the remedy of her greefes , and those of all her companie , & that now the beames of golden Apollo seeme to make an ende of their daies iourney ; I thinke it best to seale vp our discourses , and to go in , bieause supper ( I thinke ) by this time is staying for vs . And so they went into the great Ladies Pallace , where they founde the tables ready furnished and set vnder an arbour of greene vines , in a pleasant and fresh garden within the house . And supper being ended , the sage Lady praied Felismena to tell them some discourse , were it a historie , or some notable accident , that had befallen in the Prouince of Vandalia ? Which Felismena did not denie : for with a sober and gentle grace she began to tell this history following .

IN the time of the Valiant Prince Don Fernando , who was afterwards King of Aragon , liued a knight in Spaine called Rodriga of Naruaez , whose singular virtues and approoued manhood were so great , that as well in peace , as in war , he got the Sirname of the best knight of all those that liued in his time ; and where he did especially winne it , when the same noble Prince ouercame the power of the Moores at the citie of Antiquera , shewing by his great enterprises and martiall feates in this warre , an absolute minde , an inuincible hart , and a noble kinde of liberalitie , by meanes whereof a good Captaine is not onely beloued , and highly esteemed of his owne souldiers , but also of strangers and his chiefest enimies : In regarde of which worthie seruice , hee was guerdoned after the subduing of that countrey ( although but meanely in lieu of his high desertes and excellent deedes ) with the regiment of Antiquera and Allora , where hee spent most of his time with fiftie choise gentlemen at the Kings paie , for defence and garrison of both those frontier townes . All which by the good gouernment of their Captaine enterprised many valiant deedes in defence of the Christian faith , atchieuing them with great honour , and registring the in perpetuall same with notable aduentures done in mainrenance of the same . Whose mindes therefore being so great enemies to idlenes , and the exercise of armes so agreeable to the generous hart of their valiant Gouernour ; it fell out that vpon a certaine sommers night , Cynthia inuiting them to take part of the bright & coole aire , Rodrigo with nine of his gentlemen ( for therest remained in garrison of the towne ) armed at all points , went out of Allora , to surprise the Moores which lay on their frontiers , carelesse ( perheps ) in their charge and negligent . And emboldened by the priuiledge of the night , they passed by certaine waies neere vnto their townes . The valiant Captaine therefore going on with his gentlemen as secret as he might , and verie carefull not to be discried , came to a way that parted into two , where consulting to diuide themselues into two companies of fiue a peece , and in such sort , that if the one company perceiued themselues to be in any danger , by sounding of a cornet they might be presently aided by the other fiue . The Gouernor and fower of them tooke one way , and the other fiue an other : who riding in seuerall companies together , and talking of diuers matters , euerie one desiring some aduenture to trie his manhood , and to shew himselfe a couragious man at armes , as almost euerie day they were wont to doe , they heard not far from them a mans voice sweetly singing , and now and then breathing out a profound sigh ; wherby they coniectured that some amorous passion did trouble his thoughts . The horsmen therefore that heard this , rode into a little wood hard by the way , and because the moone did shine as cleere as day , they might perceiue a Moore comming that way they went , so gallant and comely a genteleman , that his personage did well testifie that he was of noble bloud , and singular valour . He came mounted vpon a daple graie horse , and the garments he had on was a horse-mans coate of crimosin damaske , and vpon that a Barberie mantell fringed about with golde , and embrodered all ouer , and edged with many workes of siluer twist . He ware by his side a faire Moresco Cymitarre , with tassels of carnation silke and golde hanging at it ; on his head a Tunez Turbant or roll of silke and white cotton , which was listed with golde , and fringes of the same , which being wrapped many times about his head , did serue him for an ornament , and a defence of his person . He carried a great Target on his left arme , and in his right hande a Launce of two punches : and with so goodly grace and countenance came the enamoured Moore , that they coulde not wish to see a better sight . But giuing attentiue eare vnto his song , they heard that the dittie ( although it was in the Arabicke toong ) saide thus .

FIrst in Granada Iwas borne , In Cartama brought vp and bred , To Allora fronter , which I scorne , And in Coyn enamoured . Though in Granada I was borne , And brought vp in Cartama braue ; My faith in Coyn I haue sworne , And there my libertie I gaue . There doe I liue , where I doe die , And where my care is thither led To Allora Fronter am I , And in Coyn enamoured .

The fiue horsemen , who had perhaps but small experience in amorous passions , or whether they had or no , regarding more the interest , which so braue an aduenture did promise them , then the song of the enamoured Moore , issued out of the woode , and ranne with great violence vpon him . But the valiant More , who in like assaultes was a tried champion ( though loue at that time was Lorde of his thoughtes ) was not a whit dismaied , but couching his launce in rest , with woonderfull courage began to skitmish with them all , whom he made immediately knowe , that he was no lesse valiant then amorous . Some say , they set vpon him by one and one , but they that haue sought out the truth of this historie , assirme , that they ranne all vpon him at once , which is most like they did so , to take him prisoner , but when they sawe him begin to defende himselfe , that then perhaps the other fower did stande by , whilest one of them did fight with him alone . But howsoeuer it was , he droue them to such a narrowe streight , that casting three of them to the ground , the other two very fiercely set vpon him , who needed not to vse their ordinarie strength against so valiant an aduersarie ; for though he was wounded in one of his thighes , yet his strength and courage was not of such a temper , that mortall wounds could daunt his minde , nor make him leaue of that , which so highly touched his honour . But hauing by chance let fall his launce , he put spurs to his horse making a shewe of flight , whom the two Christians pursued at his verie heeles , which when he perceiued , he turned backe against them both , and passing thorow them like a furious and swift lightning , came to the place where one of the three laie , which he had vnhorsed , where stooping downe from his horse to take vp his launce that lay by him , he mounted nymbly into the saddle againe : which one of the two horsemen seeing , and thinking they were not able to make their partie good , he sounded his Cornet ; but the Moore in the meane time so fiercely assailed them , that if the valiant Gouernour had not come , they had kept company with their other three companions , that lay hurt on the ground . But when the gouernour was come , and sawe how valiantly the Moore did fight , he made great account of him in his minde , and hauing an eagre desire in single combat to prooue his manhoode with him , he saide vnto him . Such is thy noble valour and rare strength ( braue knight ) that by ouercomming thee , there cannot be but great honor and glorie got ; which singular fauour if gentle Fortune would but grant me , I could not ( by my life ) request any other at her handes . Wherein though I put my person in no small danger , by offring him the combat , that can so brauely defende himselfe , yet for a worlde I will not leaue it , when by so braue an enterprise , and howsoeuer I speede , I cannot chuse but winne great honor and renowne . And saying this , he badde his men stande aside , appointing the conquered the prise of the victorie . When they were both asunder , a hot fight began betweene these valiant men at armes . The magnanimious Narudez desired the victorie , because the valour of the braue Moore encreased the glorie , that he hoped to get by it : And the stout Moore , to no other ende but to attaine to the effect of his hope and desire . And so they belaied about them , passing actiue and nimble in lending blowes , and so hardie in assayling each others person , that had it not beene for the former wearines , and wound that the Moore had , ( who by this time grewe somewhat faint by leesing his blood ) with great difficultie had the Gouenour got the happie victorie . But these impediments , and being not able to manage his horse any longer , did promise it Naruaez cleerely ; and not bicause he knew there wanted one iot of courage or valour in the Moore , who ( when he sawe that in this single combat his life was in hazard , which he woulde haue willingly changed for the contentment , which Fortune did then deny him ) he r'enforced himselfe with all his might , & standing vptight in his styrrops , gaue the Gouenour a dangerous thrust , which he receiued vpon his target , who was not slacke in answering him with another vpon the right arme , and trusting to his strength , if the matter came to handie gripes , at last he ranne in , and closed with him , and with such force shaked him , that casting him out of his saddle , he also fell with him to the ground , saying . Yeeld thy selfe knight , if thou makest any account of thy life , which is now in my hands . It is in thy hands ( said the Moore ) to kil me as thou saist , but fortune shal neuer do me such despite , to make me ouercommed by any , but onely by whom I haue long since suffered my self to be conquered . And this onely content doth remaine to me of my prison , wherevnto my misfortune hath now brought 〈◊〉 . The Gouernour did not then marke the Moore his words so much , nor to what end he spake them , but vsing the mercy that the valiant conquerour is woont to vse to the forlorne man of Fortune , he helped him to rise vp , and to binde vp his woundes , which were not so great , but that he might get vpon his horse , and so all of them with their prisoner tooke the next way home to Alora . The Gouernour as he rode , did continually cast an eie vpon the Moore whom he thought with himselfe , a goodly man of person , and gracious of visage , remembring therewithall , howe stoutly he had defended himselfe ; but thought his sadnes too great for so braue a minde as he carried ; and because he intermixed his sorrow with sighes , which were tokens of greater greefe , then could be imagined in so braue a man , and also desirous to knowe more of the matter , he said vnto him . Behold Sir knight , how the prisoner that leeseth his hart & magnanimitie for feare of imprisonment , doth hazard the law of his libertie , and that in Martiall affaires , aduersitie must be entertayned with as merrie a countenance , as by this greatnes of minde it may deserue to enioy prosperitie againe . And these sighes are not ( me thinkes ) beseeming that valour and courage , which thou hast shewed by tryall of thy person ; neither are thy wounds so mortall , that thy life is in hazarde , whereof besides thou hast shewed not to make so much account , but that thou wouldest willingly haue left it for thine honours sake : If there be then any other occasion of thy heauines , tell it me : for by the faith of a gentleman , I sweare vnto thee , that I will vse as much curtesie and friendship towards thee , as thou shalt not haue occasion to repent thee , that thou hast tolde me it . The Moore hearing the Gouernours gentle speech , whereby he argued in him a braue and noble minde , and his curteous and friendly offer to helpe him , thought it no point of wisedome to conceale the cause of his greefe from him , because by his milde wordes and gracious countenance he had such great hope of helpe and fauour , that lifting vp his face , which with the waight of sorrow he went carying in his bosome , he saide vnto him . How art thou called Sir Knight , that dost thus comfort me in my sadnesse , whereof thou seemest to haue some feeling , and the which thou dost enforce me to tell thee . My name is Rodrigo of Naruaez , and Gouernour I am of Alora , and Antiquera , of both which townes of garrison the King of Aragon my Lord and Master , hath appointed me Chiefetaine . When the Moore heard this , with a merrier countenance then before , he said : I am glad that my misfortune hath beene so fortunate , to make me fall into thy handes ; of whose force and manhoode I haue beene long since informed , the triall whereof though it had cost me deerer , coulde not haue greatly greeued me , since it doth so greatly content me to see my selfe his prisoner , whose vertues , valour , and dexteritie in armes doth importune euery ones eares so much . And becauie the subduing of my person doth oblige me to esteeme thee the more , and that thou maist not thinke it is any kinde of pusyllanimitie , or feare in me ( without some other great occasion , which lies not in my power to forsake ) that makes me so sad and pensiue , I praie thee gentle Knight , by that thou art , to command thy gentlemen to ride on before , because thou maist know , that neither the paine of my greene woundes , nor the greefe of my present captiuitie is cause of my heauie thoughts . The Gouernour hearing these words , made greater reckoning of the Moore , and because he was verie desirous to be thorowly resolued what he was , he willed his gentlemen to ride on before : and they two comming on faire and softly behind , the Moore fetching a profound sigh from his soule , began thus to saie .

IF time and triall of thy great virtues ( most valiant Gouernour ) and that golden fame wherewith they are spread in euery place , had not penetrated my hart with desire of knowing them , & now put them manifestly before mine eles , these words , which thy will doth enforce me to relate , should be now excused , and the discourse , which I meane to tell thee of a life , continually enuironed with disquiets & suspects ( the least whereof being ( as thou wilt iudge no lesse ) worse then a thousand deaths ) remaine vntold . But as I am on the one side assured of that I speake , and that ( on the other ) thou art a worthie kinght , and noble gentleman , and hast either heard , or els thy selfe passed the like passion to mine , Know , that my name is Abyndaraez the yoonger in difference of an vncle of mine , my fathers brother who is also called so . Descended I am from the noble house of the Abencerrajes in Granada , by whose vnluckie destinies I did learne to be vnfortunate . And because thou maist know what theirs was , and maist by them the better coniecture , what may be expected of mine , Thou shalt vnderstand , that in Granada was a noble linage of Lords , and Knights , called Abencerrajes , whose valiant deeds , and graue personages , as well in martiall aduentures , as in peaceable and wise gouernment of our common-wealth , were the mirrours of that kingdome . The olde men were of the Kings counsell ; the yoong gentlemen exercised their minds , and bodies in feates of armes , in the seruice of Ladies and gentlewomen , and by shewing in euery point their valour and gentilitie . And as they were honoured of the popular sort , and welbeloued among the principall , ( for in all those good parts that a gentleman should haue , they farre excelled others ) so were they very well thought of with the King : They did neuer any thing in war abroad , nor in counsell at home , that their experience was not correspondent to their expectation : whose valour , bountie , and humanitie was so highly commended , that for a common example it was euer alleaged , That there was neuer Abencerraje coward , niggard , or ill disposed person . In the citie they were the masters of braue inuentions for apparell : In the Court , of maskes , daunces , and triumphes , and in the court and citie , in the seruice and courting of Dames passing gracious : For neuer did Abencerraje loue and serue any Ladie , of whom he was not fauoured , nor any Ladie ( were she neuer so faire and amiable ) thinke her selfe worthie of the name & title of an Abencerraje his mistresse . They liuing therfore in as great prosperitie , honor , and reputation , that might be , came fortune ( an enemie to the rest and contentment of happie men ) to cast them downe from that ioyfull estate , to the most vnfortunate and greeuous condition of disgrace that might be . The beginning whereof was , that the King hauing done a certaine iniury to the Abencerrajes , they made an insurrection , wherein , with ten gentlemen more of their kinred , they conspired to kill the King , land to diuide the kingdome amongst themselues , & so to be reuenged of the vnworthie disgrace receiued by him . This conspitacie ( whether it was true or false ) was discouered before it could be put in practise , and they apprehended , and condemned to die , before the citizens had intelligence thereof ; who , without all doubt for the great loue they bare them , would haue risen , not consenting that iustice should haue beene done vpon them ; For , carying them to exequution , it was the strangest spectacle in the world , to see the lamentations that some made ; the priuie murmuring of one to another ; and the bootlesse excuses , that for compassion of these gentlemen were generally made in all the citie . They ran all to the King , and offered to buie his mercie with great summes of gold and siluer ; but such was his seueritie , that it expelled all motions of pitie and clemencie : Which when the people beheld , they began to weepe , and lament againe : The Lords , Knights and gentlemen did weepe and mourne , with whom they were wont to keepe companie : The tender Ladies and Damsels of the Court wept , whom they loued and serued : And all the whole citie wept , for the great honour and auctority , that such noble citizens gaue them . The lamentations , and outcries were so many , and so loud , as if the earth had sunke , or the world beene drowned anew . But the King , who to all these teares , lamentations , and pitifull outcries did stop his eares , commaunded , that his definitiue sentence should be presently executed : So that , of all that house , and linage there remained not one man aliue , that was not beheaded that day , except my father and mine vncle , who were not found complices in that conspiracie . These ils resulted to them ( besides this miserable chaunce ) that their houses were ruinated ; they proclaimed traitours to the King ; their goodes , lands , and possessions confiscated : And that no Abenceraje should liue any longer in Granada , except my father and mine vncle ; and they but with this condition , that if they had any issue , they should send the men children ( as soon as they were borne ) to be brought vp out of the citie , neuer to returne into it againe ; and if they were women , and marriageable , to be married out of the Realme . When the Gouernor heard the strange discourse of Abyndaraez , and the termes wherewith he complayned of his misfortune , he could not stop his teares , but did shew by them the sensible greefe , which of such a disastrous accident could not be but felt . And therefore turning himselfe to the Moore , saide vnto him . Thou hast good cause Abyndaraes , to be sorrie for the fall of thy noble house and kinred , whose heads ( I thinke ) coulde neuer hatch so great treason : And were it for no other proofe , but that so worthie a gentleman as thy selfe came out of it , this onely were sufficient to make me beleeue , that they neuer pretended such wickednes . This gentle opinion , which thou hast of me ( said the Moore ) and of the goodnes of my auncestors , I know not ( worthie Gouernour ) how to requite , but onely with vnfained and humble thankes . But now , when I was borne into the world , with the inheritance of the selfe same mishap of my kinred , they sent me ( because they would not infringe the Kings edict ) to be nursed , and brought vp in a certaine fort , belonging sometimes to the Christians , called Cartama , committing the charge and care of me to the Gouernor thereof , with whom my father had ancient familiaritie & acquaintance : A man of great account in the kingdome , vpright in the maner of his life , and verie rich , but chiefly in a daughter that he hath , which is the greatest ●…ie , which I account of in this life , the which I wish I may neuer enioy , if in any ●…g ( but onely her ) I euer tooke content & pleasure . With her was I brought vp 〈◊〉 my childhood , ( for she was borne but three yeeres after me ) and as we were ●…erally thought of all to be brother and sister ( for like such was our education ) so did we also thinke our selues to be . The loue that I did beare Xarifa ( for thus is the Lady called that is mistresse of my libertie ) were but little , if I could tell it : Let it ●…fice that time hath so confirmed the same , that I would giue a thousands liues ( if ●…ad them ) but to enioy one momentarie sight of her faire face . Euerie day encreased our age , but euerie hower augmented our loue , and so much , that now ( me thought ) I was made of another kind of mettall , then of consanguinitie . I remember that Xarifa being on a day in the orchard of the Iesemynes , dressing her faire head , by chaunce I espied her , amazed at her singular beautie , and how ( me thought ) it greeued me , that she was my sister . And by the extreme passion of my loue , driuen out of my musing , I went to her , who , as soone as she saw me , with open armes came to receiue me : And sitting vpon the fountaine by her , she said vnto me . Why hast thou ( good brother ) left me so long alone ? It is ( sweete Ladie ) said I againe , a good while since I hauing sought thee in euerie place , & found not any , that could tell me what was become of thee , my hart at last coniectured where thou wert : Buttel me now ( I pray thee ) what certaintie hast thou , that we are brother and sister ? No other ( saide she ) then of the great loue I beare thee , and to see , how euerie one doth call vs so , and that my father doth bring vs vp like his sonne and daughter . And if we were not brother and sister ( saide I ) wouldest thou then loue me so much as thou dost ? Oh seest thou not ( saide she ) that we shuld not be suffered to go so continually together , & al alone , if we were not . But if we were depriued of this ioy , that which I feele in my selfe is a great deale more : At which words her faire face being tainted with a vermillion blush , she said vnto me . What couldest thou leese by it , if we were brother and sister ? My selfe and thee to , said I. I vnderstand thee not said she , but ( me thinkes ) ( being brother and sister ) it binds vs to loue one another naturally . Thy onely beau●… ( said I ) doth oblige me to this brotherhood , which rather qualifieth my loue , 〈◊〉 sometimes distempers my thoughts : At which words blushing for too much bol●…es , casting downe mine eies , I saw her diuine figure in the cristalline fountaine so liuely represented , as if it had beene she her selfe , and in such sort , that wheresoeuer she turned her head , I still beheld her image , and goodly counterfaite truely translated into verie hart . Then said I softly to my selfe . O , if I were now drowned in this fountaine , where with pride I behold my sweete Lady , how more fortunate should I die then Narcissus ? And if she loued me as I do her , how happie should I be ? And if fortune would let vs liue euer together , what a happie life should I then lead ? These words I spake to my selfe , and it would haue greeued me , that another had heard them . But hauing spoken this , I rose vp , and reaching vp 〈◊〉 hand to certaine Iesemynes that grew round about that fountaine , I made of th●… , and of some Orenge flowers a faire and redolent garland , and putting it vpon my head , I sat downe againe crowned , and conquered . Then did she cast her eies vpon me ( to my thinking ) more sweetly then before , and taking it from my head , did put it vpon her owne , seeming then more faire then Venus . And looking ●…on me , she said . How dost thou like me now Abyndaraez ? That in beautie ( said I ) and sweete perfections , thou ouercomest al the world , and that crowned Queene and Ladie of it . At which words rising 〈◊〉 of her place , she tooke me by the hand , and said vnto me . If it were so indeed ( b●…er ) thou shouldest leese nothing by it ●…d so without answering her againe , I followed her out of the garden . But now from that time certaine daies after , wherein cruell Loue thought he was too long from discouering vnto me the deceit that I had of my selfe , and time meaning then to lay open hidden and secret things , we came to perfect knowledge , that the kinred between vs was as much as nothing , whereupon our firme affections were confirmed more strongly in their former and true places . All my delight was in her , and my soule cut out so iust to the proportion of hers , that all , that was not in her face , seemed to mine eies foule , friuolous , and vnprofitable in the whole ●orld . And now were our pastimes far different from our first , and I beheld her with a certaine kind of feare , and suspect to be perceiued of any : And now had I also a certaine enuie and ●…lousie of the sunne , that did touch her . Who , though she looked on me again with the verie same desire and intent , wherewith she had beheld me before ; yet thought it was not so , bicause ones owne distrust is the most assured and certaine thing in an enamoured hart . It fell out afterwardes , that she being on a day it the cleere fountaine of the Iesmynes , I came by chaunce thither , and beginning to talke with her , her speech ( me thought ) and countenance was not like to her former lookes & communication . She prayed me to sing , for she was greatly delighted with songs & musick : And I was then so trustles & misconceiuing of my selfe , that I thought she bad me sing , not for any pleasure that she took by hearing me , but to passe away the time , and only to entertaine my companie with such a request : so that I then wanted time to tell her the whole summe of my greefe . But I who employed my minde in nothing else , but to do whatsoeuer my Lady Xarifa commanded me , in the Arabicke toong began to sing this song , whereby I gaue her to vnderstand the crueltie that I suspected of her .

IF thy soft Haires be threds of shining gold , Vnder the shade of which are two faire Eies , ( Two sunnes ) whose Brow like heauen doth them vphold , Rubie thy Mouth , and lips where Corall lies ? Could Cristall want , to frame thy Necke so white , And Diamond , to make thy Brest so bright ? Thy hart is not vnlike vnto thy Brest , Since that the flight of mettall of thy Haire Did neuer make thee turne thy Necke at lest , Nor with thine Eies giue hope , but cold despaire . Yet from that sugred Mouth hope for an I , And from that snowe-white Brow , that makes me die . Ah beautifull , and yet most bitter Brow , And may there be a Brest so hard and faire , So sweete a necke , and yet so stiffe to bow , So rich , and yet so couetous a Haire ? Who euer sawe so cleere and cruell Eies , So sweete a Mouth , yet mooues not to my cries . Enuious Loue my Necke doth chaine with spite , His passions make my Brow looke pale and swart , He makes mine Eies to leese their deerest light , And in my Brest doth kill my trembling hart . He makes my Haire to stand in ghastly wise , Yet in thy Mouth all wordes of comfort dies . O sweetest face , and lips more perfect faire , Then I may tell ; O soft and daintie Necke , O golden Raies of yonder Sunne , not Haire , O Cristalline Brow , and Mouth with Rubie deckt , O equall white and red , O Diamond Brest , From these faire Eies when shall I hope for rest ? But if a ( No ) by turning of thine Eies , Harke yet what saith her sweetest Mouth to me ? See if her hardnes in her Brest yet lies , And if she turnes her whitest Necke to thee ? Marke well the beckning of her fairest Brow , Then from her Haire what may I hope for now ? If that her Lilly Brest and Necke doe once affirme their ( No ) And if her shining Eies and Haire will not conclude an ( I ) What will her Ruby Mouth then doe , and Brow as white as snowe , Nay what shall I my selfe expect but with denials die ?

These wordes were of such force , that , being helped by the loue of her , in whose praise they were sung , I saw her shed certaine teares , that I cannot tell you now ( noble Gouernour ) how much they moued my hart , nor whether the content , that I had by seeing so true a testimonie of my Mistresse loue , or the greefe , ( my selfe being the occasion of her teares ) was greater . Calling me to her , she made me sit downe by her , and thus began to say vnto me . If the Loue Abyndaraez , whereunto I am obliged ( after I was fully assured of thy thoughtes ) is but small , or such , that cannot but with extinction of life be ended , my wordes ( I hope ) before we leaue this onely place , shall make thee sufficiently knowe . And blame thee I will not for thy mistrust , which hath made thee conceiue amisse ; for I knowe it is so sure a thing to haue it , as there is nothing more proper and incident to Loue . For remedie whereof , and of the sorrow that I must needes haue , by seeing my selfe at any time separated from thy sweete companie , from this day forth for euer thou maist hold and esteeme thy selfe such a Lord and Master of my libertie , as thou shalt be indeede , if thou art willing to combine thy selfe in sacred bondes of marriage with me , the refusall whereof is ( before euery other thing ) no small impediment to both our contents , a preiudice to mine honour , and the sole obstacle of enioying the great loue which I beare thee . When I heard these wordes ( Loue working my thoughts to things cleane contrarie ) I conceiued such great ioy , that had it not beene but by onely bowing downe my knees to the ground , and kissing her faire handes , I was not able to doe any other thing . With the hope of these wordes I liued certaine daies , in the greatest ioy in the world , whilest mutable Fortune ( enuying my prosperitie and ioyfull life ) bereaued vs both of this sweete contentment : for not long after , the King of Granada minding to prefer the Gouernour of Cartama to some higher charge , by his letters commanded him foorthwith to yeeld vp the charge of that Fort , which lies vpon the frontires , and goe to Coyn , where his pleasure was he should be captaine and Gouernour , and also to leaue me in Cartama vnder the charge of him , that came to be Gouernour in his place . When I heard these vnluckie newes for my Mistresse and my selfe , iudge you ( noble Gentleman , if at any time you haue beene a louer ) what a world of greefe we conceiued . We went both into a secret place to weepe , and lament our misfortunes , and the departure and losse of each others companie . There did I call her my soueraine Mistresse mine onely ioy , my hope , and other names , that Loue did put into my mouth : with weeping I saide vnto her . When the viewe of thy rare beautie shall be taken from mine eies , wilt thou then Xarifa , sometimes remember me ? Heere did my teares and sighes cut off my words , and inforcing my selfe to speake more ( being troubled in minde ) I vttered I know not what foolish wordes vnto her : for the apprehended absence of my deere Mistresse in my thoughts did vtterly carry away my wits , senses , and memorie with it . But who can tell what sorrow my deere Lady felt for this departure , and what bitter potions of greefe her orientall teares , ( which for this crosse of fortune she powred forth ) made me sup vp ? She did then speake such wordes vnto me , the lest of which was ynough , to haue made the hardest hart thought of a sorrowfull departure for euer : which ( valiant Gouernour ) I will omit to tell thee , bicause thou wilt thinke them ( if thy brest was neuer possessed with loue ) impossible . And if it hath beene for feare , lest by hearing some of them , thou couldest not , but with hazard of life , stay out to heare the rest . Let it suffice , that the end of them , was by telling me , that , hauing any fit occasion by her fathers sicknes , or by his absence , she would sende for me , that , that might haue effect , which was betrothed and agreed vpon betweene vs both . With this promise my hart was somewhat lightned , and for this infinite curtesie , ( which she did promise me when time and occasion serued ) I kissed her daintie hands . The next day after , they went away , and I tarried still behinde , like one that ( wandring vpon craggie and wilde mountaines , and hauing lost the comfortable light of the sunne ) remained in hideous darknes : with great greefe I began to feele her absence , and sought all the false remedies ( I could ) against it : for sometimes I did cast mine eies vp to the windowes , where she was woont to looke out ; sometimes vpon the bed where her tender body was accustomed to take rest ; and went somtimes into the garden , where daily she vsed to disport herselfe , and in the heate of the day to the christalline fountaine , where she bathed and refreshed herselfe vnder the shade of Limon and Pomegranate trees : I walked and went all her stations , and in euery one of them I found a certaine representation of my sorrowfull thoughts . Truth it is , that the hope that she gaue me ( to send for me ) eased my paines a little , and with it I dissembled some part of my woes . But for as much as the continuall thought of my desire so long deferred , did encrease my paine the more , me thought sometimes I would haue beene glad , if I had beene left altogither without hope , for desperation doth but trouble one , vntill it be certainly knowen ; but hope , vntill the desire be accomplished . But my good Fortune did so much fauour me , that this morning my Lady stoode to her worde , by sending for me by a gentlewoman of hers ( a trustie secretarie of her thoughts ) for the Gouernour her Father was gone to Granada , who being sent for thither by the king , was to returne home in a short time againe . Awaked out of my heauie slumber and melancholike cares with these inopinate and happie newes , I prepared my selfe to go with winged speede vnto her : yet staying for night , and because I might the better escape vnknowne , I did put on this habite , as thou seest , and the brauest I could deuise , to make the better shewe to my Lady of my proud and ioyfull hart . In which iourney ( truely ) I would not haue thought , that two of the best knights at armes had beene sufficient to abide me the fielde , because I carried my Mistresse with me . Wherefore Rodrigo if thou hast ouercomed me , it was not by pure strength , which was impossible , but it was either my harde fortune , or the determination of the heauens , that woulde preuent me of such a supreme good . Whereupon consider nowe in the end of my true tale , and of the good that I haue lost , and the ill which I possesse : I came from Cartama to go to Coyn , but a short iourney , although the desire of the proudest Abencerraje that euer liued , made it a great deale longer . I went , sent for by my Lady , to see my Lady , to enioy my Lady , and to marrie my sweetest Ladie . But now I see my selfe wounded , captiue , and in subiection to him , who will doe , I know not what with me . And that which greeues me most , is , that the time and enioying of my desire , endeth with this present night . O suffer me then Christian to comfort my selfe at the least with my secret lamentations : let me euacuate out of my sorowfull brest my choking and smothering sighes , and water mine eies with burning teares : All which impute not to any imbecillitie or feare of minde , though it were a great deale better for me that I had a hart , that coulde beare and suffer this harde and sinistrous chance of Fortune , then to do that which I now do .

The discourse of the enamoured Moore pearced deepely into the valiant Naruaes his soule , who was not a little amazed at the strange successe of his loue . And thinking with himselfe , that for the better dispatch of his affaires , nothing might hinder them more , then his long staying , he said vnto him . I am minded Abyndaraes , to make thee knowe how much my vertue surmounteth thy ill fortune , for if thou wilt but promise me to returne to my prison within three daies , I will set thee at libertie , bicause thou maist not leaue of thy amotous enterprise . For it woulde greeue me to cut off so good , and honest an endeuour . The Abenceraje hearing this , in token of thankes would haue fallen downe at his feete , and saide vnto him . If thou dost me this vnexpected fauour ( noble Gouernour of Alora ) thou shalt restore me againe to life , and shew the greatest gentilitie of minde , that euer any Conquerour did . Take what securitie thou wilt of me , for whatsoeuer thou dost demaund , I will not faile to accomplish . Then Rodrigo of Naruaes called his gentlemen vnto him , and saide . Gentlemen , trust me for this prisoner , for whose raunsome my selfe will be a pledge . They answered him againe , that he might dispose of him at his owne pleasure , for whatsoeuer he did , they would be well content withall . Then the Gouernour taking the Abenceraje by his right hand , saide vnto him . Dost thou promise me as thou art a Gentleman to come to my Castell of Alora , there to yeelde thy selfe my prisoner within three daies ? I doe ( saide he ) and with solemne othe binde it . Then goe ( saide the Gouernour ) and good fortune with thee , and if thou standest in neede of mine owne person to accompany thee , or of any other thing for thy way , speake , and thou shalt haue it . The Moore thanked him very much , but tooke no more but a horse , which the Gouernour gaue him , for his owne was hurt in the late encounter betweene them , and went very heauie , being also wearied and faint with much blood , which he lost by the way : and so turning the raines , he rode as fast as he coulde towardes Coyn. Rodrigo of Naruaes and his Gentlemen returned homewardes to Alora , talking by the way of the valour and goodly behauiour of the Abenceraje . The Moore was not long ( according to the great speede he made ) in comming to the Fort of Coyn , where , going directly as he was commanded , he first went about all the wals , vntill at last he found a posterne gate , and the Centrinels on the wals fast asleepe , who though he had a great desire , and made no lesse haste to enter in , yet he staied a little , looking about him on euery side , least happily he might be espied , or in danger of some thing else . But when he perceiued that all was quiet , he knocked with the punch of his launce at the wicket ( for that was the watchworde , that his Mistresse had giuen him by the gentlewoman that went to call him ) the which was immediately opened vnto him by the same gentlewoman , who saide vnto him : Sir your long tarying hath put my Ladie in a great feare , for she hath staide this good while for you . Alight and I will bring you vp where she is attending your presence in great perplexitie : he then dismounted from his horse , and set him vp in a secret place , that he founde there , where also leauing his Launce against a wall with his Target and Cymitarre , the gentlewoman tooke him by the hande , and very softly led him vp a paire of staires , for feare of being heard by them in the castle , and brought him into Xarifaes chamber . Before whom when he was come , with a sudden sursault of ioye she ranne to receiue him , and both of them with such extreme passions of loue and gladnes embracing one another , were not able to speake one worde , for the infinite ioy they had at each others sight : But comming to themselues againe , at the last she saide thus vnto him . What the cause may be , that thou hast staied so long ( my louing Lord ) I knowe not , but what sorrowe and anxieties of minde I haue passed for thy slowe comming , my impatient loue is able to testifie . I hope , thou dost imagine faire Lady ( saide he againe ) that it is not by my fault and negligence , but mens disseignes doe not alwaies fall out fit to their desires : So that if there be any trueth in me , thou maist well beleeue me , that it was not in my power to come sooner then I haue done . But breaking him off in his excuses , she tooke him by the hand , & leading him into a rich chamber , they sat them downe vpon a faire bed , where thus she said vnto him . I was desirous my thrise beloued Abyndaraes , to haue thee see , how captiues in loue can fulfill their promise ; for , from the very day , that I gaue thee my word for pledge of my hart , I haue sought the meanes to discharge me of it . I sent for thee to come to this Castell , to be my prisoner , as I am thine . But now I haue brought thee in hither , to make thee Lord of me , and of my fathers treasure , vnder the honourable name of a lawfull husband , whereunto my estate , nor thy loyaltie cannot otherwise consent . I do knowe well , that my fathers will wil be contrarie to our workings , who being ignorant of thy valour , and not knowing thy deserts , as well as I doe , will perhaps bestowe some richer husband on me : but I esteeme thy noble personage , and thy vertuous and valiant mind more , then the greatest riches in the world . And hauing saide thus vnto him , she hung downe her head , blushing not a little , that she had so much discouered her selfe , and in so plaine and open termes declared her affection vnto him . The noble Moore tooke her in his armes , and many times kissing her white hands for such louing and curteous wordes , saide thus vnto her . I haue no new thing ( sweete Lady of my soule ) to giue thee in requitall of such great good as thou dost offer me , bicause I am no lesse ( as I was before ) wholy thine . Onely this pledge I giue thee in token of my vnspeakable loue , that I receiue thee for my beloued Lady and wife : And heerewithall thou maist lay aside for a while that modest shamefastnes , and maidenly teynt , which continually thou hast had , since thou hast taken me for thine owne . Vnwillingly she did the same : And vpon this conclusion they went to bed , where with a new experience they rekindled the flames of their enamoured harts . In which amorous enterprise , passed on either side many louing wordes , and deedes fitter for imagination , then to be written . The Moore being in so great ioy and pleasure , fetched on the sudden a profound and painfull sigh , and turning from her , began to lie so sad and pensiue , that faire Xarifa perceiuing it , was much amazed and troubled in minde to see so sudden an alteration : who lying still , heard him breath foorth a deepe and dolefull sigh with turning his body on euery side . The Lady vnable to suffer so great an iniurie to her beautie and loyaltie , thinking he was displeased with the one or both , rising vp a little in the bedde , with a milde and merrie voice ( though somewhat troubled ) saide vnto him . What meanes this Abyndaraes ? It seemes thou art offended with my mirth . I heard thee sigh , and tumble , and tosse thy body on euery side : why man , if I am wholy thy ioye , and thy delight , why dost thou not tell me for whom thou dost sigh ; and if I am not , why hast thou thus deceiued me ? If thou hast found any fault in my person , that hath abridged the delight of thy imagination , cast thine eies and minde vpon my will , which is sufficient to supply many wants , and vpon my zealous and louing hart , that wisheth it the fairest and finest in the world for thy sake . If thou seruest any other Lady , let me know her , that I may serue her to : And if thou hast any other greefe ( which shall not offend me ) tell it me , for I will either die , or rid thee from it . And clasping him with a kinde of violent and forcible loue , she turned him to her againe , who being then confounded , and ashamed for that he had done , and thinking that it might be an occasion ( if he did not tell her the cause of his sorrow ) to fill her head full of iealousie and suspicion , with an appassionate sigh he said vnto her . If I did not ( my sweetest life ) loue thee more then mine owne soule , I woulde neuer haue made such signes of inwarde greefe , for the wounding thoughts , which I brought with me ( when I came with my selfe all alone ) I passed away with a better hart ; but now that I am constrained to go from thee , I haue no force to endure them at all . And because thou shalt be no longer in suspence of knowing the cause of my sorrow , I will tell thee what lately passed : And then he told her all the matter , not leauing any thing out , in the end of his tale with many teares saying thus vnto her . So that thy captiue ( faire Lady ) is also prisoner to the Gouernour of Alora : And the paine of that imprisonment , which thou hast cast vpon me , and taught my hart to suffer , I feele not , but the torment and bondage by liuing without thee , I account woorse then any death : Wherupon thou seest , that my sighes are rather arguments of greater loyalty , then of any want thereof . And with this , he began againe to be so pensiue and sad , as he was before he had tolde her his greefe . But then with a merrie countenance she said vnto him : Trouble not thy minde Abyndaraes with these thoughts , for I will take the care and remedie of this greefe vpon mee , as a thing that toucheth mee most of all ; and the more , since it is not denied any prisoner that hath giuen his worde to returne to prison , to satisfie it , by sending the ransome that shall be demaunded of him : Wherefore set thy selfe downe what summe thou wilt , for I haue the keyes of al my fathers treasure , which I will put into thy hands , & leaue it all at thy disposition . Rodrigo of Naruaez is a curteous gentleman , & a good knight , and one who gaue thee once thy libertie : And as thou hast acquainted him with the trust of these affaires ; so is he now the more bound to vse greater virtue and gentlenes towardes thee . I am sure he will be contented with reason ; for hauing thee in his power and prison , he must perforce set thee at libertie , when he hath the value of thy ransome . I see well faire Ladie ( said the Abencerraje againe ) that the loue which thou dost beare me , will not suffer thee to giue me the best counsell , for I will neuer commit so foule a fault as this . For if I was bound to fulfill my word , when I was alone , and without thee , now that I am thine , the bond is greater : I will therefore returne to Allora , and yeeld my selfe into the Gouernors hands , and when I haue done what I am bound to do , let Fortune do with me what she will . Nay let me rather die , saide Xarifa ( if thou goest to be prisoner ) then once desire to remaine here at libertie . For being thy captiue , by duetie I am bound to accompanie thee in this iourney for the extreme loue that I beare thee , whereas also the feare of my fathers frownes , which I haue purchased by offending him , will let me do no lesse . The Moore weeping for ioy , to heare these words , embraced her saying . Thou neuer ceasest ( my deerest soule ) to heape fauours vpon my happie head , do therefore what thou wilt , for this is my resolution . With this determination they rose before it was day , and prouiding some necessarie things for their iourney , they went verie secretly towards Allora : and when the day began to waxe cleere , Xarifa went with her face couered with a maske , for feare of being knowen , and by reason of the greath aste they made , they came in good time to Alora , where going directly to the castle , & knocking at the gate , it was opened to them out of hand by the Centrinels , who had notice of that was past , and what they should do . The valiant Gouernor receiued them curteously : and Abyndaraes going to the gate and taking his wise by the hand brought her vnto him , & said . Behold Rodrigo of Naruaez if I keepe not well my word and appointed time ? For promising thee to returne thy prisoner , insteed of one , I bring thee two , for one was enough to ouercome many . Behold here my Ladie , & iudge if I haue not iustly suffered for her sake : accept vs now for thine , for in thy virtuous and noble minde I repose my whole trust and confidence , and into thy hands commit her deere and chiefest honour . The Gouernor was verie glad to see them both , and said to Xarifa : I know not faire Ladie which of you haue conquered each other in loue and curtesie , but truely thinke my selfe greatly bound vnto you both . Come in therefore , and rest you in your owne house , the which from henceforth , as also the master of it , accept for none other . After this friendly entertainement , they went with him into his dining chamber , where after a little while they refreshed themselues , bicause they came somewhat wearie . The Gouernor asked the Moore how he did for his wounds . I thinke ( said he ) that what with the way , and what with paine , they are somewhat rankled : which faire Xarifa hearing , with an altered an appalled countenance said vnto him . Alas how comes this to passe my Lord ? Haue you any woundes about you , and I not knowe them ? Who escapes ( saide he ) from thine , needes little to care for any other . Truth it is , that at our late skirmish in the night I got two little woundes , which my troublesome iourney and negligence in curing them hath made somewhat worse , but all is but little or nothing . It is best ( saide the Gouernour ) that you lay you downe , and I will send for a Chirurgeon that is heere in the Castell to cure them . Following which counsell , faire Xarifa caused him to put off his apparell , and though she set a good face on the matter ( bicause she woulde not giue him any occasion to feele her inwarde greefe ) yet was she altered much and troubled in her minde . The Chirurgeon came , and searching his wounds saide , that they were not dangerous , bicause the signe was not in those places when he receiued them ; and also , bicause they were smitten ouerthwart , would not be long in healing : For with a certaine ointment that he made out of hand , the paine of them was somewhat asswaged ; and in fower daies ( by meanes of the great care the Chirurgeon had in healing them ) hee was as sound and whole as euer he was before . But one day , after dinner was done , the Abenceraje saide thus vnto the Gouernour . As you are wise , Rodrigo of Naruaez , so can you not choose , but by the manner of our being at Coyn , and of our comming hither , imagine more then you haue seene , which affaires of ours by our owne misfortunes ( driuen to this desperate ( though happy ) euent , wherein they nowe are ) must be ( I hope ) by your aduise and helpe brought to some good end . This is faire Xarifa , of whom I tolde you : This is my Lady , and my deerely beloued wife : In Coyn she woulde not stay for feare of her Father . For though he knowes not what hath passed betweene vs , yet she feared least this accident at some time or other might be discouered . Her Father is nowe with our King of Granada , whose highnesse I know , doth beare you especiall good will , and loueth you , ( though you be a Christian ) for your valour and vertuous disposition . Wherefore I beseech you ( gentle knight ) to sollicite our pardon at his gracious hands for dooing what is past without his leaue and priuitie , since Fortune hath brought it ( though happily ) to this doubtfull passe . Comfort your selues Abyndaraes and faire Xarifa ( said the noble Gouernour ) for by the faith of a gentleman I promise you to do what I can for you in this behalfe , whereupon he presently called for inke and paper to write a letter to the king of Granada , which in a few words and true , opening their estate vnto him , said thus .

MOst mightie king of Granada , Rodrigo of Naruaez the Gouernour of Alora , by these letters kisseth your royall hands , and giues your Maiestie to vnderstande , that Abyndaraez Abencerraje borne in Granada , brought vp in Cartama and being vnder the charge and gouernment of the captaine of that Forte , was enamored of Xarifa his faire daughter : And after that it pleased your Maiestie to preferre the saide captaine to the gouernment of Coyn , the two louers ( to binde themselues in a mutall and indissoluble bonde ) betrothed their faith to each other before her departure , who sent to Cartama for the Abencerraje in her Fathers absence ( being now in your Maiesties Court ) to whom as he was going to Coyn , in the way I met him , and in a certaine skirmish betweene vs , ( wherein he shewed himselfe a valiant and couragious man at armes ) made him my prisoner : who telling me his pitifull case ( my hart being mooued with compassion of his greefe , and with his earnest praiers ) I set him free for two daies , who went his way , and got him to his wife , so that in that iourney he woone his wife , and lost his libertie . But seeing the Abencerraje ( according to his worde ) woulde needes returne to my prison , she came also with him , and so they are both now in my power . Let not the name of Abencerraje , I beseech your Maiestie offende it , for this Gentleman and his Father were not priuie ( as I haue heard ) nor consenting to the conspiracie pretended against your royall person , in testimonie whereof , they are yet both liuing . Wherefore I humblie beseech your Maiestie to impart-betweene your Grace and me a remedie for these haplesse louers , whose raunsome I will frankely forgiue , and freely let them go . May it onely please your Maiestie to procure the Ladies pardon with her Father , who is your subiect , and to intreat him to receiue the gentleman into his affinitie and good liking : By doing whereof ( besides the singular fauour that your Highnesse shall do me ) your Maiestie shall do no lesse , then is expected of the woonted vertues and bountie of your Royall and magnificent minde .

With this letter he dispatched away one of his gentlemen , who comming before the King , gaue it him into his owne handes , the which he gratefully receiued , when he knew from whom it came , for he loued this Christian , especially for his valour and goodly personage : and reading it , he turned his face , and by chaunce espied the Gouernor of Coyn , to whom ( taking him aside ) he gaue the letter , saying vnto him . Read this letter , who read it , and seeing what was past , by his countenance did manifest how much he was grieued in mind . Which thing the King perceiuing , said vnto him . Be not offended , nor sorrie , although thou hast good cause ; for there is not any reasonable thing , that the noble Gouernor of Alora requesteth at my hands ( if it lies in my power ) which I will not doe for him . And therefore I commaund thee by deferring no time , presently to goe to Alora , and to pardon thy daughter and son in law , and carrie them with thee to thy Castle ; in recompence whereof I will not forget to bestow on thee continuall fauours . It greeued the old Moore to the verie hart , when he vnderstood of this euent ; but seeing he must not disobey the Kings commaund , by counterfeiting a merie countenance , and borrowing a little courage of his daunted spirits , as wel as he could , he said That he would do it . The Gouernor of Corn departed from the Court in all haste , and came to Alora , where ( vnderstanding by the way of the Gouernors Gentleman that went with him , all that had passed in this aduenture ) he was curteously receiued : The Abencerraje and his daughter teynted and appalled with shame and feare came before him , and kissed his hands , who receiuing them ioyfully , said vnto them . I come not hither of mine owne accord to repeate , nor entreat of things past , but by the commaundement of the King , who willed me to pardon your misdeeds , and your sudden marriage without my consent . And as for the rest daughter , thou hast chosen a better husband for thy selfe , then I could haue giuen thee . Rodrigo of Naruaez was very glad to heare this gentle greeting of the olde Moore , for whose entertainment he made many feastes and banquets . And one day when diner was done , he said vnto them . I am not so glad , as proud , that I haue beene some part and meanes , whereby these occurrents are brought to so good a passe ; in proofe whereof , and that nothing else could make me more content , for the ransome of your imprisonment , I will haue but onely the honour , that I haue enioyed by getting and keeping such braue prisoners . Wherefore Abyndaraes , thou art free , in testimonie whereof I giue thee leaue to goe whither it please thee , and whensoeuer thou wilt . He humbly thanked him , and so they prepared themselues to bee gone the next day , when Rodrigo of Naruaez bearing them company , they went from Alora , and came to Coyn , where great triumphes , banquets , and feasts were made in publicke celebration of the marriage : The which being past , their father taking them both one day aside , spake these words vnto them . Now that you are ( my beloued sonne and daughter ) possessours of my riches , and liue in rest , it is not reason that you forget the manifolde good turnes done you by the Gouernor of Alora , for which you are yet indebted vnto him ; and it stands not with our honors , for vsing you with such great virtue and humanitie , that he should leefe the right of your ransome , which should be rather ( if you consider the matter well ) more then ordinarie . I will giue you fower thousand double duckats , send them vnto him , and behold them here , which he well deserues ( as a friend indeed ) though there be different lawes betweene you and him . The Abencerraje thanked him verie humbly , and taking them , sent them in a little rich coffer to Rodrigo of Naruaez . And because he would not of his own part shew himselfe vnthankfull , he sent him there with all sixe faire Barbary horses with rich saddles & furniture , and sixe targets , and launces , the bars and punches being of fine golde . Faire Xarifa wrote a sweete and louing letter vnto him , wherein she gaue him infinite thankes for the benefits she had receiued by his meanes , and for the gentle entertainment she had in his Castle . And willing to shew her selfe as liberall and thankefull as the rest , she sent him a sweete Cypresse chest , finely wrought and carued for a present , and within it most curious and costly white garmentes for his owne person . The valiant Gouernor accepting the presents , with great thankes to them that sent them , gaue the horses , targets , and launces incontinently amongest the gentlemen that did accompanie him that night in the skirmish , taking the best of each , and also the Cyprsse chest , with that which faire Xarifa had sent him for himselfe , and returning the fower thousand double peeces to the messenger againe , he saide vnto him . Tell thy Lady Xarifa , that I receiue the Duckets for her husbandes raunsome , and ( to doe her seruice ) sende them backe againe , towardes the charges of her marriage , and , that for her friendship and sweete sake , I woulde change all the interests that I haue in the world , in lieue that she would make an account of this Castell , as her owne , and her husbandes also . The messenger returned backe to Coyn , where he was well receiued , and the liberalitie of the noble Captaine of euery one highly commended , whose linage doth continue in flourishing estate to this day in Antiquera , equiualent in Heroicall and Martiall deedes with the first originall , from whence they are descended . The historie being ended , Felicia did commend the grace , and good wordes wherewith faire Felismena did tell it , and so did all the rest , that were preient , who taking their leaue of the sage Lady , went all to take their rest .

The end of the fourth booke .

The fifth Booke of Diana of George of Montemayor .

THe next day in the morning the Lady Felicia rose vp , and went to Felismenas chamber , whom she found , not with few teares , newly making an end of apparelling her-selfe , thinking euery hower she staied there a thousand yeeres . And the sage Lady taking her by the hande , they went into a gallerie that looked into a garden , where they had supped the night before , and hauing asked her the cause of her teares , and giuing her som comfort and assured hope , that her greefes should haue such an end , as she her-selfe desired , she saide vnto her . There is nothing in the world more ready to take her life away , whom I loue well , then with incertaine hope to depriue her of the remedie of her greefe , for there is not an hower that seemes not so long vnto her ( liuing in this sort ) as she thinkes the howers of her life short and speedie . Because therefore my desire is to fulfill thine , and after some fewe troubles to haue thee obtaine the sweet content and rest , that Fortune hath promised thee , thou shalt depart from thine owne house heere , in the same habite that thou camest , when thou didst defend my Nymphes from the force and violence of the brutish and cruell Sauages ; assuring thee besides , that when my helpe and fauour may stande thee in steede , vnsent for , thou shalt alwaies haue it . So that thy departure faire Felismena must be presently ; & trust in God , that thy desire shall haue a happie end : For if I knew it to be otherwise , thou maist well thinke , I woulde not be without other remedies to make thee forget these thoughts , as I haue done to many other Louers more . Felismena was glad to heare the graue Ladies wordes , to whom she replied thus . I know not howe with words ( discreete Lady ) I may giue you condigne thankes , nor with what deeds and humble seruice make any part of satisfaction of this infinite fauour , which I receiue at your Ladiships hands . God grant I may liue so long , that by proofe your Ladishippe may know the great desire I haue to do you all the seruice I may . That which your Ladiship commands me to do , I will presently go about , which cannot but haue good successe , being directed by her counsell , that can in euery thing giue the best . The sage Lady embraced her , saying . I hope to see thee , faire Felismena , in this house more loyfull and contented , then now thou art . And bicause the two Shepherdes and Shepherdesses are staying for vs , it is reason that I go , to giue them also some remedy for their sorrowes , that need it so much . Wherefore both of them going out of the hall , and finding Syrenus and Syluanus , Seluagia and Belisa attending their comming , the Lady Felicia saide to Felismena . Entertaine this company faire Lady , while I come hither againe : and going into a chamber , it was not long before she came out againe with two cruets of fine cristall in either hande the feete of them being of beaten golde , and curiously wrought and enameled : And comming to Syrenus , she saide vnto him . If there were any other remedy for thy greefe ( forgotten Shepherd ) but this , I woulde with all possible diligence haue sought it out , but because thou canst not now enioy her , who loued thee once so well , without anothers death , which is onely in the handes of God , of necessitie then thou must embrace another remedie , to auoide the desire of an impossible thing . And take thou , faire Seluagia , and despised Syluanus , this glasse , wherein you shall finde a soueraine remedie for all your sorrowes past & present ; and a beginning of a ioyfull and contented life , whereof you do now so little imagine . And taking the cristall cruet , which she helde in her left hande , she gaue it to Syrenus , and badde him drinke ; and Syrenus did so ; and Syluanus , and Seluagia drunke off the other betweene them , and in that instant they fell all downe to the ground in a deepe sleepe , which made Felismena , and Belisa not a little to woonder , to whom the sage Ladie said . Discomfort not thy selfe Belisa , for I hope in time to see thee as glad , as euer any was after their many sorrowes and paines . And vntill thy angrie fortune be not pleased to giue thee a needfull remedy for thy great greefes , my pleasure is , that thou still remaine heere in my companie . The Shepherdesse woulde haue kissed her hands at these words , but Felicia did not let her , but did rather imbrace her , shewing how greatly she loued her . But Felismena standing halfe amazed at the deepe sleepe of the Shepherdes , saide to Felicia : If the ease of these Shepherds ( good Ladie ) consisteth in sleeping ( me thinkes ) they haue it in so ample sort , that they may liue the most quiet life in the worlde . Woonder not at this ( saide Felicia ) for the water they drunke hath such force , that , as long as I will , they shall sleepe so strongly , that none may be able to awake them . And because thou maist see , whether it be so or no , call one of them as loude as thou canst . Felismena then came to Syluanus , and pulling him by the arme , began to call him aloud , which did profite her as little , as if she had spoken to a dead body ; and so it was with Syrenus and Seluagia , whereat Felismena maruelled very much . And then Felicia saide vnto her . Nay , thou shalt maruell yet more , after they awake , bicause thou shalt see so strange a thing , as thou didst neuer imagine the like . And because the water hath by this time wrought those operations , that it shoulde do , I will awake them , and marke it well , for thou shalt heare and see woonders . Whereupon taking a booke out of her bosome , she came to Syrenus , and smiting him vpon the head with it , the Shepherd rose vp on his seete in his perfect wits and iudgement : To whom Felicia saide . Tell me Syrenus , if thou mightest now see faire Diana , & her vnworthy husband both togither in all the contentment and ioy of the worlde , laughing at thy loue , and making a sport of thy teares and sighes , what wouldest thou do ? Not greeue me a whit ( good Lady ) but rather helpe them to laugh at my follies past . But if she were now a maide againe , ( saide Felicia ) or perhaps a widow , and would be married to Syluanus and not to thee , what wouldst thou then do ? My selfe woulde be the man ( saide Syrenus ) that woulde gladly helpe to make such a match for my friende . What thinkest thou of this Felismena ( saide Felicia ) that water is able to vnloose the knottes that peruerse Loue doth make ? I woulde neuer haue thought ( saide Felismena ) that anie humane skill coulde euer attaine to such diuine knowledge as this . And looking on Syrenus , she saide vnto him . Howe nowe Syrenus , what meanes this ? Are the teares and sighes whereby thou didst manifest thy loue and greefe , so soone ended ? Since my loue is nowe ended ( said Syrenus ) no maruell then , if the effects proceeding from it be also determined . And is it possible now ( said Felismena ) that thou wilt loue Diana no more ? I wish her as much good ( answered Syrenus ) as I doe to your owne selfe ( faire Lady ) or to any other woman that neuer offended me . But Felicia , seeing how Felismena was amazed at the sudden alteration of Syrenus , said . With this medicine I would also cure thy greefe ( faire Felismena ) and thine Belisa , if fortune did not deferre them to some greater content , then onely to enioy your libertie . And bicause thou maist see how diuersly the medicines haue wrought in Syluanus and Seluagia , it shall not be amisse to awake them , for now they haue slept ynough : wherefore laying her booke vpon Syluanus his head , he rose vp , saying . O faire Seluagia , what a great offence and folly haue I committed , by imploying my thoughtes vpon another , after that mine eies did once behold thy rare beautie ? What meanes this Syluanus ( said Felicia . ) No woman in the world euen now in thy mouth , but thy Shepherdesse Diana , and now so suddenly changed to Seluagia ? Syluanus answering her , said . As the ship ( discreete Lady ) sailes floting vp and downe , and well-ny cast away in the vnknowen seas , without hope of a secure hauen : so did my thoughtes ( putting my life in no sinall hazard ) wander in Dianas loue , all the while , that I pursued it . But now since I am safely arriued into a hauen , of all ioy and happinesse , I onely wish I may haue harbour and entertainment there , where my irremooueable and infinite loue is so firmely placed . Felismena was as much astonished at the second kinde of alteration of Syluanus , as at that first of Syrenus , and therefore saide vnto him laughing . What dost thou Syluanus ? Why dost thou not awake Seluagia ? for ill may a Shepherdesse heare thee , that is so fast asleepe . Syluanus then pulling her by the arme , began to speake out aloud vnto her , saying . Awake faire Seluagia , since thou hast awaked my thoughtes out of the drowsie slumber of passed ignorance . Thrise happy man , whom fortune hath put in the happiest estate that I could desire . What dost thou meane faire Shepherdesse , dost thou not heare me , or wilt thou not answere me ? Behold the impatient passion of the loue I beare thee , will not suffer me to be vnheard . O my Seluagia , sleepe not so much , and let not thy slumber be an occasion to make the sleepe of death put out my vitall lightes . And seeing how little it auailed him , by calling her , he began to powre foorth such abundance of teares , that they , that were present , could not but weepe also for tender compassion : whereupon Felicia saide vnto him . Trouble not thy selfe Syluanus , for as I will make Seluagia answere thee , so shall not her answere be contrarie to thy desire , and taking him by the hand , she led him into a chamber , and said vnto him . Depart not from hence , vntill I call thee ; and then she went to the place againe where Seluagia lay , and touching her with her booke , awaked her , as she had done the rest , and saide vnto her . Me thinks thou hast slept securely Shepherdesse . O good Lady ( said she ) where is my Syluanus , was he not with me heere ? O God , who hath carried him away from hence ? or wil he come hither againe ? Harke to me Seluagia , said Felicia , for me thinkes thou art not wel in thy wits . Thy beloued Alanius is without , & saith that he hath gone wandring vp and downe in many places seeking after thee , and hath got his fathers good will to marrie thee : which shall as little auaile him ( said Seluagia ) as the sighes and teares which once in vaine I powred out , and spent for him , for his memorie is now exiled out of my thoughts . Syluanus mine onely life and ioy , O Syluanus is he , whom I loue . O what is become of my Syluanus ? Where is my Syluanus ? Who hearing the Shepherdesse Seluagia no sooner name him , could stay no longer in the chamber , but came running into the hall vnto her , where the one beheld the other with such apparaunt signes of cordiall affection , and so strongly confirmed by the mutual bonds of their knowen deserts , that nothing but death was able to dissolue it ; whereat Syrenus , Felismena , and the Shepherdesse were passing ioyfull . And Felioia seeing them all in this contentment , said vnto them . Now is it time for you Shepherds , and faire Shepherdesse to goe home to your flocks , which would be glad to heare the wonted voice of their knowen masters : And make this account , that you shall neuer want any helpe and fauour at her handes , who is soready to pleasure you in what shee may . And the holy end ( Syluanus ) and consummation of thy loue shall be , when with her , whom thou dost so deerly loue , thou shalt combine thy selfe in the sacred bonds of chaste and lawfull mariage , whereof I will be carefull to put you both in minde , when time & opportunitie shal serue . And ( faire Felismena ) prepare thy selfe also for thy departure , for to morrow is the day , wherein it behooues thee to go from hence . After this , all the Nymphes came in at the hall doore , who now knew of the remedies , that their gracious Ladie had giuen the Shepherds for their griefes , which thing made them not a little glad , Doria especially , Cynthia and Polydora , bicause they were the principall occasions of their content . The two new louers did busie themselues in nothing else , but in looking vpon one another with such affection and tendernes , as if a thousand yeeres had bin past since their loues had first begon between them . And that day they all taried there , with as great ioy and pleasure , as by such a new commenced loue might be imagined , vntil the next day in the morning , when the two Shepherds and the Shepherdesse , taking their leaue of the sage Ladie Felicia , and of Felismena , and Belisa , and likewise of all the Nymphes , with great ioy returned to their villages , whither they came the verie same day . And faire Felismena ( who had that day put on againe her Shepherdesses weeds ) taking her leaue of the sage Ladie , and being particularly and well aduised what to doe , with many teares embraced her , and , accompanied of all those Nymphes , went forth into the great Court before the Palace gate , where embracing euerie one by her selfe , shee went that way that they did direct her . Felismena went not alone , neither did her imaginations giue her leaue so to do : for on the one side she went thinking of that , which the wise Ladie had told her ; and considering on the other , what little hap and lesse successe , she had yet in her loue , which made her doubt of her future happines . With these contrarieties of thoughts did she go warring in her minde , which though on the one side they made her wearie ; yet on the other they did entertaine her with their company , so that in the meane time she forgot her solitarie and painefull way . She had not trauelled far in the mids of a faire valley , when towardes the west part therof , she espied a far off a Shepherds coat , which , at the entrance of a green wood stood , amongst many high Okes , and inuited thither by her importunate hunger and wearines , and also bicause the heate of the day began to come on so fast , that shee was forced to passe it away vnder the shadow of those braunchie trees , she bended her steps directly towards it . Comming to the coate , she heard how a Shepherd said vnto a Shepherdesse , that sat neere vnto him , these wordes . Entreate me not , good Amarillis , to sing , since thou knowest what great causes I haue to sigh , and weepe all the dayes , whilest my languishing soule shall not forsake this wearied and fainte bodie . For though musicke is no small meanes to encrease his melancholie , that is euer sadde and pensiue , as his ioye and mirthe , whoe liues a merry life ; yet my greefe is not of such a qualitie , that by any humane arte or industrie may be increased or diminished . Heere hast thou thy baggepipe , play and sing , faire Shepherdesse , for well maist thou do it , hauing thy hart as free , as thy wil exempt from the bondage of loue . Then the Shepherdesse answered him againe . Be not such a niggard of thy skill , Arsileus , which the heauens and nature haue so bountifully bestowed on thee : for , she that doth aske it at thy hands , will not denie to pleasure thee in any thing she may . Sing if it be possible that song , which ( at the request of Argastus ) thou didst make in the name of thy father Arsenius , when , for hir loue , you both serued and sued to the faire Shepherdesse Belisa . Thy condition is strange Amarillis ( saide the Shepherd againe ) still demanding that of me , which doth least of all content me . What shall I do , for perforce I must please thee , and yet not perforce , since he were very discourteous ( to say the truth ) that would not of his own accord do thee any seruice he could . But now thou seest , how my ill fortune doth euer narrowly pursue me , when I woulde faine take some small respite , and ease from my greeuous thoughts . And seeing the great reason I haue ( Amarillis ) to burst out in continuall lamentations and teares , why dost thou then command me to sing ? What pleasure dost thou take to offende the occasions of my sorrowe ? I pray God thou maist neuer haue the like , to feele the greefe that I do , bicause Fortune might not ( so greatly to thy cost ) informe thee of my paine . Thou knowest well enough I haue lost my Belisa , and that I liue without hope of her recouerie . Why dost thou then commaund me to sing ? But since I will not haue thee conceiue an opinion of me to be discourteous ( for it was neuer my manner and condition to be accounted so amongst faire Shepherdesses , to whom we Shepherdes , and my selfe especially for my Belisas sake , owe all respect of loue and dutie , and are so much beholding ) I will endeuour ( though most against my minde ) to content thee : Whereupon taking vp his Rebecke that lay hard by him , he began to tune it , and doe that , which the Shepherdesse requested him . Felismena , that was listening to their talke , might heare very well what speeches passed betweene them ; And when she sawe they talked of Arsenius , and Arsileus , seruants to faire Belisa , ( both which she tooke to be long since dead , as Belisa had told , not only her , but the Nymphes also , & the Shepherds , when they found her in the Shepherds coat in the Iland ) she verily thought , that all , that she heard , and sawe there , was but a meere dreame , or some fantastick illusion . But giuing attentiue eare , she perceiued how the Shepherd began to touch his Rebecke so diuinely , that she thought it to be some celestiall musicke , who hauing plaide on it a little with a more heauenly then humane voice , began to sing this song following .

O Vainiest hopes , Alas , how many Daies Haue I beene bondslaue to a braue Deceite ? And how , in vaine , haue these two wearied Eies With show'rs of teares watred this pleasant Vale ? Appaid I am of cruell Loue , and Fortune , And knowe not yet whereof I doe Complaine . No small harmes I must passe , smce I Complaine , For , to endure , framed are all my Daies , The traunces , and deceites of Loue and Fortune : But whence Complaine I , of a braue Deceite , Of such a Shepher desse within this Vale , On whom ( to my great harme ) I cast mine Eies ? Yet am I much beholding to my Eies , ( Although with greefe of them I doe Complaine ) Since by their meanes I sawe within this Vale The fairest thing , which neuer in my Daies I thought to see , And this is no Deceite ; In proofe whereof , aske it of Loue and Fortune . Though on the other side , instable Fortune , And time , occasion , and my dolefull Eies , And not suspecting this most braue Deceite , Caus'd all the ill , whereof I doe Complaine : And so I thinke to end my wofull Daies , Counting my greefes , and passions to this Vale . If that the riuer , hill , the meade , and Vale , Earth , heauen , and fate , and cruell Loue , and Fortune , The howers , and the moments , yeeres , and Daies , My soule , my hart , and these two wearied Eies , Doe aggrauate my greefe when I Complaine , Who then can say , I liue by fond Deceite ? Deceiu'd I was , but this was no Deceite , For , that I haue beheld within this Vale So rare perfection , I doe not Complaine , But to behold , how Loue and cruell Fortune Would signifie vnto these wearied Eies , That there should come a helpe after some Daies . And now the yeeres are past , the months , and Daies , Vpon this confidence , and cleere Deceite : Wearie with weeping are my watrie Eies : Wearie to heare me is the hill , and Vale . And in the end thus answered of false Fortune , Iesting at that , whereof I doe Complaine . But wofull man , whereof doe I Complaine , But of the length of my prolonged Daies ? Perhaps , a slaue to me is cruell Fortune , That for my fault she must pay this Deceite ? Went he not free , exempted in this Vale , Who did command me to lift vp mine Eies ? But who againe can tame his greedie Eies , Or can I liue , if I doe not Complaine Of th' ill , which Loue hath done me in this Vale . Curst be that ill , that lastes so many Daies : But death cannot ( if this be no Deceite ) Stay long to giue an end vnto my Fortune . Calmes wonted are to come after hard Fortune , But neuer shall be viewed of mine Eies . ( Nor yet I thinke to fall in this Deceite ) O well , let the first suffice , which I Complaine , And will ( faire Shepherdesse ) as many Daies , As the remembrance lasteth of this Vale . If ( Shepherdesse ) that day , when in this Vale I did behold thee ( to my hardest Fortune The finall end had come of all my Daies , Or I had lesse beheld those coyest Eies , The cause should cease , whereof I doe Complaine , And I would fall no more into Deceite . But purposing to worke me this Deceite , When by and by thou sawest me in this Vale , Milde thou didst seeme : See then if I Complaine Vniustly of false Loue , and cruell Fortune ? And now I knowe not , why thou turn'st thine Eies Away , vnlesse thou greeuest at my Daies . My song of Loue and Fortune I Complaine , And since a braue Deceite so many Daies Did last , water mine Eies this hill and Vale .

This did the Shepherd sing , keeping time with his teares , and resting with his sighes , and the Shepherdesse sat harkening vnto him with great content , to see with what a grace he did both play and sing . But after the Shepherd had made an end of his song , laying his rebecke out of his hand , he said to Shepherdesse . Art thou now pleased Amarillis , for ( to content thy minde ) thou maist make me do that , which doth vtterly displease me . And accursed Alfeus , I wish that Fortune would bring thee to that passe , wherunto by thy detested forceries I am come , bicause thou mightest then know what good cause I haue to hate thee , for the cruell despite that thou hast done me . O sweet Belisa , is there any in the world more bound to thee then I am ? God graunt I may deduct this sorrowfull life so long , that mine eies may once again enioy thy peerlesse beautie , & that thine may see , if I do not acknowledge , how much I do owe vnto them . These words the Shepherd spake with such plentie of teares , that there was no hart ( had it beene neuer so hard ) that by hearing them , would not haue melted . But now that thou hast told me Arsileus ( said the Shepherdesse vnto him ) the beginning of thy affection , and how thy father Arsenius was the principall occasion of thy seruice and great loue to Belisa ; bicause when he sued vnto her , she did participate , and thou profit thy selfe by thine owne letters & songs , and some times by thine owne musicke , ( of all which he might haue well excused himselfe ) I pray thee now tell me , how thou didst leese her . This is a thing ( said the Shepherd ) which I would seldome repeat , but bicause it is euer thy qualitie , to commaund me to tell thee that , which is most grieuous vnto my soule , hearke then , and in a few words I will tell it thee .

There was a man in our towne called Alfeus , who had the name amongst vs to be a great Magician , and he loued Belisa extremely , before my Father euer began to serue her , but she could not abide , not onely to see him , but not to heare of his name , which if any had but founded in her eares , they could not haue angred her worse . Now when this Coniurer vnderstood ( I know not how ) of the appointed meeting betweene me and Belisa , to talke together in the night from the toppe of a Mulberie tree in her fathers Orchard ; Alfeus , full of diuels , commanded two spirits to take the shape of my father Arsenius , & mine vpon them , & that he , that took vpon him my shape , shuld go to the appointed place ; & the other , that took my fathers , should come thither , & shoot at him in the tree with a crosbow arrowe , thinking he was not his Son , but another , & then to come presently vnto him , & knowing him to be his Son , should kill himselfe , for greefe that he had staine his owne Son , to the end that the Shepherdesse Belisa should kill her-selfe , seeing my selfe & my Father dead , or at least do that , which afterwards she did . This villany did the traitor Alfeus work , for despight of that great loue , which he knew Belisa did beare me ; and for the contempt , which she had of his vnwoorthy affection . When this was in maner aforesaide done , and Belisa thought that my Father and I were both staine , like a careles and desperate woman , she forsooke her Fathers house , and is gone where none can yet tel where she is , or any tydings of her . This did the Shepherdesse Armida tel me , and I do verily beleeue it , according to that which succeeded after . When Felismena had heard what the Shepherd had tolde Amarillis , she wondred not a little , imagining with her-selfe , that all that he tolde , did seeme to be true , and by the signes that she sawe in him , knewe that he was the same Arsileus , Belisas seruant , whom she thought to be dead , and therefore saide to her-selfe . It is not reason , that Fortune should giue her any content , that would denie it a Shepherd , that doth so well deserue it , and that stands so much in neede thereof . I will not at the least , depart from this place , without giuing him such ioy , as he will receiue at the newes of his beloued Shepherdesse . Whereupon comming to the dore of the coate , she saide to Amarillis . Will it please thee ( faire Shepherdesse ) to giue the forlorne woman of Fortune , that hath lost her way , and the hope to finde it out againe , leaue to passe away the heate of the day in this place with thee ? The Shepherdesse seeing on a sudden such exceeding beautie , and so comely a feature , was so amazed , that she was vnable to answer one worde againe : but Arsileus saide vnto her . There wants no other thing ( faire Shepherdesse ) for the performing of thy request , but the place , which is not so good as thou deseruest : but if thou art wont to bee serued with such homely lodging , Come in , and wherein wee may doe thee any seruice , our good wils shall excuse the wants of our abilitie . These wordes Arsileus ( saide Felismena againe ) seeme well to come out of thy mouth , but the ioye , that I will leaue with thee in requitall of them , I wish may befall to me of that , which I haue so long desired . And saying thus , she went into the Coate , and the Shepherd and Shepherdesse rose vppe , offering her their places , and all three sitting downe againe , Arsileus saide to Felismena . Haue you euer seene mee before ( faire Shepherdesse , ) or hath any body tolde you of my name ? I knowe more of thee Arsileus ( saide Felismena ) and of thy estate , then thou thinkest , although thou art in a Shepherdes weede , far different from that I sawe thee in , when thou wert a student in the famous Academie of Salamanca : If there be any thing heere to eate , I pray thee giue it me , for I will tell thee afterwardes a strange and true thing , which thou hast desired long since to knowe . This will I doe with a good will ( saide Arsileus ) though I can doe no kinde of seruice , due ynough to the great apparance of thy vertues and deserts . Whereupon Arsileus and Amarillis , taking of their seuerallscrips , gaue Felismena such victuals , as they had . And after she had refreshed her selfe , desirous to make him a ioyfull man , who liued so long a time in greefe and sorrow , she began to speake to him in this sort . There is nothing in the world ( Arsileus ) that ought more religiously to be kept then firmnesse , and most of all in a womans hart where it is seldomer wont to be found . But the reason thereof I plainly perceiue , that men for the most part are occasions of their small constancie towardes them . I speake this for the greatbond wherein thou art obliged to a Shepherdesse , that I knowe , who would not ( if she knew thou wert aliue ) exchange her ioy and content for all that the whole world could affoord . And then she began to tell him in order all that was past , from the time that she killed the three Sauages , vntill she came to the Lady Felicias house : In which discourse Arsileus heard the golden newes of the thing , which he so deerely loued , and all that had passed betweene her and the Nymphes , when they found her sleeping in the Iland of the Lake , as you haue heard before : And that ioie , which he then felt , when he vnderstood , that the loue and faith which his Shepherdesse did beare him , remained yet sincere , and inuiolate in her hart , and the place certaine , where he might finde her out , was so extreme , that he fell downe in a traunce betweene them both , by putting his life in hazard , with surfeit of that sudden passion : But comming to himselfe againe , he said to Felismena . With what wordes shall I sufficiently ( faire Shepherdesse ) thanke thee for the great curtesie thou hast done me , and with what deedes acquite that singular content , wherewith thou hast now blessed me , the like whereof I pray God so amply in euery thing may giue thee , as thy hart can either wish or desire . O my sweete Belisa , is it possible that I shall see those eies so soone againe , that had so great power ouer mine , to kisse those delicate hands , that made so intricate a knot in my hart , to heare those angelicall words , and see that singular beauty , that rauished so much my admiring senses . And that after so many troubles of minde , and turmoiles of Fortune , such soueraine felicitie to succeede in their places ? And speaking this with many teares , he tooke Felismenas hands , and with great reuerence kissed them . And so did the Shepherdesse Amarillis , saying . Thou hast reuiued ( faire Shepherdesse ) the most sorrowfull man that euer I did see , and filled him full of ioye , who did lest deserue to haue it . Sixe monethes hath Arsileus liued in this Cotage so sorrowfull and desolate a life , as none coulde imagine the like , without all manner of consolation , but that cortaine Shepherdesses , seeding their flockes in these plaines ( of the which I am one ) sometimes come in to visite him , and to affoord him that comfort , which his greefe ( were it at the lest capable of any at all , woulde giue him leaue to embrace . This is not such a greefe ( saide Felismena againe ) that he , that hath it , may thinke to take any comfort in any thing , but in the first causer thereof , or by whom he heareth such newes , as I haue now tolde him : which are so good for me ( faire Shepherdesse ) saide Arsileus , that they haue reuiued a liuing hart in me , which was mortified and worne almosT out with the clogge of continual care . So much did the Shepherds words & teares , vttered and powred foorth for ioy , mollifie her tender hart , as by her owne , she gaue manifest proofe thereof . And in this sort they tarried there , vntill the heate of the day was past ; and then Arsileus , taking his leaue with great thankes to both the Shepherdesses , with infinite ioy went towards the Temple of Diana , the same way that Felismena did direct him .

Syluanus , and Seluagia with that content , as they are wont to haue , which after a long absence , enioy the sight of their desired Loue , did goe towardes the pleasant meadowes , where their flockes went feeding in companie of the Shepherde Syrenus , who went also free and deliuered from that kinde of content , that hee behelde in them , and from the paine , which the want thereof is wont to procure ; bicause hee neither thought of louing well , nor cared , whether he was beloued or no ? Whereupon Syluanus said vnto him . Euerie time that I see thee ( my deere friend Syrenus ) thou shouldest not be the man ( me thinkes ) that thou wert wont to be , but that iointly with thy former thoughts and affection , thou art thy selfe also chaunged : On the one side , I haue in a manner pitie of thee ; on the other , it greeues me not to see thee carelesse of loues misfortunes . In what respect ( said Syrenus ) hast thou pitie on me ? Bicause I thinke it ( saide Syluanus ) the most malecontent and worst estate of life , not to loue well , nor to be beloued againe . It is not long since that thou didst vnderstand this cleane contrarie ( said Syrenus . ) And for mine owne part , I pray God that Fortune may still preserue me in this ill estate , and thee in that ioy & pleasure which thou takest in seeing thy Seluagia . For though there might arise some emulation of thy loue , and being beloued of so faire a Shepherdesse ; yet can I assure thee , that Fortune doth not neglect to tune you the content , that you receiue of your mutuall loue . The hurt , said Seluagia , that she may doe vs with her disordinate effects , can neuer be so great , as my ioy is to see my selfe so well bestowed . Ah Seluagia ( said Syrenus to her ) I haue also seene my selfe as well beloued , as none might be more , and thought as little to see an end of my loue , as you do now : but let none account without Fortune , nor lay his foundation without the consideration of the mutabilitie of time . But I doe owe no small respect of loue and duetie to the sage Ladie Felicia , whom the heauens requite : For I neuer imagined to speake so freely of mine ill in such a time , when I thought to feele it so little . But I am more indebted to her ( saide Seluagia ) bicause shee was the cause , that I loued him well , whose sight I euer enioyed before mine eies : But Syluanus turning his eies to her , saide . This debt I shoulde with great reason ( my life ) requite , if it were such a thing , that might with life bee paied , which God grant thee ( saide Seluagia ) since without the same mine shoulde be woorse then a continuall death . Syrenus seeing the amorous words on both sides , with a smiling countenance saide vnto them . It is well that euery one can so well acquite himselfe for his good turne done him , that the one will neither be in debt , nor the other haue any indebted to him ; and yet in mine owne opinion it is better , that you reioyce so much , and so louingly entreate of your amorous affections , my selfe not being a thirde in them . With these and other speeches the newe Louers and carelesse Syrenus passed away the time and length of the way , which they made an end of about sunne set : And before they came to the fountaine of the Sicamours , they heard a voice of a Shepherdesse sweetely singing , whom they knew by and by , for Syluanus hearing her saide vnto them . This is Diana doubtlesse , that singes at the fountaine of the Sicamours . It is she indeede ( said Seluagia . ) Let vs go behinde these Myrtle trees neere vnto her , bicause we may heare her the better . Agreed saide Syrenus , although the time hath beene , when her musicke and sight delighted me more then now . But all three going into the thicket of Myrtle trees , and bicause it was about the going down of the Sunne , they sawe faire Diana neere to the fountaine , shining with such surpassing beautie , that they stoode ( as men that had neuer seene her before ) amazed and in a woonder . Her haire hung downe loose from her head behinde , and gathered vp with a carnation stringe , which parted them in the middes : her eies were fixed on the ground , and somtimes looking into the cleere fountaine , and wiping away some teares , that nowe and then trickled downe her beautifull cheekes , she sung this Dittie .

WHen that I poore soule was borne , I was borne vnfortunate : Presently the Fates had sworne To foretell my haplesse state . Titan his faire beames did hide , Phoebe ' clips'd her siluer light , In my birth my mother dide , Yong , and faire in heauie plight . And the nurse , that gaue me sucke , Haplesse was in all her life : And I neuer had good lucke Being maide or married wife . I lou'd well , and was belou'd , And forgetting , was forgot : This a haplesse marriage mou'd , Greeuing that it kils me not . With the earth would I were wed , Then in such a graue of woes Daily to be buried , Which no end nor number knowes . Yong my father married me , Forc't by my obedience : Syrenus , thy faith , and thee I forgot , without offence . Which contempt I pay so far , Neuer like was paide so much : Iealousies doe make me war , But without a cause of such . I doe goe with iealous eies To my foldes , and to my sheepe , And with iealousie I rise , When the day begins to peepe . At his table I doe eate , In his bed with him I lie , But I take no rest , nor meate , Without cruell iealousie . If I aske him what he ailes , And whereof he iealous is ? In his answere then he failes : Nothing can he say to this . In his face there is no cheere , But he euer hangs the head : In each corner he doth peere , And his speech is sad and dead . Ill the poore soule liues ywisse , That so hardly married is .

The time was once , when Dianas teares and dolefull song and the sorrow , that by her sadde lookes she expressed , might haue so much mooued Syrenus hart , as put the Shepherdes life in such danger , that all other remedies ( but onely proceeding from the same ) had beene impossible to haue helpt it ; whose eies and hart , since now they were deliuered out of that dangerous prison , tooke no delight to beholde Diana , nor greeued at her sorrowfull lamentations . And the Shepherd Syluanus had lesse cause in his minde to be condolent for any greefe that Diana had , considering she neuer had the smallest regard of the greatest woes which he passed for her sake . Onely Seluagia helped her with her teares , fearefull ( by the fall of her ioy ) of her own fortune , whereupon she said to Syrenus . There is no perfection , beautie , nor fauour , in natures gift , which she hath not liberally bestowed on Diana , bicause her beautie is peerelesse , her wit and discretion admired , her good graces excellent , and all other her commendable parts , which a Shepherdesse should haue , not to be seconded : since in the lest of them , that made her such a woonder in our age , there was neuer any yet that excelled her . Onlie one thing she wanted , which I euer suspected and feared , and this was her good Fortune , which woulde neuer accompanie her , to haue made her liue a contented and ioyfull life , which ( to speake the truth ) she euer well deserued . She that so vniustly hath taken it from so many ( saide Syrenus ) by great reason should not enioy such a happie estate ; which I speake not , that I am not sorrie to see this Shepherdesse so sorrowful , but for the great reason I haue , not to wish her any content at all . Saie not so ( said Seluagia ) for I cannot thinke , that Diana hath offended thee in any thing . What offence did she by marrying , compelled thereunto by the constraint of her parents , and kinsfolkes , and not by her owne will ? And after she was married , what could she do ( hauing due regarde to her honor and honestie ) but forget thee ? Truly Syrenus , thou shouldest haue greater cause to complaine of Diana , then I haue heard thee hitherto alledge . In truth Syrenus ( saide Syluanus ) Seluagia hath so great reason for that she saith , that none can well disprooue it . And if there be any that of ingratitude can iustly accuse her , it is I , who loued her more then my selfe , she requiting it so ill againe , and with such cruell contempt as thou knowest well enough . Seluagia casting an amorous eie vpon him , saide . But thou didst not deserue ( my beloued Shepherd ) to be so ill entreated , since there is no Shepherdesse in the worlde , that may not thinke her-selfe blest to enioy thy happy loue . About this time Diana perceiued , that their talke was of her , for the Shepherds were so loude , that she might heare them very well : Wherfore rising vp , and looking among the Myrtle trees , she knew the Shepherdes , and the Shepherdesse that was sitting betweene them . Who , perceiuing that she had espied them , came to her , and curteously saluted her , and she them againe with a good grace and countenance , asking them , where they had beene so long a time . Whom they answered with another kinde of wordes and countenance , then they were wont to do , which seemed so strange to Diana , that though she tooke no care for any of their loues , yet in the end it greeued her , to see them so much altered from that they were wont to be , and especially when she perceiued what great ioy Syluanus tooke in beholding faire Seluagia . And bicause it was now time to go home , and that the flockes tooke their accustomed way towards the village , they went after them , and by the way faire Diana saide to Syrenus . There are many daies past , Shepherd , since I sawe thee in these valleyes . But more ( saide he ) since I woulde haue lost my life , in lieu she had not seene me , that made me passe it away in such great greefe , whereas in the end it contents me not a little to talke of my passed fortunes , that finde my selfe now in a safe hauen . Dost thou then thinke this to be a sure estate , ( saide Diana ) wherein thou now liuest ? It cannot be dangerous ( said he ) when I dare speake thus before thee . I neuer remember ( saide Diana ) that I sawe thee so much lost for my loue , but that thy toong might haue had as much libertie , as now it hath . Thou art as discreet in imagining this ( said he ) as in all other things else . Why so ( saide Diana ? ) bicause there are no other meanes ( saide he ) to make thee not know that , which thou hast lost in me , but onely by thinking that I did not loue thee so much , that my toong might not haue that libertie , as thou sayest . But yet for all this I pray God giue thee so much content as sometimes ( faire Diana ) thou hast wished me : For though my loue be now past , yet the relickes therof that remaine in my soule , are sufficient to wish thee al the happines in the world . Euery word that Syrenus spake was a dagger to Dianas hart . For God knowes , if she would not haue rather giuen a more willing eare to his wonted complaints , then occupied her minde in beleeuing such apparant signes of his newe libertie . And though she answered to euery thing the Shepherd spake vnto her , with a certaine kinde of carelessenes , and did helpe her-selfe by her owne discretion ( bicause she would not shew any signe of sorrow for their libertie ) yet in her minde she ruminated the discontent , that by their speeches & semblances she had so deepely conceiued . And with talking of these and other matters , they were come to their village by that time the Sunne had hidden all his beames , and taking leaue one of another , they went to their owne houses .

But comming to Arsileus againe , who went with great ioye and desire towards the wood where Dianas Temple was , to see his Shepherdesse , he came to a little brooke , that ranne hard by the Temple amongst a row of greene Sicamours , vnder whose coole shadowes he sat him downe , hoping that Fortune would send some body that way , by whom he might make his Belisa vnderstand of his being there , bicause he thought it somwhat dangerous to come vpon her on the sudden , especially when she thought him long since to be dead : And on the other side , the vnpatient desire that he had to see her , would not suffer him to take any rest at all . But the Shepherd consulting with himselfe what was best to be done , espied by chaunce a Nymph of wonderfull beautie comming towardes him with her bowe in her hand , and her quiuer at her necke , looking on euerie side , if she could espie any Deare or wilde beast , to trie how she could bestow an arrow , that she carried in her bow ready bent . But seeing the Shepherd , she went straight vnto him , who rising vp , did her such reuerence as was due to so faire a Nymph , whom she curteously saluted againe : For this was faire Polydora , one of the three that Felismena and the Shepherds deliuered from the violent hands of the Sauages , and a deere friend to Belisa . But both sitting downe againe vpon the greene grasse , Polydora asked him what countrey man he was , and the cause of his comming thither . Whom Arsileus answered thus . The countrey where I was borne ( faire Nymph ) hath so ill intreated me , that ( me thinkes ) it greeues me to call it mine , although on the other side , I am bound to loue it much , and more then I am able to expresse . And to tell thee the cause , that Fortune had to bring me to this place , it were first needefull for thee ( faire Nymph ) to tell me , if thou dost belong to the sage Lady Felicia , in whose Palace ( I heard say ) my deerest Belisia doth remaine , the onely cause of my exile out of my natiue town , & of that infinit sorrow , which her long absence hath made me feel , I am of Lady Felicias house ( said Polydora ) & the gretest friend in the world to the Shepherdesse that thou hast named : and bicause thou maist also make such an account of me , if I thought I might profit thee any thing by giuing thee some consel , I would aduise thee to forget hir , if it were possible , or ( if it lay in thy power ) not once to haue an amorous thought of hir , bicause the remedie of thy griefe is no lesse impossible , then the helpe of that , which she suffers , since the cruell ground doth now feede on him , who was once the hope of al her sorrow . And may this be true ( said he ) that the earth doth consume hir seruant Arsileus ? most true ( said Polydora ) for this was he , whom she loued more then her selfe , and he , whom I may iustly call the most vnfortunate man besides thee , bicause thou hast setled thy thoughts in such a place , where it is impossible for them to haue any remedie . For though I was neuer in loue my selfe , yet do I hold it for a firme opinion , that the passion of death is not so ill , as that , which one suffers by louing , her that hath her affection setled in another place . I beleeue it well faire Nymph ( said Arsileus ) and that such are Belisas golden virtues and rare constancie , that as imperious death cannot make her settle her affection in any other place , so there is none in the world , that can make her chaunge her minde , wherein ( faire Nymph ) the whole summe of my felicitie consisteth . How doth thy felicitie consist Shepherd ( said she ) by louing so as thou saist , when as her loue is so strongly fixed in another place ? This is a strange kinde of affection , and neuer heard of before . Bicause thou maist no longer ( faire Nymph ) maruell at my words , nor at the maner of the loue which I beare to Belisa the soueraigne mistresse of my thoughts , giue eare a while ( said Arsileus ) and I wil tel thee that , thou neuer thought'st to heare , although the beginning of it , thy friend , and the loadstarre of my life hath perhaps told thee . And then he told her from the beginning of their loues to Alfeus his inchauntments and braue deceit , and euerie thing else , that till then in his loues aforesaid befell vnto him : which the Shepherd told sometimes with teares , being loth to recall to memorie his passed mishaps ; sometimes with sighes , that he fetcht from the centre of his hart , imagining what his mistresse Belisa might feele in these occurrents and greeuous accidents . And by his dolefull words and alterations in his countenance , he gaue so great a spirit to that he said , and shewed such signes of inwarde griefe , that as it strooke the Nymph in a great admiration , so likewise in no lesse compassion of his paines : but when she vnderstood , that vndoubtedly he was Arsileus , the ioy that she conceiued thereof was so great , that with words she could not tell it , and thought her selfe vnable at that present to do any more , but with inward sence to surfet on the sweet ioy of such happie newes . Behold then what might be expected of comfortlesse Belisa , when she should vnderstand of these gladsome tydings . The Nymph therfore casting hir eies on Arsileus , not without teares of inward gladnes said vnto him , I would I had thy ripe wit and fluent toong ( Arsileus ) to make thee know what infinite pleasure I conceiue by the good successe , that Fortune hath solicited for my Belisa , because I might otherwise be deceiued , by thinking that so simple a conceit and barren wordes as mine are , could declare it . I euer thought that the coutinuall griefe of my Belisa should be at length conuerted into great gladnes , induced thereunto by the great deserts of her singular beautie , wisdome , & faith that she hath euer kept firme and inuiolate , but did euer feare on the other side , that Fortune neuer made account to giue it her so amply , and in such sorte , as I did desire it , bicause it is her condition ( for the most parte ) to bring her effectes to passe cleane contrarie to their desires that loue well . Happie maiest thou call thy selfe Arsileus , since thou didst deserue to bee so well beloued in life , that couldest not bee forgotten after death . And bicause the deferring of such great ioy , for a hart that needes it so much , may not be too long , giue me leaue to goe and carrie so good newes to thy Shepherdesse , as those of thy life , and of her deceiued minde . And depart not from this place vntill I come againe with her whom thou dost so much desire , and most deserue to see . As I can expect nothing else ( saide Arsileus ) from such excellent wisdome , and exceeding beautie as thine , but all ioy and contentment whatsoeuer : euen so faire Nymph ( bicause thou dost so greatly desire to giue it me ) thy will be done , whereby I hope to gouerne my selfe as well in this , as in all things else , that shall ensue thereof . Whereupon they taking leaue of one another , Polydora went to tel Belisa these inopinate newes , & Arsileus remained still , tarying for them vnder the pleasant shadow of those green Sicamours , who ( to entertaine the time with something ) as they are wont to doe , that are attending some ioyfull thing , tooke out his Rebecke , and to the tune of it , began with sweetest voice to sing these verses following .

NOw Loue , and fortune turne to me againe , And now each one enforceth and assures A hope , that was dismaied , dead , and vaine : And from the harbour of mishaps recures A hart , that is consum'd in lurning fire , With vnexpected gladnes , that adiures My soule to lay aside her mourning tire , And senses to prepare a place for ioy . Care in obliuion endlesse shall expire : For euery greefe of that extreme annoy , Which when my torment raign'd , my soule ( alas ) Did feele , the which long absence did destroy , Fortune so well appaies , that neuer was So great the torment of my passed ill , As is the ioy of this same good I passe . Returne my hart , sur saulted with the fill Of thousand great vnrests , and thousand feares : Enioy thy good estate , if that thou will : And wearied eies , leaue of your burning teares , For soone you shall behold her with delight , For whom my spoiles with glorie Cupid beares . Senses which seeke my star so cleere and bright , By making heere and there your thoughts estray , Tell me , what will you feele before her sight ? Hence solitarinesse , torments away Felt for her sake , and wearied members cast Of all your paine , redeem'd this happy day . O stay not time , but passe with speedie hast , And Fortune hinder not her comming now . O God , betides me yet this greefe at last ? Come my sweete Shepherdesse , the life which thou ( Perhaps ) didst thinke was ended long ago , At thy commaund is ready still to bow . Comes not my Shepherdesse desired so ? O God what if she 's lost , or if she stray Within this wood , where trees so thicke doe growe ? Or if this Nymph , that lately went away , Perhaps forgot to go and seeke her out . No , no , in her obliuion neuer lay . Thou onely art my Shepherdesse , about Whose thoughts my soule shall finde her ioy and rest : Why comm'st not then to assure it from doubt ? O see'st thou not the sunne passe to the west , And if it passe , and I behold thee not , Then I my wonted torments will request And thou shalt waile my hard and heauie lot .

When Polydora went from Arsileus , not far from thence she met with the Shepherdesse Belisa , who was going to recreate her selfe in the greene wood , in the companie of the two Nymphes Cynthia and Doria , who seeing her comming in such haste , began to be afraid , thinking that she ran away from some thing , from the which it behoued them also to flie away . But now when she came neerer vnto them , the ioy that they perceiued by her milde eies and countenance did warrant them from danger , and being come to them , she went presently to the Shepherdesse Belisa , and imbracing her with great ioy and gladnes , saide thus vnto her . If thou knewest from whom this imbracement came , thou wouldst with greater content ( faire Shepherdesse ) receiue it then now thou dost . It can come from no part faire Nymph ( said she ) where I may more ioyfully accept it , then from thine owne selfe , since he , from whom with the supre most ioy in the world I should entertaine it , is not now in the world : And I would desire to liue no longer , if I were now altogither depriued of the content , that this miserable life may at some times affoorde me , which onely I account , faire Nymph , thy friendly and gracious companie . This life ( saide Polydora ) from henceforth I hope thou shalt enioy with more content then thou canst imagine : And bicause thou maist knowe how , let vs sit vnder the shade of this greene Sicamour , and I will acquaint thee with such matters , as shall reuiue thy spirits , and decaied soule . Belisa , and the Nymphes sat them downe taking Polydora in the mids , who said to Belisa . Tell me ( faire Shepherdesse ) how certaine art thou of the death of Arsenius and of Arsileus ? Belisa vnable to stop the sudden eruption of her violent teares , answered . So certaine , as one that beheld that tragicall spectacle with her owne eies , the one shot thorow with an arrowe , the other killing himselfe with his owne Faulchion . But what wilt thou say to one , that will tell thee , that these two , whom thou didst see dead , are aliue , and in perfect health ? Her would I answere ( saide Belisa ) that told me this , that she had a desire to renew my teares , and to bring those to my thoughts againe , whose remembrance is my death , or that she tooke a delight to sport her selfe with my greefes . I am certaine ( saide Polydora ) thou thinkest not so of me , for thou knowest how thy cares haue touched me neerer then any other , to whom thou didst euer impart them . But tell me what is that Shepherd of thy towne , that is called Alfeus . The greatest Coniurer ( said Belisa ) and the most cunning Magician that is ( I thinke ) in Europe , who did once fondly spend his time in louing and seruing me . He is a man ( faire Nymph ) whose dealing and conuersation is altogether with Diuels , which he makes to take such shapes vpon them as he list himselfe , so that many times thou wouldst thinke , thou wert talking with thy familiar acquaintance ( into whose shape he transformeth some spirit or other ) when indeede thou art talking with a very Diuell . Thou must therefore knowe faire Shepherdesse ( saide Polydora ) that the same Alfeus with his enchantments and diuellish deuises hath beene the cause of the deceite , wherein hitherto thou hast liued , and of the infinite teares , that for the same thou hast powred forth , bicause knowing that Arsileus was to speake with thee that night ( as it was concluded betweene you ) he caused two spirits to take the shapes of Arsileus and his father vpon them . And Arsileus desiring to talke with thee , effected that , that should fall out , which with thine eies thou didst that night beholde . Bicause thinking they were dead , thou mightest despaire and kill thy selfe , or do that ( at the least ) which thou hast already done . When Belisa heard what faire Polydora did tell her , she was so farre beside her-selfe , that for a while she could not speake one word , but comming to her-selfe again , she said vnto her . Thou hast told me ( faire Nymph ) strange things , if my sorrow woulde giue me leaue to beleeue them . By that loue which ( thou saiest ) thou dost beare me , tell me ( I beseech thee ) how thou knowest it , or of whom thou hast vnderstoode that those two , which I sawe dead before mine eies , were not Arsenius and Arsileus ? Of no other saide Polydora , but of Arsileus himselfe . What , of Arsileus , saide Belisa ? Is it possible that my Arsileus doth liue , and so nigh to blesse me with these happy newes ? I will tell thee how possible it is ( saide Polydora ) if thou wilt go with me , for before we come yonder to those three hedges , which thou seest before thee , I will shew thee the man , that shal restore thy decayed hope , and restore thee thy life againe . O soueraigne Deities ( said Belisa ) what words do I heare ? That the renuing of my ioyes & felicitie is so apparant , and that my Arsileus is there ? Why dost thou not leade me ( faire Nymph ) to the place , where I may see him , and die at his feete with ioy of his happy sight ? Ah thou dost not loue me ( Polydora ) so much as thou saiest . This did the faire Shepherdesse speake with an vncertaine kinde of ioy , and doubtfull hope of that , which she so much desired . But Polydora rising vp , and taking her by the hand , and the Nymphes Cynthia and Doria , who for ioy also to see Belisas good happe , would not stay behinde , went to the brooke , where Arsileus was : And before they came , a temperate aire , that came from the place where he sat , rauished their sences with the sweete voice of the enamoured Shepherd , who had not yet left off his musicke , but still began a fresh to sing vpon this old prouerbe . Good fortune come and tarrie .

With the glosse that he himselfe did descant vpon it to his owne purpose .

The Glosse . WHat motions , times and changes , What waies , what vncouth ranges , What slights , what disillusions , What gladnes ( in conclusions ) Haue risen of such sorrowes ? One faith yet all these borrowes , And one goodloue assureth , And my misfortunes cureth . And since from greefe they varie , Good fortune come and tarie . Good hap thou still dost mooue thee , So light as not behooues thee , And if , thus to content me , Thou thinkest to repent thee ? Then better is my smarting : For if thou goest , At parting My sense and wits forsake me : But if ( more sure to make me ) Thou com'st , my soule to marrie , Good fortune come and tarrie . But if I come in vaine heere , Or liue deceiu'd , to plaine heere : For , wretched men what feare not ? To loose my life , then weare not The same more safe each hower ? O feare , strange is thy power . For th' ill thou figurest euer . But since such beautie neuer Did any falshood carrie , Good fortune come and tarrie .

When Belisa heard Arsileus his musicke , she felt such inward ioy , as the like did neuer any , whereupon resoluing with her selfe to shake off all former sorrowe that had appalled that surpassing beautie , which nature had bountifully bestowed on her , and decaied those pleasant lookes , and comely fauour ( the onely source of Arsileus his teares and sighes ) in her sweete and alluring face , now on a sudden with a renewed grace and excellent beautie ( whereat the Nymphes were not a little amazed ) she spake in this sort , saying . This is , without doubt , the voice of my Arsileus , if I doe not deceiue my selfe by calling him mine . When the Shepherd did see the cause of all his passed cares , and present contents before his eies , the ineffable ioy that he conceiued thereat was so great , that his hart vnable to comprehend it , was troubled in such sort , that at that instant he could not vtter a word : To whom the Nymphes , perceiuing in what a traunce the sight of his Shepherdesse had put Arsileus , most louingly came , when the Shepherd , suspending that for a litle while , which the present ioy wrought in him , with many teares saide . With what wordes am I able to expresse the satisfaction that fortune hath made me for so many greefes and troubles , as for thy sake ( sweete Shepherdesse Belisa ) I haue endured . O who may giue me now a new hart , and not so distempered with sorrowfull thoughts , to receiue into it such vnspeakable ioy as thy happy sight presents me ! O fortune , I haue no more to request of thee , and thou no more to giue me : yet onely one thing I aske thee , That , since it is thy fashion to giue no supreme happinesse without extreme heauinesse , the great force of this vnexpected ioy , which thou hast giuen me this seuenfold happy day , may with little sorrowe ( in liew of such a soueraigne sweete ) and with such an opposite , as may but a while countermaund this sweete content , be mildly and with fauour tempered . And faire Nymphes , in whose sacred guard and ampare , such great treasure hath bin diuinely preserued , & where it could neuer haue beene better imployed , let your harts reioice with mine , at this infinite ioy that reuiues it , which thing ( if you your selues haue sometimes loued well ) shall seeme no lesse then due to my restored good . O faire Shepherdesse , why dost thou not speake vnto me , doth it greeue thee to see me , or dost thou take no delight in seeing thy Arsileus ? hath his greeuous sight troubled thy toong , or the extreme ioy thereof hindered the passage of thy golden wordes ? Whom Belisa answered thus . The ioy which I haue to see thee ( my deere Arsileus ) were but little , if with words it might be told . Let it suffice thee to know in what continual panges and dangers of my life , thy supposed death hath put me , and by that thou shalt see what a world of ioy thy renewed life hath brought to this my mournfull soule . At the ende of which words , by reason of an issue of swelling teares ascending vp from the center of her sorrowfull hart into her eye brinkes , she was not able to vtter out the rest of her minde , which the tender harted Nymphes , being mollified with the milde and pitifull words of both these louers to one another , did helpe and accompany with theirs . And bicause night was comming on , they went all to Felicias house , telling to each other the discourse & accidents of their liues , which till then they had both passed . Belisa asked her Arsileus for his father Arsenius , who told her , that , as soone as he knew she was gon , he went to one of his Farmes not far from thence , where he liues as quiet and contented a life , as he could wish , hauing put all mundane affaires in obliuion : whereat Belisa was verie glad , and so they came to the Palace of sage Felicia , where they were welcommed with great ioye and feast , whose hands Belisa kissed many times , saying , euermore that shee was the cause of her good Fortune . And so did Arsileus , to whom Felicia shewed an earnest will to do euer for him , what lay in her power .

The end of the fifth booke .

The sixth Booke of Diana of George of Montemayor .

AFter that Arsileus was gone , Felismena staied still with the Shepherdesse Amarillis , that was with him , demaunding of one an other the course of their liues , a common thing to them , that finde themselues in like places . And as Felismena was telling the Shepherdesse the cause of her comming thither , a iolly Shepherd came to the Coate , though very sad by his countenance and gate . When Amarillis sawe him , she rose vp in great haste to be gone , but Felismena taking hold by her garment , and suspecting what the cause of her sudden departure might be , said vnto her . It were not reason Shepherdesse , that I should receiue this discourtesie at thy hands , who desires so much to serue thee . But as she striued to be gone from thence , the Shepherd with many teares said vnto her . My desire is ( Amarillis ) hauing respect to that , which thou makest me suffer , not to see thee sorie for this vnfortunate Shepherd , but to consider what belongs to thy wisedome and beautie , and that there is nothing in the worlde worse beseeming a Shepherdesse of thy braue qualities , then to intreate one so cruelly , that loues thee so entirely . Beholde these wearied eies ( Amarillis ) that haue shed so many teares , and then thou shalt see what reason thine haue to shew themselues so angrie against this miserable man . Alas , that thou fliest away from me , not seeing the reason thou hast to abide my presence . Stay Amarillis , and harken to my complaints , and to my iust excuses , and if thou wilt not answere me at all , yet I will be content , so that thou staiest still . What can it hinder thee to heare him , whom it hath so deerely cost to see thee ? And looking vpon Felismena , with many teares he besought her , not to let her goe , who with sweete and gentle wordes intreated the Shepherdesse not to vse him with so small pitie , whom he shewed to loue more then himselfe , or that she would ( at the lest ) harken vnto him , since she could not hurt hir selfe much by doing so litle . But Amarillis said : Intreat me not ( faire Shepherdesse ) to giue eare to him , who beleeues his thoughts , more then my words . For behold , this Shepherd that stands in this fained sort before thee , is one of the most disloyall men , that euer liued , & one of them that most of al troubles our simple louing Shepherdesses with his false deceits & dissimulations . Then said Filemon to Felismena . My onely request and desire is , faire Shepherdesse , that thou wouldst be iudge in the cause betweene Amarillis and me , wherein if I am found culpable , or the iust prouoker of that anger , and ill opinion that she hath wrongfully conceiued against me , that then I may loose my life ; and if she be , that I may haue no other thing for satisfaction , but her confession , how much she hath iniured , and owes me . To leese thy life ( said Amarillis ) I am sure thou wilt not , bicause thou wilt not wish thy selfe so much harme , nor me so much good , as for my sake to put thy life in aduenture . But I am content , that this faire Shepherdesse be iudge ( if it please her ) betweene vs , to consider of our reasons , and to declare which of vs both is more worthie of blame . Agreed ( said Felismena ) and let vs sit downe at the foote of this greene hedge neere to the flourishing meadow before our eies , for I will see what reason you haue to complaine of one another . After they were all three set downe vpon the greene grasse , Filemon began thus to say . I trust faire Shepherdesse , if thou hast at any time beene touched with the force of Loue , that thou shalt plainly perceiue what small reason Amarillis hath to be angrie with me , & to conceiue so ill an opinion of the vnstained faith I beare her , which makes her surmise that , which neuer any other Shepherdesse hath euer yet imagined of her louing Shepherd . Knowe therefore ( faire Shepherdesse ) that the fates ( not onely when I was borne , but long before ) determined , that I should loue this faire Shepherdesse , which fits before thy faire & my sorrowfull eies , whose intents I haue answered with such effect , as there is no loue ( I thinke ) like mine , nor any ingratitude like to hers . It fell out afterwardes , that from my childehood , seruing her in the best manner I coulde , there are fiue or sixe moneths past , since my mishap brought a Shepherd hither called Arsileus , who went vp and downe seeking a Shepherdesse called Belisa , which by some ill successe of Fortune , wandred like an exile heere and there amongst these woodes & groues . And as his sorrow was very great , it fell out , that this cruell Shepherdesse , either for great pittie she tooke of him , or for the little she had of me , or for what cause else ( she knowes best herselfe ) woulde neuer be out of his companie : To whom if by chance I did but speake thereof , she was ready to kill me with anger ; for those eies which thou seest there , procure death no lesse , when they are angry , then life when they are milde and gentle . But now when all my sences were thus occupied , mine eies with teares , my eares with hearing denials , my thoughts with a bitter taste of sorrow , my soule with a rare and vnspeakeable kind of affection , and my vnderstanding with the greatest iealousie , as the like neuer any had , I made my complaint to Arsileus with sighes , and to the earth , and these groues with pitifull and bitter lamentations , shewing them what iniuries Amarillis did me . Her deceiued imagination of the suspect , that I had of her honestie , hath bredde in her so great despite and hatred against me , that to be reuenged of me , she hath hitherto perseuered therein , which greeuous torment she is not onely content to lay vpon me , but when she sees me before her eies , flies from my presence , as the fearefull Hinde from the hungry and pursuing Hounde . So that by the loue which thou owest thy selfe , I pray thee ( good Shepherdesse ) iudge whether this be a sufficient cause to make her thus abhorre me , and if my fault on the other side , be so great , that it deserues such endles and extreme hate . Filemon hauing made an end of the cause of his greefe and iniurie , wherewith his Shepherdesse tormented him ; Amarillis began to shape her answer thus . This Filemon ( faire Shepherdesse ) that sits before thee , hath loued me well ( I must needes confesse ) or at the least , made a fine shewe thereof , and such haue his seruices beene towards me , that to say otherwise of him , then he deserues , it would ill beseeme me . But if for his sake , in lieu and recompence of that affection , I haue not reiected the suites and seruice of many iolly Shepherds that feede their flockes vpon these downes , and in these pleasant vales ; and also ( for his loue ) haue not contemned many countrey youthes , whom nature hath enriched with no lesse perfections then himselfe , let himselfe be iudge . For the infinite times , that with their amorous sutes I haue beene importuned , and those wherein I haue kept that firmnes due to his faith , haue not ( I thinke ) beene at any time out of his presence , which neuerthelesse should be no sufficient cause for him to make so small account of me , as to imagine or suspect any thing of that , wherein I am most of all bounde to my selfe . For if it be so , ( as he knowes well enough ) that for the loue of him I haue cast off many , that died by mine occasion , how coulde I then forget or reiect him for the loue of another ? A thousand times hath Filemon watched me , not leesing a steppe that the Shepherd Arsileus and I haue troden amiddes these greene woods , and pleasant vales , but let him say , if he euer heard Arsileus talke to me of loue , or if I answered him any thing touching such matter . What day did Filemon euer see me talke to Arsileus , whereby he might conceiue any thing else by my words , but that I went about to comfort him in such great forrow , as he suffered : And if this be a sufficient cause to make him thinke ill of his Shepherdesse , who can better iudge it , then himselfe ? Behold then ( faire Shepherdesse ) how much he was giuen to false suspects and wrongfull iealousie , that my wordes could neuer satisfie him , nor worke with him , to make him leaue off his obdurate minde by absenting himselfe from this valley , thinking therby to haue made an end of my daies , wherein he was deceiued , when as he rather ended his owne ioy and contentment , if for me at the least he had euer any at all . And this was the michiefe besides , that Filemon being not onely content to beare mee such a kinde of vniust iealousie , whereof he had so small occasion , as now ( faire Shepherdesse ) thou hast seene , hee did likewise publish it at euerie feast , in all bridales , wrestlings , and meetings , that were made amongst the Shepherds of these hilles . And this thou knowest ( good Shepherdesse ) howe it did preiudice mine honour more then his contentment : In the ende hee absented himselfe from mee , which course since hee hath taken for a medicine of his malladie ( which it seemes hath the more increased it ) let him not finde fault with me , if I haue knowne how to profit my selfe more thereby then he hath . And now that thou hast seene ( faire Shepherdesse ) what great content that I felt , when thou toldst the Shepherd Arsileus so good newes of his Shepherdesse , & that I my selfe was most earnest with him to haue him go and seeke her out , it is cleere , that there could not be any thing between vs , that might ingender such cause of suspition , as this Shepherd hath wrongfully conceiued of vs . So that this is the cause , that hath made me not only so cold in the loue that I did beare him , but not to loue any more , wherby to put mine honor & good name in hazard of false suspects , since my good hap hath brought me to such a time , that ( without forcing my selfe ) I may do it at mine own choise & libertie . After Amarillis had shewed the small reason the Shepherd had to giue so great credit to his iealous imaginations , and the libertie wherein time , and her good fortune had put her ( a naturall thing to free harts ) the woefull Shepherd replied in this sort . I doe not denie ( Amarillis ) but that thy wisedome and discretion is sufficient to cleere thee of all suspition . But wilt thou now make nouelties in loue , & inuent other new effects , then those which we haue heretofore seene ? When a louer would loue well , the least occasion of iealousie torments his foule , how much more when those were greater , which by thy priuie conuersation and familiaritie with Arsileus thou hast giuen me . Dost thou thinke ( Amarillis ) that for a iealousie certainties are needfull ? Alas thou deceiuest thy selfe , for suspicions be the principall causes of their entrance : which was also no great matter , since I beleeued that thou didst beare Arsileus good will , the publishing whereof was as little preiudiciall and lesse offensiue to thine honour , since the force of my loue was so great , that it made mee manifest the ill that I did feare . And though thy goodnes assured mee , when , at stealth and deceite of my suspectes , I thought thereof , yet I alwaies feared , least some aduerse successe might befall vnto me , if this familiaritie had beene still continued . But to that thou saiest ( faire Shepherdesse ) that I absented my selfe , I answere , that vpon a stomacke , or to giue thee any offence or greefe thereby , I did it not ; but to see if I could haue any remedie in mine owne , not seeing the cause of my great mishap and greefe before mine eies , and bicause my pursutes might not also offende thee . But if by seeking remedy for so great an ill , I went against that , which I owed thee , what greater punishment can I haue , then that which thy absence hath made me feele ? If thou saiest thou didst neuer loue Arsileus , it giues me greater occasion to complaine of thee , since for a thing of so small importance , thou didst forsake him , who so greatly desired to serue thee . So that I haue the more cause to accuse thee , the lesse thy loue was to Arsileus . And these are the reasons Amarillis and manie more , which I do alleage , not in mine owne excuse and fauour , whereby I thinke not to helpe my selfe at all , since in matters of loue they are woont to profite so little ; onely requesting thee ( gentle Amarillis ) that thy clemencie and the faith which I haue euer borne thee , may be of my side , and mooue thee vnto pittie , the want whereof can prescribe no ende to my greefe , nor meanes of reconciliation in thy hard condition and crueltie . And with this the Shepherd made an ende of his words , and began to poure forth so many teares , that they were sufficient ( with the requests and sentence that Felismena gaue in his behalfe ) to mollifie Amarillis hard hart , and to make the enamoured Shepherd come againe into her good grace and liking , for which he was so glad a man , as neuer more ; and Amarillis not a little ioyfull , by shewing how much Filemon was deceiued in his false suspicions of her . And after this , they passed away that day with great content of the two reconciled louers , and with greater sorrow of faire Felismena , who next day early in the morning departed from them after many embracings , and promises , to sende to each other newes of their affaires .

But Syrenus being now free from loue , and Syluanus and Seluagia more enamored then euer before , and faire Diana , not a little discontent for the sorrowfull successe of her affaires , passed away her melancholike life , feeding her flocke along the bankes of the great riuer Ezla , where , many times meeting with one another , they talked of that , which pleased their fancies best . And discreete Seluagia being on a day at the fountaine of the Sicamours , the Shepherdesse Diana came thither by chance , to seeke a lambe that had runne out of the foulde , which Syluanus had tyed to a myrtle tree , for when they came thither , they founde it drinking at the cleere spring and by the marke knewe it to be faire Dianas . But being come ( as I say ) and curteously welcommed of the newe louers , they sat them downe vpon the greene grasse , leaning to one of the Sicamours , that stoode about the fountaine , and after they had talked of many matters , Syluanus saide vnto her . Why dost thou not aske vs ( faire Diana ) for Syrenus ? Bicause I woulde not talke of matters past ( said Diana ) for the great greefe which present things do giue me : The time was , when I tooke more delight to aske for him , and hee for mee , and to speake and conuerse with one another then now , which giues neither of vs the like contentment ; but time doth cure infinite cares , that seeme remedilesse to many men , which if I vnderstood not so , there could not be now a Diana in these faire meades & plaines , in regard of the sorrowes and care that are daily offred me . God neuer graunt so much harme to our pleasant fieldes ( saide Seluagia ) by depriuing them of such great beautie as hers is . That shall not be wanting as long as thou liuest ( saide Diana ) and wheresoeuer thy grace and perfections are , little may be lost by my want , in truth whereof , behold thy Syluanus , who ( I thought ) would neuer haue forgotten me for any other Shepherdesse , and yet in the end hath shaken hands with me for thy loue , which deserued a great deale more . This did Diana speake with a gracious smile , although she laughed not so much in minde at these things , nor with so good a hart as they thought . For though she once loued Syrenus more then her owne life , and despised Syluanus , as nothing so much , yet it greeued her more , that Syluanus had forgotten her for the loue of another , whose sight he now enioyed euery day with great contentment of his newe loue , then that Syrenus had freed himselfe out of her loue , whom nowe no new affection mooued . When Syluanus heard what Diana said , he answered her thus . Time , and the reuolutions of the heauens shall first cease ( faire Diana ) before I will forget thee , for thy beautie and wisedome is not such , that may be euer put in obliuion . Truth it is that I am now bound to my Seluagia , bicause ( besides many other good parts in her obliging me to her loue ) she neuer esteemed her Fortune to bee woorse by this , that she is nowe beloued of him , whom thou did'st alway so reiect and make so small account of . No more of this ( saide Diana ) for thou art well bestowed , and I was not well aduised by not louing thee , as thy loue deserued it at my hands . But if at anytime thou didst desire to giue me some content , I beseech thee ( al I may ) and thy faire Seluagia , to sing some song , to entertaine the time , and to passe the heate of the day a●way ; which now beginnes so fast , that we must be faine to passe it vnder these Sicamours , and there enioy the bubling of this cleere spring , which shall not a little helpe the sweetenes of your song . The new louers were not daintie to be praied , though faire Seluagia was not very well content with this kinde of talke that Diana had with Syluanus . But bicause in her song , she thought to be reuenged on her , to the tune that Diana plaied on her Bagpipe , both of them began to sing as followeth .

I See thee iolly Shepherd merry , And firme thy faith and sound as a berry . Loue gaue me ioy , and fortune gaue it , As my desire could wish to haue it . What didst thou wish , tell me ( sweete louer ) Whereby thou might'st such ioy recouer ? To loue where loue should be inspired , Since there 's no more to be desired . In this great glory , and great gladnes , Think'st thou to haue no touch of sadnes ? Good for tune gaue me not such glory , To mocke my loue , or make me sorie . If my firme loue I were denying , Tell me , with sighes would'st thou be dying ? Those wordes in iest to heare thee speaking , For very greefe my hart is breaking . Yet would'st thou change , I pray thee tell me , In seeing one , that did excell me ? O noe , for how can I aspire , To more then to mine owne desire . Such great affection dost thou beare me As by thy wordes thou seem'st to sweare me ? Of thy deserts , to which a detter I am , thou maist demaund this better . Sometimes me thinkes , that I should sweare it , Sometimes me thinkes , thou should'st not beare it . Onely in this , my pap doth greeue me , And my desire , not to beleeue me . Imagine that thou dost not loue mine , But some braue beautie that 's aboue mine . To such a thing ( sweete ) doe not will me , Where faining of the same doth kill me . I see thy firmnes gentle louer , More then my beautie can discouer . And my good fortune to be higher Then my desert , but not desier .

About this time came Syrenus downe from the village towards the fountaine of the Sicamours , with great desire to meete Seluagia or Syluanus , for hee nowe tooke no greater delight in any thing , then in the company of these two louers . And if he had ( perhaps ) a touch of Dianas loue in his memorie , the time that he had spent in louing her , did not leaue him altogither without some pensiue thoughts , not , for that her loue now gaue him any paine ; but because the remembrance of a good estate , doth breed some small kind of griefe and discontent in him that hath lost it . Before he came to the fountaine , in the mids of the greene meadow which was beset round about with Myrtles and Laurels , he found Dianas sheepe , that went by themselues all alone feeding amongst the trees vnder the keeping of two fierce masties . And as the Shepherd staied to looke vpon them , thinking of the time , wherein he had greater care of them , then of his owne , the masties with great furie came running vpon him . But when they came somewhat nigh and knew him , by wagging their tailes , and holding downe their necks ( that were armed with collers of sharpe nailes ) the one fell downe at his feete ; and the other by skipping vpon him fawned on him with the greatest ioy in the world . And the sheepe did no lesse , for the Bell-wether with his rurall bleating came to the Shepherd , whom all the rest followed , and knowing Syrenus , came round about him , which sight he could not behold without teares , calling to mind that sometimes in the company of faire Diana he had fed that gentle flocke . And seeing that in the silly beasts that loue and knowledge did abound , which wanted in their mistresse , it was so forcible a motion in his minde , that if the vertue of the water , which sage Felicia had giuen him , had not made him forget his olde loue : it might well haue beene , that there was nothing else in the worlde that coulde haue let him from renewing it againe . But seeing himselfe thus in the mids of Dianas sheepe , and with the thoughts , that the memorie of such a thing did put before his eies , to the tune of his merie Recbecke he began to sing this song .

PAssed contents , O what meane ye ? Forsake me now , and doe not wearie me . Wilt thou heare me , O memorie , My pleasant daies , and nights againe , I haue appaid with seuenfold paine : Thou hast no more to aske me why , For when I went , they all did die : As thou dost see , O leaue me then , and doe not wearie me . Greene field , and shadowed valley , wheare Sometime my chiefest pleasure was , Behold what I did after passe : Then let me rest , and if I beare Not with good cause continuall feare , Now doe you see . O leaue me then , and doe not trouble me . I sawe a hart changed of late , And wearied to assure mine : Then I was forced to recure mine By good occasion , time and fate , My thoughts , that now such passions hate , O what meane ye ? Forsake me now and doe not wearie me . You lambes and sheepe that in these layes , Did sometimes follow me so glad : The merry howres , and the sad Are passed now with all those daies : Make not such mirth , and wonted plaies , As once did ye : For now no more you haue deceiued me . If that to trouble me you come , Or come to comfort me indeede : I haue no ill for comforts neede . But if to kill me , Then ( in summe ) Full well may ye Kill me , and you shall make an end of me .

After Syrenus had made an ende of his song , faire Diana knewe him by his voice , and so did the two enamoured Shepherdes Syluanus and Seluagia . They called to him , telling him , that if he was minded to passe away the heate of the day in the field , there was the fresh fountaine of the Sicamours , and faire Diana , both which should be no small allurements to inuite him thither . Syrenus answered him , that be must needs stay all day in the field , vntill it was time to go home againe with his sheepe to the towne , and comming where the Shepherd and Shepherdesses were , they sat round about the cleere fountaine , as they were commonly woont to do . But Diana , ( whose life was so sorrowfull , as one may imagine , that euer sawe a Shepherdesse , the fairest and wisest that was then knowne , married so greatly to her greefe ) went day by day seeking out new occasions to entortaine the time , and to passe her life away , and studying often to preuent her continuall and sorrowfull thoughts . But the Shepherdes sitting and talking of other matters touching the feeding of sheepe , and their profite , Diana brake off the substance of their talke , saying to Syluanus . It is a proper thing , Shepherd , that , sitting before thy faire Seluagia , thou talkest of other impertinent things , and not of praising her beautie , nor of the great loue , that she beares thee : Let the field and lambes alone , the good or ill successe of time and fortune , and enioy the good hap that ( Shepherd ) thou hast nowe , by being beloued of so faire a Shepherdesse , for where there is so great reason to haue continually such contentment of minde , thou need'st not care for that , which Fortune doth but sometimes giue . How much I am beholding to thee Diana ( answered Syluanus ) none can expresse but he , that knowes what great reason I haue to acknowledge this debt , bicause thou didst not onely then teach me to loue well , but now also shewest me the way to vse the contentment , that my loue affoordes me : The reason thou hast to warne me , not to talke of any other matter ( my Mistresse being in presence ) but onely of the content that by her sight I receiue , is great & infinite , the which I promise thee ( faire Diana ) to do , while my happy soule shall be conteined in this ioyfull body . But I maruell at one thing , to see how thy Syrenus doth cast his eies another way , when thou speakest vnto him , it seemes thy wordes please him not , or that he is not satisfied with thy answers . Blame him not ( said Diana ) for carelesse men & enimies to their own good will do more then this . Enimy to mine own good ( said Syrenus ? ) If I was euer such an one , let death punish me for my error . This is a prety shift to excuse thy fault . To excuse my fault ( said Diana ? ) If I haue not yet the first offence to do thee , I pray God I may neuer haue any other content , then that , which I now enioy : It is wel that thou dost finde fault with me for being married hauing parets . But it is wel ( said Syrenus ) that thou didst marry hauing another Loue : And what power had that Loue ( saide Diana ) where obedience was due to parents ? And what power had those parents ( saide Syrenus ) that obedience , those times , those fauourable or sinistrous successes of Fortune , to ouerrule so true a Loue , as before my departure thou didst shew me ? Ah Diana , I neuer thought there was any thing in the worlde , that could dissolue so great a faith as that , and how much more Dianas , considering that well thou mightest haue married , and not forgotten him , who loued thee so entyrely . But thinking of the matter vnappassionately , it was now better for me , since thou wert resolued to marrie , and being married , to forget me quite . For what reason saide Diana ? For what , saide Syrenus ? Bicause there is no woorse thing in the worlde , then for a Shepherd to loue a Shepherdesse that is married , nor that makes him , ( that beares her true loue and affection ) sooner to loose his wits and sences : the reason whereof ( as wee all know ) is , that the principall passion which doth torment a louer ( after the desire of his Mistres ) is cruell iealousie : For what dost thou then thinke , that a poore vnfortunate Louer that loues wel is able to do , what griefe ( thinkest thou ) he passeth , when he knowes , that his Shepherdesse is in the armes of her new married husband , and he bewailing and weeping his disgrace and ill Fortune in the streete . And this is not all the torment , when such a mischeefe and death remaines yet thereof , that he must not complaine of it at all , but must suffer ( silly man ) and holde his peace , bicause by complaining he shall be thought no lesse then a foole or a madde man ( a thing as contrarie to his rest as may be : ) For if the iealousies were of some other Shepherd , that serued her , by complayning of the fauours she doth him , and by hearing her excuses , the Louer might better passe away his greefe ; but this is such a kinde of torment , that in an instant one shall loose it , if he haue no stay in his desire . Leaue of this talke ( said Diana ) for thou hast no neede to loue , nor to be beloued . In respect of not hauing it to loue ( saide Syrenus ) I am glad in not hauing it also to be beloued . Strange is thy libertie ( said Diana ) but stranger was thy forgetfulnes ( said Syrenus ) if thou dost remember well the words thou spakest to mee at my departure . But let vs ( as thou saiest ) leaue of to speake of things which are past , & let vs thanke time and Lady Felicia for those that are present . And thou Syluanus , take thy Pipe , and I will tune my Rebecke to it , and let vs sing some verses togither , although so free a hart as mine cannot sing of anie thing , that may giue content to thine , that is of another qualitie . I will giue thee a good remedie for this ( saide Syluanus : ) For let vs imagine that we are both in the same case , as this Shepherdesse made vs liue , when we filled these hils and dales with our amorous complaints . Syluanus deuise liked them all well , but Seluagia was a little displeased thereat , who for that time , ( bicause she would not seeme to be iealous , where she was ascertained of so great loue ) helde her peace : And the Shepherds began to sing in manner following .

Syrenus . IF teares cannot with tendernesse relent thee , How can my song thy cruelty assured , Since nought of mine could euer yet content thee : What hart was euer that so much endured ? That to deride thou neuer canst suffice thee , Agreefe that hath the worlds wonder procured . Ah blinde conceite , let loue nor time disguise thee , And such a thought of change that neuer told me But to thy good and my content a duise thee . Ah wilt thou in such cares and greefes enfold me , Fierce Shepherdesse , and in such lamentations To spend my dolefull yeeres , wilt thou behold mo ? A hart that 's thine , dispos'st thou in such fashions ? Intreat'st thou thus a soule to thee affied , That the lest greefe it is to suffer passions ? Syluanus . Loue such a knot , that 's endles thou hast tied , That 's blinde , and thou , and I more blinde intended : She is blinde , for whom my life 's denied : For I sawe not my life , and pleasure ended , Nor she how I for her to death imploy me , Nor thou , that I in flames am thus incended . Fell Loue , shall faire Diana now destroy me With absence ? then conclude ( since hate surrounds it ) To end my life , and fortunes that annoy me . Ioy 's slowe , time flies , and with his shortnes wounds it , Hope dies , an amorous thought liues still augmented : Loue shortens it , prolongs it , and confounds it . To speake I am ashamed thus tormented , And though it greeues me , yet with ceaslesse payning Without the same I cannot liue contented . Syrenus . O soule , forsake not now thy dolefull plaining , And you my wearied eies Cease not in swelling teares my cheekes to steepe , Since you haue learn'd to weepe , And waile the chiefest cause of all my cries . Syluanus . And waile the chiefest cause of all my cries : Yet ( cruell Shepherdesse ) Sometimes they were of my most sweete content . O thoughts in sorrow spent , How small time lasts a ioy and happines ? Syrenus . How small time lasts a ioy and happines , And that sweete gracious smile , ( Fortune ) wherewith I sawe thee not accoyd ? Now all is well imployd In him , whom time doth counsell and beguile . Syluanus . In him , whom time doth counsell and beguile , Loue works his behest : But in his things who can him well aduise ? Or his deceites who spies ? O cruell Shepherdesse , O cruell brest . Syrenus . O cruell Shepherdesse , O cruell brest Whose crueltie is no Whit lesse then her braue beautie and her grace , And my mishap and case : How to my cost my sorrowes doe I knowe ? Syluanus . My Shepherdesse , in white and red more cleere , Then both those roses pluckt , in May we see : And brighter then the sunne beames sent From their coruscant Orient By morning , that vpon thy foldes appeere : How can I liue , if thou forgettest me ? My Shepherdesse , thy rigour then impaire , For crueltie becomes not one so faire . Syrenus . My faire Diana more resplendant , then The Emerauld , or Diamond in the night : Whose beautious eies doe cease My sorrowes , that increase , if gently that ( perhaps ) to me they bend . So maist thou with thy flocke so faire and white , Come to my shadowed sheepefold in the heate , That such a wretch thou would'st not ill intreate . Syluanus . My Shepherdesse , when that thy yellow haire Thou combest in the beames of shining sunne , Dost thou not see the same obscured ? My pride andioy by them procured ? That am from hence beholding it so faire , Woon now with hope , now with despaire vndone , But so maist thou thy beautie braue enioy , As thou wouldst giue , ameane in such annoy . Syrenus . Diana , whose sweete name in all these hils The wilde beastes tames , and crueltie rebates : And whose surpassing beautie to it Doth subiect fortune , and vndoe it . And feares not loue , but wars against his wils : Respecting not occasion , time , nor fates . To thee thy flockes and folds such ioy may giue , As carelesse of my greefe thou wouldst not liue . Syluanus . The heate is past ( Syrenus ) and doth cease , The Shepherds to their folds begin to goe , And wearie grashoppers doe hold their peace : The night will not stay long , which , hid belowe , Is comming in , while Phoebus in our skie Doth heere and there his vading light bestowe : Therefore before the darkest shade shall lie Vpon the ground , and while the wren doth sing In top of this greene Sicamour on hie , Our wandring flockes together let vs bring , And driue them where Diana now doth stay For vs , while in the woods our voices ring . Syrenus . My friend , Syluanus , goe not yet away , Since all his beames not yet the sunne doth hide , And that we haue sufficient of the day . There 's time for vs and for our flocke beside , And time to driue them to the riuer cleere . For in this meade to day they shall abide : And , Shepherd , let my song be ended heere .

All the while that the Shepherds were singing , the Shepherdesse Diana was leaning her faire face vpon her hand , whose sleeue falling downe a little from her wrest , discouered an arme whiter then the driuen snow , she held her eies downe to the ground , powring out such plentie of teares , as were sufficient arguments of more inward griefe and paine , then she would ( though faine ) haue then vttered . And as the Shepherds ended their song , with a deepe sigh , in company whereof it seemed that her soule would haue flowen out , she rose vp , & without taking her leaue , went downe along the valley , dressing her golden haire , whose vaile hung intangled behinde in a bow , when she rose vp . And if the Shepherds had not tempered the great pitie which they had of her , with the little that she had of them , neither the one nor the others hart had beene able to indure it . And so all of them went to gather vp their sheepe , that ( scattered abroad ) went skipping vp and downe the greene meadow .

The end of the sixth booke .

The seuenth Booke of Diana of George of Montemayor .

AFter that Felismena had reconoiled Amarillis & Filemon , & left them with full purpose and resolution , the one neuer to do any thing to the discontentment and complaint of the other : being now gon from them , she went downe along the valley , wherein she wandred many daies without hearing any newes , that might affoorde her the least content , that she desired : and yet carrying with her an assured hope of sage Felicias wordes , she did not let it passe out of her minde , but thought , that after so many trauels , Fortune would be wearie at the last of troubling her any more : And these imaginations supported her somewhat in the greatest torments of her desire . But trauelling one morning on her way , thorow the mids of a woode , and at the going out of certaine thick bushes which appeared from the top of a high hill , she beheld before her a most pleasant and greene Champaine that lay all along beneath the hill , and of such length , that she could scarce see to the end of it ; for twelue miles right out it butted vpon the bottoms of certaine hils , that might hardly be discerned . Thorow the mids of this pleasant plaine a goodly riuer ranne , which in many places made fresh and faire bankes on both sides , whereon grew thicke Birches , greene Sicamours , and diuers other trees ; and in other places leauing the cristalline waters discouered to the wandring view , and in some ( brinked with sandie plats ) did from a far off more brauely beautifie the faire riuer bankes . The graine which was sowne in all those fields , was at hand to yeeld vp the desired fruit , and by reason of the fertill soyle was verie well growen : which being mooued by a little gale of winde , waued vp and downe some in greene , & some in yellow colours , which made most pleasant shades and delightful obiects to the greedie eie . The greene and delectable vale was in some places three miles broad , and in others a little more , and in none lesse then this . The faire Shepherdesse therefore comming downe her way from the hil aboue , entered into a great wood full of Sicamours and wilde Oliue trees ; in the middes whereof were many stately houses so sumptuously built , that they made her not a little to maruell : And lifting vp her eies on a sudden , there appeared to her sight a great and faire Citie , which being full of faire houses and stately buildings , from the top of a rockie hill that was right before her , reached in breadth with the wals to the great riuer that ranne thorow the mids of the plaine . The buildings of that famous citie were high , and wrought with as great arte , as humaine industrie could deuise . Amongst the which were many towres , Pyramydes , and shining pinnacles , reared vp to the skies . The Temples were many , and sumptuous , the houses strong , the wals loftie and strongly embattelled ; the bulwarkes thicke and full of munition : so that excelling in stately structure and euen proportion , it made a faire show , and gaue a goodly glorie to the great and auncient Citie : all which from that place she seuerally beheld . The Shepherdesse was amazed to see that braue sight , and on the sudden to be so neere so faire a Citie ; from whence , as from all other popular concurse with great care she endeuored to flie . And yet she could not choose , but sat her downe a little vnder the shadow of an Oliue tree , to behold from thence all in particular which you haue heard ; and seeing that populous Citie , great Soldina her natiue Citie and Countrey came to her musing thoughts ; from whence , the loue that she bare Don Felix had exiled her , which was an occasion not to make her passe it out of her memorie without teares , bicause the remembrance of a good thing lost , doth for the most part offer occasions of no lesse . But the faire Shepherdesse leauing that place and citie on the right hand , went softly on by a path hard by the riuer towards that part , where the Cristalline waters with a gentle and pleasant noise runne smoothly into the Ocean . And hauing gone sixe miles by the pleasant bankes of that riuer , she espied two Shepherdesses at the foote of a great Oke neere to the riuer side , passing away the heat of the day , both which ( though they were but meanely faire ) yet in sweete fauour and gentle behauiour , were passing gracious . The hew of their faces was a nutbrowne sanguine , but amiable , the colour of their haire , a darke browne-abram ; their eies and eiebrowes blacke , and yet of a sweete and mild aspect in their countenances . Vpon their hands they had seuerall garlandes of greene Iuie , tied vp togither with many roses and sweete flowers . The fashion of their attire seemed to her to be different from any other kind of apparell , that she had seene till that time . But one of them rising vp in great haste , to driue a flocke of sheepe out of a flaxe field , where they had broken in , and the other going to driue her goates to the riuer to drinke , they went and sat them downe againe vnder the shadow of that leafie Oke . Felismena , that had hid her selfe in a plat of high bulrushes , and so neere to the Shepherdesses , that she might well heare what passed betweene them , vnderstood that the language they spake , was the Portugal toong , and that the kingdome wherein she was , was Portugall ; for one of the Shepherdesses taking the other by the hand with a sweete grace in her owne toong said thus to the other . Ah my Duarda , what small reason hast thou to despise him , who loues thee more then himselfe ? How better beseeming thee were it , not so ill to entreate a thought that is so much employed in thy perfections ? It greeues mee that so faire a Shepherdesse shoulde bee so farre from pitying him that hath so great neede thereof . The other , that seemed to bee more at libertie , with a certaine disdaine , and a fillippe of her hande ( a common note of carelesse and free mindes ) answered her thus . Wilt thou haue me tell thee , Armia ? If I should trust him another time , who hath so ill apaied the loue I bare him , he shall not beare the blame of the ill , that I shall procure by mine owne desire , but my selfe . Lay not before mine eies the seruices , that this Shepheard hath sometimes done me , nor tell me the reasons that he giues thee to mooue me , for the time is now past , when they once helpt him . He promised to marrie me , and behold he hath married another . What would he nowe haue ? Or what pretendes this enemie of my quiet rest ? What , now that his wife is dead , would he haue me marrie him ? O God forbid that I should doe my selfe so great iniurie . Let him go , Armia , let him go : for if he loues me so much as he saith , this loue shall serue me for a renenge of his deepe deceite . The other ioyning her smiling face to Duardas srowning countenance , and louingly imbracing her , with milde & gentle wordes replied thus . How wel hath all becomen thee , gracious Shepherdesse , which thou hast said ? I would neuer desire to be a man , but euen now , to loue thee more then mine owne selfe . But tell me , Duarda , why art thou so desirous to haue Danteus leade so sorrowfull a life ? He saith , the reason that thou hast to complaine of him , serues him for his excuse . For , before he married , being with thee one day neere to the hedge of Fremoselle , he saide vnto thee . Duarda , my father wil marrie me , what is thy aduise in this matter ? And that thou didst answere him roughly . How now Danteus ? Am I so olde , or haue I so great power ouer thee , that thou dost aske my opinion and leaue for thy marriage ? Thou maiest doe what thou list , and what thine owne will and thy fathers shall oblige thee to : for in the like case I my selfe would do no lesse : And this was spoken with an estranged countenance , and not with that woonted kinde of milde and gentle speech , but as if it had beene quite past thy memorie , that thou didst once loue him well . Callest thou this an excuse ( said Duarda ) If I knew thee not Armia , so well as I doe , thy wisedome and discretion should hazard their credit with me . What should I answere a Shepherd , who published euery where , that there was nothing in the world wheron he would cast an affectionate eie , but on me , how much more then , that Danteus was not so ignorant , but that he vnderstood by my countenance and manner of my wordes , that with my will I would not haue answered him , as I did . What a mockerie was this ( I pray thee Armia ) for him to meete me one day before this came to passe , neere to the fountaine , and with many teares to say thus vnto me . Why are thou so vngratefull ( Duarda ) to the good will which I beare thee , that thou wilt not be married to me without thy fathers consent ? when time ( thou knowest ) will weare out the anger , that they may conceiue thereof . Whom I then answered thus . Content thy selfe Danteus , that I am thine , and that I can neuer be any others , whatsoeuer shall befall vnto me . And thy word and promise , which thou hast giuen me to be my husband , contents me well ynough : desire not then , in respect of staying a little time longer , a thing , whereof such mischiefe may ensue . At which wordes he tooke his leaue , telling me the next day that his father would marrie him , and requesting me to giue him leaue , and not content with this , but to be married in deede three daies after . Dost thou not therefore thinke this ( Armia ) a sufficient reason for me , to vse the benefite of that libertie , which with such trouble of my thoughts I haue at last obtained ? These are things ( saide the other ) soone spoken and passed betweene the truest louers , but must not be taken so much at the hart , nor so narrowly interpreted , as thou dost vnderstand them . For those , which are spoken , thou hast reason , Armia ; but for those that are done , thou seest it well ynough , if they touch not our soules too neere , that loue well . In the ende Danteus married , and it greeues me not a little , that so faire a Shepherdesse liued so small a time , and more , to see that one whole moneth after her buriall being scarce past , new thoughts began to occupie his minde againe . God tooke her away ( said Armia ) to the end that Danteus might be thine , for indeede he could be no others but thine . If this be so ( said Duarda ) that he that is ones , cannot be anothers , I finde my selfe now to be mine owne ; and therefore cannot be Danteus his . But let vs leaue of a thing not worth the losse of time that is spent about it , which shal be better imployed in singing a song : And then both of them in their owne toong with a sweete grace began to sing that which followeth .

TImes change and shall ( as we doe see ) And life shall haue an ende : But yet my faith shall euer bee Whereon my eies depende . The daies , and moments , and their scope , The howres with their changes wrought , Are cruell enemies to hope , And friendes vnto a louing thought . Thoughts still remaine , as we doe see , And hope shall haue an end ; But yet my faith shall not leaue me , Her honour to defend . Inconstancie in trust contriued , Causeth great danger in conclusion , And life that is of hope depriued , Standes not in feare of disillusion . Times goe and come , as we doe see , And life shall haue an end , But yet my faith shall neuer bee Distan'd for foe or friend .

This song being ended , Felismena came out of the place , where she had hid herselfe , directly to that place where the Shepherdesses were , who amazed at her sudden sight , but more at her rare grace and beautie , went to her , and with louing embracings welcommed her , asking her of what countrey she was , and from whence she came . To which demaundes faire Felismena could not answer , but with manie teares asked them what countrey that was , wherein they nowe where . For by her owne toong she cleerely made them knowe , that she was of Vandalia , and that for a certaine mishap she was banished from her countrey . The Portugall Shepherdesses with their pitifull teares did the best they could to confort her , being very sorrie for her exile , a common thing to that nation , & more proper to the inhabitants of that prouince . And Felismena asking them what citie that was , which she had left , where the riuer with his christalline streames , and speedy course came running on with great force : and bicause she also desired to know , what castle that Montemayor was , which was scituate on the hill , higher then the rest , and many other demands , one of them called Duarda , tolde her , that the citie was Coymbra , one of the most famons & principall cities , not onely of that kingdome , but of all Europe , for the braue territories & fieldes about it , which that great riuer ( called Mondego ) watred with his cleerest waters . And that all those fieldes , where with great swiftnes it ranne , were called the fieldes of Mondego : And that the castle which she sawe before her , was the ancient light and glory of Spaine ; which name ( she saide ) did better fit it , then the right name of it , bicause in the mids of the infidelitie of Marsilius the Mahometicall king , who had so many yeeres encompassed it with a cruell and continuall siege , it did euer so strongly defend it selfe , that it was alwaies the conquerour , and neuer subdued , and that it was called in the Portugall toong Montemor , or Velho , where the vertue , valour , wisedome , and magnanimitie remained for trophees of the noble deedes , that the Lords and Knights of it did in those daies , and that the Lords and Ladies that now dwelt in it , flourished in all kinde of vertues , and commendable parts . And so did the Shepherdesse tell her manie other things of the fertilitie of the foile , of the antiquitie of the buildings , of the riches of the inhabitants , of the beautie , discretion , and vertues of the Nymphes & Shepherdesses , and of the aptnes and actiuitie of the iolly Shepherdes , that dwelt about that impregnable castle : All which things did put Felismena in great admiration . But the Shepherdesses requesting her to eate somthing ( bicause they thought she needed it ) she thankfully accepted their curteous offer . And whiles she was eating that which the Shepherdesses had set before her , they sawe her shed so manie teares , that caused no small sorrow in them both . And desirous to aske her the cause of them , they were hindred by the voice of a Shepherd , that came sweetely singing to the tune of his Rebecke , whom the Shepherdesses knewe to be the Shepherd Danteus , for whom Armia pleaded so much to the gracious Duarda for pitie and pardon . Who saide to Felismena . Although these are but homely cates ( faire Shepherdesse ) and countrey Shepherdesses fare , yet fals it out to be a dinner for a Princesse , for thou didst but little thinke when thou cam'st hither , to dine with musicke . There is not any musicke in the world ( saide Felismena ) that pleaseth me better then thy sight and conuersation , gracious Shepherdesse , which by greater reason makes me thinke , that I am a princesse , then the musicke thou talkest of . These words should be adressed ( said Duarda ) to one of more woorth , and higher deserts then I am , and that had a riper wit , and deeper conceite to vnderstande them . But howsoeuer I am , to my poore abilitie , thou shalt finde an earnest will & an vnfained affection in me readie to do thee all the seruice it may . Ah Duarda ( saide Armia to her ) how discreete art thou , and how mightest thou not win the onely praise of wisedome , if thou wert not cruell ? Is there any woman in the worlde like thee heerein , who of purpose art offring occasions of impertinent speech , and to busie thy head with other matters , bicause thou hast no list to harken to the wofull Shepherd that by dolefull song is breathing out his sorrowes and mishaps . Felismena vnderstanding what that Shepherd was by Armias wordes , praied them to be still and to giue eare vnto him , who to the tune of his Rebecke did in his owne toong sing this song following .

SIghes , since you lighten not my hart , Why go you not , why stay you still ? For in the end hope doth impart Aremedie vnto mine ill . Yet hope to helpe me neuer stood , Where reason worketh all in vaine : Nor euer promis'd so much good , As crueltie doth giue me paine . But loue and trust giue me an art , And qualitie of such a skill , That neither hope reuiues my hart , Nor crueltie the same doth kill . Mine eies you neede not then complaine , With which her faire ones I haue seene , And what neede you to feare againe , Since viewed by her you haue beene ? And therefore change shall haue no part , Nor entrance in my constant will , Though crueltie doth kill my hart , Or whether hope remaineth still .

The Shepherds musicke pleased Felismena better then the Shepherdesses meat , for she thought the song was made to complaine more of his owne griefe , then to lament an others . And as he made an ende , she said . Shepherd , it seemes thou hast truely learned by my ils to complaine of thine owne . Vnfortunate woman , that can neither heare , nor see any thing , which sets not before me the small reason I haue , to desire life . But yet God grant I may so long enioy it , vntil mine eies may see the cause of their burning teares . Thinkest thou faire Shepherdesse ( said Armia to her ) that these words deserue not to be heard , and that the hart , from whence they came forth , to be more esteemed then this Shepherdesse regards them ? Talke not saide Duarda of his words , talke of his works ; speake not of his dittie , but of his deeds , for by them his intent and meaning is to be iudged . If thou dost enamour thy selfe of songs , and delightest in Sonets compacted of industrie of fine and flattering words ; Thinke not , that I do so : for as they are things wherein I take least pleasure ; so by them I lesse perswade me of the loue he beares me . Felismena then fauouring Duardas reason , said . Behold Armia , how many ils might be auoided , and great mischiefes not effected , if we would not hearken to smooth & filed speeches , & lightly credit words framed by free harts : for , by nothing else they shew their properties more , then by a cunning and false tale , vttered by an eloquent & fine toong ; that when we thinke it most true , there is nothing more false . Vnhappie me , that could not in time helpe my selfe with this counsell . But by this time was the Porugall Shepherd come where the Shepherdesses were , who in his owne language saide to Duarda . If the teares of these eies , and the sighes of this my hart are not sufficient ( Shepherdesse ) to mollifie that hardnes , wherewith thou dost so ill intreate me , I require nothing else , but that my company may not be troublesome vnto thee in these fields , and that the sorrowfull verses ( which my griefe makes me sing , like to the dying swanne neere to this riuer ) may be no occasion of thy miscontent and trouble . Passe away ( faire Shepherdesse ) the parching heate of the day vnder the shade of these greene Osiars , for thy swaine will driue thy goates to the riuer to drinke , and tarrie with them , while they are washing themselues in the cristalline waters . Kembe and adresse ( louely Shepherdesse ) thy silke soft haire vpon the brinke of this cleere fountaine , from whence issueth out the running brook , that round about watereth this sweete meadow : And in the meane time I will carrie thy faire flocks to feed , and keepe thy sheep from going into the corne , that growes along the riuer side . I pray thee ( sweet Shepherdesse ) take no care for anything , for I haue no rest all the while that I am not trauelling about thy busines . If this seemes to thee but a small token of loue , tell me then , wherein I may shew the good will & entire affection that I beare thee ? For no especiall loue doth wrong ( to speake the truth ) in anything whereof it offers any experience at all . Danteus hauing made an end , the Shepherdesse Duarda answered him thus . If it be true ( Danteus ) that there is any loue in the world , I haue borne it thee , and as great , as thou thy selfe knowest . Neuer any of these Shepherds , that bring their flockes to seede in the fieldes of Mondego , and to drinke in these cleere waters , obtained so much as one onely word of me , whereby thou mightest haue occasion to complaine of Duarda , nor of the loue that she hath euer showen thee . Thy teares , and burning sighes haue neuer touched any neerer at the hart then me . The day , mine eies beheld thee not , could not see anything that pleased them . The bullocks that thou didst keepe , were of more account to me , and I had a greater care of them , then of mine owne . And ( for the most part ) fearing , least the keepers of this delightfull Champaine might hinder their feed , I went to the top of this little hill , to see if I could espie them , whereas I brought mine in place , when they could not feed the grasse of these faire riuer bankes , without feare of being impounded . And I was not afraid to put my selfe in this subiection and danger , to put thee in assurance and safetie . I know well , that of this my subiect and apparant kind of loue thy affiance did arise ; and of thy affiance , that which thou dost . Thou did'st marie Andresa ( whose soule is now in glorie ) a thing that in times past , made me to die for griefe : but I prayed to God , that I might see my selfe at last reuenged of her and thee , and after thy marriage I haue suffered that , which thou and others sufficiently knowe : And in the end my Fortune hath concluded , that thine shall giue me no more paine and care . Let me then inioy my libertie , and hope not to regaine that with me , which by thine owne folly and default thou hast so fondly lost .

The Shepherdesse hauing made an ende of her sharpe answer , and Felismena beginning to arbitrate the matter between them ; they heard a great noise in the other side of the meadow , like to the sounde of blowes , and smiting of swordes vpon harneies , as if some armed men had fought togither , so that all of them with great haste ranne to the place , where they heard the noise , to see what the matter was . And being come somewhat neere , they saw in a little Iland , ( which the riuer with a round turning had made ) three knights fighting against one . And although he defended himselfe valiantly , by shewing his approoued strength and courage , yet the three knights gaue him so much to do , that he was faine to helpe himselfe by all the force and pollicie he could . They fought on foote , for their horses were tied to little trees , that grew thereabouts . And now by this time , the knight that sought all alone and defended himselfe , had laide one of them at his feete with a blowe of his good sword , which ended his life : But the other two that were very strong and valiant , redoubled their force and blowes so thicke on him , that he looked for no other thing then death . The Shepherdesse Filismena seeing the knight in so great danger , and if she did not speedily helpe him , that he could not escape with life , was not afraide to put hers in ieopardy , by doing that , which in such a case she thought , she was bound to performe : wherefore putting a sharpe headed arrowe into her bowe , shee saide vnto them : Keepe out knights , for it is not beseeming men that make account of this name and honour , to take aduantage of their enimies with so great oddes . And ayming at the sight of one of their helmets , she burst it with such force , that the arrow running into his eies , came out of the other side of his head , so that he fell downe dead to the ground . When the distressed knight sawe two of his enimies dead , he ran vpon the third with such force , as if he had but then begun the combat ; but Felismena helped him out of that trouble , by putting another arrow into her bow , the which transpiercing his armour , she left vnder his left pap , and so iustly smot his hart , that this knight also followed his two companions . When the Shepherds and the knight beheld what Felismena had done , and how at two shootes she had killed two such valiant knights , they were all in great woonder . The knight therefore taking off his helmet , and comming vnto her saide . How am I able ( faire Shepherdesse ) to requite so great a benefite , and good turne , as I haue receiued at thy hands this day , but by acknowledging this debt for euer in my gratefull minde . When Felismena beheld the knights face , and knew him , her sences were so troubled , that being in such a traunce she could scarce speake , but comming to her-selfe againe , she answered him . Ah my Don Felix , this is not the first debt , wherein thou art bound vnto me . And I cannot beleeue , that thou wilt acknowledge this ( as thou saiest ) no more then thou hast done greater then this before . Beholde to what a time and ende my fortune and thy forgetnesse hath brought me , that she that was woont to be serued of thee in the citie with Tilt and Tourneyes , and honoured with many other things , whereby thou didst deceiue me , ( or I suffered my selfe to be deceiued ) doth nowe wander vppe and downe , exiled from her natiue countrey and libertie , for vsing thus thine owne . If this brings thee not into the knowledge of that which thou owest me , remember how one whole yeere I serued thee as thy page in the Princesse Cesarinas Court : and how I was a solicitor against my selfe , without discouering my selfe , or my thoughts vnto thee , but onley to procure thy remedie , and to helpe the greefe , which thine made thee feele . How many times did I get thee fauours from thy mistresse Celia to the great cost of my teares and greefes : all which account but small Don Felix in respect of those dangers ( had they beene vnsufficient ) wherein I would haue spent my life for redresse of thy paines , which thy iniurious loue affoorded thee . And vnlesse thou art weary of the great loue , that I haue borne thee , consider and weigh with thy selfe the strange effects , which the force of loue hath caused me to passe . I went out of my natiue countrey , and came to serue thee , to lament the ill that thou did'st suffer , to take vpon me the iniuries and disgraces that I receiued therein ; and to giue thee any content , I cared not to lead the most bitter and painefull life , that euer woman liued . In the habite of a tender and daintie Ladie I loued thee more then thou canst imagine , and in the habite of a base page I serued thee ( a thing more contrarie to my rest and reputation then I meane now to reherse ) and yet now in the habite of a poore and simple Shepherdesse I came to do thee this small seruice . What remaines then more for me to doe , but to sacrifice my life to thy louelesse soule , if with the same yet , I could giue thee more content : and if in lieu therof thou wouldest but remember , how much I haue loued , & do yet loue thee : here hast thou thy sword in thy hand ; let none therefore , but thy selfe reuenge the offence that I haue done thee . When the Knight heard Felismenas words , and knew them all to be as true as he was disloyall , his hart by this strange & sudden accident recouered some force againe to see what great iniurie he had done her , so that the thought thereof , and the plenteous effusion of blood that issued out of his woundes , made him like a dead man fall downe in a swoune at faire Felismenas feete . Who with great care , and no lesse feare , laying his head in her lap , with showers of teares that rained from her eies , vpon the Knights pale visage , began thus to lament . What meanes this cruell Fortune ? Is the periode of my life come iust with the last ende of my Don Felix his daies ? Ah my Don Felix ( the cause of all my paine ) if the plenteous teares , which for thy sake I haue shed , are not sufficient : and these which I now distill vpon thy louely cheekes , too fewe to make thee come to thy selfe againe , what remedie shall this miserable soule haue to preuent , that this bitter ioy by seeing thee , turne not into occasion of vtter despaire . Ah my Don Felix , Awake my loue , if thou dost but sleepe , or beest in a traunce , although I would not woonder if thou dost not , since neuer any thing that I could do , preuailed with thee to frame my least content . And in these and other lamentations was faire Felismena plunged , whom the Portugall Shepherdesses with their teares and poore supplies , endeuored to incourage , when on the sudden they saw a faire Nymph comming ouer the stony causey that lead the way into the Ilande , with a golden bottel in one hand , & a siluer one in the other , whom Felismena knowing by and by , saide vnto her . Ah Doria , could any come at this time to succour me , but thou faire Nymph ? Come hither then , & thou shalt see the cause of al my troubles , the substance of my sighs , & the obiect of my thoughts , lying in the greatest danger of death that may be . In like occurrents ( saide Doria ) vertue and a good hart must take place . Recall it then ( faire Felismena ) and reuiue thy daunted spirits , trouble not thy selfe any more , for nowe is the ende of thy sorrowes , and the beginning of thy contentment come . And speaking these wordes , she besprinkled his face with a certaine odoriferous water which she brought in the siluer bottle , whereby he came to his memorie againe , and then saide vnto him . If thou wilt recouer thy life , Sir Knight , and giue it her that hath passed such an ill one for thy sake , drinke of the water in this bottle : The which Don Felix taking in his hande , drunke a good draught , and resting vpon it a little , founde himselfe so whole of his wounds , which the three knights had giuen him , and of that , which the loue of Celia had made in his brest , that now he felt the paine no more , which either of them had caused in him , then if he had neuer had them . And in this sort he began to rekindle the old loue , that he bare to Felismena , the which ( he thought ) was neuer more zealous then now . Whereupon sitting downe vpon the greene grasse , hee tooke his Lady and Shepherdesse by the hands , and kissing them manie times saide thus vnto her . How small account would I make of my life ( my deerest Felismena ) for cancelling that great bond , wherein ( with more then life ) I am for euer bound vnto thee : for since I enioy it by thy means , I thinke it no more then right , to restore thee that , which is thine owne . With what eies can I behold thy peerelesse beauty , which ( though vnaduisedly ) I knew not to be such , yet how dare I ( for that which I owe thee ) cast them in any other part ? What wordes are sufficient to excuse the faults , that I haue committed against thy faith , and firmest loue , and loyaltie ? Wretched and accursed for euer shall I be , if thy condition and clemencie be not enclined to my fauour , and pardon : for no satisfaction can suffice for so great an offence , nor reason to excuse me for that , which thou hast to forget me . Truth it is , that I loued Celia well , and forgot thee , but not in such sort that thy wisedome and beautie did euer slide out of my minde . And the best is , that I knowe not wherein to put this fault , that may be so iustly attributed to me ; for if I will impute it to the yoong age that I was then in , since I had it to loue thee , I shoulde not haue wanted it to haue beene firme in the faith that I owed thee . If to Celias beautie , it is cleere , that thine did farre excell hers and all the worlds besides . If to the change of time , this shoulde haue beene the touchstone which should haue shewed the force and vertue of my firmenes . If to iniurious and trayterous absence , it serues as little for my excuse , since the desire of seeing thee should not haue been absent from supporting thy image in my memorie . Behold then Felismena , what assured trust I put in thy goodnes , that ( without any other meanes ) I dare put before thee , the small reason thou hast to pardone me . But what shall I doe to purchase pardon at thy gracious hands , or after thou hast pardoned me , to beleeue , that thou art satisfied : for one thing greeues me more then any thing else in the world , and this it is . That , though the loue which thou hast borne me , and wherewith thou dost yet blesse me , is an occasion ( perhaps ) to make thee forgiue me , and forget so many faults : yet I shall neuer lift vp mine eies to behold thee , but that euerie iniurie , which I haue done thee , will be worse then a mortal incision in my guiltie hart . The Shepherdesse Felismena , who saw Don Felix so penitent for his passed misdeedes , and so affectionately returned to his first thoughts , with many teares told him , that she did pardon him , bicause the loue , that she had euer borne him , would suffer her to do no lesse : which if she had not thought to do , she would neuer haue taken so great paines and so many wearie iourneyes to seeke him out , and many other things , wherewith Don Felix was confirmed in his former loue . Whereupon the faire Nymph Doria came then to the Knight , and after many louing words and courteous offers in the Ladie Felicias behalfe passed betweene them , she requested him and faire Felismena to goe with her to Dianas Temple , where the sage Ladie ( with great desire to see them ) was attending their comming . Don Felix agreed thereunto , and taking their leaue of the Portugall Shepherdesses ( who wondered not a little to see what had happened ) and of the woefull Shepherd Danteus , mounting vpon the horses of the dead Knights that were slaine in the late combate , they went on their waie . And as they were going , Felismena told Don Felix with great ioy , what she had past since she had last seene him , which made him to maruell verie much , and especially at the death of the three Sauages , and at the Palace of the sage Ladie Felicia , and successe of the Shepherds and Shepherdesses , and at euerie thing else contained in this booke . And Don Felix wondred not a little to vnderstand how his Ladie Felismena had serued him so many daies as his page , and that he was so far gon out of his wits and memorie , that he knew her not all that while . And his ioy on the other side , to see that his Ladie loued him so well , was so great , that by no meanes he could hide it . Thus therefore riding on their way , they came to Dianas Temple , where the sage Felicia was looking for their comming : and likewise the Shepherd Arsileus , and Belisa , Syluanus , and Seluagia , who were now come thither not many daies before . They were welcommed on euerie side , & with great ioy intertained ; but faire Felismena especially , who for hir rare vertues and singular beautie was greatly honored of them all . There they were all married with great ioy , feasts , and triumphes , which were made by all the goodly Nymphes , and by the sage and noble Ladie Felicia ; the which Syrenus with his comming augmented not a little , of whom , & of the Portugall Shepherds Danteus , and Duarda , more shall be spoken in the second part of this booke .

The end of the seauen Bookes of Diana of George of Montemayor .

THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE SECOND PART OF DIANA OF George of Montemayor . Written by Alonso Perez .

ALthough it was not otherwise possible , but that the ioy of these happie Louers was very great , since fortune had now lifted them vp to so high a degree of content , and happines , as they themselues could not wish for more , ( euery one possessing his onely desire ) yet I thinke that Felicias was not any whit lesse then theirs , by seeing her selfe visited by so worthie a companie , and that by her onely meanes they enioyed such wished rest : And the rather , for that she was more capable to feele this ioy , by reason of the excellencie of her wit , the mature iudgement whereof , the more it was higher then theirs , the more it made the internall powers and workes of the soule more perfect and absolute . So that if the sage Lady had onely regarded her pleasure and content ( forgetting what was conueeient for euery one of them ) she would not haue requested them to come to her Palace againe : but being so carefull for those things , which were most needefull for them , by neglecting her owne will and desire , she prouided for euery one in particular . Whereupon ( certaine daies being past , in which she had entertained them with most royall and sumptuous feastes , and small they were not , since she was mightier in operations then others in imaginations ) she bethought her of Arsileus , and of his deere loue Belisa , and therewithall remembred how needefull it was for them to goe visit and comfort their aged parents , who passed many a doubtfull and sorrowfull thought for them , Arsenius especially father vnto Arsileus , whom she had now remedied and rid from the loue , which so lately had made him dote on faire Belisa . Who therefore giuing the Lady Felicia infinite thankes for the benefites , and louing entertainment they had receiued at her handes , and taking their leaue of the Lordes , Ladies , Nymphes , and Shepherdes that were there , the next day following went to their owne towne . And not many daies after , Felicia one night after supper saide thus to Syluanus and Seluagia . I could not choose but blame you fortunate Shepherdes , for the small care you haue of your flockes , if I my selfe were not in fault , bicause you haue neuer asked after them in all this time , nor ( I thinke ) once remembred them , fearing lest by reason of your absence , they haue beene in great want , and not without cause , being not carried to feede at conuenient times vpon the greene and sauorie grasse , nor ( at their neede ) driuen to the cleere springs to quench their burning thirst , nor with wonted loue put into the coole and pleasant shades : And seeing that with familiar and gentle hand they are not eased of the burden of their fruitfull bags , that swell with abundance of white milke , and that with the accustomed and knowen voice of their louing Shepherds they are not called to licke the smooth peebles of the sauourie salt ; nor that your sweete Bagpipes ( seconded with many amorous Ditties , which not long since made there the woods and dales to ring ) haue sounded in their eares : It is therefore conuenient that to morrow you depart at the rising of purple Aurora the foreteller of speedie Phebus , whereof I put you in minde , at this time especially , bicause your absence from them before was not so great , that you needed to be told thereof . Which departure of yours I woulde not haue you thinke is to any other ende , but to set some order in your affaires , that at your pleasure you may the sooner returne hither againe , assuring you that elsewhere you shall not be better entertained with deedes , then heere with hart and good will . And your returne shall onely be to solace your selues in the companie of Don Felix , and Felismena , whose time is not yet come to depart . Wherefore I pray you goe about it , for setting all things in good order touching your flockes and domesticall affaires , you may doe the other the better ; yet promising you , that before you come to your dwelling places , you shall finde those that can looke well to your flockes , if you will at the lest commit them to their charge : and who will most willingly take it vpon them . Let your returne ( therefore ) be with as much speede as may be , which shall result to your owne profite , and to their pleasure with whom you shail passe away the time heere . Syluanus and Seluagia had their eies so fastened on the maiesticall countenance of the Sage Lady , perceiuing her speech to be onely addressed to them , that with great reuerence they rose out of their places , and gaue a diligent eare vnto her , bicause they might better vnderstande the meaning and effect thereof . For otherwise seldome were their eies caried away into any other part , but to looke vpon one another , vnable to remooue them ( the least time that might be ) from thence , wherein each others soule had no small portion , and thinking it stealth , to remooue their thoughts from that entire affection , whereof their mutuall harts had so sure possession . Whereupon the sage Ladies speech being ended , both of them turned their amorous eies to each other againe , Syluanus making louing signes to Seluagia to answer the Ladies intent . To whom with a seemly blush , as partly ashamed thereat , she saide in this sort . It is now no time ( my deere Syluanus ) to vse circumstances of such arte , when there is no cause , neither doe they well beseeme this place . For though their vsage to all women is commendable , yet not in particular , for the husband to his wife , and in such sort as if he went about to preferre her before himselfe . For after that the woman hath deliuered herselfe into the possession of her husband , she therewithal yeeldeth vp to his iurisdiction the title of her libertie , by the sweete and sacred bonde of marriage . Whereupon I shall see the loue thou bearest me , if thou vsest this pleasant bonde according to the iust lawes thereof , by setting aside the superstitious vanities of vnlawfull and wanton loue . Syluanus had not let Seluagia escaped so smoothly without an answer , if he had not thought it an vndecent part to defer his to the sage Lady . Wherfore giuing a becke with his head to his Shepherdesse in token of thanks , and that he was well pleased , with her louing words , he answered Felicia thus . Presupposing ( sage Lady ) that we must do all that you commaund and set downe , and that there is nothing more behoouefull for our welfare , then your will , and pleasure , therein it lies to command vs whatsoeuer , I feeling no greater reprehension in mine owne behalfe , then that which proceedes from your wise and louing aduise , saying , that I haue no care of my flocks , nor thought of them at all : For though ( I confesse ) I haue not remembred them as reason woulde I had done , yet cannot I therefore be iustly blamed , but rather thinke , that if I had done otherwise , I might haue beene in greater fault . For it were not meete , since I haue receiued such benefits in your house , that I shoulde forget one minute , that ioy and content , wherewith such sweete and pleasant thoughts are ingendred and preserued , to thinke vpon those flockes that feede vpon the vnsauorie grasse . And you may also beleeue , that if my fewe and silly sheepe , nay if the whole worlde should perish , and be lost , and that if it lay in my hands to helpe them both , in respect of employing my high and happy thoughts ( the least time that might be ) on my faire and vertuous Shepherdesse , my sheepe should remaine without helpe , and the world without succour . Seluagia that was not vnskilfull in paying such debts with like coine again , an swered him thus . As it lieth not in me , ( my deere friend ) so will I not find fault with any thing thou dost : which I speake to this end , bicause thou shouldest not vse ( as I told thee before ) any more words so apparantly manifesting that loue , whereof I doubt not : Although there is nothing ( if I must tell the truth , after the glorie that I haue conceiued in my ioyfull thoughts by being thine ) that can please and content me more then to see , how farre by wordes and effect thy true loue extendeth . For though some say , That where deedes be , wordes are in vaine , yet I take great pleasure in hearing them , when they are by all probabilitie correspondent vnto deedes , and especially in matters of loue , whereof we now talke . For since the interiour part is a hidden and secret thing , and which is soonest discouered by wordes , wee must therefore not meanely account of them , that pretend to make the interiour knowne by th' exteriour . True it is that such words and outward actes must be measured by the effects of him that pronounceth them . For oftentimes we see that many things are vttred by a false and deceitfull toong , which were neuer ment in the hart . Which I speake not in preiddice of thy loue ( my deere Shepherd ) or to 〈◊〉 thee of disloyaltie , assuring that I am glad to heare thy words , whereby ( besides the certaintie that I haue of thy truest loue ) thou makest me the most contented woman in the world . And in this I take no small glory , and that thy loue ( not able to containe it selfe within the soule ) flowes out by the mouth , like the little pot which filled with water is hardly set on the fire without running ouer . And bicause thou maist not thinke to ouercome me in affection , I would wish that as loue hath giuen me deedes , it had also lent me some wordes , to make a full satisfaction of those true signes of thy vnfained good will , which hath brought me so much in thy debt . But since they are so strange vnto mee , I must , with onely offring that which I am able to giue , endeuour to discharge my selfe thereof . They all tooke great delight to heare what amorous wordes passed betweene the Shepherdes , which had not ended so soone , if Felicia had not cut them off , saying : That since the one was satisfied and content with the others answere , their complements should now cease , and turning to Syrenus , she said . And thinke not ( free Shepherd ) that I haue forgotten thee , for thou shalt hereafter see woonders at my hands . I know not any thing good Ladie ( said Syrenus ) wherein I may truely say you haue forgotten me , since you haue made me so much remember my selfe , that with cleere eies I may easily discerne , not only my follies past ; but also those which these Gentlemen and shepherds are so fondly fallen into . Euerie one laughed at Syrenus words , to whom Felicia said . In sooth Syrenus , all are of thy opinion , if not , aske thy corriuall Syluanus , and his beloued Seluagia . The blind man ( answered Syrenus ) cannot iudge of colours . Whom wilt thou haue then for iudge ( said Felicia ? ) Him ( said Syrenus ) that hath the eies of reason . And who is he , said Felicia ? If there be no other ( said Syrenus ) my selfe . So wouldest thou giue sentence ( said Felicia ) in thine owne fauour ; but knowest thou not , that the iudge is not admitted , when he is not free from passion ? But I am ( said Syrenus . ) Otherwise ( said Felicia ) thy iudgement would not be allowed . Not for me at the least ( saide Syrenus ) though it be for others . Let vs leaue this for some fitter time ( said Felicia . ) And ( Syrenus ) thou shalt to morrow accompany Syluanus and Seluagia home , bicause thou camest in their company hither , but with condition ( as theirs is ) of thy speedie returne againe . Syrenus answered , that it pleased him well . It is well then , said Felicia : and therfore let vs go take our rest with some parting song to the tune of thy free Rebecke , and Syluanus and Seluagia with their enamoured Bagpipes shall answer thee . Then did Syluanus take his Bagpipe for Syrenus to sing to it , and Syrenus his Rebecke to play to Syluanus when he had done . And so Syrenus leading the song , began thus .

Syrenus . WHo hath of Cupids cates and dainties prayed , May feede his stomacke with them at his pleasure : If in his drinke some ease he hath essated , Then let him quench his thirsting without measure : And if his weapons pleasant in their manner , Let him imbrace his standard and his banner . For being free from him , and quite exempted , Ioyfull I am , and proud , and well contented . Syluanus . Of Cupids daintie cates who hath not prayed , May be depriued of them at his pleasure : If wormewood in his drinke he hath essated , Let him not quench his thirsting without measure : And if his weapons cruell in their manner , Let him abiure his standard and his banner : For I not free from him , and not exempted , Ioyfull I am , and proud , and well contented . Syrenus . Loue 's so expert in giuing many a trouble , That now I knowe not , why he should be praised : He is so false , so changing , and so double , That with great reason he must be dispraised : Loue ( in the end ) is such a iarring passion , That none should trust vnto his peeutsh fashion : For of all mischiefe he 's the onely Master , And to my good a torment and disaster . Syluanus . Loue 's so expert in giuing ioy , not trouble , That now I knowe not , but he should be praised : He is so true , so constant , neuer double , That in my minde he should not be dispraised : Loue ( in the end ) is such a pleassing passion , That euery one may trust vnto his fashion : For of all good he is the onely Master , And foe vnto my harmes , and my disaster . Syrenus . Not in these sayings to be proou'd a lier , He knowes , that doth not loue , nor is beloued : Now nights and daies I rest , as I desier , After I had such greefefrom me remoued : And cannot I be glad , since thus estranged , My selfe from false Diana I haue changed ? Hence , hence false Loue I will not entertaine thee , Since to thy torments thou dost seeke to traine me . Syluanus . Not in these sayings to be proou'd a lier , He knowes , that loues , and is againe beloued : Now nights and daies I rest in sweete desier , After I had such happy fortune proued : And cannot I be glad , since not estranged , My selfe into Seluagia I haue changed ? Come , come good Loue , and I will entertaine thee , Since to thy sweete content thou seek'st to traine mee .

The rest of the companie tooke great delight to heare the Shepherds sing , and how contrary they were in their opinions , commending Syluanus his wit and skill very much , which he shewed in euery point with the same termes to contradict Syrenus . And after this , they went to sleepe , the Shepherds then taking their leaue for their departure earely in the morning , bicause rising betimes , not to trauell in the heate of the day , their visiting in the morning might not hinder their quiet sleepe . Felicia gaue Doria in charge to fill their scrips that night before with sufficient prouision for their way , who like a friendly and louing Nymph , that was neuer slacke to serue their necessitie , going about it immediately , did put into the same good store of victuals .

The opprobrious and rude shame of the ignominious coniunction , had nowe thrust out vermillion and purple Aurora to leaue with her absence , the deformed little old man in a solitarie sadnes , for feare of being espied by Phoebus : and the little stars as most obedient , and of lesse force , with the comming of the mounting Sunne into our Hemisphere , hid themselues when the three Shepherds went from Felicias rich pallace towards their poore Cottages by their accustomed and knowen waies : which with their pleasant and merry talke they ouercame , and made lesse painfull , conferring togither of bitter and sorrowfull memories of times past , and entermingling them with recitall of the sweete and ioyfull remedies of their former greefes , which by Felicias fauours they enioyed , liuing now in a happie and wished estate .

But Clicies louing friend had scarce lifted vp his chariot ouer the face of the earth , when from the side of a hill they espied a Shepherd comming downe with a paper in his hand , staying betweene pace and pace , and vnfolding it , looked into it , and put it by and by into his bosome againe , and without playing on Bagpipe or Rebecke , began to sing this Sonnet .

A Sonnet . FRom whence O Paper mine such happie fauour , That vndeseruedly thou must be placed Before that flowre that yeeldes the sweetest sauour , Which nature hath with all her powres graced ? Thou shalt the figure see ( my louing Paper ) Where all the vertues make their wished dwelling , And of the rest not any one escape her , Graces , and giftes , and beauties most excelling . Then when thou com'st before my heauenly treasure , Say thus from me to her . He sends me hither , Who liues to serue thee , whilst his life extendeth : In onely this his thoughts are musing euer : In ioy of this both nights and daies he spendeth : To serue thee is his onely sport and pleasure .

At the very instant when the Shepherd made an end of his Sonnet , the three Shepherds met with him , for they might well haue come to the valley before , where their way and the other Shepherds met both togither in a crosse path , but that of purpose to heare him , they lingred out the time as they went ; to whom ( after they had saluted him ) they saide . Since our Fortune hath beene so good to vs ( iolly Shepherd ) to make vs take part of thy sweet Sonnet , do not thus leaue vs in suspence , by hiding from vs , what this happy paper containeth . I am content saide ( the Shepherd ) vpon condition ( when you haue read it , ) you will let me go without any more questions , as well for that I go in haste , as also that it doth not please me to giue any further account and discouerie of my selfe . Syrenus taking the paper to read it , and seeing it was a letter saide . Tell vs in briefe ( if it please thee ) the contents heerof , bicause thou knowest how hardly ( otherwise ) the ground and meaning of letters are vnderstood . No more ( said the Shepherd ) but this . A most faire yoong Shepherdesse , to whom in good qualities , and excellent parts I come nothing neer ( I will not speake of the rest , since in these she hath not her equall ) for want of better companie , hath vouchsafed to like of mine , whereupon she and I , to passe away the time , haue feined to play the parts of two true Louers . Wherein , ( when I tooke least heede ) I quickly perceiued , that the faining of my side was turned to good earnest ( she remayning still in her former estate and libertie ) and that her iesting neuer made any true impression of loue in her owne hart , as it hath done in mine . The rest and almost all if thou wilt diligently reade , or harken vnto , thou maiest easilie gather . Syrenus then beginning to reade it , saw that it said thus .

POore I that am not now for thee ( If any health I haue to lend ) To thee , that hast each part of me All that I haue , I meane to send . Receiue this letter left alone , That to conuers all his to thine , And not in any thing his owne , This onely paper is behinde . Since I haue giu'n thee all the rest , Thine honour it shall not gainstand , To take a thing , that is the lest : Apeece of paper at my hand . So poore and base a thing as this , Cannot offend thy minde so high : Why then , it cannot be amisse , To take and reade it by and by . But in the same if thou dost find Words written ill , and not well coucht , Knowe , that my hand did like the winde Tremble , when that my pen it toucht . The blots , which heere thou see'st disgrace My letter , making it to blame , My teares they are , that fell apace , Knowing to thee I wrote the same . Reade it , I pray thee , to the end : And make an end of all my woes , Open thine eies to this I send , And to my griefes giue some repose . And to the end thou maist it reede , It comes not from an En'mies brest , But from a faithfull hart indeede , And from a friend aboue the rest . It is no letter , that defies ( Defied for I am too much ) Alas in conquer'd men it lies Not in their power to be such . In endlesse peace I seeke to liue , And on thy grace I doe relie , If not , the doome and sentence giue Vnto my life condemn'd to die . I haue contended to this howre Thy mighty forces to resist , And now I finde , thy onely powre Doth conquer ( Mistresse ) as thou list . It is not much , that in the field Vnto thy valour I giue place , Since that the God of loue doth yeeld Himselfe , vnto thy wounding face . So that now subiect Iremaine Vnto thy sou'raine force , I see , Then wound me not , for t' is in vaine , Since wholy I doe yeeld to thee . My life I put into thy hands , And now doe with me at thy will , But yet behold , how pitie stands Entreating thee thou wouldst not kill . So shalt thou make thy conquest braue , If in thy spoiles and triumphes , such Remorse of pitie thou wilt haue , Which all the world commends so much . I sawe thee sit not long agoe Feasting with ioy and pleasant fare , And I , bicause I could not soe , Did feede vpon my woes and care . There leisurely thou didst begin Of other cates and flesh to feede , But I with haste did rauin in My pains , wherwith my hart did bleede . The Riuer water thou didst drinke With freest minde deuoid of care , But I in fluds of teares did sinke , The which to drinke I did not spare . I sawe thee with thy little knife Cutting thy bread and meate againe , And then ( me thought ) my wofull life Should in like sort be cut in twaine . A little Boy sat in thy lap , Thou didst imbrace him with great ioy : Oh would it had beene then my hap To haue beene that same little Boy . Thou gau'st to him a louing kisse : What heere I felt , I will repeate , Let it suffice , that I was this Most happy childe , but in conceate . But not contented with the same , Marking the place where thou didst lay Thy lips , vnto the childe I came , And tooke from him the kisse away . Each thing of thine so well I loue , That if I see them to decay , Me thinks , my care it doth behoue To saue , to cast them not away . For all the bones , which thou didst leaue , With greedy stomacke I did picke , Bicause I onely did conceaue , That they thy daintie mouth did licke . The place I marked of the pot , That did thy Corall lips diuide , When thou didst drinke , and I did not Forget to drinke of that same side . And with the wine which I did shed Of purpose , on the cloth aboue : Often ( in vaine ) these words in red My finger wrote : I loue , I loue : ( Disdainfull ) thou dost not esteeme These signes , nor these in ductions know , Or dost at least ( as it doth seeme Dissemble : it must needes be so . And onely that thou dost dissemble , Which might vnto my profit fall , But that which makes me now to tremble , Alas , thou fainest not at all . By seeing such effects in me , That thou dost cause my heauines , Thou fain'st , my plaintes are not for thee , But for some other Shepher desse . Thou seest how for thy loue I paine , And at thy gracious feete I lie . ( To grecue me more ) yet dost thou faine , That for another I doe die . But if thy beauties in great store Engender pride of such excesse , Thou must beleeue , and faine no more , That my pure loue is no whit lesse . If thy perfections doe surpasse All beauties that the world doth breede , As much as Dimond passeth glasse , So doth my loue all loues exceede . And when thou com'st to know , that none Is worthy of thy louely grace , Thou must not faine , that I am one , That may deserue so sweete a place . I am not worthy of so deere A choice ( I say ) to be my lot , Since all the world hath not thy peere , For that it selfe descrues thee not . And though I said so ( in a vaine ) I shall not be beleeu'd , I knowe ; For well thou know'st what one doth faine , Is of a thing which is not soe . Distose of me euen at thy will , And faine as much as any one , So thou beleeue , and faine not still , That I loue none , but thee alone . Then on thy gentlenes I call In pitie , which thou hast forgot , Thou would'st not mocke my loue at all , Nor faine , that I doe loue thee not . Great Ioue can witnesse heere to thee , That it doth greeue me not so much , The little loue thou bear'st to me , As once to faine , that mine is such . Nor it doth greeue me of thy guise , To see thee mocke me in such sort : Or that my things in any wise May cause thy laughter and thy sport . But it doth glad me without measure , That thou dost mocke my loue so lost , Since by such meanes I giue thee pleasure : ( Although it be vnto my cost . ) To make thee laugh , I doe adiure The heauens ( as I thy loue may ioy ) That many times I doe procure To doe , and tell thee many a toy . And though I know none willomit To call me foole ( not without cause ) A simple man of little wit , Sweruing too much from reasons lawes : Yet Shepherdesse it skils me not , Nor it doth not my minde dismay That all repute me for a sot , So I may please thee any way . Since that I cannot ( Shepherdesse ) With things in earnest please thy vaine , I will content thee ( at the lest ) From hence with toies ( though to my pain ) To thee they are but things in iest ( For so thou mean'st to take them all ) But euer to my painfull brest True they haue proou'd , and so they shall . Mocke me thy fill , since thou dost make It all thy glee , thy sport , and laughter : But I doe wish , that Loue may take A narrow count of thee heereafter . I once did also iest with loue , Loue did I scoffe , and loue despise , But to my paine I now doe proue What did thereof to me arise . And this is that poore silly mee This wicked traitor brought vnto ; But woe is me , that now with thee I knowe not what he meanes to do . With iestes and sports of thousand fashions Two thousand fauors thou didst lend me , But yet the God of loue , to passions In earnest turnes them , to offend me . With thine owne hand ( O what a thing ) In iesting didst thou carue to me ? In iest thou saidst , and sometimes sing , Mine onely Shepherd thoushalt be . O sweetest foode of sauourie tast , Of force my poore lafe to maintaine : Sweet words , whose sound did bind me fast , Of force to giue me rest againe . Both word , and deede , and what did passe ( Though but a merry iest it were yet ) So singular a grace it was , That in my brest I cannot beare it . To sickest men , to giue great store Of meate , and so much as they craue , It is not good , but iust no more , Then it is meete for them to haue . Fauours I craue by heapes of thee , That thou wouldst giue me ( Shepherdesse ) But yet ( perhaps ) they may kill me , For little force I doe possesse . It hurts the driest field and meade , As much to cast in them great plentie Of water , as if they lay deade , Of water , and of moisture emptie . So fauours in the selfesame sort , If that they haue no rule , nor measure , Suffice to make ones life more short , As wel as scornes , hates , and displeasure . But in the end , and howsoeuer , Take thy full ioy , although I die . Whether it be with death for euer , Or with my life , I care not I. Mocke , and with me doe what thou list , And happen will , what happen may , My will thy will shall not resist , But thy commaund shall still obay , Commaund me then to be thy loue , Commaund me in thy loue to end , And he that rules , and is aboue All harts , commaund thy hart to bend . Since mightie Loue commaunds my hart , Of force thy louer I must bee , Ioine thou with loue , and take his part , Then all the world shall honour thee . But I haue written to be plaine Enough , since thou hast not thy fill By giuing me continuall paine , Desiring yet to serue thee still . But in the end now will I cease , Although my torment doth not end : Desire is conquerd by the feare I haue , thy patience to offend .

When Syrenus had made an end of reading this letter , the Shepherd tooke it out of his hands , & without staying any longer , went his waies singing . That which he sung , whilest they could heare him ( giuing great eare vnto him ) was to the purpose of that , which he had told them before he shewed them the letter .

A Sonnet . I Plaid with Loue , Loue plaid with me againe , I mocked him , but I was mockt in deede , He would not let my hart his art exceede : For ( though a Boy ) yet mocks he doth disdaine . A friend he is to those , that doe not faine : My iestes ( it seemes ) doe true affection breede : And now , if Loue is not reuenged with speede , My hart can witnes that with earnest paine . Goe louers then to iest it out apace With this God Cupid but a boy , and blinde , And you shall see , if it be good or noe ? Thinking to haue delight , you shall haue woe , Seeking cold water , fire you shall finde , Who plaies with boies , comes often to disgrace .

They maruelled not a little at the sweetenes of his song , & were no lesse sorrie , bicause they knew not what Shepherd he was ; but seeing it was not then possible to know him , they went on their nighest waies . Some haste they made to passe away the heate of the day in that Iland , where they found the desperate Shepherdesse Belisa , taking the same to be a more fresh and pleasant place , and more quiet for their recreation then any other . Whereunto being come , they saw how a little brooke , couered almost all ouer with sweet and smelling herbs , ranne gently thorow a little greene meadow amongst a ranke of diuers trees , that were nourished and maintained by the cleere water ; vnder the shadowes of which , as they were now determined to rest themselues , Syrenus said . Let vs see ( if you thinke good ) from whence this little spring doth issue foorth : It may be the place is more fresh and cooler thereabouts ; if not , or if we cannot finde out the fountaine , from whence it flowes , we will come hither againe . It liked his company well , and so they desired him to leade the way . Euerie place and part , that all the brooke vpwards they troad on , inuited them to pleasant rest , being all alike to the verie fountaine , whereupon Seluagia said . If we cannot finde out the beginning of this spring , we shall not finde ( at the least ) any discontent for our selues , or suffer any trouble in returning backe againe , since so conuenient places ( as better , and more pleasant we cannot wish for our desired rest ) in going vp higher , are offered vnto vs . Hauing now gone vp a little along the running brooke , and not found out the head , and that euerie step ( as I said ) presented vnto them a pleasant place of rest , they went staying somtimes , & somtimes reasoning with themselues , where they might sit , one of them saying : This place is more fresh : and another answering , no , but this , let vs sit downe heere , for this is more pleasant : no , but here ( said another : ) So that the pleasant obiect of euerie place held them in such suspence , that none of them could choose out the best . But resoluing at the last vpon one , they tooke the scrips of their shoulders , and passing their sheepehookes from their left hands , they tooke them in their right to lay them downe to rest , when they saw , that with greater quantitie of waters and fresher shades of green trees the brooke ranne vp higher ; so that for a new hope , a new aire and place was obiected to them . They had not yet scarce begun to goe vp a little farther , when the brooke forsaking her right course towardes the left hand , made them turne their steps backe againe , where they discouered a great thicket , and spring of diuers trees . Comming to the which , they saw a very narrow entrance , and somwhat long , whose sides were not of wals fabricated by artificiall hand , but made of trees by nature ( the mistresse of all things : ) so that the wooddy place was no lesse enobled and imbelished with the naturall verdure , then the stately chambers with embossed gold . For there was seene the deadly Cypresse , the triumphant Laurell , the hard Oke , the low sallow , the inuincible palme , the blacke and ruggie Elme , the Oliue , the prickie Chestenut , & the high Pineapple , one amongst another ; whose bodies were bound about with greene Iuie and the fruitfull vine , and beset with sweet Iesmines & many other redolent flowers , that grew very thicke togither in that place . Amongst the which many little birds ( inhabitants of that wood ) went leaping from bough to bough , as in scornefull cages , making the place more pleasant with their sweete and siluer notes . The trees were in such order set togither , that they denied not the golden sunbeames to haue an entrance in betweene the boughes and leaues , to paint forth the greene ground with diuers colours , which reuerberated from the flowers , that were neuer steadie in one place , by reason that the mooueable leaues did disquiet them . This narrow way did also lead to a little greene , couered all ouer with fine grasse , and not touched with the hungrie mouthes of deuouring flockes . At the side of it , was the fountaine of the brooke , hauing a care , that that place should not drie vp , sending forth on euerie side her flowing waters . The water of this cleere fountaine came out of a stony rocke , which a great Oke with his hard rootes did imbrace , on either side whereof stood two great Laurell trees . This fountaine did rise towards that place , where the sunne beginnes to mount , declining somewhat to the septentrionall part . The same rockie stone , whereby the water ranne out , serued both for a mouth and channell , which was not wrought with the blow of the hard Chesil ; but by the continuall running of the gentle water : and so it was in some places a little more worne , then in others , being more soft , or ( to say more properly ) lesse hard in one place then in another ; and by reason of the concauitie of the stone , there was seene an inequalitie , that represented a more pleasant and gracious running , bicause it made the water come out more merily with high and low fals , representing certaine cristalline in cleeres , and shadows , a pleasant and delightfull sight to the greedie eie . The water fell into a fountaine of the same rockie stone , wrought after the same forme , as the channell was : It was fouresquare , and euery side was fower foote in bredth , and in depth sixe or a little more . The Petrenall was not right , to smite fire with the blowe of hard steele , bicause it was not blacke , but so white , that had it not beene for the hardnes thereof , none would haue thought , but that it had beene Alablaster . And though it was not so curiously cut out , and wrought like marble , yet was it maruellous and strange for the turne it serued . And so for the clecrenes of the water , as also for the whitenes of the rockie stone it was so christalline , that if any foule thing did fall therein , it was so apparant to his sight that came thither , that ( maugre his will ) hee was forced not to suffer it to receiue such iniurie , but to bring it againe to the former purenes : For which cause it was euer kept verie cleere , and cleane . The water ranne out of it into an Ilande on both sides , to enuironne the greene plat , which was set round about with white Poplars , blacke Elmes , and greene Sallowes . It was in length about a hundred and fiftie paces , and a hundred and twentie in bredth . There was no entrance into it , but where the Shepheds went in , and by another way right ouer against the same , made almost in the selfe same forme and fashion : for the thicknes of the trees stopped vp all other waies , and also bicause the water that ranne by the sides , issuing towards the side without in some places of that brooke , did wax so broad between the place of the trees , that by the playne it could not , by reason that it was somewhat higher . Neere to this fountaine did the Shepherds sit vnder the shadow of a braunchie Oke , and certaine Laurell trees , and taking out some of those victuals that Doria had prouided for them ( after they had rested themselues a little ) they ouercame their importunate hunger , satisfying their appetites sufficiently with the same : and bicause they had a good way to goe that day , they tooke not their rest , as much as the place and their desires did inuite them ; but before all the heate of the day was past ( least the time should also passe away with it ) they were about to goe from that place . But as they were preparing themselues to rise , and to be gone , Syrenus saide to Syluanus . It is not reason Syluanus , that , liuing now in such ioy and content , and in the presence of thy beloued Seluagia , thou shouldest let thy Bagpipe waxe so drie ; nor , is it meete , that from this pleasant place ( the friendly entertainment and delights whereof thou hast enioyed ) thou shouldest depart , without requiting it with the sweetnes of thy melodie , and song . With greater reason ( answered Syluanus ) should the Hamadryades preseruers of these trees , and the Driades inhabitours of these green woods complaine of thee , that wouldest go away , without giuing them some part of thy sweete harmonie , and melodious voice . Let vs leaue this courteous contention ( said Syrenus ) and doe that which I request thee , for the great reason which thou hast to do it for that which I told thee first , though thou wilt not ( perhaps ) for that , which I alleaged last . For the first indeed I cannot deny thee said Syluanus , but in faith I know not what to sing , that might not grieue thee , that art so far from loue , or offend me that am so full of amorous thoughts , so that in the end I can sing nothing ( vnlesse it be to mine owne griefe ) but that which belongs thereunto . To heare thy delicate songs , and inioy the sweetnes of thy voice ( saide , Syrenus ) I will be content with any thing : but since it must needes be in such sort , in thy song I pray thee shew , how far the firmnenes of thy loue extendeth , which thou bearest to thy louing Shepherdesse ; for by occasion heereof I know she cannot , nor will not choose but answere thee againe , in whose sweet voice and song I shall take no lesse delight , then in thine . I am content said Syluanus . And then thus he began .

Syluanus . IT may fall out the heauens may turne at leisure , And stay themselues vpon the highest mountaines : And Ezla , and Mondego , at their pleasure . With hastie course turne backe vnto their fountaines : And that the flaxe , or reede , laid to the fire , May not consume in flames , but burne like wire : But yet the day and time shall happen neuer , When Syluan shall not loue Seluagia euer .

Immediately without any entreatie , Seluagia , bicause she would not die in Syluanus debt , nor be beholding to him in this respect , taking her Baggepipe vp , in this sort did answer him .

Seluagia . The ground shall first be void , nor trod , nor vsed , Leesing her nature , and her proper being : First shall the raine , and water be refused Of plants , no moisture round about them seeing : First shall our life with aire be not sustained , And first the foode of hunger be disdained : Before the world shall see a deede so hainous , Seluagia not to loue her deere Syluanus . Syluanus . The presence of the woolfe , that doth deuoure The sillie lambes , in shades shall not be feared : As little shall the hare , within her bowre The yalping hounds , nor harts of lions teared ; Nor Mouse of Cat , All hate shall be extruded , And louing peace twixt all shall be concluded : But yet the time and day shall happen neuer When Syluan shall not loue Seluagia euer . Seluagia . The flocke of little chickes ( the dams deere treasure ) Of rauening kites and gleades shall be eschewed : The Partridge shall securely liue in pleasure , Of praying Goshauke being not pursued : The pullaine shall not be of Foxe molested , But peace , and truce twixt all shall be suggested : But neuer lies a deede in her so hainous , As that Seluagia should forget Syluanus . Syluanus . I say , while any part shall be maintained Of thy Syluanus with blood and vitall powres , And whilst each member of the same sustained Shall be with soule , vnto their latest howres ; And if ( besides ) the soule can loue ( expired ) When to the graue the body is retired , In life , in death , else let him prosper neuer : Syluan . sshall loue his Shepherdesse for euer . Seluagia . I say , while liuing breath shall not be wanting In thy Seluagia , louing thee so truly : And while her soule , within her body panting , Shall make aboade , and gouerne it so duly : And afterwardes , if that ( the same deceased ) Body and soule may be in loue increased , In life , and death , and after death so hainous , Seluagia shall for euer loue Syluanus .

Syrenus being very glad for the contentment of their companie , and to see them both loue one another with such mutuall and great affection , and knowing that it belonged to the dutie of friendship , and ( though he had refused ) that they woulde entreate him in the end to sing , without more ado , tooke his Rebecke and sung thus .

THe Gods graunt you to frolicke in your hall , His yeeres , that so long time with nature striue , And that in happie fortune you may liue , Free from all kinde of sorrowes , great or small : And in your loue one haire may neuer fall Of iealousie , a plague eid like a sieue . Let heauens to temporall 〈◊〉 their fauours giue . Fire , aire , sea , earth , and nature at your call . The rot may neuer touch your soundest stockes , Feare of the woolfe your shades may not molest : And wily foxe not feare your pretie lambes . In plenty may encrease your goodly stockes , Two kids may yeerely yeane your fruitfull dams , And your faire Ewes with double twinlings blest .

The Shepherds hauing made an end of their sweete songs , rose vp , and casting their hairy scrippes on their shoulders , staying themselues vpon their knotty sheephooks , began to go on their way . Who being comen out of that pleasant place into a faire meade , to passe the time away , and lighten their trauell and length of their way , went inuenting and exercising diuers pastorall sports , of which they made Seluagia iudge betweene them both ; sometimes throwing with their slings at some white or marke , that they could espie within their reach vpon the side of some hill or tree ; sometimes trying with great dexteritie the goodnes of their slings , to see , who coulde giue the greatest cracke with them ; sometimes striuing who coulde throwe his Sheepehooke farthest ; sometimes contending to pitch them neerest to some white , or Daisie in the way before them , and whether of them with the strength of his arme could come nighest to some other marke , as farre as they could reach ; and sometimes striuing who could smite a stone fardest with them . In this sort they passed the time and wearines of their way , vntill the broade mantell of the darke night beginning to ouerspred those plaines and fieldes , made an ende of their sports , and warned them to take their rest , where they lodged that night . The next day in the morning betimes , when the prety birdes with their warbling notes filling the aire ( not yet fully cleere ) with harmonie , foretold the comming of the Vermillion morning , they began to make an end of their former iourney . And now did the sunne cast downe his beames hotter vpon their heads , and with greater heate shewing his forces , when the three Shepherds came in sight of their knowne fieldes , and plaines , so often troden of them before . Whereupon they now began to know their wandring flockes , and amongst those Dianas sheepe , although they were mingled with the flockes of her vnwoorthy husband Delius : And so as Syluanus was saying , ( These are the flockes of the vngratefull and disdainfull Shepherdesse Diana , and of the Shepherd Delius , happie without desert ) Seluagia saide . It is not good to go by and not salute Diana , if we finde her there : And so they went that way to seeke her out , where they had not gone farre , but they sawe her standing very sadde , and leaning against a great Oke with her elbow vpon her sheepehooke , and her cheeke vpon the palme of her hande , whereby one might haue iudged the care and sorrow that so much troubled her pensiue minde . After a little while ( as though she was angrie with herselfe for casting her-selfe into so great a greefe ) she put her hand into her bosome , and tooke out a fine little Baggepipe , the which putting to her mouth to play on it , in that very instant , she threwe it to the ground , and without more adoe , sliding downe along the bodie of the tree , sat her downe , as if for great feeblenes she had not beene able to staie herselfe on her feete , and casting out a sorrowfull sigh , and looking vpon her harmlesse Baggepipe , she spake these words . Accursed Baggepipe , consuming fire burne thee , for the greefe and anguish that thou hast giuen me . I brought thee with me to lighten and asswage my cruell sorrow , in which dutie thou hast not onely failed , but redoubled it the more . Thou shalt not then accompanie me any more , for the ill requitall of that loue , wherewith I did euer cherish thee . Now I am not any more for thee , nor thou to serue my turne : There shalt thou lie for the parching sunne to open thee , making thee as drie as I am comfortlesse ; and for the raine to rotte thee , making thee as moist as my cheekes , spunged with continuall teares . Ah woe is me , how am I deceiued , in thinking that the silly and sencelesse Baggepipe is in fault of that , which enuious Fortune hath made me feele , and in forgetting ( being so skilfull in other things ) how more abundantly my fortune surchargeth my soule with paine and troubles , then this poore Baggepipe with any fault or iniurie ? How do I afflict and molest my selfe for a smal cause , hauing so many to wearie me withall ? O God , how comes it to passe , that the cause of my passed ioy and gladnes is now the occasion of my present sorrow , and that those things , which before were light and easie , are now most greeuous torments and burdens to me ? Howe soone is pleasure exiled from my poore soule , wherein it was woont to make so sweete a soiourne ? In how short a time haue I lost my deere content , whylom my only & trustie companion ? And how easily am I depriued of all ioy and happines , which I once so much at will possessed ? To what end doth it auaile me to be endowed with beauty and wit ( which with modestie I may chalenge , since all do affirme the same in me ) vnlesse they were sufficient to remooue some part of my greefe ? But I beseech the soueraigne Gods , that I were so farre from beautie and wit , as I am at this present from ioy and comfort , so that either the first had not brought me to this painfull condition of life , or want of the second passed it away without feeling it so sensiblie . O Syrenus and Syluanus , how are yee now reuenged of me , although it be vnknowne to you , thou Syluanus of the contempt I did vniustly beare thee , & thou Syrenus of the ill requitall I gaue thee for thy sincere and earnest loue . How neere ( alas ) doth the sorrowfull memorie of that ioyfull time come to my minde , that did so soone slide out of my hands ? I would the Gods had beene so pitifull to me , at one and selfe-same time to haue ended my daies , and those delightfull howers . When she had spoken these words , she gaue so great a sobbe , and such vehement sighes , that it seemed she had no more life left to animate her afflicted and feeble body . Syrenus his libertie and obliuion , and Syluanus his new content were not so great , but that their harts did melt with pitie at Dianas sorrowfull words and afflictions : for the passions and effects , which with her dolefull speeches so liuely she represented , were so manie , that might haue mooued the cruell Tygres to tendernes and compassion . In all this complaint she spake not a worde almost , that was not accompanied with a greeuous sigh . Seluagia therefore ( who by experience knew well , how much a great greefe aggrauateth the hart that suffers it ) felt Dianas paine no lesse , then both the Shepherds . But aboue all the rest , a certaine Shepherd , who bicause he woulde not be seene , stoode closely behinde a great Oke , yet as neere vnto her as he could , to heare her the better , & to see her face . The three Shepherds that were not far off , perceiued him , though he saw them not againe : And it was woorthy of admiration , to see how astonished he stoode at Dianas beautie , augmented ( if it might be ) with the burning anger and anguish of her greeuous thoughts , and enameled with the cristalline teares , which he sawe trickle downe from her cleere eies vpon her Rosie cheekes ; so that the Shepherd did neither stirre hand nor foote , nor did once put togither ( a common and naturall thing in all men ) his moouing eie-lids . But Diana vnable to take some little rest and ease in any place , rising vp from the harde ground , she went into those bushy thickets , next vnto hir , which was as great a griefe vnto the vnknowne Shepherd , as if his tender hart had been rent out of his panting brest . For seeing Diana gone , and that she would not harken to his request ( for he praied her to stay a little longer ) he made haste to followe her : But thinking with himselfe , that it contented her better to be alone , he went not after her , bicause he woulde not in any thing offende her , but sitting downe againe , and taking out his Rebecke , he began to sing this song following .

FAire Shepher desse Diana , Where dost thou now thy figure hide , More bright then cleere Diana , When to her full course she is hide . Venus , the Goddesse faire , Of beauties all the souer aine , Wonders at this affaire , That now her beauties doe not raine . A sunnie beame thou art , And who beholdes thy heauenly dies , Thou wound'st with natures art , And wounded , in his passions dies . Thou art a Dimond well , From whence sweete liquor floweth fast , Ambrosium thou art well , From which mine eies shall neuer fast . Each thing in thee thou hast To make thee perfect in each part , If now thou would'st but haste To pitie , not my soule to part . This wager will I beare , And lay , Thou wantest not an ounce , More cruell then a Beare To be , or Tygre , or an Ounce . Cruell thou art in praying , For thee I burne , as flames in Kill , Those that to thee are praying For mercie , thou dost scorne and kill . My soule thine absence teares , And giues vnto the same againe Torments , my torments teares , ( Teares that doe make so small a gaine . ) More bitter then the gall , Thy absence is , or Sallow wan , With sorrow it doth gall My hart , and makes me pale and wan . In beautie not a peere Thou hast , for it exceedes the rest , But where it doth appeere , Thy crueltie there giues no rest . O what a foole am I To wish to see her in this plaine , That from her mouth an ( I ) Will not afford , but ( No ) so plaine . No paine I doe deserue For words , hauing worse deeds essaid For whom Loue thus doth serue , It is not much this to haue said . If that thou mean'st to seale Thy crueltie in deedes to leaue , How can I then conceale The same in song among these leaues ? Faire Shepherdesse , who bad Thee flie from me ? If thou dost waigh , So base a thing , and bad , Deserues not glory any way .

They maruelled much at the Shepherdes new kinde of song , and how hee wrested the selfe same words to fall in ryme , that were of different significations : to whom at last they came , who , perceiuing he was espied , held his peace . And after they had saluted each other , Syrenus said . Whosoeuer thou art iollie Shepherd , so may not thy louing flockes be deuoured of the hungrie wolues , nor want the sweete and coole shades in burning summer , nor taste of the foule waters in seeking out cleere streames and fountaines , that thou wouldest hold on thy song : for this Shepherd and faire Shepherdesse here shall plaie vnto thee , whose merie Bagpipes , and sweete songs haue not once , but a hundred times stayed the nimble footed Faunes and Satyres in their swift flight , and made the faire Nymphes to come out of their greene arbours to listen to them . Shepherd , saide Firmius againe ( for this was his name ) thy manner of adiuring me is but of little force , since it shall greeue me little or nothing whether my flockes be torne by rauening wolues , when deeper matters then these trouble my mind , which ( more then deuouring wolues ) teare my hart a sunder . But yet for the respect which thou hast told me of these Shepherds ( which I beleeue no lesse ) I would be glad to giue you all the pleasure I could , but since I haue it not my selfe , nor am desirous to haue it in this sort , it is impossible that you should take any by my meanes ; and the more , since by those signes of ioye , that by their countenance may bee gathered , they haue little neede to borrowe it from him , that hath none at all . We will not denie ( said Seluagia ) but that , which thou hast said , is true , that so much , and more readie we are to shew our ioye , as thou art to manifest thy sorrow , which is not ( by that we our selues haue seene ) of many daies , nor howers continuance , bicause it seemes to bee ( to speake in plainer termes ) for loue of the faire Shepherdesse Diana . And if it be so , the sorrow cannot be much , which in so small a time cannot do any great harme . I will not deny Shepherdesse ( said Firmius ) nor confesse vnto thee , that Dianas beautie hath destroyed my content . But admit she were the cause thereof , thou hast but little skill ( it seemes ) and lesse experience in Cupides woundes ; for thou sayest that in a small time a great wound cannot be made , as if it were needfull for loue to haue some longer time to make a deep & perfect wound , to touch one to the quick . Thou knowest mine but a little ( said Seluagia ) by not confessing , that it is not onely greater then thine , or any others that were euer borne . Thou hadst not said amisse ( said Firmius ) if thou didst adde ( in thine opinion . ) It needed not ( said Seluagia . ) and lesse need haue I ( said Firmius ) by thy loue to know mine own , if ( at the least ) I had any at al. By not confessing it ( said Seluagia ) thou shewest the litle interest thou hast in loue : and perhaps the great propertie ( said Firmius ) that I haue in griefe and sorrow , bicause I dare not tell it . Why ( said Seluagia ) who doth hide the glorie of thy thoughts ? My small desertes ( said Firmius . ) So much the better ( said Seluagia ) bicause the glorie is greater . Nay the worse for this ( said Firmius ) bicause the fall shall be the greater . Thou art a great master of words ( said Seluagia . ) Nay of workes ( said Firmius . ) I haue not seene them hitherto ( said Seluagia . ) To this last Firmius would not answer againe : But Syrenus , that maruelled all this while at the sharpe and wittie answers of the vnknowen Shepherd , put himselfe betweene them both to ende this strife , as also for that he saw Syluanus somewhat altered , seeing his Shepherdesse vrged so much , although he discreetly tempered himselfe with Firmius his moderate and mild answers , which made him hold his peace , which otherwise he would not haue done : wherefore Syrenus said . No more gentle Shepherds , as you loue your selues . Then Seluagia acknowledging her fault , and the modestie of the Shepherd , she looked on him with a milde and sober countenance , saying . Pardon me good Shepherd , for the force of my great loue vrged me to say thus much . But I ( said Firmius ) must rather craue pardon , for if there be any offence , it is of my side . I am glad ( saide Syrenus ) that you are friendes againe , and that you will not fall out for so small a matter . I knewe thee Syrenus , ( saide Syluanus ) when once thou wouldest not iudge it so light a thing as now thou dost . But of friendship Shepherd , ( looking vpon Firmius ) he saide , tell vs ( since thou hast shewed thy selfe so wise in euery thing ) how that may be , which thou didst say : That loue doth make his operations as perfect in a short time , as in a longer : for ( me thinkes ) it should be cleane contrarie to reason and experience , I meane , if it be not by some extraordinarie and secret science , as Felicia doth , a Ladie not meanely experimented in those operations . On the otherside , I woulde faine know the cause thereof , if at least there be any ; for to make a change in our selues , ( which is but an easie matter in comparison ) we must haue the helpe of some time , how much more then is it requisite for so great a worke as that , which Cupid makes . In base and simple Cottages in my natiue fieldes ( replied Firmius ) I woulde haue thee also aske this question , where so wise and learned a Shepherd abides , who is able , not onely to satisfie thy doubts heerein , but what else thou wouldst desire to knowe . But as concerning this matter , I remember I heard him say : That as the Sunne , when it appeeres , doth in the very point and instant powre downe all his brightnes without wasting any time , & perfectly giues vs his light : So Cupid ( whom he called the God of loue ) when he takes possession of the louers hart , doth in an instant with his full and absolute force command and raigne there . This comparison ( said Syluanus ) doth not like me so well . Why so , said Firmius ? for according to the same ( saide Syluanus ) we should all loue in equall proportion and degree , if loue with all his force in such sorte wounded euerie one , which I will not confesse . Shepherd ( said Firmius ) thou hast so well touched the matter to the quicke , that I must needs yeeld my selfe ouercommed , and yet without shame , since the meaning therof exceedes my pastorall condition and conceit . But giue me leaue a little , and I will bethinke me ( if I can remember ) how he resolued the like obiection . But this ( I thinke ) and the rest is slid out of my memorie , and yet ( me thinkes ) I should remember it , and haue it at my toongs end . And now I call it to minde , though I know not whether so well as he spake it . But howsoeuer it is , you must accept it in such rude sort , as I shall tell it you . He said , if Cupid wrought more in one hart then in another , that this proceeded not of Cupids part , who assailes all equallie , but of the better disposition of the hart , where he makes his impression ; and for this he brought a pretty comparison . For with examples he made vs Countrey-fellowes vnderstand this and manie other things , bicause by them we might remember the better what hee told vs . But the example was this . That as the Sunne or fire doth sooner heat a piece of wood , then a stone ( giuing as much heate to the one as to the other ) bicause the wood is apter and better disposed to receiue the heate , then the stone : so loue maketh a greater impression in one hart then in another , by reason of the better disposition of one , then of another . He added moreouer , that as the stone resisteth heate better then the wood ; and after it is once hot , more hardly leeseth that heat , then the wood , which more easily receiued it : so he , that most resisteth loue , and being after subiect vnto it , with greater difficultie deliuers himselfe , then he who suffered himselfe but easily to be ouercommed by it . And with this aske me no more of this matter : for as I now remember no more ; so was not then my weake capacity able to attaine to the knowledge & conceit of those things , which he alleaged . And yet I know not how I vnderstood this : for when we were satisfied , thinking we had knowen it sufficiently , and that ( in our iudgements ) there was no more to conceiue , you might haue seene him chaunge the whole matter againe , and gainesay his former propositions ; so that he quite vndid all that he said before , and confuted his former examples by other cleerer assertions , and more apparaunt reasons that he had in store ; and when we were inclined to this place , he turned vs againe to the other , and then to the contrarie , at his pleasure : so that he wrought vs like weakelings on euerie side , as liked him best , making vs euer incline to that which he last of all alleaged . In the end , though he had set all cleerely down before vs ; yet ( when he list ) he marred , and darkened all againe . If he had spoken ( said Syrenus ) in any other thing but in loue , his company had beene as fit and acceptable to me , as thine is now . But truely it was a strange sufficiencie in a Shepherd to do what thou hast told vs : for there is no reason ( me thinks ) to refell that which thou hast said , by that experience which sometimes I haue had in like matters . But tell mee yoong Shepherde , where did this Shepherde learne so much ? I knowe not , saide Firmius . For as I am a straunger in these partes , soe is hee in those . But I imagine that loue , and his good iudgemente were his best Schoolemasters there : For ( as I perceiued by him ) hee had in both no small experience : and was ( as wee heard ) but a Shepherd in habit , and that his misfortunes had clad him in pastorall weedes . They must ( no doubt ) be very great ( said Syrenus ) when they brought him to so poore an estate . Doe you not know them well , said Firmius ? No , said Syluanus ; and therefore I pray you tell them vs . It were too long and troublesome a taske for me ( answered Firmius ) to tell them now , and therefore I pray you request it not of me . He saieth well ( said Syrenus ) and we had also need to rest vs , wherefore let vs goe our waies : And God be with thee gentle Shepherd . And with you , answered Firmius . But if our company like thee , saide Syluanus , come and rest with vs : the which Seluagia and Syrenus did also both request him to doe . The Shepherd thanked them and refused , for he had rather beene alone the better to passe away his passions in solitarinesse , and to goe seeke Diana , whose louely face and beauties he caried about with him in his hart . Yet no excuse could auaile him with the Shepherdes , for in the end they caried him with them . The one to take pleasure in his sweete companie and conuersation ; the other to weane him ( if he could ) from his amorous thoughts , with the which he was not meanely troubled for the loue of faire Diana , which they well suspected , though he hid it from them , as much as he could , bicause he knew not what Diana was , and faine would haue asked , if he had had any good meanes and opportunitie without suspicion . But as they were now come neere to their towne , Seluagia said . It shall not be amisse , to make our towne know of our comming , and content , which our merrie Baggepipes and Rebeckes shall sound foorth . They all agreed thereunto , and tuning one with another , began to play on them very sweetely . Syluanus , and Seluagia vpon Baggepipes , Syrenus and Firmius vpon Rebeckes . Seluagia praied Firmius and Syrenus , since the played on Rebeckes to sing . To play on my Rebecke ( saide Firmius ) though vnwilling I agree thereunto , but to sing it most of all discontents me . Yet refuse not ( said Seluagia ) to pleasure vs . Sing if thou wilt something in the praise of faire Diana , for this ( I imagine ) will not be vnpleasant vnto thee ; and then shall Syrenus sing that which best likes his fancie . Whereunto Firmius condescending , and euery one playing on their instruments , he began to sing this Sonnet .

THe fearefull Bat that lurks in stonie wall , Flies heere and there assured of her sight , When that she sees the signes of darksome night Approching on , contented therewithall ; But when she spies the sunnie beames so bright , Her fault she doth acknowledge and recall . So now of late to me it did befall : For I did thinke there was no other light Nor beautie then in her , who did inuite My senses first to loue : but ( to my thrall ) When I beheld Diana so bedight With beauties , and such grace Angelicall , Then by and by I knew that heeretofore I plainly err'd : but neuer could doe more .

The time was once , when Syrenus could not haue beene better pleased , then to haue replied vpon Firmius in Dian'as praises . But being now free , he thought there was not any thing , whereon he might best employ his song , then in giuing the fieldes and Shepherdes to vnderstande of the comming of Syluanus , and Seluagia his deerest friends , who therefore with a friendly note began to sing as followeth .

THe open fieldes , the meadowes fresh and greene Their colour and their signe of hope had lost , Hauing not Syluan . and Seluagia seene , With whose sweete presence they did alwaies bost . The goodly vales and hils were hard and dried , Without the steps , that now doth make them glad , Shepherds and sheepe in me lancholie died , Depriued of their songs , that once they had . Now all with pride will shew their ioies againe , All will reioice , as once they did before : The hill , the vale , the field the , meade , and plaine , For merry spring and sommer they restore : Welcome Seluagia then , your ioyfull spring , And her Syluanus , that doth sommer bring .

Syluanus and Seluagia would gladly haue answered him , had they not beene hindered by the confluence and flocking of Shepherdes and Shepherdesses , that came running togither at Syrenus voice ( so well knowne amongst them ) and to the welcome of the Shepherdes , so welbeloued of them all . And bicause it was now about that time of the day , when they should defend themselues from the glowing sunne , they were a good while in the towne , hauing left their gentle sheepe vnder the shades of diuers trees , and safegard of their fierce masties . Their welcome of the Shepherdes , and their thankes to them againe being past , they went all to take their rest , taking Firmius with them , who maruelled greatly at the earnest loue and affection that all the Shepherdes and Shepherdesses shewed at Syrenus comming , of whose absence ( which till then he knew not of ) he woulde haue talked something with him , but deferred it , vntill he had fitter time and opportunitie . But it was told him before he asked it , and the whole successe of his loues from the beginning to his present estate of life . O how many bitter draughts of iealousie did he swallowe downe in the meane time ( thinke you ) that they were telling of the fauours , that Diana had in times past bestowed on Syrenus . Then would he haue beene glad , that they had neuer begun to tell that wounding discourse , and if at that time they had not made an ende of their talke , they had put him in great perill of his welfare . Syrenus , Syluanus , and Seluagia perceiued very well his secret greefe of minde , by so manie changes of his colour , that went and came in his face , that they were apparant signes of the present greefe he felt . But when they came to the drinke that Felicia gaue him , they restored him to life againe , who tooke besides no small ioy and comfort in seeing how far Syrenus was from Dianas fauours , and how freely , and without alteration of countenance , he talked himselfe , and heard them tell the thinges that were past and gone , whereupon he neuer made an ende in thanking and blessing the sage Lady Felicia in his minde , thinking that she had done that especiall fauour for him , by giuing Syrenus the cup of forgetfulnes to drink on , since by meanes thereof , she tooke so great a blocke out of his way , not bicause he thought Syrenus knew not how to serue and please her , better then he , nor that he had lesse good parts in him then Syrenus , to obtaine any fauour of her ; but bicause he being vnknowne , and Syrenus hauing made loue so long before him , he thought it a harde matter to bring him out of fauour with Diana , and as difficult a thing to throwe him downe from so high an estate , as he had attained vnto . But he reuolued in his memorie , and considered of Dianas inconstancie towards Syrenus , though he laide the fault more on Syrenus for absenting himselfe at such a time , thinking , if he had come then in the nicke , when Syrenus did , that he had knowne better how to haue helpt himselfe by such an occasion . His head was so occupied in these and other considerations , that the Shepherdes perceiuing in what passions he was , left him all alone , bicause they were glad to pleasure him in any thing they could , who then began to talke of their own affaires , & to giue good order for conuenient prouision , & keeping of their flockes . After they had agreed vpon these matters , they determined to know of Firmius if he woulde remaine in those parts any long time , and if it were his will to take vpon him the charge and keeping of their flockes till their returne : wherupon they went to him , and asked him his name , and knowing it , would haue knowne from whence he came , and what he was . But perceiuing these demands did not like him very wel , they would not vrge him farther then his own will & pleasure : but they told him what they had agreed vpon , if he thought good to do it . He gaue them many thankes for the good opinion and confidence they had in him , not knowing what he was , saying , he was very glad to do it . For though he was minded not to stay in that countrey , yet to do them any seruice ( he could ) he woulde at such time make his abode there , during the time they went about their other busines . In the end after they had agreed with him , they deliuered him their flockes , which he kept so well and charily all the time that they were yet at home , that they were very glad they had founde out so good a keeper , but hee was more , that his fortune was so good , to haue so fit an occasion to remaine , where hee thought he might somtimes enioy Dianas presence with so good an excuse , and not of intent to procure the same .

In these daies ( though they were but a fewe ) none durst take in hande to play on their Bagpipes and Rebecks ; for so sweete were Firmius his songs , and so melodious his voice wherewith so greatly he rauished the rest , that they thought their time but ill bestowed , that was not spent in hearing him . They went many times to intreate with Diana for him ; but she was so froward and disdainefull , that their conuersation and speeches with her ; and her answers to them againe pleased not each other verie well . Not her , not bicause she was not glad to see those Shepherds ( and Syrenus especially ) but bicause it was a great griefe and torment to her minde to haue him before her eies solliciting for another , who was sometimes all her ioy and delight ( hauing yet some few reliques of her former loue she bare him ) and to see him now so obliuious of all the same . Not the Shepherds , bicause being so iocond & merry , they woulde not haue any sad in their companie , especially Diana , to whom they wished all the good that might be , though now in another sort , then in times past they did it . And the company both of the one and other neither pleased Diana nor themselues , bicause that sorrow and solitarines , which pleased Diana , the Shepherdes eschewed and fled , and the delights and ioyfull companie that the Shepherds sought out , Diana did vtterly forsake : So that if they went to see her , it was onely to driue out of her minde ( if they coulde ) her great and greeuous thoughts . Into the which , Seluagia seeing her on a day so plunged , to ridde her from them , saide . So may the Gods be fauourable vnto thee Diana , and giue thee that content , which thou most desirest , if thou wouldst sing , and play on thy Bagpipe a little . How art thou deceiued Seluagia ( said Diana ) by thinking that I should hope for content , when I know assuredly there is none at all left for me , bicause all the waies , whereby it shoulde haue passage into my soule , are now stopped vp . And this is my greatest greefe , that I haue no hope at all neuer to be ridde from my continuall sorrow . One onely meane , whereon my chiefest hope dependeth is left , which is vntimely death . And yet fortune being in euery thing so contrary to me , hath taken it away also from me , since I cannot giue it my selfe , without great infamie and shame to remaine me euer after to my name and memorie : which shoulde not yet be a hinderance to the performance of it , nor I would not care for the same , if there were not another matter in the way . Thou dost request me to singe , and ( alas ) I can do nothing but weepe . The day that you came home , I essaied to do it , but demand of my hart , if not , of my Baggepipe what passed ; for this remained afflicted and full of greefe , and that throwen away in a profounde and painfull passion , where yet ( I thinke ) it lies , beseeching the Soueraigne Gods , that , as I had strength and a hart to cast my senceles Bagpipe away , I had also the power to cast my hart from mee , that then and nowe doth feele such excessiue woes . So that now hauing forgotten my singing , and left my Bagpipe , pardon me if herein I cannot pleasure thee . Then said Syrenus to Seluagia : It is not in Dianas power ( faire Shepherdesse ) to do any thing against thy will . Nor in her power ( said Diana ) to haue any thing fall out to her owne will . But since in times past ( saide Syrenus ) when the conquering of thee did most of all behooue me , thou didst euer carrie away the victorie , why then in this ( wherin I loose nothing , nor care to be ouercommed ) need I pretend to be conquer our ? I will not enter into disputations with thee , and therefore let it be as thou wilt . O how manie inward sighes did euerie one of these words , and the remembrance of that which was past , cost afflicted Diana . But for loue of thy selfe ( said Syrenus to Diana ) let vs goe and seeke out thy Bagpipe : for it is no reason thou shouldest requite it so ill , that hath done thee so good seruice : And by the way we will goe to our flockes , and bring thee acquainted with Firmius , of whom I haue told thee sometimes before , and if we could intreate him to sing , I know thou wouldest take great delight to heare him : the one for his great iudgement and wisedome ; the other , bicause he is as sorrowful as thy selfe , whereby thou mightest ( I thinke ) receiue some comfort and content . But if Syrenus had knowen , what should afterwards haue befallen vnto him of these praises , and of other things which he told of Firmius , he would not onely haue left vndone what he did , nor spoken at all in the matter , but not once haue had a thought thereof . Thou hast tolde me so much of this new Shepherd ( said Diana ) that I must needes goe see him : for there are two things in him ( thou tellest me ) befitting my humours so well , but especially his melancholie and sadde life , wherein I shall best conforme my selfe with him . Now were they come in sight of the place , where Diana had left her Bagpipe , when they saw Firmius singing to the tune of his Rebecke . We are come in good time ( said Syrenus ) for Firmius is singing , and ( happily ) I must needes say , since so seldome he is wont to do it , being continually so full of sad and pensiue thoughts . Comming therefore softly and secretly on , bicause they would not be seene of him , they heard him singing this transuersed Sextiuen .

IN this greene Meade mine Eies what doe you see , The Bagpipe of my Nymph so passing faire ? Vnlesse my senses Dreame , so should it be , For Sure this is the Oke , wherewith despaire She lean'd vnto , and heere the grasse yet lies , And field , that she did water with her eies . What doubt I then ? mine Eies see it so plaine : For Sure I knowe , this is the very Meade , And tree , that did her tender lims sustaine : This is the Bagpipe , which my Nymph did treade Vpon : This is the Oke , the happy beame , Whereto she lean'd , I knowe this is no Dreame . But if I Dreame , that thinking with mine Eies All this I see , and all doth prooue but nought : And if this Oke in dreame I doe surmise , And see this Meade , but onely in my thought , Where my faire Nymph did print her goodly feete : O Sure it were a dreame to me most sweete . Ioue thee I pray , if this I doe but feare , And if my Dreame doth fall out Sure or no ? By all the loue to Nymphes , that thou didst beare , Open mine Eies the trueth that I may knowe : Helpe me to pray him greene and flowrie Meade , Helpe me to pray him , Oke with branchie heade . What hath deseru'd this faire and stately Oke , Why that should not be Sure , which I doe see ? What hainous fault could this fine Meade prouoke , Why things in deede should seeme but Dreames to mee ? Vnto mine Eies what is befallen of late , Why that they should not see my Nymphes estate ? This Bagpipe of my Nymph I will deuise , To hang it heere ( faire Oke ) to honour thee : A woorthy Trophee , though before mine Eies Lying disgrac't for teares they cannot see , If it be Sure , or if I dreame in vaine , ( Spoil'd in this Meade with parching sunne and raine ) That gracious Nymph that gaue my hart the stroke In this greene Meade , I sawe ( a heauenly prize ) And ( if I dreame not ) leaning to that Oke ; Nay , Sure , I did be hold her with mine Eies : O that she had but seene me then againe , Or that I had but seene or dream'd in vaine .

Thus as he made an end of his song , gathering vp the freshest and sweetest flowers he could finde , he adorned Dianas Bagpipe so finely with them , that one would haue thought , it had beene that Horne , that Hercules tooke from Achelous transformed into a Bull , the which , the Naiades decked with plentie of coloured Apples and flowers , whereupon it tooke the name Cornu copia or the Horne of plentie . When he had done thus , he hanged the Bagpipe vpon the Oke , whereunto she had leaned , and hard by it ( as afterwards they perceiued ) wrote these verses . I am Dianes , th' Arabian bird in beautie and in grace , Let no man therefore once preseume to take me from this place .

Syrenus , who of purpose ( it seemed ) would haue had Diana shew some loue to Firmius , stept before his company , and pulling Firmius by the lappe of his coate behinde ( for his backe was towards him ) said vnto him . I will shew thee Shepherde a brauer and fresher bowe then this , and more woorthy of this Trophee , and which will perhaps giue thee more content then this Bagpipe , and such a thing that shall be no lesse welcome to it , then to thy selfe . Firmius desired him to shew it him . Then Syrenus pointing to Diana with his finger , said vnto him . Dost thou see it there ? Firmius was so altered with the sudden sight of faire Diana , that though he would faine haue dissembled it , neither the colour in his face , nor the faintnes of his legs would giue him leaue to do it , for that was gone , and these were not able to support the bodie without great paine . But in the end borrowing a little strength of his weaknes , in the best sort he could , he incouraged his hart to hide that , which was so openly manifest , and answered Syrenus . There should be other Trophees of higher honour placed in this bowe . By this time came the two Shepherdesses , and Syluanus and saluted him : but he was in such a case , seeing Diana so neere him , that he gaue no great heed to their salutations . Whereupon Diana turning to Seluagia , said . This Shepherd should ( belike ) talke to none , but to himselfe alone : for in company ( me thinkes ) he hath no list to answere vs . You must needes be the cause thereof ( saide Seluagia ) for he neuer wanted talke for vs . Now as thou louest thy life ( said Diana ) aske him how he knew my name . This I can tell thee ( said Seluagia ) without asking him . For when thou threwest downe thy Bagpipe in this place , talking with thy selfe , thou didst name thy selfe , which I know to be true ; for we our selues heard it , and then she told her in what sort they saw her , and how they found Firmius , and what he then did and said , when she was gone ; and told her moreouer , that they had asked the same things of Firmius himselfe , bicause in his song hee had many times named her . If it be thus ( saide Diana ) he knowes more of my matters then I would he did . But let vs heare what thy Syluanus sayeth vnto vs . We haue requested Firmius ( saide hee ) to sing heere a little , and we can by no meanes entreate him : but as I vnderstande by others , and partely by mine owne coniecture , that if thou wilt but speake the worde vnto him , hee will doe it by and by . There is no reason ( saide Diana ) ( by condescending to my requestes ) that hee should denie you yours . But if you be not able to entreate him , heere is Seluagia , that can enforce him . Indeed in thy beautie ( said Seluagia ) all the force and vertue that is sufficient to mooue greater matters then this , doth consist . But let vs leaue this , & do that ( I pray thee ) which my Syluanus requesteth thee . Diana then looking vpon Firmius , saide vnto him . Vrged more by the importunate requestes of these Shepherdes , then by any confidence of thy part , or assurednes of mine owne , I pray thee ( yoong Shepherd ) satisfie their desires . Firmius comming neere to Diana , said vnto her , and so softly as they could not heare him . As these Shepherdes are in a safe hauen , so would they not ( by their wils ) but be euer singing and merrie : but as I am continually in stormy tempestes and suffring shipwiacke for thy sake , not knowing on what shelfe of disgrace my fortune will cast me , would not be but , euer weeping and sad . But bicause I neither can , nor will disobey thy will , vnlesse it be in leauing of to serue thee ( which yet at thine own desire I can not do ) what shall please thee , I will sing , though it be with a hoarce voice like to the dying swanne , diuining her ensuing death . Thou art not so neere thy ende ( saide Diana ) that death should helpe thee . I am so neere ended ( saide Firmius ) that I looke onely but for death . I did neuer yet see any ( saide Diana ) die for this cause , but with words , and do beleeue besides , there are not any such : And speaking a little lowder , bicause they might all heare , with dissembling that which she had secretly spoken vnto him , she saide . Thou wouldest belike haue me tell thee ( Firmius ) and the rest , that I am desirous to heare thee sing , and bicause thou art such a friend to wailing and sadnes , it were not meete thou shouldst sing at my will and pleasure , but to leaue it to thine own . But yet let vs tune & concord with these Shepherds , and aske them what thou shalt sing . Thou commest too late to agree and concord with vs now , said Syrenus : but bicause it pleaseth thee so , entreat him to expresse by his song the cause of his sorrow and passions . Let him sing what thou wilt ( saide Diana ) and what hee will , bicause thou maist not say , that I neuer knew how to consorme my selfe with thee . Then did Firmius take his Rebecke and began to sing in manner following .

SHepherds giue eare and now be still Vnto my passions , and their cause , And what they be ? Since that with such an earnest will , And such great signes of friendships lawes You aske it me . It is not long , since I was whole , Nor since I did in euery part Sreewill resigne : It is not long , since in my sole Possession I did knowe my hart , And to be mine . It is not long , since euen and morrow All pleasure that my hart could finde , Was in my power : It is not long , since greefe and sorrow My louing hart began to binde , And to deuoure . It is not long , since companie I did esteeme , a ioy indeede Still to frequent : Nor long , since solitarily I liu'd , and that this life did breede My sole content . Desirous I ( wretched ) to see But thinking not to see so much As then I sawe : Loue made me knowe in what degree His valour and braue force did touch Me with his lawe . First he did put no more nor lesse Into my hart , then he did view That there did want : But when my brest in such excesse Of liuely flames to burne I knew , Then were so scant . My ioies , that now did so abate ( My selfe estranged euery way From former rest ) That I did knowe , that my estate And that my life was euery day In deathes arrest . I put my hand into my side , To see what was the cause of this Vnwonted vaine , Where I did feele , that torments hied By endlesse death to preiudice My life with paine . Bicause I sawe , that there did want My hart , wherein I did delight ( My deerest hart ) And he that did the same supplant , No iurisdiction had of right To play that part . The iudge and robber , that remaine Within my soule , their cause to trie Are there all one : And so the giuer of the paine , And he that is condemn'd to die , Or I , or none . To die I care not any way , Though without why , to die I greeue , As I doe see : But for bicause I heard her say , None die for loue , for I beleeue None such there bee . Then this thou shalt beleeue by mee Too late , and without remedie As did ( in breefe ) Anaxarete , and thou shalt see , The little she did satisfie With after greefe .

The Shepherdes gaue a diligent eare to Firmius song , to see if by the same hee would giue some light of the loue , that he did beare to Diana ; but he was so vigilant to the contrarie , that though hee reported the cause of his passion , yet they could vnderstand no more then they did at the beginning . It was needlesse for the three Shepherdes to know Firmius passion by hearing him sing , who wished rather , that he had manifested it by words , that he might not afterwards denie it , or ( to say better ) confesse it , when any such speech shoulde bee offered thereof . For whensoeuer they tolde him of it , he spake of it so obscurely , that hee neither confessed , nor denied that he loued her . And so to this intent he finely cloaked with Syrenus , that Diana by his meanes should demand the cause of his sorrow , thinking with himself , that ( for any thing that might ensue ) being demanded by her , he woulde not deny to manifest it vnto her . But if he could haue concealed his loue as well by deedes , as he did by wordes , the Shepherds might haue beene as wise , as at the first for euer knowing it . But it fell not out so to Diana , who vnderstood well by his last verse , that all the rest were onely ment of her , for it answered to the latter end of her speech , when they both talked so secretly togither . And so she made great account of Firmius for his wittie and short answer . Euery one commended his singing , and Diana , as well for this , and for that which he sung on the Baggepipe , as also for that which he had spoken to Syrenus , was somewhat enclined to like him , thinking verie well of that , which he had sung and spoken . Considering besides , that the trouble , which the Shepherd felt , ( being in her presence ) was no small cooling carde , and a sharpe bridle to his toong . For this feare , which Diana cleerely perceiued was for her sake , she soone tooke away , bicause Firmius might be more accepted of her , if there were ( at the lest ) any thing acceptable or pleasant to one , that found her-selfe in so miserable an estate , as she was . But when the song was ended , Diana said she would depart , bicause she had staied there a great while , and would go seeke out her husband Delius , who would not willingly haue beene one moment out of her sight and companie . Being determined therefore to depart , Syrenus entreated her to take her Baggepipe againe with her , if so it pleased her , bicause none other should vnwoorthely enioy such a sweete Trophee as Firmius had made of it . She tooke it , bicause she thought thereby to shewe some especiall fauour to Firmius . And taking it from the tree , she said vnto it . God knowes , I do not carrie thee as a meane to ease or mittigate my passion and sorrow ( my intent being cleane contrarie ) for though I might seeke some fauour and helpe to sustaine them ( being so many as they are ) yet will I not aduantage me with any such remedy , but I do take thee with me , bicause those Shepherds might not haue an occasion to blame me for discurtesie . When she had spoken this , she turned to them , and asked them when they would depart : who told her in the morning , for now they had set all things in good order , and durst not stay any longer , bicause Felicia about that time would looke for their comming , whom they had promised to returne assoone as they had set their flockes in good order , and in the custodie of some faithfull Shepherdes . Their departure greeued Diana not a little , though she woulde not manifest so much , but saide . Since it is then so , the Gods be fauourable vnto you , and be your guides . They thanked her againe , and praied her not to sorget to looke to their affaires , as they would be carefull for hers , and charged her besides , to thinke vpon Firmius and his busines , and to supply his wants , if in their absence , he stoode in need of any thing : And that , the pleasures and fauours that she did him , they would esteeme as much , as if she had bestowed them on themselues , since hee remained there to keepe and tende their flockes . Some other thing ( saide Diana ) you might haue demanded at my hands , wherein my good will shoulde not be wanting to my power , for this which you request , considering his great deserts , is no lesse then due to him . Truth it is ( said Firmius ) that of a small desert it hath resulted to bee great , not of my part , which coulde not giue so great a leape , but of my thought , which hath beene sufficient enough to make it most capable of the great glorie it feeles . And yet for all this thou hast obliged me to much , for which I will not giue thee those thankes , that are due to such an offer , because thou maiest not haue occasion to remaine contented onely with wordes . I vnderstande thee not ( saide Diana ) and though I did , yet will I thinke , that I doe not . But knowe Shepherd , that I will doe what I haue saide , if I bee well ; if not , it may be then an easie thing for mee to change my opinion , whereat thou must not maruell that I ( being the onely disciple of mutable fortune ) doe knowe so much what belongs to channge . Firmius was so astonished heereat , that the worde prepared alreadie to answer her , stucke frozen in his mouth with the colde and sharpe blast of her answer , and to see with what libertie and signorie she had openly declared her hard hart . Syrenus perceiuing that Firmius did not speake , saide to Diana . Of one being discreet , thou art become extreme . Rather ( answered Diana ) of one being extreme ( if I may say so ) I am become discreet and wise : for Fortune hath taught mee so much , that she hath brought me to be extreme in beleeuing it : And I am also my selfe in extremes ; and with this I goe , for beholde where Delius commeth . For the loue of God come quickely againe . Another time ( saide Syrenus ) thou didst request this of me , and did'st speake these selfe same words , which then greeued me more , and stroke a deeper impression into my soule , then now they doe . Diana could not hold her teares at these words , and turning to Syrenus bicause she would not be seene of them ; and going away , she saide vnto him . The Gods , Syrenus , take account of all these cares , that thou pretendest to giue me , & of the small benefit thou hast got in casting me in the teeth with this sorrowfull memorie . With this she held her peace , breathing out a most dolefull sigh , for the griefe of minde had taken her force away from speaking any more ; and also bicause Delius was come verie neere vnto her . Firmius clogged with the burthen of this grieuous thought , went to gather vp his flockes , bicause it was now time . But the Shepherds perceiuing that he was not able alone to driue them togither ( being so many ) euerie one went to helpe him , willing him to take some Swaine to his aide , vntill he heard more from them . Whereupon the next morning after , they departed towards Felicias Palace .

The end of the first booke .

The second Booke of the second Part of Diana of George of Montemayor .

THe Shepherds going on their accustomed way , about that time of the day , when the flockes ( to eschew the heate of the highest Sunne , go hanging downe their heads , and with their breath raysing vp the drie dust , seeke out the coole & pleasant shades ) they heard a tune of a Bagpipe , & thinking it strange ( for as often as they had passed that way before , they neuer heard so much ) they made towards it ( the sound thereof being their best guide ) to passe away there the heate of the day , if the place did like them well . But now as they came somewhat neere , they saw a Shepherd , who ( leauing his Bagpipe ) began to sing this dittie in a low voice to the tune of a sweete Rebecke that he had in his hands .

WHen I , poore wretch , of all men most accurst , That neuer durst aspire to sweete content , In dolours spent , in miseries the first , Liu'd most secure , to pleasure onely bent : Which to preuent , The traiterous God of Loue With force did shoue into my carelesse brest Cares and vnrest of things , which I aboue All other things till then did scorne and iest : He thought ( at lest ) to be reueng'd of me , When he did see , that I scorn'd him alone Bicause that none should once presume to be So stout , as mocke his might so tride and knowne , Nor his high throne , nor his supreme estate : The Elfe of late hath plaide a suttell part , As with new art my ioies to ruinate : For often as he had essaid my hart With wounding dart of beautie to subdew , And with the view ( not long since ) of a face , Which tooke no place , for then in vaine he threw : A faire and daintie hand he did vnbrace , With such a grace , and to mine eies did show , And such a blowe he gaue me with the same , That then with shame his power I did knowe , For downe it threw me , my braue pride to tame . Tell me , how came it thus ( faire hand ) to passe , That so I was with such a blowe againe Throwne downe amaine , ( neuer to rise , alas ) By thee so fine and tender to be slaine ? Alas , in vaine I tooke thee for a hand , For can it stand , that nature did thee frame ? Into the same , I thinke a mighty band Of Cupids powers of late transformed came My hart to tame , and dire reuenge to take , Since I did make so little of his powre : If now each howre for this thou dost awake Thy hawty force , my poore hart to deuoure : Be not so sowre , for pardon I doe craue , The which to haue , I promise to obay From day to day thy will , thy force and braue Commaund , and also to confesse , and say , That thou dost sway , more then the rest aboue , O God of Loue : And if that any nill Embrace thy will his follies to reprooue , I will aduise him how thy wrath doth kill . And euer will endeuour to reclame The freest harts vnto thy louing flame .

The Shepherds wished in their mindes , that he had not made an ende so soone of his sweete song ; but when ( staying themselues a little ) they perceiued , that hee was in contemplation of some thought , they went to him , and saluting , saide . Thy sweete song and merry Bagpipe ( Shepherd ) haue both inuited and forced vs ( by leauing our high way before due time ) to giue some rest to our wearied bodies , and in this place ( if our company may not be troublesom to thee ) with thine to passe away the burning heate of the day . Faustus ( for so was he called ) answered . Thinke not ( Shepherds ) that I am at any time alone , who indeed knowes not whether it be better for me , to be so , or no ? Although your companie ( by that which I may coniecture of you ) shall be as acceptable , as your selues welcome to me . They thanked him , and sat downe , when after a fewe sweete speeches that passed togither between them , Syluanus saide vnto him . So may our God Pan fauour thy resounding Bagpipe , and put thee in that estate thou desirest , as thou wouldest sing that once againe ( so that it be no paine to thee ) which at our first comming to thee thou wert a singing . Paine to me ( said Faustus ) nay rather Shepherd , it is the greatest pleasure that may be , to sing of my passions , and of my pride and scorne , wherewith vnworthily I haue repugned great Cupids lawes . For let not any from hence foorth ( be he neuer so stout and hardie ) presume to mocke and contemne him , whose force controules all : And bicause it may not be displeasant to your eares , I will change the maner of my song , obseruing neuerthelesse the same intent . Then taking a Rebecke out of his scrip , he thus began to sing .

CVpid was angrie with my merry face , Bicause I euer laughed him to scorne , And all his followers ( haplesse and forlorne ) I mock't in publike and in priuate place : Wherefore he arm'd himselfe ( to my disgrace ) When time a fit occasion did suborne , But naught I wreckt his flames , in vaine out worne . For Satyrlike I did not thee imbrace : Who seeing , that he built vpon the sand , If by a face my life he would deuoure , He shewed me then a fine and daintie hand , Which once beheld , it lay not in my power To be vnconquered Tyrantlike ; nor would Deliuer me from him although I could .

Syluanus immediately after the Shepherd had made an end of singing , saide . For all that this God Cupid is able to do , I care not greatly that he can do this or more . No ( saide Faustus ) do you thinke it so small a matter to conquer Cupid with a disarmed hand , when as the same lies not in fierce Mars his power : Why harken a little to this Sonnet .

IT is a signe of valour and of might , A power , that in wonder doth increase , For any king to win ( and neuer fight ) A kingdome , and to enter it with peace . Proper it is for Mars to wound with hand : Mars woundes with hand , if angrie once he be : But now behold , the matter thus doth stand , That Cupid wounds with hand as well as he . And my good hap , or ill would haue it thus , That first of all my wofull hart should feele This new Alarme , wherewith he feareth vs . So with a hand , to which all harts may kneele , My hart he hath transfixt to make me knowe , His valour , strength , his wounding shaft , and bowe .

Thou hast sufficiently prooued it ( saide Syluanus ) and truely I cannot but woonder at the new manner of loues proceeding , and how in the ende ( like one , whom this affaire toucheth ) thou hast highly pondred and weighed it in thy minde . But so may God giue thee a good hand in thy loue of the hand , as thou wouldest tell vs the manner he had to bring thee to the sweete bondage of so faire a hande . From that ( said Faustus ) which hitherto you haue heard , you may deduce ( as it were ) al the rest ; but passing that sleightly ouer , which I haue already tolde you , I will briefely declare the rest . Liuing ( as I now haue told you ) not meanely contented in my iudgement to see my selfe free ( if he may be termed free , that is farre from loue ) on a night I went to visite a friend of mine , a certaine Shepherd , who was by chance wounded with a knife , with whom passing away the time , in lamenting his mishap ( diuining perhaps mine owne ) a Shepherdesse , disguised in her attyre , and hauing all her face couered ouer with a fine white vaile , came sweetely in , so comely and gracefull a personage , as by her discreete words I iudged her to be of excellent and high conceite . Of both which things , as immediately , so not meanely was I enamoured , for of any other part I could not , bicause her iniurious vaile did hide the rest . But after a little while ( to my great harme ) she pulled out a hand ( a hand I say she pulled out ) for I know not how such a perfect brightnes could be couered . At the sight whereof mine eies were so blinded , to giue light to my vnderstanding , that though she did afterwards discouer her faire face , yet I was not able to behold it . She went from thence sooner then I would , and I ( sooner then my neede required ) exiled my selfe from my wonted ioy : for she woulde not giue me so much as leaue to accompanie her with this miserable bodie , whose happie soule went away in her heauenly company ; whereby you may iudge what kinde of man I then was , that remained in such anxieties , and what I am also now , who neuer since could finde out the meanes to see her any more . And ( Shepherd ) this is the summe of that thou didst desire to knowe of mee . If thou tellest vs nothing else ( saide Syluanus ) it then seemes that as this Shepherdesse doth neither know thee , so thy passion is not manifest vnto her . It is true , said Faustus , she knowes me not , but hath had some certaine notice of me by the meanes of another faire Shepherdesse , with whom she keepes daily company : who to do me a pleasure ( for surely she euer wished my content ) made me write vnto her , vpon assured promise to giue my letter into her own hands , & to procure me an answer againe : though from the last she hath not yet discharged hirselfe . True it is , she tels me ( or faines at the least to put me in some hope and comfort ) that she hath promised me an answer . I pray thee pleasure vs so much ( saide Syluanus ) to shew vs thy letter , for being written by thine owne hands , there can be nothing else expected , but an ingenious and well composed order in it . Although there is no such matter ( saide Faustus ) yet for your pleasure I will shewe it you , for heere I haue the copie of it , hoping by these meanes to discharge me of you ; but it is in prose of purpose , bicause I vnderstood how certaine of my rude rymes ( against my will ) came to her hands . I thinke not ( saide Syluanus ) that thy well penned prose is of lesse substance and commendation then thy pleasant and gracious verse , and yet I haue heard , that it requires many things more , not so commonly knowne to vs Shepherds . Then thrusting his hand into the lining of his Shepherds hoode , hee tooke out a paper , and reading it , they sawe it said thus .

Faustus his letter to Cardenia .

HE that hath none himselfe , nor wisheth to haue any , but onely that which may come from thy hands , sends thee ( Gracious Shepherdesse ) all the health in the world . My rude hand trembleth to thinke , that a letter written by it , must come to thy fairest hands , in whose iudgement it lies not otherwise ( I suspect ) but to condemne my bold attempt , and chastise my foolish rashnes , and that I shall not haue force to suffer the rigour of thy angrie hand , if thou dost but once withdraw it from my comfort and succour . For thou must not vnderstand that ( to make thee amends for the iniurie I haue done thee ) as being but a base Shepherd , to haue placed my thoughts on so famous a yoong Shepherdesse , there needes any more punishment , then the wound , which thy faire and cruel hand hath giuen me , if by the same againe I am not fauoured with some remedie . I know well faire Shepherdesse ( pardon me for saying so ) that reading these ill compacted lines , thou wilt be in suspence to know the man , that shewes himselfe so much appassionate for thy sake ; if any such thing occur to thy thoughts , demaund it I beseech thee , of a hart , which thou hast lately got into thy subiection , for that shal tell thee so sincere and pure a truth , as here by a sencelesse wit simply set down . Alas for me , that going to visite one wounded with a knife , I returned from thence wounded by thy Iuorie hand ; & thou going to comfort a weake man in bodie , did'st leaue me wounded in soule . Behold therefore , if being compassionate with him , thou hast not beene cruell to me . Thou wilt say perhaps , thou didst not thinke , any such thing would fall out , which I beleeue verie well , when as the same did as little fall in the compasse of my thought . But yet thou canst not be iustly excused from fault and punishment , since , no lesse then her , that with suspitious and priuie weapons armes her selfe , thou art woorthie of both . Who then can carrie about her such secret weapons as thou hast done , assayling my soule ( vnarmed then and without defence ) with such a victorious and wounding hand . I will not trouble thee any more with my vnpolished & simple reasons , vntil the string of my iarring fansies be tuned by thy most soueraigne hande , which the immortall Gods defend with their mightie handes , as thou maist me with thy milke white hand .

This letter being short and sententious pleased the Shepherdes verie much . But when it was read out , Faustus said . Behold here ( good Shephedes ) the estate wherein I am attending the sentence of my glorious death , or happie life , written by that incomparable white hand . Entreat ( gentle Shepherdes ) the Amorous God of loue ( if your sacrifices be acceptable to him ) to wound her , like my selfe , with his golden headed arrow , and hide his leaden one from her . If the seruants of this little boy ( enamoured Shepherd ) said Seluagia , may preuaile any thing to obtaine such fauour of him , thou shalt be soone deliuered from these passions , by the milde entreaties of my Shepherd Syluanus here , and of my selfe . But it is needlesse to make this Shepherd Syrenus , a meane and intercessour for thee , bicause he is the most iniurious rebell to loue that dwels in these villages here abouts . O Iupiter , said Faustus ! Is it possible that I inioy the thing before mine eies that ( next to my most soueraigne Shepherdesse ) I desired to see , whose loues haue wearied fame so much in euerie place ? I was about to aske you who you were , and which way you trauelled , wherein it onely remaines for you to satisfie my desire , since of the first I am not ignorant . Although first I would rather aduise thee Syrenus ( for keeping my promise to Cupid ) and pray thee besides ( hauing mature consideration to his inuincible might ) to follow and obey him , and to beware to rebell against his soueraigntie , bicause thou maist not say , that I haue not warned thee before . I thanke thee for thy good will said Syrenus , but for thy counsel I care not . Well ( said Faustus ) herein I haue discharged my duty , & thou maist do what thou thinkest best . But yet take heed least somtimes hereafter thou beest not punished like my selfe . But then Syrenus , bicause he would not haue him talke any more of that matter , told him whither they went , but could not tell him of their returne . I am sorrie for that ( said Faustus ) bicause at your returne I would willingly goe with you to see the vngratefull Shepherdesse Dians , whom I haue heard woonderfully commended for beautie and fine graces , and to behold in what hart such forgetfulnes could harbour , hoping ( that if , for the great desire I haue to see her , I stay here till your returne to accompanie you home ) thou w●… not be angrie Syrenus . Not I , said Syrenus , but as I must warne you to take heed ; so must I tell you , that this counsell is better for you , then that which you gaue me . In these and other speeches they passed the time away , vntill the hower of their departure came , wherein with profered courtesies , and gentle offers on both sides they went euerie one his way .

With some small force yet went vermillion Apollo shining ouer the face of our old mother , when the three Shepherds , comming neere to the Iland where they had beene before at their last departure , did see a companie of people together , and as they came neerer to them , knew it was Felicia , & some of her Nymphes , with Don Felix , and his Lady Felismena . Not a little amazed thereat , they staied , and perceiued how they came guiding their steps towardes them . But they maruelled verie much to see them come so silent , and not talking a worde . But Felicia being come , and the Shepherds , hauing in dutifull sort saluted her and the rest , asked her the cause of their comming that way , and of their vnwoonted silence . Whom she answered saying . The desire I haue ( my friendly Shepherds ) to pleasure Lord Felix and Felismena , and the loue I beare to you , to giue you all possible content , hath mooued me to bring them hither against your comming , bicause you might in so delightfull a place as this , recreate your mindes altogither . The cause of my comming in such silent sort , and without any singing of these louers , or of my Nymphes is , bicause their noise may not depriue both them , and you of a sight woorthie the marking , which shal by & by ensue : wherby you shall know , that as you your selues are not onely in loue , so all alone you do not suffer troubles and sorrowes for your deerest loues : And therfore I will you all to follow me as softly as you can . The Lady then going vp with her companie along the Spring in the Iland ( the way which I said before did lead to the pleasant meade where the fountaine of the Laurell trees was ) came vnawares to the very entrance of it : The which Lord Felix and his beloued Ladie ( not hauing seene that place before ) imagined it to be some earthly paradise , or that they were in the pleasant fieldes of Elysium , although they were not suffered to take any other delight therein , but only the pleasant view therof with their wandring eies , bicause ( for the strict silence inioyned them ) with wordes and woorthy praises , they durst not extol that place of paradise , nor had leaue to demand any thing concerning the same . At the entrance of it , Felicia sat her downe , and all the rest after her , who staied there a pretie while , not daring almost to breath , and sawe no more , then the trembling Sunne-beames , that with force seemed to passe betweene leafe and leafe amongst the greene trees that grewe neere togither ; whereupon their thoughts went wandring , and musing of many matters , and their harts were constrained to bite on the bit of forced patience : And faine they would haue changed ( in their iudgements ) the pleasure to see that which Felicia promised them , to be ridde of the discontent , which their silence did procure them . Which thing ( when she perceiued it ) made her smile a little to herselfe . Being thus therfore in this pleasant meadow , and tedious mutenes , Felicia pointed with her finger to an entrance thereof right ouer against them , to haue them all looke that way , where casting their eies , they sawe a reuerend old man comming in , graue in his countenance , person , and disposition , as also in the manner of his habite and apparell : for in euery point he seemed to represent a most woorthie priest of Iupiter . Hee came holding a staffe in his right hand , and sustained vpon it his olde and wearied body , whereon sometimes leaning , he looked stedfastly on the grounde , like a man full of imaginations , and sometimes againe lifted vp his eies to heauen , like one most sorrowfull and comfortlesse . He made such sundrie kindes of motions and gestures of his body , ( obseruing yet alwaies the due grauitie of his noble person ) that he did not onely mollifie the tender harts of them that were looking on him , but had been able to haue made the cruell Hircanian Tygres milde and gentle , if they had beene present , especially with the outward shewes of sorrow that he represented of some inwarde greefe : for in the middes thereof he gaue a turne about , viewing the heauens on euery side , and speaking against Fortune ( of whom he seemed to make his chiefest complaint ) he vttered this that followeth .

IN each created thing One motion onely , and of might , Predominant continually is found . Which still doth keepe and bring The same , one way , and course aright , That 's alwaies like , and vniforme , and round . And none can be vnbound From this compacted order though he would , None can againe the same forsake , Or any other take , And yet it would not though perhaps it could : Thou Fortune art alone Without it , in disorder onely one . That first , and highest Sphere , That mooues , and is not moou'd againe Of any other heauen , that mooues one whit : The which with his Careare , And swiftest course doth turne away The lowest heauens , and caries after it : An order doth admit , And doth maintaine , not erring in the lest : For it doth cary them with speede , And with more haste ( indeede ) The nearest heauen to it , from East to West : But rule thou dost disdaine , And onely without order dost remaine . The circled Elements Of qualities most opposite , The fire , the aire , the sea , and earth belowe , In motions not inuents A nouell course , but mooue aright , And euer keepe good order , as they goe : None erreth , no. The earth about his lowest Centre mooues , The water next in circle wise , The aire next that that lies , And fire to that a gallant order prooues : But Fortune in thy Spheare Thou run'st , without good order , rule , or feare . The heauie fals downe right ( Vnlesse it haue impediment ) Vnto the Centre of his proper Spheare : And that , which is but light , If that it haue an open vent , Mounts to his highest region euery where : And so each thing doth beare Good order , and good rule continually : In generation it doth spring , Corruption it doth bring , In fine , all things by order liue and die : Without it , thou dost range ( Fortune ) that with disorder still dost change . In this world nothing is ( If out of order it be gone ) But ordred it may be in time againe : Ther 's nothing in blacke Dis ( Though there be all confusion ) Nor order kept ( for there it were but vaine ) But may indeede remaine In order , in their manner , forme , and kinde , And may be call'd to order fit , If we consider it : Though nought but paines and plaintes are there assign'd . Thou worse then hellish thought In no point canst not be to order brought . Thy motion out of kinde So far besides proportion lies , That it can neuer be to order brought : Swifter sometimes then winde , With hastie speede so soone it flies , That it is neuer seene , nor felt , nor thought : The Parthian neuer wrought , Nor sent an arrow out of steeled bowe With such great haste and maine : Sometimes with sloth againe , Like to the snaile or Tortuse she doth goe : Blinde Fortune thou dost reele , And more doth he , that sits vpon thy wheele .

He had no sooner made an end of the complaints , which he declamed against Fortune , when walking towards the fountaine ( from the which he was not twentie paces ) on the sudden they saw him fling away his staffe , and with a lustie kinde of agilitie ( contrary to his aged limmes ) laie hand on his Faulchion , which from vnder a side garment that he wore , he tooke out to smite a certaine Shepherd that laie a sleepe in that side of the meadow . When they that were thus beholding him , perceiued with what furie he ranne vpon the silly Shepherd ( whom hitherto they had not seene ) and with his naked Faulchion in his hande , they would all haue runne to helpe him , but that sage Felicia with signes which she made vnto them , willed them to sit still , telling them the matter should not need it . But the old man was now lifting vp his Faulchion to smite him on the head , when two beggerly and foule ragged Shepherdesses which were at hand , rising from the ground , tooke hold on him , the one with a sorrowfull voice saying vnto him . O my good Father . But the old man vnwinding himself from them stept back , making as though he would smite hir that went about to hinder him . Wherupon she , that had first spoken , perceiuing that he knew her not , spake to him againe , saying . O my deer Father Parisiles ( for this was his name . ) The angry & afflicted old man amazed at the tender voice he now knew , and like the marble stone benummed in all his sences , let his Faulchion presently fall out of his hands , whom then the Shepherdesse ( calling him by the same name as before ) most louingly embraced , as he was falling downe to the ground . Who comming to himselfe againe , and with the teares of milde loue supplying the interrupted voice of his brest , threwe his aged armes vpon her , and that face of hers which with lothsome mudde and durt was so much defiled , sweetely beganne to kisse . Felicia turning to her companie , that ( being nowe ridde from the greefe of their late passed silence ) was laughing with a scornfull delight at the present sight , to see him kisse that foule ill fauoured face , said . Maruell not my sonnes and daughters , to see you reuerend old man kisse those deformed cheekes , for fatherly loue extendeth to more then that , so that if she seemes foule in your eies , he thinkes her faire , and no lesse doth the Shepherd that lieth there asleepe . Like will to like , saide Felismena . It is so ( saide Felicia ) but bicause so great an iniurie may not be offered to the honorable old man , as to be embraced with such an vnseemelines , let vs go to put them asunder . Whereupon they went towards them , and making as though they had not seene them before , Felicia said vnto them . God saue this noble companie . The other Shepherdesse yeelded her due thankes , and a courteous answer , for the Shepherd was yet sleeping , and the old man and the other Shepherdesse were still embracing each other . Lord Felix comming to them both , said . Thou shouldest haue enough noble Lord of these vnfit embracements . Whereat Felicia laughed to her-selfe , to see how much in their mindes they disdained the Shepherdesse . But the old man said . Nowe may yee ( O Gods ) conclude my many daies with their last period , since you haue granted me this vnspeakeable fauour , to see my deerest daughter : now may yee make an end of my wearied yeeres , hauing before mine eies my onely beloued Stela , ( for so was the Shepherdesse called that spake vnto him ) Stela mine onely hope , my ioy and comfort of my life . To this end my praiers tended , to lengthen my decaying life , and to see this ioyfull day . This was the white whereat my petitions , oblations , and sacrifices aymed , for prorogation of my death . And now let it come when it wil , since I haue her in my presence , who in despite of death maintaines my life ; but yet gentle death , rather then by any other misfortune that may ensue , I might be depriued of her againe , come and bereaue me of this common light . O my deerest daughter , who did take thee away from me , for I coulde neuer beleeue that of thine owne accord thou wouldst haue left me without first taking leaue of thy louing father . Woe befall to thee ( false Shepherde ) that liest there asleepe , and an ill end betide thy friend , wheresoeuer he be , if he hath it not yet already . Bende not thy eares , O Iupiter ( saide the Shepherdesse ) to this cruell petition , but rather turne it vpon me ( a thing more requisite for my miseries ) and not on them , whose goodnes neuer deserued any ill at all . I will not consent ( good Father ) nor be content to heare them accursed , that in all points are so faultlesse . Lo ( Loue she would haue said hath erred , if modestie and maidenly shame had not staied her toong in the middest ) I haue erred , or rather my Fortune ( to speake more truely ) hath beene to blame , by granting me no meanes to take my leaue of thee . Felicia , who knewe the cause of the Shepherdesse her greefe , said . Let these excuses now cease . And Parisiles forsake thy sadnes , since now thou inioyest thine onely desire . Who turning to sage Felicia , and marking with what graue auctoritie she spake vnto him , said vnto her . Whosoeuer thou art ( noble Ladie ) whether thou dost recken thy selfe in the number of mortall women , or art registred in the Catalogue of the immortall Gods ( for such an one thou seemest to be ) pardon me , if hitherto I haue not done my obliged duetie , and reuerence , hauing so pitifull and condigne a cause of pardon : in euerie thing hereafter I am wholy at thy deuotions , and subiect to thy commaund whatsoeuer . It is well , said Felicia , we shall thinke of that hereafter . And bicause I will make thee more ioyfull , then euer thou thoughtest to be ( for from him thy comfort shall proceed , of whom thou dost most complaine ) let vs goe to rest vs vnder the shadowes of those Laurell trees , neere to the siluer fountaine brincke : and that thou maist beleeue my words to be true , know that I am Felicia , if euer my name hath sounded in thine eares . Parisiles then with the Shepherdesses fell downe on their knees to kisse her hands , saying . Who of all those , that honour our immortall Gods , is there , that is ignorant of the portion which thou hast with them ? Felicia lifted them all three vp , and would not suffer them to do her such honour , and taking one of the Shepherdesses by the hand ( called Crimine ) said to all the rest . Go you ( my Sonnes ) to the fountaine , and rest you there , while I talke with this Shepherdesse , and with that Shepherd a word or two . And thou ( my friend Parisiles ) with thy deere daughter shalt keepe them company , and tell them some famous historie , or antiquite , vntill it be time to go in to dinner . Then taking Crimine by the hand , she went towards the Shepherd that was yet sleeping all this while , and shaking him by the shoulder , awaked him , & said . He should sleep but a little , that comes as a guard to two faire yoong Shepherdesses . Whereat the vnknowen Shepherd awaked , and not seeing Stela , without making the sage Ladie any answere , with a sudden sursault of griefe , said . O Crimine , where is Stela ? Be not afraid ( said Felicia ) for she is not far from hence . Thou mightest do better to looke more aduisedly to thy selfe , when as but euen now thy temporall slumber had verie neere cast thee into thy last and endlesse sleepe . They ( of whose liues and honours they chose thee their onely ampare ) had more care to saue thy late endangered person , then thou hadst of thy selfe or them . And bicause thou maist see vnto what extremitie thy fates had almost brought thee , knowe that it is not long since the knife was at thy throate readie to cut it . The Shepherd could not imagine what she meant by these words , nor what companie that was , that sat about the fountaine , where ( turning his eies about to see Stela ) he espied her , but Crimine secretly admonished him to doe his duetie to Felicia , who then making low obeisance vnto her , craued pardon of her . Felicia then told him in order what had passed ; and how Parisiles forgetting his aged weaknes , and ayded by the force of his furie , would haue killed him , & how they would not let him , with that that folowed . In the end the Shepherd was verie sad , when he knew that old Parisiles was there , not for feare of him , but bicause he now thought to loose his beloued Stela , which sage Felicia perceiuing , said vnto him . Abandon ( Shepherd ) these sorrowfull thoughts , for all shall redound to thy content and ioy : for now thou art in such a place , where thou shalt haue no wrong , and where thy passed troubles , & those of thy sweet company & deerest friends shall be better ended , then thou art able to imagine . To all this the Shepherd could yeeld no more but humble thankes , though it was not sufficient to comfort him , bicause he was absent from a deere friend of his , whom he loued more then himselfe , and who euer requited him with no lesse loue againe , as by manie proofes most often it appeered . For well might they two haue been the thirde number , annexed to the onely two paire of friends , that after so manie thousande yeeres were accounted in the world for the greatest . But the Lady Felicia assured him , how she would finde out some meanes to haue him thither out of hande . At which words he fell downe on his knees , and kissed her hands , for any thing that she could do the contrarie . In these and other speeches , they went talking vp and downe a pretie while . But God knowes , how Crimine was ashamed of her-selfe before Felicia , though it was not long , for Felilia did remedie that by and by , hauing taken her aside to no other ende from the rest of the companie . While these three were in these speeches , Lord Felix , Felismena , the three Nymphes , and the Shepherds , desirous to knowe who these fower were , and for what cause Parisiles in so great an anger would haue killed the Shepherd that lay asleepe , and all the rest of his fortunes , would faine haue demanded the same on him . But yet they did not , bicause they suspected he would not tell it them . Whereupon they reserued it , till Felicia was come , to entreat her to mooue Parisiles , or the rest thereof , bicause they knewe they could not then excuse themselues . Lord Felix therefore with the rest praied Parisiles to obey the sage Felicia , by discoursing some noueltie vnto them . But they seemed importunate & troublesome vnto him , for he would not ( willingly ) haue beene one moment from the louing embracements of his beloued daughter Stela , & so did not one minute ( when from any other forced thing he ceased ) cast his tender eies off her , whereby he gaue Stela no meanes to looke vpon the vnknowne Shepherd , on whom her eies and hart attended : but euery time that she might steale a looke from her Father Parisiles , making as though she sat not well , or as though she would spit or cough , then with earnest desire and affection she beheld him . But in the end the old man hauing no good excuse to acquite himselfe from Felicias commaund , nor from the requests of that faire companie , which so seriously demaunded it of him , began to say in this sort .

My louing Sonnes ( for by the priuiledge of mine age I may call you so ) for as much as the greater part of my life hath beene dedicated to the worship and seruice of our most soueraigne Gods , and especially of our Goddesse Isis ( whose vnworthy Priest from the entrance of my youth I haue beene ) it would be most agreeable to my condition , to entreat of the maner , that ought to be obserued in worshipping of her , and how much we are bound to performe the same . But bicause you haue for your Ladie and mistresse ( for so I take her to be , bicause you do accompanie and follow her ) the sage Felicia , to whom not I my selfe ( the lowest of all Priests ) but the best in all the world may iustly be disciples , it must needes be a part beyonde all courtesie , and good manners to enterprise any such taske . And this difficultie besides doth offer it selfe to my minde , in that I know not , with what historie to delight al your eares : For the difference of estates , which in this noble companie I perceiue , strikes a doubt into my minde vpon the choise of my discourse , considering with my selfe , that that which will please some , will ( perhaps ) offend others . To these Shepherdes I could present some things requisite for their poore estate and vocations , and profitable for them and their flockes , and some curious secretes , which they shoulde knowe ( happily ) neuer yet thought on amongst Shepherdes . As likewise from whence the playing on the fluite or Bagpipe first came , and when the honour of their God Pan , and the customes and rites , which in old times they obserued in their sacrifices , were first in vse , and why those are decaied , and other now admitted in their places . To you noble personages , I could present ( a thing ( perhaps ) which would best fit your desires ) whereof loue was first engendred , and how he worketh , and for what cause the God of Loue doth keepe no reason , being honored as a God , we holding it for a rule infallible , That the Gods are iust , and that in all things they obserue due iustice and equitie . And this is that , which I would more willingly entreate of , bicause in these meadowes heere , a question was once mooued , which touched not the simplicitie of the Shepherd that did aske it . But bicause to declare it well , it were necessary to entreate of the powers of the soule , and the duties thereof , and what place euery one of them hath in mans body , ( a disputation more fit for Philosophers schooles , then for the fieldes , where none but flockes are ) I will not explaine it , reseruing it onely for any one that will thereof be priuately instructed . But bicause I haue heere a thing before mine eies , which filleth me with admiration , ( although it may be , that many that haue beene heere haue perhaps touched the same ) I will make my beginning thus . Do you not see how nature and arte , the one borrowing that of the other , wherein either of them was defectiue , haue done their vtmost in making this Iland or meadow ( calling it as it shall best please you ) the very paterne of the Elysian fieldes ? But leauing aside many things , that I could note vnto you about this matter , I will declare vnto you why this Oke is placed heere in the middes of these Laurell trees , bicause you may vnderstand that there was nothing done nor placed heere , but with great wisedome and conceite . The loues of Apollo and Daphne , are sufficiently knowen vnto you , I meane of Apollo with Daphne , as also the preheminences wherewith this God endowed the Laurell tree , whereinto this Nymph was transformed . But how ? Doria at these words interrupting his discourse , saide . Me thinkes ( noble Parisiles ) thou hast plaied the part of a gentleman Sewer , that hast ( at our chiefest appetite ) taken away our best dishes . Since then these noble personages ( pointing to Lord Felix and Felismena ) whom the subiect of loue did more narrowly touch , and these Shepherds ( pointing to Syrenus , Syluanus , and Seluagia ) to whom the first point belonged , haue let thee passe on without interruption , my selfe ( to whom it chiefely appertaines , to heare the accidents of so famous a Nymph , bicause I am one my selfe ) will not ( with my will ) giue thee leaue to proceed any farther , before thou hast told vs the beginning of Apollos loues , & why Daphne refused and disdained so high a God . Syluanus and Seluagia blushing for shame and anger , that Doria had pointed to Lord Felix and Felismena , and not to them , when she saide , that the questions of loue belonged more to Lord Felix and Felismena , taking Parisiles by the hande , saide . And how thinkest thou Nymph ? Are we in respect of these two so farre from loue , that to them onely , and not to vs the treatise of this demand is more appertaining ? Euery one laughing at the Shepherds words , Doria answered . I haue made a fault ( Shepherds ) and so I confesse it . It pleaseth me well ( faire Nymph said Parisiles ) to obey thee heerein . But if I begin at the very beginning , it may be I shall not make an end before the sage Lady commeth , where ( being constrained to end abruptly ) I shall perhaps do you more wrong , then if I had not begun at all . Leaue not of for this ( saide Felismena ) for if it be so , we will request her to giue vs leaue to heare out the rest . Since then you will haue it so ( saide Parisiles ) giue attentiue eare , for I will recite it vnto you as I did see it written in Apollo his Temple .

THat deluge of reuengement being past , Determined that was by Gods aboue , For guilt of wickednes of mortall men : The earth of moisture yet remaining full , Wherewith the heate of Titans beames conioyn'd , Strange creatures did engender of the same : Diuers in shape , proportion and in kinde . Amongst the which a Serpent did arise , Cruell , vntam'd , and greater then a hill , In Thessalie , a Prouince of great fame ; That first put bridle to the horse his mouth . This monstrous Serpent did deuoure , and waste His natiue soile , and all the people there : He spared not the corne ( a sweete rewarde And hope of him that did with labour sowe it ) He spared not the strong and painfull Oxe , ( The faithfull seruant of the countrey toyle ) As little spared he the harmelesse Calues , Nor goates , nor kids , that skipt about the heathes . He spared not the flockes of simple sheepe , Nor gentle lambes , nor heards of grazing neate . He spar'd no house , nor of the little Bee The sweetest worke ( the Mistresse of her art ) This cruell beast had no regarde of men , For whose auaile each thing created was . But as the supreme Gods would not consent , With angrie hand to spoile the world anew : They did prouide forthwith a speedie helpe , Since humane skill and wit could not preuaile . For God Apollo going foorth to hunt , With bowe and quiuer full of wounding shaftes : Onely on Buckes his cunning aime to trie , On mountaine goates , wilde boares , and sauage beastes , He did by chaunce encounter with this Serpent ; Which cruell monster when he did behold , He by and by contemn'd his wonted chace , To make his name eternall by his death . For straight he bent his hardned bowe of steele , And from his backe his golden quiuer tooke , And drew thereout his shaftes with wounding heads ; Which dipt in poyson , he did shoote with force , And nailed them betweene the Serpents skailes , And there lay Python stretched on the ground . ( For this the cruell Serpent had to name ) Apollo haughty in his ioyfull minde , For glory of so great an enterprise , Remaining there , to view his noble spoiles , Proude with himselfe he did triumph so much For this great victory , that he did thinke That heauen had not a God like to himselfe ; Which by his speeches he did manifest , Speaking sometimes vnto the monstrous beast , Sometimes vnto his quiuer , and his bowe ; With ioy and pride did vtter foorth these wordes . Glorie of glories O most excellent , Triumph of triumphes O the most esteemed , Of victories O worthy victorie . O deede , aboue all deedes in honour deemed : O chance , then any chance more eminent : O fame of fames the sole supremacie . O happy war , whereby My arme so fortunate With power did abate The fiercest Serpent that was euer bred : O crowne most worthy for my conquering head . O bowe , that from complaining didst deliuer The people well nie dead , O happy shaftes , O braue and blessed quiuer . Python , for thee the ground was barren still , Denying her increase , and wonted fruite , For thee , the learned Bee did aie lament , That she could not her sweetest worke salute : For thee , the gentle Ewe her selfe did kill , For griefe to see her lambe in peeces rent : For thee out of his tent The Shepherd durst not goe , For cleerely he did knowe , How much thy poysoned tooth and breath did harme : For thee the husbandman within his Farme , And Citizens within their wals , for feare ( Did in their Cities swarme ) Of euerie shadow thinking thou wert there . What God deserues all the heauenly Quire Incense in sacrifice as doth Apollo ? And what God by his skill and cunning art , As many as the firmament so hollow Containes , to such great titles doth aspire With honours type , renown'd in euerie part ? For nature doth impart Her gifts , and euerie grace To me , their proper place . I did inuent the art of medicine , If any one like prophet doth diuine , I am the God , that answers and inspires , My musicke passing fine Doth answer that the heauens make in their gires . A famous Sirname I shall now obtaine , O Serpent Python by thy mortall death : And I will cause , that they shall celebrate This libertie in neuer dying breath . With solemne sports and feasting to maintaine This glorie , in eternall time and state . And that this golden date In historie by fame , That streight doth blaze the same , And sparing such , as alwaies we do see , Neuer in this may such a niggard be . And though of others she doth prate too much , And speaketh partially , Not any lye herein , her toong shall touch . He therefore being in this sort content , By chaunce ( and yet it may be to requite . The gen'rall scorne he made of all the Gods ) The childe God Cupid passed by that way . ( A puissant and mightie Lord of loue ) A golden quiuer hung behinde his backe , In his left hand he bare a bended bowe : And in his right , two fine and prety shaftes . His eies were both bound with a silken string , Whom , now as soone as God Apollo sawe , Thinking that none , but he deseru'd to beare A bowe , and shaftes , and quiuer at his backe : In brauing sort these proud iniurious wordes , And full of scorne he thus to him affordes . What 's he so proude , and stoute that doth impute him Worthy of those braue weapons in his hand ? What , knowes he not that they are due to me ; And none but I this honor may demand ? T' is Venus sonne , God Cupid , it is he , So call'd , but heere he comes , I will salute him : Infamous villaine , theefe and voide of shame , And wicked robber of anothers fame . Be these thy tooles ? Tell me , why dost weare them , That art a wanton , far for thee vnfit ? Deliuer them , for these my hands diuine Doe beautifie , and on my shoulders sit With better grace , and honour then on thine , That art not able halfe ynough to beare them . Then little boy , leaue of with these to boast thee , If not , in faith , full deerely they shall cost thee . This furniture is proper to my might , These shaftes , this quiuer , and this bended bowe : With them I slew fell Python , that of sheepe Whole flockes within his belly did bestowe . And them to kill wilde beastes , and birdes I keepe , For onely these belong to me of right . With them ( moreouer ) if it be my will , With mortall woundes mine enemies I kill . Thy fires and flames should well content thy minde , With which ( fond Loue ) with loue thou giuest paine , Ioine not thy sportes , nor thy dishonest brandes With these braue weapons of my glorious gaine . Leaue then this bowe , dishonoured by thy handes , And see , if that thou canst , that art so blinde : Thine eies are blinded with a silken string , How canst thou then ayme right at any thing ? Cupid at this waxt angrie and asham'd . But yet with threats to his vnworthie scornes , Nor with proude words in no wise would reply . For mightie Loue , as he is verie wise , And resolute of that he takes in hand , Cares not to bragge it out with threatning words : But doth performe it with most valiant deedes . But yet bicause his follies he should know , And how he was deceiued in his might , Which all the Gods besides himselfe had knowen ( For yet Apollo neuer felt the paines , Nor cruell torments that braue Cupid giues ) With gentle words proceeding from a minde , Incensed more within , then outwardly , To his braue termes this speech he did reply . Too proud thou hast thy selfe ( Apollo ) showen In speaking such vile words vnto my face . Such rather I embrace With honour , and I vse them not , but saying Nothing at all in such a wrongfull case , I do such things , as like were neuer none . Hearke then how I am knowen By word of mouth , and how much I am swaying . After by deed , I will bring thee to obaying . Neptune , and Ioue , and Vulcan I do keepe Vnder my mightie will : Few Gods there are , that with their skill , Do free themselues , but vnto me do creepe . The Goddesses do weepe To heare my name , and yeeld with mere consent Vnto my gouernment . And Venus , though my louing mother be , Cannot escape with partiall libertie . What man is he , neuer so strong in armes , That hath escaped in my amorous field ? Here bootes not speare , nor sheeld , Nor Mars his weapons , nor his strong defence . In vaine he fights , whom I will haue to yeeld . Learning , and wisedome here procure but harmes , And flie at my Alarmes , And staying , do imprint a deeper sence Of louing passions , and with more offence . Women ( mine ornament ) do euer hide What neuer was concealed . For flames are hardly vnreuealed . The birds and sauage bcastes my hands hath tide Vnto my yoke , beside , That Nature doth her selfe my chariot follow . Then tell me now Apollo , If that thou think'st to get such puissance , As that with these thou shouldst not come to dance . Thou dost reioice , bicause these armes are due To thee , for killing of that monster fell . But harke , and I will tell , How these belong more iustly to my might , Although thy shaft in wounding doth excell , It neuer yet but beastes and venison slew , Apollo , this is true . But mine shall wound thy soule both day and night : And thou shalt sweare , mine is the onely flight . So that how much each beast , not me , In mgiht thou dost exceede , And gett'st most glory by this deede , So much more famous shall my conquest be . But now thy follies see , In saying , that this quiuer , and this bowe Did me dishonor so . For thee , Apollo , better had it beene , If with my selfe the same thou hadst not seene . Thou saist I nill deserue this ornament , Bicause mine eies are blinded with a band ; And therefore that my hand Must needes shoote false bicause that I am blinde . And yet , besides , I tell thee that they stand Against all reason , and intendement . Harke now , to what intent ? And how this comes so fitly to my minde . Then tell me , if thou think'st it out of kinde , For any God to burne in feruent loue Of any woman heere ? That more his greefes , and paines appeere , The more sheshould from him her liking mooue . If blinde , such things I prooue , And studie to reuenge me with my flight ? Tell me , were it not right ? Then take good heede , since thus my bowe doth kill : And makes thy reason subiect to my will . This said , he would no longer with him stay , Nor harken more to answeres nor replies : Nor did Apollo care to answere him , Esteeming nought his childish wordes , and threats . But Cupid wounding with his golden wings The loftie aire , that burned as he went , Without delay he gaines the shadowed top Of mount Parnasse , where looking round about He staies , and waites the meanes to venge himselfe At pleasure of Apollos proude contempt . Wherefore out of his quiuer he doth take Two wounding headed arrowes fatall both : In colour diuers , and in their effects , For th' one procureth loue , with burning fire , The other hate , with cold and frozen ice . Golden is that , that causeth feruent loue , Leaden is that , that causeth frozen hate : And talking with them both , as though they did Conceiue his wordes , in this sort he did say . Come speedy out ( my louing friendes ) And shew your valour , and your force so high : In you my trust , and hope doth lie , That you will shew , whereon my strength depends . Beate downe Apollos pride , That heere our honour did deride : That he may know , how well my words agree With earnest deedes as shortly he shall see . Since thou , that art so sharpe and tride With kindling fire in each louing brest , Thou shalt Apollos hart molest , That cruell paines , and smartes he may abide . And thou that art of bluntie lead , Strike thou some womans hart so dead In cruell hate , that she shall neuer feele The sense of loue , no more then stone , or steele . Apollo there remained very glad , Calling the heauens , the elements , and beastes , The trees , the meades , the springs , the birdes , and fish To ioy with him in his renowned spoile , And victorie , by Pythons death he got : For in this sort with ioyfull face he said . O heauenly frame , Whose course , and sweete accents Giue earthly things their life , that ar Of natures name . You circled elements , So contrarie in secret war , You beastes , that far And neere , in earth doe make your dwelling place , You birdes , that in the skie With hastie wing doe flie , You fishes , that the christall streames imbrace , For my braue deede Come shew your selues content in ioies agreed . You shadowed treene , An ease of sweete delight , And fence from Titans burning heate : Faire meades and greene , And waters sweete and bright , This forrest that with liquours weate : Greene Iuies seate , That liuest still , and dy'st not in thy kinde , And wind'st about the tree , That still vpholdeth thee : For this braue deed , Come shew your selues content in ioies agreed . Apollo being in this ioyfull moode , Behold where comes a fine and tender Nymph , And fairer then Aurora in her prime , Laden with spoiles , she got by hunting late , A Nymph endow'd with vertues high and rare . The father oft vnto his Daphne saide ( For so they say this fairest Nymph was call'd , And Pene was her aged fathers name ) Daughter , to me thou ow'st a sonne in lawe . Daughter , to me some nephewes thou dost owe. But with a teint , like the Vermillion Rose , Bespred vpon her face as white as snowe , To see her father would haue wedded her , The chastest virgine with her tender armes All Lilly white about the louing necke Of her deere father sweetely then did hang : Requesting him , that he would giue her leaue , To leade her life in spotlesse chastitie , And liue therein , as she had liu'd before . Her louing father graunted her request . But yet before , to hinder her intent , With graue aduise vnto her he did tell , How heate of youth , and wealth , and beauties lure , Were contrarie vnto the chastest minde . And how that each of them alone is able To worke the tender hart like melted wax . How much more easie then , when all in one Were found , as in faire Daphne they did raigne . Yet though she did excell in all these giftes , She would not leaue to put her chaste intent In practise , and Dianas grace to serue . And saying , it was true her father spake . And said , if that she had such cause to vaunt That she was rich , and faire , and nobly borne : That it was tenfold deerer vnto her To be accounted chaste of euerie one . And that her chiefest honour did consist In honest , pure , and vndefiled life . Now therefore as the virgine did not know ( Bicause her minde was soon vertue bent ) What thing loue was , nor due of marriage rites , To hunt it was her onely ioy , and sport . Then hither came this gallant Nymph to chase , Where proud Apollo went by chaunce to hunt : Not thinking to finde out so farie a game . Bicause his breast , free from the thoughts of loue , Was onely bent in thinking of his spoile . He was so glad and did triumphe so much Within himselfe , that he did neuer thinke Of any thing but this , till ( to his harme ) He cast his wandring eies vnto the place , Where he did spie faire Daphne in her chace .

The good old man Parisiles went prosecuting his historie , carrying all his hearers with him verie silent , by reason that the substance thereof ( as also the stile wherewith he told it ) delighted them verie much , when they perceiued the sage Felicia comming with Crimine , and the vnknowen Shepherd towardes them , whose comming made not Stela a little glad , for she lent but a small eare to the tale , bicause the Shepherd was not in her companie . But Parisiles turning his head , and seeing Felicia , said . Behold how it fals out true , which I feared : my tale shall breake off till another day , when we will haue fitter time and place for it , wherein nothing shall be lost hauing made so good a beginning . By no meanes ( saide Doria ) will I consent hereunto . The like did all affirme with one voice . Then came Felicia , and as they were rising to do her honour , they saw the Shepherd that came with her , to be the fairest , most gracious , and goodliest youth of person , as euer they beheld before . His weedes were of gray cloth , to signifie by that colour his troubles and griefes . All along the border of his coate , and sleeues , went three ribons or laces of sundry colours , two of them on either side , of Lion tawney and Oliue greene , to signifie by the first his sorrow , and by the second his torment . That in the mids of his sorrow and torment was his hope . Other things did the Shepherd weare , worthie himselfe , and to be marked . But Parisiles did hinder them , bicause Crimine returned now cleane , and washed at Felicias request , whom now he also knew , and therefore with a loud voice , with casting vp his eies to heauen , he said . And is it true ( O Iupiter ) which with mine eies I here behold ? O sweete Nymph ; my friend and mistresse . Is it possible thou art here ? If I had knowen my deere daughter had gone in thy company , I would haue somewhat moderated my griefe for her absence . And being come to her , with reuerence he louingly embraced her . But both of them desiring earnestly to know the meanes of their vnlooked for comming to that place , Felicia said . Defer this till further time : for I know these questions will not hereafter a little delight this companie . Come thou Crimine , and speake to all this companie , who will be verie glad of thine . They were a prettie while in congratulations and conuesies , wondering at Crimines beautie , and therefore at last thus said . Why did such a shining gemme as this ( Ladie Felicia ) goe hidden in such a base couerture : if her conpanion be such another , do vs this fauour to make her wash her selfe ? To auoide all danger by reason of their tempting beautie ( said Felicia ) and not to be molested like those , that haue suffered many inconueniences for theirs , they haue gone thus disfigured in apparell and face . As for the washing of this yoong Shepherdesse ( pointing to Stela ) it shall remaine at my pleasure , when I will request her to doe it , for dinner being nowe readie , I will deferre it till some other time , for feare I should giue you a dinner against your stomacke , for washing nowe her fowle face and handes , will not ( perhaps ) make you eat so much , as otherwise you would , and make you haue a lesse appetite , then to see them in the manner that nowe they be . But if you like not of her companie at dinner , she shall sit by her selfe , and dine with Parisiles , in whose eies she is nothing so soule , nor ill-fauoured . And then turning to her Nymphes , she commanded them to bring in dinner , who presently came in with it . But if you please good Lady ( said Lord Felix ) command Parisiles first to make an end of the tale he hath begun . Since you will haue it so ( said Felicia ) I will entreat , not command him . It were great reason sage Lady ( saide Parisiles ) to hold my peace , & not to shewe so great rudenes before your singular wisedome , if it were not more to obey your iust command . It is well ( saide Felicia ) leaue off this , and do that which all the companie heere requesteth thee . Parisiles then began thus . Obeying then most willingly ( great Lady ) what you haue giuen me in charge , and purposing to tell the cause why this Oke was planted betweene these two Laurel trees , I haue touched the gifts , that Apollo gaue to the Laurell tree , when Daphne was turned into it : From whence this noble company did not suffer me to passe any further , though I alleaged some excuses to the contrary , but that I must needes from the beginning recount this transformation of Daphne into a Laurell tree . And so hauing told of the glorious victorie , that Apollo had of the serpent Python , and of the quarrell and contention betweene him and Cupid for carying both one weapon , I went on along telling , how Apollo being proud of this conquest , by chance cast his eies vpon the faire and chaste Nymph Daphne : And when you came hither good Lady with Crimine , you gaue a gracious impediment to my tale . So that now ( since it is your pleasure ) I will proccede in it , beginning onely but with a worde or two recited before , to annexe that , and this that followeth the better togither .

APollo being in this heauenly ioy , For victorie by Pythons death obtain'd , Lift vp by chaunce his eies , and spi'de the Nymphe ( The fairest Nymphe as euer he did see ) Whom at the first he onely did behold With an impartiall eye ( a common thing ) And onely markt her beautie , and her grace , And with that common kinde of honest loue , In praise of her these louing wordes did moue . What Nymph might yonder be , So fine with her dishieueled haire , That in this forrest hunteth all alone ? I will goe neere to see , If that she be indeed so faire , As she doth seeme . Ah ( Godheades ) there is none In all your heauenly throne , No Goddesse , nor no power diuine , With beautie , and good grace , That nature doth imbrace , Then this , in whom most cleerely shine Her giftes , and chiefest art , As many as to all she did impart . But Cupid seeing her in such estate , Thought it high time to punish the contempt , And brauing words , that proud Apollo vs'd . And now to be reuenged on his head With more dishonor and with greater shame , He did prepare him to assaile his foe With those same weapons , that were threatned him : So , with his headed shaft of beaten gold He smot his brest , and pass'd his carelesse hart ; Omitting not to wound faire Daphnes to With that of hate , headed with heauie lead . And so with this the Boy remayned glad , And well did see , though blind what he had done . And thus content in minde , he did depart , Vpon some others to imploy his might . O blinded Boy , of strong and mightie force , Where none is found but onely in thy hands , That more the one with feruent loue doth burne , The more the other freezeth with disdaine . And proud Apollo now thou shalt perceiue , ( That think'st no equall God to thee in heauen , Nor celebrated in the earth beaneth With such like honours , which thou claym'st alone ) That there is one that raignes in heauen and earth , In hell , and euerie corner of the world , More puissant then any other God . Bicause thou art inuentor of the skill Of phisicke , and of musickes sweetest art ; Bicause ( besides ) thou tell'st with secret power , Things that are past , and present , and to come , Thou think'st thou raign'st alone as Soueraigne . Now art thou subiect to a sillie maide , Too base if she be paragon'd to thee : And yet this greeues him not , but that the more He loues this Nymph , the more doth she contemne His mightie loue , and all his vainest suites . Faire Daphnes hart is hardened and congealed In loue of this great God of heauen aboue : Apollos hart consumes with burning heat In loue of this poore maide in earth beneath . The God desireth to inioy her loue , And after this desire commeth hope . But here his Oracles deceiue him much : For in these things diuining is but vaine . So with this hope , which is but vaine , and false , He doth maintaine and feede his barren loue . And feeling with great paine his burning fire , To Cupid in this sort he mildly spake : What fire is it , that thus my breast doth tame , And yet no flame , I see that 's manifest ? Is this thy best reuenge , O Cupid tell , Fierce God and fell , which on me thou dost take ? How dost thou make the mightie Gods to bend , And dost offend the rich , the proud , and wise , And dost despise and tame the great and small ? So easie shall not flixe , nor tow be burn'd , Nor reeds be turned to fire laid thereby , Alas as I with thy reuenging games Do burne in flames : for thou hast made my hart To feele the smart of loue , and with thy might And golden flight , hast ( cruell ) wounded it . Which thou hast smit , and smitten , stolne away , And made decaye of it within my brest : Where now no rest , nor wonted ioyes do dwell . Then cruell tell the same where hast thouput , Where hast thou shut my hart of sorrow ? what , And is that , perhaps ? O that it is . And now in this faire forrest do they vse , Thus to abuse Gods harts , and steale and kill ? From hence I will ( Cupid ) make thee my mate , And friend ( though late ) for euer thou shalt be , Since linked me thou hast in such a chaine . Her haire doth staine the golden Colchos fleece , Which out of Greece , Iason shall saile to seeke . Her face and cheeke enameled with red , With white be spread , passing the Roses gay In moneth of May , that dare not come in place To see her face , nor yet the Lillie white Approch in sight , where her braue beautie shines . Aurora pines in seeing her , and dyes . Her twinkling eies , more then the heauenly lights In frostie nights doe shine , where Gupid skips . Her rubie lips with praise shall not be vouch't , But onely touch't , and kist of mine againe : Her necke so plaine , and smooth , nothing doth owe Vnto the snowe , for pure vnspotted white . What els ( O spite ) her wrongfull garments grudge To shew , I iudge , that nature made each part With such braue art , as neuer humane eies Did see the like , or heauenly thought deuise . Whilste God Apollo wandreth in her praise , Daphne with hastie foote doth flie away . Which when he did perceiue , these wordes in vaine ( Continuing still his speech ) to her did say . O thou the skies that dost excell , stay , stay ; Fly not away so fast , thy friend I am : So flies the lambe from rauening woolfe away , The Hart againe , of cruell death afraid , With hart dismaid doth from the Lion flie ; The doues doe hie them from their praying king With trembling wing , so each thing here belowe Flies from his foe : But Loue that burnes Apollo Doth make him follow thee with friendly pace : O see each place , whereon thy feete doe tread , With thornes bespread , vnworthily to beare them . The stones doe weare them like the shauing file : Then stay a while , and haste not so I pray . Sharpe is the way , and I for nothing would My following should make thee ( faire Nymph ) to fall . I pray thee , all I may , to moderate Thy hastie gate , and I with milder pace , To saue thy face from hurt , will follow thee . Oh didst thou see , and know but who it is , That mooueth his great l ue vnto thee so , Thou wouldst I knowe not flie , but tarie still To knowe my will , and thinke that thou wert blest To be possest of such a Lord so high . I dwell not I , in this poore harren hill , Though heere I kill wilde beastes for my delight : I hold by right , as much as Tanais streames , And Titans beames doe see , where they arise : This I despise , but onely for thy sake , Where thou didst take thy beauties first of all . Which countrie shall be reard vnto the skies In all mens eies , with fame and dignitie : And lou'd of me , more then th' Imperiall seate Of heauen so great , from whence faire Nymph I came . Neither I am a Shepherd , nor doe keepe Cattell , or sheepe , but what loue doth commend To me to tend . In Delphos for mine honour , Of which the ownour I am , incense burnes . Claros by turnes , and Tenedos likewise Burne sacrifice to me : The lands which great Xanthus doth weat , wherewith such sudden voice I doe reioice the harts of them , that craue Answers to haue by Oracle diuine . Delphos is mine , and famous there I am . Of birth I came more noble then the rest : For ( at the lest ) the Gods are kinne to mee . First in degree great Ioue my father is , And she ywish that raignes in heauenly seate , A Goddesse great ( Latona ) fairer then Faire Titan , when in all his chiefest pride Vnto his bride Aurora he doth hast : By me things past , and those that present be I know , and see , and things to come can tell : I do excell in verse , and sweetest song : With arme most strong I draw my bow and flight : Where it doth light , it hits with sure wound : Yet haue I found , that Cupids certaine arrow Doth hit more narrow in my wounded breast , Where all my rest and pleasures it hath spent . I did inuent the art of medicine . My wit diuine found out the secret power Of euerie flower , and herbs whose vertues still Vnto my skill , and practise subiect bee . But woe is me , that neither herbe nor pill , Nor phisickes skill to loue no ease imparts . Nor that those arts , that profit euery one , Cannot helpe me their master all alone . Now running fast away betweene them both , Daphne to flie Apollos wanton will , Apollo following chaste Daphnes loue , Loue helpe Apollo with his speedy wings , And vnto Daphnes feete feare tyed her wings . And both sufficient fauours haue of both , But loue in fine doth ouercome pale feare , Bicause he is more forward , light and hot . But when the Nymph did see herselfe surpris'd , And that the God embrac'd her in his armes : Lifting her hands and eies vnto the heauens , Succour she crau'd of all th' immortall Gods , Forgetting not her father demy God . And in this sort besought their fauours all , Helpe each immortall power , For ioyntly all your helpes I do desire , And humbly do your fauours all inuoke : None I except out of the heauenly quire : O saue my virgine flowre : Be readie , else with force it will be broke . O let the earth deuoure , And swallow me within her hidden vaines With furious paines . Or else destroy my shape with thunder clap , Since this mishap It wrought . Helpe Pene now my father deere , If deitie be in thy riuers cleere . Scarce had faire Daphne ended her request , When by and by a trembling feare possest Her bodie with each member of the same . Hard barke did winde about her snow-white brest : Her golden haire was turned to greene leaues , Her armes into two long and branchie boughes : Her nimble foote , which was of late so light , Fastned remaind in rootes that could not stirre , And such like shape remaind in euerie part . Apollo deerely lou'd this Nymph in life , And now he loues her turn'd into a tree : Where thrusting his right hand into the barke Felt , that transformed Daphnes hart did yet Tremble , and quake vnder the same so new . He doth imbrace those fine and tender boughes , As though he would embrace her body yet , The wood he kisseth , but the wood disdaines His kisses , and doth seeme to bend away . So in this sort Apollo stood a while Speechlesse , and thinking of no other thing : After like one , that is amazed in minde , Not knowing whether he doth dreame or no , Vpon the Gods , and heauen he doth exclaime With angrie wordes of pitie and despite ; Bicause they vs'd such rigour to his loue . For faine he would had Daphne to his wife . But when he saw it could not come to passe , He chose her for his tree , and gaue to it Great honours , as the like had neuer yet : And in this great astonishment he said . What thing is this , which I do see , Is it a dreame , or none ? O that it were A fansie , or some vaine deceite , What , doe I erre ? Or is it night , or day , what might I be ? If it be true , I see a losse so great With many harmes my burning soule will threat . But yet awake I am , for in my right Hand Python dead , and headlesse I doe beare , And on my left arme weare My bowe , and low my quiuer and my flight . Why , this is Thessalie , Which this fell beast did waste both day and night , O woe , and after such a ioy so high , Must such mishap my sweete content deny ? What hard and cruell God is that , That hath transform'd with enuie and despite Her goodly figure , and her face , Most perfect bright ? Me thinkes , he nill deserues to banquet at The tables of the Gods , nor heauenly place , Since he hath wronged nature in this case . My skill and powers beare not such a sway , To change thee to thy former shape againe : And that snowewhite , And rosie face , which first did breede my paine : The reason is , bicause that none ( Though neuer yet so learned any way , And though they ioin'd their vertues all in one ) Can vndoe that , which one did doe alone . But now since all the fates so dire , And wicked destinies this good forbid , That thou my louing wife should'st be : Yet though they did With more despite against my will conspire , Thou shalt for euer be my louing tree , And I will neuer cease to honour thee . My yellow haire like shining threeds of golde , To honour thee , thy leaues shall compasse round : My harpe with siluer sound Thou shalt adorne , and quiuer shalt vphold : In all the world thy noble fame shall bide : And when triumphantly In honours chaire the Conquerour doth ride , Before them they shall carry thee on high , Lifting their conquest to the starrie skie . And as my faire and youthfull head Adorned is with lockes of dangling haires , Whereon were neuer yet imploid The little sheares : Euen so thy leaues shall neuer be destroid . And angry time thy honour shall not teare , But euermore greene bowes and leaues shalt beare . The lightning , that all creatures doth offend , And euery thing of beauties pride bereaues , Shall neuer touch thy leaues : But be obedient to thee without end . From lightning to defend The okes , with them thy branches they shall reare , And euery where In honour of th' Imperiall palace gate , On portals they shall place thee with great state . This did Apollo speake vnto the tree , And gratefully the Laurell bow'd her top , In steed of moouing her new changed head : And with her new and tender branches made A signe , that she with thankfull minde receiu'd These giftes and fauours , which that God did giue To her , while Laurell on the earth did liue .

And now beholde ( noble companie ) how I haue fulfilled your commands , although not so fitly to your demand nor my desire . Woorthie Parisiles ( saide Lorde Felix ) you haue done no lesse then was expected at your hands : but yet one doubt remaineth in my minde , for what reason the Oke is better kept then any other tree , since there are of others a great number more necessarie for mans life . There is no God ( answered Parisiles ) but hath some tree , birde , beast , or other thing dedicated to his deitie : as the Oliue to Minerua ; the Laurell to Apollo ; the Turtle doue to Venus ; the Peacocke to Iuno , and so foorth . But bicause Iupiter is the highest of the Gods , and the Oke is dedicated to him , for this respect , to that tree , more then to any other , we do greater reuerence . I am satisfied , saide Lord Felix . But tell me ( I pray you ) why the Oke was rather dedicated to him then any other tree . To shewe the infinite power and might of Iupiter , saide Parisiles . It is well answered ( saide Felicia . ) And for this time let demands & answers cease , and let vs go about other necessarie busines , without the which no mortall creature can any long time preserue life . The tables therefore being spred , and furnished with many daintie dishes , Felicia tooke Crimine and Stela by the hands , and caried them out of the meadowe to a fine spring , where Stela being washed , she apparelled them as richly as their woorthines and beautie deserued , for she had commanded some garments secretly to be brought thither , knowing what would ensue , and then they returned by and by to the fountaine , ( for now they were tarying for her ) althings being in a readines against her comming . Felismena & the Nymphes beauties were so ecclipsed at Stelas comming , as the cleere stars at the rising of the radiant Sunne , whereat all of them did not a little woonder , the women , not without great emulation , procuring yet to comfort themselues , by putting some defect therein , although indeede there was not any at all , which ( when they coulde finde any such ) they studied to picke it else-where , as out of the basenes of her estate , or to attribute it to some other things , that they ( with inquiring and talking amongst themselues ) are commonly wont to helpe and flatter theirs withall . But now ( saide Felicia ) you may laugh indeed at Parisiles embracements , and you shall see , if we did with good cause finde fault with him for conioyning his reuerend visage with so foule a face . Then Parisiles rose vp , and began to embrace Stela a new , saying . O my daughter , now do I see thee like thy selfe , and in the habite of thine owne estate and deserts . The vnknowne Shepherd marking all this , his colour in his face went and came , not bicause hee sawe Stela in so braue a habite , for his affection did not augment with the brauerie , nor value of her costly garments , neither did his loue diminish with the basenes of her pastorall habite ; but for the remembrance of that time , when he had seene her in like ornaments . His colour changed also for enuy of Parisiles , thinking that those imbracings were more proper and due to him . But Felicia must needes come once againe to put olde Parisiles and Stela asunder , which done , they went to dinner . To tell the maner and order of their libationes , which they made before they went to dinner , and to describe the preparation , order and diuersitie of daintie messes , as things too prolixe , I thinke best to omit .

The end of the second booke .

The third Booke of the second Part of Diana of George of Montemayor .

WHen dinner was done , all of them being very desirous to know what these Shepherdesses and the vnknowne Shepherd was , & for what cause Parisiles shewed himselfe so incensed against him , Lord Felix , for his owne desire , and at the request of his beloued Felismena , and the Nymphes and Shepherds , praied Felicia in her eare , to intreat it of them ; whom Felicia answered , saying : By this request I might demand of them a thing which I assure you , they themselues cannot tell , for the vnknowne Shepherd , and the faire Shepherdesse knowe not who they are , howe can they then make any report of themselues ? And it is not now possible for you to know the course of their liues , for they are heere in the presence of old Parisiles , before whom they dare not vnfold it . But yet leaue this charge to me , & I will find out some means to satisfie you heerein . I coulde tell it better then they , ( better I say ) touching the certaine knowledge who they are : Neuerthelesse I meane that you shall heare it from their owne mouthes , who can better expresse their owne affections , as those that they passed themselues . When Felicia had answered thus , Lord Felix made signes to her to speake no more of the matter for that time , whereupon all of them were content , perceiuing it was most conuenient to be so . But hauing nowe reposed themselues a little after dinner , Felicia saide vnto the vnknowne Shepherd . Shewe these Shepherds thy sheepe-hooke , and view it well , for it deserueth well to be seene . The Shepherd then rose vp for it , for he had laid it aside with his scrip , when he sat downe to dinner . And giuing it to the Sepherds , and Lord Felix seeing it of a different colour , requested onely to see of what woode it was , for from a very little sidewise , the principall was not deuided , which might be from the middes of the pommell vpward , which was wrought all ouer , and carued very fine , and from one side thereof ( I say ) this caruing was not seene , by reason of the fine workemanship . But when Lord Felix holding it in his hande , viewed the sheepehooke well , he saide . Why wouldest thou haue the Shepherds ( good Lady ) onely enioy the sight of this sheepehooke ? Bicause it is a thing ( said Felicia ) more properly apperteining to their estate . And me thinkes ( saide Lord Felix ) it may well beseeme a Prince his hands , though it is well enough bestowed , where it is . If I am of any woorth amongst so good a companie as this ( saide the Shepherd ) I will not gainsay you , neither is it my minde , to pay you with the same money , least my base wordes might diminish your high deserts . Nowe was Lord Felix answering , when Felicia reached foorth her hand , saying . Heere take it , and view it well . Then came the Shepherds Syrenus , and Syluanus to Lord Felix , to looke vpon the curious sheepehooke ; Which was all blacke with some white spots , and the women staied to looke on it afterwardes . They varied amongst themselues what wood it might be , and there were diuers opinions concerning the same . Some of them said it was the wood of Aloës , others of Ebony ; and in the end concluded , that it was the roote of an Olife , which was verie like to both . Then they began to view the sheepe-hooke well , which was of length , as much as a man of meane stature to the breast ; from the part beneath to the mids of the head , and from the part aboue in the steele a handfull length : it was garnished with copper , which shined like gold , so finely laid in , and so euen with the wood , that if it were not for the different colour , the staffe might hardly haue beene discerned from the metall . Then from the metall in the steele , without any worke , two strikes went downe as broad as two barley cornes : the rest of the pommell of the sheepe-hooke was deuided into fower peeces in bredth , by fower pedestals , Bases , Cannyons , Chaptrees , Architrees , Frises , and Cornishes . And yet bicause all reached not to the steele ( for all the fower pillars vpheld it ) vpon euerie one was a little child , holding forth his arme , and lifting vp one leg , the better to reach it with his hand , and to support the steele of it . Betweene pillar and pillar were fower little figures verie finely wrought , so that there were sixteene carued peeces in all the Pommell : But betweene euerie pillar , one onely fable was carued , belonging to sheepe or Shepherds , bicause it was a hooke for a Shepherd . In the peece that was first offered to their sight , was a goodly white Bull in a heard amongst many other Buls and Cowes , a fairer Bull then all the rest , and with white hornes ( for the workman helped himselfe by the white streakes of the wood , when he had any occasion ) whereon Europa was putting a garland of flowers , which she tooke from her owne head ; the Bull lying gently , standing quietly , & licking her garments , to assure hir the more of his gentlenes . A litle before that was she sitting vpon the Buls back , who by little and little ( making as though he went feeding ) rose vp . Aboue the first of these two peeces , the Bull , turning his head , licked the Damsels handes that rodde vpon him , and pace by pace went towardes the sea shore that was hard by , putting now and then his foore into the water . Aboue the second figure of his first space , the Bull leapt indeede into the sea before him : vpon whose backe the Damsell sitting with great feare , and not regarding her wette and drenched garmentes , thought good to holde fast by his hornes , to saue her selfe from falling , turning her pitifull face ( and wrinkled for feare ) to the shore , which shee was forced to leaue . When they had behelde this peece , turning the sheepe-hooke a little about , they sawe in the second peece of it a goodly Shepherd amongst a flocke of sheepe , wearing vpon his yellow lockes a bande of fine white silke loose , to tie them vp on either side , bicause they might not hang downe about his eies . Whom ( for that a little before he was more earnestly , and with more brightnes beholding the Moone ) they knew to be Endimion . In the vpper part thereof , they saw the selfesame man lying vpon the massie body of a tree ( cut down ) and the Moone with her artes & power endeuouring to cast him into a deepe sleepe . The intent why she had to make him sleepe , was vnderstoode by that which followed , for when he was asleepe , she was louingly kissing the faire youth . In the thirde part , or space of it , was the Goddesse Iuno talking with a Shepherd that had a hundred eies , ( named Argus ) pointing with her finger to a faire white heyfer , which she commanded him to keepe well , and threatning him , if he did otherwise . The same Argus a little farther was sitting vpon a rocke , with his ninetie eight eies ( which then watched ) looking stedfastly vpon the heyfer that was committed to his charge . In the vpper peece Mercurie was passing by in a shepherds habite , playing on a Baggepipe , who being inuited by Argus to sit downe and rest him , at the sweetenes of his musicke , all his eies fell asleepe . A little before that , Argus being killed by Mercurie , he caried the heyfer away , or ( to say more properly ) Io transformed into a heyfer , and gaue her to Iupiter . In the fourth part , in Xanthus riuer bankes was Alexander engrauen , who was afterwards called Paris , casting his left arme about a Nymphes necke ( called Enone ) and with his right hande caruing these letters in a poplar , the smooth barke whereof serued him for paper , and a sharpe knife for pen and inke . First shall these christ all streames their courses backward mooue , Before I will forget my sweete and deerest Loue .

A little farther was the Nymph with this Shepherd among'st the boughes of a lowe Tamarisque , despoyling the harmlesse Nightingale of her deerest pretie ones , and the sorrowfull Dame fluttering vp and downe ouer their heads , and , for that iniurie , crying for vengeance to the impartiall heauens . In the peece aboue , Mercurie was shewing Paris ( who from that time tooke this name ) a golden apple , pointing to it with a wande in his hand , to giue it to the fairest of those three Goddesses that came with him . A little before this were the three Goddesses stripping themselues naked at Paris command , the better to giue his iudgement , and after hauing viewed them on euery side , and each ones seuerall beautie , he gaue it to Venus , who remained very proud and loftie by obtayning the prize , and the other two hanging downe their heads with sadde countenances , and angry against the Shepherd . In the steele of it diuers artificiall sports were carued , and sundry kindes of huntings , not to be told or written heere , to auoide tediousnes . Although Lord Felix , and the Shepherdes , Seluagia , and the Nymphes euery one by themselues viewed the sheepehooke , yet Parisiles would neuer take it in his hands , bicause it belonged to that Shepherd , whom he hated aboue althings in the worlde . After they had seene and marked the sheepehooke well , and commended the fine workemanship and deuises of it , Syrenus asked the Shepherd , if he himselfe had made it . The Shepherd answered no , nor knew by whom it was made , but onely him , that gaue it him . It seemed he meant thee no ill ( said Syrenus ) when he gaue thee so rich a gift as this . Nay rather ( said Crimine ) he that gaue it him , was euen then , and yet is the most mortall enimie he hath , and gaue it him to as cruell an intent and purpose , as was euer heard of , bicause it might haue beene the meanes to haue brought this Shepherd to a violent and vntimely death , as it hath beene the occasion not onely of his banishment and ours , but also of the cruell imprisonment of his deerest friend . At these words the Shepherd Stela , and Crimine could not hold their teares , whereupon they would aske them no more of that matter . But Felicia saide . I knowe my friend Parisiles , that it greeues this yoong people , that you and I are heere , who hauing respect and reuerence to our age , cannot conuerse togither with such discourses as are most agreeable to their mindes , and common amongst yoong folkes : Let vs therefore giue them place , if you thinke it best , and go and talke togither , for our pastimes shall be no lesse delightfull vnto vs then theirs to them . But bicause they are a suspicious kinde of people , Stela and Crimine shall go with vs . They laughed all at these last words , and then without more adoe , Felicia , and they three went walking out of that meadow . But as they were going ( being a little way from the fountaine , where most of the company was ) Felicia saide to them that went with her . Staie heere a little , for I haue forgotten to warne them of one thing : wherefore being come backe to the fountaine , she saide to the vnknowne Shepherd . Since I haue to talke with Parisiles about a matter concerning thee , thy friend , and the content of you all , my departure from hence is to withdrawe Parisiles , Crimine , and Stela from this place , bicause thou maist the better report to them that staie heere with thee , who thou art , or ( at the least ) as much as thou knowest of thy selfe , & why , and how thou didst bring so good companie with thee ; for as they greatly desire to heare it , so shall I thinke thou dost much for me , if thou wilt affoord me and them this content . When she had said thus , she went backe againe to her companie , which she left staying for her , with whom she walked to a secret place , where sitting downe , she saide . Sit downe Parisiles , and daughters forbeare vs a little , or else go walke vp and downe there , for I will not haue you beare witnes of the loue that I haue to impart to Parisiles . They two therefore remaining all alone , Felicia told him all that heereafter shall be rehearsed , and that he should not take it in ill part , that his daughter went in the Shepherds companie ; for such an one he was , by whom nothing should be lost , and the rather , since he had entertained her , and her loue with the greatest puritie , and sinceritie in the worlde . And that he shoulde expect , that all things should succeede by a preordinate course from the Gods , which we cannot attaine to ( saide she ) in bare conceite , considering that they for the most part giue to those whom they loue , wished ease and content , when they thinke themselues farthest from it . These and many other things did she discourse with him . But the vnknown Shepherd , that staied in the companie of Lord Felix , Felismena , the Nymphes , and the Shepherdes ( Felicia being gone ) began thus to saie .

TOuching the first thing you demaund of me ( noble Lord , and the rest ) to tell you who I am , I know not how to resolue you therin , for that not many yeeres since I knew these parts ( my parents not being those whom I tooke them to be ) and with desire to know who they were , I came with a certaine friend of mine ( the halfe part of mine owne soule ) out of our supposed owne countrey . The Gods made him and me not onely in body , face , and condition , but in fortune , and maner of life so like , that it might be said , they gaue vs two soules for one bodie , or two bodies for one soule : and so he knoweth no more nor lesse then my selfe , who his father or mother is . We beleeued we were brethren , but that in distinct places , & with different persons we were brought vp : I , with a yoong and courteous Shepherd ; he , with an old and reuerend Shepherdesse . I ( who am called Delicius ) was brought vp in a little village in Tinacria , in the corner called Pachinus , and in the house of a Shepherd ( called Carpostus ) my friend ( whose name is Parthenius ) in another village in the second corner of one of the three which that Iland hath ( called Pelorus ) in the house of another Shepherd called Sarcordus . From this base estate fortune lifted vs vp on high , wherein we liued a while : but bicause you may heare the braue and strange meanes , whereby our good or ill hap did guide vs to it , I will now tell it you , wherein I must aduise you to carrie the names of my deere friend and mine in memorie , as also of our nurses , if you will delight you with the rare accident . It happend that Carpostus my nune ( I being then but three yeeres old ) went about certaine busines to the place where my Parthenius was nursed , who seeing him play with other children in the street , stood halfe amazed , thinking it was I ( so like were we to one another ) and that from out some Cannon I had beene shot into that place : but yet he maruelled more , when the child ( after he was come to him , & had kissed him against his will ) with his weake forces endeuored to winde himselfe from him . At the crie that Parthenius gaue , his nurse came out , and with sharpe wordes blamed Carpostus , who not so patiently endured her , but that he had offered ( had it not beene for some of the townesmen which came running out at that noyse ) to haue rudely intreated her . But he still affirmed obstinately that it was his child , and made such adoe about it , that of all of them there he was reputed for a man out of his wits . In the end Carpostus held his peace , seeing it was no point of wisedome to be opposite against the whole towne , who affirmed with one voice , that it was the child of that woman : and seeing moreouer , that the child ranne away from him ( which more perswaded him to the contrarie of that , which he thought in his minde ) he was content to be quiet . But the more he viewed the childes face , handes , qualities , gesture , age , and stature , the more he found himselfe incredulous : And so much , that he could not otherwise thinke , but that the woman had bewitched them al , or that he was surely in a dream . To be briefe , he returned as soone ( as he could ) to his owne towne in great feare and doubt not to haue found me there . But the ioy , that he conceiued in seeing me ( when he came home ) and with what a glad countenance I ranne vnto him , as I was wont to doe , made no lesse alteration in his minde : the which my nurse Carpostus perceiuing , with a moderate laughter said vnto me . It is not long since ( my childe ) thou didst denie me : for children & sons our nurses called vs , requested by them so to do , that did first put vs to them to be brought vp . And comming to his wife , he asked her if I had beene at any time from home since his departure , who answered no but some little while , when I went to play with other children abroad . But why said she ? Carpostus then told her all that had happened , at which strange noueltie she wondred not a little , and more when he told her of the great resemblance of vs both . And who would indeed haue laughed hartily at the deceite , but that her husband grew verie pensiue and sad : which she considering well with her selfe , asked him if any other thing had happened vnto him , or what the matter was ; for if it were no more but that , he might haue greater cause to be glad ( she said ) then sorrie . Carpostus answered , that he had made so great adoe in the towne , affirming it was his childe , that they might iustly iudge him for a sencelesse and drunken foole . After my nurse Calasta ( for so she was called , who was euer accounted suttle and wise ) had thought a little vpon the matter , she resolued vpon this which you shall now heare . And thus it was . My nurse Carpostus and his wife carried me closely ( bicause I might not beé seene ) to the towne where Parthenius was brought vp , where , being verie priuately kept , and Calasta tarying with me secretly at the Inne , Carpostus went againe to seeke out little Parthenius , and hauing founde him , beganne to wrangle as before , affirming still it was his sonne , and that hee woulde prooue it before the best in the towne , or anie Iustice else , when as most of the townes-men ( that had flocked togither to see his madnes the other time before ) were laughing againe at his headlesse folly , that nowe yet another time hee stoode stiffely in his former errour : who neuerthelesse tooke away the childe Parthenius , and ( for all that they could do to the contrarie ) running as fast as euer he could , caried him home to the Inne . It was woorthie the sight , to see how he caried the childe , that cried out amaine , and how the people ranne after him , fearing least ( like a frantike man ) he would haue done it some harme . The bruite whereof being spred abroad , Sarcordus , nurse vnto Parthenius , ranne vp and downe in a great heate to seeke Carpostus out , fearing least some harme might befall to his little childe . And hauing quickly found him in talke with other people in the street , ( for by this time he had left the childe priuily with Calasta and me ) he woulde faine haue had a blowe or two with him ; but that the dissuasions of his neighbours staied his vnbrideled furie , as also for the gentle and milde words that Carpostus gaue him : who knowing him to be his father ( father he called him , for he knew him for none other ) saide thus vnto him . Good-man of the childe , whether he be thine ( as thou supposest ) or mine ( as I certainly know it ) feare not , but that he is well enough , and without any harme at all . To returne him backe to thee , shall be as we can either of vs make our best proofe before the iudge : So that if the childe be thine , heere am I , that will restore him as safe and sound as I tooke him away ; if he shall be iudged to be mine ( whereof I doubt not ) thou needest not care for his safetie , ( if thou dost not meane ( at the least ) to care for other mens matters . ) These wordes of Carpostus liked all the townesmen well , not bicause they doubted one whit of the wrong , that he offered the other , but to heare his reasons , which he grounded vpon a thing so much without reason . For proofe whereof much people flocked togither with either of them in presence of the Iustices , before whom Carpostus being come , in this sort began to speake .

As I am assured ( graue Iudges ) before my cause shall be fully iustified before you , that you will take me for a man depriued of my wits , ( you being informed perhaps by mine aduersarie to the contrarie of my demande , and by the townesmen of of this present accident ) by wilfully oppugning a thing cleerer ( as you thinke ) then noone day : So when my manifest right is but with indifferent iustice ratified before your impartiall eares , I doubt not , but his false supposall shall be vtterly condemned , and my iust demaund apparantly prooued . Whereupon ( bicause the matter may be more rightly scanned and determined ) reuerend Iudges you must know , that a fewe daies since I was depriued ( to speake more modestly ) of a little sonne , and ( thinking least of all of such a wickednes , as the thing to be most strange ) hauing not long before left him in my house at my departure , and comming hither with all the haste I could , found him vnawares in this towne playing with other children in the streete , onely referring it to your tender consideration ( that haue louing children ) what I might iustly feele , when leauing him ( as I saide ) at home a little before , I founde him on the sudden in so distant a place : whereupon ( as I did but the part of a louing father ) by taking him away , so was I iudged of all men to be a madde and sencelesse man . Seeing my selfe mocked and iniured by them for demanding mine owne , I dissembled the matter for that time , bicause I would not be such an one indeede , by wilfully resisting a whole towne : But nowe with witnesses I come to defend my cause , which accustomed proof , if perhaps you wil not allow , as insufficient , or call their sinceritie in suspicion of my supposed right , for better proofe and testimonie thereof , I meane ( by your permission ) to make my claime in such sort , as shall best please mine aduersarie ; whereby I thinke not onely to conuict him , but also to make the standers by beleeue , their opinions to be as false , as their words iniurious , that they haue vniustly conceiued and vttered against me : So that , command mine aduersarie ( most rightfull Iudges ) to choose out some way or other to try the truth , if yet ( at the least ) he claimeth this childe in controuersie to be his sonne . To this Sarcordus answered thus . The matter brought heere before you ( most reuerend and iust Iudges ) being accounted of all most bad of it selfe & most vntrue , I thinke so farre vnfit ( for the high respect due vnto you ) to trouble your graue eares withall , that were it not by the dissuasion of my friends , but especially by the due regarde of iustice ( wherein he falsely claimes to haue the onely title ) and by maintaining of the kings inuiolate peace ( whereof I am a member ) this controuersie had beene ( without troubling you ) long since decided . But since for iustice he cals and cries , which ( though supposed ) is not woont to be denied any here , I was content to condescend to his owne request , assuredly knowing when by your graue censures the matter shal be thorowly scanned , to ouercome him with his owne weapons . All which considered , you must either iudge this man a very foole in that he speakes ( and as I meane to prooue him no lesse ) or else thinke , that he comes to importune and mocke you , procuring you come to iudgement of a matter cleerer then the brightest light . But bicause his impudencie may be thorowly knowen , and that you may inflict due punishment vpon him for it , Commaund him , I beseech you , to bring hither the childe , which with the testimonie of all the towne I will prooue to be mine . If this proofe be sufficient ( said Carpostus interrupting him ) I will also prooue it by the vniforme voice of all my towne to be as well mine . Why then graue Iudges ( said Sarcordus ) we will no longer detaine you heere about this matter . Let the childe be brought and set betweene vs both , and let him be deemed the right Father to whom it will goe . Carpostus ( for that was the thing he most of all desired ) immediately answered . Beare witnes all good people what he saith . And depriue him ( graue Iudges ) of a Sonne , whom the childe shall forsake , and let not the offender & condemned person escape vnpunished : he , for his theft committed ; me , for my folly & shame that is spread abroad of me . When hee had spoken these wordes , he turned him about to a boy that he brought with him on purpose , and said vnto him . Run to the Inne and bring the child hither , who brought me straight waies thither , leauing Parthenius still in the Inne , whose coats I did then weare , for Calasta my nurce had taken off his to put them vpon me , and in chaunge of them , had put mine vpon him . But now when I was come neere , the people made way , Sarcordus standing on the one side , and Carpostus on the other . Then the boy that carried me in his armes , brought me in sight of them both , and I with a merrie countenance ( being called by the name of louing sonne ) ran to my Father , not turning so much as mine eies to Sarcordus , who was with great griefe & anguish of minde calling in vaine vpon me . This being done to the great wonder of all the towne ( for there was none there that durst not haue laid his head , but that I was Parthenius ) Carpostus tooke me vp and set me neere to Sarcordus ( himselfe going away ) but I ranne by and by after him , making no account at all of Sarcordus . At this sight , as they were all astonished , so were they not able to say any thing els , but that Carpostus had bewitched me , and therefore took him for som coniurer & wicked person . But first they brought Sarcordus his wife to see if I would seeme to faune more on her ( being ( as they thought ) mother vnto me ) then on him , of whom ( to be short ) I made no more account then of Sarcordus . Wherefore Carpostus said vnto Sarcordus and all the standers by . Why men of sence and reason dote you thus ? Be assured the child knowes his owne Father well enough . Commaund him therefore ( I beseech you righteous Iudges ) to offer no violence to me for carrying away what is mine owne . The Iudges not knowing what to determine in so doubtfull a case , Carpostus said . I know not ( graue Iudges ) why in a matter so manifest as this , you should suspend your iust iudgment , but that without delay you should proceed to definitiue sentence , vnles you seem to make any more doubt herein , which if you doe , I will cleere it , if it please you to send the child backe againe to my lodging by this boy , who shall incontinently returne with him againe ; for whom I will in the meane time remaine heere a pledge , bicause it shall not be saide , that I tooke possession of him before sentence giuen . That being graunted him , he willed the boy that brought me ( but secretly in his eare ) to carrie me backe , and to bring the other childe , not forgetting to put on his owne coats , who did it incontinently , and hauing brought Parthenius there before them all , without any more adoe , he ranne to his Father Sarcordus , and to his knowen nurse Sarcordus wife . The Iudges seeing so strange an alteration , and thinking he did what he listed with the child ( for they tooke me and Parthenius to be both one ) commaunded to lay hands on him for a notable Sorcerer . To whom Carpostus ( seeing whereabout they went ) said . Though here I am ( worthie Iudges ) at your disposition and commaund , yet do me this fauour ( I beseech you ) to suspend your doome , vntill you see the end of this matter ; it may be you will delight your selues with the conueiance & rare sequele of it . And then he bad the boy carrie back the child , commaunding him softly in his eare to bring me and the other childe backe againe , but both naked . And this he deuised , because Parthenius might not be knowen by his coats . But before we cam , he requested the Iudges to command Sarcordus & his wife to go aside , or to put themselues amongst the prease of the people , so that the child , when he was commight not see them . They did so , & behold we were both broght naked thither , and playing togither , at the sight whereof the standers by maruelled verie much , and they that came to behold the fame of that which was past , wondring yet a great deale more ; and others , that came after vs in the streetes , looking vpon one another in signe of admiration spake not a word , but opened their hands , and sometimes lifted vp their eies to heauen in token of great wonder & admiration . Then with a loud voice Carpostus ( before we came ) spake thus . One of these children is mine , the other is Sarcordus his . Let him therefore take his owne . But bicause the child by seeing him , may not know him , let him come to claime him behinde the people , and I will also hide me heere . Sarcordus being therefore come in manner aforesaide , and not able to discerne which was his , my nurse saide . Now do you see ( graue Iudges and good people assembled to behold the ende of this debate ) howe I haue this day ( to delight you with a rare noueltie ) presented before your eies the strangest wonder in the world , bicause you might not woonder at me , nor repute me for such a foole , as you haue taken me , for that which these fewe daies past I haue done with Parthenius , beleeuing he was my sonne , and bicause you might see , whether I had iust cause to claime him with assurednes for mine owne or not . They were all passing glad to see this strange conclusion , and tooke him for a very wise man , in that he had so well contriued the matter to saue his credit : And with great reason ( saide Lord Felix ) though all was done ( in my opinion ) by Calastas counsell , albeit I cannot also otherwise thinke , but that Carpostus was very wise by knowing how to gouerne himselfe so well against the whole towne . When he had saide thus , Delicius proceeded in his discourse saying . They put on our garments againe , and to giue either their owne , was no lesse variance , and as great difficultie as before ; for if we of our selues had not made our selues knowne to our nurses ( either of vs going to his owne ) we might haue both gone naked home againe . But from that time we entred both into such a mutuall league of amitie , that by no meanes they coulde part vs asunder : for much force had one God ( I knowe not ) that reigned in vs , ouer each others soule , diuining the great and inuiolable friendship that should be betweene him and me . I feare me ( noble Sir , and the rest ) that you would a good while since haue asked me what was become of my deere brother Parthenius ( for so we euer called one another ) and other questions that you haue left of , not to interrupt mee in my tale . Delicius would haue passed on farther but his falling teares would not permit him . Wherefore Cynthia came to him , saying . Drie vp thy teares ( Shepherd ) and tell on thy tale , for by doing this , thou shewest the small confidence and hope thou hast in my Lady Felicias helpe , whereas I my selfe haue also diuers times tolde thee before that thy sorrowes shall be remedied . Delicius then wiping his eies , saide . Thou tellest me ( O Nymph ) by that which I shew , the small trust I haue in Felicia ; but I tell thee , that by thy speech , thou dost manifest how little thou art acquainted with my greefe , and how lesse thou knowest of like passions , to which knowledge I wish thou maiest neuer attaine , since ignorance in such matters is much more expedient . I could tell thee much about these effects , if I thought not to offende this woorthie companie : but onely one word I will tell thee . That hope doth not pardon the punishment , although it doth lighten it a little . But thou seemest Shepherde ( saide Polydora ) to know the very secrets of our harts , bicause ( as thou hast tolde true touching the desire we had to know what was become of thy deere brother ) thou didst chaunce to say , that we would not giue thee leaue for answers and replies : wherefore dissembling thy greefe for a while , tell out the rest as thou hast begun . With a good will , saide Delicius . But let it not greeue you ( woorthie personages ) if you heare not now of my beloued brother , considering , that the great greefe which I suffer for him , must nowe suffice , and that the processe of my historie shall in conuenient place declare it amplie vnto you ; and if not so , at some other time you shall know it , when you shall see what great reason I haue to solemnize such a memory with these and many more teares . The fame of this strange accident ( I told you of ) and of our great likenes within a fewe daies after came to the eares of old Synistius , gouernour of the kingdome where we were borne , who was placed there by Rotindus king of Eolia , for the which cause Synistius commanding , that wee should be brought vnto him ( as well for our great likenes , as for the great beautie which we were reported to haue when we were children ) tooke vs from our fathers , and not long after sent vs to Rotindus , who also hearing that rare report , which fame had blowen abroad of vs , sent for vs to keepe Agenestor his nephew companie , to whom he was Grandfather by the mothers side , being then but one yeere yoonger then vs both . As it was strange to see what intensiue loue euery one did beare vs , so were the vnspeakable fauours and affection , which the yoong prince Agenestor shewed vs , so great , that needes we must ( to content him ) lie altogither in one chamber ; for whose sake , like panie , I will tell you what the song was , and whatsoeuer else you shall commaunde me , since such an one did sing it , whom I shall neuer forget , nor the song it selfe , while I haue either life or memorie .

IF to my musickes skill Apollo might his praises all resigne , And if ( vnto my will ) My speech were so diuine , That Mercurie for greefe thereat might pine . And if that eloquence So famous of Minerua sweete , did seeme yet But r●…ude irreuerence To mine , and each one deeme it But harsh , and plac't with mine , but base esteeme it . And if I were adorn'd With hundred mouthes of iron , and like wit , Or if I had bene borne With Dimond toongs ( admit ) Or sawe my selfe in euery part so fit : The ruine , nor the fall Of those , whom Ioue from scaled heauen did throwe , Nor that great floud , when all The drowned world did flowe , I would not tell , nor time in them bestowe . Onely by me thy praise ( O Chastitie ) with honour should be told : And with thy heauenly waies I would no lesse vnfold Those goodly partes , that thou dost still vphold . Thou art a weeder out Of vices , from the place of vertues graine : And thou dost go about Our honours to maintaine , And dost our soules from cancred vice restraine . The onely way and signe Thou art , that doth the soule to vertue leade , A captaine most diuine , That vnder foote dost tread Thy foes : Thy fort and tower no force doe dread . Foule leacherie doth kill Reason , if that it conquered hath the same , And captiue to her will Doth make it ( to her shame : ) So to the maid the Mistresse subiect came . Thou chastitie dost free Reason ( if to thy gate she bend her pace ) In more supreme degree : And she in euery place Is onely free , that doth thy lawe imbrace . The soule with sweetest balme Thou fillest , and the senses dost refine , And therewith all , the palme Of beautie most diuine Thy figure beares , where brauely it doth shine . The vaine thoughts of the minde , Which reason cannot with her counsell tame , Nor friendly discipline , Thy wisedome doth reclame : And apt to each good art the soule dost frame . Being sincere , and pure , Thou ioinest vs to things pure , and sincere , And so thou dost assure Those , that thy robe doe weare , Friends vnto God , a conscience free from feare . In vaine I heere doe waste These wordes , wherewith thy praises I pretend : Better it were ( at last ) In action to commend Thee , then with words ; And so I make an end .

Hauing made an end of her sweete song , & perceiuing that she came not againe , we rose vp softly to see , who had so much ioyed the Forest , filling it with so sweete harmonie . But casting our eies to the place from whence the delicate voice came , a sudden noyse and rushing of the riuer waters hard by , made vs suddenly looke that way . The cause whereof was the passage of a most fierce Shepherd that in great haste came wading thorow the riuer . He was of stature so huge and high that no common tall man might reach with his head aboue his middle , to whose high and maine growth each lim of his bodie was proportionablie correspondent . In euerie part he was so hairie , that the skinne of his bodie might hardly haue beene discerned , if the haire ( like to the bristles of wild Boares ) had not growen right forth . His eies were terrible to behold , and full of foggie flesh ; his wearing of wilde beastes skinnes ( from whom he rent & tooke them ) was sodden hard for his defence against their sharpe teeth ; his sleeues came no further on his armes , then almost to his elbowes , and his hose but a little beneath his knees . On his head he ware a broad Shell of a sea Tortuse , which serued him for his morion . His scrip , that hung downe behind his shoulders , was made of a wild goates skinne . Almost a whole Pine tree , ( big enough for the mast of some tall ship ) serued him for his sheepe-hooke ; the end whereof was poynted with sharpe and tempered steele . The cause of his passing thorow the riuer in such haste , was to follow ( as we afterwards perceiued ) a certaine Damsell , which was singing the song ( which you haue heard ) on the other side of the riuer . Whose faire sight filled vs with no lesse wonder , then the fierce shew of the huge and monstrous Shepherd with a pale and shiuering feare . As soone as the faire virgin had set eie on Gorphorost ( for so was this deformed fellow called ) with incredible swiftnes she began to flie away , and comming to passe neere vnto the place where we were , we iudged her to be some Nymph , resembling in face like a faire boy , or a boy transformed in countenance like to a faire Nymph : for her habit was not altogither manlike , nor in euerie point apparelled like a woman . Her disshiueled haire ( in brightnes surmounting the fine Arabian gold ) in curled lockes hung dangling about her snow-white forehead ; and from the middes of her head ( which with a crowne of Laurell and sweete coloured flowers was graced ) in faire and loo●… tresses hung carelesly downe . The which being spread abroade vpon her euen shoulders , and with a sweete sight falling downe beneath her fine waste , were gathered vp by the said Laurell crowne , bicause they might not hide such singular beautie , nor hinder the light of her radiant eies . On her bodie she wore a fine little doublet of a most perfect purple tynsell ( the like I thinke not to be imagined ) the same being richly died , and wouen as curiously as art could deuise , and so fit for her sightly bodie , that it seemed , it was endowed with vnderstanding , desiring by no meanes to be seuered from it ; the which at her faire and smooth necke ( for some greater respect ) was somewhat carelesly loose . The purple colour of this little doublet with the glimmering beames of her snow-white face reflecting vpon it , was represented with such a heauenly grace , like to that orient blush , which a crimson vale ( pearced by the Sunnc bright beames ) is wont to cast vpon some white Palace . A little wind gathered by the speede of her swift running , fashioned a delicate lap of the same colour of the doublet : the white and azure border whereof came downe but a little beneath the calfe of her fine legge , when , but halfe a light greene busquin , wrought all before with flowers of golde , was discouered to our dazeled eies , with certaine Scarpines or shooes ( such as Mercurie ( men say ) was woont to weare ) to defend her pretie foote from the iniuries of the hard ground . Within her Iuorie quiuer , that so seemely hung on her left shoulder , her loose arrowes went shaking vp and downe . The bow she carried in her left hand , with three arrowes in her right , made her in her flight more light and nimble . And in this sort Parthenius and I behelde at once this soueraigne virgin ; and both at once ( as after it was knowen ) were surprised with the beautie of her angelicall face : which made vs so farre besides our selues , that both of them in a short time being ouerrun vs a pretie way , we neither thought vpon hir succor , nor once remembred to deliuer hir from that bruit beast , who was almost at hir fainting heels : which help admit , though awaked out of our sudden passion & wonder we had offered to haue lent hir ; yet had we neither bin able to control Gorphorostes beastly forces , nor to com any thing neer him in running , nor yet to haue ouertaken saire Stela ( for this is the Soueraigne name of the noble virgine and heauenly Shepherdesse , that disdaines not my companie ) in her swift and fearefull flight . Needlesse it had beene ( saide Lord Felix ) to tell her name , when as by thy fine description and praises , that thou hast giuen her , it might be easily coniectured who she was . O let him proceede Lord Felix ( saide Doria ) for me thinkes I am enduring all this while the paines and feare , wherein this faire Nymph was , vntill I see her free from the hands of this monstrous beast : wherefore as thou louest thy selfe , good Shepherd , make haste , ( if it be true at the least ) that she escaped from him . Then saide Delicius . Nowe had the cruell Gorphorost blowen vp faire Stelas haire with his firie foming breath , when she , looking pale for feare to see him so nigh her , and her-selfe in so apparant danger , encouraged her fainting spirits ( well-nie ouercome by the violent paines of her swift course ) and got a little againe before him ; wherewith being ( happily ) come to the riuers side , where it yeeldes his running streames into the sea , she saide . Yee sacred Nymphes , if it be true that you haue any power in your waters , forsake not ( I beseech you ) a distressed virgine , long since deuoted to the puritie of chaste Diana , since you are so great friends to her , whom I haue euer honored from my hart . When she had thus said , she threw her-selfe into the riuer ; and after her , fierce Gorphorost without feare , lept in , where he had beene in great danger of drowning , if he had had lesse strength to wrestle with the furie of the swift streame , or knowne as little , by swimming , to haue helpt himselfe . The vgly Shepheard when he saw himselfe o●●he other side of the riuer , shaking off the water from him , like to the dirtie swine when they come out of their wallowed puddles , and lifting vp his eies to heauen , in a loude and menacing manner began thus to exclaime . O yee partiall Gods ( if there be any , besides mine owne will and appetite ) yee vniust Gods enuiers of my good , howe would I peece-meale rent you , if I had you in my hands , to teach you not to meddle any more in my matters . And thou Neptune , who aboue the rest art termed to haue an absolute and sole power ouer the waters , cast out from thy habitations that , which of right belongs to me ; otherwise in these caues and dens I will euery day disquiet thee and thy companie , turning these huge and steepie hils into thy waters . As he was vttring these proud words , we came to the riuer , where we sawe a goodly Nymph put out her yellow head , and spake these wordes against Gorphorost . Thou huge and monstrous beast , that , in dishonour of the immortall Gods art vomiting out blasphemies , hurtful to thy selfe , and not offensiue to them , harke what I wil say vnto thee . Thou hast now incensed all the Gods so much against thee , that ( were it not to reserue thee for som greater torments ) they would presently afflict thee with due punishment . Trouble not thus our waters , since the vtmost of thy power is so little able to profite thy selfe , vnlesse thou wilt also make vs thy principall enimies , and purchase our ill wils ; which ( thinke not ) shall be small , since we haue her in our custodie , whom thou vnwoorthily callest thy Goddesse : We keepe her , but not for thee , who by the fates is allotted to another . She remaineth in our pallaces without any harme , for it was not reason she should for thy fault , suffer any at all . And with this get thee hence , hopelesse for euer to see her in thy power , in whose behalse the Gods were neuer so vniust , as to combine two such vnequall persons togither . To this Gorphorost answered thus . The threatnings of these , whom vainely thou termest Gods , and Goddesses ( sweete Nymph , the happie gardienne of my sacred Goddesse ) I little account of , who neuer yet acknowledged subiection to any other , but to her , who ( as thou saiest ) remaineth now in your dwelling places . And her iustly do I confesse to be mine onely Goddesse , and therfore feare her more then all the rest . And it greeues me , if she thinkes I went about to hurt her , to whom ( I confesse ) I neuer intended any such matter . For if I ranne after her , it was bicause she fledde from me , and would not staie to harken to my iust complaints . And beleeue me ( Nymph ) bicause her tenderfoote might not be harmed by some sharpe thorne or flintie stone , thinking she woulde haue moderated her flight , I followed with a slowe pace , entreating her still to staie ; and telling her , that since the swiftest Does I ouerran , and tooke in a short race , she might not then thinke therein to go beyond me . And this I was desirous to tell thee , to request thee ( gentle Nymph ) to holde mee excused and blameles to her . By dooing whereof , I promise thee to keepe thy waters euer cleere , and vndefiled : And bicause she may vnderstand howe much it greeues me , that I haue offended her , I will purge me of this errour in my caue , without comming once out of it , vntill this newe Moone shall haue runne out her full course . When he had spoken these words , he went his waies , & the Nymph refusing to harken to my cries , and to Parthenius his pitifull requestes , diued downe againe into the waters . Which thing ( if it did not greeue vs both ) I leaue heerafter to your iudgements : Seeing therefore how bootelesse it was to call her , Parthenius turning to me ( for I had first called the Nymph ) saide . Brother , what wouldest thou haue with her ? How is it possible ( saide I ) but that I must call her , since she hath in her custodie that power of beautie , that wholly possesseth my conquered hart . I came foorth ( deere brother ) to seeke out my lost Father , and haue met with her , that hath found my soule . Wo is me , that know not what shall become of me . And from hencefoorth now thou maiest go seeke out thy deere parents , which leaue ( sweete friend ) I woulde not giue thee ( for the Gods knowe how much thy departure greeues me ) but onely to content and please thee : for heere will I staie , vntill I know what the immortall Gods will determine with me . Scarce coulde my louing brother stande vpon his feete , when from mine owne mouth he heard that I was enamoured of the faire damsell , bicause he had also no lesse then my selfe ( as by a strange chance I afterwards knew it ) yeelded vp to her his loue and libertie . But bicause it was either my good or ill happe to manifest my passion first , Parthenius dissembled his , in lieu that I might carie the guerdon away . So that on the oneside , he was very glad , that one thing offred it selfe , whereby I might receiue the first fruits of his true friendship ; and was sorrie on the other , to see that his greefe was remedilesse . Which perfect function of amitie I would in very truth haue no lesse performed towards him , if he had first opened his loue of her vnto me , as afterwards I did , though yet for all this I must remaine his debtor . But bicause I might not perceiue the great good turne he did me , and he by disclosing it haue lost the merite thereof , he did not onely dissemble it right-out , but by words and demonstration made as if no such matter had beene : And albeit he striued with himselfe not to loue Stela , yet was he not able to performe it , but ( as I saie ) hidde it in such sort , that it might not be perceiued . Whereupon to that which I had saide , he answered thus . The Gods neuer suffer me to profite nor pleasure my selfe with such a leaue , deere brother . For thou art my father & mother , & to forsake thee , I meane not to seeke them out : Let them pardon me whosoeuer they be , for since they left me in my infancy , & perhaps without iust occasion , it shal be no part of impietie for me to denie them in their old age , being warranted by so iust an excuse . Many other friendly speeches passed betweene vs both , & that wheron we concluded was this : To go to the next town , bicause itwas late , & there by som other course ( if at the least some happie meanes did obuiate our desires ) to informe vs what that Damsell was , & thereupon to aduise vs what was best to be done . Comming therefore neere vnto a little towne , not farre from that place , we espied this reuerend old Parisiles , almost in the very same robes that he now weares , who turned his eies on euerie side , to see if he might perceiue her comming , for whom ( it seemed ) he had long looked and lamented . To whom in the end a certaine raunger , that a farre off came crossing ouer the lawnes , appeared , who being come vnto him , spake some fewe words togither , but what , we could not heare , for we had hid our selues a prettie way off : and fewe they were . For by and by the sorrowfull old man with a pitifull outcrie fell into a great swoune . The raunger seeing him in such a trance , thinking he was dead , and fearing least his sudden death ( as he thought ) might haue beene laide to his charge , ran presently away as fast as euer he could , when as we all in vaine called and cryed out alowd vnto him ; so that , for that time we could not know the cause of the good old mans sorrow . One thing I haue noted in thy disoourse , saide Lord Felix , that thou euer with reuerence and humanitie entreatest olde Parisiles , who ( as not long since it seemed ) would haue killed thee . And with great reason , answered Delicius , to whom I doe not onely wish well , because he is Father to faire Stela , but honour him for his high deserts . But returning to my discourse , seeing the ranger would not stay , we went to the noble Parisiles , who was lying ( as abouesaid ) distraught of his sences , and perceiuing that he came not to himselfe again , we both went to seeke out some water to sprinkle on his face , ech of vs going a sundry way , to bring it the sooner to him . Which , when after too long seeking ( as we thought ) we could not finde , we returned backe againe , and before we came to the place where we left him , we heard him lamenting in this sort .

O World , false world , and like to hell belowe , Alake of fi lt hinesse , and puddle mud : A sea , where teares and miseries doe flowe : A trauell without ease , or hope of good : A pit of sorrow , and of endlesse woe : A region full of brambles , thornes , and brakes : Ameadow full of adders , toades , and snakes . A ceaslesse greefe , afalse delight , and pleasure Of men that goe on wheeles , and dancing scope : Of him , that counteth thee his trust and treasure , And of thy worldlings , false and vainest hope : A heape of woes , that hath no end nor measure : A hideous hill of care , and dwelling place Of monsters , and of paine an endlesse race . A poison sweete , a hony full of gall : A dungeon of despaire , a dismall field Of wretchednes , of seruitude , and all Infections , that ten thousand deathes doth yeeld . A hell , a filth , a miserie , and thrall , A care , a greefe , a paine , a plague , a sore , A slauerte , a death , and what is more . Many that haue endur'd thy yoke of paine , Haue gone about in colours to depaint Thy wicked slightes , with which thou still dost traine Distressed soules vnto an endlesse plaint . And weeping , where my cleerest light is hid , There wretched man my life I meane to rid .

By this lamentation , whereunto we gaue an attentiue eare , we vnderstood the cause of his complaint , That the Woodman belike had told him , how Stela , flying from Gorphorost , had cast her selfe into the riuer , but not that which afterwardes succceded . We were no lesse glad to heare the newes , of that we so much desired to knowe , as to giue him good tidings , whom it behooued vs to make as much beholding to vs as we could , for seruing our owne turnes . But as we were now determined to goe and talke with him , my brother said . Let vs stay , for if this be Father to thy new Mistresse , it is not best that he should now knowe vs , when we our selues knowe not what we haue to doe , nor how our matters ( not yet well commenced ) will fall out . And since he saide he will goe to the riuer , there to be the minister of his owne death , I thinke it best for vs to follow him , and demanding what he seekes , and whither he goes , to tell him what hath passed ; which I also thinke best to be done , when it is somewhat darke , bicause speaking to him then , he may not knowe vs another time , whereas ( if it might afterwards auaile vs ) by knowing vs to be the same men that brought him these good newes , we shall not want meanes to tell him that at our owne pleasure . We thought this to be good counsell , and did therefore put it so well in practise , that the good olde man being thereby comforted vp a little , went backe againe , and in requitall of these good newes , offered me , that was the teller of them , his lodging that night . Which courtesie of his with thankes repaying , I made an excuse that I had some busines another way , and bad him farewell , wherewith I went backe againe to Parthenius , and the olde man homeward to his house . The next morning ( for there we passed away the same night ) we went to the place where Stela had cast her selfe into the riuer , attending there her comming foorth ; and being come foorth , to see , if we might talke with her . But before we came , we espied the virgins olde Father walking vp and downe along the riuer bankes : And going neerer vnto him , to see if he offered to cast himselfe into the riuer , we sawe , how wearie of walking he sat him downe , and then with as lowde a voice as his greefe would giue him leaue , heard him in this sort singing to his deerest daughter .

DAughter , that in this deere And christ all riuer hast thy dwelling place With Nymphes : O harken heere To me a little space , Parisiles , thy wofull fathers case . Deny not him thy sight , Who euer did for thee himselfe despise : The absence of thy light , And heauenly shining eies , Vnto his soule a bitter death applies . Which so consumes his breath , That liuing thus , his life he doth defie : For such a life is death , And he would rather die , Then leaue to liue without thy companie . Ioy now , ( and doe not stay ) An aged man consum'd with greefe , vnlesse That thou wilt haue him say , The loue thou didst professe To him , was all but fain'd , as he may gesse . Why dost thou stay so long A wretched soule with comfort to sustaine ? O come and breake this strong , And mourning vale in twaine Of his affliction , miserie , and paine . My soule , thou woont'st with glee To heare this voice : but either I am not , As once I woont to bee , Or thou art chang'd , I wot , Or thy poore father els thou hast forgot . But first I pray to God , Then such obliuion in thy brest should bee , My vitall period May finish , not to see My selfe forgot of her , that loued mee . Come then my hart , and cleere Thee of this doubt , this fauour let me trie : If not , this riuer cleere Shall hide me by and by , For there with thee I meane to liue or die .

If the waues of the riuer , and the neighbour sea being mooued to ruthe and pitie , seemed to stay , and the noise of them both with his dolefull voice made gentle and calmed , ceased a while , that his tender complaints might be the better heard , how much more would you haue iudged our harts ( being wrought with pitie and compassion ) to be mollified with the amorous plaints , wherwith the pitifull old man did cal vpon faire Stela . For it might be wel vnderstood by his impatience , how much he loued her , when as he thought euery moment he staied there a thousand yeeres . But there passed not much time , when the waters being gently opened , out of the middes of them rose a faire companie of Nymphes , with garlands of diuers colours vpon their yellow haire : in the middes of which appeered faire Stela like chaste Diana amongst her gracious quire of Nymphes . At whose sight old Parisiles , for the incomparable ioy he had to see his desired daughter , and we to see our new beloued Mistresse , fell all downe to the ground , but raised vp againe with the sweetenes of a Set-song & a consort of heauenly musick , which the Nymphes had made amongst themselues , we harkened to that which was sung , as followeth .

PArisiles , thy dolefull song and playning , Thy piteous sighes , and weeping without measure ( To comfort thee ) haue made this goodly quire Leaue their aboades , and stately seates of pleasure . Afflict not then thy selfe , but cease thy paining , And let thy wearied soule to rest aspire : Let plaints begun , retire , And be in ioy , and happy gladnes ended : And be not now offended Parisiles , or carefull for thy daughter ; For hither we haue brought her In good estate , for thee to see her , knowing , That more then this to both we all are owing . If that the Gods are iust in any wise , Then are they bound to helpe those that doe pray To them for helpe , and in their seruice liue . Then since that you your selues did euer giue To follow them , and choose the better way In honouring vs by deede and sacrifice , The best we can deuise Of all good turnes , that may your loue requite , Belongs to you of right : Parisiles , the Gods in heauen doe knowe In sea , and earth belowe Thy things , and haue of them a greater care , Then thou maist thinke , and of thy happy fare . For which thing , they themselues had first ordeined That Stela , the most monstrous Shepheard flying , Should cast her selfe into this cleerest riuer , For knowing , what her fates and stars would giue her , Their influence with all their helpe denying By secret meanes her fortune , they restrained , And such a signe that rained Ouer her head , that threat'ned to destroy her , And present to annoy her : They therefore will she liue within our bowres , Vntill these lucklesse howres Doe passe , and while this signe and fate expires , Vnwoorthy her deserts , and high desires . The Sonne of Goddesse Cytherea shall Heer after be the cause of her despaire : ( The cruell ) wounding her with doubtfull loue : And so this loue , that shall so doubtfull fall , Great strife in her , and many wars shall moue , Not knowing which to choose , that is most faire , Her brest ( loues sweete repaire ) Continu ally shall wauer on two men , Inclining now and then Her loue to one , then to another straight : Poore soule she shall await In this suspence , not knowing to define To whether of them both she should incline ? And thinke not that th' immortall Gods intended To bar these loues , that heere I am declaring , Nor their successe would euer haue denied : For being to a vertuous end applied , Either of both they would not haue suspended : Alas , it is their fate such woes preparing , Not one nor other sparing . Both for one cause in one loue shall be chained ; And both alike be pained : But yet the Gods shall euer be procuring , That , Stela then enduring These ●ardest haps shall not with those be placed , Whom Fortune alwaies checkes , and hath disgraced . But thou must comfort thee aboue the rest , If of these three , the hard and cruell fate Cannot be shunn'd ; their ioies that must adiourne : After these woes Fortune shall make them blest , Shewing her face milde and propitiate , Gentle , and sweete : Then shall they cease to mourne , For●…e her wheele shall turne : Annoyes to ioyes , their sighes to sweetest songs Shall turne , and all their wrongs Shall cease : Their woes , their miseries , and teares , Their sorrowes , greefes , and feares Shall be one day conuerted into ioy , Which neuer after Fortune shall destroy . Thy daughter then ( Parisiles ) imbrace , And so restore her to this place againe , The heauens must haue their race : Then let them run : And cease to mourne in vaine .

This beuie of faire Nymphes , when they had ended their propheticall song , came to the riuer side , and with a maruellous sweete consent did put into Parisiles armes his welbeloued daughter : Betweene whom certaine speeches being past , with great thankes to the Nymphes , they tooke their mutuall leaue , the old man going away al alone , though accompanied with a thousand perplexed thoughts , & swelling tears , that for depriuation & losse of his deere daughter fell in great plentie from his aged face . The Nymphes to their christalline aboades , and Parthenius and I remaining not a little sorrowfull ( as you may gesse ) for Stelas departure , and full of imaginations for that which we heard by the Nymphes diuining song , being then ignorant , and doubting whether the contents thereof were ment by vs or not . All which paines , greefes , and troubles threatned therein , and many more faine woulde wee haue suffred , in lieu that faire Stela had beene the cause of them . With these and many other considerations reuolued in our mindes , we determined to stay there , to see if the Nymphes ( taking faire Stela with them ) came sometimes foorth to solace themselues amongst those greene and pleasant forrests : where we staied not long before our desires had part of their contentment ; for euen the next day about that hower when Tytan equally viewed all our Hemisphere , and certaine daies after came out many faire Nymphes , to passe away the heate amongst those coole and fresh shades , though their happie sallies ( happie by faire Stelas company ) did little auaile vs , since euery time that we made offer to come out of the woode towardes them , with fearefull flight they ranne backe againe to their acquainted riuer . Parthenius therefore seeing the small occasion that was offered vs to talke with them , saide vnto me . With this beginning ( deere brother ) wee must not continue on our commenced purpose , which is not onely an open impediment to the good successe of our determination , but a manifest occasion to molest thy Mistresse , and a let to the Nymphes from their wonted pastime and delight . What remedie then ( said I ) shall we vse , or what dost thou aduise vs to do , for I cannot by any meanes depart from hence with safetie of my life . As I will not counsell thee thereunto saide Parthenius , so the immortall Gods forbid that we go from hence , before we finde out some good meanes , whereby these Nymphes ( their coynesse laide aside ) may admit vs into their sweete company . If there be any remedie for this ( saide I ) then all my sorrowes , and sorrowful life shal be ( I hope ) both eased and ended ; but alas my greefe will not giue me leaue to conceiue it so . And if there be any ( said Parthenius ) it is but onely one . Thou knowest well my deere brother , by all those times that wee haue seene them comming hither , how they do lesse disdaine the simplicitie and plainnes of countrey Shepherds , then the suspicious companie of cunning courtiers , and that their turall baggepipe is more delightsome to their eares , then the enticing and wanton Lute of the others . The which dulie considered , it shall be better for vs ( in my opinion ) by leauing of these costly habits , to cladde our selues in homelie Shepherds weedes ; which probable inuention being put in practise , may happely prooue more fortunate vnto vs , then any other course that we may well thinke of . His counsell , which was foorthwith put in execution , liked me so well , that we left of our accustomed apparell , and put on this which you see , not consenting that garments ( whom nature made so like ) should put any difference betweene vs . And so likewise we forgot not our sheepehookes , and scrips , and whatsoeuer else belonged to a Shepherds calling . But as for sheepe , we bought none , before we knewe how well this deuise answered our deseignes , the which , time , and occasions afterwards would aduise vs best to do : for we agreed to say , that we left them behinde , in custodie of our Swaynes , and that we came before to seeke out the best pasture for them . We had also fidles , and pipes , whereon we soone learned to play , bicause we could plaie on the Fluet , and Vials and other musicall instruments . With this new habite we passed away certain daies , in singing & playing many sundrie things : Al which felout so fit to our desires , that not once , but a manie times , the Nymphes kept vs company , bringing Stela that faire and shining Staire many times amongst them , by whose golden light the course of our grieuous life was then , and is yet most happily guided : Wherein Fortune so highly fauoured me , that day by day ( though much against my will ) I accompanied those faire Nymphes ; not , that it was not a foueraigne glorie to me to be in presence of that cleere Sunne I spake of ; but bicause I would haue thought it a greater good , if my deere brother had also inioyed the same . This is strange ( said Lord Felix ) to shew thy selfe on the one side most appassionate for faire Stela , & to grieue on the other , that thou inioyest her sight al alone , desiring it for another . But stranger it would seeme ( said Delicius ) if you knew euery thing that passed about this matter : But now let it suffice you ( Gentlemen and Shepherds ) to know this much , and another day ( it may be ) I will make an ende of that I haue begun . They were all importunate with him to haue him tell on , when Felicias comming made them leaue of , who being come vnto them , said to Delicius . My friend Shepherd , since I inioyned thee of late to a task that not so wel contented thee , I am now come to deliuer thee from it , bicause I imagine how grieuous it is to thee to passe therein any further . To do the contrarie good Ladie ( said Delicius ) were vnworthie your gracious selfe , and not quadrant to that , which is expected at your hands , wherein I meane not to giue you the thankes you deserue , nor hope of any other guerdon , then that which you your selfe haue alreadie taken , considering that you do no more , then what to your owne selfe you are bound to do . For all this ( said Felicia ) let vs ( my sonnes ) goe home , for Phoebus now doth hasten him to his owne , whose rosie beames , though silently they begin to decay , shall with his Sisters siluer lights , to guide our steps be carefully supplyed . And we might well passe away this fresh approching night , and with great pleasure spend it in so good companie ; but in the end we shall better take our rest in the house , whereas for this day let vs content vs with the bootie we carie home . With a fewe such walkes abroad ( said Felismena ) we shall be quickly inriched : Though in verie truth at our first onset , we haue taken so braue a prize and robbed so much good , as I thinke , we shall not neede to take any paines to lye in waite for more . Felismena had not gone away in Stelas debt , if Felicia had not cut her off , saying . The fashion in this place is not to pay by and by , but to trust something . But how comes this to passe , that I haue alreadie taken Parisiles , Stelas , and Crimines words to be my guestes , and haue not Delicius consent to be one of them ? Aduise thee therefore Shepherd , if it please thee to goe in with vs , for it was neuer my condition to force any against their wils , whereby to giue thee any occasion to complaine of me , and to say that like a forced captiue I carie thee in . Your words good Ladie ( said Delicius ) are different from your deedes . For whosoeuer should heare you say , that you did not perforce carie me in , would not ( I thinke ) beleeue your wordes : for I frankly confesse before them all , that you carrie me in as a prisoner , forced and taken . Wherein if they will not credit me , for themselues ( at the least ) they must needs beleeue me : for I will gage my head , that all will affirme no lesse , and say , that you haue moreouer forced and made them captiue to your wil and commaund . They all laughed at Delicius answere , seeing how well he had acquited himselfe of Felicias iest , whereupon they all told Felicia , that the Shepherd said true , and that she should not care for satisfactions with wordes . And who shall iudge this betweene vs ( said Felicia ) for I confesse to , that you carie me no lesse constrained and forced to your wils and desires . But leauing this doubt to be decided , let vs go our waies . Then all of them obeying the sage Felicia , followed her , and with the pleasant discourses which they mooued there amongst themselues , made the way seeme lesse and shorter ; so that sooner then they would , some of them came to the royall Palace . It was now well entred into night , when being come neere to Dianas Temple , and Felicias Palace , a great number of faire Nymphes ( being richly attired ) came foorth to meete them , and euerie one with a torch of virgin waxe in her hand to light them in , thereby the rather to manifest the great magnificence and maiestie of Felicia , then for any neede of their light at all . For the moone did shine so bright , that ( it seemed ) she endeuored nothing more then with her sociable presence to behold and hearken to that noble companie . They that were neuer before in that rich Palace , maruelled to see the stately and sumptuous buildings of it . But when vpon the chiefe portall and entrance thereinto , they saw two Nymphes made all of massie siluer stand vpon the Chaptrees of two columnes , with these verses : WHo comes into this place , let her take heede How she hath liu'd , and whether she hath kept The gift of chastitie in thought and deede . And see besides , if she hath euer stept , With wauering minde to forren loue estranged , And for the same , her first afection changed , May enter in DIANAS Temple heere , Whose grace and vertues soueraine appeere .

Delicius said . This aduise ( Ladie Felicia ) speaketh ( me thinkes ) onely of women , but I would faine know , why it toucheth not as well men , as if there were not some , in whom that is also found , which warranteth an entrance into this place . If the Goddesse of chastitie ( bicause it is the Temple of Diana ) delighteth onely in the companie and conuersation of women , then must al men consequently be forbidden to come in . And whereas it saieth , that she , that in all those points findes her selfe guiltlesse , may come in , my desire is to know , if any woman failing in any of them , happen to come in , what would ensue thereof . Syrenus before Delicius passed any further , said . It is wittily demaunded , or els I vnderstand it not : and truly my desire is no lesse to know , what harme would befall to her , that with breach of her first faith and loue entered in , thereby to warne the faithlesse Shepherdesse Diana . But now another scruple ( said Delicius ) ariseth in my mind , which is , That when we were comming towards this rich Palace , I asked one of these faire Nymphes , what euery one of this noble and vertuous companie might be ; who briefly satisfying me in euerie point , amongst other things that she told me made me especially to maruell at this , That some of these heere , were married in this place : Whereupon I would faine know , if in the Temples of the Goddesse of chastitie it be vsuall to solemnize any marriage , bicause that mysterie is as strange to mine eares , as the reason therof to my conceit . If by resoluing thee in these demaunds ( said Felicia ) I thought to preuent thee of any more replies , I would endeuour to pleasure thee heerein : but because ( I know ) thou wilt not therewith content thee , but that with many doubts ( that in my answers may perhaps occurre ) thou wilt yet vrge me further , I am minded to leaue it of for this time , and the rather , bicause it is time to go in to take our wonted foode and rest : Whereupon they went in to supper , which by this time was sumptuously made readie for them . Hauing supped , they went to bed without singing or playing on their instruments , for there were some that desired more their rest then recreation , and sleepe then solace , thinking their late meriment past suffised them for that day .

The end of the third booke .

The fourth Booke of the second Part of Diana of George of Montemayor .

AMongst many other times that Felicia caried her guestes to disport themselues at the fountaine of the Laurell trees , ( a place more pleasant then any other ) on a day when they were going into the little meadow where that faire fountaine did arise , they sawe two louely Shepherdesses ( though by their coye lookes shewing a kinde of signorie and statelinesse aboue any other ) that were sitting harde by the goodly spring , both of them endowed with singular beautie , but especially the one , that to their iudgements seemed the yoonger . Right ouer against them on foote stoode a yoong Shepherd , who with the lappe of his side coate wiped away the teares that fell downe thicke vpon his blubbered cheekes , in requitall whereof , and of his inward greefe , the Shepherdesses did nothing else , but by looking vpon one another , affoorde him a gracious smile . Syrenus , Syluanus , and Seluagia , knowing it was the same Shepherd , that shewed them the letter , when they were going from Felicias palace towards their owne towne , withdrew themselues aside , and euery one of them doing the like , Syrenus very softly said . O how glad am I to see this yoong Shepherd here , for if he would but sing , you should see that the sweetenes of his songs , which we haue so much commended to you , were no fained thing . But it greeues me not a little to see him in these termes , that he is not like to make me nowe as good as my worde . Take no care for that ( said Felicia ) for he will not forget to do it , and bicause you may heare him the better , come softly on with me , for I will bring you to such a place , where they shall not see you , but where you may at pleasure delight you with his sweete musicke . The Shepherdesses were talking with the Shepherd , when Felicia brought them as neere ( vnseene ) as they could be , but yet not so neere , that they were able to tell what they were talking togither . More faire then curteous are those Shepherdesses ( saide Lord Felix ) that request not the Shepherd to sit downe by them . It is not for that ( saide Felicia ) but for great respect of loue and dutie that he beareth to the yoonger , who in her presence could neuer finde in his hart to sit , but onely when others were in companie , from whom he thought it best to conceale his passions . Why is he so sadde ( saide Seluagia ) for as I remember , and coulde gather by his letter , his Shepherdesse could not doe , nor say anie thing , wherein he tooke not great ioy and contentment . I , but Fortune hath nowe turned her wheele ( saide Felicia ) for then , and euer since , for the reward of his loue , he onely enioyed the presence and sweete company of his Shepherdesse , the force from whence his ioyes and comforts sprung : but now , for some certaine daies , he is forced to depart from her , which farewell breedeth no lesse his present greefe & sorrow . And that which giues him greater paine , is that he knowes not when hee shall see her againe . But harke and giue attentiue care , for now they command him to sing , whereupon they sawe him take his Rebecke out of his scrip , and with a playning voice began thus to sing .

PHillis , my faire yoong Shepherdesse , That from thee by and by I must depart ( O heauinesse ) O that no , but woe that I. O from the world that now I might depart , Since that I must ( my ioy ) forgo thy sight , For now I liue too long : Then kill my hart Mishap , if thou wilt grant me so much right : Or fatall sisters now consent , That she or I might die , I craue it to a good intent : O that no , but woe that I. Pardon , it is not I that doe desire Thy sudden and thy wrongfull death not , I. It is my loue , my hot and burning fire , That made my toong so much to goe awrie : And feare it is that mooues my hart , And thoughts of iealousie , Since thou dost stay , and I depart , O that no , but woe that I. Such iealousies they are not , thou must thinke , That thou some other loue wilt entertaine , For I doe knowe that loue can neuer sinke Into thy brest ( vnto my cruell paine . ) But iealousie thou wilt forget Heereafter , and denie That one did see another yet : O that no , but woe that I. But if thou dost ( faire Shepherdesse ) suspect To burie me in Lethes lake , let greefe , Before thou shouldst so ill my loue respect , Consume my life , let death be my relcefe : Then thou shouldst thinke but such a thought , First ( faire one ) let me die : Although it shall be deerely bought , O that no , but woe that I. To rid my selfe from such n cruell paine , I would destroy my selfe , and purchase rest : But then to kill thee , I doe feare againe , Bicause thou dwellest heere within my brest : Doe then a noble deede ( my life ) From thence with speede to flie , That then I may conclude this strife . O that no , but woe that I. Bargaine with me , let me this fauour craue , To leaue my hart , that so thy harme doth dread , Thy place againe then after thou shalt haue , If thou maist come to it , when it is dead : For if thou once goest foorth , I will To death with courage hte , And then my vitall powers kill . O that no , but woe that I. As if it lay within thy handes and powre ( Sweete Shepherdesse ) forsake my wofull hart , But yet thou canst not goe from thence one howre , Neither can I , although I would , depart . Nor yet I would not , though I might , I say , I would not die , But yet bicause I loose thy sight , O that no , but woe that I. If that I am in any thing to thee Gratefull , this fauour then of thee I pray Thou wouldst , when I am gone , remember me , And say , where is my Shepherd all this day ? Then would I count my greefe but small , If thou wilt not deny This thing , or thinke of me at all : Woe that no , but O that I. Then say but I , although it be in iest , And neuer meanst thy promise to maintaine : Thou shalt thereby procure some little rest Vnto my parting soule , which I will faine : Little I craue to ease my hart , And paines , yet let me trie This fauour , Then I will depart . O that no , but woe that I.

As he thus made an end of his song , they rose vp , and the yonger ( called Phillis ) made a signe to the Shepherd with her singer , to reach her vp her scrip and Sheepehooke that lay on the ground , at whose hands ( though in most dutifull manner he did it ) she receiued them with no more thankes or shew of courtesie , then if one of hir swaines had giuen it her . And then with a word or two of the Shepherdesses , but with his many teares the mournefull Shepherd tooke his leaue : whereat Phillis being mooued to some small sorrowe and to no lesse greefe for his departure , tooke out of her scrip a fine little spoone ( the same perhaps that she her selfe did eate with ) and gaue it him , wherewith the Shepherd did somewhat mitigate his helpelesse sorrow : and then they went out of the meadow one way , and the Shepherd another , Might it not be well done ( saide Felismena to Felicia ) to talke with those Shepherdesses before they goe . Not now answered Felicia , for heereafter you shall knowe all , when their due time shall come , wherein you shall then take as great delight to see and conuerse with Phillis and Castalius ( for so is the Shepherd called that was with them ) as now perhaps some little greefe for their departure : whereas besides it is not now so conuenient , bicause I knowe , we should make them not a little ashamed . The Shepherdesses therefore being now gone out , they went into the little meadow to the christalline fountaine , where , in set daunces and sweete songs ( accompanied with pleasanthistories and gracious speeches ) they spent the time till Felicia thought it good for them all to goe to the Temple , when she came to warne them . Who ( it seemed ) did neuer awake , or take care for any other thing , then where , and after what maner she might best delight that noble companie . Whereupon she caried them sometimes to the goodly plaine before the Temple , other times to another pleasant meadow neere to the wood , and sometimes to the Laurell fountaine . Truth it is that ( to haue all possible ioy ) Don Felix and his faire Lady Felismena , Syluanus , and his louing Shepherdesse Seluagia needed not to seeke it out in exteriour things , since their inwarde ioy ( to see themselues all fower with mutuall affection so happily beloued ) was so great , that all others ( in respect of this ) were but meere shewes and shadowes . Syrenus tooke a singular pleasure to beholde the contentment of them all , whom so vnfainedly he loued . The Nymphes not onely procured it for themselues , but to delight them all in generall . And Parisiles his anger being now past with that which Felicia had told him , and shaking off his former sadnes , by enioying the presence of his daughter , was no lesse ioyfull then the rest . But Stela , and Crimine were in suspence , betweene solace and sorrow , comfort and care , being cheered on the one side by the hope that Felicia promised them , and by knowing that those louers were onely by her meanes recured ; but sad on the other , that by imagination they could not finde out some way or remedie for their paines and passions , which were so strange , that though to their owne content they craued it , yet they could not deuise how to their owne wils and desires they might enioy it . For both of them equally loued Delicius and Parthenius : but Stela especially , who desired not to haue Delicius loue her , if Parthentus forgat her ; nor esteemed of Parthemus his loue , if Delicius had despised her . Onely Delicius amids such sportes and pastimes ( as were offered there ) was far from all comfort , by finding himselfe absent from his deere friend Parthenius , without whose presence he cared not to enioy his sorrowfull life . And the danger besides ( which shall bee heerafter spoken of ) wherein he knew his deere friend to be , was euery hower so sensibly represented to his greeuous thoughtes , that he was many times determined to goe and deliuer him , or else to die in that resolution ; but that he was prohibited on the one side , and had no force on the other to forsake Stela , the ioy and light of his darke and mournfull life . The seldome enioying of whose woonted sweete sight , and discontinued speech with her , by reason of old Parisiles , applied more matter to the heauie burden of his greefe : So that he ( though all the rest did sing and play ) could neuer be perswaded to keepe them companie , from the which but with faint and fained reasons he for the most part excused himselfe . Whereupon ( when opportunely he could do it ) he closely conuayed himselfe out of their company , whose discontentment ( his yoong Shepherdesses with watchful eie perceiuing it ) did not a little greeue them . But sage Felicia seeing how little her promised hope preuailed with the fearefull Shepherd , on an euening before them all saide thus vnto him . I woulde neuer leaue to complaine on thee ( sorrowfull yoong Shepherd ) if I knewe not the great reason thou hast to bee so sad : And therefore I beseech you that be heere , not to be offended with the course of his melancholike life ; nor take it in ill part , if hee cannot pleasure you as you woulde ; praying you besides to do me so much fauour , not to aske him any more , then he is willing of himselfe to tell you , and to attende the time , when with his gratefull conuersation and sweete discourses he shall fill your hands full . Of curtesie then good Shepherd , and for shame do no more , then what thou shalt see most auailing thy content , since we are so glad ( by al the meanes we can ) to giue it thee . Then answered Delicius . I can receiue no greater fauour in any thing ( most gracious and prudent Ladie ) vnlesse it be the enioying of my Parthenius his presence ) then in that , which you haue alreadie done me : which especiall benefits ( since my abilitie is so small ) must needs remaine without due requitall . For though in signe of subiection , my willing minde and person woulde bee euer ready at your command and seruices ; yet it were but a friuolous and vndiscreet part to promise you that , which by all reason is alreadie due vnto it . Don Felix , Felismena , the Shepherds and the Nymphes with one voice said , That they were not a little glad to see Delicius take content in any thing , who gaue them many thankes for it , crauing pardon of them for the great strangenes he vsed amongst them . At whose hands and of Felicia and the rest obtaining a friendly pardon , hee passed away his sorrowes all alone , going often into that thicke woode to lament his hard and sinister haps ; wherein he could not choose but many times haue lost himselfe , if the shining turrets of Felicias pallace had not brought him thither again , when he would . Amongst many other daies , that heere and there some went to sport themselues in diuers places , it fell out that the Shepherdes Syrenus , Syluanus , and Seluagia , ( for Felicia and Don Felix had gone one way , and the rest of the companie another ) were one day all alone with old Parisiles in a quadrant of the rich pallace , to whom Syrenus saide . Since it hath pleased you woorthie Parisiles ( the fewe daies that you haue beene heere ) to content all our louers with your pleasant and amorous historie of C●pid their idolatrous God , my selfe , that haue not to do with this blinde boye , why haue you refused to gratifie with some pleasant discourse touching a Shepherds state . The first day that we enioyed your happie companie , you propounded diuers things concerning the same , from that time surcharging me with ( more then a meane ) desire to heate them discoursed by you : And especially the manner of the sacrifice of our God Pan , and how at the first it was vsed to be done , and from what time it was held in reuerence , and all the rest that you propounded about this matter . So that your tale shall come nowe in good time , and to very good purpose , since we are heere all Shepherds and alone . Whereupon I pray you ( noble Parisiles ) ease my impatient minde of the burden of this desire . I cannot my friend Syrenus ( answered Parisiles ) but obey thee , wherein thou crauest to be resolued , since it is a thing appertaining to my office , to declare the rights and honors due to our Gods , and also a conuenient mysterie for you to know , and a thing especially belonging to Pan the great God of Shepherds .

As touching the first , you haue great cause to make no small account of your functions and estates , when not onely Pan , but many other of our Gods haue vsed the like , besides many great Emperours , Kings , & worthie personages that haue not disdained this simple and contented kinde of life , which was the first charge and vocation , that our forefathers in the primitiue world embraced , whose names impertinent for you to know , and tedious for me to report , I meane to leaue vntold . So that you must not maruell if I told you that the first , to whom we offered sacrifice , was this God . I know well , that I should take my beginning by declaring what God this is : but bicause he hath none , I cannot put it in any other thing , but in himselfe . For , to say that Pan , and Faunus is all one ( as almost all authors auerre ) I haue no reason to beleeue it , when by them themselues I meane to refell it . For they say , that Faunus was the sonne of Picus , Father to Latinus ; Pan the sonne of Demogorgon , God of the earth . To say also ( as they affirme ) that Pan and Syluanus is all one , it is false : for a certaine Autenticall author , after he had told that Pan the God of Shepherds came , said that Syluanus also came , with a root of a tree , into the which Cyparisus was transformed . Whereupon it is cleerely gathered , that one cohereth but ill with the other . That which they hit neerest of Syluanus , is , that he is the God of the dregs of the Elements , wherof all materiall things tooke their essence . Reuerend Parisiles ( said Seluagia ) you haue annulled that , which we tooke for a sure ground , holding it euer for an infallible opinion , that all three were but one , or two of them at the lest : Not onely you ( saide Parisiles ) but almost all , who haue beene of greater reading and indgement . Indeede ( said Seluagia ) to our sexe and condition it is not graunted to vnderstand so much , as to gainsay what you haue affirmed , and how much more ( since you your selfe doe say it ) ought it to be beleeued ? But yet one doubt occurreth to my minde about this matter : For noble Parisiles , you saide , that Pan had no beginning , and afterwardes confessed he was the sonne of Demogorgon , how can this be ? It is wisely obiected , answered Parisiles , and like one that notes my discourse well . And in truth faire Shepherdesse , thou propoundest a question to me , which I knowe not how with the honour of my Gods , or with mine owne to resolue . For in sooth I must faile in one , when I am constrained to confesse , that I vnderstand it not , or that our Gods are none , if we must beleeue our writers : but bicause thou touchest me with contradiction in my speech , I will haue thee knowe , that when I saide Pan had no beginning , it was but mine owne opinion , and true , if Pan signifies all . When I said , he was the sonne of Demogorgon , it was according to their opinions that affirmed that Pan and Faunus were all one . And to bring contradiction in their opinions , was a thing sufficient ynough to throwe them downe from their opinion , shewing their affections to be repugnant and contrarie . It remaines therefore for me to prooue , that he is not the sonne of Demogorgon , both which I dare verifie with their owne grounds . For Pan is as much to say as all , to giue vs to vnderstand , that he is God of all : They paint him as you knowe . Demogorgon is as much to say as nature . Now then if Pan be God of all , and nature be something , Pan is the God of nature ; then by consequence if Demogorgon be nature , Pan is God of Demogorgon his father . If they will say that nature is not something , but all , they must then be driuen to confesse that Pan and Demogorgon is all one , and not two things , which cannot be two , since ech of them is absolutely al. So that as our Authors confound themselues with this God , they wil shew the like of all other Gods . But well ( saide Syluanus ) whom doe you beleeue that Pan is ? Let him be whosoeuer he will ( answered Parisiles ) sufficeth you to honor this God Pan vnder the name of the God of all . The first , that I knew did sacrifice to this God was king Euander , and the first that built a temple to him in Arcadia at the foote of a hill called in the old time Olympus , bicause Romulus ( they said ) was nursed in that place . This hill afterwards was called Palatine , and Lyceus , wherein were fower principall things . A Wood consecrated to Iupiter , of such qualitie , that if any despising the lawe that forbad them to enter in , did go into it , he died within one yeere after . An Aulter in the top of it to the same Iupiter , held in great reuerence . A Fountaine of so maruellous a nature , that it seemed the Gods were more curious in it , then in any other thing ; for the water being gently stirred with an oken twigge , a vapour rose suddenly out of it like a thicke miste : The which , not long after being congealed into a cloude , and mixed with others that were there raised vp , was sufficient to haue made a great shower of raine . And at the foote of the hill laie a certaine place or space of ground called Lupercall , which some saie tooke that name , bicause there were no woolues that ranged vp & downe with their crueltie to hurt the harmelesse sheepe . Others , bicause Romulus and Remus were nursed there by a certaine woman called Lupa . Heere therefore stoode the temple of God Pan , and heereupon the sacrifices they do him , tooke their name Lupercalles : They were first called Lycea of the hill , where first they were made , and are solemnized , as you know , the eighteene of Ianuarie . They that celebrated those sacrifices were called Lupercos : who in making them , ran naked vp and downe the streetes , couering their faces with maskes , and hauing in their handes certaine reines made of Goates skinnes , wherewith they smit the handes and bellies of women with childe , and of those that coulde not conceiue , to make the childe-birth by these meanes more easie to them , and the others fruitfull . They went vppe and downe naked ( as some say ) to shewe thereby ( as it seemed ) the lightnes of their God : and bicause Pan ( as others say ) abhorred garments , whereupon they paint him without them . And because Romulus and Remus ( as others report ) being one daie with other yoongsters to celebrate these sacrifices , and to exercise their persons in games agreeable to their youth , wherein they cast off their garments for heat , newes came that their flockes were stolne away : who with the rest of the youth , full of rage and anger , not staying to put on their apparell , pursued the theeues , and the victorie obtained by Remus with the Fabians , that were in his companie , they got their flockes againe . In honorable memorie of which valiant act , it was afterwards ordained , that they that offered sacrifice to Pan , should be naked . All which abouesaide hath continued vntill our times , except the going naked : for it was not vsed since a certain Roman dictator refused th' imperial crown that a Consull ( made Lupercus ) did put on his head : for that which that Consull did , was so abhominable in the sight of the people of Rome , that , for his sake , they abhorred from thence such an vnseemely forme of sacrifice . You see here therefore ( my friends ) how I haue resolued you ( I thinke ) in that which you asked me , wherein though I haue seemed somewhat long , yet shorter , then so ample a matter as this required . And I thinke too breefe ( saide Syrenus ) considering how much you haue laide open vnto vs . Wherfore do vs yet this pleasure ( I pray you ) to tell vs why God Pan so much abhorreth garments . With a good will , said Parisiles , for it is both prettie and pleasant .

Hercules going on a day to recreate himselfe with his loue Iole along the shadowed woods and pleasant groues , to eschew the heate of the Sunne , Pan from a hill aloft beheld them , but especially cast an earnest eie vpon Iole , a woman of a most sweete and faire countenance . He saw her , and seeing burned in her loue , and said . I haue not now , O yee deities of these mountaines , to do with you any more , nor to see you from this time forward . Farewell , farewell . For she is onely my delight . Iole had her shoulders and brest shining like golde with her yellow haire that from her head fell dangling downe vpon them . The sunne now waxing pale , and shining but a little , began to giue as little heate , and the moist welkin with the euening dewe of approching night , came stealing on apace with her sable coloured horses , when Hercules with his company tooke vp a caue neere to the vineyards of Lidia : wherein , while supper was a preparing for the seruants , Iole for her pleasure , or for some other merrie conceit that she had in her head , did put her apparell vpon mightie Hercules , vnripping the seames to make it fitter for him , and tearing that which was too streight . On her-selfe she put the Lyons skin , and tooke his club on hir shoulder , and in her hands , her husbands bowe and arrowes . In this sort they supped , and laid them downe to sleepe , and with this habite each of them in a bed by themselues ( as time and place affoorded them ) began to sleepe : for it was not lawfull for them that night to lie togither , bicause the next day they were to offer vp sacrifice to Bacchus . And now ( Pan burning in impatient loue ) about midnight , which was very darke ( for what doth not a louer enterprize ) came into the caue , and found the seruants , what with their great cheere and wine at supper , and what with their sports afterwards , fast a sleepe , thinking the same might be also the cause of their Master and Mistresse sleepe . His good fortune therefore falling out so well , conducted him to the place , where Iole was ( happie man if he had knowne his good happe ) where groping vp and down , and feeling the Lyons pawe , with feare he lifted vp his hand , ( thinking it was Hercules that lay there ) as the musing traueller by the high way , his foote , that hath vnawares troden vpon some snake or hidden adder he sawe not . Going therefore from thence he met by chance with the couch where Hercules in a habite different from his person , lay a sleepe , whom when Pan touched , and felt Ioles soft and delicate garments , thinking he had founde that he sought for , at the beds feete began to mount vp , and lifting vp his clothes , in lieu of finding a soft and tender skin , felt a hard flesh and full of haire . Hercules awaked out of his sleepe , gaue the poore louer such a blowe with his fist , that he smote him from the bed to the ground , where he laie all along . Iole awaked at the noise , and calling to her seruants for light , found the sillie God on the grounde complaining for the blowe he had receiued , which made not onely Hercules and his men , but his beloued Iole laugh apace at the infortunate louer . You therefore see heere ( my friends ) why the God deceiued by the garments , doth so much hate them . It is well ( saide Syrenus . ) But tell vs I beseech you , as you haue begun , how we should know him to bee the God of all by his picture . They paint him with two hornes , answered Parisiles , like to the sunne beames , and to the hornes of the Moone , his face redde like a firie flame , in imitation of the firie Element . In his brest a star called Nebrides in representation of the starres , which starre I thinke was made of a wilde goates or Hearts skinne , bicause Nebrides is as much in signification as a wilde Goate or Heart : which skins they vsed in Bacchus sacrifices : whereby we may easily gather , that he is God of all aboue . From the mids of his body downward , they paint him full of haire and bristled , to signifie the trees and wilde beasts ; with Goates feete , to shew the hardnes of the earth . And let this suffice for this time .

With these and many other like curiosities , that the Shepherds demanded of Parisiles , the night came on to his great contentment . The verie same day ( as I said ) Felicia carried with her Stela : And Lord Felix , Felismena , and the Nymphes with Crimine , went by themselues to another place . To whom , after they were set vnder the shadow of some thick Sallowes , Lord Felix said . So may all thy fortunes succeed happily to thee ( faire Nymph ) and according to thine owne desire by seeing thy selfe in the greatest prosperitie in the world , as thou wilt deigne to tell vs why Stela and thy selfe go wandring vp and downe so sorrowfull in the company of this faire yoong Shepherd , and how long since it is you had acquaintance with him . Thou commandest me Lord Felix ( said Crimine ) to renew the summe of my sorrowes and extremest griese . Alas , who can stop my teares from their continuall flowing by awaking such tormenting memories ? Who can quench my scalding sighes , that with such a heauie recitall will come smoking out of my balefull breast ? How can I tell you my excessiue misfortunes in order , since there was neuer any in my innumerable passions ? Let it content you Lord Felix , and you faire Ladies to knowe that you haue before your eies the most haplesse woman of all our sexe , and in your presence the verie summe and pattern of all disastrous virgins . Hauing thus spoken , a profound sigh accompanied with abundant teares , hindered the rest of her dolefull words : whereupon they came all together to comfort her , Felismena saying . Beleeue me ( faire Nymphe ) my Lord Don Felix woulde neuer haue requested this at thy hands , if he had thought to haue giuen thee the least griefe in the world , but that he and all we were desirous ( by knowing the cause of thy sorrowfull life ) to helpe thee as much as we could in thy cares and troubles . O happie Ladie ( said Crimine ) how much art thou deceiued and the rest , that thinke there is any remedie for my mishaps . But for the loue and friendship you shew me , and for that which I beare to you all , giue attentiue eare vnto my words , and vnderstand my misfortunes ; for I will satisfie you in that which Lord Felix hath demaunded of me . And because you may knowe how far my mishaps haue extended , and to what end my miseries haue driuen me :

Know that I am forced to loue one , that hath no power to loue me againe ; & that it is not in my power , not to account her my deerest friend , that entreats me like a cruell foe : Which thing because it may perhaps seeme hard to you to beleeue , you must vnderstand that I loue this Shepherd , that is our guide in our trauels , as much as I can , & can in truth as much as I wil. I loue also Parthenius his friend as much as I will , & will truely as much as I can : for , as it cannot be discerned which is Delicius , and which Parthenius , and the one impossible to be knowen from the other , for like two drops of water they resemble one another so much ; so cannot I tell , which of them I loue most , louing both in equall balance of extreme affection . I thought once to be content and happie by being beloued of one of them , whereof when I was perswaded , I was not yet satisfied . I cannot with reason complaine of them , since both , or at the least Delicius ( I think , nay firmly beleeue that my suspition is not in vaine ) hath forced himself as much as may be to loue me , by working al the means he could , which neuer yet lay in his power to do . Wherby you see that I haue placed my loue on him , that cannot ( though faine he would ) requite it with his againe . But you will aske me perhaps in whom the cause & impediment consisteth , that they are not answerable to that , which both are so iustly owing me . To this I answere my greatest and deerest friend I haue in this worlde , bicause for hir , both are alike wounded with Cupids inuincible flight , she dying no lesse in both their loues . And who this is , you may easily gesse , for she can be no other then Stela . And yet I sweare to you by all that a true louer can protest , that I neuer wished Stela any ill , though she is now , and hath euer beene the cause why I am not beloued of these two peerelesse Shepherds . For I could for mine owne part do no more in her cause then she doth in mine : and though I hated her besides , yet it stoode me in hand to be her friend , when by her meanes I enioyed Delicius sight , & hope by the same to see Parthenius . But bicause you may know how we lost our liberties , and they remained without theirs , I will onely tell you that , which maketh for this purpose .

The same day ( as they afterwards tolde vs ) that Stela by the ordinance of the Gods came to our company ( for now you know that I am one of the Nymphes of the renowned and famous riuer Duerus ) Parthenius , and Delicius did see Stela , and both of them equally loued her , though then it seemed not so ; for Parthenius concealed his affection , bicause Delicius had manifested his before : But when Delicius tolde , that he was enamoured of Stela , they agreed to stay in a forrest hard by , to see if somtimes comming out of the riuer they might haue some occasion to talke with her . But when she came out , and they offred to come towards vs that went in company of her , we fled away , and ran back againe to our riuer . Who perceiuing it was not possible to talke to her in that sort , concluded to deceiue vs by wearing Shepherds weeds , and leauing of their courtly apparell . Thus therefore attending daily for vs , Stela and I came foorth , and as they saw vs ( though they made no shewe thereof ) one of them plaied aloud on his Baggepipe , to inuite vs ( I thinke ) vnto their musicke : which when we heard , as it was a thing not vsed there manie daies before , we came somewhat neere , and hid our selues behinde a companie of thicke Sallowes . But they , who by stealth were looking on vs , perceiuing their deuise to haue a good beginning , made as though they had not seene vs , and betweene themselues praied one another to play or sing some song . In the end Parthenius getting the vpper hand , Delicius tooke his Rebecke , whereon he so sweetely played and sung to it , that we thought Apollo had committed some newe fault to become a Shepherd againe , and that it was euen he that made that sweete melodie . The song was of great sentence , the inuention wittie , and the forme of it curious , wherefore lend an attentiue care to the one and the other , if you desire to delight you with it .

NEuer a greater foe did loue disdaine , Or trodon grasse so gay , Nor Nymph greene leaues with whiter hand hath rent , More golden haire the winde did neuer blowe , Nor fairer dame hath bound in white attire , Or hath in lawne more gracious features tied , Then my sweete Enemie . Beautie and chastitie one place refraine , In her beare equall sway : Filling the world with woonder and content : But they doe giue me paine , and double woe , Since loue and beautie kindled my desire , And cruell chastitie from me denied All sense of tollitie . There is no Rose , nor Lillie after raine , Nor flowre in wonth of May , Nor pleasant meade , nor greene in sommer sent , That seeing them , my minde deliteth soe , As that faire flowre , which all the heauens admire , Spending my thoughts on her , in whom abide All grace and giftes on hie . Me thinkes my heauenly Nymph I see againe Her necke and breast display , Seeing the whitest Ermine to frequent Some plaine , or flowers that make the fairest showe , O Gods , I neuer yet beheld her nier , Or far , in shade , or sunne , that satisfied I was in passing by . The meade , the mount , the riuer , wood , and plaine , With all their braue array , Yeeld not such sweete , as that faire face , that s bent Sorrowes , and ioy in each soule to bestowe In equall partes , procur'd by amorous fire : Beautie and loue in her their force haue tried , To blinde each humane eie . Each minde and will , which wicked vice doth staine Her vertues breake , and stay : All aires infect by fire are purg'd and spent , Though of a great foundation they did growe . O body , that so braue a soule dost hire , And blessed soule , whose vertues euer pried Aboue the starrie skie . Onely for her my life in ioies I traine , My soule sings many a lay : Musing on her , new seas I doe inuent Of soueraine ioy , wherein with pride I rowe : The deserts for her sake I doe require , For without her , the springs of ioy are dried , And that I doe defie . Sweete fate , that to a noble deede dost straine , And lift my hart to day , Sealing her there with glorius ornament : Sweete seale sweete greefe , and sweetest ouerthrowe , Sweete miracle , whose fame cannot expire : Sweete wound , and golden shaft , that so espied Such heauenly companie Of beauties graces in sweete vertues died , As like were neuer in such yeeres descried .

Now as Delicius had ended his song , and Stela thinking that he had made an end indeede of singing and playing ( although it was not so , for Delicius was requesting Parthenius to play on his Rebecke and to sing ) she saide vnto me . Tell me faire Crimine , Enioyeth this solitarie place oftentimes such like voices , ioyned with such heauenly sweetenes ? If it be so , I cannot but in some sort complaine of the amitie lately commenced , and confirmed betweene vs , in that I haue not spent the time in such pleasure and delight , as now by the sweetenes of this musicke and fine song we haue amply had . After that cruell Gorphorost ( my deere friend saide I ) whom the Gods confound for bereauing vs of a great part of our pleasures , began to dwell in these partes , this is the first Bagpipe and Rebecke , that in this forrest hath beene long since touched , of so many Shepherdes and Shepherdesses , that haue continually plaied and sung in other times before when they fed their sheepe heere , and passed away the heate of the day vnder these greene trees : whereupon I maruell no lesse at the noueltie of this accident , then at the rare melodie of the song , for I neuer heard the like since I first dwelt in this place , nor that euer delighted my senses so much . But bicause they begin to play and sing againe , let vs goe a little to them , for they seeme to be milde and courteous youthes , and such that make a shew to haue some respect and reuerence of vs that be Nymphes . When I had spoken this , we went towards them , who perceiuing it , felt an extreme ioy , bicause they had now brought their desired purpose to effect . But to dissemble the more with vs , and bicause we might not take vs to our woonted flight , they sat still , without once rising to doe vs any courtesie , vntill we first spake vnto them . When we were come vnto them , and sawe two such goodly yoong Shepherdes , and so like in face and apparell , turning to Stela , I saide . Behold what two faire Shepherdes , but seest thou not how like they be ? There is not in my iudgement , siluer to siluer , gold to gold , nor water to water so like as these be . Our Iupiter and Amphitrion could not be so much one , nor Mercurie so like to Sosia , when to enioy Alomenas loue , Iupiter in the likenes of Amphitrion kept him out of his owne house ; and Mercurie in the likenes of Sosia made his man feele the hardnes of his fist . Then turning by and by to the Shepherds , I spake thus vnto them . Your vnaccustomed and sweete songs ( gracious Shepherds ) after the long suspence and silence of many , that haue beene long since made in these fieldes , haue forced vs to come thus abruptly to enioy the sweetenes of them ; if we therefore ( being Nymphes ) are of any estimation with you iolly Shepherdes , we beseech you , that our presence be not of woorse condition and entertainment then these trees , which ( without moouing ) were euen now harkening vnto you , nor may displease you no more then our absence , and to make no more difficultie to sing , now we are heere , then when we were not . At these wordes the Shepherdes rising vp , and asking one another who should answere , Parthenius said . Sweete Nymphes in grace and beautie non pareille , we will not deny but that , in respect of your courteous speech to vs , we are bounde to performe your gracious request ( at will they cast out golden wordes which sauoured of the glozings in the Court ) and confesse no lesse , that we are constrained to obey you more for your owne sakes , then for any thing else , be it spoken with pardon of the rest of these goodly Nymphes : So that onely tell vs wherein wee may giue you content , and we will doe our best to please your mindes . Our mindes saide I , you haue already vnderstood . Then since it is so , saide Delicius , begin Parthenius to sing . It were better , said Partthenius , for thee to do it : for in regard of the great sweetnes wherwith ( not without good cause ) thou hast alreadie delighted them , thy selfe being also more skilfull in musicke , whatsoeuer I shall sing after thee to my disgrace , will be but yrksome , and vnpleasant to their eares . Thou hast no reason to say so , said Delicius , for thy verses will giue testimonie of the truth of thy side . Whereupon Parthenius would haue begun , but not finding himselfe satisfied , bicause I onely entreated him , and not Stela , he said vnto me . I would not ( gracious Nymphe ) by obeying thy request to content thee , giue any occasion of dislike to thy companion , which mooues me to speake it , bicause I know not whether it be her will that I should sing or no ? There is not any thing ( answered Stela ) that likes this faire Nymph , which doth not also please me , how much the more ( if it were not so ) for hir owne sake should it suffice thee to fulfill her minde , without making any matter of my liking at all . Both of them would faine haue answered to these words , but that ( I thinke ) they were afraid , one of them because he would not shew himselfe on the sudden so appassionate ; the other , not to displease or make me blush , a thing that made much for their purpose ; and also because I now tooke them by the hands , saying to Stela . The Shepherd hath spoken verie well , and hath great reason , entreat him therefore to sing , for he lookes for it . Bicause then we will not delay the matter any longer ( said Stela ) leauing that aside which might be said heerein , I request him with this warning , that if another time thou entreatest him to do any thing , and if he will not do it , that he aske not counsell of me , since by fulfilling thy will he shall satisfie mine . We will obserue this charge ( said Delicius : ) and see thou forgettest it not Parthenius . Then the one began to touch his Rebecke , the other to play on his Bagpipe : And going about to begin his song , Parthenius was a pretie while in suspence , not knowing what matter to take in hand , for he would haue saide something of Stelas beautie , for whom he felt no lesse secret paine , then Delicius publicke passion : But the force of friendship on the other side diuerted him from it . And so partly for ioy to do that which touched the loue of his friend Delicius , and with griefe to go against that , whereunto he was bound for himselfe , he would by praysing Delicius perswade Stela to incline to his owne loue , whose beginning was this , entring after the selfe same sort as his friend did in the song before .

NEuer so true a subiect to great loue , Put sounding Baggepipe to his mouth and toong : Nor euer Shepherd , that did keepe In any meade his silly sheepe , And neuer did so gracious members mooue Shepherd so faire , so lustie , and so yoong , In throwing of the barre , or steeled dart , As this my deerest friend , and louing hart . His songs and ditties , which he sung and plaied , Hath made the Satyres leaue the sweete pursute Of Nymphes , that they had chaced , And in their armes imbraced : And them besides , with his sweete musicke staied : Forgetfull of their feare ( amaz'd and mute . ) The hardest rockes he makes both soft and tender , And mildnes in great wildnes doth engender . Vnto his person , beautie , and his grace The Nymphes , and Napees faire to yeeld are glad : The Niades , Hamadriades , The Oreades , and Driades : For such a feature , and so sweete a face Paris , Alexis , nor Endimion had : The fairest in the world he doth despise But onely one , whom iustly he doth prize . Bicause that she may onely him admit , Her onely , and none else , he doth obay : She onely doth deserue Him , he but her to serue : She onely him , he onely her doth fit : For th' one is euen with th' other euery way : For he for her was borne , ( for her alone ) And she for him , or else was borne for none . So that if she had not beene borne at all , He had not lou'd , for he his like should want : And so she , to haue loued Her equall , it be hooued That he was borne , For none but he should fall Equall to her , he then might iustly vaunt That she was borne , onely for him reserued , And she that he , whom onely she deserued . Fortune did fauour him aboue the rest , By making him the gladdest man that liues , If that perhaps she knew His loue so pure and trew , And faith so firme , within his constant brest , ( She that her lights vnto each creature giues ) In whose braue beautie nature strain'd to showe More art , and skill then euer she did knowe . The poore soule takes his greefe , and holdes his peace , Which to reueale he wanted meanes of late : Once did he goe about it , But stratght then did he doubt it : With saying naught , his paine that doth increase He passeth , not to loose his woonted state : For though she be in all the world alone The fairest , yet as hard as any stone . Then ( Shepherdesse ) this rigour lay aside : And flie not him , that paines so much for thee : It is a great defect Such hardnes to detect : Let not so ill a thing with thee abide , Where each thing is , as good as good may bee . And since in thee there should be not hing vicious , Pay then the loue , thou owest vnto Delicius .

These two last staeffs so liuely touched Parthenius that sung them , that ( being forced to craue that for another which he would haue had himselfe ) he could scarce make an end of them : Which was cleere and manifest , for after the maner of those that sobbe , he redoubled some syllables , whereby he gaue vs to vnderstande , that he felt some sorrow in his distempered hart , which more euidently we suspected , seeing how with som inward sighs he ceased without making an end of his song . But yet we could not attaine to the cause of his greef , wherof ( though earnestly we craued it on him ) he told no more , then by fained apparances ( far from the truth indeed ) we were able to coniecture : To whom therefore with a modest smile I said , I would not be of thyqualitie ( gracious Shepherd ) to praise thee in thine owne presence , as thou hast done thy friend , although he excels thee not ( perhaps ) in any thing , since in sweete voice and good grace thou art as like him , as in faire shape and figure . But for all this Delicius is beholding to thee ( for so me thinkes thou callest him ) but Bicause the praise in ones presence is held for no lesse then a gloze , I woulde counsell thee to reserue it to some other time , when he is out of thy sight and hearing . Thou must not condemne me ( gracious Nymph answered Parthenius ) without hearing first what I can say , for it may be thou wilt iudge it ( though thy accusation seeme iust to thee ) cleane contrarie , when by good reason I shall resolue thee heerein , premising that this rule is not so vniuerfall , That none must not be praised in presence , but that necessitie may oftentimes infringe it : whereby not onely one may praise another in his presence , but that he may do the same by himselfe , for his owne behoofe . What necessitie is requisite for that said Stela ? To this when Parthenius held his peace , turning to Delicius , she saide vnto him ; If thy friend will not answer , tell thou vs what it is . Delicius , although he knew it , not presuming yet to tell it , saide : I saie nothing , but that in my vsurped name he sings of his owne praises and deserts . Parthenius going about to replie to this , I stept in betweene and saide . Let there bee no more time spent in curtesies ; but tell vs , if it please you , from whence you are , ( for your habites denie you to be of any place heereabouts ) and whither your way lies , and especially if you meane to stay any long time in this countrie ? And bicause we know alreadie one of your names , to oblige you the more to make vs know the others , know that I am called Crimine , and my friend and companion heere Stela . Delicius then taking her by the hand answered . Our incertaine & doubtfull pilgrimage is to seeke out our Fathers , with certaine tokens that we carrie with vs to know them ( for being children they left vs yoong , as yet neuer knowing how they are called , or from whence they are ) which are no other but to seeke out a faire yoong Shepherd , and a graue olde woman , both which at one time , but in different places , gaue vs to certaine nurses to be brought vp . The name of my companion and friend is Parthenius ; Mine , as thou saiest by my friends song . Our tarrying heere shall be no longer then it shall please both you . If it be referred to our pleasure said Stela , take vs not for such simple ones , that we know not how to profit our selues by enioying so good conuersation , and so sweete and vnwoonted musicke . Yet woulde we not be so ill aduised to preferre our pleasure before your due pietie , nor without content to hinder your good intent . The most religious intent , sweete and fairest Stela ( said Delicius ) and that which toucheth our soules neerest , is thy gracious command to haue vs staie still in this countrey , bicause we may not leese so pleasant howers as these be . I will not hinder so commendable a purpose ( said Stela ) although I would be glad , if ( now returned , and your fathers found ) it liked you to liue stil heere in these parts , to spend those few howers , that we vse to come abroad , in honest & seemly recreation . Then I calling that to minde which Parthenius had sung , That Delicius on a pride and brauerie had despised all women for onely one , whom hee loued more then himselfe , with smiling I answered . And now Shepherd I will command thee to staie , at the least to see if I must also be put in the number of disdained women , or if I am onely beloued of thee . With these and such like speeches we passed away the heate of the day , with this agreement in the end , that they should stay a certain time therabouts , to inquire out some newes of their vnknowne parents in those parts , and not forget to passe away the heate of the day in that same place , where we would not faile to keepe them companie . Which being agreed on , Stela said vnto me ; Let vs now go , if thou thinkest good , my friend Crimine , for it is a pretie while since we came foorth , bicause we will not giue our keeper an occasion to blame vs for our long tarying . But bicause you may better vnderstand this , which Stela said , you must know , that by all meanes possible we procured to giue Stela all the content and pleasure we could , for which cause we did let her go with company to disport her-selfe vp and downe in that greene forrest . But being afraide of fierce Gorphorost , one of vs euer remained at the riuers side vnder a palme tree , that stoode almost right ouer against that part , where there was but one passage , to the end , that if the vgly Shepherd had come downe , she might haue warned vs by sounding of a cornet , to hie vs home againe with Stela . Taking our leaues therefore of the Shepherds ( no doubt without some inward sighes of theirs ) we returned to our dwelling places , and they staied still in the forrest . The next day going very softly about the same hower , and by secret places to see how they were occupied , we founde them sitting vpon the greene grasse , and Sleeping in such sort , that they shewed , that that was not their principall intent ; for the christalline teares , that trickled downe their burning cheekes in corriualitie , signified more store of sorrowfull thoughts in their harts , then heauy vapours in their heads . The face of the one was right against the others , as though they had beene talking togither , leaning their cheekes vpon the one hand , and with the other arme sustaining the waight of the arme and head , in which sort they lay casting out somtimes profound & greeuous sighs . Which thing moouing vs to no small compassion , for nowe we were somewhat affected to them , we determined to withdraw our selues , least being awaked , they might ( perhaps ) haue had an occasion to be ashamed to be seene in that sort : And from thence a little way off , of purpose to awake them , but as though we had seene nothing , we began to sing , taking for the ground and subiect of our song , the teares , that they had shed before vs . That which we sung was this .

WIth sorrow , teares , and discontent , Loue his forces doth augment . Water is to meades delight , And the flaxe doth please the fire : Oile in lampe agreeth right , Greene meades are the flockes desire : Ripening fruit , and wheatie eares With due heate are well content : And with paines and many teares Loue his forces doth augment .

As their sleepe was nothing else but an extasie , scarce had we begun , when they awooke , and seeing that we left singing when we came neere them , they saide . If your comming were an occasion to make an ende of your singing , we would be glad that you had stayed a little longer ; wherefore let not our presence be of worse condition to depriue vs of this delight , then our absence was by enioying it , and since we refused not to do what you commanded vs , nor made it strange to acquaint you with the basenes of our simple Bagpipes , disdaine not then ( faire Nymphes ) by that which we entreat you , to shew vs the highnes of your excellent voices . Well well the truth of this is knowen ( said we againe ) but not denying your demaunds , since we haue time for it , tell vs now if you meane to rest you here a fewe daies . Rest ( faire Nymphes ) answered Delicius ? Why , we know not what it is , if we had it here . But we are determined to haue it as long as it shall please your good wils ; which are ready to do you all the pleasure we may , said I , but I will tell you one thing , which it may be ye neuer yet heard . By the report and certaine newes of the fertilitie of this Countrey , there are tenne or twelue yeeres past , since from the North parts there departed a mightie huge Shepherd with a great number of sheepe , and came to feed in these grounds ( certes not so faire and amiable a personage as either of you ) the Sonne of God Syluanus he saith , and of a most strong and fierce Shepherdesse , that came with him , whether fayrer and more gracious then my companion here , I am not able to tell you . This vnseemely Shepherd was not onely like to his parents in face and fiercenesse , but in either of both , as also in hideous feature he hath the aduantage of them . Seeing therefore that fame was no lyer , and how the situation of that part of the riuer ( being no lesse then a great I land ) inuited him for his habitation , without feare of the wilde beastes , which made it desert and inhabitable , he determined to liue there : Which I land , as it will in time I hope be cleane eaten out by the riuer ( for by little and little it is euerie day made lesse ) so I wish it had now the full and complete time with the forcible waters to be quite consumed . The name of this monstrous man is Gorphorost , whose incredible strength and bignes , because you may vnderstand , behold the depth of this riuer , and the maine force wherewith it runs , with wading ouer himselfe a foote , by three and three , and fower and fower he sets ouer all his sheepe on the other side : which haue multiplied in such numbers ( for since his comming he hath almost killed all the wilde beasts that might destroy them ) that there is scarce any place to containe them : and so , not able to put a great part of them vnder the shades , he lets them goe freely amids the fields and along the riuer bankes , without feare of estraying or any other danger , being inuironed by the waters that keepe them in manner of a prison . We wished well to Gorphorost , and would haue pleasured him for killing the wilde beasts , that annoyed not a little this pleasant countrey wherefoeuer they went , if there with all not iniuring the Shepherds of these places , he had not depriued vs of their friendly company , though to our selues , but onely in these respects he did neuer any other harme , who are rather bound vnto him ( though of his own vertue it proceeds not the not offending of vs ) that he hath bin a meanes , whereby this faire Nymphe is in our companie . The end therefore , for the which I haue made this short admonition , is , that we would not haue you for our sakes suffer any harme by this rude Shepherd , who for all this hath forgotten a great part of his fiercenesse , since he gaue place and entrance to gentle loue . Wherupon you may know how great the force of that mightie child is . But if in these daies ( for I am certaine he will not come out for a solemne oath he made ) some good meanes may be found to make you liue heere with safetie , we will not be a little carefull to seeke it out for you : And if there bee none , yet shall it please vs better , that with your absence you should be free from daunger , then with your presence ( for our content ) to hazard your liues , or safetie anie waie . They thanked vs for our good will , and seemed not to take care for anie thing , that might happen , in lieu , that wee fayled not of our agreement with them ; Parthenius assuring vs , that he could so well flatter , and please fierce Gorphorost , that they might without any harme abide there still . With these words and some amorous songs that we fower did sing in course , we passed away the heate of that day , and returned ( as we were woont ) to the riuer , they remaining still in that pleasant forrest , which serued them for their dwelling place , and making prouision of necessarie foode for their sustenance from the villages thereabouts . Not onely Delicius , Parthenius , Stela and I failed not in those first eight daies to be at the appointed place of our meeting , but the fame of the new Shepherds came to the eares of some other Nymphes , who comming thither , and consorting with vs , made many gracious and pleasant quiers , dances , and songs to the tune of their Rebeckes and Baggepipes ; somtimes lending a gentle eare to Parthenius and Delicius sweete songs ; somtimes applying our selues to telling of tales : At which pleasant meetings old Parisies , who sometimes came to see his daughter , gaue no small content to euery one with his wise precepts and counsell touching the honour of the immortall Gods , and shewing their diuine prouidence in all creatures , and by them the great power and might of their eternall creator , by explaining the accelerate courses and motions of the celestiall globes , and the cause of their vnwearied swiftnes . In which time Delicius and Parthenius gained so greatly to their wils , the loue of all my companions , Shepherds and Shepherdesses , ( who also resorted thither ) knowing what Gorphorost had vowed , that they were not meanely beloued of all , as well for their sweete songs and playing , as also for their wisedome , demeanour , and good graces . But aboue all faire Stela and I without comparison exceeded them , though my loue with Parthenius was more openly extended , wherunto I had then most of al disposed my minde ; and for no other cause , then that I knew Delicius had emploied his thoughts and loue on Stela ; and also bicause Ithought Parthenius was most free . Betweene vs both , like rude girles , we knew not how to gouerne our selues in Cupids affaires . Betweene vs both , being but a littleprudent , we were ignorant howe we should behaue vs in the effects of this childe , and therefore endured him impatiently , though harder and more violent he was to Stela then to me , not bicause I had beene a longer scholler in Venus schoole , or had more experience in her blinde Sonnes effects then she ; but bicause she desired , and forced her-selfe to wring out the worme out of her hart , that euery day without feeling it , crept more and more into the center of it ; for of such qualitie is this traytour loue , that the more one endeuors to shake him off , with greater force he takes place and seiseth on his conquered soule : So that Stela the more she laboured not to loue the Shepherds , the more couragiously loue assailed hir , which made her night nor day take any rest , nor finde ease in any thing : all which I afterwards knew by her owne mouth , who at the first dissembled the matter so cunningly , that I could gather nothing of it . And so , meaning to take away the effect by remoouing the cause , she would sometimes slie from company , refraining to com where the Shepherds were staying for vs , vnles she was importuned by me . But after certain daies that we foure were al alone togither , I said . It is not reason yong Shepherdes , that with therest we liue in doubt of knowing you , but that in some point we may perceiue a difference betweene you , when as oftentimes we cannot , no more then the rest , call you by your right names , which I assure you troubles vs not a little : So that I would faine haue one of you take some kinde of marke to be knowen from the other , but in such secret sort , to put vs out of doubt , and make the rest remaine still therein : Our intent answered Delicius , hath beene hitherto ( gracious Crimine ) to haue our garments make no dissimilitude betweene them , whom one will and shape hath made so like . But to pleasure thee herein , & that by taking it , no offence be ministred to thy companion , let faire Stela set downe the difference betweene vs in outward shew , since she hath made it in the inward soule . I know not Shepherd said Stela , what difference I haue put betweene you and Parthenius . Thy conceit faire Stela is not I thinke so hard , as thy hart , but that thou maist easily coniecture , how much loue workes in me for thy sake . The putenesie of my thoughts ( saide Stela ) hath made me ignorant of that , which I would had not beene . The hardnes of thy hart ( said Delicius ) hath made me prudent in that , which was not so much expedient for me . Dost thou then speak it in good earnest saide Stela , That thou louest me ? Dost thou then aske it in iest ( said Delicius ) if I loue thee ? No said Stela : But then belike I am she ( as the matter fals out ) to whom thou hast adressed all thy songs and teares . Delicius thinking to haue a prosperous gale ( whereof we also thought him assured , for all this while she seemed not to be angrie , but milde and gentle , whereby she got that out of his hart ( which the forrowfull soule had kept so secret in his breast ) with a pitifull eie cast on her , answered . Euen she indeed thou art , as the matter fals out , to whom I auow the terme and seruice of my life and voluntarie subiection of my soule , that is , &c. Enough , enough said Stela . I vnderstand thee too well , and am now resolued of my former suspitions . I neuer thought that the bold presumption of a miserable and obscure man could so far extend as to entertaine a thought so preiudiciall to my honor . Wherefore from this day let come who will to enioy thy poisoned conuersation . When she had spoken these bitter wordes , with an austere and angrie countenance , she flung from thence without any companie , and with no lesse haste , then the timorous virgin , that walking by some hedge , and treading with her fine foote vpon some carelesse viper , appalled with feate , flieth with speede away : The tender harted Delicius not able to powre foorth any complaints , as one stroken dumbe , remained no lesse astonished then the Shepherde , seeing the faithfull Mastie harde by his side stroken dead with a fearefull thunderclap , and the grasse but euen now greene at his seete , burned by the sudden lightning thereof . On whom I tooke so great compassion , that I could not staie my teares , but turning my face to Farthenius to bid him helpe his fellow , I espied him in a sencelesse trance , representing more the image of a dead bodie , then the figure of a liue man , to whom it was no lesse then death to see his deere friend in such a plight , and woorse then death to his decaied soule , knowing that he must nowe be depriued of the sight of his deere Stela , the onely reward and comfort of all his priuate passions . Seing my Parthenius in such a case , like a true louer I clasped my hands togither , and then opening them againe , saide . O dismall day ! At which very instant I cast my selfe vpon Parthenius ( for when Stela was risen vp to be gone , I also rose vp from my place ) & ioyning his pale face to mine , kissed him softly ; he ( poore Parthenius ) hanging downe his head in my lappe . At the voice that I gaue , Delicius ( awaked as it were out of a deepe sleepe ) sighed ; and seeing Parthenius in like case , fell againe into another swoune , and remained in such sort as my Parthenius did . I was a good while embracing my Parthenius ( for loue and pitie ouercame my due regarde of modestie ) and held him in such sort as you haue heard , not taking away my face from his , but at the end crauing helpe of Delictus , I perceiued he stood in no lesse neede of the same . Beleeue me ( Gentlemen ) if my paine might haue beene augmented , I must needs haue felt it by this second sight of Delictus : But my griefe being extreme , and nothing able to adde more torments to my tortured soule , I felt them not , vnlesse it were to see my selfe all alone in such a case . But animared by the desire I had to helpe them , I tooke a fine ashen dish out of one of their scrips , and ranne to the riuer for some water , and hauing brought it , besprinkled both their faces with it : who being therewith , and with shaking them , a little awaked , with a merier countenance then courage , I said vnto them . What faintnes of hart is this yoong Shepherds ? Yee are but yoong Apprentises ( it seemes ) in Cupids seruice , since you will giue him ouer at the first encounter by leauing your liues in his hands . But faine would I know Parthenius ( for then I imagined nothing of his secret loue ) what made thee so much besides thy selfe ( for the cause of Delicius his griefe , and of his sudden traunce I know well enough . ) What , did Stelas sharpe answere touch thee so neere ? No , answered Parthenius . What was it then , said I againe ? Parthenius , who would not for all the world haue manifested the loue he bare to Stela , answered : bicause I saw my deere Delicius in some danger , whose chiefest desires and their full accomplishment I rather wish with greater content , and in higher degree then mine owne . It greeued me not ( Gentlemen ) to heare him speake this , for now had the impatient worme of iealousie begun to gnaw my throbbing hart . I beleeue thee said Felismena , but knowest thou what I thinke of all these matters , and contentions that thou hast tolde , That thou wert the onely gayner , since thou enioyedst so pleasant ( though so small a time ) being in such sort as thou wert with Parthenius . By our virgin rights I sweare to thee ( saide Crimine ) that I would rather haue beene depriued of that delightfull being with my Parthenius , so that I had beene excused of the great greefe I had to see him in so pitifull a case . For if thou hast not tried faire Ladie , yet happily thou maist haue heard say , That a pleasure or delight is but halfe tasted which is distempered by one bitter greefe or sorrow . But leauing this aside , will you knowe ( said Felismena ) whereupon I haue thought ? Whereon said Crimine ? On this ( said Felismena ) musing with my selfe , how thou couldest call the Shepherdes by their owne names , whereas thou saiedst , they could not be knowen one from another for their great likenes , which caused thee to request some priuie tokens to discerne them , which hitherto yet thou hast not told vs . So that I conceiue not how without knowing them distinctly ( as if the difference were now made ) thou shouldst name them so right , giuing to each his proper name . Thou saiest well faire Lady ( said Crimine . ) But that which is already told , may satisfie thy demaund . For Delicius alone was the man ( I said ) that loued ( at the lest openly ) without telling whom , vntill this last accident befell , which we by his speeches , and so soone as he had but opened his mouth easily gathered , so that although we knew not them , when we came to them , yet by the manner of their talke we were afterwardes cleered of that doubt . It is well ( said Doria ) And as thou louest thy selfe faire Crimine , proceede in this historie of your loue and fortune , for I am partaker of some of the paine , wherein thou leftest the solitarie and sorrowfull Shepherdes . To comfort them in their great greefe , saide Crimine , I reasoned with them with some apparant and consolatorie wordes , but the afflicted Shepherdes ceased not to powre out abundance of teares , with no small quantitie of burning sighes : whereupon blaming them sometimes , and sometimes incouraging them , I endeuoured to cheere them vp , but all was not ynough to disburden them of despaire in that sorrowfull place , if I had not armed them with an apparant hope to restore Delicius to Stelas fauour againe , by enioying it more then euer he had before , though he would not haue meanely contented him with that alone , whereof he was depriued without requesting any more . But thinking it was now , more then conuenient time to goe my waies , I tooke my leaue of the Shepherdes , promising them to doe what possibly I could in their affaires , in the which I onely commended patience vnto them for a few daies , telling them that a hard impostume in the beginning could not be cured , vntill by time , and plaisters laide thereunto , it be first mollified and made tender ; and that in the meane while I would not with other Nymphes forget to visit them , though not so often as I desired , not to leaue Stela all alone , as also for auoiding of suspicion . In this space of time bicause Delicius and Parthenius did leade so sad and vncomfortable a life , which by no kinde of pastime could be cheered , and also bicause the vowed time of Gorphorosts comming abroade was neere at hand , all our company was dissolued . Parthenius , who was not onely carefull for that which touched him , but especially for that which was needefull for his friend , went sometimes walking vp and downe along the riuer bankes , and by singing many amorous and sorrowfull sonnets , practised to enter into familiaritie & friendship with fierce Gorphorost , bicause they might by these meanes ( whilest hee kept him companie , and tolde him many things to please his louing humour ) without any danger continue still in that forrest ; and also , bicause holding him other times with tales and discourses , Delicius , my selfe and Stela ( if Stela perhaps grewe afterwards to be more gentle ) might in the meane time be secure in mutuall company togither . Parthenius therefore beginning his walkes in this sorte , fierce Gorphorost came downe from a high hill , whom when Parthenius beheld , he sat him downe vpon a round banke made by the water , and plaied on his Baggepipe so loud that Gorphorost might heare him . But scarce had the sound thereof pierced his eares , when step by step ( which any other Shepherd with running very fast could not out-goe ) he came to the riuer bankes on the other side : when Parthenius sawe him nigh at hande , he left his Baggepipe , and taking his Rebecke , began to sing in the praise of loue ( for afterwards he told vs all the matter ) the which , for that it made for his purpose , as also for the sweetnes of the song , delighted not a litle the fierce shepherd , who had foorthwith passed to the other side where Parthenius was , if he had not feared by comming vpon him vnawares , to haue made him run away , though he was now somewhat assured to the contrarie : when hee sawe Parthenius ( being so nigh vnto him ) not once begin to stir , nor to leaue of his singing , whereon presuming a little , he spake thus vnto him aloude ( for the distance of the place by reason of the great riuer being betweene , & the noise which the waters running with great force continually made , were an impediment that he could not be so well heard . ) So may this God be euer fauourable vnto thee ( iolly Shepherd ) if thou wilt giue mee leaue to come to thee , to enioy part of thy sweete musicke and songs : for by her , that hath sole power ouer my hart I sweare , thou shalt not nowe , nor at any time heereafter haue any harme at my hands . Parthentus hereupon made him a signe to come ouer , which he did out of hand , and there they gaue to each other a particular account of their liues , Parthenius hauing euer a speciall care to conceale that , which by reuealing it , might be hurtfull vnto him . They passed away the time there a good while , when at the last Parthenius played and sung such things , as pleased Gorphorosts vain , wherewith the fierce Shepherd was not onely most highly content , but no lesse glad , that he had got a companion and friend , to whom he might impart his vneuen loues with Stela . In this sort therefore they spent that day , and tooke their leaue of one another , Gorphorost requesting him not to forget that place of meeting . While Parthenius was a gaining Gorphorosts good will , ( wherein he had so much profited himselfe by his passing wit and discretion , that in his armes to the other side of the riuer he oftentimes transported him , to shew him all his riches and habitation ) I laboured to pacifie angrie Stela , wherein I tooke such paines , and was so forward , that I had put her ( as it were ) in Cupids bosome , to make her know his sorce and signory ; and in such sort , that though she had no force to resist loue , yet she encouraged her selfe to passe away her paine without discouering it once vnto me , being her chiefest secretarie , and deerest friend : Neuerthelesse I studied by all meanes possible ( by procuring Delicius pardon ) to make her returne to her former companie and conuersation ; whereupon , when most of our Nymphes were on a time in seuerall companies agreed to passe awaie the heate of the daie , I saide vnto her . I cannot but greeue ( beloued Stela ) that for so light an occasion wee shoulde leese so many pleasant howers as wee were wont to haue . Truth it is Crimine ( saide Stela ) that I would faine enioy them , if they were entertained with such puritie and honestie as at the first we found them : And I know not why thou shouldst terme it light , when to thy selfe ( as at the least to me it seemed ) it should be no lesse heauie to indure . What harme didst thou get by it ( said I ) or how couldest thou be agreeued , that so iollie a yoong Shepherd , so wise , and discreet should loue thee ( I know ) with such apparant tokens of true and sincere affection ; whom neither Apollo , when he fedde Admetus heards , nor any other did euer excell in any thing . And how more auaileable ( if not for their deserts ) were it for vs to haue their companie , to no other end , but to passe away the heate of these daies , which well thou mightest dissemble , since in the end thy will remaines so free to do whatsoeuer shall like thee best . Should I consent ( said Stela ) to haue one loue me beyond the limits of chastitie ? Why this ( said I ) is not in thy power , bicause thou canst not let it : for command Gorphorost to leaue of to loue thee , and thou shalt see how much thy desire or command preuailes . I know it well ( said Stela ) but then must I suffer him to manifest so dishonest a motion to me ? Thou art in the fault ( said I ) by prouoking him first vnto it , as if ( it seemed ) thou hadst no other desire . By meanes whereof the carelesse and simple louer , thinking there was no such hidden deceit in thee ( as with thy faire words to draw that out of his brest , which with fast and secret bonds he had enclosed there ) and thinking to take opportunitie by the forehead , plainly laied open vnto thee his vnfayned and feruent affection ; wherein thou wert much beholding vnto him , since otherwise ( perhaps ) he would neuer haue manifested it ( by passing rather in the meane time great paines for feare of offending thee ) vntill thou didst first command him . Since it is then so ( saide Stela ) that thou wilt lay this fault vpon me , I will take the blame and punishment vpon my selfe , which shal be heereafter not to see nor speake with him , nor to haue any thing to do with him , bicause I will not fall with him into more errours : And as for him let him taste the fruite of his owne boldnes , which punishment as it will not ( I thinke ) be greeuous to me to suffer , so will it not be hurtfull to him , to gather that which he himselfe did sowe : How easie a thing it is for thee ( said I ) I see well , but how hard it is for him , I cannot conceiue , assuring thee , that if thou hadst but seene him at that present , thou wouldst consider better of that I say , who is yet in such a case , that thou art scarce able to knowe him ; with whose teares and burning sighes the hard dimonds and christall may be mollified and melted . And beleeue me Stela , if it had not beene for me and Parthenius , that did put him in some vncertaine hope , bicause he shoulde not despaire , he had before this time paied deerely for his fault , ( if by doing thy command , he made a fault ) though yet in the end I greatly feare me that he cannot endure very long , if thou dost stay too long from visiting him , who now requires no other thing for his onely satisfaction and content . Truely ( said Stela ) thou hast termed them wel ( vncertaine hopes ) for so they are indeede , and of vncertaine they shall be for euer vaine . When I perceiued her hardnes , and of what small force my perswasions were , with mine eies full of teares I said vnto her . Ah Stela how ill dost thou requite my great loue towards thee , how small an account dost thou make of the loue , that thou owest me , and howe ill dost thou thinke of the tender affection , which I haue euer vowed vnto thee ? the reuenge of all which ( if with speede thou dost not prevent my ensuing sorrow ) I craue at the iust hands of our impartiall Gods . Speaking thus vnto her , and renting the fine vaile that weakely couered my amorous brests , with many sighes , and so profounde , that my breath seemed to burst my inwarde soule , I foulded mine armes , and leaning my head vpon my knees ( for then I was set downe ) I made strange and pitious motions with my bodie . Stela stoode astonished at such a sight , not knowing whereunto she might attribute so great extremes , and so was she in a great suspence , vnable to speake or do any thing , but weepe for loue and pitie ( not knowing wherefore ) onely thereby to keepe me companie : and a little while after embracing me , she began thus to say . My deere Sister and Mistresse , if this offence which without reason ( as I know no lesse ) thou hast conceiued against me , thou takest in ill part at the first , I do no lesse wonder at this new accident , that thy vnwonted teares mooue me thus to pitie . Tell me wherein I am culpable , or how I haue offended thee ; and beware thou puttest me not in suspition that thy friendship to me is stained and vnpure , when as mine hath euer beene towards thee vertuous , and sincere . For thou sayest I requite thee ill , bicause I will not see that presumptuous Shepherd . O my deere friend Stela ( said I ) how faine would I be as thou art , that I might with that libertie that thou hast , tell thee the cause of my complaints , or that thou wert as I am , to heare with my subiection , What reason I haue to make them , and to accuse thee . But in the end with the possibilitie that I shall attaine to , and as shortly as I can , I will tell it thee , to take away that suspition which thou hast of me , and not to conceale any secret matter from one another , an vnlawful part to our right of mutual friendship . The reason that iustly moues me to complaine of thee is , that thou wilt not go see Delicius , and this is for another matter then thou thinkest of , and therefore be attentiue , It is now cleere enough to thee , what great loue and amitie is betweene both the brothers , which hath made Parthenius feele the griefe of his friend Delicius no lesse then he did himselfe , whereby he is in as great dauunger of his life : For when Delicius falling downe , had lost his colour , and was in such an agonie , Parthenius was in no lesse to see his friend in such a case , that thou wouldest haue thought the last period of both their liues had beene come , who had beene long since deliuered from their paines , if by some small hope I had not reuiued them ; yet thinking that either of them would be glad to liue , not for himselfe , but bicause the other might liue : for both of them knew well that one of their liues could last no longer then the other enioyed his , so that denying to go see Delicius , thou leauest Parthenius in great danger . Thou wilt ( perhaps ) aske me , what I haue to do with the good or ill fare of this vnhappie Shepherd , by seeling it so much as I do : faine would I haue another tell thee this , but in the end setting all virgin modestie aside with thee , since it lies in my power to do no lesse , Thou must know , that since these Shepherds came hither for their ill ( I will not say for mine , for though their sight cost me tenne thousand liues , I cannot yet denie but that I haue beene happie ) I am not able to tell thee how I yeelded to loues commaund , being forced to loue Delicius no lesse then Parthenius ; for I neuer found any thing , wherein I liked the one more then the other : with which doubt , not knowing to what side to adhere , I was certaine daies in suspence ; but afterwards knowing that Delicius was in loue with thee , and Parthenius free , I thought it best not to make my selfe subiect to him who was alreadie a captiue , but to the other , whose loue hath made so forcible an impression in my vnarmed hart , that without him my life is hatefull to me . Thou seest therefore by this , faire Stela , how for that which concernes me so much , I wish some content to Delicius . It can cost thee but a little ( deere friend ) to pardon him for the good that I shall gaine , when also no harme can redound to thee thereby , & the rather since he craues pardon of thee with protestation neuer after to offend thee . Thou demandest a hard matter at my hand ( saide Stela ) but bicause I see thy teares , which I cannot suffer to issue out in such abundance , wherby thou dost manifest the greefe which thou feelest , and bicause thou maiest not haue any occasion to complaine of my friendship , I will do that which I thought not to do ; but on such a condition , that thou shalt neuer complaine on me againe , if by committing anie other such fault , I denie Delicius my sight for euer : whom I would also knowe , that neither he , nor any desert of his part could obtaine pardon for so great a fault , if he had not procured so good a mediatour : for it is not my will , that for his sake thou shouldst thanke me for it . Embracing her then for this curtesie and gentle offer , that she made me , I thanked her for it , and with her good leaue went my waies ( imagine how glad ) to seeke out my Shepherds , and found Delicius all alone , for Parthenius was with Gorphorost . Needlesse it is to tell you if Delicius was glad to see me come to him with another kinde of countenance , then I was woont some daies before , for as I promised him , so I performed , to go and see him : who perceiuing now my signes of gladnes , said vnto me . The only hope of my health , & comfort in my cares , dost thou bring thy noble hart so ioyful , as thy gracious countenance so full of content ? Tel me quickly , without more circumstances , for thou knowest that A good deed quickly done , is twise done , although it be but one : by which words knowing him to be Delicius , I said . To morrow thou shalt see Stela . What do I liue ( saide Delicius ? ) If between this and then thou dost not die , saide I. In her good grace , said he ? If thou wilt said I. O good words , said he . But thou must do better deedes , said I. Doubt not of that , said he , but that I do , and will make it the highest and best deed in the worlde to loue Stela my truest soule . O Delicius ( saide I ) how do I conceiue , that thy great loue , or the small dissembling thereof ( I will not say small knowledge ) will be heere-after hurtfull to thee . Let come what will ( saide Delicius ) for I will rather ioy to suffer for louing too much ( if there be any excesse in loue ) then to bee harmed for louing too little . I will not counsell thee ( said I ) not to loue , for it would auaile mee nothing at all : But I must tell thee , that it is expedient for thee not a little to dissemble thine affection , especially before Stela , if thou wilt not be onely odious vnto her , but also depriued of her desired presence . By performance whereof , knowe that she will make truce with thee for her part and for thine . Not for my part ( answered Delicius ) although I should yet passe greater harmes by this occasion , which cannot be greater then these which I haue alreadie suffred : But in the end she hath made such truce according to her will , that she hath seemed the conquerour , since none is able to come to resist her hand to hand . Well , well , said I , time consumeth many things , and it may be that amongst so many , the anger of thy Stela may also be forgotten . God grant it ( answered Delicius ) but not to the preiudice of my great loue . Tell me ( said I ) what is become of thy brother , or where is he , that he is not with thee ? In faith ( stept out Doria and said ) I was not a little woondring with my selfe that all this while thou didst not aske for thy Parthenius , since thou wert so pained and lost ( or at the least as thou hast made shewe ) so much in his loue , which made me long to aske thee the cause thereof . Lost saidest thou , nay rather found said Crimine , and happie in it . But I will answer to that which thou hast asked . If assoone as I came , I had asked for him , Delicius woulde haue thought , that my cheefest intent was to see Parthenius , and not to helpe him , which ( to get the good will of both ) was no good way at all . I coulde giue thee other reasons ( faire Nymph ) but let this suffice . But returning to that I was telling , when I asked for Parthenius , Delicius saide , he was gone to Gorphorost , and tolde me of the new friendship lately begun between them both : whereof though I was somewhat afraide ; yet I could not thoose , but thinke well of his policie to tary the safer and longer time in those parts . I would haue stayed for him vntill he had come , to haue counselled him , how he might haue conuersed and behaued himselfe with that fierce Shepherd . But I must needs go , bicause Delicius told me , that he would not come so soone againe ; for that Gorphorost was determined to shewe him the Iland , and the Caue where he dwelt . The next day before our accustomed hower , chalenging Stela for her promise , I carried her with me to the wonted place , the which a Nymph ( to whose lot it befell that day ) watched ( as I said ) to see if any danger was at hand . We going on therefore that way , and Stela seeing the shadowes to be but narrow , said : We go too soone , for the Shepherds be not yet come : and admit they were , it is not decent nor conuenient for vs to go before our accustomed howers , bicause they might not thinke , that being so desirous to see them , we preuented our wonted time : If therefore ( friend ) thou thinkest good , let vs goe into the thickest of the forrest here , to walke vnder the shades , while it is fitter time to go . I told her I was content , & bad her leade the way . But going in this sort from tree to tree , we might perceiue in the tender barke of a great and tall ashe , from as high as a man of more then a meane stature , might reach from the ground , certaine verses written verie small and close togither , and comming to the same to see what they were , I began to read them as followeth .

SInce all my fortunes are so ouerthwart , And so vnequall to my iust pretence , That where dame Nature ( Mistresse of her art ) Did make an end to frame each beauties part , There all my ils and sorrowes did commence : Auguish , and woes , fierce torments , griefe , and paine With their braue force my soule doe ouerrunne , That they doe worke it to their onely vaine , As blustring windes vpon the cloudes and raine , Or as the snowe that meltes before the sunne . And then since that my wet and wearied eies Were woont to be enuious once to see , Bicause they sawe the seate , where nature lies With all her treasures , and the chiefest prize , Of beautie , that in all the world might be : Now shall they onely seeke , and wish this hire ( Continually in bitternes to weepe ) Now shall they burne in swelling teares like fire , And now in lieu of seeing that desire , My cheekes in them shall neuer cease to sleepe . Since th' absence of the Nymph , I loue so much , Hath deyn'd to beare me company of late , Then needes my life must languish , and be such , That greefes and sorrowes will not also grutch To follow absence , as their chiefest mate : And since my Star is hid , and gone away , Whereby my life and senses I did guide , I cannot choose but erre , and goe astray , And liue in senselesse darknes euery day , Finding no light wherein I may abide . And now exiled , shall my body flie ( Since hard mishap the same did so oppresse ) But yet my soule shall euermore be nie , And shall be neuer absent , though I die , From the sweete body of my Shepherdesse : And so if that my vitall powers quaile , Or bodie die by wandring heere and there , Impossible it is my soule should faile , Or death or danger should the same assaile , Accompanying her body any where . My soule for euer doth in her remaine , My body but for absence doth lament , That though my wretched body now is faine To wander heere , yet doth my loue restraine My soule to stay , that neuer would consent : Then ( miserable body ) once begin This sorrowfull departure with no wonder To feele with paine and greefe : And neuer lin To waile the cruell torments thou art in , With soule and body parting thus asunder . You shall my drenched eies , no lesse then this , Feele this great miserie , that greeues me soe , Your companie heere shall not be amisse , Since that you were the onely fault , ywisse , Of all my troubles , and tormenting woe . Then seas of teares begin to drowne your marge , And weepe for your attempt so rashly done , Let weeping be your office and your charge , And care no more to looke so much at large , Let it suffice , you sawe another sunne . The intellectuall and inward eies Shall onely haue this charge , and care to see , And you my corporall , with mournefull cries , Bewaile my harmes , in which no comfort lies , Onely to you this office I decree . And those which are impassible at all , Shall see at length and in succeeding time Impossible and strange things to befall , And you , as passible heerafter shall Weary your selues by meanes of such a crime : For you they shall with double sight behold That shining blaze , that braue and glorious sight , Without the feare of hurt ; and shall be bold With great delight their senses to vnfold On that , which did your lookes with harme requite , They shall behold that now I am , and was Condemn'd without the course of iustice lore , For if I did offend to loue her as My selfe , then I confesse this fault did passe To make me suffer , what I can no more . And of this thing I meane not to repent For happen will , what happen shall , to prooue Each amorous torment I am well content , And with good will with meere and franke consent I yeeld vnto the harme that comes of loue . In louing her , I doe all what I may , Though to my minde it falleth out amisse , I promise to forget her euery way , And that my loue for euer shall decay , If she would leaue to be what now she is . Alas she cannot leaue to be the same , A thing it is , her minde that well doth please , Hauing no peere in cruell beauties fame : Nor I cannot , but still maintaine this flame , Nor t' is a thing conuenient for mine ease : And if she said to me , with little loue , That it were best for me to hate and scorne , And should finde ease , if I began to prooue The same , I answere , that it doth behooue Me still to choose the worse , to worser borne . My piteous wordes she did condemne with fell And angry lookes , for telling her mine ill ( Infernall greefe and to my soule a hell ) That with such crueltie she should repell Me so , bicause I did obey her will : She bid me tell her ( O accursed day ) If that my torments were for her or no ? And if I lou'd her so as I did say ? She did commaund , Alas I did obay Why angry then , if she will haue it so ? Weepe eies of earth O weepe , and weepe no more My miserie , and whether it doth tend : Eies of my soule , behold and then deplore My wretched state , what I was once before , And what I am , and what must be my end , O wofull life , O poore afflicted hart , Tell me ( poore soule ) how canst thou not but faile In Passions of such torments , paine , and smart ? With such a thought how dost thou not depart And perish when no succour can preuaile ? O haplesse louer wretched , and forgot , Though happy once , and happy but of late : To day thou diest , but yet thy loue cannot , To day thy greefes begin their gordian knot , To day thy ioy doth end , and happy state : To day thy woes , and sorrowes doe appeere , To day thy sadnes , and thy paines are knowen , To day thy sweete content doth finish heere , To day thy dismall death approcheth neere , To day thy firmest loue , and faith is knowen . What doe you now mine eies , what doe you rest ? Let out your flouds , whose streames in greefe doe swell : For it may be , you may within my brest Quench out this burning flame , or at the lest , Coole this great heate that burnes like Mongibelle ? But woe is me , I striue but all in vaine Against the streame : For golden Tagus streames Nor Duerus floud , nor Iberus againe , Can quench this heate or mitigate the paine , How then my teares ? Alas , these are but dreames , And in such sort , bicause it doth hoffend My hart , that burnes like to the smithie flame , For it doth more increase , and doth extend , And more it doth with sparkling flames incend , The more that water 's cast vpon the same : And now since want of hedgrow faileth me , And that I feele increase , not want of paine , I thinke it best for me to goe and see , If I can finde some other hedge or tree , To write that there , which this cannot containe .

With the taste of this sorrowfull song I will now leaue of , which me thinkes is of great substaunce , whether the affection I beare the Shepherde that wrote it , makes me thinke so ( for by the wordes thereof you may vnderstand it was written by Delicius ) or that then the reading , and now the recitall of it , whereby the miserable estate of the poore youth was then and now represented vnto me , doth make me iudge it to be no lesse I know not : Assuring you , that then for a little I woulde not haue made an ende to read it out , though I had sought it in euery place , if the teares which fell so fast from mine eies to see the greefe of so faire and vnfortunate a yoong Shepherd , had not let me . Tell me no such thing ( saide Lord Felix ) for if I thought thou hadst not as well read the other , which he saide he went to write in another tree , I would intreat thee to recite this once againe : but we shall haue time enough ( if it please the Gods ) to heare out the rest . But what will you say ( said Crimine ) if I should tell you , that we neuer remembred to seeke out the other . Therein I beleeue thee not answered Lord Felix , for so smal care should not ( me thinks ) befall in women of so great respect , and in thee especially , who didst loue him with such tender care and affection . Not to deceiue thee therefore nor thy imagination ( saide Crimine ) know Lord Felix , that we sought and found it out . O how hast thou reioiced my hart , saide Felismena ! but take heede heereafter Crimine what thou sayest : and if wee shall continue friendes , I praie thee mocke vs no more in this sort , for thou hadst not a little troubled my minde by making mee beleeue , that thou hadst not sought it out . But state yet ( saide Doria ) for I am not of your opinion , that she shoulde recite this other song so soone as you woulde haue her . Why saide Lord Felix ? Bicause I woulde first knowe , saide Doria , if it be such an one as the last , for if it be not , she did well to leaue of her tale at such a point ; for it is not the condition of my palate , to remaine with an ill taste , when it hath once a good one . Verie true , said Felismena . What answerest thou therefore Crimine to this ? I haue not perhaps the same taste ( said I ) that she hath ; so that it may be that what is sweete to her , may seeme bitter to me , or contrarie : for in tastes there is no small difference . But for my selfe I can say , that the rest to come pleaseth me no lesse , then that which is past . Then by this reason ( said Lord Felix ) thou maist tel it , which I beleeue thou wilt not otherwise choose to do with the condition that Doria alleaged vnto thee . Since you haue faire Ladies ( saide Polydora ) staide your selues more then I would in questions and answers , I will also propound mine . Of which I dare lay a wager you will confesse , that one of them wil seeme better to you then all the rest . And for this I wil not cal any other to be iudges , but your selues ; and in faith not to appeale in any time from the sentence giuen . Thou takest much vpon thee ( said Felismena ) and more , leauing it in the arbitrement of these that be contrarie to thee . Nay rather little ( said Polydora ) for I know well that for your credits you dare not but pronounce it in my fauour . Tell it then to trie ( said Lord Felix . ) You all take vpon you ( said Polydora ) not meanely to be in loue , and praysing ( not without good cause ) the song , and hauing heard Crimine confesse , that she could not make an end to read it for pitie she had of Delicius , what is the reason , that you haue not asked any thing what he did , or what Stela felt , or what impression it made in her ? These are questions more woorthe the asking of louers , then to bee so precise in demaunding , if it were written or not , and if shee sawe the other , or not ? It would haue greeued mee ( being no louer ) if she had not beene condolent for him , who was put in such anxieties , and you that affirme it to be so , seeme not to be sorrowfull for this passion ; whereby it seemes you haue no desire to helpe him with so much as a worde . Polydora gaue them all great delight with her friendly anger , which shee shewed in iest , of whom there was not anie that thought not , but that she was in good earnest , if in the ende she had not laughed . Then all with one voice saide , that the verdict should passe on her side . Euery one holding their peace to see what Crimine would answer to it , she began thus to saie . Thou hast so highly considered the matter Polydora that if thy demand had come ioyntly with the quesions of these Gentlemen , I would ( to haue satisfied thine ) ( with pardon be it spoken ) haue left theirs vnanswered . And truely if loue had not required of Stela a narrow account of the hardnes of her hart , then thine also had beene without an answer , bicause I thinke you would not giue any credite to my speeches , not seeming a possible thing , that where all vertues are laid vp , pitie should there be wanting , in whom I assure you , was no more shewe of mercie , then signe of heat in snow : Whereat if I tooke any greefe , wishing the Shepherd so much good , for the reason that I haue alleadged , thou maiest ( faire Nymph ) coniecture . But I promise you now , that I haue no occasion to complaine , for loue hath as well paied me for the offence , which then by her crueltie she gaue me , that I may iustly complaine of too great pitie , which she vsed towards him , since being such , it hath beene too cruell for me in this behalfe . And for this time I will cease , as well for that I wearie my selfe and you , as also for that Felicia and the rest come in very good time : who comming neere vnto them , Felismena saide . Lay thy hand of punishment vpon me Lady Felicia , for I confesse I deserue it , affirming that thy comming hath made me sorie , & hereof I know well who is in fault . The same all the rest said . Say you so ( said Felicia ) Then I sweare to morrow you shall be all punished for it . With this they went to supper and to rest . If I should set downe in order the braue daunces and songs , that after supper were plaied and sung , it would be an endlesse peece of worke .

The end of the fourth booke .

The fifth Booke of the second Part of Diana of George of Montemayor .

THe next day in the morning the three Nymphes , that were rescued by the Shepherdes , being there when the Sauages ranne vpon them , desirous to giue them all the pleasure and contentment they could , tolde them all what Crimine had discoursed vnto them before , euen vnto that very point , where Crimine by Felicias and their comming was interrupted , which made Syrenus to say . Did Felismena then say it grieued her for this , bicause Felicia came ? Not for any other thing , saide the Nymphes . God neuer helpe me ( said Seluagia ) if euer I goe one foote from Crimine , before she haue made an end of her historie , and I hope Syluanus , and Syrenus will doe the like . We meane no lesse said they . Dinner being done , Lord Felix , Felismena , and the Nymphes desirous to knowe the rest of that which Crimine had begun the day before , consulted togither to get her out of the companie she was in . Which sage Felicia perceiuing , and what they went about , bad Lord Felix be content , and told them that she would doe the best to fulfill their desires . A little while after , she went from thence to passe away the time with Parisiles and Crimine , and left Stela with them all , to tell out the rest , bicause Crimine could not tell that which followed , so well as Stela , whereof Felicia informed Lord Felix . When dinner was done , Delicius went as he was woont to walke vp and downe in the woods , spending those miserable daies in sorrowfull thoughts and teares . So that Felicia , Parisiles , and Crimine being gone , Lord Felix , Felismena , the Nymphes , and the Shepherdes remained with faire Stela , to whome Felismena began thus to say . From that very instant ( most excellent virgine ) when first thou didst discouer to vs thy vermillion and snow white face , we cleerely knew , that for singular beautie thou didst get the prize and honour amongst the fairest wheresoeuer , and till yesterday that Crimine shewed the hardnes of thy hart , we had not knowen , that thy exceeding crueltie deserued the palme and victorie amongst all mortall women . Renowned Ladie , said Stela ( cutting her off ) I thinke it will not greeue thee , if I answere thy needelesse wordes after a rude sort , since thou wilt giue me that but in wordes , which thou hast deserued in deede , I speake it concerning thy more rare beautie . For , as for being cruell , I denie not but that I haue deserued a reward , though I am now more worthie of a greater , for being on the contrarie so pitifull as thou seest . Thereof ( said Felismena ) we know the first , and of the seconde being ignorant , doe vs therefore the fauour to rid vs out of this false opinion of thee . All of them with one voice likewise charged her with the same demaund . For many respects , said Stela , I cannot ( woorthy companie ) denie your earnest requests , for one , bicause I was commaunded thereunto by sage Felicia , to whom I owe all obedience and respect of dutie : for another , to fulfill your commaunds , which I will not disobey : and for the third , bicause I take a pleasure in recounting mine owne passions , to trie if with the greefe which I shall haue in telling them , death will deliuer me once from them ; which though for this respect I chiefly desire , yet life is pleasant to me , onely for no more , but to enioy the sight of my yoong Shepherdes , to whom ( mine honour reserued ) I haue sacrificed my deerest libertie . Other reasons I omit that mooue me to satisfie your mindes . And now bicause you are informed to that point where my deere friend Crimine left , from that I will take my beginning and proceede vnto the present estate that we are now in , aduising you by the way , that I durst neuer open my mouth with such boldnes to tell you of my loues , if of mine owne part there had euer beene the lest staine or thought of impuritie in them . The which thing affirmed as well by Crimine , as by that which I will rehearse , shall soone appeere . And as I will also tell you ( which my companion could not , but that which she did openly see ) what I did , and spake with my selfe alone , so cannot I report vnto you what she or the Shepherdes did , or spake , when they were by themselues alone . And if I shall tell you any thing that I haue not seene , it shall be after their owne report to me . Giue eare therefore , for now I begin .

CRimine could scarce pronounce the words of the song written in the tree , and recited by her , for pitie of Delicius ( which we knew well by the tenor of it to be his ) for if they had held out longer , she could not haue made an end of them , but hauing read them , she said . Woe is me , how different are they in mind that are so like in face ( for now you know how Crimine died for the loue of Parthenius , and how she had told me it ) Delicius burnes in loue , and Parthenius is cold in the same . Me thinks it were good , that both of them should loue like faithfull companions , or that Stela and I like good friends should hate . O Stela thou mightest well agree with Parthenius , who in condition of cruelty is so like vnto thee , and shouldest forsake Delicius , so like to me . I assure you Gentlemen , that the pitifull verses that Delicius wrote in the tree , penetrated deepely into my soule , but the words that were fixed in Crimines ; sorrowful breast , mooued me without comparison to more ruth . The perswasions that Crimine oftentimes vsed to me , to induce me to loue Delicius were of great force , but this last was so strong , that it wrought more effectually with me then al the rest . Delicius his singular parts , and the rare deserts of Parthenius were of great worth with me , by noting how worthie they were to be beloued ; but the iealousie I had of Crimine , perceiuing how glad she was to be beloued of either of them was more forcible in my minde . O loue , loue , how iustly do they paint thee like a blind boy , thy conditions being no other ! For a boy with a broken pate , that will not suffer his head to be bound vp in a clout , but seeing the same tyed to another boies head , cries out for it : So was it with me and Crimine . I reiected the loue of the Shepherds , but knowing that Crimine loued them , I died for their loue , and wept in my inwarde soule that Crimine was so much deuoted to them . But marke my dissimulation , for to that , which shee saide I aunswered thus . To this last ( my sweete friende ) which thou hast alleaged ( for as much as toucheth mee ) thou maiest well agree , not onely with Delicius , but with his friend , if thou wilt . This is not well ( saide Crimine ) that thou hast yet so much libertie to graunt me such leaue , but in the end , I am well content to take it : for I loue not Delicius so little , that I would do him such iniury , neither do I see him so enclined to yeeld to my loue again . And I see no reason ( said I ) why I should not giue thee leaue or any body else in this respect : let vs leaue this ( said she ) & go if thou thinkest good whither we were determined . Come on ( said I ) let vs go whither we must , not whither we should , for the sooner we go , the sooner we shal come back again . Being therfore come to our wonted place , we found the Shepherds merrie for the hope they had to see me , wherein I deceiued not my selfe , for if it was not so , I am then sure I was well deceiued , though somwhat sorrowful also for my long staying . We therefore comming before the faire Shepherds , a certaine feare possessed both their bodies , no otherwise then if some fearefull and ghastly thing had suddenly appeered before their sight , so that it caused a notable trembling in euery part of them . Crimine went on sixe steps before ( it might be to bid Delicius take courage and a good hart ) and afterwards spake out aloud to them saying . By force ( my friends ) I bring this my companion hither to establish a louing peace betweene you and her . Delicius would haue answered , but Crimine fearing least his loue woulde haue made a fault in something , cut him off , following her speech thus . For confirmation whereof , there is nothing more requisite , but that without remembrance of that which is past , we returne againe to our former pastimes . Truth it is , that I will not disswade Delicius from asking her pardon , whom he hath mooued to anger , and her I beseech by the faith of our friendship not to denie the same . Then saide Delicius by and by , his eies full of teares , and his knees on the ground , not onely for the offence committed , but if in any thing I shall heereafter offend her , with all humilitie I aske her forgiuenes . If so for nought ( saide I ) a fault should be solde , it would be held but for a sport and pastime in lieu of satisfying your wils , to giue occasion of anger , howsoeuer by redeeming it onely with pardon craued and obtained . So that trust not to this Shepherd : for the second shall not be forgiuen thee so good cheape . Wouldst thou haue him liue so precisely faire Stela , ( said Parthenius ) and in such continual feare , that he dare not onely speake , nor so much as breath for feare of offending thee ? I coulde not choose but laugh at Parthenius words , and at the countenance wherewith he spake them : To the which I answered thus . Gracious thou art in sooth iolly Shepherd , that art so ready to helpe thy companion , I do not meaneit so extreamely , as thou saiest , he vnderstands me well enough : I imagine as much said Parthenius , but am not ignorant , that thou art rigorous , and that in this sort we are both in an ill case , if for speaking perhaps or doing a light thing ignorantly , one shoulde not be pardoned . If so small faults are so heynously punished , howe can the greater escape vncorrected ? Wherefore set downe this lawe ( if thou wilt at the least be accounted iust ) that the punishment exceede not the fault , putting the fault and the punishment in an equall ballance of moderation : We are more bound to our Gods for mercy , which they shew vs , then for their iustice , whereby but a little they profite themselues . Tell me then faire Stela ( as the Gods preserue thee still in thy singular and rare beautie ) if euery time that men offende , high Ioue shoulde sende downe his thunderbolts , howe manie dost thou thinke shoulde hee finde vnarmed ? I impute it not Gentlemen , to any pride , arrogancie , or necessitie of mine owne part , if lying , sometimes I say ( faire Stela ) which are formall words of Shepherds , and commonly vsed of them , which besides ( although I might well leaue vnspoken ) yet could it not be well suffred , bicause they are not without mysterie . It is well ( said Doria ) let it be as thou wilt , and tell on , for we will not stay our selues vpon so apparant a matter as this . I answered Parthenius ( said Stela . ) That the errour committed is well manifested , but after what sort shall the ignorance thou speakest of be cleere vnto me ? But I see thee Parthenius so free in thy speeches , and bitter in thy reprehensions , that I shall be forced with my will , yea , and for very feare , to do something for thee . Parthenius without more adoe humbled himselfe with Delicius , who was all this while at my feete , for of purpose I would not bid him rise , desirous to see them both equally yeeld themselues vnto me , bicause I equally loued them both , and being in this sort , he said . If it be then so , I beseech thee pardon him , since he craues it on thee with so great humilitie . I am content ( said I ) and taking them both by the hands , I lifted them vp , which when I had done , Crimine said . Tell me Parthenius how fals it out , thou art not with thy friend Gorphorost to day ? Parthenius answered , bicause I knew faire Stela would come hither to day . And not bicause I came , said Crimine ? Thou hast no cause to aske me this question ( gracious Nymphe ) answered Parthenius , since thou art assured , I would do it no lesse for thine , but onely bicause faire Stelas presence was so much desired , by reason of these passed discontents . One thing I haue marked , said Crimine , whereof I should not be a little ashamed , if there were any other heere besides Stela , that thou dost call her euermore ( faire ) and me ( gracious . ) Thou maist vrge me so farre saide he , that I may confesse my selfe ouercommed . Friend Crimine , said I , their faults cannot take away the due praise of thy beautie , so that if thine were deemed by right and indifferent iudges , it should euer haue the prize and superioritie . And whom said Crimine shall we appoint for such iudges ? My selfe said I , and those , whom thou wilt besides , that are of better iudgement and skill , then these Shepherdes . Why , what saiest thou , said Crimine ? I answered , that which I said . This sufficeth me , said Crimine , and now I care not a whit for that they shall say , since the sentence is giuen with a better vow and voice in my fauour . In these and other iestes ( which I omit to tell you , bicause I know you are desirous to heare the other song ) we spent a pretie time , wherein , after we had sung some merie and ioyfull ditties , we heard the sound , that the Nymph our watch woman gaue , to hie vs home , because Gorphorost was comming downe the hils beneath ; whereupon with the greatest haste we could , we hied vs away before he began to passe ouer the riuer : Who by chaunce espying vs , with humble requests began to perswade vs not to flie away , since it was not his mind to offend vs in any thing : To whose bootlesse speeches , hating him for mine own part as much as I loued the Shepherds , I would not abide to listen ; though Crimine requested me to stay a pretie way off , to see what he would say , and if offring to come neere vs , he would not go backe , with warning him to the contrarie , we might then be gone , and saue our selues , being in so sure a place as then we were . But I , that had no desire to condescend to Crimines request , with my company entred no sooner into our riuer , when Gorphorost came on the other side where my deere Shepherds were . To whom he saide . Parthenius ( which of you two soeuer he be ) although by thee , your likenes was so fully made knowen vnto me ; yet I thought it was not so great , that it might trouble mee from knowing thee againe . Nowe I confesse , that I cannot tell , which of you two is Parthenius . Speake therefore to mee both of you , and by your voice I shall discerne that , which by your countenaunce and apparell I cannot . Then they saide both togither : I am Parthenius . If I had not seene you both mooue your lippes ( saide Gorphorost ) I woulde haue thought it had beene but one voice . Do me therefore this pleasure to speake each one by himselfe , and then by that meanes I shall knowe you . Delicius speaking first said . I am Parthenius , dost thou not know me ? Gorphorost said yes , and that very wel . Then spake Parthenius , and said . I am Parthenius , dost thou not know me ? Now , said Gorphorost I know not thee , nor the other . But which of both soeuer thou beest , for the friendship betweene thee and me , I pray thee sing those verses , which thou didst sing the first time I sawe thee , for I neuer remembred to demand it sooner at thy hands , and when I heard thee first sing it , I could not vnderstand them well , being both so farre asunder . Parthenius , who ( as you knowe ) desired to giue him all the content he could , taking out his Rebecke , began to sing this Sonnet which he had made of purpose , bicause with patience he might suffer the disdaine that I did beare him .

A Sonnet . IF teares we spill by louing , and bereaue not Our harts of troubles , which for loue we faine not , Dainties they are of loue , which we obtaine not , Dainties they are of loue , which we conceiue not : If that by louing passions we desire not , And sighes for loue , wherewith we doe complaine all , Dainties they are of loue , which we disdaine all , Dainties they are of loue , which we require not . The false suspectes to be of all eschewed , The ie alousies of euery Mistresse mooued , Dainties they are of loue not well aduised : To faine not , without why , not to be loued , To thinke not , without cause , not to be viewed , Dainties they are of loue of all despised .

O how glad would I haue beene , said Syluanus , to haue heard this Sonnet , when I poured out so many vaine teares , and had so many disfauours of ingratefull Diana . What comfort couldst thou haue had , saide Syrenus , since his purpose and intent doth maruellously import , that they are the pleasures and ioyes of loue , to faine ( without any cause thereof ) that they are not loued , so that to vnderstand , that they are not loued ( hauing good cause to beleeue it ) they should be no sweetes nor dainties of loue . Whereupon perceiuing so cleerely that Diana did not loue thee , thou shouldst haue had but small comfort by this Sonnet . I perceiued well enough , answered Syluanus ; that I was despised , but yet for all that , would not conceiue , that I knew so much . It is well saide ( saide Doria ) talke no more of times that are gone and past , since both of you are content with this , that is present . And thou faire Stela for the loue of vs all proceede in thy sweet discourse . In many other songs ( said Stela ) they passed away a good time with sicice Gorphorost : and now that Titan went downe to visite the other earth , he tooke his leaue of them , requesting Parthenius to come and visite him sometimes , promising him , that when he came to passe ouer the riuer , he woulde not faile to come and helpe him ouer . That night I slept not soundly in my bed , nor with much rest , for so manie imaginations of things that I had passed the day before , & of many other more , ran vp and down in my troubled fantasies , that I could take no rest at all . For I thought of the goodly behauiour , graces , and beautie , and personage of the two Shepherds , each thing in them seeming to me ( being not men of flockes as I supposed ) more woorthie of greater things then my selfe . The sorrowfull wordes of Delicius song written in the tree , filled me full of pirie , and the frantike iealousie that ( rooted in my hart ) I had of Crimine for Parthenius sake , stung me mortally . On the one side I endeuoured not to loue , and was vnwilling on the other , that any should loue them besides my selfe . In the trouble of which considerations hauing a good while turmoyled my wearied spirits , at the very point when faire Aurora began to awake , a profound sleepe began to take more holde on me , then in the whole night before . I dreamed , but will not tell you what , bicause I desire to forget it : let it suffice , that th' extreme fear of so horrible a dream awaking me , eased me in som sort . Seeing my selfe free from that danger , as if my bed had beene in fault , the onely cause of my sorrowe , and full of stinging vipers , and fierie flames , with a sudden seare I lept out of it . At the noise whereof Crimine , who lay with me , awaked , and enquiring the cause of my sursault , I answered her , that it was nothing but a starte in a fearefull and vnacquainted dreame : which should not be a small one ( said Crimine ) since ( my friend ) it hath altered thee so much , that there is no colour left in thy face , but such as in dead & pale bodies ; and thine eies swelling with seares , not yet sully ascended vp to issue foorth , seeme to burst , for the great force and desire they haue to weepe . It was so said I , for I would haue thought they had opened my brest . Crimine with a gracious smile ( who is no lesse in all she doth ) began to iest a little with me , and vnlacing my bodie , & looking into my brest , said . Truely thy dreame hath not shewed thee any thing contrary to the truth , for it is open , and hath beene to receiue into it there all possibilitie of beautie . And yet if thou wilt giue me leaue , I will tell thee more . She had little neede to aske me leaue , that tooke it of her-selfe so frankly to tell me what shee did . But tell me what thou wilt ( saide I. ) Although thy brest , said she is open , yet hath Delicius his more open to receiue thee in . But rather thine saide I , to locke vp Parthenius in it . That would not greeue me , said she , if this might be truely affirmed of thee and him : but knowest thou what is come into my minde , that we spent too short time yesterday in seeking out the rest of the song , that was written in the tree : Why , what remained , said I ? This would I know saide Crimine . Dost thou not remember that the last verse of it said , that bicause that tree was not able to containe any more , he went to write it in some other tree . It is true indeed , said I. Now hast thou come , said Doria , to the point , which we all desired to know : but Stela said on , As thou louest thy felse therefore ( said Crimine ) let vs goe a little sooner to day , and we will seeke out the place , where he wrote the rest , and to reade againe that , which we found yesterday . Let it be as thou please , said I. And so with this determination we went betimes to the place where we had beene the day before , and began againe to read the song , that we had read , but not without manie teares , where by and by not far from thence , we found out a great Sicamour , whose tender and white barke serued him for paper , for this which he wrote in it .

AH well away how firme and suer ar Torments , and paines in each true louers hart : For when I thought , that I did wander far , And changed place , this fierce and amorous war , And wounding greefe would from my soule depart . Yet now in fine by proofe too well I knowe , That greefe , and sorrowes , absence doth not kill , As some doe say ; but makes them more to growe : And wit so deerely bought with double woe , Is bought ( I needes must say ) against my will . I goe from place to place , and neuer yet My haunting greefe , and cares doe goe away : I am so diuers in my wandring wit , That in one place I neuer rest , nor sit , Yet still the same are sworne with me to stay . My fainting legs my drooping bodie beares From place to place , and yet fierce paine sustaines , It is so seasoned with my swelling teares , That since my Life of late my loue for sweares , All comforts that I offer , it disdaines . My cruell paine , wherewith my life is spent , I would contemne , and would but little make , If that my Mistresse would in minde consent , That I should beare this ceaselesse punishment Onely for her for her most sweetest sake . But that which makes so wide , and deepe a tent Of greefe within my hart , and makes it die , As often as I thinke how she is bent , Is , that to that she neuer will relent , Where remedie , nor any helpe doth lie . After that loue so strong and firme a fort Had built within my brest , vnto his minde , Louing , a death I rather would support , Then now to liue after another sort , Or for my selfe in libertie to finde . For speedie death I knowe must be my fate With such a life , as now I doe endure , With mine owne handes to end this hard debate , To cruell death I will set ope the gate , And in my brest will lodge it most secure . Who doubts that if but once she came to knowe My greeuous paines and passions which I feele , But that to me some pitie she would showe , Though in her brest , where pitie yet may growe , She had a hart harder then any steele . Who doubtes , if that she did but knowe the smart , Her louer feeles , his plaintes and endlesse mone , But that she would with milde and gentle hart Pitie his case , although she had each part Of it , as hard as craggie Dimond stone . Orpheus , when descended into hell For faire Euridice his wife , and past The triple-headed-dog , that did not yell , Nor barke , the Fiends that in Auernum dwell , Made not so milde , at his sweete sound agast , As my tormenting passions , and my paine Would mooue the hardest hart to heauinesse , And euery hart in all the world againe , And not without great reason , nor in vaine , But that of my most cruell Shepherdesse . Ah woe how haue I thus deluded beene ? How haue I liu'd deceiued in this art ? Since that so simply I did ouerweene , That there could be no difference betweene Her fairest face , and her most cruell hart . What man betwixt the cope of heauen and hell Is there of wit so simple and so slender , That could but thinke , or once imagine well , That such a hard , and cruell hart could dwell In such a daintie bodie and so tender ? What humane wit ( O greefe that I doe see it ) Would euer thinke that crueltie possest Her hart , or such a Tygresse hart to be yet Placed in her , whose outward shew to me yet Should promise peace , and in so milde a brest ? Who would haue thought ( it almost was in vaine ) That from her toong , distilling honie drops , So fierce an answere should proceede againe , And wordes she vtterea with so great disdaine , Bittrer to me then gall , or wildest hops . And , that I am deceiued in this ground Of my faire Nymph , I ioy with all my hart : Bicause I would not thinke , there could be found In so great good a thing , that should redound To so great ill , and to so bad a part . It shall be therefore best for me ywisse Not to suspect in her so foule a crime , That she is hard , or that she cruell is , But my mishap , that euer went amisse Euen from my birth-day to this very time . Bicause my paines should neuer be aboue My ioies , and care before my sweete content Should come : I am most constant in my loue , Sans widowhood , like to the turtle doue , That losse of her companion doth lament . In liuing , and in louing too amaine , I thinke I goe beyond her euery howre , But yet I am not like to her againe , In that I did not first a sweete obtaine , Before I tasted of a bitter sowre . All that my wofull minde should recreate , The water , that is christall pure and cleere , I cannot choose , nor otherwise but hate , Bicause I would not see so bad a state , And such a haplesse body wander heere . Like as the snake , or adder that doth bite I flie , with hastie foote , and doe not stay In any place , where greene may giue delight , For this doth leese his hew , and vigour quite , Where hope begins to faile and to decay . If musing all alone by chaunce I stay Vpon my greefe , that smallest ioy denies , And see some spring or fountaine in the way I flie , and softly to my selfe I say , Let that suffice , that runneth fro mine eies . And if in taking some poore little pleasure ( If pleasure in a haplesse state I take ) And view the greene , the countries hope and treasure , I flie , and say , that hope of death must measure My minde with ioy , that doth my pleasures make . According to my life in great disgrace , And miseries , euen from my mothers wombe , I thinke ( and as I am in such a case ) That if I follow death with happie pace , Death will not yet vnto my succour come . I thinke sometimes ( alas weake is my might ) To giue my selfe some comfort and some rest , But they doe flie from me by day and night , In me ( poore wretch ) they can take no delight , And so my paines doe double in my brest . It wearies me ( for greefe doth euer range ) To be so long together in a place : Yet my vnwearied greefes doe neuer change Their place , but still my seldome ioies in strange And cruell manner from my bre●… doe chace : Heere stay my song , and tell the world my smart , And let this tree with thee haue neuer end , For with me shall my haunting greefe depart , For it will neuer leaue my wofull hart , Like to a trustic good and faithfull friend .

Lord Felix , as soone as Stela had made an ende of the song , turned him to Polydora , saying . Art thou now satisfied ? So much said she , that for a little I would not sticke to say that it is better then the first . But knowest thou , what I thinke of it said Syrenus , That the first is finer & pretier , & this more sententious & witty , & with this I am pleased : and it came finely in when he said ( & very wel ) that first the ill came to him before any good , since without widow-hood he suffered like griefe to the Turtle Doue ; for he esteemed it but a meane sorrow to be a widower , bicause it was a signe of sometime enioying the thing he loued . But it seemed a most greeuous thing vnto him , not hauing at any time the possession of the thing he loued , to be depriued of it . Truely said Felismena , thou art much beholding to him Stela , being so hard vnto him as thou wert , to cleere thee of all fault ; and that none might be laid vpon thee , he said : Thou wert not cruell , onely attributing his disgrace to his ill fortune . But in one thing ( said Doria ) he shewed his infinite loue , more then in any thing else , when he said , he rested not in any place . I might well haue noted something said Syluanus , but that I would not hinder so pleasant a discourse . Tell on therefore faire Stela , as the Gods graunt thee thine owne desires . Hauing made an end of reading this , that was in the Sicamour ( said Stela prosecuting her tale ) neither of vs could speake for a good while , Crimine , for pitie , and I , for greefe . But afterwards Crimine said . Dost thou thinke Stela , that I had not reason to helpe thy great need ? What had become now of Delicius , if thy rigour and hardnes had lasted till this time ? That which is now ( I answered ) and if any other thing had happened , I would not haue greatly cared . Say not so ( said Crimine ) for therein thou dost offend thy self . After this we went to the accustomed place to the Shepherdes , bicause we thought it was no time . And being there in their sweete and gracious company , my companion said . I am euer , when I am with you my friendly Shepherds , not a little troubled in minde . They asked why so . Bicause to know you distinctly saide she , some outward token and signe must be apparant , whereby I may know how to make a difference betweene you : whereas otherwise , I am as much deceiued , and know as little as they that haue frequented your companie lesse then I ; for if I turne but my head , I returne to the selfe same doubt , if ( happily ) in the meane time you haue chaunged places . For the cleering whereof , and for the friendship that is betweene vs , I pray thee , Stela , giue one of them a token , whereby we may know how to be assured of either of them , and not need to be troubled any more with this doubt . If thou hast then so great a desire ( said I ) what needest thou require this at my hands , but that thou maist do it as well as I. Thou knowest now said Crimine , that it was first demanded of thee , and if it had not beene , it might suffice , that I request it againe of thee . I deny not this said I , but assure thee that of this great likenes and deceit , which troubles thy minde so much , I take great pleasure . And it was so indeed : for as I loued them in equall sort ; so my desire was to haue them , not onely like in their exteriour shewes , but all one in their interiour soules . I say as touching my selfe ( so that I knew it ) bicause I was then far from knowing the loue that Parthenius did secretly beare me , and not onely desired ( as I said ) to haue them still like to one another , but that in truth they had beene both one . It must not euer be to thy liking ( said Crimine ) for it must sometimes please mine a little . Let it be as thou wilt , saide I ; and choose since it makes so much for thee . Good Lord ( saide Crimine ) how frowarde art thou Stela ? Heereaster I will not request thee to doe any thing , I will be gone , and tarie thou heere if thou wilt ; if not , doe what thou wilt , for I knowe not nowe to what ende it will come . Staie , staie , saide I : Goe not away , and bee not so angrie , for all shall bee done to thine owne desire . In faith if it were not for these yoong Shepherdes sakes ( saide Crimine ) I thinke thou shouldest see me no more heere . If then the matter be so , said I , harke but one worde that I shall say vnto thee , and taking her aside I saide vnto her . I would not by any meanes in the world giue more fauour to one then to the other , by giuing one a signe and the other none , lest his wings ( to whom I giue it ) growe bigger then the others . Thou must therefore either giue me some time to thinke of it , or else counsell me how I must doe it . The wings to serue thee ( she answered ) are now growen in Delicius , so that to him onely thou maiest giue thy fauour ; for as Parthenius will not care for it so much at thy handes , so it likes me best that thou giuest him none at all . Crimine thought not by speaking these wordes , that she did cut me to the very hart , but God knowes how much I felt them , yet dissembling the matter the best I could , I answered . Though it likes thee not , yet will I giue to Parthenius his difference , as well as thy selfe , and I was not then in iest . But when dost thou meane , saide she , to make this difference betweene them ? To morrow I answered . Shepherdes , saide Crimine alowde , turning to them , The difference that Stela will giue you with her owne hands , and the meanes how we should know you , is deferred no further then to morrow . When it shall please her , said they , for no other thing durst they speake . Being come thither the next day , I said vnto them . My friends Shepherdes ( for this name I cannot denie you , as long as your desires reach not beyonde that , which is lawfull ) although I haue beene vrged by my welbeloued friend to giue you some token of difference with mine owne hands , wherby we may come to the better knowledge of you both ; yet of mine owne free will , by leauing her request aside , I meane to doe it . I deferred it yesterday to this present hower , to thinke on it the better , and in what manner I should giue it you without shewing any particular affection more to one then to the other ; and as with equall loue I am soundly affected to you both , so was your great likenesse most agreeable to my minde . But as that which is iust and due must not be denied , so will I in such sort giue you the markes of your difference , to ridde our selues out of doubt , and hold al others still in it . And therewithal , you are not your selues ( I thinke ) able to iudge , when I know not my selfe , whether of you shall haue the greater fauour ( if it deserues such a name ) and bicause you may know , that partially I decline no more to one part then to another , vntill I haue made the same , I will not haue you make your selues knowen vnto me by worde nor signe , by discouering to me which is which , but that the lot may fall to whom it shal ; and none refuse or gainsay that which I shall now do , vnlesse he will refuse and hazard my good will from hencefoorth . When I had said thus , I tooke out of my bosome a little greene ribband , and put it with a bodkin in one of their coates neere to his hart ; and then I went to the other , and clipping from him with a fine paire of Syssers which I brought of purpose with me , a peece of darke greene lace from that part , where I had put the greene ribband in the other , I sowed it on mine owne left side not farre from the secret seate of both their loues : Whereby I meant to giue them to vnderstande , that to the one I gaue hope , and from the other I tooke torment . Which being done I saide . Nowe may you declare to whom I haue giuen the greene ribband , and from whom I tooke the little peece of lace . Then it was euident , that to Delicius I gaue the first , and tooke the second from Parthenius . Nowe that they had declared their names , and were knowne vnto vs , Delicius being glad and ioyfull for the gift giuen him by mine owne hand , with a certaine kind of merines saide . Now doth the cause come to my remembrance ( faire Stela ) why Crimine hath beene so importunate with thee to make a difference betweene vs : O how glad would I be to know this , said I , bicause I could neuer get it out of her . If thou wilt craue leaue and pardon of her ( saide he ) for me to tell it , I would quickly giue thee this contentment . Bicause she may haue it ( saide Crimine ) it pleaseth me to graunt it , though it were to my cost . Thou must then knowe saide Delicius , that though it hath beene the greatest fauour , that we haue receiued at this present ( as a gift of thine owne hands ) yet that which was done to Parthenius in comparison of this was most singular and great , being of greater qualitie in that kinde . And this it was , that when thou shewedst such rigour to me , Parthenius , to see mee in such an agonie ( as gracious Crimine thou knowest ) was so much dismaied , that he was in no lesse danger then my selfe . For as I spake not a worde , but lying in such a pitious trance , wherein he equally bare me companie , at last comming to my selfe againe , and turning my head aside to a certaine crie that Crimine gaue , I sawe her embrace Parthenius ( a happie extasie for him , since it was the occasion of so sweete a fauour done him ) and holde his head face to face in her owne lappe . If any other thing passed betweene them , aske it of her , for I could see no more by reason of my late dismaied sences , not then perfectly restored . What thinkest thou of this faire Stela , what a soueraigne pitie was this ? This he spake with a gracious smile , and had no sooner made an end of telling it , when a vermillion blush teinted al our faces , though it proceeded of different causes . It made Crimine blush with a decent shamefastenes , mingled with ioy of so delightfull a remembrance . It made Parthenius blush for greefe and anger at the passed act ; and me for iealousie , incorporated with the offence of so vnwoorthie a deede against my loue . So that Delicius , thinking to make it but a iest , and to delight vs with it , found that it was in good earnest , and filled vs full of sorrow , and from that hower Parthenius and I liked not so well of Crimine , though we made her not know so much ; for she was the meanes whereby we all three met and talked togither . Truth it is that now I haue forsaken the ill will that I did beare her , for diuers and sundry good turnes , which I receiued of her ; and seeing what great reason there is to loue them ( as euery faire Nymph shoulde likewise doe ) for mine own part I giue her leaue & frank consent to loue them as much as she will : as also , bicause I see her not beloued of them , or ( at the least ) not so much as my selfe , although in very truth ( had they as perfect knowledge of her deserts as they might haue ) they woulde neuer denie to do it . But leauing this aside , wee passed awaie manie daies there , which lasted vs not so long as wee woulde , for the great content that then wee beganne to take in each others companie , which for mine part , I would not haue chaunged for any other mortall delight , and desire in the whole worlde . In all which time neither Rebecke , nor Bagpipe were heard , vnlesse it were when other Nymphes came : for when true louers are alone , singing ( I thinke ) and musicke pleaseth not their musing minds so much as the mutuall contemplation and looking of one another ; and that talking and amorous conuersation should be more pleasant and sweete to them , then the melodie of sweetest musicke . I cannot tell you by what meanes , but Delicius loue to me came to the knowledge of fierce Gorphorost , which made him beleeue no lesse , but that I must needs loue him againe , since with meeting euerie day , we entertained the time in discourse and pastimes : whereupon being not a little enraged , he purposed , if Delicius desisted not from it , to execute his furie vpon him ; which he had done indeed , but that he staied his hands ( as he said ) bicause he would not giue me any occasion of offence , and was Loth to leese the company of Parthenius , & also bicause indeed he could not know him from his friend Parthenius , least thinking to be reuenged on Delicius , he might hurt his friend Parthenius . Wherefore to cleere himselfe of this doubt , one day as Parthenius , according to his woonted custome , went where he was , he said vnto him . I vnderstand my friend Parthenius , that thy brother Delicius doth loue Stela ; which thing , if it be not more bitter to me then the wilde Olife , I leaue thy iudgement , since she is the onely Goddesse , to whom my soule is subiect , and I the onely man that can deserue her . Of one thing thou maiest be assured , that had it not beene for thy sake , I would long since haue made him leaue such follies , or else felt the hardnes of my sheep-hooke . He might haue considered , if he had any wit , that he goes about to be a Corriuall with him , who makes no reckoning of the Gods , if there be any at all . Aduise him therefore to leaue that to me which is worthily mine owne ; if not , tell him that by my iustice he shall be punished , and not without reason . And bicause it is not my will that the great likenesse which is betwene you , might preiudice or harme thee , take this sheepe-hooke , which for ransome of a iollie yoong Shepherde , I had of a faire and gracious Shepherdesse , the which carrying euer in thy handes , I may knowe thee for Parthenius . If thou dost meane Gorphorost ( saide Parthenius ) any harme to Delicius my deerest brother , begin first with me , which shall I promise thee least of both greeue me : But bicause thou maiest knowe they haue not tolde thee true , I sweare vnto thee by the Gods , whom I adore , and by her , whom I loue more then mine owne life , that Delicius loues Stela no more then I do . For her I cannot tell thee , if she loue him or not ( and he spake in truth in the one and other . ) The Sheepehooke thou giuest me , as an impious gift for so vile an effect , I refuse to take , if by taking it , I thought thou wouldest giue it me to the intent to knowe vs one from another . But yet bicause I know it is not sufficient for such a purpose , I will take it , bicause it shall not serue thee to that end that thou pretendest , when as Delicius shall carrie it as often as my selfe ; for by carying it , and not carying it , thou maiest not knowe which of vs is Delicius : whereby thou maiest cleerely perceiue if his life be deere vnto me or no ? Gorphorost was amazed at the great loue that Parthenius did beare Delicius , but beleeued it was not so great in deeds , as in words he shewed it : wherefore he answered him thus . Behold Parthenius , I haue warned thee nowe for the great friendship that is confirmed between vs : for surely I make more account of thee , then thou thinkest , bicause thou art onely he , by whose meanes I finde with imparting my greefe vnto thee , some ease in these my extreme paines . But if with this intent thou wilt take the Sheepehooke of me , I am not content to giue it thee , nor for the woorth of it ( for I would giue thee more then this ) but bicause none of my things shoulde come to Delicius hands . Of one thing thou maiest be ascertained , that loue hath taught me how to know him , and then thou shalt see , how my despised counsell shall auaile to serue him more , then his owne deceitfull opinion . With this Parthenius came away very sorrowfull and full of melancholike thoughts , not knowing what was best to bee done in such a case . On the one side , he sawe it was dangerous for Delicius to be there ; on the other , he knew it was impossible for him to absent himself from me . He conceiued by that which he found in himselfe , the irrepugnable force of Cupid , and considered ( by that he knew too well ) the vnbrideled furie of cruell Gorphorost . But if they were desirous to kill him , they thought it impossible , vnlesse it were by treason , which rather then they would haue done , they woulde first haue lost a thousand liues . That very euening at Sunne set , all wee sower sitting vnder a leasie Sallow tree , fierce Gorphorost came out of his caue , and by and by was on the top of a high rocke , that hung ouer the riuer , right ouer against that place , where I threw my selfe into it , when I fled from him . Who after hee had sit downe a little while , and laid his scrip by his side , and his Pine tree betweene his legges that serued him for his Sheepehooke , staffe , and weapon , he tooke a Flute out of his scrip , made of a hundred Baggepipes , ioyned togither with waxe . Putting it to his mouth and blowing it strongly to cleere it of filth within , the hils resounded againe , the riuers ranne backe , the wilde beasts and fish were stroken in a feare , and the forrests and woods thereabouts began to tremble . And a little after that , he began to sing the most amorous song of me that euer you heard , which I promise you had pleased me well , if he had not made so cruell an ende of it . For with cruell comparisons , borrowed of the fieldes and Shepherds , he strangely praised my beautie , and made me ( on the contrarie ) most cruell , by offering mee such things afterwardes as hee thought fittest to win me most of all vnto him . But to see howe he prooued himselfe faire being so fierce , it is a pleasant iest . By that which most of all thou louest , saide Seluagia , I pray thee faire Stela recite it , if thou dost remember it , which if it like not ( perhaps ) these Gentlemen ( a thing different from their estate ) shall woonderfullie delight vs , if they will do vs so much pleasure to lend vs a little patience to heare it , bicause it is fittest ( thou saiest ) for countrey Shepherds . No ( saide Lord Felix and Felismena ) but she shall do vs as great a pleasure , to see what so fierce a Shepherd could saie , louing this faire damsell so much , whom she hated more . How can I denie your requests , saide Stela , being so brauely coniured ? Giue therefore attentiue eare , for I promise you it will please you well .

STela mine onely Goddesse , and my good , Whiter then is th' vntrodden snowie way , And redder then the rose , but late a bud Halfe blowen , and pluckt with deaw by breake of day : To see more gracious then the Plane tree shape , And sweeter then the ripe and swelling grape : More pleasant then the shade in sommer time , More then the sunne in winters coldest prime . More fresh then any coole and trembling winde , More noble then the fruit , that orchards yeelds , More iocund then the tender kid , by kinde When full , it skips and runs about the fields : More flowrie then the rich and pleasant meade , With painted flow'rs in mids of May bespred : More soft then spotlesse downe in Cygnets brest , More then the milke , and cheese curds yet vnprest . More shining then cleere christall and transparent , And finer wasted then the Cypres tree , Straighter then is the Poplar eminent , Placed amongst those trees that lower be More cleere then ice , or any frozen raine And ( if in onely this thou dost disdaine , Bicause it is with more perfection filled ) More faire then any Orchard that is tilled . And yet with this more fierce and more vnstaied Then Bull , that yet was neuer tam'd with yoke , Prouder then Peacocke with her taile displaied , Harder then old and knotty sturdie oke : More then the rocks immooueable , and madder Then angrie snake , or cruell trodden adder . More furious then the swiftest streames : then thornes More sharpe and pricking with thy singing scornes . More deafe then is the sea , to my desires : Then smoothest streames more full of deepe deceate , Stronger vnto my paines then greatest fires , More cruell then Beare , that giues the teate : Then Sallow wand , or Osier that is weake , If it be greene , more hard and tough to breake . More contrarie vnto my ioy , and rest , Then hungrie woolfe to tender lambkins brest . And that which doth increase my cruell paine , And doth reuiue my hot and flaming fire , By knowing which , it hath my comforts slaine , And hope , whereto in thought I mought aspire , Is , that thou art not onely swifter , then The Hart pursude of hounds into his den , But swifter then the swiftest blowing winde , Swifter then time , then thought within the minde . Suer I am , if well thou hadst me knowne , ( Stela my life ) from me thou wouldst not flie , Or sometimes yet from me if thou wert gone , Thou wouldst returne without my call or crie : And if thou didst stay there but somewhat long , Then wouldst thou thinke thou didst thy selfe great wrong : I knowe that this will greeue thee at the hart , To see me passe for thee such paines and smart . A Caue , that doth containe the better part Of this great hill , hewen out of quarrie stone , Serues for my rocke , the which is of such art , That there the Sommer sunne is neuer knowne , Nor winters cold is felt within that place , But apples there doe hang in maruellous grace Hard by the ground , that shade in hottest weather , And loade the boughes , they hang so thicke together . Clusters of grapes doe beautifie my vines , Some golden , purple red , all faire and full , Of part whereof I make most daintie wines ; And part of them I keepe for thee to pull : And with thy hands most delicate and faire Gather thou maist ripe plums by goodly paires , Vnder the shadowes of their boughes , to ease thee , And Apricocks , and cheries if it please thee . Heere haue I damsens , nuts , and coloured peares , And peaches fine , that would each eie inuite : And euery tree , and fruit this Iland beares , All for thy seruice , pleasure , and delight : And as my hart to please thee I haue bowed , And so haue these the selfe same office vowed : In Autumne ( if thy husband I might bee ) Chestnuts , and Medlars I will keepe for thee . As many flockes as heere thou dost behold , Which in these banks I feede with mournefull song , And many more within these hils vntold And woods and vales estray , to me belong : Many that lie in shades along this coast , All which to tell were but a labour lost . For poorest men they say , are woont to keepe , The number of their cattell and their sheepe . The praises which , I vaunt vnto thee heere , I will not thou beleeue in any sort , Thine eies the same shall witnes very cleere , If so thou please , and not my bare report : I durst be bound , that if thou cam'st to trie , Thou wouldst affirme I told no tale nor lie : Since that to milke them all I am vnable , Or ease their bags , trust me , this is no fable . I haue likewise shut vp in shadowed places ( All by themselues ) great store of gentle lambes , And little kids , with spotted skins and faces , Of equall age new weaned from their dams : In many other houses large and wide Great store of wanton calues I keepe beside , And milke doth flowe within my caue , whereby My cunning in this manner I doe trie . Profit thereof in diuers sorts I make , Leauing the thinnest of it to be drunke , Some part of it within a charne I shake , And beate it there a while till it be shrunke : Some part againe for tender cheese I dresse , And into that , iuice of an herbe I presse . And yet some part whiter then Ermins skin I turne to curdes , and put some creame therein . Yet will I giue thee greater giftes then these ( If thou dost reckon these but poore and small ) Wilde boares , and goates and bucks shall be thy fees , Conies , and hares , and hounds to hunt withall . Two turtle doues I tooke out of their nest In bignes , colour , and in all the rest So like , that them hardly thou shalt descrie , Although thou markest them with narrowest eie . I tooke them from that tree in yonder ground , For thee to play withall when thou art wearie ; Two little whelpe beares after this I found And brought them home to sport and make thee merie : Both these and them I nourish to delight thee , If thou but with thy comming wouldst requite mee : And finding them I said I would reserue them For thee my Stela , who dost best deserue them . Come Stela then out of thy watry brooke And see how I am staying for thee heere , To my request vouchsafe a gracious looke , Calling vpon thee with most heauie cheere : Yet thy disdaine ( as I hope for the best ) Will not deny my pitifull request , When that thou know'st my wealth without compare , My selfe of person nimble , stout and faire : I did behold my selfe not long agoe Within a fountaine cleerer then the skie , I view'd my selfe from top vnto the toe , And without doubt my person pleasd mine eie : Your Iupiter , and euery heauenly creature Enuies my stature , and my comely feature : Your mightie God , to whom you sacrifice , And honour so , whose Godhead I despise . Behold againe what curled lockes of haire Falling vpon my shoulders , and my face , And goodly beard doth make me seeme so faire , And to my person giues a manly grace . Thinke that my body is not foule therefore , Bicause of bristled haire it hath such store . Foule is the tree when Autumnes course bereaues Her boughes of fruit , of greene , and comely leaues . How lookes the horse that hath no crest , or maine , Nor bushie taile to grace his body foorth ; How lookes the hauke that hath no wings , nor traine , Faire is the wooll of sheepe and mickle woorth . The man lookes bald that hath no comely beard , And as with sprites he had beene lately feard : Then foule I am not with my beard , and haire , Since with the same I am more perfect faire . Besides all this I come of no base blood , For God Syluanus is my noble Sire : Thy father he shall be , if thou thinke good ; Then pitie me , and graunt me my desire : Harke then to me , scorne not to see my paine , Let not my sighes and teares be spent in vaine : Onely of thee , and humbly I doe craue Of this poore wretch some pitie now to haue . I which doe scorne the furious thunder blowe Of Iupiter , and other Gods despise , Thee , Stela , for my Goddesse I doe knowe , And come to thee with humble weeping eies : More then his bolts thy anger makes afraid , And pearcing eies my senses haue dismaid : Thou dost deserue more honour , praise , and loue , Then Iupiter , or all the Gods aboue . It would not halfe so much haue greeu'd my hart , That thou my loue so strongly didst denie ( Being so faire , and such one as thou art ) If ( as from me ) from others thou didst flie : But since Delicius ( wherein thou dost erre ) Before stout Gorphorost thou dost preferre , His small imbracements , and too far vnmeete Thou louest more , then mine so great and sweete . But let him swim in seas of his delight , And with thy fauours let him now preuaile : If time , and place be graunted to my might , Soone will I make him strike his puffed saile , Soone shall he feele my strong and sine wed arme , And how it will his amorous senses charme : O greefe , that time and place doe not affoord , To make my deede as currant as my word . If , with my handes his tender trembling flesh I will dishiuer , and in mammocks teare , And then his bones in peeces I will thresh , And in the forrest , cast them heere and there : And dye the riuers with his blood I will , And throwe his members from this steepie hill Into thy lap , where , laughing , I will stand To see , if there he ioyneth hand in hand . O woe is me , that thus tormenting greefe , And wrath doth make my toong to goe awrie : O thoughts , that feele no hope , nor hope releefe : In Aetnas flames I liue , I burne , I die : I burne ( O greefe ) and die , thou wilt not end To succour me , that am thy louing friend . If thus thou handlest those , that languish for thee , How wilt thou those intreate , that doe abhor thee ?

Gorphorost hauing cast these vaine complaints into the aire , rose vp and like a mad Bull , from whom the yoong heyfer hath beene taken away , vnable to take rest in any place , with monstrous skips went downe the hill along into the Iland , whose pastorall song pleased vs well , and the gifts he offered to bring me to his loue , and especially how he made himselfe so faire , if he had not concluded it with so cruell menaces . Stay a little if thou louest me ( saide Syrenus ) for I cannot but note one thing in this song , which hath pleased me woonderfull well . And what is it ( said Seluagia ) that makes thee interrupt so pleasant a discourse as this ? I will tell you , said Syrenus , and promise you , it will not please you all : for it inueighed delicately against women . How so , said Felismena ? I will tell you , answered Syrenus . For in how many comparisons he fitly made of white and red , gracious , and fine , he neuer made any exception , thinking thereby he greatly honored Stela , and that she was glad to be compared to those things : but when he said she was faire , he spake that with a certaine kind of reuerence and pardon , saying . And if thou dost not disdaine it ( more faire then a tilled orchard ) wherein he thought he offended her , bicause in onely being faire , he iudged , that women with their wils would admit no equalitie nor comparisons . But let them iest with you in what they will else , beautie must be a religion not timorously touched . And now passe on faire Stela in thy narration . Euerie one laughed at Syrenus words , and Lord Felix said . It seemes well Shepherd , thou art free , since of thy selfe thou takest leaue to say what it pleaseth thee . To take this strife from you , said stela , I will tell on .

Parthenius being afraide , as well for the resolute furie wherewith hee made his threats , as also for that which he saide to him the same morning , not knowing what to do , nor how to inuent a remedie in such an exigent , oftentimes busied his wits to seeke out some one or other . But casting many doubts in such affaires , and thinking with himselfe what remedie he might finde out for Delicius auaile , not respecting what might befall to him , hee resolued to doe that which you shall nowe heare . Staying on a night ( as he was woont ) for Gorphorost , and being passed to the other side of the riuer with a merrie and smiling countenance , contrarie to the meaning of his minde , he saide thus vnto him . As I haue beene carefull about thy affaires , so knowe friend Gorphorost , that I haue perswaded thy Corriuall to leaue of his loue to Stela , the which not able to compasse , I haue obtained thus much of him to sweare to mee to forsake this countrey , and to absent himselfe from her . Whereupon hee onely requesteth but eight daies respite for his departure , the which he praied me in his name to craue of thee : So that thou maiest now well giue me thy Sheepehooke ; for heere will I staie alone with thee in these parts , and in thy companie . Gorphorost being very glad to heare these newes that Parthenius brought him , thinking that if Delicius were gone out of the way , he might the better obtaine his purpose and my loue , went by and by for the sheepehooke , and hauing brought it , gaue it him . Then Parthenius said . Behold Gorphorost , since it is thy will to haue him depart , and me to staie , thou shalt sweare to mee to doe me no harme in the world ; & bicause thou maist vnderstand that it is I , I haue requested the sheep-hook of thee , the which thou shalt continually see me carrie about with me : and if thou pretendest any other matter , not obseruing the lawes of holy friendship , vnfold to me thy inward thoughts , and I will also depart my selfe O goe not hence my Parthenius , answered Gorphorost , for I swear to thee by Stela mine only Goddesse , that now , nor at any time hereafter , thou shalt haue no hurt at my hands , nor by my procurement . Parthenius satisfied with this agreement & oath , went to put that in practise , which he had purposed in his minde before ( you shall hereafter see what his intent was hereby ) but when he found not Crimine , nor me with Delicius , bicause we were now gone from him , he kept it till another day , when we were altogither . But as we failed not at our accustomed howers , Parthenius brought forth the sheepe-hooke which Gorphorost gaue him , the verie same that now Delicius hath , and which you did but lately see at the fountaine of the Laurell trees , and saide . Before I make manifest my determination vnto you , I will first haue you see what a faire gift Gorphorost hath giuen me , though his intent was far different from mine : But bicause with the rest , you shal also heare this , looke vpon it wel , & tel me your opinions , & then I will tell you more . Then we three comming neere togither , bicause he had viewed it well before , looked vpon it verie earnestly , euerie one of vs casting our eies vpon that which pleased vs most . We would not haue left looking once and twise againe vpon the curious sheepe-hooke , although we turned it not a few times about , if we had not a greater desire to heare what Parthenius had promised to tell vs . Who , when he saw vs expecting what he would say , began thus to speake vnto vs . Since the pitifull banishment of vs from our deere and natiue countrey is sufficiently manifest vnto you ( most soueraigne Nymphes ) and likewise the cause of our amorous staying in these parts , it would seeme but time ill spent and tedious to make repetition of the same againe . I will not say that my tarrying here to this present time hath beene onely commaunded by the request of my deere Delicius , for that your sweete company and sight was sufficient to haue forcibly detained here a worthier person then my selfe . But that which I minde to tell you is , that as to this hower my being here hath beene perhaps conuenient ; so from this day forward my departure is needfull , and in such sort that ( all affection laid aside ) you would iudge there is no other possible thing for our auayle . Whereof bicause you may not be in suspence , and of my late determination , if with attention you will giue eare vnto me , the inexcusable necessitie of my intended departure shal be cleerly known vnto you . You are not ignoraunt of the odde and inconuenient loue of fierce Gorphorost with thee faire Stela , nor of the euen and proportionable loue , or of the sound ( to say better ) and perfect affection of Delicius with thee againe faire Stela . But loue that discouers all things , hath suggested into the fierce Shepherds eares ( as by his song you might well perceiue ) that he hath for riuall ( if it may be so saide ) my deere brother . If he grieued thereat , your selues haue heard him sing it on the top of yonder rocke : and being in his company that same morning before , I heard it from his owne mouth , where he said vnto me , that he purposed to be reuenged on him , and onely for the great loue and friendship he bare me , protested that he deferred the same . But now not able to suffer it any longer , and not knowing by what meanes to be auenged of his aduersarie , without executing the punishment on me , for the great likenes betweene vs , and for auoiding the harme that might come thereof , he gaue me this sheep-hooke , bicause by carrying it , he might know me from him , the which for that it was offered me for a cruell act , I then refused : but afterwards seeing his great rage , by studying out a good meanes for both our auailes , I tooke it . And this was my deuise , I told him that Delicius by my counsell and perswasion would go his waies ; so that he might giue me the sheep-hooke , whereby he might know that I remained still in this countrey . For which departure I craued eight daies respit , which he willingly graunted me . Now therefore it behooues me to go seeke out my Father , with whom or without him , within a certaine time I will returne hither againe , where Delicius in the meane time may stay in my place , and visite Gorphorost in my name to dissemble the better with him ; whom before I will aduise , and acquainte with all that I haue passed with him , because hee may thinke it is I. This did Parthenius saie with ill vttered wordes , for the greefe of taking his leaue of Delicius and mee , whome hee loued so much , woulde not let him frame them any better . None of vs three had then the courage , to answere any thing to Parthenius wounding wordes , for the great greefe that wee conceiued of his sudden departure : but after wee had all helde our peace a good while , Crimine with watred eies ( for then she had not the power to dissemble the great loue she bare him any longer ) saide . It is now no time , my friend Parthenius , by my forced countenance to dissemble the inward paine and greefe of my hart , if hitherto by deedes and demonstrations thou wilt not vnderstand and see how much I loue thee , by wordes therefore at this present let it be cleere vnto thee , That I loue thee , and louing thee more then mine owne life , determine to goe in thy companie ( at the lest with thy consent ) if thou wilt not carie me with thee , or else with mine owne hands ( if not with thine thou wilt not ) resolue to giue me my mortall stroke of death , which shall be more glorious and acceptable to me , then giuen by my selfe when thou art gone . Then she being as it were cut off from her boldnes , with a tainted blush and a sorrowfull sigh , held her peace . To whose amorous wordes Parthenius wisely answered thus . Stela had scarce begun Parthenius answere , when Felicia with the companie she brought with her came , saying to Felismena . Dost thou not thinke that I haue fulfilled that which I promised thee yesterday , by comming hither to day at the woorst time ? Yes indeede good Lady , saide Felismena . But why must we pay for that , saide Syluanus , which she hath eaten : bicause we must pay her something for her companie , saide Felicia . But more for your sakes then Felismenas I will be gone , for I came to no other purpose but to accomplish my word , and hereupon she went , they remaining still that were there before . Then Stela said .

But harke what Parthenius answered to Crimines words . I am not able to iudge , deere Nymph , if thy ill fortune be greater by hauing placed thy loue in so miserable a man ; or my mishap greater , by nothauing libertie to giue thee the like againe . On the one side I would gladly satisfie thy desire , and haue on the other no power to doe it : yet I will not denie to doe thee this pleasure to carie thee with me , whereby I should not gaine little , if I thought not to doe faire Stela , and my brother Delicius an ill turne : her , by bereauing her of so sweete companion ; him , by depriuing him of her , by whose meanes he hopes to be remedied , whereas thou knowest how ill it would fall out for him with thy faire companion when thou art absent . I was not a little glad to heare him with such modestie take an occasion to forsake Crimine , bicause my life molested with the secret iealousie I had of Crimine , depended ( me thought ) vpon his answere to her againe . And so turning to Parthenius , I saide . For mine owne part , good Shepherd , I thanke thee for thy good will thou hast to doe me so much honour , by not consenting to carie away with thee my friend Crimine : But for that which I owe her , and wherein I am bound to thee , and for the content of both , I agree thereunto , though it be to mine owne cost : wherefore denie not what she hath with such earnest affection requested . But before thou answere me to this , I must needes tell thee that ( it seemes ) thou hast taken more leaue , bicause thou art going away , then was reserued , by taking so boldly vpon thee to speake for thy friend Delicius beyond the due limits of chastitie , and common friendship , which were promised me . But I will pardon thee , as I said , bicause thou art now but a ghest , who are allowed to doe and say what they list . But yet I would faine knowe who it is that hath taken thy libertie from thee , as thou saiest , no doubt the onely impediment to make thee condescend to the amorous request of my friend Crimine . If thou thinkest ( saide Parthenius ) to haue me so obedient to thee as my friend Delicius , by satisfying all thy demaunds ( pardon me faire Nymph ) thou art much deceiued . This selfesame thing didst thou aske him , which cost vs all deere , how much more then hauing no cause to aske it , when it can serue thee to no purpose . One thing thou maist know , that something thou must not know . To that which thou repliest to me of gracious Crimine , I haue now answered . Crimine not able to suffer these wordes any longer , with teares trickling downe her cheekes , and without speaking a worde went her waies . Delicius went after her to comfort her , and telling her that Parthenius was not yet going , promised to requite the good turne in like manner as she had done to him , by regaining Stelas lost fauour : with hope whereof being somthing cheered vp , she went her waies . And in the meane time I saide thus to Parthenius . How faine would I ( Parthenius ) not haue thee go thy waies , and as greatly desire that Crimines teares would not mooue thee . For the first I thinke there is no remedie ( said he ) bicause I desire it more then any can imagine : and for the second thou needest take no care , in that thou commandest and I must obey . I knowe thou wilt not go ( saide I ) without speaking to me . No , answered Parthenius , for that were not possible . Why then God be with thee said I , for I cannot leaue my companie . And with thee , faire Nymph , saide he . Stay a little saide Felismena , for I must needs tell thee , that ( in faith ) thou didst Delicius great iniury by neuer fauouring him halfe so much , as thou didst Parthenius at that time ; whereupon thou wert enclined ( it seemes ) more to him , then to Delicius . Impatient iealousie was the cause heerof , answered Stela : But harken on , for I was not heerein one whit behinde hande with Delicius , who deserued much , bicause by a most amorous passage which ensued , he shewed an euident proofe of loue and humilitie : For after I had taken my leaue of Parthenius , and going somewhat in haste to ouertake Crimine , I met Delicius by the way , comming backe from accompanying her : who when a pretie way off he espied me in such haste , before I came to him , saide . If I may not offend thee , I beseech thee , ( soueraigne Mistresse ) when thou commest nigh mee , not to passe by in such haste , bicause I may thinke that thou fliest not from me , if not , thy will be done . Truelie saide all of them , it was highly considered of him , who well deserued to be rewarded , but let vs heare what thou didst answere , or do in hearing these words . With a soft and slowe pace , saide Stela , I came to him saying . Thy request , being so reasonable and modest , I cannot chuse but grant , as all such besides , that sauour of vertue and honest meaning ( touching thy selfe ) I will neuer disobey , and will not onely go softly bie , but staie with thee as much as thou pleasest , so that I may conueniently ouertake Crimine . I spake all this of purpose , for as he iudged ( perhaps ) that I shewed Parthenius loue , by the words which I vttered when I departed from him , ( wherein I would not haue preferred him before Delicius , since in loue and affection I did not ) I therefore endeuoured to make him not imagine any such matter at all . Who in his owne iudgement not able to requite so great a fauour , fell presently downe on his knees ( though I did the best I coulde to hinder him ) and taking my hand betweene both his , with great humilitie kissed it . Maruelling at such a sudden part , and knowing that such presumption proceeded of deepe loue , with patience I said vnto him . Though for this bold attempt thou deseruest punishment , yet I will not giue it thee , bicause I will not giue thy brother an occasion to be offended with me , by saying that I can pardon nothing . Delicius came to himselfe again , & seeing that his boldnes had put him in no smal hazard to leese me , he had such a colour for shame and feare , that it did not a little augment his braue beautie , which I noted too well . Wherefore to encourage him , I said . Art thou content ? Delicius answered . O my sweere Mistresse , I , but that I cannot thanke thee so much as I would , and with this I will staie thee no more . Both of vs being gone from one another , I made haste after Crimine , and he to Parthenius , who passed many sweete and amorous speeches togither vpon his friends departure , bicause Delicius would not consent thereunto ; but when he perceiued that he woulde needes go ( by reason of the imminent danger that they were both in , if he had staied longer then the time prefixed ) he would not also agree vnto his departure without his companie : But in the end being ouercome by Parthenius , though much against his will , he yeelded to his determination . In this meane while , beleeue not Gentlemen , that we were idle on the other side , for we were thinking of Parthenius bitter departure , Crimine complaining somtimes before me of his cold affection ; and sometimes comforting herselfe with Delicius promise , with which speeches and imaginations we went to bed . The hower being now come , when all mortall creatures take rest , and Crimine lying by her selfe sole , and solitarie to her owne thoughts , what she suffered and talked softly to her selfe , I know not , but what I passed , my selfe can tell you . For thinking that my bedfellow was asleepe , and the candles being put out , and also the silent darkenes of the night ( a faithfull friend to thoughts and fansies ) seruing my minde so fitly , diuers and sundrie things were represented to it , which being well grounded in my breast , I began thus to say to my selfe .

What God hath brought these two new Shepherds into these parts , to make such an alteration in me ? What , am not I she , whom the onely thought of a man was woont to offend ? What great content then doth the thinking of these two yoong Shepherdes giue me ? Am I not shee , who delighted so much in hunting of beasts and birds : Why do I then hunt now after thoughts and vanities ? Am I not she , that of mine owne free minde offered my selfe vp to Dianas seruice ? Why with my will then must I become a bond-maide to Venus ? Hence hence from me such an vnseemely fault . O pardon me Delicius , and Parthenius , for yet I cannot choose , but do that which you both deserue . O Gods , what a virgin colour is in their yoong and sweete faces , adorned with that little haire vpon their vermillion and tender cheekes , what beautie , what mildnesse , what discretion ? I thinke truely they must descende from some linage of the Gods , if they bee not such themselues , wherein my surmise ( I knowe ) is not vaine . The God Hymen not beeing hatefull to mee , I coulde perhappes submit my selfe to this onely fault . But I beseech the Gods , the earth may first swallowe mee vp , and Iupiter with his thunderbolt smite me to the mournfull shades of Acheron , and perpetuall night , before I violate thee ( O chastitie ) or breake thy holy bondes . The chaste minde that euer I haue borne , shall accompanie me to my graue . But I know , it offends me not by thinking to which of both I shoulde encline , if my firme intent should turn to any side ? which of them both excels the other in disposition , feature , and beautie , to loue the one more for that , and forsake the other for this I cannot discerne ; who are so like , that if they themselues beheld one another , they could not knowe the one from the other . Great is the goodnes of Parthenius , for euen to the hazard of his life he offered it for safetie of his friend . What wittie and readie answeres for Delicius ? What wisedome to make my companion helpe his , and me not to forsake him , and that fierce Gorphorost might not hurt him ? Parthenius in the end deserued well my loue , but yet ( I thinke ) he goes not beyond Delicius , who needed not the fauour of his brother to helpe him , and could no doubt haue done no lesse then he . And though he neuer had occasion to shew the sharpnes of his wit , his pithie wordes , and wittie answeres ( from the which he was cut off from the very beginning ) yet how cleerely by all his sweete songs and ditties that he made , did he manifest it ? What verses did he carue in the tree , or rather in my hart , how modest , by refraining ( not to offend me ) to speake of that , which concerned him most . O God , and what great reason haue I then to loue him ? But who beleeues not that Parthenius , if he had also loued me , would not haue done as much . Alas then for me , to whether of them shall I incline ? Must Delicius be despised , bicause he loues me , and for desiring so much my loue againe ? Must I consent that he die , bicause he desireth to liue with me ? Must he be guerdoned with vnworthy death for so high a desert of his great loue ? O haplesse Delicius , I would I had neuer seene thee , or thou not cast thine eies vpon me ? Thou well deseruest my loue , if I had not vowed chastitie , and if my importunate destinies had not threatened me with marriage . But must Parthenius be reiected bicause he loues me not as Delicius doth ? For this he is more woorthie to be admitted into my loue . It imports but little that he loue mee not , so I loue him that hath so many good parts in him woorthy to be beloued . That which most of all forceth me to his loue , is that I cannot suffer with patience that Crimine should loue him . But whither do I range in these wandring thoughts ? what need I take such care for them , after so many whom I haue despised ? Why doe I thus torment my selfe ? Their beautie mooues me not ( and yet the same might well do it ) who are but yet boies . They themselues mooue me not , but their yong and flourishing youth . But let them go hence in a good hower , now that of mine owne free will I haue counselled them , and the rather since marriage is denied mee . Let them go , and seeke forth some other loues , since none that are wise will reiect them . But alas for me this leaue is too harde . With these last words , not able to passe on further , though many other things remained still in my minde , I held my peace , my toong was silent , but my hart did still speake . And with these and like wordes and praises ( poore soule ) without knowing what I did , and rude in such affaires , I loued without the sence of loue : I conceiued the fire without seeing it , and nourished a wound in my vaines without feeling it . Three or fower daies passed , in the which we went not to the Shepherds , bicause Crimine came not foorth , for seeing herselfe disdained of Parthenius , she endeuoured to forget him by her absence , which kindled her fire the more . So that I would haue beene now glad , that Parthenius had loued Crimine in lieu of seeing him and Delicius . For the which I many times importuned her , that we might go see them , by putting her in mind of the hope that Delicius had giuen her : but for all this she forced herselfe not to come before him . There remained now but two daies to come of the time prefixed for Parthenius departure , when , not able to endure so long an absence , I spake thus vnto her . It might not a little reioice me ( deere sister ) if we went to see the Shepherds , bicause I promised to speake with Parthenius before he went . Crimine desiring the same no lesse then I ( as I imagined ) answered me saying . Thou maiest go good friend , although I will not denie , that I desire to see mine enimie . But this haplesse loue is so cruell , that I cannot choose in the end but tell thee the truth , that my going this time will auaile me as little ( I know ) as other times before . Behold thou canst not tell Crimine ( saide I ) what Delicius hath done for thee , in recompence of the good turne he owes thee , & for the promise he made thee : and if this were not so , remember that certaine daies past , my selfe hauing lesse occasion and will to go , yet onely to content thee I went thither . So that thou art bounde now to performe my request , when I was then so willing to do thy command . Thou hast ouercommed saide she , I will nor cannot gainsay thy forcible reasons . Whereupon we went to the Shepherds , whom when I espied gone aside ( for on purpose they were talking very earnestly togither ) I saide to my companion . They should now talke of some great matters , and it may bee Delicius is talking about thy affaires . Nay about thine , answered she againe . And it was true indeed . For both of them were in counsell togither , as afterwards we knew it . Being come to the Shepherds , we found such an alteration in them , that it seemed very strange to vs . What will you more , but that Delicius seemed to haue changed the loue that he did beare me , to bestow it on Crimine , when he had greatest reason to loue me . Who , at the last time when I spake to him , got more of me then euer he did before . I coulde not by any meanes know the cause of this sudden change . Truth it is , that as I had perceiued Delicius loue to Crimine to be but colde , as that I also held him for such an one , who would not change without great occasion , and not able to coniecture it by any fault of mine owne , I haue suspected , and Crimine thinkes no lesse , but that Delicius by some waies should know of Parthenius secret loue to me ; and by sayning that he had forgot mee , it was to giue place to his deere friend in my loue . Which if it be so ( as we beleeue ) although we could neuer get it of him , it is ( Gentlemen ) one of the noblest deeds of friendship that was euer seene to this day . For in more then a whole yeere that we accompanied togither , he neuer solicited me for himselfe , but for his friende , beholding me euer with such modestie , as if we had beene both borne in one bellie . But I pray thee tell vs ( said Doria ) what meanes he vsed to shew that he did not loue thee . That I will , said Stela , bicause there remaines now but litle of my tale , for our long peregrination with many misfortunes that we haue passed shal be kept for some fitter time : When we were come before the Shepherds , Delicius shewed a certaine kinde of greater libertie and boldnes in his words , and more merrines in his countenance then he was woont to do . Whereat both of vs maruelling not a little , and asking him the cause , he answered . Times are not euer all one , nor equall Stela . The fire many times mollifies that which is harde . The finest plaister ( be it neuer so well tempered ) if it be too much charged , fals downe againe . So much water may be cast on the greatest fire , that it will put it quite out . My great loue serued me nothing at all to make thee gentle , and thy extreme disdaine hath auailed me to make me forget thee . I had grounded well mine affection on thee , but thou hast choaked it with a multitude of torments , sorrowes , & cares . Great was the flame that burned continually in my brest , but thou hast quenched it with excessiue water of thy cold disfauours , & with th' abundance of my teares . So that from this day thou maiest well match thee with one , who is more vertuous , wise , & constant then I am , & who may in iust proportion bee more answerable to thee in euery thing then my selfe ; for I confesse I am not sufficient for it . Yet I will not denie , but that I am now as truely , and as much deuoted to thy seruice as euer I was before , whereof thou maiest make triall , if it please thee in whatsoeuer thou wilt command mee , though in another kinde of respect then in these daies past . We were all three looking with what libertie he tooke his leaue of my loue , and maruelled more at his change . Delicius had tolde Parthenius before of his determination , but he neuer beleeued all till then , when he verily thought his companion did not loue me , bicause face to face so constantly he tolde mee it , thinking if it had beene otherwise , it had not beene possible for him to haue vsed the boldenesse nor courage by speaking to me in such sorte . At this noueltie I stoode astonished , and a certaine kind of remorse and repentance ( me thought ) troubled mee for handling him , and mine owne matters so ill : but dissembling it as well as I coulde , I saide . O howe glad am I to heare these good wordes Shepherd ? From this time forwarde I will loue thee more then euer I did . But I know not ( said Crimine ) what I may say vnto thee friend Delicius , neither can I sound the cause of such a sudden alteration . Tell me if thou hast any occasion to complaine of Stela ? For heere I will cause her to make thee amends without the consent of such a breach . The Gods be contrarie to me in all my desires , saide Delicius , if I haue any iust complaint of her , but onely of my hap . And by them I sweare vnto thee , that I do this , bicause I finde it most expedient for me . Wherefore if thou desirest my good , thou shouldst not speake to me about it . In faith Crimine , said I , thou art verie pleasant , how long I pray you , had you leaue to trouble your selfe with my matters , and such as like me not at all . Bicause it should like thee wel , said Crimine , I spake it . If such things liked me well , said I , smiling , there is Parthenius , who hath no lesse good parts in him to be loued then his friend , if they haue not both ( perhaps ) agreed togither about this matter . This did I speake but in iest , but loue did not iest with me at all . I would not make this agreement , said Delicius , if it were not for that , which I loue most in this life , which I wish thou wouldst loue , leauing him to saile with the greatest prosperitie in the seas of thy happie loue . Delicius laboured so much in the end , by shewing himselfe also so appassionate for Crimine ( but truely but now ) that Parthenius discouered himselfe the next day to be my open louer , and for Delicius his sake had kept it so long close , which was the cause ( he said ) why he could neuer be mooued to loue Crimine . I had not then beene a little proud and glad , as I should be now , if I had then knowen , or did now know , that I was equally beloued of them both , as I loue them both alike . Crimine had no end of her ioy and content , thinking that she was in good earnest beloued of Delicius , the which he cunningly shewed by words and deeds . But now she is not I thinke in such glorie and content bicause he is as cold in her loue again , although he euer makes her some shew thereof . The last day of respit , wherein Parthenius was to depart , was now come , when the night before , Delicius said to Parthenius . Since it is thy will ( deere brother ) to absent thy selfe from me ( a hard and heauie chaunce ) it shall be needfull for me to goe to morrow to Gorphorost , and speake to him in thy behalfe , bicause with the instructions that thou hast giuen me I may know from henceforth how to conuerse with him , and as thou shalt afterwards aduise me how I may entertaine his company . It may be he will keepe me till night : Thinke not therefore much if I stay so long . This agreement Delicius made with Parthenius , bicause he had now determined to goe and seeke out his parents , and to leaue Parthenius with me , for he neuer meant to goe seeke out Gorphorost , nor to speake with him at all ; but onely to absent himselfe secretly , as afterwards he informed vs of it . He knew , or at the least suspected that Parthenius would not consent to haue him goe without him , and therefore thought it good to vse this dissimulation , bicause he would not haue him nor vs passe the hard traunce of his greeuous departure . Hereupon he went towards the riuer , and neere to the place , where he was wont to stay for Gorphorost , wrote this with a knife in an Elme , in letters that might be discerned a good way off .

My deere friende Parthenius , thou shalt feele by thy selfe , if thy absence will not breede an extreme sorrow in me ; but bicause this is forced and necessarie , I thinke it best for thee to tarie still , since thou hast so great reason for it . That which I commende to thy charge ( for the friendship betweene vs both ) is to make no change of place nor of thy faire yoong Shepherdesse , for this shall be the greatest pleasure that thou maist doe me . And as for the rest , I promise thee to seeke out my father and thy mother with all diligence , carying so good tokens with me as I doe of them both . Within a yeere ( if the Gods spare me life and health ) I will returne and visit thee , with report of that which I haue done , and hath befallen vnto me . I pray thee once againe not to depart from hence . For if thou thinkest to seeke me , perhaps thou shalt leese me , bicause comming backe againe , I shall not knowe where thou art . The Sheepehooke thou shalt finde at the foote of this Elme hidden vnder the sandes . The Gods remaine with thee and accompany me .

But Crimine and I , knowing that Parthenius was to goe that day away , went in the morning betimes to take our leaues of him ( or to say more truly ) for Crimine to intreate him in my behalfe , for she had some suspition of me , that I was affected to him ) who meant not to absent himselfe , but that since they could not be there both together for the causes abouesaid , one of them should goe to some neere place thereabouts , and come thither by turnes , the one going and the other comming in course ; and that thus by the absence of either , Gorphorost might be deceiued by the Sheepehooke . But when we were now come before Parthenius , and sawe him all alone , we asked him for Delicius , who tolde vs that he was gone to Gorphorost to learne to keepe him companie after he was gone . Which when Crimine heard , without tarying any longer she went to attend her new loue , where she knew Parthenius was accustomed to goe , who taried with me walking vp and downe in a little greene meadow within the forrest . Crimine comming to the Elme , sawe what Delicius had grauen so lightly in it , and reading it , not able to endure any longer with patience , she began to weepe , and crie out alowde , accursing her misfortune , and as she determined to follow him , she first thought good to tell Parthenius of it . But going to take out the Sheepehooke , Gorphorost from a high hill espied Parthenius and me , and how all alone hand in hand we walked vp and downe , and seeing him without the Sheepehooke , thought surely it was Delicius . Whereupon he began to crie out alowd , and with such furie as he made the earth to shake , saying . Now haue I espied thee wicked Impe , which I will make thy last sight and delight , and then with an incredible swiftnes he came downe from thence , and in an instant passed ouer the riuer . I being fearefull with the terrible voice , and warned of the Nymphes watchword got me to the riuer . Parthenius , fearing more the harme that might haue befallen to his friend , then his owne danger , staied for him without flying away , which though he would haue done he could not , bicause Gorphorost was so neere . Crimine hearing the furious voice of Gorphorost , suspecting what might happen , like a wise woman ( for surely she is no lesse ) came running to the place where she had left vs , to warne Gorphorost in time that it was his friend Parthenius , least being deceiued , he might haue done him some harme . And beleeue me , Gentlemen , with her mastered wisedome , she restored to vs all our liues : So that she came to Parthenius ( for I was now gone ) and stept before Gorphorost , saying . Stay Gorphorost , and behold him well : for this is Parthenius , and bicause thou maist thinke it is true , behold heere the Sheepehooke which thou didst giue him , for she had taken it out of the place where Delicius had hidden it . Whereupon being somewhat pacified , although not wholly pleased bicause he saw vs walke hand in hand , and not assured who he was , he tooke him , saying to Crimine . I will be better aduised who he is , and accordingly will do with him what it pleaseth me . And saying thus , he tooke vp Parthenius vnder his arme , and ranne away with him as fast as he could . Parthenius durst not aske Crimine for Delicius , although he saw the Sheep-hooke , which he carried away with him that morning , bicause he thought he was with Gorphorost . For if he asked for him , he had then giuen him to vnderstand that he was Parthenius . So that he would haue rather suffered , saying he was Delicius then not , least any harm might haue happened to Delicius by confessing himselfe to be Parthenius . With this incertainty Gorphorost cast him into a darke caue , to the mouth whereof he rouled a great peece of a rocke insteed of a doore , as afterwards we knew it . Crimine with that content and sorrow as you may imagine , knowing Delicius was gone , and seeing Parthenius carried away in that sort , came to our mansions to bring me newes of what had passed , and to tell me what she had resolued to do . When she came into our withdrawing chamber , she found me almost breathles : for I was reuoluing in my thoughts what had happened to me concerning both my loues . When I saw her , I rose vp from my bed , where I had laid me downe , and going towards her ( my breast bathed in teares , and my haire torne with my handes ) I cast mine armes about her necke , not able to speake a word , but gaue a sorrowfull sigh , which I fetcht out from the profoundest part of my amorous soule . Crimine with a little more force then I had , holding fast by me , as well as she could , came to the bed , and there fell downe with me vpon it , where we lay a good while without speaking or moouing . We were not seene in these trances of the other Nymphes , bicause they were most of them gone to solace themselues along the riuer banks . After a little time therefore , as I began againe to rent my clothes that couered my breast , marking my tender flesh with my hard nailes , Crimine , awaked as it were out of a dreame , helde my pitilesse ( or rather more pitifull ) hands . To whom at last I said . Let my hands alone , Crimine , for they do no more then they are bound to do . For thinking perhaps to be pitifull , be not in lieu thereof so cruell vnto me . Let them pull out my hart to be openly knowen , for that hitherto it hath beene euer secret . O Stela , O Parthenius , O Delicius . Hearken to me , said Crimine , if thou wilt haue me lighten thy greefes , and augment mine owne passion . Parthenius is safe by my meanes , and Delicius lost for thy sake . Dost thou affirme that to be true , said I. Is Delicius dead ? Lost , I haue said , not dead , said Crimine ? for what dost thou call lost , saide I ? To me ( answered she ) for thy sake , bicause to leaue Parthenius to thee , he hath taken that iourney in hand , which Parthenius was about to do , to seeke out his parents . Then somewhat appeased , I asked her farther , how she knew it , which she told me in order as it was ; affirming afterwards how she had resolued to follow Delicius . Hast thou such courage , said I , as that thou darest alone take vpon thee such a dangerous iourney . I will not goe alone , said she , for loue shall accompanie me which is afraide of nothing . Being stung with the pricke of iealousie , and not able to suffer , that she should goe alone with one whom I loued more then my selfe , I said . Since thou hast so good a defence with thee , I will also accompany thee . But let vs first ( I beseech thee ) endeuour to know , what is become of Parthenius ; for if he be dead , I will not liue , nor come before Delicius with such vnfortunate newes , being assured that whosoeuer shall first aduertise him thereof , shall giue him no lesse then death . Whom we should rather informe ( as soone as might be ) if he were prisoner , to seeke out some meanes to deliuer him from thence , which counsell we thought was the best . We remained therefore in this determination , and such was our good hap , that walking the second day vp and downe the riuer bankes , at the narrowest place of it there came a strong and lustie Shepherdesse with a sling in her hand , and being right ouer against vs , did fling ouer to our side a certaine thing like a round ball , and then running away as fast as shee could , got her into the Iland before her . We not coniecturing what that might meane , and desirous to know what it was , went to take it vp , that ran trendling in the meadow before vs . When we had it into our hands , we saw it was a peece of linnen tyed vp fast togither , and within it a round stone , which we thought was put in , least with the lightnes of the linnen , it had fallen into the riuer . This peece of linnen was written all ouer , and I thinke with the iuice of Mulberies , for it seemed he wanted inke and paper , looking vpon the letter we knew it to be the hande of Parthenius , wherby he willed vs to be of good comfort , & told vs the order of his imprisonment , and how by the tokens which he gaue Gorphorost , he was now sufficiently resolued , that he was not Delicius , and that he vsed him verie well , but would nor dimisse him , bicause he kept him for a baite for Delicius , knowing that it might auaile him for the great friendship that was betweene them ; and also bicause if he did let him goe , he might take Delicius ( if afterwards he met him ) for Parthenius , of whom he might not be deceiued if he kept him still in his caue . And therefore because Delicius might not come in sight by any meanes , said , that he would take some order himselfe for his owne deliuerie . With these doubtfull newes , and happie aduenture we went to seeke out Delicius . And truely if we had not carryed that peece of linnen cloth written by Parthenius owne hand to him , the griefe of the imprisonment of his deere brother had made an end of him by reason of the great sorrow that he felt thereof , as yet he doth , as you daily see .

Behold heere therefore Gentlemen , what you desired to know of the Shepherd and vs , and for what cause we go vp and downe in his company . And the reason why my father woulde haue killed him , I suspect to be this , That the Nymphes our fellowes ( seeing vs all fower waiting at one time ) tolde him ( perhaps ) that the Shepherds had carried vs away with them : So that we founde out this yoong Shepherd with whom we go , and the infinite troubles that we haue suffered , and must still endure , vntill we see Parthenius so well beloued of vs all three . Wherefore I pray you do me this fauour , to request no more of me at this time , nor howe we founde him out , vntill with more ioy we be altogither , if our misfortunes shall haue an ende , as sage Felicia hath promised vs : for now you see what content one takes in recounting of aduersities , that are gone and past , when she is free from them ; and contrarie what greefe , when we still suffer them . Of purpose ( saide Felismena ) wee tooke fit time for our discourses , bicause we might haue had opportunitie to know all . But bicause thy will is to the contrarie , wee will not gainsay it , to satisfie our owne . Whereupon with this that Stela told them , they knewe what great reason Delicius , Stela , and Crimine had to be sorrowfull , who were partly no lesse for pittie of these fower vnfortunate louers . The night being come , they went in , and after they had supped they went all to take their rest , they at the least that were capable of it .

The end of the fifth booke .

The sixth Booke of the second Part of Diana of George of Montemayor .

ALl that companie comming foorth , ( except Felicta , and Parisiles with some Nymphes that tarried still praying in the Temple ) in a cleere morning , the day was but a little spent , when the aire changed on a sudden with such thunders and stormie tempestes , that what with feare of the lightning , and with the water that seemed to threaten them , they were nowe going in againe , when they heard a Shepherd singing a farre off , and who ( they thought ) was comming towards them . And hearing him , they saide . It seems he cares but litle for the iniury of the weather . They all agreed to stay for him : who not tarrying long from comming out of the wood , where his way lay , & seeing so many togither , maruelled much , and left of his singing . But they woondred more when he came nigh them , to behold his strange kind of habit . For he had on the skin of a beast called Hiena , tied about his middle with a great wreath of leaues like to Bryony , or the white vine , which runs winding about the bodies of trees like a snake . On his head he ware a Laurell crowne , & in his hand , in steed of his sheepehook , he caried a great bough of a figge tree . All which when they had well marked , they said vnto him . Tell vs , iolly Shepherd , is this thy common wearing ? No , said he , but as I nowe vse to weare this or some such like , as the qualitie of the time shall counsell me , arming my selfe euer against the iniuries of it . And therefore I clad me thus , as at this present you see me , bicause I would not be smitten with the furious lightning , not thunderclap , which the vertue of any one of these doth maruellously resist , & manie other things that came not so soone to my hands . We are glad to know it , saide they ; but bicause the rigour of this day warnes vs to put our selues vnder couert , do vs this pleasure ( Shepherd ) to come in with vs here to Dianas temple . The good report & fame of this house , & your noble company shal carie me in , although in such a time as this , by the aduise of a cunning and expert Shepherd that dwels amongst vs , it is not safe to be in statelie and high buildings . Why so , saide Lord Felix ? Bicause he saide ( answered the Shepherd ) that the thunderclap as it comes not right down but circularwise , encounters with that which is highest , & therfore alights for the most part on high places , as vpon towers & castles : Whereas on the contrarie , if there be any in the field , ( vnlesse it smite vpon his bodie ) it can do no harme ; but he , that in high and loftie houses lodgeth ( though the thunderclap smite him not ) may be killed or wounded with the stones , timber , or some other thing that may fall from thence . And may also be burned or choaked with the smoke of the fire , that is kindled in the wood , all which by experience haue beene often seene . But bicause of good will you inuite me , to do that which you request me , I will go in , although I was determined to lay me downe and sleepe , if I had found out some fit place for the purpose , bicause the thunderclap spareth those ( they say ) that are asleepe . Thou wilt liue too long said Seluagia , since with so many defences thou dost arme thy self . Heereof thou maiest be ascertained , said the Shepherd , for there is not any , who desires his life and health more then I do . So me thinkes , said Seluagia , and the cause of it must be , that thou art not in loue . Naie , rather the contrarie ( said the Shepherd ) which my song did euen now speake of . Dost thou loue then saide Seluagia ? I loue said he with the greatest blisse and ioy as thou hast euer heard of . Not onely heard , but seene said Seluegia . For they are before thee . And this do I say , said he . And I that , said she . Leaue of these speeches said Lord Felix , and let vs go in . And do vs so much pleasure , good Shepherd , to tell vs by the way if thou beest in loue . I am ( said he ) . Are these loues thine own , said Lord Felix ? They are mine ( said he ) & none others . I say not so , said Lord Felix , but if they be properly of thee thy selfe . I haue not so many good parts , said the Shepherd , to be enamoured of my selfe : and yet there is not any ( I thinke ) that loues me , as much as I do my selfe . But leauing this aside , I loue , as much as possiblie I may , a most faire yoong Shepherdesse . Thy loue is not perfect said Lord Felix , bicause thou saiest , there is none whom thou louest as much as thy selfe . Why doth this hinder it ( said the Shepherd , ) that it is not perfect ? Why not , said Lord Felix ? Then by this I vnderstand ( said the Shepherd ) that there is none that loues in this degree : But rather beleeue the contrarie , saide Lord Felix , for heere thou seest some , who woulde gladly hazard their heades for them whom they loue . This is an easie thing , saide the Shepherd , to saie it . And easier said Lord Felix to do it . I promise you sir , saide the Shepherd , if death knocked at your dore , and if it were in your election to go with it your selfe , or to sende your loue , that it might be seene what I say . But rather that which I affirme , saide Lord Felix . I thinke it a hard matter , saide the Shepherd . With these demands and answers they came to the Temple , where they rested themselues , and feasted that new guest , who was well entertained of the sage Felicia , bicause she knew him woorthie of it . After they had made an end of their great dinner , all of them requested him to sing the song , that he came singing when he left it off at their sight . He saide , he was well content , and glad if they woulde lende an eare vnto it , not for his voice , which was not woorth it , but for the matter which deserued any good whatsoeuer : But requesting , that some instrument might play to him , bicause his song might be the better set foorth , Doria by Felicias command , tooke a Harpe , and tuning it to the highest note that he would sing , the rest being all attentiue to him , he began thus .

LOuers , record my memorie , and name , For one that is more happie then the rest : And solemnize my conquest , and my fame , which I haue got in being onely blest : Extoll my glorie to the loftie sunne , Which with this famous triumph I haue wonne , To be the happiest man , that hath beene borne , Of all , that haue to loue allegeance sworne . What louer yet was found vnto this howre ( Though in his loue most fauour'd he had beene ) Of greefe that had not tasted yet some sowre , And had not felt some paine , and sorrowes seene ? Or who hath with such sweete his loue endured , ( Though of his Mistresse he were most assured , And though she loued him with truest hart ) That felt not yet a little iealous smart ? Amongst all these , I onely am exempted From sorrowes , troubles , from mishaps , and paines : With both handes full I liue in ioies contented : And more if I did tell , yet more remaines : Secure I am , that in my happy brest Vile iealousie shall neuer build her nest : And that I may with greefe be neuer paid , A strong and firme foundation I haue laid . Nothing in all the world shall breake this chaine ( If cruell death doth spare me with her dart ) And yet if loue in sepulcher remaine , Death shall not there dissolue it in my hart : See then how that most strong it needes must be , Since to my will I wrought the same in me . And for you may not say that I doe mooue it With blazons , harke with reasons I will prooue i Who to himselfe could be so inhumane ( Vnlesse he were depriued of his wit ) That swimming in a pleasant Ocean Of ioies , would wish for greefe , not finding it . Such ioies I taste , as neuer more I could , My loue admits no sadnes , though I would : For ( yet admit ) that I would now procure it , My loue is such , that it will not endure it . I haue good fortune at mine owne commaund , Since I haue fauours at mine owne free will : My loue to her , her loue to me is pawn'd , Which fortunes spite and time shall neuer spill . But now if ought with greefe my minde may mooue , It is , to haue Corriuals in my loue : But they my ioy , and glorie doe augment , For more they are , the more is my content . If any care for these Corriuals dooe ( These faithfull louers ) in my brest remaine , Then see , how that with earnest suites I wooe , And seeke them for my Shepherdesse againe : And ( truly ) if it lay within my power , A thousand I would send her euery hower : But since I am so rude , and but a clowne , I cannot set her golden praises downe . If that with all the faire one should resort , Shewing her vertues , and each goodly grace : Little should then my homely praise import , Hauing the world at her commaund and trace : For ( saying naught ) her praise she better would Her selfe disclose , though I said all I could : And how much more , since I want skill , and art , Of her to blazon foorth the meanest part . But now behold how far from that aboue I haue estraied ( my promise and intent ) My promise was , with reasons now to prooue , That crosse , nor care my ioies could not preuent . I know not , if by rashnes , or aduice , It was my thought , that did my toong entice ? For when I thinke to praise my Shepherdesse , Then straight my toong doth in her fauour presse . It takes no heede , and hath but small remorce , To whom , what , where , how oft , why , how and when Her praises be , nor of her little force , Nor vertues of this fairest one ; But then , All in a heate , her praise begins to babble , And I to stay such furie far vnable : For thousand times I sharply chide the same , But more I chide , the more it is to blame . Counsell I giue it , and with counsell threate , That neuer it presume to meddle heere , By telling it , it is too base a seate For her high praise , that neuer had her peere : But shamelesse it replies : let this not greeue thee , And boldly saies : T' is true I doe beleeue thee . For I confesse I neuer did suffice , But such a want I hope my will supplies . As to a foole , seeing her follies such , Sometimes I yeeld at length , to leaue the raine : If then my Nymph so basely it doth touch , It doth deserue no punishment , nor paine : For howsoere she praise her : In the end I feare not , that my loue it will offend : But to returne fro whence my toong did run , Breefly I will conclude what I begun . Another Cupid raignes within my brest , Then Venus sonne that blinde , and franticke boy : Diuers his works , intent and interest , His fashions , sportes , his pleasure and his ioy No slightes , deceites , nor woes he doth inspire , He burnes not like to that vnseemely fire : From reason , will my loue cannot entice , Since that it is not placed in this vice . For beautie I loue not my Shepherdesse ( Although she may be lou'd for passing faire ) Beautie in her the lest part doth possesse , ( Though hers doth make all others to despaire ) For mildnes , wisedome , and for vertues sake , This zealous loue I first did vndertake : And so my loue is honest , chaste , and sure , Not wanton , fleshly , filthie , nor vnpure . I wish my flockes greene grasse may neuer finde , Nor cleerest springs , their burning thirst to slake , Nor shades enioy in heate , nor coolest winde , And that they may no profit to me make , That March may come with rigour , to their harme , And sheds and sheltor want to keepe them warme , If euer any wicked thought had past My loue , but what was honest , cleene , and chaste . The Iuniper oile may neuer helpe my flockes , With lothsome mangie being ouerrun , Milke faile my sheepe , decay my countrie stockes And little kid by hunger be vndone : And let my masty lay him downe to sleepe , So that the woolfe doth kill him , and my sheepe , If in my loue I euer had inuention Of wickednes , bad thought , or bad intention . But thinke not that my loue so chaste and pure , Without the slaine of vaine and wanton thought , And louing so sincerely , and so sure , From vertue of mine owne proceedeth not : Onely from her alone it is proceeding , That no foule thought doth suffer to be breeding : Dishonest motions in a fleshly soule Her modest sight most brauely doth controule . For plainly , and not vainly , I suspect , That if some boldface yonker did bewray His wanton loue , or did to her detect His thoughts , that did from honestie estray , In looking on her onely , I durst sweare , His wordes would freeze within his mouth for feare , And that he could not onely speake for shame , But neuer durst againe presume the same . If in this song I purposed to touch Her honestie , and vertues to explaine , I knowe I am not worthy for so much , When thousand bookes cannot the same containe : And more , that once I somewhat sung , and saide Before , and that my voice was then afraide , For being so base : Now must it erre , as lately , Since that her praise is growne more high and stately . Then louing , as you see , with such successe , I doe not feare disfauours any whit , Musing alone on my faire Shepherdesse , Fauours doe come by heapes , my minde to fit , And so of her I neuer beg , nor craue them , But in this sort continually I haue them : As many as my handes can hold and borrow , Wherefore I liue in ioy deuoid of sorrow . Louing in this samesort , there is no feare Of iealousie , that 's either true or fained : A riuall heere sweete companie doth beare , And all that in chaste loue in one are chained : Yet name of Riuall fits not well this place , Since chastitie together all imbrace : Nor different mindes we can be said to carie , Since our intents in no one point doe varie . Come then all you that loue , come by and by , Leaue euery one his Shepherdesse , and loue , Come loue my Shepherdesse , and for her die In that that 's pure , and commeth from aboue : And you shall see how that your fortunes far It dignifies , to loue this radiant star Of vertue , and the time you shall auerre Ill spent , that is not spent in louing her .

They could not hold their laughter at the Shepherds admonition , to whom Syluanus said . By my faith , friend Shepherd , thou commest too late with thy counsell . For to leaue of that , which we haue already for this yoong Shepherdesse , I thinke there is no remedie : And if thou termest this time lost , we are not sorie for it a whit . I would you were better aduised , said the Shepherd , but I doe but my dutie . It is well , said Felicia , that you ( my sonnes ) are content with your lots , and he with his good fortune : of one thing I assure you ( leauing aside your loue , bicause we will make no comparisons ) that this Shepherd loueth ( and with the greatest reason in the world ) a soueraigne yoong Shepherdesse , endowed with many gifts and perfections , the lest whereof in her ( as he said in his song ) is peregrine beautie . And his loue to her is so infinite and pure , as he also said , that though he be many times in her presence , yet neuer any wanton thought turned his minde awrie . Which in truth proceedes from her excellent and singular vertue . And so no man ( I thinke ) hath gone beyonde him in purer loue then he , as by his song you might well perceiue . With what greater purity , said Syrenus , could any Shepherd loue his Shepherdesse , then I did Diana ? Indeede it was very great , said Felicia ; but in the ende thou didst presume to tell her of thy loue . It is true , said Syrenus : why then behold , said Felicia , how far the loue of this yoong Shepherde extendes , that he durst neuer manifest this sound and perfect affection to his Shepherdesse , thinking by doing so , he should greatly offend her honour . Then let him tell vs ( said Lord Felix ) if thou thinkest it good , reuerend Ladie , some part of his chaste loues , which thou commendest so much , bicause we may passe away , with something , this gloomie euening . To this the Shepherd answered . It would content me greatly to spend this cloudie euening in so ioyfull a discourse , if I were able to end it . But now in my song if you be remembred , I told you that I had another time sung of her , and that for her great perfections and desertes , I came very short of her due praise . Being therefore somwhat afraid , I am determined to hold my peace , & the rather bicause I haue no longer time to stay , for I am going to seeke out a pretie fawne , which my Shepherdesse makes no small account of : So that I must be forced to depart , sooner then I would , from such an honorable companie . Take no care for that , said Felicia , for I haue taken order for it . But Delicius mooued with a certaine desire to know , or rather with a secret instinct and motion from aboue , said . If by entreatie I might obtaine at thy hands ( fortunate Shepherd ) to tell vs some curious things , such as thou didst touching thy habit , and who did first shew them thee , I should thinke my selfe much bound to thee . More questions yet , said Felicia : What dost thou meane ? Gracious yoong Shepherd , answered the Shepherd , those , and many more I learned in the fertill fields , which the great riuer Duerus with his cristalline fluents doth water in the Countie of Saint Stephen , of a famous Shepherd that came thither from forraine parts , to whose skill and knowledge , it seemed , nature it selfe with all her secrecies was subiect . If I should tell you of his graces , his vertues , and courteous behauiour , as to me it would be impossible , so to you it would be tedious , not being able to make an end . We all know ( for it cannot otherwise be ) that he is no Shepherd , although he faines it by his habit . Of one thing I can assure you , that with whom soeuer he conuerseth , with great affection he winnes the same vnto him . O what great profit do we and our flockes receiue by his companie with vs ? We , by easing vs of our continuall labours by his industrie ; our flockes , by healing their common diseases . If there were any gadding goat that estraying from his company , did put vs to trouble in seeking him , by cutting his beard , he made him keep still with the flock . If the Ram , which for guide of the rest we chose out for the stoutest , we could not make gentle , he made more milde then a lambe , by making holes thorow his hornes hard by his eares . If at any time we wanted tinder , lint , or a steele to smite fire with at our neede , he procured vs light , with rubbing two drie Laurell stickes the one against the other , or with the Mulberie sticke against the Iuie , and a great deale better with the Laurell sticke against the Iuie , which being rubbed verie well , with casting the dust of brimestone vpon them , with great facilitie he got out fire . To instruct vs , and sometimes to be merrie with vs , he vsed many pretie iestes amongst vs : for he would secretly hang vpon the rackes in our sheepe-folds , and other places the head or taile of a woolfe , by meanes whereof , not onely the lesser flockes , as our lambes , sheep , durst not once take a mouthfull of fodder laid there before them , but also the greater , as Oxen , Horses , and the rest would stand and eat nothing . We being ignorant of the cause thereof , thought the cattell had some disease , and he perceiuing vs to be greeued for it , tooke them away againe , but so priuily that we might not see him . Whereupon the cattell falling to their woonted feeding , we helde it for a woonder , seeing them on the sudden so whole againe . When we were in the fields , misdoubting nothing , and our goats feeding apace , he would secretly put an herbe into one of their mouths called Eringius , wherewith he made not that Goat alone stiffe and num , and not to feed ; but all the rest in company of that , to leaue of feeding . We maruelling thereat , and not able to make them feed , asked some remedie of him for it . Who faining then to make some characters vpon the Goat , into whose mouth he had put the herbe ( bicause we might thinke it proceeded of his owne vertue ) tooke it out of her mouth , and then did she , and all the rest feed apace . These prettie deceits he vsed in all things to make vs woonder at him the more , and bicause we might not vnderstand that it was not the naturall virtue of those things . The master Goat , whom we call the leader of the rest , he tooke out of the flocke by the beard , and in an instant , the whole flocke , standing like sencelesse things forget their foode , vntill he let him goe againe . I omit other infinite deceits , which we thought impossible to be done by naturall meanes , bicause he made no mention of them ( though he shewed me their secrets ) for that they were not things belonging to Shepherdes . And many of these I haue forgotten . He made monstruosities in the trees , & corne , preseruing them from that which might hurt them , and hastening their fruite , yea , and chaunging their nature . Hee deliuered the trees from any kinde of canker , and worme , and the corne from tempestes , and the birdes that came to deuoure it , with a certaine thing that he put in seede , he tooke them with his handes . He euer prouided vs with good store of fish out of that famous riuer , wherein , with casting the roule of Hartwoort , beaten and mingled with lyme or chalke , to the which paste the fish comming with all their force , and by tasting of the baite , did swim a pretie while as if they had beene dead , with their bellies aboue the water . And it was a strange thing to see , howe soone they came to the nets that he had laid for them ; for I thinke hee did cast in the seedes of roses , mustard-seede , and wesell foote . I remember not what herbe he tooke in his hand , but putting it into the water , the fish did swim aboue . It were an endles peece of worke to tell you of the instructions , which hee gaue vs to take heede from what pastures wee shoulde keepe our flockes , and what we should seeke out . But to see with what securitie he slept in places where were great store of snakes , adders , and vipers , and other venemous and stinging serpents , it was a maruellous and strange thing , enuironing onely himselfe with Oken boughes , from the shadowes of which trees , we see by experience these vermine euer to flie . And other things he did in our presence , bicause we should see the hatred they had with this tree , for he made halfe a circle of fire , and another halfe circle of these boughes , and in the middes of it did cast a viper , the which not able to come out , but by the fire or the boughes , to auoide these , came to the fire . Hee did eate the deade flesh of a woolfe , for he saide , and so we found it indeed , that it was more sauorie then any other flesh : but he did not cloth himselfe with their skins , nor haire , bicause he said , they bred lice . He told vs of certaine howers , & times , and taught vs the nature of diuers things . By the moone he prognosticated the scarcitie or plentie of all that moneth . By the Sallow tree , white Poplar , Oliue tree , and others the Solsticies shewing to our eies , how they turned their leaues vp and downe in euery one of them , whether it were winter or sommer . The howers of the day , with the beames that he marked in the ground . Them of the night with certaine little tables that he made . The highth of the sun , by an herbe of a blue colour . The fuls and wanes of the Moone , by the Antes and dores . For the Antes betweene the Moones take their rest , and in the full , labour night and day . And that which made mee to maruell most about this matter ( bicause , being so common a thing , I neuer marked it so much , thinking there was not any thing in them worthy the noting ) was that the dore , a little creature , so vile , and common , had such an instinct , that if we looke into it well , it shewes vs cleerely the coniunction of the Moone and Sunne . For rolling vp and downe a little ball which she makes of oxe dung , she fashions it in a round figure , and buries it in a ditch , or little pit that she makes , where eight and twentie daies she keepes it secret , while the Moone is passing towards the Sunne ; and then opening it , ( by that teaching vs the coniunction of the Sunne and the Moone , ) she takes foorth her yoong ones , and knowes no other waies of generation . And with this pardon me , if I haue wearied you . If you desire to know any more , another day , if we be al togither , I wil tell you the little , that I haue noted and gathered of that great store , which that learned Shepherd bestowed among vs . They all said , they were glad to heare , and desired greatly that he woulde passe on farther . By that which I haue nowe heard of thee , ( said Syrenus ) and by that which not many daies since I heard of a Shpeherd called Firmius , if thou knowest him , who now keeps our sheep , this wise Shepherd is called Coryneus . By that which now I heare of thee , and not long since haue heard , saide the Shepherd , thou shouldst be either forgotten Syrenus , or despised Syluanus . Firmius I know very well : for he is one of my greatest friends I euer had or shall haue , and it is true , that this is the learned Shepherds name , of whom I spake . I confesse , saide Syrenus , that I am the man forgotten , and nowe it greeues me not much , although it made me once sorrowfull , But bicause Firmius tolde mee manie things woorthy to be remembred , and by that which thou hast nowe tolde vs of his friendship , and acquaintance , I gesse thy name is Partheus . It is so , saide he . I knowe not , saide Seluagia , how thou hast made so large an account of Coryneus , leauing his yoong Shepherdesse called Dinia , bicause Firmius tolde vs she was passing faire , wise , and vertuous . Ah Shepherdesse , I dare not name her with my vnwoorthie mouth , for if I would go about to set foorth her praises , I thinke I should but diminish them , since there is no iudgement , nor conceite able to vnfolde the least perfection in her : Let it suffice you to know , that she is a yoong Shepherdesse , whom I reuerence for her singular vertues . And if I should speake of euery thing , I would not omit a daughter to them both , but yet twelue yeeres of age , that in beautie , vertue and discretion is the right type and figure of her parents ; to whom the fawne , that is lost , belongs , and whom I loue so much , that I dare not come before her sight , vnles I bring it with me , or know at the least where it is . And so , bicause I know what content I shal giue my Shepherdesse , for that which the yong Shepherdesse shal haue , I know not what I were best to do to finde it out , to present it to her with mine owne hands . And it is not without good cause indeede that she loues it so much , bicause you would say the Gods had endowed it with understanding to serue Luztea , ( for so is this most faire yoong Shepherdesse called . ) Tell me Partheus , said Syrenus , how long is it since thou didst see thy friend Firmius ? For if thou desirest to see him , I can soone leade thee to him , where he is . I thanke thee ( said Partheus ) for thy good will . It is not yet a moneth since I last sawe him , the thing that I desire most in the world , and truely it greeued me to see him in such a case as he was in , bicause I thinke the loue of the ingratefull Shepherdesse Diana will make an ende of his life : for his owne greefe , thinking it not sufficient to make him leade such a sorrowfull life , hath conspired with a forrain greefe to raise vp a great corriual against him , a iolly yoong Shepherd , wise , and rich , called Faustus . What is it possible , said Syluanus , that Faustus loues Diana ? It is so , answered Partheus , and that not a little . Indeed he tolde vs , said Seluagia , when we were comming hither , that he desired to see Diana for the great report of her beautie : And nowe hee hath seene it , saide Partheus , and I thinke , will not praise the good market he made . I warned him well before , said Syrenus . But these Shepherds mooue me to pitie them , for I know by experience in what troubles Diana will put them , and how ill they will deliuer themselues againe . Syrenus and Syluanus would haue asked him , how Firmius did , when two Nymphes came in bringing with them the little faune . Which when Partheus saw , he rose vp ioyfully to go to it , which fauned on him with skipping and leaping vpon his breast and licked his face . Partheus began to speake verie louingly to it , as if it vnderstood him . All of them reioyced to see it ; for besides , that it was a most faire one , it was so finely set out , that it inuited all eies to behold it . And bicause it would be too long to recount the fables and histories , that were wrote in a little saddle cloth , and collar it had on , I will not speake of it ; but onely that in the collar which was the finest of all the rest , there was a posie that said thus : To Luztea faire I do belong , this collar can auouch it , Let no man therefore be so bold , without her leaue to touch it .

But Parisiles hauing read it , said . The Mistresse of it hath a great opinion ( it seemes ) and confidence of her selfe , thinking it is enough for her to say ( bicause it is hers ) that no bodie should touch it . Say not so ( said Partheus ) for there is nothing in Luztea woorthie of reprehension : whereas it is well knowen , that she may say so , and the rather that she did not put it on her selfe : for I would willingly tell you , why she suffered it to weare this collar , but that it is not now time to know it . And none againe should be blamed in absence ; and since you are also ignorant of the cause , it were better ( me thinkes ) by your fauour , that you held your peace . This is no place said Felicia , stepping in betweene them , for such words as these are . If I haue ( Ladie Felicia ) in any thing offended , said Partheus , I craue pardon of thee , and of this reuerend old man , desiring you to hold me excused for answering in her behalfe , to whom I am so much bound , not induring that any thing should be spoken in her disgrace any waies . I promise thee Shepherd , saide Parisiles , I neuer ment any such matter , but to approoue the vertues and deserts , that thou hast reported of her ; for the opinion , which I spake of is , that since she woulde do no hurt to any , she also thought that none should offer any to her , & for this cause she would shew by the posie , that it was her own . It is wel , said Felicia , but leauing this aside , giue attentiue eare to that , which for the profit and pleasure of you all , I will haue you do to morrow morning . I know well Partheus , it will be no pleasure for thee to staie heere vntill the next daies light , bicause thou wouldest gladly see thy Shepherdesse , for the good newes thou carriest with thee . But bicause thy staying heere shall be for her profit , and her husbands , I hope thou wilt not thinke it greeuous , nor too long : And bicause thou maist vnderstand it so , know , that by my means this faune was lost , by straying so far beyond his woonted fashion , and let this suffice thee . It is expedient therefore ( for let not any gainsay what I shall ordaine or thinke conuenient ) that thou Partheus carrie with thee to Coryneus and to his Shepherdesse , this yoong Shepherd ( pointing to Delicius ) and shalt deliuer him a letter from me , which I will write this night , and he shall take order for that , which I purpose to do . It is needfull for thee Syrenus , to accompanie them to thy fieldes , for that way doth his lie , bicause there are newe matters in hand . When she had said thus after supper , & passed a little of the night in their woonted pastimes , they went to bed , though Crimine and Stela coulde not sleepe all that night for greefe of Delicius departure . And it was to be thought , that he slept as little as they , for it greeued him to depart and leaue so good companie , wherein he tooke the greatest ioy in the worlde , but he coulde not chuse , but obey Felicias pleasure , for the great hope and trust he had in her . The morning therefore being come , before the three Shepherds tooke their leaue , Felicia gaue Syrenus a certaine potion to make him by litle & litle leese the contempt forgetfulnes that he had of Diana , and Delicius a letter to carrie to Coryneus , admonishing him to call himselfe by the name of Caulius , and to tell him nothing of his owne matters , nor aske him any questions concerning the same , bicause it was not good for him , vntill he came thither againe . The contents of the letter were these .

TO thee ( noble Disteus ) Felicia , seruant and minister in the Temple of chaste Diana , sends all the health I may . The Gods haue determined to make a period of thy infinite troubles , and to augment thine honor and estate , and haue deyned to humble themselues without any merit of mine , to make a mediatrix for thee . It is therefore requisite , that with as much expedition as thou canst , thou be heere with thy deere spouse Dardauea , accompanied with thy louing nurse Palua , and thy faire daughter Luztea . This yoong Shepherd the bearer hereof shall beare thee companie , and is one , who shall best please thee . Be not desirous to enquire more of him , then he will tel thee of his own accord . I wil be no longer , bicause I hope very shortly to see thee : And as for these wordes , I doubt not , but thou wilt credit , and also her , that could write vnto thee , and the rest , so right by their owne names . This being done , the three Shepherds went their waies , hauing taken their leaue of all the rest . Then that very night Felicia in presence of them all began to speake in this sort to Lord Felix , and his wife , Syluanus , and his Shepherdesse . I know well Gentlemen , and my sonnes , that I withhold you more then is conuenient from going to your owne houses : but bicause it hath fallen out so to all the rest , as afterwards you shall see , and bicause you may know the Shepherd that I haue sent for , and see the successe of his comming hither , and of Parisiles , Stela , Crimine , and their Shepherds , I haue deferred it , since it shall not be any long time with the soueraigne wils aboue . All fower answered , that what , or howsoeuer she disposed of them , they tooke it for no small fauour . A little after that , Lord Felix , and Felismena , came to Felicia , saying . Bicause it is alreadie manifest vnto vs ( most sage Ladie ) that nothing is hid from thy wisedome and knowledge , we pray thee to resolue vs in this ( which troubles vs not a little ) bicause we do not know it . Delicius , and his companie these few daies past told vs as it were by peecemeale parts , the abrupt processe of their liues and loues from their infancie vnto the present estate they are now in ; and though we know not who they are , it skils not much , and we care not greatly for it in respect of the earnest desire we haue to know the cause why Delicius did forsake ( if it be so ) faire Stelas loue , who loued her so much as he did , and at that time when he had receiued most fauour of her . Whereof ( as it seemed ) Stela was either ignorant , or else would not tell it . Bicause I know you will keepe the cause secret ( said Felicia ) that mooued Delicius to do it , I will tell it you . You must therefore know , that he left not of to loue her , but fained to do it ( as he yet verie finely dissembles the same ) vnderstanding how his deere friend Parthenius loued her ( by shewing thereby the greatest part of friendship ) he gaue place to his friends affection , and resolued to go without her himselfe . A strange example of friendship said they all , although , it seemes , it was no lesse due to Parthenius . But Ladie , we also suspecting this , as Stela doth no lesse , are desious to know , how he knew it , for by her discourse we could not gather it , considering how he did so well dissemble it . I will tell you said Felicia . You must remember well ( as Stela told you ) that for the rigorous answer that Parthenius gaue to Crimine , when she manifested her loue vnto him , she determined not to goe where the Shepherds were , to prooue if absence could worke that in her , which it did in many : by reason whereof some daies passed on , in which they were not visited of them , bicause ( without Crimine ) Stela durst not aduenture , but for shamefastnes left of to goe to their woonted sports . In these so sorrowfull daies for Delicius , Parthenius , and Stela , and Crimine , in the which these fower did not see one another , as manie times they were wont to do , there came some Nymphes to keepe the Shepherds companie , and to passe away the time with them , but they took no pleasure in their company , although outwardly they dissembled it , as by singing , playing on their instruments , & other pastimes . From the which sports Parthenius on a time faining a little busines , that he had to go into the wood , went from that company , and entring into the thickest of it , in a secret place a good way off sat him downe , where musing vpon many matters , and seeing how needfull it was for him to depart from his Mistresse , by reason of the menaces of cruell Gorphorost against Delicius , as it was told you , he was many times about to kill himselfe , but would not put it in practise , onely bicause he knew Delicius would follow him therein ; as also for that , the future blisse and hope of seeing his Mistres any more would haue ended . Being therefore a greater while there , then was needfull for the cause of his absence , from his friend , Delicius asked leaue of the Nymphes to go see why Parthenius staied so long . And so seeking and finding him , he came to him , where he lay flat vpon his bellie with his mouth to the grounde , who seeing him in this sort , and thinking hee was asleepe , came so softly to him , that Parthenius could not perceiue him ; and in verie truth , being in such extreme greefe of minde and deepe imaginations as hee was , though he had come as fast , and as loud as he could , I thinke , he had not heard him . As these two were therefore thus togither , and Parthenius now & then speaking to himselfe , thinking that no body heard him , he vttered such lamentable wordes and complaints of himselfe and of his hard fortune , that Delicius knew by and by he was a true-louer of Stela , and that for his sake hee dissembled the same so much : when Delicius , perceiued this , he went softly from thence againe , bicause he would not be seene of Parthenius , the better to do that which he had now determined . Whereby he might shew that in his loue and friendship to Parthenius , he had no lesse integritie and degree then Parthenius in his , or to endeuour ( at the least ) to be euen with it . And so without speaking or doing any thing , he went backe to the Nymphes , saying , that he coulde not finde him , but hoped he woulde not be long away . After a good while Parthenius came ( to all their thinkings ) very ioyfull , which made Delicius not a little to maruell , knowing in what a miserable plight he had lest him ; wherupon he gathered , it was but a sayned gladnes , bicause hee might not suspect his greefe . From this point therefore , Delicius by little and little ( bicause he would not be suspected doing it on the sudden ) began to shew himself very cold in Stelas loue , being merrier then he was wont to be , & saying it was needlesse to passe sorrowes and greefes for one , that made no account of them , nor cared a whit for him : which ( he said ) he cleerely perceiued , since so many daies she staied without comming to see him ; and that he had done a great deale better , if hee had employed his loue on Crimine , then on her , of whom ( perhaps ) hee might haue beene rewarded : so that with this he shewed , that he made no great account of Stela , and to beare no small affection to Crimine . But for all this Parthenius would neuer declare his loue , for he rather suspected that this was but a deuise to trie if hee loued Stela , then once thought that Delicius knewe it , the which hee imagined not at all . But as Delicius coulde not by these meanes bring the truth out of Parthenius to light , by forcing himselfe as much as he coulde , he sung and plaied many merrie things , like a man free from loue , and without speaking any thing of Stela , which was different from his wonted custome , which he did not onely put in practise , but determined to doe more if they met togither , as he did indeed , when face to face he told Stela that hee loued her not . And behold heere , what you desired to know . We are satisfied , said Lord Felix , and truely it was a great part of friendship betweene them both . But yet you shall see and heare said Felicia , of many other proofes of their mutuall loue . With these , and many other speeches Lord Felix , Felismena , Syluanus , and Seluagia passed that time meerely away , while Felicia staied them there : Parisiles , Stela , and Crimine with a meane content , for the hope they had of their remedies to come .

But it shall not be amisse , that , leauing these Gentlemen heere , we go on with the three Shepherds , which went where Diana was , if you will , that we beginne to helpe Syrenus , who now with his potion that Felicia had giuen him , began to feele a tendernes of loue , entring in by the passage of the late passed obliuion , and a certain discontentment of Firmius and Faustus loues , that followed the same . Whereupon Syrenus , musing with himselfe , saide to Partheus . By that yoong Shepherdesse , which hath so great power ouer thee ( bicause with some thing we may lighten the wearines of our way ) I pray thee tell this yoong Shepherd and me something ( if thouknowest ) of that , which passed betweene Faustus , and Firmius with Diana . Although it must be to mine owne greefe ( said Partheus ) bicause I shall reduce to my memorie a part of the troubles , which so great a friend of mine as Firmius is , passed , yet ( to pleasure you heerein ) it lies not in my power ( gentle Shepherdes ) not to obey you .

Hauing intelligence from the place , where he was , that in the fieldes of Leon my Firmius had made his abode , I went ( leauing on a sudden the presence of my soueraigne Shepherdesse for certaine daies ) to visite him , and the very same daie I came thither , found him sitting vnder the shade of a high Sicamour , in companie of the faire Shepherdesse Diana . To whom , bicause she had not beene well at ease , by reason of a conceit she tooke in leesing a paper that Firmius had giuen her , he song this Sonnet .

IF that a small occasion had the power , To make thee leese thy rosie hew and colour , Diana , say , how fals it out this hower , That all my woes to pitie make thee duller ? Hath now a little peece of paper made thee So milde , and gentle in so short a morrow , And cannot yet my greatest loue perswade thee , To make thee take compassion of my sorrow ? How of my selfe am I my selfe ashamed , That thou shouldst reckon of so short a writing , Which cannot iudge , nor vnder stand thy graces ? And yet thou wilt not bend thee to requiting Of that , that 's written in my hart inflamed , And which hath alwaies suffred thy disgraces .

I , that behinde other trees hard by , was harkening vnto him , would not interrupt their pleasant conuersation with my abrupt presence : but there wanted not a meanes , that immediately hindred the same . For Faustus going vp and downe to seeke Diana ( for now he knew she was gone to the field ) by chance he light vpon the place , where they were ; who with the greefe he had to see her so fortunate in beautie , as vnfortunate by marriage , came singing this old dittie . A faire maide wedde to prying iealousie , &c.

The which he had scarce begun , when hee espied Diana and Firmius togither . Which sight ( if it greeued him not ) I leaue to your iudgements . But as the beginnings are hurtfull to a louer to amend them , by dissembling notwithstanding his greefe , he came and saluted them . Diana by and by caused him to sit downe by her on the other side . But before I passe any farther , you must knowe that Diana , to discharge herselfe a little of the great passion that made her complaine of her discontent , of purpose bestowed fauours on both , though small ones ; which maner of hers did arise of a desire she had in this sort to passe away , and forget her asslicted life . Faustus ( as I told you but now ) with the desire onely to see that beautie so much blazed by fame , going from his owne fieldes came to those where Diana kept . With whom he spent some daies in good companie very freely ( especially for her part ) for as it seemed , he was in loue with another yoong Shepherdesse in his owne countrie . Diana liked well of his discretion and wisedome , and therefore loued him a little , as Firmius no lesse for the like good parts in him . So that to see which of them excelled each other , she set them many times togither in contention , to trie them both in discourse and song . Wherein each of them to please her , as of their owne selues also willing to the same , studied for nothing else . Whereupon arose a certaine kinde of emulation betweene them , not bicause they hated one another , but bicause one endeuoured to excell the other before the faire Shepherdesse . Whereupon it came into their heads , that there passed not one day , nor yet I thinke there is anie , wherein they striue not either in wrestling , pitching of the barre , singing , dauncing , and in other things , which we Shepherds make account of , appointing euer iudges to crowne the Conquerour ; but the one neuer went so smoothly away with the victory , that the other went cleerly without it : for Firmius was neuer conqueror , nor Faustus conquered ; nor Faustus conqueror , nor Firmius conquered . Of this emulation and corriualitie , there were none , but tooke great delight to see it , and especially Diana aboue the rest ; who to make them contend the more , on a day , after certaine talke that had passed betweene Faustus and her , smiling alone to her selfe , she said vnto him . As thou speakest ( me thinkes Shepherd ) with great libertie and boldnes ; so are thy words full of suttletie and dissimulation . O that I might see thee one day so far in loue with me , that thou mightest once pay me this ouermuch libertie . From this hower therefore Faustus began to loue Diana , and leese his libertie : whereof he had now verie little or none at all , when he came to the place where Diana and Firmius were . But returning to this point ( bicause as I was not present at the other , I cannot tell it you ) as he was set downe , Diana said vnto him . Do vs this pleasure Shepherd , to sing that againe which thou camest singing . Who without more adoe tooke out his Rebecke , and began thus .

A Faire maide wed to prying iealousie , One of the fair'st as euer I did see : If that thou wilt a secret louer take , ( Sweete life ) doe not my secret loue forsake . Eclipsed was our Sunne , And faire Aurora darkned to vs quite , Our morning star was done , And Shepherdes star lost cleane out of our sight , When that thou didst thy faith in wedlocke plight : Dame nature made thee faire , And ill did carelesse fortune marrie thee , And pitie , with despaire It was , that this thy haplesse hap should be , A faire maide wed to prying iealousie . Our eies are not so bold To view the sunne , that flies with radiant wing , Vnlesse that we doe hold A glasse before them , or some other thing : Then wisely this to passe did Fortune bring , To couer thee with such a vaile : For heeretofore , when any viewed thee , Thy sight made his to faile : For ( sooth ) thou art , thy beautie telleth me , One of the fair'st as euer I did see . Thy graces to obscure , With such a froward husband , and so base , She meant thereby , most sure That Cupids force , and loue thou shouldst imbrace : For t' is a force to loue , no woondrous case . Then care no more for kinne , And doubt no more , for feare thou must forsake , To loue thou must beginne , And from hencefoorth this question neuer make , If that thou should'st a secret louer take ? Of force it doth behooue That thou should'st be belou'd : and that againe ( Faire Mistresse ) thou shouldst loue : For to what end , what purpose , and what gaine , Should such perfections serue ? as now in vaine . My loue is of such art , That ( of it selfe ) it well deserues to take In thy sweete loue a part : Then for no Shepherd , that his loue doth make , ( Sweete Life ) doe not my secret loue forsake .

Firmius , bicause he would not leaue of his accustomed contention , tooke his Rebecke , and sung thus .

IF that the gentle winde Doth mooue the leaues with pleasant sound , If that the kid , behinde Is left , that cannot finde Her dam , runs bleating vp and downe : The Baggepipe , reede , or flute , Onely with ayre if that they touched bee , With pitie all salute , And full of loue doe brute Thy name , and sound , Diana , seeing thee , A faire maide wed to prying iealousie . The fierce and sauage beastes ( Beyond their kinde and nature yet ) With piteous voice and brest , In mountaines without rest The selfe same song doe not forget : If that they staid at ( Faire ) And had not passed to prying ( Iealousie ) With plaintes of such despaire , As moou'd the gentle aire To teares : The song that they did sing should be One of the fair'st as euer I did see . Mishap , and fortunes play , Ill did they place in beauties brest : For since so much to say There was of beauties sway , They had done well to leaue the rest . They had ynough to doe , If in her praise their wits they did awake : But yet so must they too , And all thy loue that woo , Thee not too coy , nor too too proud to make , If that thou wilt a secret louer take . For if thou hadst but knowne The beautie , that they heere doe touch , Thou wouldst then loue alone Thy selfe , nor any one , Onely thy selfe accounting much . But if thou dost conceaue This beautie , that I will not publike make , And mean'st not to bereaue The world of it , but leaue The same to some ( which neuer peere did take ) Sweete Life doe not my secret loue forsake .

Diana , bicause she would haue them sing more , when Firmius had made an ende , said . Shepherd , I will consider of this matter vpon condition thou wilt tell me , for what cause thou doest publish it so much by words , that thou louest me , when as thy deedes shew thy small affection . As Firmius did aske her how she knew it , she answered him . If thy loue Firmius extends so farre as thou saiest , thou wouldest come to see me oftner ; it greeues me in the end , of the fauor that not long since I did thee . Firmius not suffring Diana to passe any farther , being as it were halfe madde with himselfe , for these cruell words , in that she greeued and repented her of her fauour done him , tooke his Rebecke and sung this Sonnet .

FAire Shepherdesse , what hast with greefe to fill me , And how long dost thou purpose to destroy me , When wilt thou make an end with woundes to noy me , Not stretching foorth thy cruell hand to kill me ? Tell me the cause , why dost thou so much will me To visit thee , and with such words dost ioy me ? That to my death I rather would imploy me , Then by such present pangs and greefes to spill me . Woe to my soule , since this doth cause thy sorrow , That such a little fauour thou hast done me , Little it is , in sooth , if it be peased With all my teares , that neuer yet haue ceased To fall , that to my death haue almost woon me : They great , this small , those giue I , this I borrow .

Firmius had scarce done , when Faustus asked Diana , how she knew that his loue to her was so small . Who answered . In that , hoping to enioy thee inflamed in my loue , thou complainest no purpose of a few teares thou hast spilt for my sake , as if these were not as incident and requisite for loue , as pasture for sheepe , and oyle for the lamp . To which wordes Faustus taking vp his Rebecke did thus answere her .

THou dost desire ( My life ) as thou dost say , To see me in thy loues inflam'd ( at lest ) And yet an vncouth meanes thou dost suggest , Which is , to giue me care from day to day : Dost thou not see the fier to decay , Waxe cold , and quench't , within my louing brest With swelling teares , which trickle without rest Out of mine eies , to see thy hard delay ? The meade with raine her goodly greene redeemes , The oile doth in the lampe the flame maintaine , And loue with teares augmented is no lesse : But loue , the lampe , and meadow ( as it seemes ) If that too much of these they doe containe , Is spent , is quench't , and drowned in excesse .

As Faustus had thus made an ende , Firmius said ( for all that I coulde not then heare , he tolde me afterwards ) we are well content Diana , that thou delightest thy selfe with our sorrowes ( since thou wilt take no pleasure in any of our other things ) if thy sweete voice in lieu of that , might sound in our desired eares with some happie song . Diana excused herselfe , requesting them to pardon her , saying she coulde not therein pleasure them , since she wanted so much her owne content of minde . They endeuouring to comfort her , gaue her some hope , saying , that in the end sorrowes and griefes are not perpetuall , and that she should remember that common song that saith . Continuall griefe and sorrow neuer wanteth , &c.

Bicause therefore you may see ( said Diana ) how ill this saying is vnderstoode , tune your Bagpipe with your Rebecke , and walking towards our flockes , bicause it is now time to gather them vp , although I thought not to doe it , yet will I sing as well as I can vpon this theame , and you shall take the tune of the song , as of a woman so much tuned in miseries and mishappes as nothing more . Firmius and Faustus made no delay : And then Diana like a desperate woman , with a mournsull and sorrowfull voice began thus , taking for her first verse that , which they had alreadie alleaged for her comfort .

COntinuall greefe and sorrow neuer wanteth , Where feeding hope continues , not decaying : But euermore despaire , that greefe recanteth , From former course of minde doth cause estraying . The glosse . Riuers arise and run into the seas , And waters without number day by day , And yet the same seeme neuer to decay , But new doe spring , and run and doe increase . So endlesse woes arise and multiplie , Redoubled one vpon anothers head : ( For one in truth is with another fed ) Still doe they come and yet they neuer die . For since their fertill rootes each moment planteth , Continuall greefe and sorrow neuer wanteth . Torments of minde and vilest miseries Are sworne to dwell within a haplesse soule , And there her ioies and pleasures doe controule , As to my selfe my sweete content denies : Then let not any Louer thinke to gaine The meanest thing , that liues in any hope , But liuing so , to fall into a scope , And wander in a world of greefe and paine : For miseries , men say , continue staying , Where feeding hope continue not decaying . Who knowes it not , Alas I knowe it well , That if a wofull soule is hoping still , She seldome doth enioy her mind and will , But that her hope must euer be her hell : So of this hope , that flatters me , I finde , And doe confesse , that with the same I liue , But still in feare , and therefore I would giue It for despaire , to ease my doubtfull minde : I wish not this false hope , my iotes that scanteth , But euermore despaire , that greefe recanteth . If any whit of goodnes euer came By vile despaire , it comes to me in prime : And it could neuer come in better time , Then to be hoping still to haue the same : The wisest and most prudent man at last , Wanting the good , that long he doth attend , ( Which , nourished by hope , he did suspend ) Seeing the time , that fed his hope , is past , And all his ioy , by hope that is decaying , From former course of minde doth cause estraying .

The Shepherds importuned Diana to proceed in her song , or else , if it pleased her , to take some new matter , for it was to be thought , that Dianas song pleased them wel : but they could not obtaine it at her hands , for she rather requested them to sing something whilest they were going towardes their flockes . Firmius then remembring that which a little before she had told him , that he loued her not so much as he might , began thus to tune his voice .

Faire Shepherdesse , Iean no more , But faine I would Loue thee more , if that I could .

As this made also for Faustus purpose for the same cause , he likewise sung to the same effect . And so Firmius and Faustus sung by turnes , and answered one another , as followeth .

Firmius . OF mine owne selfe I doe complaine , And not for louing thee so much , But that indeede my power is such , That my true loue it doth restraine , And onely this doth giue me paine : For faine I would Loue her more , if that I could . Faustus . Thou dost deserue , who doth not see To be belou'd a great deale more : But yet thou shalt not finde such store Of loue in others as in mee : For all I haue I giue to thee . Yet faine I would Loue thee more , if that I could . Firmius . O trie no other Shepherd swaine , And care not other loues to prooue : Who though they giue thee all their loue , Thou canst not such as mine obtaine : And would'st thou haue in loue more gaine ? O yet I would Loue thee more , if that I could . Faustus . Impossible it is ( my friend ) That any one should me excell In loue , whose loue I will refell , If that with me he will contend : My loue no equall hath , nor end . And yet I would Loue her more , if that I could . Firmius . Behold how loue my soule hath charm'd Since first thy beauties I did see , ( Which is but little yet to mee ) My freest senses I haue harm'd ( To loue thee ) leauing them vnarm'd : And yet I would Loue thee more , if that I could . Faustus . I euer gaue and giue thee still Such store of loue , as loue hath lent me : And therefore well thou maist content thee , That loue doth so enrich my fill : But now behold my chiefest will , That faine I would Loue thee more , if that I could .

They would not ( I thinke ) haue made an ende so soone for want of copie of their theame , but that Diana went away from Firmius , bicause her sheepe were in one place , and his in another . Faustus went with her , who had nothing else to doe , but walke vp and downe those fields in corriualitie with Firmius , and waiting on Diana , and staying to see when she would come foorth to them . If Faustus , accompanying Diana , did any thing or sing , I know not , for seeing my Firmius all alone , I made haste to him . I will not tell you , what ioy we both felt , what embracing & courteous & louing speeches passed between two such deer friends , meeting so ioyfully togither . Partheus went prosecuting his tale , when they heard a voice not farre from the place where they were , & as they thought to haue gon thither , Syrenus said . Here abouts we found the Shepherd Faustus ; and truely if that which he now sings , be no lesse commendable and delightfull , then that , which he then sung , it would not greeue vs to stay heere a little , and lend him a gentle eare . But approching neere , bicause the song went verie low , for that it was mournfull , and full of lamentation , they saw it was a Shepherdesse , who espying them againe , held her peace . They came to her , and saluting each other , prayed her courteously , not to leaue of her singing . You may better say sorrowing , said Cardenia , for this was her name . Be it as thou wilt , said Delicius , and ouercome vs by entitling it as pleaseth thee , and let vs ouercome thee in doing that which we request thee . In being conquered by such braue yoong Shepherds , as you are ( answered Cardenia ) I shall carrie away the victorie . If I brought not so much companie with me ( said Partheus ) thy selfe being all alone , Shepherdesse , I would endeuour , that with thine answers thou shouldest not get the palme so soone : But bicause thou maist aduantage thy selfe with saying , that I tooke courage by the countenance which I bring with me , I will hold my peace . Whereupon dost thou repose such assurance , said Syrenus , laughing , that we would fauour thee , and not take this faire Shepherdesse her part ? Let these amorous iestes cease for a while , said Delicius . And gracious Shepherdesse , deny not I pray thee our requestes . Because I would not be thought worthie of reprehension , answered Cardenia , by denying that which such iolly and faire Shepherds haue requested of me , I will enforce my selfe to it . And because my sorrow ( not my song ) you may better vnderstand ,

Know that it is not long since that Faustus a Shepherd rich in sheep , and more in the treasures of nature , and good graces ( whom the heauens fauour ) did once loue me . Who in verie deed I thinke , went neuer about to deceiue me , although he hath now opened the doore of obliuion to his former loue : bicause I am informed ( accursed be these ill newes ) that he is caught in the loue of deceitfull Diana , whom ( for my ill , and his owne ) he went to see : and yet I feare that Diana , though she be so full of guiles and suttleties with others , cannot preuaile with them by entertaining my Faustus , bicause he goes beyond her in deceit , and also bicause I haue such an affiance of my hard and cruell fortune , that Diana ( onely for my harme ) will be inforced to leese her wonted fashions . These words greeued Syrenus to the hart , who now by little and little began to renew his old decayed loue . And this is my griefe , said Cardenia , that the more I procure to lay his ingratitude before mine eies , the more doth his loue penetrate my soule . Wherefore hearken to that which you requested of me , and which I came singing all alone complaining of my iniurious Faustus .

FAustus in faith thou nill deserue A Shepherds name , or keeping sheepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . O that inpassed time of late My selfe had past with that as fast , Then of this time I had no tast , Hauing enioyed so sweete a fate , Once was I in a happie state , Which want , mine eies in teares must steepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . Ioyfull I was , and well content , Bicause I sawe ( vnto my will ) Thy loue so well thou didst fulfill , Which answer'd mine in sweete accent : But now I smell thy false intent , Which is , with suttletie becleepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . Thy faith and more thy solemne othe Then to me firmely didst thou giue Not to forget me , while I liue : But now thou hast committed both Vnto the windes , that also loth Their little woorth abroad to sweepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . If thou dost thinke that to beguile Her that doth loue , it is a glorie , Alas I cannot be but sorie : With thousand such thou maist defile Thy credit , and triumph each while Of all that heere doe feede their sheepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . Behold my matchlesse loue most deere , And marke thy selfe , and who thouart , For if thou wilt , with guilefull hart Thou maist deceiue a thousand heere : Then greater doth my loue appeere , Then thy disloyaltie so deepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . Musing I am , both night and day , And sundrie waies my fancies mooue , How that I might forget thy loue : And then vnto my selfe I say , That since thou dost me so betray , My loue shall in obliuion sleepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . But at the time when I decree To practise it , then loue doth more Renew his forces then before : So that if loue aboundes in mee , And that the same doth want in thee , What shall I doe , shall not I weepe ? When thou so ill thy faith dost keepe . A remedie , and very short In th' end to take I will not feare , Which shall be lesse for me to beare , Then thus to liue in such a sort , And death it is , mine onely port , To which my shiuer'd barke doth creepe , Since thou so ill thy faith dost keepe .

Her syllables were not so many which she pronounced by singing , as her teares which she powred foorth by weeping . The which by little and little she wiped away with a christalline hand , which made the Shepherds not a little to maruell , when they sawe it , wherefore Syrenus saide . If thou hadst not told vs any thing ( faire and forlorne Shepherdesse ) thy soueraigne hand had beene enough to haue made me knowe thee . O that they were cut off , answered Cardenia , since they were the cause of my miserable happe . All of them being mooued to compassion of her sorrow , sometimes accompanying her with teares , and sometimes helping her with their comforts , at last Syrenus saide vnto her . It is not possible but Faustus , if he knew thy firmnes and constant loue , woulde mollifie his hart , and take pitie on thee , when aboue all things thou deseruest to bee loued , though hee had as much in him as a man might haue . Speake not of his deserts , saide Cardenia , for in them he hath not his equall , and as to the first thou speakest of , that if he knew in what estate I were , he would haue had some compassion on me , I answer thee , that since he went hence , I enformed him in what paine I remained for his absence . And being ignorant of that which now ( to mine owne harme ) I know , bicause he promised to come backe againe , as a woman ioyfull to heare such an answer , I sent him this Sonnet .

THerest is sweete to him that wearied is , Succour and aide poore wretches wish for fast : The doome of death from him , that now is cast With fauour to reuoke , is thought a blisse : The shade in chiefest heate is not amisse , Pleasant of sheepe and Shepherdes to be past : The water ioies the meade , with drynesse waste : The frozen ground with ioy the sunne doth kisse : But yet the glorie , ioy , and sweete content , The wish of wishes , when the Shepherdesse Staies for her louer , these doe far exceede . Toong hold thy peace , and thought tell my intent , How great a lightening hope is in distresse Vnto the brest , that louing flames doth breede .

Not long after , seeing his tarrying there was longer then I desired , I wrote this other vnto him .

NOw doe I knowe at last ( though to my smart ) How far the greefe of absence doth extend , But that this knowledge neuer any friend Of mine may learne , and wish with all my hart : Thus haue I liu'd deceiued with this art , Esteeming small of presence in the end : But woe is me that proofe doth now commend , And tels me cleere of this erronius part : Come Faustus then , with speede and stay no more , For staying woundes my soule and euery sense , Longer thy absence I cannot endure : Marke well what they were woont to say of yore , That by and by a hope , and confidence After an absence doth succeede most sure .

A little while after that the bitter newes of his vniust change came to my knowledge , being mad with the extreme passion of loue , I wrote him this letter & Sonnet .

FAustus , if thou wilt reade from me These fewe and simple lines , By them most cleerely thou shalt see , How little should accounted bee Thy fained wordes and signes . For noting well thy deedes vnkinde , Shepherd , thou must not scan That euer it came to my minde , To praise thy faith like to the winde , Or for a constant man : For this in thee shall so be found , As smoke blowne in the aire , Or like quicksiluer turning round , Or as a house built on the ground Of sandes that doe impaire . To firmenesse thou art contrarie , More slipp'rie then the Eele , Changing as weather-cocke on hie , Or the Camelion on the die , Or fortunes turning wheele . Who would beleeue thou wert so free , To blaze me thus ench howre : My Shepherdesse , thou liu'st in mee , My soule doth onely dwell in thee , And euery vitall powre . Pale Atropos my vitall string Shall cut , and life offend , The streames shal first turne to their spring , The world shall end , and euery thing , Before my loue shall end . This loue that thou didst promise me Shepherd , where is it found ? The word and faith I had of thee , O tell me now , where may they be , Or where may they resound ? Too soone thou didst the title gaine Of giuer of vaine wordes , Too soone my loue thou didst obtaine , Too soone thou lou'st Diana in vaine , That naught but scornes affoordes . But one thing now I will thee tell , That much thy patience mooues : That , though Diana doth excell In beautie , yet she keepes not well Her faith , nor loyall prooues . Thou then hast chosen , each one saith , Thine equall and a shrowe , For if thou hast vndone thy faith , Her loue and louer she betraieth , So like to like will goe . If now this letter , which I send Will anger thee : Before Remember ( Faustus yet my friend , ) That if these speeches doe offend , Thy deedes doe hurt me more . Then let each one of vs amend , Thou deedes , I wordes so spent , For I confesse I blame my pen , Doe thou as much , so in the end Thy deedes thou doe repent . FAustus , it needes must be a woondrous case , And such a deede as one would not conceaue , A simple soule so slily to deceaue , Who quickly did thy faith and loue imbrace : Thy firmnesse she had tride a little space , And so she thought the same thou wouldst not leaue , Which made her still vnto thy liking cleaue , Bicause she thought it free from double face : If of this conquest ( Shepherd ) thou dost boast , With thousand such in time thou maist be crowned , If thousand times thou mean'st to vndermine , If high renowne is got for credit lost , Onely of me a subiect thou shalt finde With guiles to be a thousand times propouned .

To any of these I neuer had an answer , wherupon I think he neuer made account of them , and of the last especially , bicause he had now quite forgotten me when that came . Of one thing I will aduise thee , saide Syrenus , if thou wilt take it at my handes . This thou maiest be sure of , said Cardenia , for I thinke there is none , that would not wish to haue som remedy of her ils , if there were any meanes for them . The meanes said Syrenus , are easie enough for thee , that haste such libertie , as I vnderstoode by Faustus . And it is to accompanie vs to the place where he is , bicause our waies lie thereby . For I cannot beleeue , but thy presence wil make him , with crauing pardon , acknowledge his fault . This counsell Syrenus gaue her , to remooue such a block out of his way , as Faustus was . All of them liked his aduise well , but Cardenia best of all , and therefore answered thus . It is therefore needfull for you ( my friendes ) if you will shew me so much friendship , and vse this pitie towards me to tarry for me , if it please you , while I take some order for certaine kine , which I keepe harde by heere , and commit them to the keeping of a Shepherd , that ( certes ) loues me more then Faustus , who , I hope , will take the charge vpon him with a good will . But I must in no hand tell him whither I go , bicause with patience he cannot endure it : wherefore I will faine that I go to some other place . In the meane time I will giue you such entertainment as my poore abilitie can affoord , though not good enough for your deserts . Vpon this request they determined to staie , and she went to seeke out the Shepherd , whom she found out by and by , for she knewe where he was commonly woont to feed . Carisus , for this was the Shepherds name , seeing Cardenia comming to him contrarie to her wonted custome , went with no little ioy to meete her , and saluting her , saide thus vnto her . What noueltie is this , my deerest Shepherdesse , from whence comes so much good , that this happie soule of mine deigneth to come to visite this miserable bodie of hers ? Cardenia , who would rather haue heard those words in Faustus mouth , then of Carisus , interrupted him , saying . Necessitie , which , to leaue my kine in thy keeping , while I goe hard by to see a kinswoman of mine , bringes me to seeke out such a Shepherd , that they may not feele my absence , and as I put no greater trust in any for this matter then in thee , I come to knowe if thou wilt take this charge vpon thee . Carisus putting some strings on his Rebecke , that he had in his hand , and tuning voice to this that followes , answered Cardemas request thus , taking for his ground ( bicause it made so fit for his purpose ) that common Castillian countrey dance , that saieth in Spanish .

GVarda milas vaccas Carillo , por tu fe , Besa mi primero , Yo te las guardaré . I pray thee keepe my kine for mee Carillio , wilt thou ? Tell. First let me haue a kisse of thee , And I will keepe them well . If to my charge or them to keepe Thou dost commend thy kine , or sheepe , For this I doe suffice : Bicause in this I haue beene bred : But for so much as I haue fed , By viewing thee , mine eies , Command not me to keepe thy beast , Bicause my selfe I can keepe lest . How can I keepe , I pray thee tell , Thy kye , my selfe that cannot well Defend , nor please thy kinde , As long as I haue serued thee ? But if thou wilt giue vnto mee A kisse to please my minde , I aske no more for all my paine , And I will keepe them very faine . For thee , the gift is not so great That I doe aske , to keepe thy neate , But vnto me it is A guerdon , that shall make me liue : Disdaine not then to lend , or giue So small a gift as this . But if to it thou canst not frame , Then giue me leaue to take the same . But if thou dost ( my sweete ) denie To recompence me by and by , Thy promise shall relent me , Heere after some rewarde to finde : Behold how I doe please my minde , And fauours doe content me , That though thou speak'st it but in ●est , I meane to take it at the best . Behold how much loue workes in mee , And how ill recompenc't of thee , That with the shadow of Thy happy fauours ( though delaide ) I thinke my selfe right well appaide , Although they prooue a scoffe . Then pitie me , that haue forgot My selfe for thee , that carest not . O in extreme thou art most faire , And in extreme vniust despaire Thy crueltie maintaines : O that thou wert so pitifull Vnto these torments that doe pull My soule with senselesse paines , As thou shew'st in that face of thine , Where pitie and milde grace should shine . If that thy faire and sweetest face Assureth me both peace and grace , Thy hard and cruell hart , Which in that white brest thou dost beare , Doth make me tremble yet for feare Thou wilt not end my smart : In contraries of such a kinde , Tell me what succour shall I finde ? If then yoong Shepherdesse thou craue A herdsman for thy beast to haue , With grace thou maist restore Thy Shepherd from his barren loue : For neuer other shalt thou prooue , That seekes to please thee more , And who , to serue thy turne , will neuer shunne The nipping frost , and beames of parching sunne .

Cardenia that was musing more in her minde of the loue she bare to Faustus , then that she heard by Carisus song , after a while that she had leaned her hand vpon her sheepehooke , said . But what dost thou say to my demand ? But what saiest thou , said Carisus , to that which I craue of thee ? What crauest thou said Cardenia , for truely I gaue no attentiue eare vnto thee , I was thinking so much of my departure . Is this the reward answered Carisus , that I looked for at thy hands , for keeping thy kine ? Yet do what thou wilt , and go whither thou wilt , for in the end I cannot chuse ( as euer more I do ) but obey thy command , and thinke my selfe sufficiently appaide ( if thou wilt not condescend to any other thing ) that with thine owne mouth thou hast made me the herdesman of thy kine : for since I haue passed so many troubles for thy sake without any guerdon , I will also passe away this greefe without any further denial , so that thou receiuest contentment hereby ; and this shal be enough for the reward which I expect , wherein I finde no small ioy and contentment . I thanke thee Carisus , said Cardenia , for thy good will : I pray God giue thee more rest then I haue at this present hower . And with this , bicause I go to set other things in order , I take my leaue of thee : thou shalt finde my kine to morrow in the place where thou knowest they are commonly wont to be . When she had dispatched this busines , she went to the Shepherds , that were neerer to her , then she was aware of ; for when she went from them , they followed her to see what passed betweene them , whereat they tooke no small delight , and laughed not a little when Carisus said in his song , that if she was ashamed to giue him a kisse , he would with her leaue take it himselfe . Hauing therefore prepared all things necessarie for her iourney , shee went her waies next day in the morning in the companie of those three yoong Shepherds , whom we will now leaue , since they knowe ( without vs ) howe to finde out this way , so often troden by Syrenus , comming backe againe to sage Felicias pallace .

Where they were all very glad with the comming of Danteus and Duarda the Portingall Shepherds , who came out of their countrey to do their dutie to Felicia , and to thanke her , that by her fauour and good meanes Duarda had pardoned Danteus for the offence be had committed against her , by seeing him so penitent from his hart ; who brought a wandring pilgrim with them , that had bestowed many daies in vaine , in seeking out his Master and Mistres . Whom as Danteus and Duarda had met very much afflicted , after telling them part of his long trauell , they requested to go with them thither , where if in any place he might hope for remedie and newes , he could not chuse but haue it at her hands , that neuer denied it to anie , that had need thereof . Danteus , Duarda , and the Pilgrime called Placindus , were receiued by Felicia and the rest with great ioy , making diuers sports , daunces , plaies , and pastimes for their comming . From the which Stela , and Crimine were euer absent , who could not be merrie for the absence of their beloued Shepherds : Parisiles was seldome or neuer in these sports , for commonly he came not out of the Temple , where daily he made his sacrifices and orisons . Felicia knowing that the ende of all those lucklesse Shepherds and vnknowne Shepherdesses misfortunes was neere at hand ( for Crimine , and Stela returned againe to their pastorall habite , bicause they would not haue Parthenius ( if he came ) find them in gorgeous and festiuall attyre , he being clad in sorrowes and cares ) tooke Parisiles , Stela , and Crimine , on a day when dinner was done by the hands , and spake thus vnto them . Now Fortune beginnes to smile vpon you , Parisiles , and my daughters , and will nowe lift you vp to her triumphant chariot , and desist not to carrie you in it , vntill she hath placed you higher then you may imagine . Happie was the hower wherin you saw the yong Shepherds Parthemus and Delicius , and happy that time , when first they sawe you , for that you by them , and they by you shall on ioy a supreme and ioyfull estate . And bicause you may know who these yoong fortunate Shepherds are , presupposed they are the sonnes of Corineus and Dinia , of whom Partheus began to tell you so many strange things : The right name of this Shepherd , & Shepherdesse is Disteus & Dardanea . Who these be , you shal by & by know of this Pilgrim their seruant , who hath sought for them many yeres togither , besides many others that haue made the same iourney ; amongst the which , the yong Prince of Aeolia wandreth vp & down seeking out Delicius and Parthenius , for the which no meane ioy shall befall to all : So that whatsoeuer you shall heare of Disteus and Dardanea , you must know that they are these Shepherds , whose counterfeit names are these aforesaid , and parents to Delicius and Parthenius . And I assure you , that if you three thinke that you haue deserued the crowne of vnformnate and haplesse weights , Disteus and Dardanea , & their company may presume , that the palme of disastrous men should not be denyed them . But bicause you may know who they are , and for what cause wandring from their countrey they passe away their life in so poore an estate , tarie for me heere , and I will bring you one hither , who shall tell you all the whole matter , which I promise you , though it touch you , will not make you a little glad to heare the strange discourse thereof . Parisiles therefore , Stela and Crimine , remayning there all alone ( you may now imagine , if desirous to see him , that should tell that , which so faine they would haue knowen especially Stela , and Crimine , that without comparison cared not to know any other matter then this ) Felicia sent a Nymph to call Placindus to her , who was now gone to view the sumptuous Palace , who being come before her , she saide thus vnto him . O worthie example of a loyall seruant , doubt not but that thy good deeds ( though lately ) shall be rewarded by the highest , assuring thy selfe that the deferring thereof shall more augment the requitall : For otherwise if good deeds were not requited by some waies , we might haue iust occasion to complaine of his diuine power : I say by some meanes , as touching that he hath promised vs , bicause otherwise he oweth vs nothing , but we are rather perpetually obliged to his diuine essence , not onely that he hath made vs rationall creatures ( the highest estate in nature ) when it lies in his celestiall power to fashion vs to that , which is accounted the lowest & most seruile in the world : vnto the likenes whereof though he might haue made vs , who was besides no lesse able to leaue vs without being , which is the greatest infelicitie , next after eternall damnation . But leauing this aside , as well bicause larger time then that we haue , were necessarie for it ; as also bicause the place doth not require it , I will ( according to this ) tell thee in briefe , that heere in this house thou hast made an end of thy great iourney , finding in the same that which thou couldst not find in so manie countries . Here shall thy trauels end , and all the troubles of these Gentlemen , and with greater prosperitie you shall returne to your desired heauen . Here you shall shortly see how many of you wander vp and downe like banished men , and more then you thinke of . In conclusion , in a few daies thou shalt see in this Temple of chaste Diana thy louing Lord and Ladie , and thy deer Aunt . Placindus , at so ioyfull newes , breaking off so sweete a speech , and not knowing how to requte her , prostrate vpon the ground , kissed her hands . Felicia tooke him vp againe , saying . It is therefore needfull for thee ( as a thing that concernes thy Lord and Ladie ) to tell the beginning of their banishment , and the cause of thy long trauell , to two faire Nymphes and a reuerend old man , whom thou shalt finde attending thy comming in a great broad court before the Palace hall . Placindus to obey the sage Felicias commaund , without any answer went to the place , where she appointed him . She that now had caused Lord Felix , Felismena , Syluanus , and Seluagia , Danteus and Duarda , and the Nymphes to be all togither whiles she was speaking to Placindus , being gone to them , said . Follow you me all . None then refusing , went after her , and came where Placindus , Stela , and Crimine were iust at that time that Placindus began to tell his discourse . To whom Felicia said . Because thou maist not want an auditorie for so noble a tale , behold my selfe that comes with my companie to take part of it : Wherefore let vs all sit downe , and thou Placindus without any more courtesies , do that , which I did of late request thee .

The end of the sixth booke .

The seuenth Booke of the second Part of Diana of George of Montemayor .

THey were all now silent and set downe in order , when Placindus , being place in the middes , began thus to say .

Of the descent and famous pedegree of Eolus king of Aeolia , ( whom afterwards they called the God of the windes , and of whom that countrey tooke the name ) sprung out two illustrous houses . Of the one a most mightie man called Sagastes was cheefe : The other a vertuous yoong Gentleman called Disteus , made most famous ; who , though in possessions and reuenewes he was not equall to the other ; yet in vertue , wherewith his minde was bountifully enriched , farre surpassed him . Betweene these two houses was an ancient quarrell and emulation , by reason that neither of them would allow any equalitie , both still contending for superioritie , which to him that desires to beare rule and command is a great and heauie burden . Truth it is , that in the time of these two principall men , Disteus his partialitie went somewhat by the woorse , bicause king Rotindus that then reigned , fauoured not a little the contrarie part , onely for that Sagastes resembled him so much in his bad conditions and disorder of life . For both of them were proude , cruell , libidinous , enimies to vertue , and imbracers of all kinde of vice , whereunto Disteus was a mortall enimie : So that the king with continuall fauours enriched Sagastes , and fauoured his followers , and with perpetuall hatred procured to impouerish Disteus , and persecute his friends . There were but fewe in the whole kingdome that for feare did not whatsoeuer Sagastes commanded , though they hated him in their mindes , and none that by their good wils would haue denied to fulfill Disteus pleasure in all things , who loued him deerely in their secret harts . So that they obeied Sagastes openly for respect of the king , and loued Disteus secretly for his owne deserts : Who yet with vertuous and sincere loue was not a little enamoured of Dardanea Sagastes sister , a yoong gentlewoman passing faire and rich , she being also adorned with all those gifts of nature , and minde , which onely enstall that noble sexe in immortal praises . For in her did euerie vertue shine as in their proper place . Her loue likewise to him was chaste and pure , being onely grounded vpon Disteus his noble vertues , and singular goodnes , that was then the common subiect of euery mouth ; whose loue though in her chaste breast it was with all kind of honest affection entertained , yet might his comely personage & goodly features haue well procured a wanton thought in the most modest minde . This noble Ladie had been married but three moneths to a knight of her own house ( but in many degrees remooued ) ( called Fenubius ) when Atropos before his iust time did cut off his vital thread , and in the flower of her age made her a yoong widow . Who bearing no small affection to Disteus when she was a maide , would faine haue married him ; but neither by words nor signes durst once declare the lest thought thereof vnto him , bicause she would not for all the world transgresse the due limits of her honor and vertuos reputation ; as also bicause she thought it impossible to conclude a marriage in two such contrarie houses : Whereupon without more a doe she was constrained to take such a husband , as her brother did giue her ( for her parents died when she was but eight yeeres old ) with whom she liued so content ( or at the least fained it ) as if she had neuer thought of any other matter , a thing no lesse beseeming so braue a personage , as she a most worthie example for them that take this honorable estate vpon them . Dardanea being therefore a widow , it fell out that Sagastes vpon a small occasion did ( to her great griefe ) put away her steward , who had beene an auncient seruitor , and well esteemed of her parents , denying to pay him that , which was his due for his late seruice . In regard whereof , and for his other deserts , this noble Gentlewoman did not onely satisfie Anfilardus ( for so he was called ) but also bestowed bountifull rewards vpon him , excusing her selfe to him and saying , that his departure was much against her will . There was not one in all the citie of Sagastes partie , that would giue him entertainment , bicause they would not offend so mightie a man : the which Anfilardus perceiuing , and how vniustly he was reiected , he laboured to be with Disteus , whose fauour , bicause he deserued no lesse , as also bicause it was an honor to Disteus to releeue Sagastes old seruants , he soone obtained . Though yet on the sudden so vnaduisedly he entertained him not , without first taking his word and faith of a Gentleman , not to go from him againe , vpon no wrong , nor iniurie offered him . The which thing Disteus thought good not to forget , bicause he might not ( after he was placed with him ) once offer to forsake him , thinking the disgrace that resulted to him by such a departure would be greater , then the honour that he got by receiuing him . All this and more with solemne oath did Anfilardus auow ; of whose word , as also of himselfe ( bicause he knew him well ) Disteus made no small reckoning . The which to accomplish , Anfilardus neuer failed , though he had beene often molested to the contrarie . But before he came to dwell with Disteus , he forgot not to aske Dardanea leaue , bicause he would not giue her any occasion of discontent , if perhaps ( by meanes thereof ) she felt any at all . But she consented the more willingly thereunto , when she vnderstood , that he was to be entertayned by Disteus : For as her brother could not choose but be offended thereat , so she therefore hoped , that he would worke the meanes to place him with her againe ; But Anfilardus told her not of the faith and promise that he had giuen Disteus for his aboade and true seruice , which if she had vnderstood , she would not ( doubtlesse ) haue giuen him any such leaue , knowing that Anfilardus would not do any thing repugnant to his word and promise . It greeued not Sagastes a little to heare what the steward had done , knowing , that only he himself deserued blame for it ; but more , when he perceiued that neither faire entreaties , nor fierce threats could reclaime him to Dardaneas seruice . Who therefore perceiuing the remedie thereof impossible , bethought himselfe of one more preiudiciall to him then any other , which was by giftes , and faire promises ( or for that which afterwards fell out ) to entice from Disteus , the woman whom he most tenderly loued , a nurse of his ( for from the teate she had nursed him and brought him vp ) and an Aunte of mine called Palna , to bestowe her on Dardanea in lieu and recompence of her late departed stewarde : of which reuenge hee was so proud in minde ( for hee had soone brought it to passe ) that he thought he had done Disteus the greatest iniurie he coulde , by bereauing him of his nurse , and besides wounded his minde with greater greefe , then the ioy that he conceiued at Anfilardus comming , whose fact made none to maruell much , knowing well what great occasion he had to doe it . But mine Auntes departure filled euery one full of woonder , thinking that she had no iust cause to make her blamelesse , but that she was a woman , bicause Disteus ( as they all knew ) rewarded euerie one so well , that there was not the meanest in his house , whom he iniuried , and gratified not , especially Palna , whom he loued aboue al the rest , and honored as his mother , neuer knowing her by any other name . Which thing greeued him so much , that it made him almost besides his wits : for first he would haue thought , that al the world woulde haue left him , before mine Aunt woulde haue forsaken him . Disteus therefore being very sadde and pensiue , and sometimes complayning of his Aunt , Anfilardus came vnto him and began thus to say . If my person had not beene exchanged ( my good Lord and Master ) for so deere a price , I had then great reason to be glad and vaunt , that I am the seruant to so woorthie a gentleman : but considering that in the cause of my gladnes the effect of your sadnes doth consist , let my ioy be drowned with your discontent , and euer remaine so colde , that it may seeme rather dead , then liue without the sight of your wished good . I woulde it had pleased the immortall Gods , that I had neuer enioyed the perfect knowledge of your goodnes , bicause you might not then haue tried the vnkindnes of ingratefull Palna . I was maruelling at vnstable fortune , that so on a sudden deined to giue me so sweete a potion : but bicause she woulde not haue me fall from the common opinion that I euer had of her , she by and by distempered it with a bitter taste . Onely one thing comforts me , and ioyes my thoughts , that you ( my Lord ) shal know what difference there is betweene a man and woman , though I wish you had not tried it by this example . And though in truth you haue reason to bee sorrie for Palnas change , yet you haue no cause to maruell at it , in that she is a woman , which name the ancient writers , Philosophers , Poets , and Painters did not vainely impose to Fortune . Pardon me ( good sir ) if I am so bold with one , whom you loue so well , since I haue iust occasion to do it , by reason of the great and greeuous charge that she hath left me . For if I was then bound of mine owne selfe to obey you to my power , now by her occasion I am constrained to serue you more then my forces can well attaine to . And if I being placed in your seruice , shee had remained still , the little that I could do , might ( perhaps ) haue seemed something ; but she going awaie for my cause ( but not thorow my fault ) for all that euer I can do , I shall be yet obliged to more , being exchanged for her , whom you so greatly loued . And the worst of all is , that if any thing ( which not by my will , but by some negligence I may commit ) shall be open to the popular eie , it will be a common by-worde in all the citie , That it was a good exchange of Palna for Anfilardus . Wherefore I beseech you my good Lord , that omitting this , you woulde accept of my good will , which is sufficient enough , if in my deedes there shall be any defect , and that my fault , which must needes proceed from my small abilitie or ignorance , be not attributed but to the one or other . To this did Disteus answer thus . As I neither can nor will denie ( Anfilardus ) that I haue not greatly felt the ingratitude of my mother ( Palna my nurse I meane ) by not thinking of that mutabilitie , which ( thou saiest ) is naturally incident to women , by reason of the loue that I did alwaies beare her , and doe yet ( to speake the truth ) which is not so little , that in so short a time I may so easily forget the great iniurie , which I haue receiued at her vnkinde hands : So must I needs confesse , that it is a great lightening to my hart , that it was done for thy sake , of whom I hope it shall be well considered , since the greater part thereof is alreadie requited with the good will , which at this present thou hast discouered , though thy workes also haue seemed of no lesse effect : both which ( when opportunitie shall serue ) I will not hereafter forget to reward . The beginning whereof shall be this , That I promise thee ( bicause I perceiue how heauily thou takest the great greefe which I haue felt for her absence ) and sweare neuer to shew my selfe agreeued for it in thy presence , although ( perhaps ) I be in minde , nor in thy absence to impart it to any but to my selfe . They being in these speeches , I came to Disteus house , and speaking with one of his men , willed him to tell his Master , how I was come with a letter from mine Aunt vnto him . The page did my errant , and as Disteus was in suspence whether he might receiue it or no , Anfilardus saide vnto him : Sir , send for the messenger in , for by this you shall the more signifie your goodnes , hearing with one countenance the iust and culpable person , and not do Palna so much glorie as to make her know , that her absence hath greeued you very much . Disteus liked his counsell well , and thereupon commanded me to come in . With thy good leaue ( Lady Felicia ) and of all the rest , said Parisiles , I would aske how being without , you might heare these speeches betweene them within . From hencefoorth answered Placindus , you must vnderstand , that we tolde one another all the matters that passed , and with this aduertisement I will proceed . In the end I came in , where Disteus and Anfilardus were , and doing my dutie , began thus to speake . Your nurse Palna with her remembred dutie to you ( my Lord ) doth most humblie beseech you to reade this letter which she sends you . Disteus tooke the letter , and dissembling his greefe , as Anfilardus had counselled him , said : If thine Aunt doth write to me to the ende to excuse herselfe , she needed not haue taken these paines , for she might haue done heerein according to her owne minde , as in that , which shall like me best , I will do to mine own will and pleasure . Thou shalt tell her that I will reade it , wherein , if there be anie thing for me to do for her , I will heereafter bethinke me of it . I not perceiuing this kinde of dissimulation , maruelled not a little to see how soone he had shaken off the loue that he bare to mine aunt . Truth it is , that as I was then ignorant of that , which afterwards succeeded , so I esteemed his coye answere for a point of wisedome , and was no lesse ashamed at that she had done . With this answer I went my waies and they remained all alone . Anfilardus praised not a little his fained answere , & commended his wisedome , in that he would not call her mother , as he was wont to do , nor name her by her owne name , in token of contempt . But Disteus opening the letter , saw it said thus .

Palnas letter to Disteus .

PAlna thy mother from thy milke , and from the loue of her inward soule , to thee her louing Sonne Disteus sendeth greeting . Bicause as I know thou wouldest condemne me for a verie foole , if I went about to shew , that I had iust cause to forsake thee , that wert mine onely comfort , and to whom I am so much bound ; so will I not excuse my selfe heerein , which if I should do , and say , that I am not worthie of reprehension , I might then seeme in a manner to charge thee therewith , since something must be attributed to so great a chaunge . But if any fault be committed , I am content that it be onely imputed to me ; for it shall greeue me lesse , that the whole world should condemne me for it , then that any should suspect the least defect in thee that might be . Wherefore let this onely serue to entreate thee by the amorous milke , that thou hast sucked out of my breast , to haue so much patience , vntill the successe shall manifest the cause hereof ; which to the end I will passe with the ill opinion that the world hath on me for leauing thee , to an effect that shall result to thy profit , whereby thou shalt affirme thy selfe satisfied , and me acquited ( with thee at the least ) whereas for the rest it shall not greatly skill . I know well thou wilt obiect & say , That if there were any hidden thing , whereby I might haue procured thy content , I had no reason to conceale it from thee . I answer , bicause I knew thou wouldest by no meanes giue me leaue to depart , I would not tell thee of my purpose , vntill ( seeing the good successe of it ) thou mightest know my great loue to thee , since ( without making thee priuie ) I haue enterprized so great and difficult a matter . And now bicause I haue spoken more , then I thought , I will conclude with this , That I am in good health , and not a little glad , that my good Fortune brought me to Dardancas seruice , whose beautie and golden vertues are the woonder of our age .

When Disteus had read the letter softly to himself ( for he would not read it aloud , before he had viewed the contents of it ) he said to Anfilardus . I would haue read this letter vnto thee Anfilardus , if I had thought it would haue made thee glad or sorrie ; and also bicause it is so obscurely written , that I can scarce vnderstand one clause thereof . The contents of it perswade me not to be carefull , nor trouble my wits by inquiring out the cause of her departure , vntill time doth manifest it , when as then ( she saieth ) she shall be as free from fault , as I from complaint . With this also she writes me , that she is content with Dardaneas seruice ; for proofe whereof , she extols her highly with onely two wordes , saying : That she is the woonder of our age . She that is of such excellent beautie ( saide Anfilardus ) enchased with all precious gems of vertue , deserues no lesse , assuring you Sir , that Palna ( if with so much truth she iustifies that which she hath done , as she hath reason for that she hath spoken ) may be blameles and excused to all the worlde : wherein I must needes say she hath beene wise ( hauing no good discharge and excuse of her fault ) by putting you in a doubtfull loue and hope of a thing you knowe not , to the ende that in ( the meane while ) you might forget and ouerpasse your anger by such thoughts , and that she might not neede heereafter to excuse her-selfe . I told thee not long since ( saide Disteus ) that though I feele Palnas absence very neere , yet I must dissemble it with thee ; by meanes whereof , happe good or ill , I will still shewe one semblant , prouided that I know the cause of it , for indeed I could neuer perswade my selfe , that this was no more but a dreame , since I had euer so great confidence in her loue and fidelitie : Whereupon I thinke some iust cause must needes mooue her to doe it for my behoofe and benefit , as she writes vnto me , which ( though it were not so ) I will not ( Anfilardus ) otherwise conceiue nor imagine . In that which toucheth the fauour you do me ( said Anfilardus ) by imparting to me the contents of the letter , I am bound to kisse your handes : And in the rest , as in this , you shew ( my Lord ) your selfe what you are , and maintaine the title of your noble minde . In these and like speeches they spent a pretie time , though Disteus sometimes altered his talke , asking him of Dardaneas qualities , beautie , and wit ; for he tooke a great delight to heare , that so many good parts in so high a degree were iointly found in one woman : which Anfilardus did so brauely set forth , as one that knew them well , and to whom he was so much bound , that the eloquence of the golden mouthed Lord of Ithaca had beene needlesse there . All which was to cast an amorous and secret powder into Disteus foule , that he might thereafter haue been set on fire . On the other side , mine Aunt Palna with great respect of dutie and discretion discoursed sometimes vnto Dardanea ( but with far fet circumstances ) of Disteus his honorable disposition and noble vertues , which she so wisely insinuated , as if she meant nothing lesse then to praise him Disteus now gaue leaue to his imaginations , to be only imploied in Dardaneas beauty , so that he loued melancholy & sadnes , & abandoned al sports & publick places . He now delighted only in solitarines , & not only the company of strangers , but of his own friends & serūats was troublesom vnto him , who neuer suspected that any amorous thought had so forcibly raigned in him : but rather attributed this alteration to the greef that he had for Palnas absence , which if they had not beleeued , they wuld not haue left to aske him the cause therof , though it had bin but in vaine , when he himself did scarce know it . Disteus spent som daies in these considerations , wherein his fansies being not meanly occupied , he vsed these words . O God , how needlesse is it for thee ( my mother ) to tell me what reason thou hadst to leaue me for this excellent Ladie . O ten times art thou happie , that hast before thee ( as often as thou wilt ) the cleerest mirrour of our times . Onely heerem , from this day foorth , I will not cease to blame thee , for leauing me so late , if any fit occasion had beene offered thee to defend thee with the shield of Dardaneas bountie and beautie , for both which all mortall men are bound to serue and obey her . Thou hast soone performed thy word , that at length I should see thy iust cause . Pardon therefore ( good mother ) my errour by reproouing thee , although the same ( if thou dost marke it well ) was not my fault , but the great loue , that I did euer beare thee . But wretch that I am , what haue I done by not answering thy wise and louing letter , and thrise vnhappy mee , if thy nephew returned the sharpe answere from the venemous mouth of thy vnwoorthy sonne ? Ah then thou shalt haue more reason to detest the vnfruitfull milke thou gauest him , then he had to condemne thee for thy iust departure , and with greater cause to curse the vngratefull nouriture that thou hast bestowed on him , then he hath now to blame thy forced absence . O Disteus , inconsiderate youth , how rash wert thou in answering Palna thy graue and wise mother , and how ill hast thou deserued to aduantage thy selfe by her gentlenes and helpe . And thus , thinking he had done a hainous offence by not answering her , in haste he called for inke and paper , and going about to write , he was a good while in suspence , and knew not how to begin : for faine he would haue shewed her how willing he was not onely to forgiue her , but also to haue craued pardon of her , both which he durst not doe , neither was it wisedome , before Palna had cleerely made her iustification . And therefore he wrote in such sort , that my Aunt might take no offence thereat , and did what became him , the tenour whereof was this .

Disteus his letter to Palna .

BIcause thou maist haue no defence , whereby thou maist not be bound to shew that innocencie ( which thou saiest thou hast ) and maist also vnderstand , how I haue better plaied the part of an humble sonne , then thou of a louing mother , I haue strained my selfe to take pen in hand to answere thee . By and by after I had read thy letter , I would haue setled my selfe to this taske , wherein I had so many contraries of ( I ) and ( no ) that not knowing what to determine , or to which of both to adhere , I haue till now suspended it . If the loue I beare thee , did sollicite me to do it ; the anger thou gauest me did forbid it . If the faith which euer thou foundest in me did admonish me thereof ; the disloyaltie , that then I sawe in thee , did disswade me from it . If my good minde towards thee did force an ( I ) thy impietie to me did forge a ( No. ) So that if I was bound by the one , I was restrained by the other : whereupon in this doubtfull pretence , not knowing what way to choose , that which perswaded me to write had beene ouercomed , if the desire that I had to heare of thy excuse , and the weightie hope ( I know not whereof ) thou gauest me , had not succoured & helpt it , which did driue me from the doubt I had , and forced me to write vnto thee , though I must needs confesse , that , albeit I read thy letter neuer so well , yet I know not how to answer it , since in no clause therein I find good construction : for that which seemed most cleere , was most obscure ; where , in manner of a consolatorie letter thou tellest me , That thou art well , and content in minde , as if my comfort depended thereon : Whereas thou hadst pleased me better by affirming the contrarie , bicause by being discontent , thou mightest repent thee , and by repentance amend , and by amendment , come backe againe vnto me . But with that , which in proofe of thy content thou saiest , That thou art with Dardanea , &c. thou pleasest me as little . For what haue I to do with any thing touching her , whereof thou dost write vnto me : So that I must either affirme , that I vnderstand it not , or thinke it was not to the purpose , which shall be a greater inconuenience then the first , since it must redound to condemne thee for a foole ( a thing far vnwoorthie thy selfe ) if with this chaunge thou dost not lay fault vpon fault . The Gods take account of the intent thou hadst to leaue me : And as for other greetings in the beginning heereof , or requestes in the end I will not giue thee , vntill I heare of thy excuse , if thou hast any at all .

After he had written this letter , he caused me to be sought out in all haste , and , being come before him , requested me to carie it foorthwith to mine Aunt . The ioy was not small that shee receiued with the letter that came to her from her sonne Disteus , although it was to her confusion and shame : For she that doth perfectly loue , desires ( though it be to her owne harme ) to see the things of her beloued ; but she was a great deale gladder , when she sawe with what mildnesse and humanitie it was written . The solitarie life that Disteus ( as I told you ) did so much loue and leade , was now growen to such a seconde nature , that all companie was irkesome vnto him , but onely Anfilardus , as well for that it was represented to his thoughtes , that he had beene Dardaneas seruant , as also bicause he euer answered sincerely to his purpose , by telling him continually of her soueraigne graces . This kinde of sadde and priuate lise of Disteus came to the eares of his beloued Palna , which greeued her not a little , thinking that it was onely for her absence : for remedie whereof she wrote him a letter , wherein she accused him of want of faith , since he fulfilled not his promise , which was , Not to entertaine nor make any shew of greefe , vntill he knewe the cause of her departure ; and requested him by all possible meanes to shake off all that sadnes , by the exercise of his person in armes and courtly sports , as he was woont to do . Disteus answered her again , protesting with solemne oath that he was rather glad she was with Dardanea , from whence ( he said ) the cause of his sollitarines did not proceed ; but that , without knowing the reason thereof , he found himselfe more altered in minde then he was wont to be , after he had receiued her first letter , and had heard her name Dardanea ; & that on the one side he delighted in hearing it , and on the other ( not knowing the cause ) trembled when he heard it : in the end he requested her , if she woulde euer doe him any pleasure , to work the means that he might see Dardanea , for though he had seen her when she was a maide , yet was it not as it should be , according to the great and renowned fame that now was bruted of her . All this that he wrote to her , was her great ioy , seeing how he drew towards the end , that she pretended : but it troubled hir mind not a little to thinke how she might satisfie Disteus ( though it was her only desire to shew him faire Dardanea ) bicause she found no fit opportunity by reason of her regular modestie and priuate life . The daily care and studie that both of them had to bring this to effect , discouered a secret way to put both their desires in practise , which was , that on a night ( whereon they had agreed bicause it might bee the more secret ) if any fit occasion or opportunitie were offered , mine Aunte shoulde send for me , as though she had some busines for me ; and that Disteus in my apparell should go in my steede , whereof they both aduised me , feining that it was onely to goe see mine Aunt , who woulde not yet trust me with such secret affaires . Mine Aunt staied certaine daies , before she tooke this busines in hand , though opportunitie was many times offered , and deferred the time so long , that he began to complaine on her , and thought that all were but words and promises ( for hee that with earnest desire is attending that whereon his minde doth euer runne , doth hardly beleeue any thing ) though indeede it was not so : who ( pondering the matter well ) should haue rather considered , that some great obstacle occurred in her minde concerning the performance of his request , which made such a stop in the meanes and furtherance of it , that holding her for a great while in suspence , she knewe not what to do . And this it was , that if Disteus on the sudden had seene faire Dardanea , the first sight of that excellent beautie , & the extreme ioy thereof might haue caused some sudden alteration and traunce in him , to haue made Dardanea suspect something : which mine Aunt would not for all the worlde had hapned , least her Mistres might haue taken some displeasure at them both , which thing made not a little for their good beginning . But as mine Aunt was very discreet and wise , so did she obuiate this doubt with a sudden remedie ; for to preuent any such extreme passion , that by such a sight and ioy hemight haue had , she thought to moderate it with some present thought of no lesse greefe and sorrow . And thus it was , that now performing that that was agreed vpon betweene them , he should come when the night began to waxe somewhat darke in my apparell ; but sending for him in my name , she fained that it was to go for a Chirurgian to heale Dardaneas arme , the which by opening a great chest , the lidde by chance fell downe on , and brused very much . The greefe that he conceiued by these heauie news , was so great , that he would now haue changed the ioy that he expected by Dardaneas sight , in lieu that this mischance had not happened vnto her . For he felt it so sensibly , that he had almost no hart to goe , but yet encouraged himselfe , least I might haue perceiued it : and so hiding his greefe the best he could , he left off his garments , and putting on mine , went straight to Dardaneas house . Where , without knocking at the doore ( for so he was willed to doe ) he went vp ( as I was woont ) into a broad chamber that was next to Dardaneas withdrawing chamber , where he no sooner knocked , but a waiting maide comming to the doore , but not to the place where he stoode , went backe againe , and told mine Aunt that I was there , who willed her to bid me come in , for so had hir Mistresse commaunded , and true it was indeed . Bicause you may therefore vnderstand wherin Dardanea would haue in ployed me , you must know , that Sagastes her brother was in loue with a yoong Gentlewoman well descended and rich enough ( called Marthea ) but she requited him not with like againe , for his bad conditions and intolerable pride ; and also because shee was more affected to another Gentleman , though not so rich nor so highly borne in respect of him ; but one that was vertuous , noble , and valiant , and of whom she was truely beloued and serued againe . But yet for all this she shewed Sagastes a good countenance in recompence of the great and continual seruices that he had done hir : For how much doth not interest & gifts preuaile , which are the onely tamers of affections ? So that being glad to be serued by so mightie a man , and bicause it is the fashion of women to glorie in themselues by seeing men howsoeuer ( they care not ) appassionate for them , she gaue him as many superficiall fauours as he desired , and more indeed , then her honour required . Wherein Sagastes taking no little pride , beleeued that she loued him from her verie hart . The which opinion confirming in his breast with this also , That he was in fauour with the King , of great authoritie in the citie , and more nobly borne , and richer then her parents ; thought that at the verie instant when he purposed to demaund her for his wife , he should not haue any deniall : Whereupon he did aske her Fathers good will , who thanked him for his , and for his part gaue his consent , but alleaging that it was not amisse to leaue some part to his wife and daughter . Whereat Sagastes like a proud and disdainfull man by his angrie countenance shewed some impatience , who would not haue had the matter deferred any longer . But the loue that he bare Marthea , did so bridle it , that ( contrarie to his naturall and woonted inclination ) it pacified him well at that time : And therefore answered , that it was well remembred . This marriage pleased Martheas mother well , to see her daughter so highly aduanced ( a propertie most naturall to the ambitious and couetous mindes of women ) but disliked Marthea altogither , for that which is abouesaid . Who answered them , that as she was their daughter , and thereby bound to obey their commaund ; so they should haue good regard to that they did , & for so weightie a matter as this , craue some time and respit of Sagastes , wherein they might determine with due consideration what was best to be done , and that then she would giue them her answer of the matter . And bicause Sagastes in the meane time might not thinke himselfe disgraced while they were concluding this matter , to tell him that she was resolued first to make an end of certaine Pilgrimages and deuotions , which she had of late begun , and so in the meane time to feed him with hope , whereby he might not thinke himselfe agreeued for staying so long . This respit of time Marthea took to trie , if in the end she could dispose her thoughts to loue Sagastes , and forget her beloued Beldanisus ( for so was the Gentleman called , who serued her , and whom she loued . ) And Sagastes was well content , since that her parents had left the conclusion of the matter to Marthea , in whom he had placed his libertie . She with the consent of her parents ( not giuing him to vnderstand any such matter ) spake vnto him , as often as he would , but fayning that she did it by stealth . But as Sagastes euerie day , & more by night walked vp and downe before her doore , Beldanisus could not choose but perceiue it ( for what doth not a true louer suspect and finde out ) and this he surmised by the cold affection that Marthea had shewed him of late . Whereupon wrath and iealousie seising vpon his hart at once , he resolued to be well reuenged of him , though it cost him his life ; and therefore certaine nights togither lay in secret waite for him , accompanied with his brother and three of his cosins , all three sufficient men to defend him in any broile . And though sometimes they met him , yet they durst not assault him , not for feare , but bicause there was euer so much people in the streetes , that if they had killed or wounded him , they had suffered ( if it had beene knowen ) no lesse then cruell death : So that they onely attended fit time and opportunitie to do it to their owne sasetie . By some of Sagastes seruants , it came to faire Dardaneas eares , that her brother vsed not to stay at home in the nights , whereupon incited with desire and feare , she would faine know wither he went : And talking with mine Aunt Palna her nurse about this matter , thought that there were no better meanes to know it , then by my secret diligence to spie him out . Dardanea therefore for this purpose commaunded mine Aunt to send for me : and bicause Disteus might haue a sight of Dardanea , she caused him to come thither in my name . I left you ( if I remember ) when they bad me come in , or else Disteus ( to say better ) disguised like me . Mine Aunt being well aduised in euerie thing she tooke in hand , a little before Disteus came in , as if she had nothing to doe , did set the candle before her Mistresse for two causes : The one , by the opposite brightnes of the light , to dazle Dardaneas eies , bicause shee might not knowe Disteus ; and the other , to shewe Disteus the more light whereby hee might beholde Dardanea better . Hee was nowe come in ( and if ioyfull to see her , or sorrowfull for her mishap I knowe not ) when the bright reflexion of her faire face smit against his greedie eies , wherewith he was not onely amazed , but knew that her beautie was greater then the report that was spred abroad if it , and that Fame had iniuried her by publishing it lesse , then it was indeede : which not onely hee ( in fauour of his affection ) but any other ( free from like passion ) might easily haue iudged . And without all doubt he had beene in danger of some sudden extasie , if his minde had not still run on her mischance , that mine Aunt had seyned : who , thinking that he had now seen her enough , which so much he desired , came to him speaking somewhat aloude , to hold him still in that opinion , saying . Placindus , my Lady must employ you about her busines , and therefore commands thee to go thy waies : And so of purpose she came to Disteus , to speake with him alone . In good faith ( saide Parisiles ) the comming of Palna to Disteus was very pretie , for I was nowe halfe sorrie with my selfe , not knowing what Palna would haue said , when he spake aloud , that both might haue heard . For Dardanea knew that she would send him to spie out Sagastes , and Disteus vnderstood that it was to go for a Chirurgian . And so with great discretion she spake that out aloud , which answered both their intents , in that he was sent to goe his waies , and so to deceiue them both by these means . Dardanea , bicause she might not know , that it was Disteus ; and Disteus , bicause he might not then sinell out the deceit that Palna vsed with him , by making him beleeue , that Dardanea was hurt : but she came to him ( hauing told him that Dardanea bad him go his waies ) fit to the purpose , for then if he had passed further , his speech might haue marred all the matter , and discouered the fine deceit . Truly ( said Lord Felix ) she must needs be wise in althings , and well she manifested the same by setting the candle before Dardanea . For these fauourable notes , Gentlemen , which by the way you haue gathered of mine Aunt , to confirme them ( saide Placindus ) I giue you my word , that she was accounted for such an one ; and bicause I am her kinsman , I hold my peace , concerning that which might be spoken more in her praise , and also bicause by the processe of my tale you shall see it . To proceede therefore : As she came neere to Disteus , turning to Dardanea , she said , Do you command him any other seruice , and I will tel it him : No , said Dardanea , but he shall do me a pleasure if heerein he doe his diligence . Mine Aunt then tooke Disteus by the hande to bring him foorth , whereat hee seemed to make some small resistance , vnloosing his hand from hers , as though he woulde haue put on his cloake that fell downe : which when mine Aunt perceiued , with an angrie countenance , she saide softly vnto him . You shall come no more hither I promise you . Who hearing her sharpe threatning , with the teares in his eies , answered . Pardon ( good mother ) the body , that is loath to depart from the soule : whereupon they went out , and mine Aunt went talking with him , and asked him , if he was nowe cleered of the fault , that she made by her departure . Whereunto he answered not a word , for by contemplating of that soueraigne beautie , he was so much distraught in minde , that he heard not what she said . But afterwardes being come to himselfe againe , with a profound sigh he said . O what shall become of thee Disteus : wherewith he helde his peace . She blamed him for this speech , and reprooued him for that he had done , telling him plainly , that these were not the meanes to deliuer him from his passions . Some speeches being past betweene them , she opened vnto him the whole deceit , which she had fayned of her Mistresse breaking off her arme , and why she did it , and telling him all , euen to that point , when I , or rather he , was sent foorth , she said . You must now therefore , bicause my mistresse Dardanea commands this to be done , go by and by to your lodging , and giue my cosin his garments , and tell him what I said to you , that Dardanea doth pray him ( not making mention of any other matter ) and I cammaund him to goe about his errant with all diligence . But Disteus aunswered , God neuer graunt , that another fulfill that which was commaunded me . In mine owne person I will doe that , which my Mistresse commaunded mee , being but disguised and counterfeit : Doe as you thinke good , saide mine Aunt , but in such sort that it may bee thought that my nenephew did it . Leaue that to me , said he , and take you care for the rest : And with this they tooke their leaue of one another . He went straight to his house , where he found me waiting for him , and said vnto me . Heere thou maiest safely stay Placindus this night , for I will go walke a little vp and downe the citie , and weare thy garments : And though thine Aunt commands thee to goe of an errant , which she gaue me in charge to tell thee , bicause my waie lies thereabouts , I will my selfe do it . And bicause thou maiest not be found with my garments on , if any come to seeke me , thou shalt locke thy selfe in : for I will bid my seruants ( if any aske for me ) saie that I am a sleepe , and open the dore to no bodie , vnlesse hee say he is Placindus , bicause when I come they may then let mee in . With this aduise that hee gaue me , he went into an inward chamber and tooke a buckler , and a good broad sword , ( that many daies since was hung vp against the wall , bicause it was somewhat too heauie for his hand , though now Dardaneas loue had added more strength & force to his arme ) & did put on a shirt of maile , & a good head-peece . Being thus armed , he went to looke when Sagastes came forth , and in this sort went , least in the night any harme might haue hapned vnto him . When hee came to Sagastes house , hee heard a tuning of certaine instruments , for it fell out that hee went that night to bestowe some musicke on his Mistres Marthea . After a little while that he had staied there ( which might be about eleuen of the clocke ) he heard them comming downe ; and bicause h●●oulde not be seene , as though hee stoode there to watch them , hee passed ouer the streete , going his waies . Sagastes had so great a presumption of the authoritie and countenance , that he had by the kings fauour in the citie , that hee thought none durst offend him ; and therefore went accompanied but onely with a page that caried his rapier , and the musicions weapons . Disteus ( least by the brightnes of the Moone he might haue beene descried ) followed aloofe off to Martheas house , where all of them staying , one of the musicions began to sounde a cornet aloud , I thinke , to awake the people and to call vp Marthea ; and after that euery one playing on his seuer all instrument , as on a Lute , a Harpe , a Recorder , a Bandora and others with such concent and melodie , that it seemed ( as in their song they said ) to staie the course of the night . To which melodious notes not long after a boye with a passing sweete voice , did sing this Dittie , which Sagastes caused to be made for his owne purpose .

LEt the silence of the night At my will her dutie showe : Harken to me euery Wight , Or be still , or speake but lowe : Let no watching dog with spight Barke at any to or fro , Nor the Cocke ( of Titan bright The foreteller ) once to crowe . Let no prying goose excite All the flocke to squeake a rowe : Let the windes retaine their might , Or a little while not blowe : Whilst thy eare I doe inuite On this ditty to be slowe . In the which I nill recite Thy deserts , which euer growe : Nor thy beauties so bedight , Fairer then the rose or snowe . Nor how with thy grace ( of right ) Thou dost conquer others soe : Nor thy vertues exquisite , Which no wight deserues to knowe . For into seas infinite With small barke it were to goe , And that labyrinth sans light , Wherein Theseus they did throwe . I not hauing in this plight Threed as he ( his guide from woe ) I will onely sing and write How in happines I flowe , That thy seruant I doe hight , Praising Fortune and Loues bowe : Thanking him , that so did smite : She , bicause she was not slowe In her throne my paines to quite : Loue , for ( like a friendly foe ) Wounding thee with golden flight : And for shooting many moe Into my soule , whose paines shal seeme but slight , If with thy grace their wounds thou wilt requite .

Sagastes would haue the dittie make mention of this last point , bicause as Marthea gaue him to vnderstand no lesse , so he beleeued not any thing to the contrarie . This song being ended , he began to doe that he promised , which was to praise God Cupid and Fortune , with so great delight of the hearers , as the end of the first had taken it away from them . But their beginning ( as it was told me ) was not without the vnpleasant iarring of their discording instruments . I beleeue it well ( said Lord Felix ) that this discord was not any whit pleasant to them there when the recitall thereof heere is displeasant to mine eares : and therefore I pray thee , without any more circumstances , tell vs what was sung besides , for I doe greatly desire to heare how he praised Fortune , an apter subiect of blame , then fit to be praised . If it be your pleasures ( said Placindus ) giue eare to my words , and note the meaning of it , for this is the song .

HE that doth Fortune blame , And of God Cupid speaketh ill . Full little knowes he that his will Is subiect to the same : And that he doth procure his proper shame , Held for a foole , and one of simple skill . Who speakes he knowes not what , Is thought to be a very Sot : For good of them who speaketh not ? And I suspect that that Same simple one , doth lay a formall plat To be reputed for an Idiot . He knowes not Fortunes might , Nor knowes the mightie God of Loue : She rules beneath , and he aboue ; For she doth sit by right Amongst the Goddesses with shining light ; And he amongst the Gods his might doth prooue . The Boy I will omit , Since that his great and mighty name Giues him great praise and woorthy fame , Being ( who knowes not it ) The God of Loue , whose praise I will forgit , To sing of Fortune that most noble dame . The foole on Fortune railes , Bicause she neuer doth repose , The first and highest sphere , and those Adioyning , neuer failes In that , which all the world so much auailes , I meane in motions which they neuer lose . In their perpetuall course . Their essence and foundation lies , And in their motions neuer dies : Our life from them their source Doth take , and vnto death should haue recourse , And cease , if they should cease to mooue the skies . They vse to paint her blinde , Bicause the highest , and the lowe She reares , and after downe doth throwe , Respecting not the kinde Of persons , nor the merits of the minde : The King she doth not from the Collier knowe . Fortune heerein they take For agreat Goddesse ( and with right ) For Goddesses doe not requite With partiall hand , and makes No difference of persons for their sakes , And partially doe neuer vse their might . They call her also mad , Bicause her works they doe not knowe , Nor any path , where she doth goe , But all her waies so bad : That to exempt themselues they would be glad From them , for feare of their ensuing woe . But such are made indeede , That make a reason so vnfit , For when did euer humane wit Knowe what the Gods decreed ? Or how they meant with power to proceede , Or their intents ? which men could neuer hit . t fitteth not my song o deigne to answere with direction en of such wit and small perfection : hat offer her such wrong ; For Fortune doth onely to those belong That haue the vse of reason and election . The Ancient otherwise Did thinke , for they did make of her A Goddesse , and they did not erre : To whom sweete sacrifice , And temples in her name they did deuise : As in their bookes they doe no lesse auerre .

When this song in the praise of Fortune was ended , then in dispraise of time ( for now as I tolde you the answere of his marriage was deferred for one moneth , and euery short hower seemed a long yeere vnto him ) he sung this Sonnet . But I will goe on with my discourse , and will not tell it you , bicause I shall but trouble you ( I thinke ) with recitall of it , as it hath done me by seeing it so imperfect , and not ended . In faith thou art too extreme in thy opinions ( said Lord Felix ) and though I had diuers occasions offered me to aske thee many questions , yet I haue held my peace vnto the end , bicause thou mightest proceede without interruption , and it seemes of purpose thou seekest many digressions to depriue vs of that , wherein we take no small delight . Then doe vs so great a pleasure , as to tell vs the song that was begun , and why it was not ended , and heere we will endeuour ( if we can ) to supplie the wants of it . Since you offer me so faire ( said Placindus ) I will tell it you , but I thinke it will be somewhat hard for you . Then lend a patient eare to the vnhappie Sonnet , which I thinke will not please you so well .

ALl you that haue vnwoorthily complained Of Loue , and Fortune , each a mighty powre : On Time , that doth your sweete contents deuowre Turne them : For more heereby is to be gained . For time is false : For if content vnfained It giueth thee , it passeth in an howre ; But still it staies if it begins to lowre . It comes not wisht for , nor doth stay obtained : Time hath no friend in any thing created , For euery thing it wasteth and consumeth , And doth not spare so much as any body &c.

The Boy was yet redoubling the foote of the last verse , when Beldanisus , who serued Marthea , came suddenly vpon Sagastes , and marred all the musicke , hauing left his brother and three of his cosins in reareward to helpe him , if any came foorth in Sagastes defence . Disteus that now , &c.

Stay a little ( said Lord Felix ) for it shall not be amisse ( with leau of this good company ) that I cut off the thread of this discourse , when as so often it hath beene broken off . And before I forget it , declare vnto me but halfe of one of those verses aboue , that begins thus : It fittteth not my song , &c.

The meaning whereof I doe not vnderstand no more then the words . To answer your demaund Lord Felix ( said Placindus ) it is requisite I had beene brought vp in the Academies of the Grecian Philosophers , and ( as it is in prouerbe ) in the Peripateticke schooles . But since you will so faine knowe the exposition of it , I will shew it you written with his owne hand , that made the verses , who at my request did it , and I carrie it alwaies about me , bicause I like it well . And heere it is . But will you heare me reade it vnto you , or reade it your selfe ? Thou hast wisely asked me this question ( said Lord Felix ) for of this point I haue seene diuers good conceites , and from whence the cause proceedes I knowe not , but let it goe : For of conceites and opinions ( they say ) there is no disputing . But I take more pleasure to reade it my selfe , to stay and studie vpon that which likes me best , and to vnderstand it the better . Read it therefore aloude ( said Placindus ) that euerie one may vnderstand it , and that I may tell you when you must leaue . I read it , said Lord Felix , and therefore giue attentiue eare , for thus it saith .

It fitteth not my song To deigne to answer with direction Men of such wit and small perfection , That offer her such wrong : For Fortune doth onely to those belong That haue the vse of reason and election .

For declaration whereof we must presuppose the learning and opinions of the Peripatetickes , That Fortune is an accidentall cause , which doth seldome happen , and comes onely to them that worke by election , ordained to some end . It woulde be too long a labour to expound euery particular part heereof , and tell how it is vnderstood , and if it be distinguished from the fower causes , which the Philosophers doe assigne ; and if it be not distinguished ( bicause then there should be fiue ) to which of the fower it is reduced ; and what difference there is betweene Chaunce , Fortune and Fate , and many other things touching this subiect . But to fulfill our purpose , it sufficeth to vnderstand : That if one did dig , or turne vp the ground to sowe , or burie some thing , and digging did finde some treasure , this digging should be termed Fortunate , which was the cause of finding the treasure . And it is called the Accidentall cause , bicause that digging was not ordained to finde treasure , but to burie a dead thing : For if it had beene knowne that it was there , and he had digged to that end , it could not be termed Fortune . It came to one that vsed election ; for it lay in his choice to digge , which he might haue left vndone if he would , considering besides howe finding of treasure doth seldome happen . It must be called good Fortune , if the effect be good , as finding of treasure ; ill , if the effect be naught , as when he found treasure , he found a viper that bit him . It may be called great , if the effect be great ; little , if the effect be little . Whereupon it may begathered for our purpose or intent ( for they vse all in one signification for this present disputation ) that it may be called Fortune . So that in fooles and children , that haue no reason , there is no Fortune . Whereupon you shall vnderstand , that if the stone , whereof they make the aulters , or the woode , whereof they make the statues of the Gods , they poetically call Fortunate , it is by a figure called Metaphora , or likenes , that those stones and woode hath in respect of others with fortunate men , and those which are not . But there is one thing to be noted , that insensible things participate of Fortune passiuely , as obiects , by meanes whereof men are fortunate .

Giue it me againe ( said Placindus to Lord Felix ) for you go too far , that which is read is sufficient for the vnderstanding of the foresaid verses . Truely ( said Parisiles ) it is learnedly handled , and I thinke that the point which Lord Felix desired to know , is sufficiently vnderstoode , and that he cleerely shewed it by that which he read , considering the obscuritie of the matter . I am satisfied ( said Lord Felix ) but I should take great pleasure , if now the sence of the verse ( taken with the intent ) were quadrant to my minde . I am content ( said Placindus ) to tell it . Hauing said in the beginning ( if you remember ) that whosoeuer speaketh ill of Fortune was a foole , answering to his reasons , he prooues himselfe to haue no reason , whereupon that it is inferred in that staffe which you aske , that since they haue no reason at that time , when one entreates of Fortune , it is not meete to talke with them , nor they to meddle with things of Fortune , Since Fortune onely commeth to him that hath reason . Nowe that I am resolued ( said Lord Felix ) returne to your Historie againe . You made an end in telling how Beldanisus had interrupted the musicke , leauing his brother and cosens in the reregard : I brake it off at this worde Distcus that now . And since I interrupted your continued discourse , it is reason that I helpe you to knit it , and reduce you to it againe . Well then from that place I will begin , said Placindus .

Disteus , that now had come somewhat neere , desirous to taste of that dainty musicke , euen then when he saw violent hands laid on Sagastes ( although he hated him mortally , yet to do his Lady Dardanea seruice ) he ranne in , and stept betweene Eeldanisus and Sagastes ( for he had now also drawne his sword ) saying . Keepe out Lord Sagastes , and receiue this small peece of seruice for my Mistres Dardanea your sisters sake . Beldanisus was so wroth to see Sagastes taken away , that like an angrie Beare despoiled of her yoong ones , with enraged furie he ran vpon Disteus , to wreake his anger wholly vpon him ; and thinking he had beene but of small courage , and partly incensed with violent despite and choler , without any feare he ranne within him , and lifting vp his sworde with all his strength did manfully discharge it vpon him . But Disteus like a stout and couragious Gentleman , knowing it was no time to dally when he sawe such a furious blowe comming , before it was discharged , by closing with him tooke it vpon his buckler , wherewith he thumped him so strongly on the brest , that he felled him to the ground ; where , hauing knocked his head by the terrible fall , he lay senceles for a space , and was not able to rise vp againe . Sagastes and his page would haue come in to helpe Disteus , but that Beldanisus brother , and his cosens seeing swordes drawne in Sagastes fauour , two of them fell vpon Disteus , thinking it had beene Sagastes , with intent to haue made but a short peece of worke of it , bicause they could not stay long about that busines ( for so the fower had concluded betweene them ) and the other two fell vpon Sagastes and his page , whom they thought to be Sagastes men . But it fell out cleane contrarie , and in vaine came they in so soone , for Disteus had now smitten Beldanisus to the grounde , where his brother seeing him lie , without a worde , thought verily that he was slaine . Wherefore determining either to die , or to reuenge his death , with one of his cosens he assailed Disteus : who without any signe of feare or cowardise manfully receiued them both . But yet he sawe him selfe narrowly beset , bicause they were both hardy youths ; besides that the wrath and desire of reuenge , to see Beldanisus on the ground , made them desperate . But they were not able to controll Disteus his courage , nor to abate his strength and dexteritie , that had by this time wearied them , and ended their liues , if they had not bin wel armed with defences . But when at his pleasure he lifted vp his good sworde to smite one of them , he did so hardly entreate them , that they thought it best not to come within his reach , wherewith he had nowe broken their maile , and wounded them lightly in some places . The two cosens made Sagastes and his page flie before them , and had killed them , if they thought Sagastes had beene there , being also ignorant in what case Beldanisus and his cosens were . But nowe when Disteus had brought them to an ill passe , Beldanisus came to himselfe againe , ( for he had no other harme , but that onely by the blowe in his head he had lost his sence ) and knowing what a great shame and dishonour it was vnto him , and seeing besides how valiantly the man that came in betweene them , had behaued himselfe with two of them , he fell fiercely vpon him , of purpose to take iust reuenge of him , assailing him more aduisedly then before . Disteus though he sawe himselfe encountred by three , did not yet loose his manly courage , but as if the effray had but then begun , wounded them cruelly , not escaping himselfe without some small wounds & cuts in his garments , bicause their swordes did not cut like his , nor their armes had the strength as his had ; the cheefest cause whereof was , that Disteus did not let them wound him at their pleasure : albeit one of the cosins did put him to much trouble : For as two of them did set him well a worke , he with a long tucke did thrust at him mortall stocados , wherupon Disteus thinking that all the victory consisted by ouercomming him , he endeuoured to close with him ; for he perceiued wel , that if he had thrust but one to his minde , it had beene ynough for him . But the other two perceiuing his intent , preuented him of his purpose ; whereupon the other in the meane time reached him a desperate thrust , the which with a ready eie auoyding , he requited with such a sturdie blowe , that he felled him to the ground : And to Beldanisus , who had wounded him in the shoulder , without any pause at all he gaue an ouerthwart blowe on the left arme , that he cut the maile from his sleeue , and the flesh to the bone . With these two blowes they were put in such a feare , that they thought it best to giue backe , studying rather to defend themselues , then offend or hurt their enemie . Disteus seeing the victorie in his hands , did not cease to plie them still in such sort , that he made them by one and one retire . But now by this time there was much people gathered togither , to part the effray , though by the darknes of the night one knew not another . Whereupon Disteus , taking vp his cloke , that he had cast downe , got himselfe out of the prease : and Sagastes to seeke the man out , that had helped him so well in that encounter , cared not to pursue his enemies , so that they escaped then away vnknowen , without getting any thing of their purpose . Disteus perceiuing , that with so great desire they sought him , to doe his feate the better , and that which heereafter you shall heare , came to Sagastes page , and putting a corner of his bandkercher in his mouth , bicause he would not be knowen by his speech , said vnto him . Let not thy Master take any care to knowe who I am , for to morrow I will goe my selfe to kisse his handes . The page went with this errant , but Sagastes not content therewith , would haue gone himselfe to haue spoken with him , if the page had not disswaded him , saying . Sir , it is no reason to molest him , that hath done you no lesse a good turne , then the sauing of your life . It seemes he would not now be willingly knowne , let him therefore alone and trouble him not , since he hath giuen you his word to come to morrow and visit you . Thou saiest well ( saide Sagastes ) and till then I shall not be quiet in minde : for it hath put me in a great wonder and confusion to knowe who he might be , that so valiantly defended himselfe against three ; but in a greater , when I call to minde the wordes that he spake , when he stept in to helpe me , That I should take it for a peece of seruice due to my sister and his Mistresse Dardanea . For they were such , that ( had I not knowen Dardanea well ) would haue put me in a great suspicion and iealousie of her . And besides this , it comes also to my minde that if he be wounded ( for he could not otherwise escape ) it shall be ill beseeming me , if I doe not the best I can to procure his health and reuenge , although by the last he hath sufficiently accuited himselfe . Go tell him therefore from me what my desire and good will is towardes him , and that ( before he be gone in haste to helpe himselfe ) I will not depart from this place . The page went , and being come to Disteus spake thus vnto him . Sir , whosoeuer you be , my Lord Sagastes doth kisse your hands , and by me giues you to vnderstand , that he praies the Gods may graunt him but the lest occasion and opportunity to serue you in any thing he may , and to requite the great good turne , which he hath this night receiued at your hands ; who would haue come in person himselfe to thanke you , but that the vnderstands it is your desire to conceale your selfe . He is also no lesse desirous to know who you are , but he is loth to intreat you to any thing against your will , lest perhaps , you would deny to do that you shal think good , although you haue forced him to be euer bound vnto you . But for all this he would vrge and oblige you to fulfill your promise , to see him to morrow according to your word . He praies you moreouer to looke wel to your selfe , if you be wounded , and to take some speedy order for your safetie , saying , that vntill he see you go hence , he will not depart from the place where he is . Tell thy Lord , answered Disteus , that if I haue done any thing for him , it was no more but a due debt which I owe him , onely for that he is brother to my Mistresse Dardanea : and bicause he may not be greeued in minde by not knowing who I am , tell him that I am Placindus , nephew to Palna , free from wounds , and I must needs stay here all alone about certaine busines that I haue agreed vpon , and that therefore he may depart , since I am greeued in nothing , wherein his care may preuaile me , assuring him that to morrow I will stand to my word and promise . The Page maruelled much that I had so valiantly helped his Lord and him , and as he esteemed me in his mind for a tall man : so thought me to be ill brought vp by giuing him so rude an answere . For Disteus of purpose would not answere him with more humanitie , though he could do it well , bicause there was no cause as I told you to vse him well , but onely that he was brother to her , that was his onely ioy . But the page thinking it proceeded of ignorance & want of good education , mended ( I think ) the matter with his Lord touching my homely answer . Sagastes woondred ( and not without great reason ) when he heard that it was I , that had so manfully taken his part , and with that false opinion which from that time he had of my valour , he went home , thinking stil it was I , by whom he receiued so great a benefit . Disteus also when he saw Sagastes gone , went home to his own house , where he found me with fear for his long tarying , & carefully attending his returne . But when I saw him so ill entreated , I began to chaunge colour , thinking he had beene hurt , and therefore said vnto him . What meanes this Sir ? How come you home in this sort ? Trouble not thy selfe , said Disteus , for I haue no hurt : and now that thou hast seene , how in thy apparell ( because I would not be knowen in Dardaneas house ) I went to see thine Aunt and my mother : So I also told thee that thine Aunt was to send thee of an errant , the which bicause it lay in my way , I would also dispatch . The errant therefore that Dardanea did will thee to do was this : But giue good eare , and loose not a word of that , which I will tell thee , bicause it behooues thee much , and also bicause we may not both be taken in a lye . I say Dardanea requested thee to goe watch her brother , who ( as it was told her ) was accustomed to goe night by night out of his house , and to see whither he went . But it fell out , that this night my selfe doing that , which was committed to thy charge , after a good while that Sagastes came foorth , I followed him , and after this he told me particularly all the successe , as you haue now heard , and somewhat more . When I heard of the singular fauour and helpe that Disteus had done to Sagastes , I was astonished to see that with so great zeale and courage he had succoured him , who was his mortall enemie , and therefore saide vnto him . You haue filled me Sir full of woonder , for it is beyond all sence and conceit that you should be mooued to put your life in danger for one , that would bereaue you of yours . Stay ( said Disteus ) and hearken how the matter fals out , & thou shalt know the whole cause , whereby thou shalt vnderstand how much thou art beholding vnto me . Thou must therfore know that to heare the musick the better ( as I told thee ) I came somwhat neere , thinking that by wearing thy apparell , I might not haue been knowen , and bicause Dardanea might not thinke of thee the worse , that being present there , thou didst not helpe her brother in so great danger , I thought good not for any loue I bare him ( whom I would rather haue pursued to death , then to defende him from it ) but for thy sake Placindus , to put my person in hazard . And therefore bicause it might bee thought , that thou wert the man that came to helpe him , when I stept in before him , I saide : Accept this small token of good will Lord Sagastes for my Mistresse Dardaneas sake , your vertuous sister . And now therefore that thou knowest how al hath hapned , and that I charged thee not to forget the least part thereof , giue eare to the end , whereunto this particular discourse of mine is adressed . To morrowe thou shalt goe to my mother and carrie her a letter from me , and tell her what thou hast done , touching that busines which she had giuen thee in charge , wherein all the whole matter shall consist . First , bicause she may aduise thee howe to behaue thy selfe with Dardanea , and with anie other that perhaps may aske thee howe this matter passed . Secondly , bicause she may set downe some good order for that which is needfull to be done . After this , thou shalt go and speake with Sagastes , to stand to thy word ( or rather mine to saie better ) where , ( as thine Aunt shall instruct thee , and as I haue aduised thee ) thou shalt speake vnto him . Thou shalt also carrie this sword with thee , bicause I thinke he will aske for it , for the good proofe that it made on the rapiers and daggers there . If he would know where thou hadst it , tell him that when thine Aunt was with me , I gaue it thee , and so I am sure hee will bestow some suites of apparell on thee in recompence of thine which were spoiled and defaced in his defence . But thou must do me so much pleasure , not to take them at his hands , but rather tell him , that thou carest not for any other recompence , then that thou didst it for Dardaneas seruice , being Mistres to thine Aunt . In doing whereof , thou shalt not onelie binde me , to bestow this , and more on thee , but also her ( when she shall know howe thou didst aduenture thy life for her sake ) to requite this good turne , and euer hereafter to make more account of thy manhood and fidelitie : And , by denying to take any reward at Sagastes hands , oblige her moreouer to thine Aunt . The next daie in the morning I carried the letter that Disteus had written that night to mine Aunt , and told her all that had passed .

As Placindus went on thus telling the pleasant discourse of Disteus and Dardaneas loues , they all bent their cares to a certaine noise that a horse and his Master made , he to take him that ran vp and downe without his bridle , and the horse vnwilling to be caught , bicause he liked his libertie better . Which when Placindus saw , with a merrie countenance he aroseland said . I beseech you sage Lady , and noble companie , pardon me , for it shall ill become me if I goe not to helpe that Gentleman to get his horse againe . And without more adoe he went and left them all laughing , and somewhat greeued to see how abruptly he left them for so small a matter . To whom Felicia spake thus . Thinke it not a small occasion that hath made him leaue you thus , for it should ill beseeme him indeede ( as he well considered no lesse ) if he did not helpe him , that ran after his horse , bicause he is a great friend to Disteus , called Martandrus , who as you must knowe went out long since in company of Delicius and Parthenius , to seeke out Disteus and Dardanea : wherefore you should be the rather glad of his comming at this time , bicause better then Placindus he can tell you out the rest of these loues that Placindus hath begun . If it be so , said Lorde Felix , and the Shepherdes , it shall not be likewise amisse for vs all to helpe him . And so rising vp , they helped Martandrus to get his horse againe . But Martandrus , who thou dost bring me , I am not so : for I know not whether I may recken them in the number of good , or consort them amongst the ill . On the one side , by giuing credit to thy words , I see my brother free from harme ( which I pray the Gods may be true ) and on the other , see not wherein thou meanest to place mine honour with thy pretences , which the Gods also permit may not be hurtfull . It likes me well to see my brother in health and safe from wounds ; but it would greeue me more to haue mine honour ( only in thought ) called in question . I am glad to know that my brother hath beene defended in so great danger , but sorrie that it was by Disteus . Thou mightest haue pleased me well Palna , and no lesse contented thy selfe , if with these good newes , thou hadst onely told me that Sagastes was free from danger , and not proceeded further to tell me , by whose means he escaped it . There was no cause I thinke ( for that which toucheth me so neere , will not giue me leaue to vnderstand it otherwise ) why Disteus helpe should be hidden from others , and onely made knowen to me . And bicause I finde the thought thereof so highly to offend mine honor : I will therefore not onely speake of it , but , as though I had heard it in a dreame , quite forget it , commaunding thee ( if now thou meanest not to go to thy Disteus againe ) neuer hereafter to open thy mouth in any thing touching this matter , or that hath but a taste thereof , vpon paine of my highe displeasure , and abridging of that good will , which I haue hitherto borne thee . And that Placindus besides offer not to put foote in my house , or else not to enter in that where Disteus dwels . When shee had saide thus , without tarrying any longer to heare the fained excuse that Palna had alreadie prepared , in a great anger shee went vp to her chamber , where musing more deepely vpon the matter , the noble vertues of Disteus , and his bounteous minde was presented to her tender thoughts , since for her mans sake and in defence of his mortal enimy , he exposed himselfe to so manifest danger ; and his approoued manhood and braue courage , whereby he got the victorie of his enimies , occurring ioyntly to her minde , and therewithall the golden praises which Palna had so many times insinuated in her eares , all which she knewe his generall fame did confirme , made her so content in minde , as that to a newe borne passion accompanied with sweete ioy ( but of what she knewe not yet ) she gaue a friendly welcome . Who being in these milde considerations , Sagastes came in with Placindus ( for assoone as he had spoken to his Aunt , he went to kisse Sagastes hands ) to comfort her , if perhaps she had knowne any thing of that which was past : And as he found her all alone , and very pensiue , he thought that the late danger of his life had driuen her into that sadde and melancholike moode , whereupon he deferred not to tell her all in order what had passed , thinking she had not knowne it . To all which she gaue an attentiue eare , for she tooke great pleasure to heare him tell it . But when hee tolde any thing of Placindus ( whom as I saide she knew to be Disteus ) her colour went and came ; but especially when he tolde that with valiant speed ( when they had both drawne foorth their rapiers ) he stept in betweene them , desiring him to keepe out , and to accept that small token of dutie and good will for the seruice he owed to his Mistres Dardanea . The often changing of her colour in her face gaue him no occasion of suspect , who thought it rather proceeded of feare , and of thinking in what great danger he had like to beene . After a fewe speeches past , he tooke her aside , and charged her to gratifie Placindus , telling her that he would take nothing of him , and so hee went his waies . Palna was not present at any of these things , bicause she would not be an eie sore to her Mistres with her presence , vntill her anger was somewhat past , who did not for all this loose her hope ; but meaning to handle the matter wisely , warned Placindus not to goe openly into Disteus house , excusing the matter to him , and that it was to no other ende , but that none might suspect , that it was he that helped Sagastes : And bicause Sagastes and Dardanea ( if they did knowe that he resorted thither ) woulde not beare him such good will as they were woont . Palna by no meanes would make Disteus priuie of Dardaneas answer and command , bicause she woulde not giue him so bad newes , knowing that without great greefe of minde hee coulde not suffer them . It is not needfull ( Gentlemen ) to tell you heere what Sagastes did , vntill he knew who those were that assailed him : Let it suffice that they were reconciled to Sagastes , who pardoned them bicause they might do the like to Placindus . And Beldanisus coulde not choose but pacisie himselfe , seeing that Marthea had cast him off , and was married to Sagastes . At whose marriage , which with sumptuous and solemne feast and all kind of courtly sports ( too long to tell ) was celebrated in the Citie , Disteus in disguised sort was euer present : And in Tylt and Tourney ( which for the greater honour thereof Sagastes had ordeined ) got so much glory and reputation , that as his heroicall deedes and gracious demeanours were the common speeches of al the kingdome ; so did the praises of his valour and prowesse importune so much Dardaneas cares , that she was forced to loue him a little more , especially when by some secret meanes she vnderstoode that she was the onely cause why all those tryumphs were done in honor of her loue & seruice . The which also in particular by Disteus countenances and shewes she not vainely gessed , although with great regard of modestie and reuerence he so behaued himselfe , that whatsoeuer he did to make his feruent passion knowne , to his discredit , nor to her dishonour did any waies redound . And now was she sorrie and wished that she had not so sharpely chidden Palna , bicause she might haue somtimes spoken to her of Disteus , and durst not go foorth to meete her in the way , bicause she woulde not acquaint her with the secrets of her hart . And needlesse it was to speake to her of it , who by secret and hidden signes conceiued more then by words Dardanea durst vtter . For Palna like a wise and suttle woman made as though she did not vnderstand that , whereof she yet doubted , least thereby she might haue fallen into some newe errour , being not fully assured of Dardaneas minde . And this she did to make her more gentle , and to discouer her minde more apparantly , thereby to conduct her affaires to a better end . Disteus in the meane time made all possible haste with Palna to bring him againe to the sight of his Mistres , or at least to manifest his paine vnto her , or else to giue her a letter from him . All which Palna considering to be somewhat hard , did choose the least , aduising him therefore to write , and promising him to finde out some way or other to conueigh his letter into Dardaneas handes , without any suspicion or danger at all . For the better effecting whereof she deuised ( bicause Dardanea might not thinke that they had any conference togither , or written to one another , and also bicause she might repose more trust and haue the better opinion in her ) that he should also write to her , as if that letter had beene the first , wherein hee shoulde charge her to giue Dardanea the other letter that he wrote vnto her , and to leaue the care of all the rest to her good endeuours , promising him to bring the matter to a good ende ; but vpon such a condition , that he woulde haue a little patience , if perhaps the answere were deferred for some fewe daies . Disteus , as Palna did counsell him , did write , whose letters being receiued & come as fit to her minde as could be , she durst not ( for the reason abouesaid ) deliuer either of them to her Mistresse , as also bicause she would worke her purpose more sure : which was , that knowing when Dardanea had most need of her , or at such a time when she least thought of such a matter , to withdraw her into an inner chamber next to her Mistresses to read the letters , or to make as though he read them , bicause Dardanea at one time or other ( seeing her occupied ) might take occasion to follow her , or set some to spie what she did , thereby to come to the sight of them : Which fell out so fit to her minde , as she could wish , for as often as she perceiued her to go out of her sight , she sent her waiting maide secretly after her , to see what she did : wherein she was not to seeke , who tolde her Mistresse that she was writing , and bicause she perceiued her comming , did let certaine papers fall downe by her . The desire that Dardanea had to know what she did write in so great secrecie , was not small , and Palnas no lesse to haue her see it . Wherupon Dardanea went vp and downe musing in her minde by what meanes she might see it . Palna ( for this was her onely desire ) knowing her minde , did hide Disteus letters , and with them another , wherein she answered him , with deniall of his demand to giue his letters to her Mistresse , and graue aduise to forsake that fonde minde and purpose ; and did put them in such a secret place , where she thought they might not be easilie founde , to make her Mistresle thinke that by no meanes she woulde haue them come to any bodies hands . The more she made a shewe to the contrary , the more did Dardaneas desire increase , although she kept it secret to her selfe . Whereupon to come to the end of her desseignes , one night after they had supped , she fained herselfe to be drowsie , & that slumbring would not let her emploie that time in any other thing ; & thereupon withdrew herselfe to take a nappe , commanding that none should come in , nor make any noise at al , and to make ready her pallet , that lay beside her bed , and to shut vp the windowes close . All which being done she went in , and when she thought Palna and her waiting maides were gone backe againe to their worke , she rose vp , and opening Palnas chamber dore very softly , sought for the letters not so closely laid vp , but that she found them out . Opening the first that came to her hands ( which was that which Disteus had sent to Palna ) she sawe that it said thus .

Disteus his letter to Palna .

DIsteus to thee Palna sendeth health : After thou wentst from me ( if vniustly I know not ) I onely conceiued one harme that thy absence procured me , by finding my selfe depriued of her , whom I euer accounted for a mother , and this amongst the rest I alwaies thought the greatest . But howe more dangerous it is for me to haue placed thy selfe with faire Dardanea , my hart onely knoweth . For seeking reasons to condemne thee for that , which in all mens eies made thee culpable , I found out good cause to giue iudgement against my selfe in that , for which , I knowe not , if I deserue to be punished . I accused thy disloialtie , and blamed thee for leauing me in such sort ; but when I came to consider for whom , I was not able to vtter a worde . O how many times woulde I haue forgotten this , and howe manie more haue lost my life , not to haue thought thereof . How often did I endeuour to cast off such amorous fancies from me , thinking to quench the flame that was kindled in me ; and how many times did I finde my selfe enwrapped therein , the fire , that had already taken full possession of my soule , reuiuing it selfe more in me . I will speake no more heereof , bicause all is to mine owne cost : but by the amorous milke that I haue taken from thee , most humblie praie thee , and for that great portion of amity and good will which thou dost owe me , to giue this letter to my Mistresse Dardanea , ( happie were I if she would accept it . ) And with this I end , hoping that either my passions or life will do no lesse .

Dardanea hauing now the letter in her hande that Palna sent to Disteus , she first thought it best to see what Palna had written to him againe in answere thereof , and when she had opened it , she saw that it said thus .

Palnas letter to Disteus .

TO thee Disteus , thy seruant Palna sendeth health . Thy vertuous and magnificent minde hath beene no lesse manifest vnto me by the late and passed entertainment , which thou euer gauest me , not being constrained thereunto , then by this present letter , and by writing first vnto me , not being bound to do it ; whereby the bountie of thy braue minde is apparant to me , and the worthines of thy high and noble blood ( from whence thou art descended ) well showen , and my base condition not made vnknowne . I speake it not for that I haue forsaken thee for my Lady Dardanea , for of this I will neuer aske thee forgiuenes , nor repent mee , but bicause ( as I was bounde ) I wrote not first vnto thee . And though I haue sufficient matter to excuse mee , yet I will not alledge it in mine owne behalfe , bicause I doe not desire to be pardoned . Thy sweete and louing letter had affoorded me no small pleasure , if it had commanded me to doe something , wherein my poore abilitie might auaile thee , though it had beene to the cost of my life . But I coulde not be but sorrie , when I sawe I could not pleasure thee , of which fonde request and ouersight , in plainer termes ( if by regarde of due obedience I were not restrained ) I woulde flatly reprooue thee : In deniall whereof ( for I will not for all the worlde doe any thing willingly , whereby I might giue my Mistresse occasion of offence ) I sende thee thy letter againe which thou hast sent mee to deliuer vnto her . But bicause I may by something paie that great debt which I owe thee , I would counsell thee ( if I might ) to leaue of such a thought , the contrarie whereof shall be no lesse dangerous then troublesome to thee , and without any profite at all . If in any other thing thou wilt trie my good will and fidelitie , I would take it for a speciall fauour at thy hands . The Gods keepe thee in their protection .

Then she opened the letter that Disteus sent to her , to the graue style and iudicious conceate whereof , I praie you Gentlemen giue an attentiue eare .

Disteus his letter to Dardanea . TO thee the comfort of all mortall men , Of all men liuing the most comfortlesse , Health ( if discomfort any such can send ) If any left , doth send with happinesse . I wish no ease of all my ceaselesse paine , If that a thousand times when I did take In hand to write to thee , I left againe My pen as oft , when hand and hart did quake . I launch't into the maine and broadest seas , Knowing no port , nor friendly land , or coast To saile vnto ( my shaken barke to ease , With raging waues and furious tempests tost ) For on the one side if I thought to write , To make thee knowe my paine which thou hast wrought : Thy high desertes on th' other came in sight , To beate downe such a far vnwoorthy thought . My wearied torments did commaund an I , Thy souer aine highnes did for bid a No , And that commaund with reason did denie , Such woorthinesse and glorie it did showe . But after this proud boldnes came in place , Perswading me I should doe well before To write to thee : But feare did him disgrace , And said I should but anger thee the more . And therefore now as feare did ouer come Braue boldnes , and had throwne it to the ground , And now that all my senses waxed numme By feare , which did my feeble hope confound . Couragiously the God of Loue came in , And said , vnwoorthy feare packe hence , away : And come no more , for now thou shalt not win : I doe commaund , Loue doth commaund I say . And turning to me in this sort he saide , As by commaund , nor gently by request , The fire ( when once it is in flames displaide ) Hides not it selfe , but makes it manifest : Euen so it is impossible to hide My firie flames , from being sometimes knowne , And though I would not , yet on euery side They issue out , that easily they are knowne . Since then thy Nymph celestiall must knowe , Either too soone or late thy cruell flame , Let first thy mouth declare to her thy woe , Then to thy hand and pen commend the same . I answered ( God wot with fainting hart ) To write to her , it is my chiefe desire ; But if she chaunce to frowne at this bold part , O God defend my pen should cause her ire . Thus Loue at last perceiuing what a faint And hartlesse coward I was , in the end He wrote to thee , by pitying of my plaint , And in my name Loue doth this letter send . And now bicause thy minde it may not mooue To anger , by receiuing of the same : And if thou think'st thy honour I doe prooue , Knowe from a God , and from no man it came . Euen from the God of Loue , who is a God Of highest birth , whose power doth extend In heauen , and earth , where he makes his abode , Both paying tribute to him without end . So that it is the mighty God of Loue That erres ( if that in writing he doth erre ) Against Loue therefore all thy anger mooue , ( If this to wrath thy modest minde may stirre . ) Harke well ( my deerest Mistresse ) what I say , That if this letter breedeth thy offence , Be thou reueng'd of Loue , which did assay To write , and not of me for this pretence . But by the way I tell thee as a friend , That if with Loue thou dost begin to striue , With nature and her lawes thou dost contend , For making thee the fairest one aliue . For if she haue of purpose giuen thee Beautie , and grace , and in thy brest hath fram'd The onely patterne of gentilitie , That beauties Paragon thou maist be nam'd . And to lay vp her riches all in one , Of all her treasure she hath now despoild The world , and made it poore in leauing none , And to make thee the onely one hath toild . Hath she not reason then to be offended , If by the gemme , where she her vtmost tride , She would haue seene and knowne how far extended Her passing skill , which thou dost seeke to hide ? Hath she not reason to be angrie , when The patterne of her skill and onely one Hides from the world and buries in a den Her treasures , which so faine she would haue knowne ? For sure I knowe , if that thou meanest not To loue , thou buriest all her partes in thee : And dost thou thinke , that anything is got By flying Loue , and natures best decree ? And if thou think'st heerein to doe amisse , Or hurt thy selfe by louing , yet at lest Suffer thy selfe to be belou'd . And this Fond error driue out of thy tender brest . O suffer of thine owne accord and will , For forced thou shalt be to this for euer : While thou and I doe liue , and shalt be still After thy death and mine , and ended neuer . Then will me not ( Dardanea ) to forsake My perfect loue , which now I haue bewraied : For more thou dost commaund the lesse I make Account of it , and lesse shalt be obaied . And thinke thou art not wronged any whit , Bicause what thou ( faire Mistresse ) dost commaund Is not obaide , for heere it is not fit Where life for loue and loue for life is pawn'd . Leaue thou if that thou canst the same thou hast , Yeelding to nature , what so much on thee She hath bestowde , and change thy life that 's past , And leaue moreouer what thou mean'st to be . Then shalt thou see thy most vniust desire Fulfill'd , and will perform'd without defect , Although thou didst the contrarie require , As fearing colours with some vaine suspect . But now why should'st thou leaue a perfect being , By taking that which more imperfect is ? As first mens eies the like was neuer seeing , The second voide of comfort , ioy and blisse . So that ( sweete Mistresse ) it becomes thee not To anger Loue , and Nature to offend , For thou art bound ( whom they haue not forgot ) Their lawes to loue , their essence to defend . Since that thy beauties in the world resound , And dost in vertue hold the highest place , And dost in knowledge and in wit abound , In modestie , and euery other grace . Make them illustrous then by thy requiting , Take heede , Ingratitude is full of hate , Hate to reuenge is euer more inuiting , And so reuenge waites at Obliuions gate . And thinke not , that I speake these wordes in iest , For to a cruell Goddesse it belongs This vice ( which all the world doth so detest ) To punish , and torment ingratefull wrongs . And Nemesis the angrie is her name , Whose vnresisted might who doth not knowe ? Equall she is and neuer but the same , Impartially to deale with friend or foe . Alas I would she might not finde in thee So great a fault , as none more great then this , Since from all other faultes thou shalt be free , If but this fault alone thou wilt dismisse . But thou maist say , why should thy haplesse fare Trouble my minde , or thy good please my will , Or what haue I to doe to take such care , Whether thy fortune fallout good or ill ? To answere this , I cannot well replie , Let it suffice thee , that the lest suspect Of any harme thou hast doth make me die , And worse then death torments me in effect . Deere Lady , then I would not haue thee prooue The cruell shaft of angrte Nemesis : For first let each infernall power mooue Their plagues against me of eternall Dis. But now I would be glad if thou wouldst tast The sweete and golden flight of Cupids powre , Bicause my torments , which are gone and past , Pitie thou might'st and those I feele this howre . For if thou knew'st my paines and pitious case , With pitie and teares thou wouldst my life deplore , Not for my merits , which are very base , But for my loue , which well deserueth more . Each thing that is created heere so fit , An equall hauing in a diuers kinde , In such like kinde a paiment doth admit , By measuring the debt that is behinde . But as fell loue no equall doth containe , In such a diuers kinde and different , By selfe same thing it paies it selfe againe : Loue must be paid with loue of good intent . Then since it is most euident and cleere , That I doe prize thy loue at such a rate , Thou must requite my loue againe so deere , If Nemesis ingratitude doth hate . But if thou dost not purpose to requite The loue , that I haue borne , and beare thee still ; And with like loue to ease my heauie plight , And greeuous paines for thy procuring ill : My hands of life shall then vndoe the chaine , But not of loue ( by death to ease my death ) And so requite me , when no other meane Is left , to make me still enioy this breath . For sure if that my life be of this sort , My life is death , and dying is my life : My death is sweete , a pleasure , ioy and sport , Lining in such a world of amorous strife . But now I cease , my teares fall in such store , And painfull soule for greefe can write no more .

O how wisely hast thou done Martandrus ( said Lord Felix ) by warning vs to be attentiue , for this letter doth well beseeme the person of a discreete and enamoured Gentleman , with what modestie and feare did he write it . And how true is that ( said Danteus ) which is almost in the end of it , That all things in this worlde in a different kind may be paide , as grasse with sheepe , sheepe with cloth , and finally all with money ; but onely loue , the which , bicause with no other thing it hath neither equalitie nor proportion , cannot but with loue be recompenced againe . For touching my selfe I know , that though my Shepherdesse Duarda would giue me all that she hath in the world ; yet she could not pay me that she owes me , if she denied me her loue . Felismena preuenting Duarda that was about to answere him , said . Let vs leaue this for this time : And as you loue your selfe ( Sir ) tell on , bicause we may know what this Ladie did with such a letter ; for I know not what she was able to answere againe , but to yeelde her selfe to his loue , whereupon I thinke she durst not take in hand to answere so wise reasons . Not so Ladie ( said Martandrus ) for I assure you that Dardanea is not such an one , that the high sence and stile thereof could put her to a non-plus ; in proofe whereof you shall see it by her answere . But bicause we may not discontinue so sweete a discourse I will proceede .

This letter was of so great effect in Dardaneas tender hart , that now in euerie point she perceiued her selfe yeelded to Cupids forces : The which her cristalline teares that issued out of her cleere eies , did make so manifest , that she was vnable to stay them , although many times in vaine she laboured the contrarie . But as she could not satifie her selfe with reading it once or twise ouer , the more she read it , the more her loue encreased : For knowing Disteus his vertues and valour to bee great , and therewithall considering the qualitie of his person , and with what milde modestie and discretion he wrote this letter , the well conceiued words thereof were so forcible in her minde imprinted , that they strangely disposed it to entertaine most louing thoughts of him that wrote them . Her kinde and tender hart was no lesse pierced with pitie , and compassion when she vnderstoode in what extremities his loue consisted , since by the sequell of his letter she perceiued how abruptly he ended ; whereby he manifested the forcible passion that he had in writing of his paines and sorrowes : To all which no meane motiues in her conquered minde this moreouer occurred , that he offered to expose himselfe to any danger of death for Sagastes his mortall enemie , onely to do her seruice , that neuer yet had shewed him the least fauour in the world . So that loue assayling her on the one side ( which till then had not notably signorized in her ) and her honour and vertuous reputation ( which she had euer religiously obserued ) pressing her on the other , droue her vsetled thoughts into such suspence , and troubled her doubtfull minde , that being ignorant what course to take , or what remedie to choose out for the best , since she would neither offend this , & could not choose but obey that , she was between two contraries so mightily assaulted , that to yeelde to one without preiudice to the other , shee would in a manner haue lost her deerest life : which sorrowfull thoughts hiding in her secret breast , and the letters in her amorours bosome , she went to her chamber , where casting her selfe vpon her bed , and lying flatling vpon her pillow , thus shee lamented to her selfe .

O what shall become of thee Dardanea , being assailed by two such opposite enimies ! O heauenly Diana ! O inuincible Venus ! How haue you both with your diuine powers seised on my yeelding soule ? How could you , being so great Goddesses , make your habitation and seat in so humble a sublect , and in so base and little a house as this is ? And being so contrarie and capitall enimies , how haue you determined to your content , and my losse to deraigne a hard and mightie battel in such a tender and weake field ? Why will you execute your vnresisted forces in the feeble breast of a yeelded and captiue woman ? Faine would I not open the gates Diana , whose name I honor to thy contrarie ; but pardon me , since I haue not my wonted forces : for importunate Venus knowing how strongly this tower of thinc was defended , & being driuen many times from it , hath now emploied all hir force in the enterprise , and conquest of it . O noble Disteus , if thy words be fained ( which the Gods forbid ) then is my death certaine . But why should I thinke so when as thou are Disteus , whose name includes all generous virtues : and I Dardanea , whose minde such thoughts doth ill beseeme . Alas poore Gentleman , how vngratefully doth Palna thy nurse requite thy fauours which she confesseth thou hast bountifully bestowed on her , since from thy first desire ( a matter but of small consequence ) she so bitterly repelled thee by denying to giue me a letter , which to her hands , next to my hart thou didst so earnestly commend . What wilt thou say , nay what shall I doe , since she that was the soule and onely meanes , will haue nothing to do with the matter , which she hir selfe did first begin . Couldst thou not ( Disteus ) or wert thow affraide to open thy greefe vnto me , or was I vnable or too timorous to manifest my passion vnto thee ? Tell me cruell Palna , what leaue hadst thou to send backe againe the letter , that was onely directed to me , by not letting me once see it . Was it not meet thou shouldest do that , thy master commaunded thee , and that which was expedient for me ? But alas thou art not in fault but I , and therefore will I onely take the punishment on my selfe , and excuse thee from blame . For since I haue entreated thee so sharply , when thou didst speake to me of Disteus , and in such things , which did not any waies offend my honour , thou hast then reason to vse me cruelly in that , wherein my helpe and remedie doth chiesly consist .

And thus putting filence to her greefe , she went musing what meanes she might vse , to make Palna giue her the letter , whereby she might haue some good occasion to write vnto Disteus , and in the ende resolued to take Palna on the sudden with the letters in her hand , and to see them against her will , as she could not otherwise imagine : Whereby the meanes to answer him againe might be fitly offered her . This determination being put in practise , when Palna had the letters in her hand ( for as I saide , she read them many times of purpose to be seene ) Dardanea came into her chamber , and she faining as though she would hide them , Dardanea importuned her to see them , commanding her in the ende to tell her to whom , and what she wrote . But she that desired nothing more , making some simple excuses , as though she were not content therewith , at last shewed them : which , when Dardanea sawe , faining that she was angry with Disteus , she commended her that she had so wisely answered him , though it sufficed not ( as she said ) for so presumptuous and bold a part , and that she woulde therefore answere him with another letter to supplie the want of hers , to warne him , not once in thought to imagine , speake , or write of it againe . In the end whereof she purposed to tell him , by what meanes the letter came to her hands , bicause both of them might be blamelesse . The which thing she did put immediately in practise , and so began to write : The letter being ended , she read it to Palna , and thus it said .

Dardaneas answere to Disteus . TO thee the most presumptuous without leaue , Counsell , not health , by these few lines I send , That am more fearfull then thou maist conceaue : If that I thought mine honour to offend By answering thee , constraind as thou maist see , Or answering not , it might the more extend , Rather then I would thus much pleasure thee , Or would vouchsafe to take my pen in hand , First would I take a sword to murder me . Mine end is good , and doth with vertue stand , And if thou dost thinke otherwise then so , Thou art deceiu'd as much as any man : For if my reason soundly thou wilt knowe , And weigh my wordes but with attentiue minde , And note each sentence that heerein I showe : By all the foresaid thou shalt onely finde , How I pretend to giue thee sound aduise , And holesome counsell fit for one so blinde : Which is , that thou leaue of this enterprise ( If that thou canst ) and flie a thought so vaine , Or at the least conce ale it from mine eies . I knowe not , and the ground cannot obtaine , That made thee write to me this other day : Nor yet from whence such boldnes thou might'st gaine . But now I doe remember thou didst say , That loue , not thou , those louing lines did write , Bicause it did thy minde too much dismay : Fancies they are , like to the dreames by night , Common to louers ( if there any bee ) To manifest his childish toies so light . Poore God of loue , thy seruants all agree As many as doe waite vpon thy traine , To lay their faultes most commonly in thee : If childish toies I saide : doe not disdaine : For this God , whom thou dost so much obay , Is but a childe , thy wordes doe shew it plaine . Thou seem'st to shew the same by wordes , I say , By deedes I knowe not , nor I doe pretend To knowe , though deedes by words thou dost display . Which last of all in men I comprehend , Which are more wordes then works in plaine effect : In case this God of loue their mindes offend , If that your harts so plainly could detect That , which your mouth expresseth by her voice , We should not hold your loues in such suspect . But truth it is , I doe no whit reioice , For nothing it concerneth me at all , To heare thee vaunt thee of thy loue and choice : And that as firme as any brazen wall , And more then rocks vpon the shorie sandes , In fortunes fauour or in fortunes thrall : That like an Oke against the winde it standes , Like hardest Dimond to the beating steele , Like Salamander in the flaming brandes . And that againe it turneth like the wheele , And wauers more then beames of shaken glasse , More then the waues , that tumble still and reele , More changing then the weathercocke ( Alas ) In towres , and more then Cynthia in her skie : And more then men in loue their liues that passe . This hurts me little , nor I care not I , Wherefore it shall be better for thy ease , Not to loue her , that doth thy loue denie . Then seeke some other with thy loue to please Against thy loue that will not so rebell , And where thou maist swim in contented seas : For ( sooth ) thy person hath deserued well To be beloued of some other dame , For many giftes in which thou dost excell . There is no Lady , but would wish the same , Nor scorne thy loue , but euer thinke her blest That she might call thee by her louers name . And sooner shalt thou want ( to match thy brest ) A Lady fit ( respecting thy desert ) For none come neere ( though yet accounted best ) Of purpose he ere thy praises I insert , For thou didst so much wander in my praise , That onely this for thanks I doe reuert . And wordes for wordes doe giue thee now in paise , And if thou hast extolled me much better , So all thy giftes in euerie place I blaze , Ingratefull thou didst call me in thy letter , And there the proofe was false and very vaine , And therefore thou must yet remaine my detter . Although it were not so , thou saidst againe That I was bound to loue , in being faire , So worldling like thine argument was plaine . But see how reason doth the same impaire , For brighter doth each womans beautte shine , The more she shines in praise of vertues rare . So that I shall make nature more diuine , In following Dianas honest traine , Then Venus steps , or her fond discipline . To please her sonne I euer thought it vaine , Since him I cannot , and Diana please , For she is chast , dishonest is his chaine . To serue Apollos sister , sweetest ease And greatest honour by her loue is got . Who serues fond loue is drown'd in dolefull seas . If after Venus sonne thou art so hot , And dost intend to follow his desires , If so it please , then how maiest thou not ? I doe not meane to loue what he requires : And let this God euen worke with me his fill , He neuer shall consume me in his fires . Let him not seeke but her , that seekes her ill , Let him not wound but those that loue his wounds , Nor subiect those that care not for his will . But now I knowe not to what purpose soundes These reasons , that disswade me to imbrace Cupid thy God , that reason still confoundes . Since that vnto my will he giueth place , And on the same his liking doth depend , Reason in me his colours doe deface . T' is therefore reason , to the which I tend , And great it is , since it doth satisfie My minde , and doth the same so well defend . Thou writ'st , that if to loue thee I denie , That I would suffer thee to loue me yet , Against my will for loue yet wilt thou die . A pretie meanes procoeding from thy wit , To pray me not thy deere loue to preuent , Yet will I nill I thou to practise it . I greeue I cannot hinder this intent , But if ( in fine ) perforce vnto my paine thou wilt loue me , perforce I must consent . If that from being lou'd , I could remaine , ( As from all loue ) in faith I neuer would Haue left it to thy choosing to abstaine . For he that lou'd me with such rigour should Be punish't , that he should haue thence no soule To loue me , if his loue preuent I could . But I le doe that which no man shall controule , Which is that none presume to manifest His loue to me so wanton and so bolde . Let therefore punishment thy minde suggest , To mooue this fancie from thy idle minde , A fancie first conceiu'd within thy brest , Of no good ground where hope thou canst not finde : Hope is exil'd where honour taketh place ; Honour is deere to women of my kinde : Virgins I meane , and liuing in the face Of all the world with honour and renowne . Which if it be but staind , each other grace She hath , with no recou'rie falleth downe . If then these few perswasions cannot make Thee change thy minde , nor now this present frowne , Nor trembling hands , which now for anger shake By writing of these lines with little rest , Nor feare of punishment make thee forsake This fond conceit nurc'd vainly in thy brest , When thou maist neuer hope to haue a day ; Then let mine honour mooue thee ( at the lest ) To make thee hide this fier ( if you may ) Wherewith thou saist thy brest is so inflam'd : Marke this , and let thy wits not so estray . If that thou saist , that hardly is reclam'd The fire of loue , and hardly hid againe ; To tell it Palna lesse thou shalt be blam'd . But since thy hope incertaine is and vaine , And all thy harmes most sure , then ope the dore ( To helpe thee ) to obliuion and disdaine . And thus I end in hope to heare no more .

Martandrus interrupting Felismena that would haue praised the letter , and haue noted some things in it , prosecuted his tale thus . Dardanea hauing made an end of reading the letter , was not yet so quiet in minde , but that she gaue true tokens of that which remained in her brest . Whereupon , and by the gentle and milde words in her letter , Palna vnderstanding how fitly it made for her purpose , did finely dissemble the matter , and praised her for answering his letter so well , harping still vpon that string , that she was obliged to her honour and good name . But bicause the seuere stile of the letter might not daunt Disteus , she secretly sent him another , wherein she aduised him what he had to do , after so good a beginning : which might be gathered by some wordes of the answere : for proofe whereof , hee might perceiue that she had written no austere and sharpe letter , wherein if any bitternes had escaped her pen vnawares , she did straight moderate it with a hidden temper of mildenes . Aduising him besides to note , that when she warned him to surcease his loue vnto her , she saide vnto him ( if thou canst ) correcting her-selfe in a matter , that made so greatly for her owne minde ; and to consider how greatly these affaires did trouble her , who was continually thinking on them , and that she was not perswaded that he loued her from his hart ; but aboue all things , to take heede howe much it stoode him in hand to keepe this secrecie , which she committed vnto him . Palna moreouer perswaded him to hope well , since Dardanea tooke delight in hearing these affaires , whereof she made her her onely secretarie . Finally not to be tedious to you with so long a discourse , a few daies after Palna vsed so great diligence , that she got that out of Dardanea , which she kept so secret in her breast ; but could neuer winne her to speake with Disteus , vnlesse he would first promise and sweare to marie her , which was so ioyfull newes to him , who thought he wanted nothing more to make him the happiest man aliue . So that this being done , Dardanea ( though at the first she made it somewhat coy ) gaue him leaue to come to her house , where they inioyed a little while each others company in sweete and pleasant conuersation , with all respect of reuerence and modestie that was requisite in such a case : At the ende whereof ( the pleasanter the biginning was , more bitter was the sequell , since at the first loue seldome affoords one little pleasure without distempering it in the end with sorrowe and care ) it fell out that Disteus hauing gone verie early to Dardanea , and Palna not remembring to shut the doore after him , they lay togither in one bed which was made readie for them in a faire and large Summer chamber beneath , where they had before sometimes lyen togither : For Palna ( when Disteus was come in ) was warned to shut a certaine doore , which was a passage into all the house , bicause no maide nor seruant might come downe and goe thorow that way . But as she remembred not also to shut the streete doore , which they thought was safe enough , Sagastes by chance came in suspecting least of all any such matter . Disteus perceiuing a greater noise in the chamber then a womans treading could make , couered himselfe the best he could with the clothes of the bed . If Dardanea was not altered by seeing her brother ( iudge you Gentlemen ) though then it stoode her in hand to dissemble it . Sagastes sat him downe in a chaire at the beds feete , and asked her what the matter was that she went to bed so soone . Who answered that shee was not well at ease , and was therefore minded to take some Phisicke . Sagastes hearing this , would haue beene gone , but turning his face ( for now he was on that side of the bed where his sister lay ) and seeing a little stirring in the bed , asked her who was a bed with her . Dardanea answered it was her Neece ( for she kept a little child of one of hir gentlewomen , the which ( bicause she loued it well ) she called her Neece : ) but Sagastes thinking it was more then a childes stirring , did thrust vp his hands betweene the sheetes to feele the feete , Disteus as softly as he could drawing them vp . But as Sagastes thrust vp his arme so far , that Disteus knew he could not keep himself any longer hidden , with both his hands he lifted vp the clothes of the bed , and cast them so happily on Sagastes , that they couered him all ouer , and therewithall leaping out of the bed , as though he would haue laid hands on him , Dar danea made him signes to be gone . Disteus followed her counsell , who being in his shirt ranne out a pace , whom Sagastes ( after he had vnfolded himselfe from the clothes ) laying his hand on his rapier followed with might and maine not knowing him . Disteus by darke and secret places thought to conuay himselfe away , but as the night was somwhat cleere , he could not : So that what way soeuer he went Sagastes , followed him . And if he was sometimes out of his sight as in some narrow and by lanes , the people told him which way he went . Disteus therefore running in this sort , and Sagastes after him , he tooke a house , because he woulde not be knowen of the people that made a great clamour to see a man run away in his shirt , and another following him with a naked rapier in his hand . Scarce had he recouered the house , when Sagastes came to the very doore . But Disteus kept him out by shutting of a doore at the staires foote , & sought something to defend himselfe being naked ; yea , and to hurt his enimie if he could . Sagastes laboured to burst the doore in peeces to come in , & cried out so loud to them within , to open him the doore , that if they did not , he would so cruelly punish them , that they shoulde know what it was to harbour an vnknowen theefe , of whose fact he made them no lesse guiltie then the principall : Wherupon the Master of the house that by this time was come to see what a noise there was , ( fearing Sagastes threates ) came to lay hands on his guest & to deliuer him into Sagastes hands . But perceiuing it was Disteus , whom all the citie and countrey so much loued , he fell downe on his knees , beseeching him to conuey himselfe out of a windowe at the backside of the house , bicause he durst not but open his doore to Sagastes ; and therfore gaue him an old cloake and a sworde , for he had no time to giue him any more . Disteus by this counsell which he held for good , and by necessitie , as the case required , being forced to fulfill his friendes request , yeelding him great thankes for his curtesie , went out . Sagastes was melting in his owne heate and anger , that they would not open the doore , and swearing he woulde kill as many as he founde in the house . Whereat the Master of the same , ( after he had shewed Disteus the waie to escape ) feyning as though he had not knowne what the matter was , came downe , and asking who knocked , opened the dore . Sagastes caused him straight to be taken and bound , and searching euery corner of the house , but not finding him , whom hee sought , came to him againe , swearing by the life of the king , that if he told him not where the man was , or who he was that came into his house , hee woulde presently hange him vp at his owne doore . At which words the good man being afraide , told him ( as he heard ) that it was Disteus . Sagastes did easily beleeue it , for hee thought none durst haue beene so bold to iniurie him in such sort but onely he : So that seeing he had escaped him , without staying any more , he went to Disteus house with a great number of people following him . But no sooner did Sagastes runne out of his sisters house to follow Disteus , but she locked her doore and told Palna what had hapned , requesting her best and speedie aduise in that matter , and to bethinke her of some remedie , that was best for them . Palna at these vnexpected newes was in such a maze and confusion , that she could not answer her a word : But weighing the danger that Disteus was in , and loue encouraging her ( for shee accounted him as her sonne ) she answered . Do you deere Mistresse what you thinke good ; for I meane in euery perill to follow my sonne Disteus , for whom I shall arme my selfe with no lesse courage and constancie to suffer greefe and sorrow , then I did to giue him contentment and pleasure , so that in fewe wordes my resolution is to know what is become of him : For if his person ( which the Gods forbid ) hath suffred any harme , I will not enioy mine , nor liue in this worlde without his companie . Wherefore you must pardon me ( good Lady ) for laying all feare aside , I will either die or know what is become of my beloued Disteus . It greeues me that I am forced to leaue you in such a traunce and extremitie all alone , & in a time of so great neede , but deere Lady there lies no more in my power to perform . Dardanea with more teares & sighes , then wel ordered reasons said . Time will not giue me leaue to answer to that which thou hast spoken , nor to make thee knowe my minde , and whether the loue which I beare to Disteus my louing husband and almy ioy , be of lesse weight then thine towards him , who was thy nurse childe and all thy comfort . It woulde greeue me thou shouldst haue such an opinion of me , if I knewe not to manifest it by and by . For this thou maist at least beleeue of me , that since for the greatest I had courage enough ; for the lesser , I will haue no lesse . Lady , said Palna , heere is but little time , as you saide , to vse many words , & therefore determine what you meane to put in practise , for I will do all that you command me , vpon condition that it be not to forsake my sonne . I will not command thee any such thing ( answered Dardanea ) but that which I haue determined to do , is that as well for the great loue I owe vnto my louing Lord ( for without him I will not liue ) as for the feare I haue of my brother , I wil not stay heere . Then if it be so ( said Palna ) I thinke it best for me to carrie Disteus some garments , & for you to get the best iewels you haue togither , and then for vs both to goe to my Nephewes house : for we being escaped and hidden , we shall not onely preuent this present danger ; but time and mature consideration shall discouer to vs what course is best to be taken . Whereupon putting this in practise , they went to Placindus house : To whom disclosing the foresaide loues ( for to that time they were knowne to none but Palna ) and telling what hapned the same night , they praied him to goe and enquire what was done . Sagastes vnderstanding it was Disteus as I tolde you , went to seeke him at his owne house , where finding the doore open , knewe he was not come , and therefore staied for him there vntill he came . But when he had awaited there a good while in vaine , he suspected he had taken some of his friends houses , and therefore went home againe to his sisters lodging , vowing to be well reuenged of Disteus ; though he would faine haue that night satisfied his vnruly anger , which was not a little augmented , when hee founde neither Dardanea nor Palna , maruelling verie much to see howe quiet all his sisters seruants were , and howe strange they made it all , when Sagastes demaunded the matter of them . Disteus that was going home to his house , when hee sawe a farre off a great number of people before his doore , it made him thinke ( as it was true indeed ) that Sagastes was waiting for him , whereupon he went to my house ; whereby he made me knowe what great affiance he had in my friendship , which I accounted no small credit vnto me . I doubt not Gentlemen , but any ( that hath beene attentiue to my tale ) will aske me , how Sagastes came first to his enemies house , since Disteus went before out of the mans house , which he was constrayned to take for refuge . Wherevnto it may be easily answered , that Disteus going ( as you know ) almost naked , and therefore leauing the open and common streetes to goe about by lanes and secret places , came later then Sagastes . But when Disteus vnlooked for came into my house , without calling , but shutting the doore after him , least any had followed him , he came into my study : And his hap was so good that he found me al alone . I did not a little woonder to see him in such sort , and therefore demaunded the cause of his comming & in such a manner . Who answered me that he had no time for so large a report , but prayed me to giue him some apparell , and a horse , and what else was needfull for him , which I onely denied him not , but also preparing my selfe to beare him company , he would in no wise let me , for he meant to conceale ( vntill he could no longer ) his secret loue and affection from me . He therefore being apparelled , and furnished with the best offensiue and defensiue weapons he could choose out , went to helpe Dardanea , least her harebraine brother in his furie might haue laide violent hands vpon her , or else to die in the quarrell , before she should suffer any harme at all . Going therefore about this matter , he met with Placindus , that was comming to seeke him out , by his Aunts commaundement , whom he asked if he knew any thing . Placindus told him , how he should finde Dardanea and Palna in his house , and that he should goe thither quickly , bicause Dardanea was the most sorrowfullest woman in the world for his danger . Disteus went thither out of hand : but knowing that place to be nothing so conuenient and secret , as their present necessitie required , bicause ( by missing Palna ) Sagastes would out of hand come thither ; he brought them to my house , willing Placindus to lye still and take his rest , bicause he might thereby make them beleeue , that he knew nothing of the matter . All three might come secretly to my house , bicause as siths that was not farre from Placindus lodging , so were they both out of the concurse of people and walke of neighbours ; and also bicause Sagastes was gone to the King to complaine of the iniurie that Disteus had done him , whom he requested to commaund a search to be made in all suspected houses that were thought most fit to harbour him , and Dardanea and Palna . The King not only granted hereunto ( for as you know he desired to haue the least occasion , whereby he might throw downe Disteus partie , to pleasure Sagastes ) but tooke this matter vpon him as his owne , and sware to behead Disteus , and as many as were culpable , and euerie one that afterwards helpt him And therefore ( to fauour him the more ) made Sagastes himselfe iudge in his owne cause , bicause he might take the greater reuenge at his own pleasure . Who , when he saw so good a means for his desire , without more ado beset Disteus house with a priuy watch , hauing first searched it all thorow , where missing him , he went straight to seeke out his sister . They emploied all diligence and labour they thought needfull to bring their purpose to effect ; but my house they ouerslipt , bicause as it was not pliable enough to Disteus his partie , nor I my selfe held for his friend , so was I free from all suspicion that I kept him . But when they could not finde him , he commaunded a proclamation to be made , that euery one vpon paine of his head , that harboured them , or knew where they were , should bring them foorth : and afterwards apprehended Anfilardus and Placindus , and as many as they suspected could tel of them , threatning them to cruel torments , yea , and putting some in practise , though all in vaine to their purpose . It could not choose but kill Disteus his hart to see the ruine of his house , and the imprisonment of his friends and familie , who did neuerthelesse comfort himselfe not a little , bicause it was for his Lady and Mistresse sake , whom he had nowe in happie possession , the which thing he forgot not by many sweete and louing words to manifest vnto her : who could not for all this be comforted , ( though she made him not priuie to her inward greefe ) when she thought of the vniust and ill name ( a thing that greeued her more then death ) that was spred abroad of that , which she esteemed more then life , and when she entred into consideration and feare of the imminent danger wherein her beloued husband was , by meanes of the great searching and awaites that Sagastes had laide in all places to finde them out : Wherefore taking him aside , she saide thus vnto him . I know well my Lord , that my Fortune would not leaue me without some sorrowfull occurrent in so sweete an estate , nor to doe lesse with me then euer turne most bitterly against the pretence of my content . It greeues me to see thee take and taste some part of my sorrow , wherein yet I do comfort my selfe againe , that I shall not be the last in offring vp my life for the least danger for thy sake , since I was the first in sacrificing my soule to thy will , obtesting almightie God that as I had no force with my feeble iudgment to gainsay thy desire , I had also sufficient valour with my life to deliuer thee from these most wrongfull turmoyles . I see thee heere in great extremities ( for mine owne I account but small ) and therefore my opinion concurring with my desire is , that since for many daies we are neither safe heere , nor in any other part of the kingdome are like to be no lesse , thou wouldst resolue to conuey vs into any place , where wee might in more safety ouer passe this cruell storme of Fortune , assuring thee my deere Lord , that if I sawe thee free from danger , I would not take care for the rest . I might well passe ouer this new bond , my sweetest Lady answered Disteus , with many more already past , wherein after that I was thine , thou hast so much obliged me , since I was neuer able yet to discharge them , the which ( vnlesse the vnspeakable loue which I haue borne thee , and wherein I meane to die doth not with fauour come in part of their account and satisfaction ) must still remaine ( the more my greefe ) in their former force , when as the disproportion of my small abilitie can neuer counteruaile their encreasing value . I haue remembred and weighed that with my selfe , which thou didst command me , but would not hitherto tell thee so much , fearing to giue thee any occasion of sorrow by absenting thy selfe from thy friends and kinsfolkes , and from thy house , and quiet rest , to carie thee to some vncouth place amongst strangers to liue in pouertie and vnrest . If you regard this my Lord , saide Dardanea , you do also forsake this and much more . But admit I leaue all this , and you nothing at all , in not leauing you , I might well thinke I left nothing at all . No more of this said Disteus , but were it not fonfeare of thy trouble and harme , I woulde desire no other heauen in this world then to haue thee continually in my presence : But let vs make my mother priuie of it , who will counsell vs as she hath done , what is best for vs , and direct vs in all our matters . They therefore calling Palna vnto them , and telling her their mindes , she saide . And knowe yee my good sonne and daughter , that Martandrus and I were also talking of the same matter , who is no lesse troubled in minde , fearing there will be a search made in his house , whereby great harme may befall vs , and no good to him at all . I would not tell you of it , bicause you might not thinke he did it for any feare that concerned him . When she had said thus , she called me before them , and Disteus began to say thus vnto me . If I knewe thee not to be a faithfull friend Martandrus , I would not haue put the weight of so great affaires in thy trust and secrecie , nor omit with words ( since I cannot with deedes ) to gratifie that which thou hast done for me . But as I haue experimented , and doe yet trie the contrarie , I hope , thou wilt not blame me , if I make not some outwarde and apparant shewe of thankes for it : But for the present remedie of our dangerous estate , wee are determined to flie the furie of our king with the absence of our persons ; for which escape we craue not onely thy aduise , but assistance , and how it may be done without our discouerie . Concerning that supposed debt ( saide I ) which you my good Lord confesse you owe me , I will not answer you , but only touching that , which you haue committed to my charge , since it hath pleased you to make mine the greater , by hauing amongst all others , chosen me out for your onely friende , which I esteeme more then all that I did euer for you in my whole life , all which were it ten times more , is nothing in respect of this fauourable trust which you repose in me . As for the rest let euery one of vs thinke what we haue to do , and how to take the best course . Al fower of vs therfore laying our heads togither in counsel , after a great while euery one hauing told his opinion , as mine was thought the best , so was it allowed & chosen , which was , That since Sagastes had placed watchmen in the citie gates , & especially by night , that none might passe , vnles he were knowne what he was , the best way to get out was , that I should cause three cartes to come that euening from my farme ( for they knew I had a Farme but three miles out of the city ) to bring certaine prouision from thence for my house , & other things , though I had no need of them : So that the cartes might come thither at Sunset , & go emptie backe againe the same night when it began to waxe darke , bicause seeing them to go home againe without any thing , they might not suspect our drift , and yet ( though they had looked narrowly into the Carts ) might as little haue suspected any such matter ; for vnder them I had deuised to binde certaine great sackes at length , with their mouthes open , in each a peece euerie one to put themselues , and to send the Carters after they had vnladen ( bicause they might not be priuie to it ) to some place or other , while in the meane time I dispatched our secret affaires , hauing made meanes before in my Farme that it might not be knowen of any : All which was done in such sort , that there was not as much as any suspition of the matter . The same night that I carried them to my Farme , we all went to counsell what way we might best deuise for three of them to go out of the kingdome to some solitarie place , where they might not be pursued , and liue vnknowen . And our conclusion was , that Disteus should take one of those Carts , and make himselfe a Carter , and Dardanea and Palna in poore apparell goe out of the kingdome , and in the best manner they could , in habits cleane different from their estates passe into Tynacrta , and that from that place , where they made their aboade , write to me of their successe . Still did Sagastes set watch and ward in euerie place ( for it was his chiefest desire to catch Disteus ) that none of them might escape , whose eruell purpose yet ( and not without reason ) the furie of his anger did chaunge . For as he knew that all men loued Disteus , and that all his friends ( if without iust cause he apprehended and punished him ) would discouer themselues and bandie against him , and by these meanes ( perhaps ) draw himselfe into great danger : So was he not a little content to see the head of the contrarie side taken away , and his capital enimie absent , whereby he thought to do well enough with the rest . But yet he knew not that his sister was likewise gone with him , but thought she was in some of her kinsfolkes houses . So that Disteus being absent , Sagastes might confiscate his goods and condemne him for a traitour , since he appeered not at the Kings call , by whose commaund Sagastes seised indeed vpon all Disteus lands and his Sisters goods , which were not a fewe . Heere is no time to tell you , Gentlemen , of the teares , that were spent betweene me and my noble guests at their departure : But that Disteus prayed me by my selfe or by my friends to helpe Anfilardus and Placindus the best I could , and to get them out of prison , for this was the onely thing ( he said ) that did trouble him . So that they being gone from me , and I from them in body , Disteus went , as I told you , to Tynacria , where ( as afterwards I vnderstoode ) buying a little flocke of sheepe to dissemble his noble condition with this base estate , they were some daies there , perhaps with more harts ease then in Eolia , bicause they enioyed there , without any feare and danger , their sweete contents , and were well beloued and reuerenced of all the Shepherds thereabouts , who endeuoured to do them all the pleasure they could ; sometimes with rurall sports and games ; other times with dances and pastorall musicke . To all which Disteus so well applyed himselfe , that in a short time he farre excelled them all . And so for this respect , as for his affabilitie and mildnes , by knowing how to conuerse with all , that Shepherd thought himselfe vnhappie , that had not some priuate friendship with Coryneus ( for so he named himselfe after he had changed his habit : ) and Dardanea that named her selfe Dinia , was no lesse acceptable to all the Shepherdesses , and Palna called Corynea , like her sonne , was reuerenced of them all . When all three went from me , Dardanea was gone two moneths with childe : but what God sent her , or what became of the childe she brought foorth , I know not , for they had not dwelta whole yeere in that countrey , when they went away for what cause , or whither , I also know not . The cause whereof ( considering the time wherein they went away ) I suspect was this . That in this meane while King Rotyndus married with the Kings sister of that Prouince where they were ; whose wifes brother a little while after being dead , an vncle of hers ( called Synistius ) aspired to the kingdome , as Competitor with her . For the which cause Rotyndus making warre against him , with little losse of his men got the victorie , whereupon a peace was concluded betweene them ; and the gouernment of the kingdome , by the intercession of Agenesta his niece ( for so was the Queene called ) giuen frankly to Synistius . So that Disteus as soone as the noyse of this warre was bruted abroad , went as I coniecture ( bicause he would not be knowen ) from that countrey with his pettie family . From which time I could neuer heare more of them , though manie daies haue passed since Ansilardus and Placindus went out to seeke them : And omitting mine own trauels ( Gentlemen ) and manie troubles that I passed in the like enterprise , because they make not any whit to the purpose of your demaund , I will onely tell you , how theese two seruants of theirs went out so soone , being ( as I told you before ) imprisoned , and I so late , being , as you haue also heard , at libertie . When King Rotyndus married his Queene , in ioy of the feast , all the prisoners were let goe , amongst whom Anfilardus and Placindus came out , and sixe moneths after ( to make Sagastes suspect it the lesse ) by venturing their liues ( for vpon paine of death it was commanded that none should goe seeke out Disteus ) they went to the place , where I told them they were . At which place when they could not find them , they concluded , by seuering themselues to seeke them out , appointing to meete at that place a yeere after , to know how they had sped ; and bicause the one might not goe that way , or take in hand that the other did . Whereof as of all things else , though they for the space of sixe yeeres from time to time informed me ; yet I know not how nor by what sinister meanes it came to passe , that in more then twelue yeeres after , the end of the foresaid time expired , I neuer heard any newes of them , nor of their master . Whereat being greatly greeued in minde I endeuoured to seeke out some good meanes ( or rather fained occasion ) to go about the same errant , whereunto by the Kings most streight edict I could neuer directly accommodate my self , in regard of which iourney , if hope might haue perswaded me to finde them out , I would not haue neglected both that , and all paines abroad and affaires at home whatsoeuer . But being in this impatient desire , two braue yoong youths ( most highly fauoured of Agenestor Prince of Eolia , with whom they were both brought vp ) were also determined to seeke out their parents , knowing that those were not the same , for whom they had till then taken them . These yoong Gentlemen Delicius and Parthenius ( for so they were called ) leauing aside how much for their rare giftes and virtues they deserued the loue of all , of purpose I endeuoured to make my special friends to this effect , that as they were in great fauour with the King and Queene , by their meanes and intercession to the Prince , I might finde such fauour with them all , that if Disteus and his companie were perhaps found out they might get their pardon , and be restored againe to their former estates and reputation , which we thought might easily be obtained , since King Rotyndus , by the good examples of his virtuous Queene Agenesta ( whom God preserue for many yeeres ) & by her holy life & conuersation , had almost now forsaken his old conditions . Wherby ( gentlemen ) we may note , how the good examples of a vertuous wife , doe oftentimes worke to amend and correct the lewde disposition of a vitious husband : And therefore it is saide , that the wise is the mirrour of the husband , and the woman to the man , bicause the man looking into her , as into a cleere glasse , may frame his life and minde to her modestie and semblance : And contrarie , the man is the womans glasse for the selfesame cause and reason . Wherefore Rotindus loued not now Sagastes so well , as in times past , and liked lesse his lewde conditions , which sauoured nothing of vertue , whereon if any humane thought or action be not grounded , it is not durable any long time : for as vice is nothing , being the priuation of vertue , so is that of no stabilitie and permanence which is grounded vpon it . The fame of Delicius and Parthenius departure , and the end thereof was in a few daies spred ouer all the citie , whereat though most were sorie , yet some , who enuied their deserued fauour ( for noble vertue is euer accompanied with base enuie ) were not wanting that ioyed to see that day . This fit occasion therefore for the effecting of that which you shall heare offering it selfe to my semblable desseignes , comming vnto them , I vsed these wordes . As I cannot be sorie , Gentlemen , and my deere friends , for your departure , since it is a thing that concernes you so much : So am I not a little glad , that it hath so happily fallen out for my determinations , if in this iourney my poore companie ( for onely yours heerein I desired ) shall not be any waies troublesome vnto you : And bicause you may knowe the forcible cause that mooues me heereunto , I will ( vpon that fidelitie and trust , which with all men , but especially with me you haue alwaies vsed ) most frankly tell it you . As it is not vnknowen to you ( I thinke ) what great friendship hath been betweene Disteus and me , and ( for my part ) shall euer be while my soule shall rule this earthly body : So must you know againe , that I concealed and kept him close , vntill I found out the meanes to put him in some safetie of his life ; and ( not content with this ) would ( if he had giuen me leaue , or if it had not beene preiudiciall to his secret departure ) haue accompanied him to the extremest danger of mine owne : since which time I haue had a great desire to seeke him out , the which for two causes I haue left of : The one , bicause two of his seruants , who had no little care of that busines , haue many daies since gone from hence to seeke him out . The other depending of this , bicause it behooued me to remaine here still to procure his pardon , and leaue ( if he had beene found ) to come to his owne againe . When Anfilardus and Placindus went hence , there was an agreement betweene vs , that they should aduise me of all they knew ; the which thing being not performed certaine daies after , I coniecture that they are either dead , or not at libertie . With this hope ( or to terme it better despaire ) I haue ( though meanly ) to this point fed my thoughts : The which being of late so mightily increased ; and Fortune presenting to my desires so good an occasion for my secret departure ; and occasion taking away all suspicion that I goe to seeke Disteus , but onely to accompanie you , tels me , that there remaines nothing else , but your fauourable acceptance of my companie into yours , onely to passe out of the citie , and afterwardes if it please you , to diuide our selues , or doe as likes you best . To this ( like discreete and aduised youthes , being faithfull to me their friend , and loyall to Rotindus their king ) they answered thus . As Disteua and Dardaneas misfortunes ( although we know them not ) ( Martandrus ) haue not a little ( as yet they doe ) most iustly greeued vs , for their rare vertues and goodnes , that thorow out this kingdome we haue alwaies heard of them ; so if our seruice might in any thing auaile either you or them , we would most willingly shew the arguments of our good will , which couets nothing else but fit meanes , to make some triall thereof ; yet not denying that small seruice wherein our slender abilities doe consist , prouided , we doe not any thing in priuate or publike against that , wherein we are bound to our soueraine Lord the king , without whose countenance and woonted fauour we are no bodie . But we haue thought of a better and more conuenient way , whereby more then your request shall be performed , and wherein we will not faile in our duties to our king , nor to you , nor in friendships holy lawes . And it is , That as the yoong Prince ( as it is well knowen vnto you ) doth not meanely loue vs : and is not wel content ( by as much as I can perceiue by him ) with those extremities which are done to this Gentleman ; so by these , as also by the Queenes meanes I hope , to get leaue of the king for you not onely to depart in our companie , but to seeke them out , assuring your selfe , that after they are found all shall be well ynough : for though we come not so soone againe , yet we will leaue a supplication in his behalfe with the Queene and the yoong Prince ; which fauour if we cannot obtaine , we will furthermore so handle the matter , that you , nor any else shall take no harme or blame for this . For by committing the matter into the Queene and Princes handes , we wil trauel & take such paines therein , as though from vs & from no other , it only came . Do Gentlemen ( said I againe ) as it please you best , and heorewithall beleeue me that ( for their sakes ) I would not be sorie for any harme that might redound to me , so that it might fall out to their good . They are much beholding to you ( saide they ) but I more bound to them , saide I. In the ende ; after a few daies they got leaue to seeke whom they would , the which being bruted ouer all the citie gaue no small content to Disteus his friendes . And thus without staying any longer , I went with Delicius and Parthenius out of Eolia , all three of vs prouiding necessaries for so vncertaine and long a iourney , wherein ( after a while diuiding our selues ) such hath my fortune been , that in two yeeres space since I went out , I neuer heard any newes of them , but onely those which Placindus ( when I found him heere ) hath tolde me of Delictus , and the best of the Ladie Felicia , that hath assured me , that shortly I shall see them all here , whereof I haue no doubt , since she hath saide it . That which hath happened to me in so long a trauell , and the troubles that I passed , as well for that I account them light for so good a cause as this , and that by the fauours of the Gods , I shall soone enioy their wished companie , as also for that which you commanded me to do , it makes so small to the purpose , that I will with your good leaue omit to report . So that Sir ( speaking to Don Felix ) you plainely see , who Corineus , Dinia , and Corinea are , and the cause of their exile , and of our long iourney . And pardon me if I haue beene too long , since your demaund required no lesse .

Parisiles and all the rest yeelding him great thankes for that he had told them , answered him , that the fault was rather greater , by making so short an end to so pleasant a historie , and that he did not prolong it with recitall of his trauels and aduentures , which befell to him in seeking out Disteus . Let it not trouble you now ( saide Felicia ) for not onely this , but the successe of Disteus life and his mishaps and theirs that did participate his company and fortunes in this iourney , with those occurrents that befell to Plactndus in his trauels , and that which hapned to others that went out to seeke Parthenius and Delicius , shall haue their fit time , wherein you shall take no small delight to heare them . With this hope ( said Lord Felix ) we will content vs , although it will be later , then we desire . Whereupon returning now to the Temple , and eight daies being past , Felicia said to Syluanus and Seluagia . It is nowe time my sonne & daughter , that the friendship , which to this hower you haue borne Syrenus , be showen : and because you may know , & that it may be made manifest vnto you , what great need he hath both of his friends and of you , you must vnderstand , that when you shall come to your fieldes , you shall finde many Shepherds doing their last duties to Delius as this day dead , who ( as I told you ) was many daies since very sicke . And as of purpose I sent Syrenus before now , by vertue of a new drinke , which at his departure I gaue him , to rekindle that quenched flame of Dianas loue in his brest ( a thing no lesse conuenient to his weale then consonant to my will ) so would I not , that in the meane time , while he was with vs , the two foresaide Shepherds ( being not a little enamoured of her , and not woorthie to be cast off ) should be preferred before him , both which haue beene , and are yet not a little entred into her good liking . Now therefore is the time , wherein he needeth most of all your help , and no lesse requisite for you to go finde him out ; assuring you , that it will not a little greeue you to see Syrenus matched with such dangerous corriuals as these two Shepherds are . Syluanus and Seluagia ( though Delius death did a little greeue them ) forgot not most humbly to thanke Felicia , not onely for her good will , and friendlie aduise , but also for the approoued affection and desire she had to helpe their beloued friend Syrenus ; And thereupon said vnto her . We cannot but obey your command ( good Lady ) although we would be faine heere , when Coryneus and his companie comes . Well well ( answered Felicia ) this Shepherd is not so nigh , nor cannot come back so soon , nor you so far off , but that you may be certified when they are to come . Since it is then so ( said Lord Felix ) with your leaue ( good Lady ) I will take Felismena with me , and accompanie these Shepherds , in whose amorous strife and riualitie which you but euen nowe spake of , I shall take no small pleasure and delight . The same affirmed Martandrus , Placindus , Danteus , and Duarda with one voice . If it please you so ( said Felicia ) on Gods name let it be : but it behooues you ( Gentlemen ) and thee faire Felismena no lesse , least the bashfull Shepherds estrange themselues from your companie , to borrowe for a while their pastorall habite , and condition : the which being no sooner agreed vpon , but put in practise , they went to Syluanus , charging him to carie all in remembrance that passed betweene the corriuals , the better to report it afterwards , when they should meete all togither .

Whosoeuer therefore is desirous to see the funerall of Delius , the riualitie of Syrenus , Firmius , and Faustus , and be at all their meetings , and takes any pleasure to know who Stela is , and woulde faine knowe what her troubles , and those of Crimine , Delicius and Parthenius , haue beene , and to what ende they came , as also the loue of Agenestor , prince of Eolia and of Lustea daughter to Disteus and Dardanea , let him attende me in the third part of this worke , which shall come to light out of hande .

La vita il fin , e'l di loda la sora .

THE FIRST PART OF ENAMOVRED DIANA , made by Gaspar Gil Polo .

To the most noble and vertuous Lady . Donna Maria de Austria y fuentes .

IF you were ( my singular good Lady ) that heauenly muse and diuine fire from whence this little creature hath borrowed life and light , being most happie that it was borne vnder such a constellation , whose beames and influence haue guided and indued it with those perfections , which now it presumeth by vertues thereof to possesse : Reason and dutie then it were to offer vp vnto your woorthines all the seruice it may , and humbly to craue of the same , That since now it commeth abroad to euery ones view , it may in the forhead carie the imprinted golden character and warrant of your noble and renowned name : wherewith being protected , it feareth not any malignant spirit that may bite it . And little though this be which my zealous and dutifull affection , which I haue euer borne to you and your honorable house ( from whence many gallant personages , and rare and learned wits haue sprung out ) can present to such great bountie and vertue , the which nature hauing placed in a most beautifull and christalline figure , in euery part spread foorth their beames with loue and admiration : Yet respecting the minde of him that offers it , and the good will wherewith like bookes haue beene receiued by Kings and great Lordes , I hope faire Lady , you will not condemne me of too much presumption by dedicating this vnto your high patrocinie , when as the affiance which I haue in your gentle Graces , noble minde and sweete perfections inforceth me heereunto , the which duly to be recommended and recounted , require a finer wit and fitter place . Which if at any time heereafter my happy fortune shall grant me , in nothing else so iustly it shal be imploied , then in the deserued praise and seruice of your Ladiship , whose illustrous person and house our Lord defend and prosper many yeeres with increase of all happinesse . From VALENCIA the ninth of Februarie 1564.

The first Booke of Enamoured DIANA .

AFter that appassionate Syrenus by the vertue of the mightie liquor which sage Felicia had giuen him , was now deliuered out of Cupids handes , Loue ( working after his accustomed maner ) wounded anewe the hart of carelesse Diana , reuiuing in her brest forgotten loues , bicause she should be captiue to one that was free , and liue tormented for the loue of one , who from the same was most exempted : her greefe being thereby the more augmented , when it occurred to her thoughts that the small regard that in times past she had of Syrenus , was now an occasion of his forgetfulnes , & of that great contempt that he did beare her . She was not only with these griefs , but with many more so fiercely assaulted , that neither the holy bonde of matrimonie , nor the reynes of seemely shame and modestie were able to staie or mitigate the furie of her immoderate loue , nor remedie the sharpnes of her cruell torments , vntill with lamentable complaints , and pitifull teares she mollified the hardest rockes , and sauage beasts . Wherefore being by chance on a sommers day at the fountaine of the Sicamours , about that time when the Sunne was eleuated to the Meridian point , and there calling to minde the great content , that in that very place she had many times receiued of her beloued Syrenus , and counting her passed delights with her present greefes , and knowing that the beginning of her sorrowes , and the fault was onely in herselfe , she conceiued thereof such greefe and anguish of minde , and was with such dangerous affrightes sursaulted , that euen then she thought desired death would haue made an end of all her troubles . But after she had recouered some small vigour , yet the force of her passion , & the violence wherewith loue reigned in her brest , was neuerthelesse so great , that it compelled her to publish her torments to the simple birdes , which from the greene boughes were listening to her , and to the branchie trees that seemed to take compassion of her greefe , and to the cleere fountaine , that with the solemne murmur of the Christalline waters accorded with the notes of her dolefull song : And so to the sound of a sweete Baggepipe , which commonly she caried about her , she began to sing these verses following .

LOng haue I felt a silent paine of sorrow , Cruell , by that my senses it importunes To such extremes , that I am forc't to borrow This last releefe against my heauie fortunes , To publish them vnto the windes , that stay them Thorow out the world with pitie to conuay them . Then gentle Aire , performe this due of pitie , Let euery region know my greeuous anguish , Breath out my paines , and tell in euery citie The life of her , that in Loues want doth languish : Forgotten of a Shepherd that disdaines her , Who once did die euen for like loue that paines her . O that this ill ( death to my vitall powers ) Hardly maintain'd amids these cruell fashions , Springs of my late obliuion and those howers , Which I bestow'd , and thought not of his passions : And that the fault , that heertofore did blame me . Causeth my paine , and with my paine doth shame me . Hart breake in two for greefe when thought assailes thee Of those fell torments which thou once didst lend him , Thou lou'st him now , but little it preuailes thee To pardon that , wherewith thou didst offend him . Who cried once for that which now I crie for , And died once for that which now I die for . These present greefes of passions that confound me With ceaselesse paine , torment not in such measure , As thoughts of my late crueltie doe wound me , Or when I thinke , I lost so deere a treasure : For they are heauen , to thinke that now I prize him , And these are hell , to thinke I did despise him . For if my little loue ( more fitly named Iniurious hate ) ( whereof I now repent me ) Were not in fault ( alas too lately blamed ) Of all these present greefes , that thus torment me ; Then with complaints I would not cease t' importune Vngentle loue , and raile on cruell Fortune . But I so proude for my admired beautie That flattred me , of sense was so bereaued , That carelesse of my fault , and forced dutie I owde to Loue , I neuer once perceaued , That Loue did take reuengement at his pleasure , And Fortune change without all meane or measure . But Loues reuenge wrought neuer such a woonder , Nor to so great despaire did euer driue one , As thus on euery side to breake a sunder , And ruinate a hope that might reuiue one : And Fortune in her change made neuer any So great , as from one life to deathes so many . Syrenus then , how art thou now assured Of thy reuenge , which thou hast deepely taken In my disgrace , which I my selfe procured : That since of late my loue thou hast forsaken , No remedie for any greefe is left me , That of my woonted comfort hath bereft me . For heeretofore as thou hast euen , and morrow , Seene me disdaine thy sight with so small reason , So maist thou now take pleasure in my sorrow , And with thy scornes my feeble comforts season : For now to loue me , lies not in thy power , Though I must loue thee till my dying hower . So far from Cupids force thy haps haue blest thee , And in thy libertie thou tak'st such glorie , That ( gentle Shepherd ) I doe not request thee To cure mine ill ( which cannot make thee sorie ) But to beguile these paines by Loue or dained , With one poore fauour , though it were but fained : And though mine ils , which thou art not contented To remedie , nor dost pretend to cease them , When to thy carelesse thoughts they are presented , Whose hot reuenge haue vowed to increase them : Yet turne thine eies , and see how mine are flowing With riuolets of teares , that still are growing . Behold my ruine , and my life decaied , My little hope , which in despaire I borrow , My teares , my sighes , my senses all dismaied , Though not to take compassion of my sorrow , Yet see how with them all I am affreighted , In thy reuenge to be the more delighted . For though with greefe , wherewith I still am calling To mollifie thy hart , and haue no power , Nor that my teares , which euermore are falling , Cannot excuse my death one little hower , Then will I die for loue of thee and neuer Enioy this breath without I loue thee euer .

Enamoured Diana had not so soone made an end of her delightfull musicke , if on the sudden she had not beene interrupted by a certaine Shepherdesse , which behinde a tuft of Hasels was hearkening vnto her : Who therefore espying her , gaue a pause to her sweete voice by cutting off the substance of her song , and was not a little greeued ( which by a naturall blush that tainted her faire face , might easily be coniectured ) that her song was heard , and her griefe vnknowen ; especially perceiuing the same Shepherdesse to be a stranger and neuer seene in those parts before . But she , who from a far off had heard so sweete a sound , with silent steps drew neere to enioy such daintie melodie ; and vnderstanding the cause of her dolorous song , made on the sudden so goodly a shewe of her excellent beautie before her , as the Nocturnall Moone is woont to doe , when with her shining beames it pearseth and ouercomes the foggie thicknes of the darke clouds . But seeing Diana to be somewhat troubled in minde at her sight , with a merrie countenance , she thus began to say vnto her .

I haue not a little ( faire Shepherdesse ) with my interrupting presence ( which to small purpose hath thus disturbed thee ) offended the great content , which I had to heare thee ; but the desire I haue to know thee , and to giue thee some lightning for thy griefe , that causeth thee so pitifully to moane , may serue ( if it please thee ) for my excuse , and make me blamelesse heerein . For the which griefe , though it is bootelesse , as some say , to seeke any comfort ; yet by a free will and reasons deuoide of passion there may be sufficient remedies applyed . Dissemble not therefore with me thy sorrowes , and thinke it not much to tell me thy name , and the cause of thy sad complaints , since for this I will make no lesse account of thy perfections , nor iudge thy deserts to be of lesse value .

Diana hearing these words , stoode a while without answering her againe , hauing her eies fastened on the rare beautie of that Shepherdesse , and her minde occupied in a doubtfull construction of that , which she should answere to her gentle offers and louing words , and in the end answered her thus againe .

If the great pleasure , which I take in beholding thee ( vnknowen Shepherdesse , and curteous without compare ) and the comfort , which thy sweete words do promise me , might finde any small kinde of confidence or hope in my afflicted hart , I would then beleeue that thou wert able to remedie my sorrowes , and would not doubt to manifest my paines vnto thee . But my griefe is of such tenour , that when it begins to molest me , it seiseth in such sort on my heart , that it stops vp all the passages against remedie : Yet know ( Gentle Shepherdesse ) that I am called Diana , knowen too well in all the fields and villages hereabouts ; and so let it content thee to knowe my name , and not to enquire further of sorrowes , since thou shalt profit thee no more , then to make thy selfe compassionate and condolent for my tender yeeres , seeing them oppressed with so many cares and troubles .

Thus are they deluded ( answered the Shepherdesse ) that make themselues slaues to fonde Loue , who but beginning to serue him , are become so much his vassals , that they desire not to be free , and thinke it impossible to be manumitted from his seruitude . If loue be thy greefe ( as by thy song I am sure it is ) then know ( faire Shepherdesse ) that in this infirmitie I haue no small experience : For I my selfe haue beene manie yeeres a captiue in like bondage , but now am free ; blinde I was , but now haue found out the way of truth : I haue passed in the amorous Ocean manie dangerous stormes and tempests , and now am safely arriued in the secure hauen of content and rest : And though thy paine be neuer so great ; yet hath not mine , I dare boldly say , beene lesse : And since for the same I found out a happie remedie , banish not hope from thy minde , shut not vp thine eies from the truth , nor thine eares from the substance of my words .

Are they words ( said Diana ) that shall be spent to remedie my loue , whose workes exceed the compasse and helpe of wordes . But yet for all this faine would I know thy name , and the cause that hath brought thee into our fields ; the which if thou wilt vouchsafe to tell me , shall so greatly comfort me , that I will for a while suspend the complaints that I haue begun , a thing perhaps which may not a little auaile for the lightning of my griefe .

My name ( said the Shepherdesse ) is Alcida : but the rest which thou demandest of me , the compassion which I haue of thy voluntarie greefe , will not suffer me to declare , before thou hast embraced my wholsome remedies , though ( perhaps ) vnsanerie to thy distempered taste .

Euery comfort , said Diana , shall be most gratefull to me that commeth from thy hands , which neuerthelesse is not able to roote out the strong loue in my brest , nor to remooue it from thence , without carying my hart with it burst in a thousand peeces : And though it might , yet I woulde not liue without , bicause I woulde not leaue to loue him , who being once forgotten of me tooke so sudden and extreme a reuenge of my vniust crueltie .

Nay then ( said Alcida ) thou giuest me no little hope and confidence of thy recouerie , since now thou louest him , whom thou hast heeretofore hated , hauing learned thereby the pathway to obliuion , and acquainted thy will with contempt , and the more , since betweene these two extremes loue and hate there is a meane , which thou must embrace and follow .

To this Diana replied and said . Thy counsell ( faire Shepherdesse ) contents me very well , but I thinke it not sure enough for my safetie , nor the best in common reason for my auaile . For if my will were put betweene loue and hate , I shoulde sooner yeelde to loue then to hate ; bicause being neerer to it , mightie Cupid with greater force woulde assaile , and ouercome me .

To this Alcida answered . Do not honor him so much , who deserues it so little , calling him mightie , who may be so easily ouercommed , especially by those that choose out the meane aboue said : for therein doth vertue consist , and where that is , all harts are armed with force and constancie against loue .

Thou mightest better terme those harts cruell , harde , vntamed , and rebellious , said Diana , which pretend to repugne their proper nature , and to resist the inuincible force of loue . And yet when they haue oppugned it as much as they list , in the end they haue little cause to bragge of their stoutnes , and lesse helpe to defende them with their foolish hardines . For the power of loue ouercomes the strongest holdes , and makes most way thorow , where it is most resisted : of whose maruels and memorable deedes my beloued Syrenus did on a day sing in this verie place , at that time when his remembrance was so sweete , as now most bitter to my soule . The which Sonnet , and all his other Ditties , which he then made and sung , I well remember , hauing euer a great care not to forget them for certaine causes , which perswaded me to register the words and deeds of my deerest Syrenus in perpetuall memory : But this which intreats of the mightie force of Loue , saith thus .

THat mighty Loue , though blinde of both his eies , Doth hit the Center of the wounded hart : And though a boy yet Mars he foiles with dart , Awaking him , where in his net he lies : And that his flames doe freeze me in such wise , That from my soule a feare doth neuer start Most base and vile : yet to the highest part ( Strengthued by land and sea ) of heauen it flies . That he , whom Loue doth wound or prisoner take , Liues in his greefes , and with his giues content : This is his might that many woonder at . And that the soule which greatest paine doth shake , If that it doth but thinke of Loues torment , The feare of such a thought forgetteth that .

No doubt , said Alcida , but the forces of loue are well extolled : But I would rather haue beleeued Syrenus , if after hauing published the furie of Cupids arrowes to be so great , and after hauing commended the hardnes of his chaines , he had not also found out the meanes to set himselfe at libertie : And so I maruell that thou wilt so lightly giue credit to him , who makes not his word and deed all one . For it is very cleere , that the Songs and Sonnets are a kinde of a vaine and superfluous praises , whereby louers sell their ils for dangerous things , when that so easily of captiues they become free , and fall from a burning desire to a secure obliuion . And if louers feele passions , it proceedeth of their owne will , and not of loue , which is not but a thing imagined of men ; a thing neither in heauen , nor earth , but in his hart , that entertaines it : whose power ( if any he haue ) onely by the default of those he vsurpes , who of their owne accord suffer themselues to be ouercommed , offering him their harts for tribute , and putting their libertie into his hands . But bicause Syrenus Sonnet may not so easily passe without an answere , giue eare to this , which as it seemes was made in countermaund of that ; and long agoe it is , since I heard a Shepherd called Aurelius , sing it in the fields of Sebetho , and as I remember , thus it said .

LOue is not blinde , but I , which fondly guide My will to tread the path of amorous paine : Loue is no childe , but I , which all in vaine , Hope , feare , and laugh , and weepe on euery side : Madnes to say , that flames are Cupids pride , For my desire his fier doth containe , His wings my thoughts most high and soueraine , And that vaine hope , wherein my ioies abide : Loue hath no chaines nor shaftes of such intent , To take and wound the whole and freest minde , Whose power ( then we giue him ) is no more , For loue 's a tale , that Poets didinuent , A dreame of fooles , an idoll vaine and blinde : See then how blacke a God doe we adore ?

Dost thou therefore thinke Diana , that any one endued but with reasonable vnderstanding , will trust to things in the ayre as thou dost ? What reason hast thou so truely to worship a thing so vnruly and false , as the supposed God of loue is , who is fained by fond and vaine heads , followed by dishonest mindes , and nourished in the braines of idle wantons ? These are they , who gaue to Loue that name which makes him so famous thorow out all the world . For seeing how fonde men for louing well did suffer so many sursaults , feares , cares , iealousies , changes , and other infinite passions , they agreed to seeke out some principall and vniuersall cause , from whence , as from a fountaine all these effects should arise . And so they inuented the name of Loue , calling him a God , bicause he was of many nations and people feared , and reuerenced , and painted him in such sort , that whosoeuer sawe his figure , had great reason to abhorre his fashions . They painted him like a Boy , bicause men might not put their trust in him ; Blinde , bicause they might not followe him ; Armed , bicause they might feare him ; with flames of fire , bicause they might not come neere him ; and with wings , because they might knowe him vaine and inconstant . Thou must not vnderstande ( faire Shepherdesse ) that the power which men attribute to Loue is , or may be any waies his : But thou must rather beleeue , that the more they magnifie his might and valour , the more they manifest their weaknes and simplicitie . For in saying , that Loue is strong , is to affirme , that their will is weake , by suffering it so easily to be ouercommed by him : To saie , that Loue with mightie violence doth shoote mortall and venemous arrowes , is to include that their harts are too secure & carelesse , when that so willingly they offer themselues to receiue them . To say , that Loue doth streightly captiuate their soules , is to inferre , that there is want of iudgement and courage in them , when at the first bruntes they yeelde ; nay when sometimes without any combate they surrender their libertie into their enimies hands : and finally all the enterprises which they tell of Loue , are nothing else but matter of their miseries , and arguments of their weakenes . All which force and prowesse admit to be his , yet are they not of such qualitie , that they deserue any praise or honour at all . For what courage is it to take them prisoners , that are not able to defend themselues ? What hardines to assaile weake and impotent creatures ? What valour to wounde those that take no heede and thinke least on him ? What fortitude to kill those that haue alreadie yeelded themselues ? What honour with cares to disturbe those , that are mery and ioyfull ? What woorthie deede to persecute vnfortunate men ? Truely faire Shepherdesse , they that would so much extoll and glorifie this Cupid , and that so greatly to their cost serue him , should ( for his honour ) giue him better praises . For the best name that amongst them all he gets , is to be but a cowarde in his quarrels , vaine in his pretences , liberal of troubles , and couetous in rewards . Al which names , though of base infamie they sauour , yet are those woorse which his affectionate seruants giue him , calling him fire , furie , and death , terming ( Louing ) no better then to burne , to destroy , to consume , and to make themselues fooles , and naming themselues blinde , miserable , captiues , madde , inflamed , and consumed . From hence it comes , that generally all complaine of Loue , calling him a Tyrant , a Traytour , vnflexible , fierce and vnpitifull . All Louers verses are full of dolour , compounded with sighes , blotted with teares , and sung with agonies . There shalt thou see suspicions , there feares , there mistrustes , there iealousies , there cares , and there all kindes of paines . There is no other speech amongst them but of deathes , chaines , darts , poysons , flames , and other things which serue not but to giue torments to those , that emploie their fancies in it , and feare when they call vpon it . Herbanius the Shepherde famous in Andolozia , was troubled too much with these termes when in the barke of a Poplar , with a sharp bodkin , insteed of his pen , in presence of me wrote these verses following .

HE that in freedome iets it proude and braue , Let him not liue too carelesse of himselfe : For in an instant he may be a slaue To mighty Loue , and serue that wanton elfe : And let that hart , that yet was neuer tamed , Feare at the last by him to be inflamed . For on that soule that proudly doth disdaine His heauie lawes , and liues with loftie will , Fierce Loue is woont t' inflict a cruell paine , And with most sharpe and dire reuenge to kill : That who presumes to liue without his power , In death he liues tormented euery hower . O Loue , that dost condemne me to thy iaile , Loue , that dost set such mortall coles on fire , O Loue , that thus my life thou dost assaile , Intreated ill , tormented by thine ire : Hencefoorth I curse thy chaines , thy flames , thy dart , Wherewith thou bind'st , consum'st , and kill'st my hart .

And now let vs come to Syrenus Sonnet , whereby he seemes to make men beleeue , that the imagination of Loues enterprises sufficeth to ouercome the furie of the torment . For if his operations be to kill , to wound , to make blind , to burne , to consume , to captiuate , and to torment , he shall neuer make me beleeue , that to imagine things of paine doth lighten the griefe , which must rather ( as I thinke ) giue greater force and feeling to the passion : For when it is more in imagination , it remaineth longer in his heart , and with greater paine torments it . And if that be true which Syrenus did sing , I much maruell that he receiuing so deepe a taste in this thought , hath now so easily changed it , by meanes of so cruell obliuion , not onely of loues operations , but also of thy beautie , which ought not for any thing in the world to be forgotten .

Alcida had scarce finished these last words , when Diana lifting vp her eies ( for she suspected somewhat ) perceiued her husband Delius comming downe from the side of a little hill bending his steps towards the fountaine of the Sicamours , where they were togither : whereupon cutting off Alcidas discourse , she said vnto her .

No more , gentle Shepherdesse , no more ; for we will finde fitter time hereafter to heare out the rest , and to answer thy weake and common arguments : For behold my husband is comming downe yonder hill towards vs , and therefore I thinke it best to turne our talke to some other matter , and with the tune of our instruments to dissemble it : and so let vs begin to sing , bicause when he is come neere vnto vs , he may not be displeased at the manner of our conuersation : whereupon Alcida taking her Cytern , and Diana her Bagpipe , began to sing as followeth .

Prouencall Rythmes . Alcida . WHile Titan in his Coach with burning beames Ouer the world with such great force doth ride , That Nymphes , and their chaste companies abide In woods , and springs , and shallowe shadowed streames : And while the prating grashopper replies Her song in mourning wise , Shepherdesse sing So sweete a thing , That th' heauens may bee By hearing thee Made gentle , on their owne accord to power Vpon this meade a fresh and siluer shower . Diana . Whiles that the greatest of the Planets staies Iust in the mids betweene the East and west , And in the field vpon the mowers brest With greater heate doth spread his scorching raies : The silent noise this pleasant fountaine yeeldes , That runs amids these fieldes , Such musicke mooues , As woonder prooues , And makes so kinde The furious winde , That by delight thereof , their force they stay , And come to blowe as gently as they may . Alcida . You running riuers pure and christalline , That all the yeere doe make a liuely spring , And beautifie your banks and euery thing , With Cowslips , Lillies , and sweete Colombine , The cruell heate of Phoebus come not neere To heate this fountaine cleere , Nor that such sweete Liquour , with feete Troubled be not Of sheepe or goat : Nor that the teares , which fatthlesse louers wast In these fine waters neuer may be cast . Diana . Greene flowrie meade , where natures curious die Hath showen her colours diuers in their kinde , With trees , and flowers , whereto they are combinde , Which paintes thee foorth so faire vnto the eie : In thee thy boughes of verdure may not knowe The blustring windes that blowe , Prosper , and giue Flowers , and liue : Not to be lost By heate or frost : Nor angrie heauen in furie doe not sloile , Nor hurt so faire a meade , and fertill soile . Alcida . Heere from the hurly burly , and the noise Of stately courtes sequestred , euery one Reposedly liues by himselfe alone , In quiet peace , in harmlesse sportes and ioies : In shades sometimes , laide downe on Floras pride Neere to some riuers side , Where birdes doe yeeld Sweete notes in field , And flowers fine Odours diuine : And alwaies with an order souer●…ne The meadow laughes , the wood the hill , and plaine . Diana . The noise made heere by silent gentle windes In flowrie boughes , the leaues that softly shake , Delighteth more , then that the people make In great assemblies , where their sundrie kindes Of proud demeanours , and high maiesties , Are foolish vanities : Their solemne feastes Breede but vnrestes , Their honours name Blinde errours frame : And all their holy wordes cleane different From that , that in their harts was euer ment . Alcida . Ambition heere no snares nor nets regardes , Nor auarice for crownes doth lay her bates : The people heere aspire not to estates , Nor hungers after fauours , nor rewardes : From guile and fraude , and passion , as we see , Their harts are euer free . Their faith 's not vaine , But good and plaine : Their malice small , They iust to all , Which makes them liue in ioy and quiet peace , And in a meane sufficient for their ease . Diana . To new found worlds , nor seas , that rage and swell , The simple Shepherd neuer sailes in vaine : Nor to the furdest Indias , for his gaine , Thousandes of leagues , and duckates there to tell : Vnto the field he comes as well content , With that that God hath sent ; As he that spendes Rents without endes : And liues ( perdie ) As merily As he that hath great flockes vpon his hils , And of good ground a thousand acres tils .

Delius from a far off heard the voice of his faire wife Diana , and perceiuing that another answered her , made great haste to goe see who was in her companie : wherefore hiding himselfe behind a great Mittle , neere to the fountaine , he listened to their singing , as one that still sought occasious of his woonted iealousie . But when he vnderstoode that their songs were far from that which he suspected , he was well pleased in minde : But yet the great desire he had to know the other , that was in companie of his wife , made him draw neere vnto the Shepherdesses ; who courteouslie saluted him , but especially Diana , whom with a smiling and angelicall countenance she most sweetely entertained . And being set neere vnto them , Alcida saide .

I thinke my selfe ( Delius ) greatly bound to Fortune , who hath not onely fauoured me , by presenting to mine eies the excellent beautie of thy Diana , but also by making me knowe the man , whom she hath onely chosen , and thought most worthy to possesse so rare a gem , by yeelding her libertie so frankly into his hands ; which choise no doubt ( as she is wise ) cannot be but deemed most high and soueraigne : So I maruell much againe , that in lieu thereof , and of that intire loue which she beares thee , thou makest so small reckoning of her , as to let her goe one step without thy company , or be a minute out of thy sight . If she be so firmely rooted in thy hart , which I may well presume , how can that loue thou owest her be so small as only to content thy selfe with her liuely figure engrauen therein , and not feede thine eies with the continuall sight of her singular beautie .

The Diana ( least Delius by his answere might haue hazarded his blunt wit and rude education ) tooke him by the hand and said vnto her .

Delius hath but little reason to thinke himselfe so happie ( as thou saist ) to haue me for his wife , or so much in his presence , as by meanes thereof to forget his flocks , and granges , matters of more consequence , then the poore delight which he may take by viewing that beautie , which thou dost vnworthily attribute vnto me .

Do not to so small purpose ( said Alcida ) preiudicate thy comely graces , Diana , nor offer such iniurie to the generall voice the world hath of thy perfections , since it is no lesse beseeming a faire woman to haue some small conceit and opinion of herselfe , then a point of rash iudgement to terme her proud and arrogant , that doth moderately acknowledge the same . Therefore hold thy selfe ( Delius ) for the happiest man in the world , and with pride inioy this fauour that Fortune hath bestowed on thee , who neuer gaue , nor can giue any thing , that in felicitie may be comparable with the husband of Diana .

These words so sweetely deliuered by Alcida , and that faire face , and eies of hers , which ( all the while she was talking ) Delius both marked and gazed on , made so deepe an impression in his hart , that at the ende of her gentle and discreet words , he was so greatly enamoured of her , that , like a sencelesse and astonished man , he had not one word to answere her againe , onely giuing , with a new burning sigh , a manifest token of the greene wound , that Cupid had made in his conquered hart .

But now about this time they heard a voice , the sweetnes whereof delighted them maruellously . They gaue therefore attentiue eare vnto it , and casting their eies from whence it resounded , they saw a Shepherd comming with a wearie pace towards the fountaine , and going like one that was surcharged with griefe and anguish of minde , singing as followeth .

I Cannot be by Loues wrath more tormented , Nor Fortune can to me be more vnstable : There is no soule in hope so little able , Nor hart that is with paine so much contented : Loue doth inforce my fainting breath , that striueth The better to endure my hard reiection , And yet with hope my suffrance , and affection , And life will not consume , that yet re●tueth : O vainest hart , sad eies , whose teares haue spent me , Why in so long a time , and with such anguish , End not my plaints , and spirits deadly languish ? O woes , sufficeth it not what you haue sent me ? O Loue , why dost thou thus my torments nourish , And let Alcida in her freedome flourish ?

The Shepherd had scarce ended his song , when Alcida knowing who he was , trembled like an Aspen leafe in euerie part of her bodie ; wherefore she rose vp in great haste to be gone before he came to them , requesting Delius and Diana not to tell him that she had beene there , since it was as much as her life was worth , if that Shepherd whom she hated more then death , did either finde or had any knowledge of her . They promised her so to do , though verie sorie for her sudden and hastie departure . Alcida as fast as she could hye her , recouered a thicke wood not far from the fountaine , and fled with such celeritie and feare , as if she had beene pursued by some hungrie and cruell Tygre .

Immediately after the Shepherd wearied with extreme trauell and trouble , came to that place , which Fortune ( it seemed ) condolent for his griefe , had offered him , and that cleere fountaine , and Dianas companie for some lightning of his paine : who being faint after his painfull iourney , and seeing the Sunne in the pride of his heat ; the place verie pleasant ; the trees casting forth coole shades ; the grasse fresh and greene ; the fountaine cleere & cristalline , and Diana passing faire ; thought good to rest himselfe a while , though the earnest care and haste of that he went seeking , and the ceaselesse desire he had to finde it , gaue his wearied bodie no place of rest , nor ease to his afflicted minde : The which Diana perceiuing , shewed her selfe as courteous towards him , as Delius iealous eie ( who was present ) would giue her leaue ; and yet entertained the strange Shepherd with sweete words , as well for his owne deserts , which she deemed not small ; as also for that she perceiued him tormented with the like grief that she was . The Shepherd cheered vp by Dianas friendly welcome and seemely fauours , of a miserable man , thought himselfe happie by finding out so good a chaunce . But they being thus togither , Diana by chaunce casting her eie aside , could not see her husband Delius , who newly surprised in Alcidas loue , when Diana tooke least heed of him , and while she was entertaining the newe Shepherd , pursued amaine the Shepherdesse that fled away , and tooke the verie same way with a strong resolution to follow her euen to the other part of the world . Diana not a little perplexed to see her husband wanting so on the sudden , called and cried a good while togither on the name of Delius , but all in vaine to get an answere from him in the wood , or to make him leaue of his fonde pursuite , who rather running after her as fast as he could , thought at the last to sease vpon his beloued Alcida . Whereupon when Diana perceiued that Delius appeared in no place , she shewed her selfe a most sorrowfull woman for him , and lamented in such pitifull sort that the Shepherd to comfort her , said thus vnto her .

Afflict not thy selfe thus without reason ( faire Shepherdesse ) and beleeue not thine owne imaginations so greatly preiudicially to thy rest and quiet : for the Shepherd whom thoumissest , is not so long since wanting , that thou maiest haue anie cause to thinke that he hath forsaken thee . Pacifie then thy selfe a little , for it may be that when thy backe was turned , he hauing some desire to change place , secretly got away , vnwilling ( perhaps ) that we shoulde see him go for seare of staying him , being inuited by the coole shades of those greene Sicamours , and by the fresh and pleasant winde that is gently blowing them ; or else perhaps discontended for my comming hither , thinking my companie troublesome , whereas now without it he may merrily passe the heate of the day away .

To this answered Diana . By these words ( gracious Shepherd ) which thy toong hath vttered , and forced cheere which thou dissemblest , who cannot conceiue the greefe that consumes thy life ? Thou shewest well that loue is thy torment , and art accustomed to deceiue amorous suspicions by vaine imaginations . For it is a common tricke of louers , to work their thoughts to beleeue false and impossible things , bicause they would not credite things that are certaine and true . Such comforts ( gentle Shepherd ) auaile more to quote out the sorrow of my greefe by thee , then to remedie my paine . For I know well enough , that my husband Delius is fledde after a most faire Shepherdesse , who went but euen now from hence , and in regarde of the great and feruent loue wherewith he beheld her , and sighes , which for her sake came smoking from his hart , I do verily beleeue ( knowing moreouer how stedfastly he performes that he imagines or takes in hand ) that he will not leaue following that Shepherdesse , though he thinke to come neuer in my sight againe . And that which greeues me most is , that I know her disposition to be so rigorous , and her hart so great an enimie to Loue , that she will not onely shew him no pitic , but with great despite contemneth the most soueraigne beautie , and greatest deserts that may be .

At these very wordes the sorrowfull Shepherd thought that a mortall dart pierced his chill hart , and therefore saide . Vnhappie me most wretched Louer , what greater reason haue not these harts ( not made of stonie flint ) to be sorrowfull for me , when thorow out the worlde I seeke the most cruell and pitilesse Damsell that liues on earth ? Ah faire Shepherdesse , thou hast good cause to be sorrie for thy husband , for if she whom he followes , be so cruelly conditioned as this , then must his life be in great danger .

By these words Diana cleerely perceiued , what his greefe was , and that the Shepherdesse that ranne away at his comming , was the very same , whom in so many parts of the worlde he had sought . And so she was indeede ; for when she began to flie from him , she tooke the habite of a Shepherdesse , by that meanes not to be knowne nor discourered . But for that present time Diana dissembled with the Shepherd , and woulde tell him nothing of the matter , to keepe her worde and promise which she had giuen Alcida at her departure : And also bicause it was now a good while since she was gone , and ranne with such haste thorow the thicke wood , that it was impossible for him to ouertake her . All which if she should tell the Shepherd , she thought would serue for nothing else but to adde a fresh wounde to an old sore , and to trouble his minde more , by giuing him some little hope to attaine to his purpose , when by no meanes he was able to obtaine it . But bicause she desired to know what he was , the summe of his loue , and the cause of her hate , she said vnto him .

Comfort thy selfe ( Shepherd ) in these thy complaints , and of curtesie tell me their cause : for to lighten them , I would be glad to know who thou art , and to heare the successe of thy mishap , the report whereof will be no doubt delightfull to thee , if thou beest so true a louer as I do take thee .

He then without much entreatie , both of them sitting downe by the cleere fountaine began thus to say . My greife is not of such quality , that it may be told to al kind of people , though the good opinion I haue of thy deserts and wisedome , and the confidence which thy vertues and peerelesse beautie do suggest to mee , vrge me to lay open before thee the totall summe of my life ( if so it may be called ) which willingly long since I would haue changed for death .

Know therefore faire Shepherdesse , that my name is Marcelius , and my estate far different from that , which my habite doth testifie : for I was borne in Soldina , the chiefest citie in Vandalia , of parents for birth and bloud renowned , and in all wealth and power abounding . In my tender yeeres I was caried to the king of Portugalles court , and trained vp there , where , not onely of all the chiefest Lords and Knights I was beloued , but especially of the king himselfe ; insomuch that I had neuer his good will and leaue to depart from thence , vntill at the last he committed to my gouernment a charge of certaine men of warre , which he had in the coast of Africa . There was I a long time captaine of the townes , and fortresses that the king had on the sea side , remaining with my chiefest garrison in Ceuta , where the originall of all my hard haps was first commenced . For in that towne ( to my great harme ) dwelled a noble and renowned Knight called Eugerius , who had also a charge by the King , and gouernment of the same towne , whom God ( besides that he had adorned and inriched him with the gifts of nature , and Fortune ) had blessed with a Sonne called Polydorus , valiant without compare , and with two daughters , called Alcida and Clenarda , women of most rare and excellent beautie . Clenarda was verie skilfull in drawing of her bow and in shooting ; but Alcida which was the eldest , endowed with incomparable beautie : whose vertues so inflamed my hart with burning loue , that they haue caused me to leade this desperate kinde of life , which I now passe away , wishing for death , which euerie day I call vpon and attend . Her father was so tender and charie ouer her , that few times he suffered her to be out of his sight , which thing was no small impediment to the opening of my griefe and great loue I bare her , except sometimes when it was my fortune to see her by an appassionate eie , and many sighes ( maugre my will ) came forciblie out of my brest , I signified my paines vnto her . At one time among the rest , I wanted not opportunitie to write a letter vnto her , which fit occasion by fauourable fortune granted me , I omitted not but wrote to her this letter following .

Marcelius his letter to Alcida . THat maiestie so princely , graue , and sweete , That modest blush , that gentle seemely grace , Those lookes so chaste , and hauiour so discreete , Those golden vertues , that thou dost imbrace ( Besides thy beautie , which the world resoundes With famous name ) from heauen that brought their race , In such a narrow streight , with bleeding woundes Haue set my hart ( Alcida heauenly faire ) That euery thing my woonted rest confoundes ; For that which breedes my loue , is my despaire , And so restraines my soule , that faine it would Say nought , although it cost my vitall aire . What man of flint , that euer did behold The burning beames that thy faire eies doe cast , But waxed dumbe , and died with mortall cold ? Who euer sawe those beauties rare and chaste , More perfect then the starrie skie aboue , Or any liuing now or gone or past , That presently felt not a feruent loue ? The cause whereof his senses so would vse , As not to let him speake for his behoue : So much I passe by silence , that I muse That sad complaintes my hart doe neuer kill , Nor breake my brest with anguish so confuse : My ioies are none , my woes continue still , My paine is firme , and all my hope is vaine , I liue alas , and die in greeuous ill : And take reuenge vpon my selfe againe , That which I most eschew , doth take me straight : And what I most desire , I lest obtaine : For that , that lest behooues me , I awaite , Not comfort for my greefe , that neuer endes , Ioying in paine , wherewith my soule I fraight : Yet my delight and life so far extendes , As thought of that great distance doth abide , That twixt thy beautie , grace , and me dependes : For in my soule I doe conceiue a pride , That I haue put it in so high a place : Where constancie and hope my hart doe guide . But yet thy gentle , and sweete Angels face Against my soule such mortall war doe threate , That thousand liues dare not abide the chace . To feare me yet the passage's not so great , Nor way so steepe , nor craggie , that shall stay My forward steps with aanger , or deceate : I follow then my ruine and decay , The path of paine , and seeke not to decline From greeuous plaints , that force me euery day . Yet endlesse ioy my heauie hart doth shrine , And glads my life , by wished paine opprest : That glories strangely in these greefes of mine . Paine 's my delight , my plaints my sport and iest , My sighes sweete soundes , my death my glory makes , My woundes my health , my flames my happy rest , Nothing I see , which stirs not , and awakes My furious torment and her endlesse wheele ; But happy fortune by the same it takes : These ils ( sweete Mistresse ) for thy sake I feele , And in these passions liue , and die tormented With equall paine , and suffrance , well contented . Let then a man despairing of releefe , Who to thy loue his doubtfull life assignes , Mooue thee to some compassion of his greefe , By reading of these hart-breake written lines , Since that he craues no helpe for all his mone , But onely that his torment may be knowne .

This was the letter I wrote vnto her ; the penning whereof , had it beene as fine , as the purpose fortunate , I would not haue changed my skil in posie for famous Homers . It came to Alcidas hands , in whose hart ( when finally she knew the summe of my griefe , though at the first the contents of my letter with my too great presumption did somewhat offend her ) it made deeper impressions then I imagined , or hoped for . Then I began to manifest my selfe for her open Louer , by making manie braue Iustes , and encounters at Tilt and Tourney , running of wilde Buls , and juego de Cannas , by celebrating for her sweete sake and seruice Moresco sportes on horsebacke in the day time , and maskes and stately dances in the night , causing consorts of sundrie musicke to delight her , and making verses , impresas , and Anagrammes of her loue and name , and many other gallant shewes and inuentions more for the space of two whole yeeres togither . At the ende whereof , Eugerius thought me woorthie to be his sonne in law , and by the request of some great Lords in those parts , offered me his faire daughter Alcida for wife . We concluded that the espousall rites should bee solemnized in the citie of Lysbone , bicause the king of Portugall might with his presence honour them : and therefore dispatching a Poste with all haste , by him we certified the king of this marriage , and requested his maiestie to giue vs leaue ( hauing commended our charges and affaires to persons of trust ) to celebrate it there . Whereupon the report of this solemne day was published thorow all the citie , and places farre and neere , which caused so generall a ioy , as was due to so faire a dame as Alcida , and to so faithfull a louer as my selfe . Vnto this passage my good fortune conducted me , thus high she reared me vp to throw me downe afterwardes headlong into the depth of miseries , wherein ( wretched man ) I still remaine . O transitorie good , mutable content , vading delight , and inconstant firmenes of mundaine things ! What greater ioy could I haue wished for , then that I had alreadie receiued , and what greater crosse am I able to suffer then this ; which I now carie about me ? Oh faire Shepherdesse , entreat me no more to molest thy eares with so large and lamentable a historie , nor to pierce thy compassionate hart with recitall of my ensuing calamities . Let it content thee , that thou hast knowen my passed felicities , and desire not to search out farther my present greefes , bicause I assuredly know , that as my long and pitifull historie will be tedious to thy eares , so will my continued disgraces alter thy reposed minde .

To which Diana answering said . Leaue off ( Marcelius ) these excuses , for I would not desire to know the successe of thy life , onely thereby to reioice my minde with thy contents , without sorrowing for thy calamities , but woulde rather heare euerie part of them , to bewaile them also in my pitifull hart .

How greatly woulde it please me , faire Shepherdesse ( saide Marcelius ) if the good will I beare thee did not force me to content thee in a matter of so great grief . And that which greeues me most , is that my disgraces are such , that they must needs fill thy hart full of sorrow , when thou knowest them ; for the paine that I must passe by telling them , I reckon not so great , but that I would willingly suffer it in lieu of thy contentment . But bicause I see thee so desirous to heare them out , although they shall force me to make thee sorrowfull ; yet I will not seeme to leaue thy will herein vnsatisfied .

THen Shepherdesse , thou must knowe , that after my vnfortunate marriage was agreed vpon , the Kings licence being now come , her old father Eugerius , who was a widower , his sonne Polydorus , and his two daughters Alcida and Clenarda , and the haplesse Marcelius , who is telling thee his greeuous accidents , hauing committed the charges left vs by the King to sufficient and trustie Gentlemen , embarked our selues in the port of Ceuta to goe by sea to the noble citie of Lisbone , there to celebrate ( as I saide ) the marriage rites in presence of the King . The great content , ioy , and pleasure which we all had , made vs so blinde , that in the most dangerous time of the yeere , we feared not the tempestuous waues which did then naturally swel & rage , nor the furious & boysterous winds , which in those moneths with greater force & violence are commonly woont to blow : but committing our fraile barke to fickle Fortune , we launched into the deepe and dangerous seas , heedlesse of their continuall chaunges , and of innumerable misfortunes incident vnto them . For we had not sailed far , when angrie Fortune chastised vs for our bold attempt , bicause before night came on , the warie Pilot discouered apparant signes of an imminent and sudden tempest . For the thicke and darke cloudes began to couer the heauens all ouer , the waues to roare and murmur , and contrarie windes to blow on euerie side . O what sorrowfull and menacing signes , said the troubled and timorous Pilot ? O lucklesse ship , what perils assaile thee , if God of his great goodnes and pitie do not succour thee ? He had no sooner spoken these words , when there came a furious and violent blast of winde , that puffed and shooke the whole bodie of the ship , and put it in so great danger , that the routher was not able to gouerne it , but that tossed vp and down by this mightie furie , it went where the force of the angrie waues and windes did driue it . The tempest by little and little with greater noise began to increase , and the rauing billowes couered ouer with a fomy forth mightily to swell : The skies powred downe abundance of raine with throwing out of euerie part of it fearful lightnings , & threatned the world with horrible thunders . Then might there be heard a hideous noise of Sea monsters , lamentable outcries of passengers , and flapping of the sailes with great terrour . The winds on euerie side did beat against the ship , and the surges with terrible blowes shaking her vnsteadie sides , riued and burst asunder the strong and soundest plaunchers : Sometimes the proud billowe lifted vp vs to the skies , and by and by threw vs downe againe into deepe gulphes , the which also with great horrour opening themselues , discouered to our fearfull eies the deepe and naked sandes . The men and women ran on euerie side to prolong their ensuing and haples death ; and did cast out , some of them dolefull sighs ; other some pitifull vowes ; and others plentie of sorrowfull teares . The Pilot being appalled with so cruell Fortune , and his skill confounded by the countenance and terrour of the tempest , could now no more gouerne the tottered routher . He was also ignorant of the nature and beginning of the windes , and in a moment deuised a thousand different things . The marriners likewise agast with the agonie of approching death , were not able to execute the Masters commaund , nor ( for such lamentations , noise and outcries ) could heare the charge & direction of their hoarse and painfull Pilot. Some strike saile , others turne the maine yarde ; some make fast againe the broken shrouds ; others mende and calke the riuen planks ; some ply the pompe apace , and some the routher ; and in the end , all put their helping hands to preserue the miserable ship from ineuitable losse . But their painfull diligence did not helpe them , nor their vowes and teares profit them to pacifie proud Aeolus and Neptunes wrath : but rather , the more the night came on , the more the winds blew , and the storme waxed greater and more violent . And now darke night being fully come , and angrie Fortune continuing still her seuere punishment , the olde Father Eugerius being past all hope of helpe and remedie , looking on his children and son in lawe , with an appalled and altered countenance , felt such great sorrowe for the death that we had to passe , that his greefe and compassion for vs , was more bitter to our soules , then the thought of our proper and present misfortunes . For the lamenting olde man , enuironed on euery side with care and sorrowe , with a pitifull voice and sorrowfull teares , said thus . Ah mutable fortune , common enimie to humane content , howe hast thou reserued so great mishap and miserie for my sorrowfull olde age ? O thrise blessed are they , who fighting in the middes of bloudie battails , with honour die in their yoong and lustie yeeres , bicause not drawing foorth their line to wearied old age , haue neuer cause with greefe to bewaile the vntimely death of their beloued children . O extreme sorrow ! O balefull successe ! who euer ended his daies in so heauie a plight as I poore distressed man , that hoping to haue comforted my naturall death , by leauing them to the worlde , that might haue suruiued , not onely to performe the due of my last obsequies , but to continue my line and memorie , must now ( miserable man ) perish in their deerest companie . O my deere children , who would haue thought that my life and yours should ende at one time and by one misfortune ! Faine woulde I ( poore soules ) comfort you ; but what can a sorrowful father tell you , in whose hart there is such aboundance of greefe and want of consolation ? But comfort your selues my children , by arming your inuincible soules with patience , and lay all the burden of your sorrow vpon my backe , for besides that I shall once die for my selfe , I must suffer so maine deaths more , as you haue liues to leese .

This did the olde and sorrowfull man abruptly deliuer with so many teares and sobbes , that he could scarce speake , embracing first one and another , and then altogither for his last farewell , before the very point of danger and death was fullie come . But now to tell thee of Alcidas teares , and to recount the greefe that I endured for her sake , were too difficult and long a narration . Onely one thing I will not omit to tell thee , that that which did most torment me , was to thinke , that the same life which I had offered vp for her seruice , should now be iointly lost with hers .

In the meane while , the forlorne and tossed ship , by the force and violence of the fierce westerne windes , which by the streights of Gibraltar , came blowing as they were madde , sailed with greater speede then was expedient for our safetie , and being battered on euery side with the cruell blowes of enuious fortune by the space of a daie and a night ( vnable also to be guided by the skill and ceaselesse labour of the marriners ) ran many leagues in the long Mediterranean sea , wheresoeuer the force of the waues & windes did carrie her . The next day following Fortune seemed a little while to waxe more calme & gentle , but on a sudden turning againe to her acccustomed crueltie , she droue vs into such danger , that nowe we looked not for one halfe hower of life . For in the ende a fierce and mightie tempest came so suddenly vpon vs , that the ship driuen on by the force of a boisterous blast , that smit her on the starboord , was in so great danger of turning bottome vp , that she had now her forepart hidden vnder the water : whereupon I vndid my Rapier from my side ( espying the manifest and imminent danger ) bicause it might not hinder me , and imbracing my Alcida , leaped with her into the Sciffe that was fastened to the ship . Clenarda , that was a light and nimble damsell , followed vs , not forgetting to leaue her bowe and quiuer in the ship , which she esteemed more then any treasure . Polydorus imbracing his old father Eugerius , had also leapt in with him amongst vs , if the Pilot of the ship with another mariner had not beene before him : But at that very instant when Polydorus with olde Eugcrius were next to them , preparing themselues to leape out of the ship , a mighty great blast of winde smiting on the larboord , brake the cockboate from the ship , and droue them so far asunder , that those miserable men that were in her , were constrained to tarrie there still , from which time ( vnlesse a little while after ) we lost sight of them , and knew not what became of the ship , but doe verily thinke , that it was either swallowed vp by those cruell waues , or else smiting vpon some rocke or sandes neere to the coast of Spaine , is miserably cast away . But Alcida , Clenarda , and I remaining in the little Sciffe that was guided by the industrie of the Pilot , and of the other mariner , went floting vp and downe a day and a night attending euery minute of an hower apparant death , without hope of remedie , and ignorant in what coast we were . But the next morning finding our selues neere to land , we made towardes it amaine . The two mariners that were very skilfull in swimming , went not alone to the wished shore , but taking vs out of the boate caried vs safely thither . After that we were deliuered from the perils of the sea , the mariners drew their Sciffe to lande , and viewing that coast where we arriued , knew that it was the Iland Formentera , woondering not a little that in so small time we had run so many miles . But they that had so long and certaine experience of the casuall effects , which outragious tempests are woont to cause , maruelled in the end not much at the preposterous course of our nauigation . Now were we safely com to land , secure from the dangers of passed fortune , but yet surcharged with such sorrow for the losse of Eugerius & Polydorus , so ill intreated by greef & care , & so weakened by hunger & cold , that we had no lesse sure hope of our safety , nor recouery of our liues , then ioy of our passed perils . I passe ouer with silence , faire Shepherdesse , the great complaintes that Alcida & Clenarda made for the losse of their father & brother , bicause I wold quickly com to the period of this lacrymable historie , & to the haples successe that befell to me since I came to that solitary Iland : For after that in the same I was deliuered from Fortūes crueltie , Loue enuying that poore content of mine , became my mortall foe so extremely , that sorrowing to see me escaped from the tempest , with a new and greater greefe ( when I thought my selfe most safe ) he tormented my scarce reuiued soule . For alas , wicked loue wounded the Pilots hart ( whose name was Sartofano ) and so enamoured him on Clenardas beautie , that ( to come to the end of his desire , by imagining and hatching in his wicked hart a strange and inopinate treason ) he forgat the lawe of faith and friendship . And thus it was : That after that the two sisters had with bitter teares and lamentations offered vp the sorrowfull effectes of their louing harts as obsequies to the ghostes of their deceased parents , it fell out that Alcida , wearied with the long greefe and troubles that she had passed , laide her selfe downe vpon 〈◊〉 sand , and being ouercome with deepe melancholie , fell fast asleepe . The w●… when I perceiued , I said to the Pilot.

My friend Sartofano , vnlesse we seeke out somthing to eat , or if in seeking , our hard fortune will not conduct vs where we may finde some foode , wee may make full account that we haue not saued our liues , but rather changed the manner of our death . Wherefore I pray thee , my good friend , to goe with thy fellow marriner to the first village thou canst finde in this Iland to seeke out some victuals for the sustenance of our hungrie bodies .

Whereunto Sartofano answered . Though Fortune hath sufficiently fauoured vs by bringing vs safe to lande , yet thinke not ( Marcelius ) to finde any thing heere to eate ; this being an Iland , of townes desert , and of people inhabited : But to comfort you againe , I will tell you a remedie , how to saue our selues from dying for hunger . For , see you yonder little Iland right ouer against vs , and so neere to this ? There is so great store of venison , conies , and hares , and many other wilde beasts , that in great heardes they go togither without feare or danger at all . There also dwelleth a certaine Hermite , whose celle is neuer without , bread , oyle and moale . I therfore thinke it best that Clenarda ( who is cunning in shooting , and hauing her bowe and arrowes heere so fit for the purpose ) passe ouer in the boate to the Ilande to kill some of those wilde beasts , whom my fellowe and I will transport whilest you staie heere to beare Alcida companie : for it may fall out that we will returne before she awake , and come hither againe with good store of fresh and sauorie prouision .

Although Clenarda and I liked Sartofanos counsell well , least of all suspecting his suttle & secret treacherie , yet she would neuer consent to go into the Iland without my company , for seare of committing herselfe alone to the rude marriners ; whereupon she requesting my companie , I made many excuses to staie behinde , telling her that it was not meete to leaue Alcida alone and sleeping in so solitarie a place : Who answered me againe , that since the distance of the place was but small , the game much , & the sea somwhat calme ( for by that time that we were a litle while on lande , the tempest began to cease ) we might go hunt and come againe before Alcida ( who had not slept so long before ) awaked . In the end she shewed me so many perswasions , that forgetting what I had to do in such a case , without more adoo I agreed to go with her ; which thing greeued Sartofano to the hart , who had rather had Clenardas company alone for the better effecting of his wicked purpose . But yet the Traytour for all this wanted not suttletie to prosecute his diuelish pretence . For Alcida being left asleepe , and both of vs got into the Sciffe , and lanched into the deepe , before we came to the Iland all vnawares and vnprouided of weapons ( for I had left mine in the ship , when I skipt out of it to saue my life ) I was assayled by both the marriners , and vnable to helpe my selfe , bound both hand foote . Clenarda seeing their treason , for sudden griefe would haue lept into the sea ; but she being staied by the Pilot , and carried from the place where I was to the other ende of the boate , he said thus in secret to her . Trouble not thy selfe ( faire gentlewoman ) to see vs so rudely entreate this Traitour , but quiet thy minde , for what is done , is all for thy seruice . For know ( faire Mistresse ) that this Marcelius , when we arriued at the desert Iland , had some priuate talke with me , and prayed me to perswade thee to goe a hunting into this Iland ; and when we should be at sea , to steere the boate directly from that place , telling me , that he was greatly in loue with thee , and that he would leaue thy sister in the Ilande , onely and without impediment to enioy his pleasure of thee : And the deniall of his companie with thee to this place , which faintly he vsed , was but dissembled to colour his wicked intent the more . But I considering with my selfe what a vile and barbarous a part it was to offer violence to so singular beautie , and to so good a Ladie , to preuent this inhumanitie from thy great goodnes , euen at the verie point when he would haue committed his treason , resolued to be loyall vnto thee , and so haue bound Marcelius as thou seest , with determination to leaue him in this case at the shoare of a little Iland which is neere at hand , and afterwards to returne with thee to the place where we left Alcida : This is the reason that makes me do thus , and therefore consider well what thou meanest to doe . When Clenarda heard this smooth tale , which the wicked Traitour so cunningly had told her , she beleeued it so truely , that presently she bare me mortall hatred , and was well pleased , it seemed , that I was carried to the place , where Sartofano did meane to lande me . For with a frowning countenance she beheld me , and for very anger could not speake a word , vntill she had a pretie while reioyced in her secret hart to thinke of the reuenge and punishment , that should light vpon me , not telling me one word of that braue deceit , wherewith she was so much abused . All which when by her ioyfull countenance I perceiued , & that my bonds did not grieue her , it made me say thus vnto her . What meanes this sister , doest thou esteeme so lightly of both our paines , that so soone thou hast ended thy complaints ? Perhaps thou art in good hope to see me by and by at libertie to be reuenged of these villanous Traitours ? Then like a fierce Lyonesse she told me , that my imprisonment and bonds where for no other cause , but for the cruell intent I had to leaue Alcida , and to carrie her away , and the rest , whereof the false Pilot had wickedly informed her . When I heard these words , I neuer felt like griefe in my life , and instead of laying violent hands vpon these Traitours , with vile and outragious words I railed vpon them ; and with good proofes so well perswaded her of the truth , that she perceiued by and by that it was a manifest peece of treason , sprung vp of Sartofanos vile and filthie loue : Whereupon she made so great lamentation , that she fell foorthwith into the pitifull discourse of their deceite , which was forcible enough to haue mollified the craggie rockes we passed by with ruthe and compassion , though it wrought nothing in the hard harts of those two wicked monsters . Imagine then now how the little sciffe that floted vp and downe the wide seas , was in a small time carried a great way from the Ilande , when vnfortunate Alcida awaking , and seeing her selfe all alone , and forsaken , turned her sorrowfull eies to the maine sea , and not finding the sciffe , how in euerie part of the shoare thereabout , she went seeking vp and downe and found no creature at all . Ah thou maist conceiue ( faire Shepherdesse ) what anguish of minde she felt in these crosses of vniust Fortune ! Imagine besides , what plenty of teares she powred forth , in what extremities and wants she was , how sometimes ( perhaps ) she would haue cast her selfe into the sea , and how often in vaine she called vpon my name . But alas we were gone so far , that we could not heare her pitifull outcries , and might onely perceiue ( how by shaking a white scarffe vp and downe in the Aire ) she incited vs to turne backe againe , which the wicked Traitour Sartofano would neuer agree to . But making the greatest haste away that he could , he brought vs to the Iland of Yuiça , where disimbarking vs , they left me fast bound to an anchor that was pitched in the ground . That way by chance came certaine Marriners of Sartofanos acquaintance , companions like him selfe , whom though Clenarda neuer so much informed of her estate , innocencie , and misfortune , yet it auailed her nothing to make them take pitie on her , but they rather gaue to the Traitour sufficient prouision , who went to imbarke himselfe againe with Clenarda , whom poore soule ( at her perill ) she must needes follow ; from which time hitherto I neuer saw nor heard any newes of them . There was I left all alone bound hand and foote , and pinched with intolerable hunger . But that which most of all greeued me , was Alcidas want and sorrow , who was likewise left alone in the Iland Formentera , and in lieu thereof regarded not mine owne , which was presently remedied . For at the noise of my loude and lamentable outcries , certaine Marriners came to me , who being more pitifull then those before , gaue me some meate to stanche my extreme hunger . And at my incessant request , they armed for my sake a Fregantine , and carrying with them some store of meate and wine , with weapons , and other necessaries embarked themselues in my companie , and within a short time , with swift and speedie oares it came to the Iland of Formentera , where Alcida was left a sleepe . But for all that I could doe by seeking vp and downe in it , and hallowing in euerie place , and calling aloud on Alcidas name , I could neither finde her , nor by any signe perceiue that she was there . I then thought that she had desperately throwen her self into the sea , or else that she had beene deuoured of wilde beasts . But yet seeking vp and downe the plaines and shoares , and all those rockes and caues , and most secret corners of the Ilande , in a peece of a rocke , made in forme of a quarri●… found these verses with a sharpe point of steeled knife , engrauen , which said thus .

O Sandie desart , and drie barren meade , Thou that hast heard the sound of my lament , O swelling seas fierce winde to changing bent , Chang'd with my sighes , that are in sorrow bread Hard recke , wherein for euer may be read My torment heerein grauen , and permanent : Truly report my paines which you present . For that Marcelius heere hath left me dead , My sister stolne , he hath forgotten mee His faith , his sailes , and then my hope forlorne Commend I to the windes , and witnes yee That loue I will not any man that 's borne , To scape those seas where calmes are neuer any , Nor combat foes , that are so fierce and many .

I cannot tell thee ( faire Shepherdesse ) how deepe a wound my soule felt , when I read these letters , knowing that for anothers fault and vile deceit , and by the hard euent of cruell fortune I was so suddenly abhorred of Alcida : wherefore resoluing with my selfe not to lead a life replenished with such woes and miseries , I woulde forthwith with one of their swordes haue pierced my heauie hart , had not one of those marriners who suspected such a thing , by maine force hindred mee from it . With comfortable words therefore they brought me backe againe halfe dead into their Fregatte , and being mooued at my importunate and pitifull praiers , for a peece of money caried me towards the coast of Italy , and landed me in Gayeta in the kingdome of Naples . Where enquiring of euery one that I knew and met , after Alcida , and publishing certaine tokens of her , at the last by certaine Shepherds which came thither in a ship of Spaine , I heard some newes of her , which ship passing by Formentera , found hir there al alone , & tooke her in ; and that she had taken vpon her the habite of a Shepherdesse ; with as strong a resolution to hide her-selfe from me , as strange to liue vnknowne in those disguised weedes . Which when I vnderstood , I also apparelled my selfe like a Shepherd , the better to finde her out , and wandring vp and downe , and seeking her thoroughout all that kingdome , coulde neuer finde her , nor heare which way she was gone , vntill a long time after I vnderstoode that she knew how I had notice of her , which made her flie the farther from me , and to passe into Spayne in a shippe of Genua . Then I embarqued my selfe presently to follow her , and hither I am come into Spayne , where hauing troden the greatest part of it in seeking her vp and downe , haue not yet found any one , that coulde tell mee any newes of this cruell one , whom with so great greefe and trouble of minde and bodie I am continually seeking , and can neuer finde .

This is ( faire Shepherdesse ) the tragedie of my life , this is the cause of my death , and this the processe of al mine ils : In which so sad discourse if I haue been too tedious , the fault is thine , since my vnwilling toong , by thy importunate requestes was constrained to tell it . And that which now I craue of thee ( gentle Shepherdesse ) is , that thou wouldest not trouble thy selfe to applie any remedies to my sorrowe , nor comfort my cares , nor to stop the teares , which with so iust cause are due to my cordiall greefe . Marcelius hauing ended his sorrowfull historie , began to make a most dolefull complaint , and to sigh so forciblie , that it was great pittie to beholde him . Faine would Diana haue told him tidings of his Alcida , which was not long since in her companie ; but to performe her worde , which she had promised not to discouer her vnto him , and also for that she sawe it would but haue tormented him more , by giuing him notice of her , who extremely hated him , helde her peace : And rather wished him , to comfort himselfe by entertaining an assured hope and confidence of his future gladnes , since she herselfe doubted not before it was long to see him very ioyfull in the presence of his beloued Mistresse . For if it was true ( as he beleeued ) that Alcida went wandring vp and downe in the companie of Shepherdesses and Nymphes of Spaine , she could not then ( saide Diana ) bee long vnhidden from him , and so she promised him to cause an enquirie and search to bee made in the strangest , remote , and solitarie places , and in the fieldes most frequented by them , but especially charging him to haue a regarde to his owne life , and promising him to performe that which she had offered . For which vnexpected curtesies , Marcelius yeelding her infinite thankes , would haue taken his leaue , saying , that after a fewe daies he thought to returne thither againe , and to giue her a full account of al those accidents that in seeking out Alcida might happen vnto him . But Diana staying him , saide . I will not be so great an enimie to mine owne content , to let thee goe out of my companie , but would rather ( bicause I see my selfe forsaken of my husband Delius , as thou art of thy Alcida ) haue thee staie and eate ( if it please thee ) a little of my simple cheere to refresh thy selfe , who hast ( it seemes ) no small need thereof . And after when the shadowes of the trees and hils waxe greater , we will both go home to our village , wherewith that rest ( which continuall greefe will suffer vs to take ) we will passe the night away , and in the morning betimes hasten vs towardes the Temple of chaste Diana , where the sage Lady Felicia makes her abode , whose secret wisedome will minister remedies to our painfull passions . And bicause thou maiest the better enioy the rurall conuersation and countrey plaines of the Shepherds and Shepherdesses of our fieldes , it shall be best for thee , not to change thy pastorall habite , nor to discouer thy selfe , but to name thy selfe , and in apparell and fashions liue wholly like a Shepherd . Marcelius being willing to do that , which Diana told him , did eate a little of that which she had taken out of her neat scrip , and quenched his thirst with the sauorie water of the cleere fountaine , both which were so needfull for him , as for one that trauelling all the day before , had neither eaten nor drunke : and then they went on their waies towards the village . But they had not gone foorth many paces , when in a little thicket not farre from the path way , they heard the resounding voices of certaine Shepherds , who sweetely sung to the tune of their mery Bagpipes , and bicause Diana was delighted much in musick , she praied Marcelius to go to the place where they were , who being come neere vnto the wood , Diana knew the Shepherds Taurisus and Berardus , two great corriuals in her loue , and commonly wont to go togither in company , and sing in emulation the one against the other . Whereupon Diana and Marcelius not entring into the place where the Shepherds were , but yet hiding themselues behinde certaine Okes so nigh , that they might heare the sweetenes of the musicke , listened to the Shepherds songs , being not perceiued of them at all , who though they knew not the cause and effect of their songs , was so neere at hand , yet diuining ( as it were ) that their enimie was harkening vnto them , by cleering vp their pastorall voices , and making most delicate and different stops with them , they began to sing this Eglogue following .

Taurisus . NOw that the sunne doth hide his golden beames Behinde the hils , whose shadowes doe increase : And labouring men vnyoke their wearie teames And leaue of worke , their wearied lims to ease : My sheepe forsake your pastures , and attend Vnto my fainting voice and hollow cries , Which without stint or pause of time , I send Disorderly vnto the carelesse skies : Harke how my poore and miserable hart Is in the deepest of a burning flame , And how my bowels and euery inward part Are melted with the scorching of the same : That flame I meane and heate , wherewith my sencelesse soule doth trace Th' Angelicall and peerelesse beautie of Dianas face . Berardus . Before the sunne in radiant Coche doth glide Downe to the West , to leaue our Hemisphere , And suffers not the deaw of euening tide To fall vpon the meadowes any where , Thou simple Sheepe that oft hast heard my voice , And gentle lambes which all the sommer long With merrie glee doe in these meades reioice , Now lend a gentle eare vnto my song : My ruthfull song and verse shall not intreate ( Though all the same within my brest I beare ) Of any flames , or coles , or burning heate : But of that mortall cold and frozen feare , Wherewith doth bridle and correct the sencelesse soule apace Th' Angelicall and peerelesse beautie of Dianas face . Taurisus . When that my painefull thoughts and pensiue minde Doe but imagine of her comely graces , Then burnes my soule so strangely , that I finde My vitall spirits to leaue their proper places : Loue doth inforce this suffrance , weake by kinde , And hope , that 's flowne away with feathered paces , To make my flames still burning in my brest , Which giues me not one hower of wished rest . Berardus . When I consider of my base estate , And high perfections of my Shepherdesse , Then doth my hart retire with fearefull gate , And pinching frost my timorous soule possesse : Loue will I liue in hope of happinesse , And so I doe sometimes , but fortunes hate To quaking feare subiecteth euery power , Which makes me not enioy one happy hower . Taurisus . In such ill time , I sawe the burning light Of those cleere stars , whose like was neuer seene , That face , that grace , those vertues infinite , With which Diana raignes as fairest Queene : That my desires are kindled by those bright And shining beames , that I doe neuer weene To hope for ease of these excessiue flames That burnes my soule , and breedes a thousand blames . Berardus . In such ill time I sawe those daintie handes Of whitest Iuorie , fram'd for thousand smartes , And those two eies , where little Cupid standes Wounding the freest mindes with mortall dartes : That my small forces with his mighty bandes Confounded , foiled , and fearfully departes , And then remaines so weakned with his ire , That shiuering feare doth conquer my desire . Taurisus . Didst euer see a lightning from the skies With mightie force to rend an aged Oke ? So strong is that and terrible , which lies Within my brest , all smoothered in the smoke : Didst euer see the violent force of brookes , That from the highest rocks fall headlong downe ? So proud , so fierce , and angrie in her lookes Diana seemes , when she begins to frowne : But her pretences are too far To make me sad by base and seruile feare , For greater that the dangers are , The greater is the firmenes which I beare . Berardus . Didst euer see the snowe in any hill To lie , and melt before the sunnie beames ? So doe I waste with sighes and teares distill Before those lights that from her beautie streames : Didst euer see in any bloodie broile Some simple Shepherd put to fearefull flight ? With no lesse feare ( poore man ) I doe recoile , Leauing my sheepe ( whilome my best delight ) And in this cold and frozen feare I merit more , and in my trembling brest More comfort and content doe beare , Then in that heate so bold and manifest . Taurisus . My greefe ( Berardus ) which I feele , is of such sutell Art , That it doth trouble still my soule and euery part consume Thereof , which neuer to resist , durst once presume for feare , But euen as gently as it may , and must with meare consent Yeeld vp her life into the hands of him that 's bent to tame The proudest harts : And ioyfull in his burning flame I lue : And as they doe of comfort giue me store For more content , so would I wish for more . Berardus . The Gods ( Taurisus ) and the heauens haue made so passing faire This star Diana , whose golden gleames of glittring haire and face Doe with their lights illuminate my life , and chace away The darkest cloudes , restoring to mine eies a day so bright , That if I am beholding her the shining light and blaze Of those two stars , mine eies and senses doe amaze and blinde , That casting them vnto the ground , my hopes I finde so bare , That , though I would , not once I dare complaine Or see , or sue , or tell her of my paine . Taurisus . This louely Nymph would neuer list Vnto my wofull cries , But in her rigour doth persist And from my succour flies : And pitilesse to see my death would neuer turne her eies . O cruell eies , O cruell paine , O beautie , cruell foe : Yet doth my faith so firme remaine , That all my cares and woe It doth encour age in such sort , and feares doth ouerthrowe , That like a sturdie rocke it standes Against the cruell raues ( Though fencelesse in the naked sandes ) Of beating windes and waues . And how much more with conquering hand my hart she doth controule , By so much doe I adde more heate vnto my burning soule . Berardus . The woods and mount aines doe not beare Woolues of such crueltie , Whose howling threats I feare not theare , And yet aiealousie Doth make my hart to quake for feare , And yeeld most cowardly . I am not able to defend My weake and feeble brest From thousand feares , where they pretend To build their strongest nest : And with their entrance driue away my hopes , my ioy and rest . There they commaund and gouerne all , And proudly tyrannize , And there my soule to endlesse thrall And bodie sacrifice . O cruell Loue , whom cruell death must needes at last succeede , O why with such consuming tortures die I not in deede ? Taurisus . Neere to this Christall fountaine on a day I sawe Diana sitting with her spouse , And as by chaunce I crost the woods that way , Espied them behinde these hasell bowes : Dying with greefe impatience , and despite To see ( which I would not haue seene ) that sight . Nothing he spake , but with his clownish hand Did rudely touch , and claspe her round about : ( Her tender corpes , the smallest in this land , Too daintie and fine for such a homely lout . ) And so he sat , and did not stir In this vnseemely sort with her . But when my iealous eies so bas●… thing espied With mortall rage I burn'd and cruell enute died . Berardus . To walke the woods in sweetest moneth of May When winter hides his hoarie head for shame , Diana with her husband on a day The glorie of the fairest women came . A vaile of Lawne vpon her golden haire With siluer pins enfolded euery where , A thousand sportes and pastimes did I see How she found out , his minde to recreate : And as I lurk'd behinde a Poplar tree , How louingly she dallied with her mate : Whom I did see reach foorth his hand Vnto her necke as white as swan , Wherewith he did vndoe her vaile and loose her shining haire , Which sight did kill my hart with feare enwrapped in despaire .

The Shepherds after they made an end of singing , began to gather their flockes togither , that went feeding vp and downe the woode . And comming towardes the place where Marcelius and Diana were , they could not otherwise chuse but see them , for they had no handsome shift to hide themselues , although they woulde faine haue stept aside . At which ioyfull and vnexpected sight , they receiued no meane content & gladnes . And though Berardus was somwhat altered and appalled thereat , yet inflamed Taurisus to see the cause of his griefe before his eies , kindled more and more his hot desire . They curteoufly saluted the Shepherds , and requested them not to denie them their companie to the village , since good fortune had made them all so happely meete togither . Diana , whose custome was neuer to be coy nor discurteous , was well content to do it . So that Taurisus and Berardus praied the other Shepherds that were with them , to come after by little and little with their flockes , that they had now gathered vp togither , towards the village , whilest they in companie of Diana and the other Shepherds went on before ; which they willingly performed . Taurisus by the way as he went , praied Diana to answere verse for verse to the song that he would sing , which she denied him not to doe , and so they sung as followeth .

Taurisus . THe cause why that thou dost denie To looke on me , sweete foe impart ? Diana . Bicause that doth not please the eie , Which doth offend and greeue the hart . Taurisus . What woman is , or euer was , That when she looketh , could be mou'd ? Diana . She that resolues her life to passe , Neither to loue nor to be lou'd . Taurisus . There is no hart so fierce nor hard , That can so much torment a soule . Diana . Nor Shepherd of so small regard , That reason will so much controule . Taurisus . How falsit out Loue doth not kill Thy crueltie with some remorce ? Diana . Bicause that Loue is but a will , And free will doth admit no force . Taurisus . Bebold what reason now thou hast , To remedie my louing smart ? Diana . The very same bindes me as fast , To keepe such danger from my hart . Taurisus . Why dost thou thus torment my minde , And to what and thy beautie keepe ? Diana . Bicause thou call'st me still vnkinde , And pitilesse when thou dost weepe . Taurisus . It is bicause thy crueltie In killing me doth neuer end : Diana . Nay for bicause I meane thereby My hart from sorrowes to defend . Taurisus . Be bold so foule I am no way As thou dost thinke , faire Shepherdesse : Diana . With this content thee , that I say , That I beleeue the same no lesse . Taurisus . What after giuing me such store Of passions , dost thou mocke me too ? Diana . If answers thou wilt any more Goe seeke them without more adoo .

It greatly contented Taurisus that Diana sung with him , whereby though hee heard the rigorous answers of his Shepherdesse , yet he was so glad in his minde , that she deigned to answer him , that it made him forget the greefe , which by the crueltie of her wordes he might haue otherwise conceiued . But nowe timorous Berardus forcing his heauie hart , and casting a pittifull eie on Diana ( not vnlike the sorrowfull Swanne , that a little before her death singes sweetely in the cleere and christall brookes ) lifted vp his faint and fearefull voice , which came foorth with great paine out of his panting brest , and to the sound of his Baggepipe sung these verses following .

ENd now my life , with daily paines affrighted , Since that for all that I haue wept and greeued , My teares are not requited , And trustie faith not any whit beleeued . I am in such a haplesse state of sorrowe , That I would be content ( and so releeue me ) Vniust rewardes and scornes of her to borrow , Onely that she would credit and beleeue me . But though my life is thus with woes despited , And though to be most constant , neuer greeued , My paines are not requited , And trustie faith not any whit beleeued .

After that Berardus had ended his song , both the Shepherds cast their eies vpon Marcelius , and bicause he was vnknowne to them , they durst not entreat him to sing . But in the end bold Taurisus praied him to tell them his name , ( and if it pleased him ) to sing them a song , wherein they would thinke themselues beholding to him for either curtesie . At which words Marcelius looking vpon Diana , and making her a signe to touch her instrument , without giuing them any other answere , with one song pleased them both , and satisfied their desire . Whereupon fetching out a great sigh , he began thus .

AH such an one I euer was , since that My Shepherdesse so cruell I did see , That now I knowe not who I am , nor what My hap shall be , or shall become of mee . I knowe right well that if I were a man , Greefe had my life consumed long agoe : And if a stone , I am most certaine then , That dropping teares had melted me like snowe . Marcelius is my name , who knowes not that ? And I am hers , since first I did her see , That now I knowe not who I am , nor what My hap shall be , or shall become of mee .

Now did the light begin to giue place to darknes , and the countrey villages with their domesticall fires began to smoke apace , when the Shepherds being neere to their towne made an ende of their singing . Euerie one went to his owne house , as men not meanely glad for their passed conuersation : but Diana founde no rest at all , especially when she remembred that her beloued Syrenus was not in the towne . She lodged Marcelius well in M●libeus house , cousen to Delius , where with great kindnes , and their best countrey cheere he was welcommed : and after comming home to her owne house , she called her husbands and her owne kindred togither , and tolde them how Delius had forsaken her at the fountaine of the Sicamours by following a strange Shepherdesse , that by chance came thither . At which wordes she seemed to make so greeuous complaints , and indeed to be so sorrie , that in the end she told them all , that earely in the morning she was purposed to go to Dianas Temple , to enquire of sage Felicia some newes of her husband Delius . They were all well content , that she should go , and offered her all the fauour and helpe they could in her iourney , but the intent therof was for no other end but to see Syrenus , whom she knew assuredly to be there . Wherefore with many thankes she remained verie glad , that her determination had so good successe ; and so with hope of her future ioy , she gaue some rest that night to her wearied bodie , and felt in her heauie hart a touch of vnwoonted pleasure and content .

The end of the first booke .

The second Booke of Enamoured DIANA .

VNiust and lawlesse loue is of such force , that , to augment his crueltie , it hath the helpe of all things in the world , his enterprises being fauoured and maintained by those things , which are of most might and valour , but especially aided so much by Fortune , and by her mutabilities , as for bestowing his paines and torments abroad , he needs no better friend nor furtherer . All which is verified by Marcelius disgraces , since Fortune wrought so hard a conceite in his betrothed Alcidas brest , that she was forced to giue credite to such a suspicion , that ( though most false ) she held for an assured , or at least an apparant ground of his inconstancie , whereof ensued the hating of her husband , who loued her deerer then his owne life , and who in any thing had neuer offended her . Heereupon it may be gathered , how strong and certaine a presumption ought to be , to make a wise and discreete person giue faith and credite to it , since this , that had but a colour of certaintie was so farre indeede from the truth of the matter . But now though Loue and Fortune so ill entreated Marcelius , yet in one thing they highly pleasured him , which was , that Loue wounded Dianas hart , and Fortune conducted him to the fountaine , where he found her , whereby they might go both togither to sage Felicias house , and passe away his sorrowes with lesse annoy in her comfortable and delighfull companie . But the time being come , when the redde morning with her golden habite did ouercome the starres of the passed night , and the birdes with their chirping noise gaue warning that day was come , Enamoured Diana , wearied with the long and tedious night , rose vp , to walke the path of her desired iourney : and committing the charge of her flockes to the Shepherdesse Polyntia her friend , she came out of her towne accompanied onely with her rurall Baggepipe , ( the deceiuer of her sorrowes ) and with her scrippe stored with some fewe victuals . She came downe from the side of a hill , which ledde from the towne to a thicke woode , where in the bottome of it she sat her downe vnderneath a rowe of greene Sicamours , attending for Marcelius companie , as she had promised the night before . But in the meane time , whilest he came not , she began to tune her Baggepipe and to sing this song following .

AWake a little , light of cleerest day , With calme aspect , with milde and gentle grace , A poore soule to beguile in sorrowes plight : Stretch out that light Apollo from thy face , That ioies the desert Champians in decay , And driest plants with life and secret might : In this most pleasant wood , that doth inuite To sweetest rest , Tormented thou shalt see my brest With carefull greefe ( my heauie lot ) To see it selfe by him forgot , Who for my scorne a thousand plaintes did waste , The fault is Cupids taste , Who giues and takes on purpose discontent , Where he perceiues he may the more torment . What beastes with mildnesse doe not complaints acquaint , What stone by sighes is not to softnes wrought , The which a wearied brest doth yeeld with paine ? What Tigres , or what lions are not brought To ruth and pitie , hearing a complaint Which hath almost vndone my soule in twaine . But to Syrenus I recount in vaine My sorrowfull mishap , Who doth as little care for that , As furious windes in raging seas The teares , that all to little ease , The mariners with carefull hart doe shill: For more they crie , the more it rageth still . Thy loue Syrenus was not fine and good , Which in these fieldes to me thou didst once beare , When as my errour might offend it so : Remember ( Traitour ) what thou then didst sweare , Neere to the riuer sitting in this wood : What then doth now thy hardnes seeme to show ? Shall not a small obliuion long agoe Be helpt by extreme loue ? And such , that shall be far aboue My passed hate , and fault before ? Then since I cannot loue thee more Nor satisfie the same with greater heate ; For remedie , my death I will intreate . Liue yet in paine , the which I feele at last For thee who mak'st my sorrowes lesse appeere , Though more it hurtes my wretched soule , I see , Bicause to haue thy present figure heere , Giues to her thought a sweete delight some tast , Who paining for thy sake doth thinke on thee . But bend thy hart a little vnto me , Ardent in my request . Thou seest I liue in paine opprest , Sustain'd by this desire alone , In all my life to heare but one ( No ) if thou wilt , in that I most doe loue : But from a man so fierce what shall I proue ? Tell me , the fauours how canst thou requite In that time past , Syrenus , when thy hart Thou hadst more tender , now in hardnes dead : When ( Traitour ) for my cause , with enuies smart A thousand Shepherdes thou didst kill outright : O ioyfull time , and life that I did leade : The vale shall witnes , and the pleasant meade , Where I of Roses white And sweetest flowers , with delight Braue garlands for thy head I had Compacted , and sometimes did adde ( Only for thy content ) some of my haire , Which greeuous thought my life doth now impaire . Now free , thou dost abhorre me , in the end , Who , for thy sake her selfe in paine consumes : But yet take heede of Cupids fine deceates : For that proud hart , that ouermuch presumes , From cruell loue his senses to defend , The more he yeeldes , the more to striue he sweates : O that thou wert so wounded in his heates , As now my selfe I see : But euer it is vnto mee The best aduise , no good to craue : For whatsoeuer it would haue , Though heauen , and earth the more it doth importune , It euer was denied by Loue , and Fortune . My song , in pine I will no wise ingraue thee , Nor hardned Oke , but rather will commend thee Vnto the windes , where they will tosse and waue thee , And to the deafe and desart Champian send thee : Bicause my torments , of their hope depriued , And memorie of them , which makes me sorie , May be forgot , and neuer be reuiued , Now that my life is lost and chiefest glorie .

The delicate voice and excellent graces of Diana , surmounted farre the praises of the fairest and most skilfull Shepherdesses of her time . And the quauers and fine conceits wherewith so sweetely she brake her voice , and adorned her songs , made her to be the more admired : For they were so rare and singular , that they rather seemed to be fetcht from some maiesticall court , then knowen in the homely countrey . The which ought not to be so much wondred at , nor thought so strange , since Loue is able to make the simplest Shepherds discourse of high and learned matters , especially if it finde a liuely wit and spirit , which in those pastorall cottages is seldome wanting . But as the enamoured Shepherdesse was now ending her song , about that time that the cleere Sunne began to lessen the shadowes of the high hils , despised Marcelius taking his leaue of his pastorall lodging , to come to the place where he had appointed to meete Diana , came downe from the hill aboue , at the foote whereof she was sitting to attende him : whom when she had espied a far off , she held her peace , bicause he might not vnderstand the cause of her griefe . When Marcelius was come to the place where Diana stayed for him , he saide vnto her . The cleere light of this day ( faire Shepherdesse ) which with the more resplendant beames of thy shining beautic did arise , be as ioyfull and happie to thee , as to me most sorrowfull , if in thy good company I passe it not away . Truely I am ashamed to see , that my slownes hath made thee stay heere all alone so carefull for my comming ; but this is not the first fault that ( faire Diana ) thou must pardon me during the time that I shall conuerse with thee . As that pardon should be vaine ( answered Diana ) where there is no fault ; so thou art not to be blamed for any such small care , but rather the earnest desire that I had to rise so early , and to come hither , where I haue passed away the time in sundrie fancies , and in thinking of the effects which belong to a troubled minde . But here is no time nor place for vs to stay , since the desire I haue to be at Dianas Temple is great , though the way is very short : as also for that the morning being somewhat fresh , we may before the Sunne begins to powre downe his beames with greater heat , begin to take our iourney , the better to refresh our selues , & in the heate of the day to rest our wearied bodies . When she had saide thus , they both went on their way , crossing ouer a thicke wood that was before them , and for lightning of their iourney , began to sing that which followeth .

Marcelius . INconstant loue and cruell , which hast lately Setled my happy thoughts , my loue and fire , In such a place so famous , high and stately , Where mortall mens desarts cannot aspire : Well hast thou shew'd thy power By quailing of my sorrow , To double it each hower And make my torments greater euen and morrow : Thou mightst haue left my hart in former sadnes , Bicause lesser harme it were to die with anguish , Then to receiue a gladnes So full of paine : And so by fits to languish , Diana . Thou must not thinke it strange , and must not woonder That thus the mighty Boy of paine and pleasure After one small delight , doth send a hunder Nay thousand paines and torments without measure : For firme repose to any He yet did promise neuer , But cruell deathes , and many Sobs , sighes , and teares , complaintes , and chaines for euer : The Lybian sandes , and Aprils fairest flowers Passe not the greefes , with which fierce loue doth murder Each harte , and into showers Distraines the eies : And yet proceedeth furder . Marcelius . Before that euer Loue my soule inflamed , His slightes , wherein he most of all abounded , I knew right well , wherewith mens harts he tamed And captiues made , and after deepely wounded : Our liues with great offences Not onely he annoieth , But yet our wits and senses And soundest iudgements wholy he destroieth . And so torments a soule , and so encumbers , That one poore ioy it hardly doth recouer : So by ten thousand numbers Most greeuous thoughts surcharge a wretched louer . Diana . If Loues deceites and his dissembling proffers , Wherewith he takes vs , are so knowne and tried , Why then presents the soule it selfe and offers So easily to be taken , and applied ? If that the hart so tender The troubles intertaineth That Cupid doth engender , Why after then laments it , and complaineth ? Reason it were in loue he should be pained , That to his dartes doth yeeld , and is consenting With fetters to be chained : For ill affoords vs nought but paines tormenting .

They sung this song and many more , the which hauing ended , they were nowe out of the wood , and then they began to walke ouer a pleasant and flowrie meade , which caused Diana to vse these words . They are no doubt maruellous and strange things , which the industrie of man hath inuented in populous and great cities , but yet those , which nature hath produced in the wide and solitarie fieldes , are more to bee admired . For who woulde not woonder at the liuely greene of this wood ? and not be amazed at the beautie of this goodly meadow ? For , to beholde the diuersitie of coloured flowers , and the pleasant melodie of chirping birdes , is a thing so full of content and delight , that the glorious pompe and wealth of the brauest and most famous Court is not comparable to it . There is indeed ( said Marcelius ) in this pleasant solitude great store of content and ioy , and namely for those that are free from passions of loue , since they may lawfully , and when they list , enioy such rare sweetenes , and abundant pleasures . And I am certaine , that if Loue , ( which is now so much my mortal enimy , remaining in these sequestred places ) had in the village where I was of late , giuen me halfe the grief , which now I feele , my life durst neuer abide it , since with such like delights I coulde not haue mitigated the crueltie of my torment . To this Diana answered not a word , but putting her snowe white hande before her eies , and therewith supporting her golden head , she staied a great while very sadde and pensiue : and after sending foorth now and then a sorrowfull and painefull sigh , said thus . Then woe is me ( vnfortunate Shepherdesse ) that can finde no remedie sufficient to comfort my sorrowes , when those , which take away from others a great part of their paine , doe bring to me a continuall and burning greefe . I can now ( Marcelius ) no longer hide the paine which I suffer , the force whereof , though it compels me to publish it , yet for one thing I am bound to thanke it , that it constraines me to tell it in such a time & place , where thou art onely present , since thy noble minde and experience in like passions will not ( I hope ) condemne it for a meere & trifling follie , especially when thou knowest the cause thereof . I am ( to be plaine with thee Marcelius ) tormented with the like greefe that thou art , and am also forgotten ( as thou art ) of a Shepherd called Syrenus , of whom in times past I was greatly beloued . For cruell Fortune , which ouerturneth humane intents , married me to Delius ( enforced more by the hard commandement of my parents , then by mine owne will ) and to my great greefe , made me a bondslaue to such a husband , the intollerable thought of whose continuall iealousie ( besides the sufferance of many other greefes more ) is onely sufficient to kill this miserable soule . Whose iniurious suspects I could be content yet to suffer , if I might but enioy the presence of Syrenus ; who , taking a iust occasion by my forced marriage to forget me , forsooke our towne , ( bicause he would not see me ) and ( as I vnderstande ) is in the Temple of Diana , whither we are now going . Whereupon thou maiest imagine what kinde of life I leade , being alwaies troubled with the iealousie of my husband , and tormented with the absence of my louer . Then Marcelius said . I cannot chuse but pittie thy greefe , nowe I know it ( gracious Shepherdesse ) and am sorrie that I haue not heard it till now . God grant I may neuer enioy any happie content , if I wish it not as well to thy hart as to mine owne . But bicause thou knowest how generall Loues arrowes are , & with what small partialitie they hurt the stoutest harts , and most free and vertuous mindes , then blush not to manifest his wrongs , since it shall neuer the more be an empeachment to thy good name , but an occasion to make me esteeme the better of thee . And that which comforts me heerein is , that I knowe , that the torment of thy husbandes iealousie ( a greater corsiue to the hart then the absence of the thing beloued ) will suffer thee to take a little rest , since Delius , who is following the flying Shepherdesse , shall now be separated from thy companie . Enioy therefore the time , and occasion that Fortune presents thee , and comfort thy selfe , for it shall be no small ease vnto thee , to passe away the absence of Syrenus , being now free from the importunous trouble of thy iealous husband . I wold not esteem these iealousies so hurtful to me ( said Diana ) if Syrenus had them aswel as Delius , bicause I would then thinke that they had their foundation and beginning of loue . For it is manifest , that they that loue , would be glad to be loued againe , & must esteem the iealousie of the thing beloued , to be good & lawfull , since it is a manifest token of loue , springing from loue , incident to loue , & euer accompanied with it . And for my selfe I am able to assure thee , that I neuer thought my selfe more in loue , then when I was a litle iealous , & neuer iudged my self to be iealous , but when I was ascertained that I was most in loue . To the which Marcelius replied thus , I neuer thought that a pastoral plainnes was able to alledge such wise reasons , in so difficult a question ; whereupon I must needes condemne that for an olde approoued errour , that maintaines , that onely in cities and in the court the finest wits , and exquisite conceits do dwell , when I finde them as well to be amongst the thicke woodes , and in countrey and plaine cottages . Yet for all this I will gainsay thy opinion , whereby thou wouldst seeme to prooue that iealousie is the messenger and companion of loue , as if loue could not be where iealousie is not ioyned with it . For though there are fewe louers but are a little iealous ; yet we must not therefore say , that the Louer that is not iealous , is not a more perfect and truer louer . For he rather sheweth ( being exempt from iealousie ) what valour and force he hath in loue , and the qualitie of his desire , which is pure and cleere , and not troubled with the miste of iealous imaginations . Such an one was I ( with modestie be it spoken ) in my most happie and passed times , and so highly then prised my good Fortune , that with my publike verses I did manifest the same . And amongst many other times that Alcida maruelled to see me so much in loue , and free from iealousie , I tooke in hand on a time to write this Sonnet to her to that effect .

A Sonnet . THey say Loue sware , he neuer would be frend , If mortall Iealousie were not in place : And Beautie neuer be in any face , Vnlesse that Pride did on her thought attend : These are two hags , which hideous hell doth send , Our sweete content to trouble , and disgrace : The one the ioy of loue to paine doth chace , The other pitie from the hart defend . Beautie and Loue were both for sworne , by mee And thee , by making my vnsure estate In ioy and happinesse so fortunate : Bicause smce first thy figure I did see Being so Faire , yet Prouder wast thou neuer Nor I in Loue , that could be Iealous euer .

The pleasure that my Alcida tooke when I rehearsed this Sonnet to her , was so great ( perceiuing thereby the integritie of my loue ) that a thousand times shee would sing it , knowing that I had well pleased her fansie with it . And truely ( faire Shepherdesse ) I hold it for a great errour , that such a horrible monster as iealousie is , should be accounted a good thing , as to say , that it is the token of Loue , and that it is not but in an enamoured hart . For by this assertion we may say , that a feauer is good , bicause it is a token of life , for it is neuer but in a body most likely to liue . But both are manifest errours , since iealousie affoords no lesse paine then a feauer : For it is a plague of the soule ; a frensie disturbing the thoughts ; a madnes that weakens the bodie ; an anger consuming the spirits ; a feare abasing the minde , and a furie that fils the will with folly . But bicause thou maist the better iudge of iealousie to be most abhominable , imagine the cause of it , and thou shalt finde that it is nothing else , but a little feare of that which is not , nor shall be , a vile contempt of ones owne deserts , and a mortall surmise , which cals the faith and sinceritie of that which is beloued , in doubt and suspition . The pangs of iealousie with words ( gentle Shepherdesse ) cannot be decyphered : for they are such that do infinitely exceed in quantitie and qualitie the paines , that are incident to loue . For all the rest ( sauing they ) may be conuerted in the end to a great sweetnes , and content . And as the burning thirst in the hottest day makes the cold and fresh fountaine water to taste more sweete and sauorie , and as the danger and garboiles in warre and sedition , make vs esteeme the more of quietnes and peace ; so the torments of Loue serue vs for greater pleasure , whensoeuer any small fauour is graunted vnto vs , and when we enioy but the least content and happines . But this frantike iealousie powres such bitter poyson into mens harts , that it spoiles and driues away all delights that harbour in it . To this effect I remember that an excellent Musition in Lisbone did sing this Sonnet on a day before the King of Portugall , which said thus .

A Sonnet . Wen cruell absence woundes a soule with paine , Then thought is fed with fancies in their kinde : For further of the good remaines , the minde Receiues more ioy , when that it comes againe : He that on hope his ground doth yet sustaine , For all his greefe a remedie shall finde , And for his paines rewardes shall be assign'd : Or dies at lest in loue content and faine : A thousand paines away one ioy doth chace , And to a thousand scornes reuenge presents The only viewing of an Angels face : But when a soule vile iealousie torments , Though thousand ioyes doe afterwards succeede , Yet bitter greefe and rage the same doth breede .

O how true was his opinion , how sure was this conclusion ? For in very truth this pestilent iealousie leaues not one part of the soule whole , nor the least corner of the hart vnsearched , where any small delight may hide it selfe . There is no content in Loue , where there is no hope ; and hope will neuer be there , where iealousie is a meane betweene them both . There is no stedfast pleasure where iealousie is , no delight which is not consumed with it , and no griefe but iealousie torments vs with it . The enraged furie of poysoned iealousie is so extreme , that it grieueth the hart infected with it , to heare the praises of the thing beloued , and would neuer haue the perfections of that which one loueth neither seene nor knowen of any but of himselfe , offering great iniurie by meanes hereof to the woorthines of that gentilitie , that holds him in captiuitie . And the iealous man doth not onely liue in this slauery and paine , but to her also whom he loueth , he giueth such incessant griefe , that more he could not giue her , if he were her mortall enimie . Wherefore it is verie cleere , that a iealous husband ( like thine ) would rather haue his wife seemefoule and lothsome to the world , & that she might be neuer seene , nor praised ; no , not by the most virtuous and modest mindes . What griefe is it for the wife to haue her honesty condemned by a false suspect ? What greater punishment , then without all reason to be locked vp in a secret corner of her house ? What hart breake sorrowe with austere words , & somtimes with vnseemely deeds to be continually checked ? If she be merie , her husband thinks her dishonest ; if she be sad , he imagines himselfe lothsom in her eie ; if she be musing , he iudgeth her ful of fansies ; if she looke on him , he thinks she deceiues him ; if she lookes not on him , he thinkes she hates him ; if she vse any daliance with him , he thinkes it to be but fained ; if shee be graue and modest , he thinkes her a counterfaite ; if she laughes , he thinkes her to be loose ; if she sigh , he counts her naught : And in the end iealousie conuerteth euerie thing that is poisoned with it , to an endlesse griefe and miserie . Whereupon it is verie cleere , that there is no paine in the world like to this , and neuer out of hell came fouler Harpyes to contaminate and putrifie the sweete and sauourie foode of an enamoured soule : wherefore care not greatly Diana for the absence of iealous Delius , for it auailes thee not a little to make thee suffer the paine of Loue more gently . To this Diana answered . Now am I thorowly ascertained , that this passion which thou hast so liuely depainted , is a most vgly and horrble thing , which deserues not a place in amorous harts ; and also beleeue , that this was the verie same griefe that tormented Delius . But I must tel thee by the way ( Marcelius ) that I neuer meant to defend the like grief , & that neuer it found harbour in my brest : for as I neuer thought amisse of Syrenus worthines and deserts ; so was I neuer tormented with such like passion and follie , as thou hast told of , but I had onely a certaine kinde of feare to be reiected in respect of another . And in this suspition I haue not beene much deceiued , for to my great griefe I haue tried Syrenus forgetfulnes . This feare , said Marcelius , cannot be properly termed iealousie , which is rather an ordinarie passion in the best and wisest louers . For it is verified , that that which I loue , I esteeme & hold it for good , and thinke it deserues to be beloued : which being so , I am afraide least another might know the goodnes , and worthines of it , & so loue it like my selfe . And so it fals out , that a louer is put betweene hope and feare . That which the one denies him , the other doth promise him ; and when the one doth cast him downe , the other lifts him vp againe . And in the ende , the wounds that feare makes in this contentious quarrell , hope heales againe , vntill one of the two remaines conqueror . And if it happen that feare ouercomes hope , the louer then becomes iealous ; but if hope conquers feare , then the louer liues in a ioyfull and happie estate . But in the time of my good fortune I had euer so strong and sure a hope , that feare was vnable , not onely to ouercome it , but durst neuer attempt to assaile it ; whereby , I euer enioyed so great delight , that in exchange of that , I neuer cared to be troubled with continual griefes . And I was so greatly in her fauor , that I sustained my hope in such firmnes , that there was no grief that came from her part , that I accepted not for a singular ioy , & pleasure . I accounted her cruelties , courtesies ; her disdaines , daliances ; her angrie answers , amiable promises . Diana and Marcelius going on their waies , had these and diuers other speeches togither . And hauing passed ouer the greene meade in sweete communication , and going by the side of a little hill , they entred into a pleasant wood , where the thicke Sicamours did spread abroad fresh and coole shadowes . There they heard a passing cleere voice , which ioyned with the tune of a sweete harpe , sounded forth strange melodie ; and comming neer to hearken to it , they might perceiue , that it was the voice of a Shepherdesse , that sung in maner following .

A Sonnet . AS many stars as Heauen containeth , striue To frame my harme , and lucklesse hap to show : And in th' Earth no grasse nor greene doth growe , That to my greefe may any comfort giue : Loue vnto feare subiected , euer driue A soule to coldest ice : O bitter woe , That he , whom Fortune did contrarie so , Continually with iealousie must liue . The fault I must ( Montanus ) lay on thee , And all my greefe : on thee I doe complaine ( O cruell soule ) that pitie dost disdaine ; For if thou hadst but taken part with mee , I would not care though gainst me did conspire Heauen , Earth , and Loue , and Fortune in their ire .

After that the Shepherdesse had sweetely sung , enlarging the raines of her bitter and dolefull complaint , she powred out such abundance of teares , and gaue so many sighes , that by them , and by the wordes she spake , they knew that a cruell deceit of her iealous husband was the cause of all her greefe . But bicause they would know better what she was , and the cause of her passion , they went to the place where she was , and found her sitting al alone in the shadowe , which the thicke boughes made on euerie side vpon the fine and greene grasse , neere to a little spring , which rising out of the foote of an oke , ranne by diuers waies thorow that little woode . They curteously saluted her , and she ( although it greeued her that they had interrupted her lamentation , yet iudging by their countenances that they were Shepherds of good regard ) was not greatly discontented at their comming , hoping to haue had the fruition of their good company , & therefore said vnto them . To my remembrance ( faire Shepherd and Shepherdesse ) I neuer receiued so great contenment that might be compared with this in seeing you now , since the time that I was vniustlie forsaken of my cruell husband ; which is so great , that though continuall greefe compels me to ceaselesse plaints , yet will I make a pause of them a little while to enioy your peaceable and discreete companie . To this Marcelius answered . I praie God I may neuer see my torments cease , if that it greeues me not to see thine , and the same maiest thou also beleeue of faire Diana , whom thou seest in my companie . The Shepherdesse hearing Dianas name , running vnto her , did with the greatest gladnes that might be , embrace her , shewing a thousand louing signes , and making the most on her in the world , bicause she was desirous long since to knowe her , for the great report that she heard of her wisedome and beautie . Diana maruelling to see herselfe so entreated by a Shepherdesse , whom she knewe not , requited her yet with like curtesies againe , and desiring to know who she was , saide vnto her . The great fauours that thou hast done me , and the pittie which I take of thy complaints , make me desirous to know what thou art , wherefore tell vs ( faire Shepherdesse ) thy name , and discourse vnto vs the cause of thy greefe , bicause that after thou hast tolde it , thou shalt see how our harts will helpe thee to passe it away , and our eies readie to bewaile it . The Shepherdesse then with a gracious speech began to excuse herselfe , from telling the substance of her owne fall , yet vrged in the ende by their importunate requestes , she sat downe againe vpon the grasse , and began thus to saie . By the report of Seluagia that was borne in my towne , and in thine too faire Diana , which is now married to the Shepherd Syluanus , thou hast beene told ( I thinke ) of the vnfortunate name of Ismenia , that is now beginning to tell her sorrowfull tale . And I thinke that she tolde thee at large when she was in thy towne , howe against my will I deceiued her in the Temple of Minerua in the kingdome of Portugall , and how by my owne deceite I was ouertaken ; then perhaps she hath also tolde thee how I fained to loue Montanus her mortall enimie , to be reuenged of Alanius , who for the loue that he did beare her , forgot me quite , and how this fained loue with the riper knowledge of his vertues , and accomplishments fel out at last so true , that by means of it , I suffer this intolerable sorrow & greefe , which euen now I complained of . Therefore passing on farther in the history of my life , thou shalt vnderstand , that when Filenus father to Montanus came sometimes to my fathers house about certaine of his affaires , and bargaines that he had with him for flockes of sheepe , and had espied me on a time , although somewhat aged , yet he was so extreemely enamoured of me , that he became almost out of his wits . A thousand times a daie he wooed me , and euery hower reckoned vp to me his greefes , but all in vaine , for I would neither harken vnto him , nor regard his wordes . Yet bicause he was a man of more sufficiencie , and of fewer yeeres then many other in his case , I did not altogither forget him , and the rather for his sonne Montanus sake , whose loue had made me now his captiue before . The old man knew not of the loue , that Montanus did beare me , for he was alwaies so carefull and dutifull a son , and so discreetly handled the matter , that the father had not any notice thereof , fearing mightilie ( if it had beene knowne ) his fathers displeasure , and that with bitter and angrie wordes he might haue iustly corrected him for it . And as wisely did the father conceale from his sonne Montanus his owne follie ; for , the better to chastise and amend what he thought amisse in his sonne , he was very vigilant not to discouer his owne and greater faults . Although for all this he neuer ceased with continuall suites to sollicite my loue , & importuned me to take him for my husband . He discoursed to me a thousand odde matters , and made me as many great offers : he promised me many costly garments , rich iewels , and sent mee many letters , thinking by those meanes , if not to ouercome me , at least to mollifie my hard refusals . He was a Shepherd in his flourishing age no lesse commended for al youthful sports , then cunning in all pastorall exercises , one that could tell a smooth tale , and with great wisedome and discretion bring his purpose to good effect . And bicause you may the better beleeue me , I will rehearse vnto you a letter that once he wrote vnto me , the which although it altered my minde nothing , yet it greatly contented me , and thus it said .

Filenus letter to Ismenia . FAire Shepherdesse , The cause was Loue , Who ( to acquaint thee with his paine ) This fault and blame in me did moue To write to thee : But to be plaine , Who would not be both shent and blamed , In thy sweete loues to be inflamed ? But if my letter doe offend Thy modest eares , as to too bold : Then vnderstand , that in the end The feare I haue to be controld , My soule with paine and greefe hath fild , And hath the same already kild . I haue to thee ten thousand times My torments told , wherein I liue , Sometimes by speech sometimes by rimes , Which first to me thy selfe didst giue , The which no more thou dost requite , Then mocke , vnto thy great delighte . With open mouth thou laugh'st at mee , And makest it thine onely game To see me die for loue of thee : And I doe ioy to see the same : Although thou laughest at my paine , Which laughter is to me no gaine . And so when that in me I finde The greeuous ill , which makes me die , I thinke ( when that comes to my minde ) No remedie thou wilt apply . Bicause to see thou ici'st thy fill , How much my comforts thou dost kill . A remedie thou dost disdaine : And then my soule with hope to feede I see it is as much in vaine , When as it is by loue decreede To haue my life lie in thy hand , And death in thy desire to stand . I sawe thy shining beauties beames , Faire Shepherdesse , vpon a day Neere to great Duerus Christall streames , Making the fields so fresh and gay , And goodly banks to ioy and flourish , The which thy beauties feedes & nourish . And there I sawe thee leane and stand , Among those banks not long agoe , Vpon thy sheepehooke with thy hand , With naked necke as white as snowe , And to thine elbowe ( seeming greeued ) With naked arme , that was vnsleeued . Where if there had beene any one , That well had viewed euery part , Admit he were as hard as stone , And had not lou'd thee from his hart : Reason would moue me then to say , That he his folly did bewray . And therefore thus when I had knowne Thy goodly giftes , and beautie rare , From thinking of them one by one No time , nor rest I did not spare : Thus I began loues force to trie , And in his torments thus to die . But if against me thou dost moue Saying , It is to me a shame Being an old man thus to loue So yoong amaide , and so to blame : O giue me no aduice at all , But remedies for which I call . For I will neuer thinke this part Of mine hath made so great acrime , By louing thee with all my hart , As hauing lost so long a time , Before I euer came to knowe Thy beauties which adorne thee so . Alas I knowe that I am olde , And that my prime long since did fall , Which now I wish I had not tolde : But that which greeues me most of all , Is that my louing paine appeeres Not equall with so many yeeres . Bicause since first I came into This life , I would in all that space Haue loued thee as now I doe , Since first I sawe thy sweetest face , And as I must with Cupids powre Vnto my last and dying howre . And let it not thy minde dismay To see my haire so gray and white , For it is ill to take away The place from any , that of right Belongs to him in any reason , Though it comes out of time and season . And though my valour not my hart , And force , not will thou dost exceede , It is not yet so iust a part That any man should leese his meede For being old , or be vnpaide Bicause a souldier now decaide . The buildings newer that they are , And lately built in any sort , By no proportion may compare , For statelines and princely port , ( The which antiquitie doth showe ) With those of Rome built long agoe . And so in things of woorthines , Of prime or goodnes any way , Of profit , ioy or happines , Commonly vnto this day They say ( and yet do say most true ) That th' old is better then the new . Loue wise in that he went about , Till now gaue me no sense of paine , Bicause he sawe it did fall out , That for the most part did remaine , In aged men , and like to mee , More firmnesse as we daily see . To loue thee more then I can tell , I am resolued till I die , And in my firmnesse doe excell Of all loues torments which I trie : But olde againe and not to prooue In all my life , the sweete of loue . Yoong youthes that most of all doe faine Themselues to burne in Cupids heate Are false and double , but to traine Beleeuing women to deceate : For when they say , That they doe die Then doe they liue most merily . And so their false and changing loue , And paines alledged in the same , And all the torments which they prooue Is but their pastime , sport and game , It is their iest and common fashion , It is no will , nor any passion . Besides , Ismenia doe not feare That I am like to one of those Yoong louers , that doe euery wheare Their fauours openly disclose : For sooner they receiue not one , But straight to many it is knowne . For though I doe receiue at lest Three hundred fauours one by one , Yet in my loue I doe protest To be as much a very stone In hiding fauours which I gaine , As that I am in suffring paine . But yet as far as I can see , Resolued as thou art in minde To kill me with thy crueltie , Suer I am that I shall finde Much to endure to be reueal'd , Little ynough to be conceal'd . For now ingratefull Shepherdesse , The greatest fauour which I misse And faine the same would heere possesse , Of all the rest is onely this To die , bicause I would no more Complaine against thee , as before . Time onely will I thee accuse , O time that art so great a friend To greefes , and makest her refuse My loue , who loues her without end . For he that hath most part in thee Is little woorth in loue we see . Alas that euer I did loue Too late a thing so passing faire , And reason therefore that I prooue To die for her in deepe despaire : Since when her birth day did appeere I was not borne that very yeere . If I had beene , faire She pherdesse , With thee , when I was in my prime As now thou art , then more or lesse , I had not wanted any time , Delights and pastimes to present thee , Nor thy sweete fauours to content mee . For as for playing on a Pipe , Or Rebecke with most sweetest sound To touch with many a daintie stripe , And dauncing best in all the towne , Amongst the youthes to win the prise All in my fauour did arise . And therefore maruell not a whit , If that in song I doe excell Famous Amphion , as vnfit ( Compar'd with me ) to beare the bell , Since that my singing hath surmounted , Better then he was euer counted . Of fields that goodly graine doe beare I plowe more acres then the rest : And all my mountaines euery where , And plaines that are for pastures best , With flocks of sheepe and goates I cumber , Mark't with my mark that haue no number . But now what bootes my present store ( O cruell hap ) for my delight ? Or that that hath beene heeretofore ? Since now it is forgotten quite . Nay which is more , scorn'd and despis'd , And vnto cruell death deuis'd . Then ( sweetest foe ) let this auaile To make thy hardest hart relent , Strike downe of pride thy puffed saile , When to thine eies age shall present , That in the same thy braue perfection Shall vade , and be in times subiection . O Shepherdesse , thou art more hard Then sturdy rocke consum'd in time : But yet perhaps for thy reward When thou hast lost thy golden prime , Then freedomes want shall be thy paine , Wherewith thou dost me now disdaine . Wherefore let Loue take such de spite , Reuenging one so much vnkinde , That when all hopes forsake thee quite , And comforts for thy troubled minde , Then he may giue thee store of greefe , And make despaire thy best releefe .

These and many other letters and songs he sent me ; the which , if they had wrought their effect so much as my delight , he might then perhaps in his owne conceit haue thought himselfe a happie man , and I haue beene by this time an ill married wife . But there was not any thing able to blot Montanus image out of my hart , who apparantly also satisfied my will with like words and deeds . We passed our liues away certaine yeeres in this ioy , vntill we thought with holy marriage to accomplish our happie daies , and rest . And though Montanus would haue tolde his Father of it before , to haue shewed the dutie of a good sonne , yet he would not do it , when I told him , how hardly his Father would thinke of it , by reason of the doting desire that he had to marrie me himselfe : Hauing therefore greater respect to the contentment of his owne life , then to the dutie he owed his Father , without making him priuie , we performed our vnluckie marriage . Which was done by the consent of my Father , in whose house there were great feastes made in solemnitie of it , besides other pastimes , as dancing , plaies , & such great sports , that the noise of them was bruted in all the countrey towns about . Whereupon the louing old man vnderstanding his own son had deceiued him of his loue , he became so incensed against vs both that he hated vs like death , & therfore would neuer after that see vs , if he could otherwise choose . On the other side there was a certaine Shepherdesse of that towne called Felisarda , that died almost for the loue of Montanus , whom ( in regard of his great loue to me , and of her bad conditions and declining age ) he could neuer abide : When she perceiued that Montanus had married me , she had almost hanged her selfe for griefe , so that by our vnfortunate marriage we got vs two mortall enimies . The wretched old dotard , because he would disinherit his sonne , purposed to marrie a yoong and faire wench , to haue had children by her . But though he was rich , yet did not any Shepherdesse of our towne loue him , Felisarda onely excepted , who , bicause she thought by these meanes to enioy the dishonest loue of Montanus ( the which she bare yet fresh in memorie ) married with old Filenus . And being now his wife , she practised diuers waies to winne Montanus to her loue , and especially by meanes of a maide she had , called Sylueria , sending him word , that if he would condiscend to her will , she would make an attonement betweene his Father and him , offering him besides many great rewards , & gifts . But she could neuer corrupt his minde , nor peruert his chaste intent : Seeing her selfe therefore so much contemned , she began to beare such mortal hatred to Montanus , that by and by she instigated his Father against him ; and not content with this , wrought more ouer this vile piece of treacherie against him . For she in such sort ouercame Syluerias minde with flatterie , gifts , good cheere , and other fauours , that she was content to do whatsoeuer she commanunded , although it had beene to the preiudice of Montanus , whom sometimes she respected greatly , for that she had beene a long time seruant in his Fathers house . Both of them agreede secretly togither vpon that they had to doe , and vpon the hower of putting it in practise : Whereupon Sylueria went out of her towne , and comming to a forrest neere to the riuer Duerus , where Montanus was feeding his sheepe , she came to talke with him secretly , as though she had beene troubled much in minde about the weightiest matter in the world , saying . Ah , Montanus , how wise wert thou in despising thy wicked Stepdames loue , though I my selfe by her importunate request did what I could to bring thee to it . But since I know what hath passed , she shall neuer make me any more the messenger of her dishonest lusts . I haue seene , and know certaine things by her , which touch thy Fathers credit and thine too neere , and such , that , if thou knewest them ( though thy Father is so cruell to thee ) in such a case thou would'st not care to leese thy life for safegard of his honour . I tell thee no more but this , bicause I know thee to be so wise and discreete , that I neede make no longer discourse vnto thee . Montanus was amazed at these wordes , suspecting by and by some dishonest tricke of his Stepmother : But bicause he would be thorowly informed of the matter , he prayed Sylueria to tell him all that she knew concerning that matter . The more she was entreated , the more she denied , making it verie daintie , and no lesse dangerous to discouer so secret a thing ; but in the end satisfying his request , and her owne desire , she told him a notable and cunning lye , saying . Bicause it is a thing that so greatly toucheth thy credit , & Filenus my Masters good name , I will therefore tell thee truely what I know , hoping that thou wilt tell none in the worlde , that this secret treacherie was discouered by me . Thou must therefore knowe , that Felisarda thy stepmother is working a great disgrace against thy father , with a certaine Shepherd , whose name I will not tell thee , bicause thou maiest heereafter knowe him , if thou wilt : for if thou wilt come this night , and follow me where I will leade thee , thou shalt finde the adulterer and the trayteresse togither in Filenus house : for so they haue appointed , bicause Filenus lieth this night at a Farme he hath , by reason of some busines there , & cannot come home again before to morrow at noone . Wherfore look wel about thee , & at eleuen of the clocke at night come to mee , for I will bring thee in , where thou maiest doe that , which may turne to thine own credit , thy fathers honor , & perhaps greatly to thine owne profit by obtaying pardon at thy fathers hands . This tale Sylueria told so smoothly , and with such cunning dissimulation , that Montanus was resolued to put himselfe in the greatest danger to be reuenged of him , who shoulde offer any dishonour to his father . And so the vile and wicked Sylueria very glad that this deceit which Felisarda hatched , had so good successe , went home againe , where she tolde Felisarda her Mistresse what was agreed on betweene Montanus and her . Nowe had the darke night ouerspred the earth with her blacke mantell , when Montanus being come to the village , tooke a dagger with him which his vncle Palemon the Shepherd had giuen him , and iust at eleuen of the clocke went to Filenus his fathers house , where Sylueria was staying for him , as she had appointed . O wicked treason , the like neuer seene , nor heard of before ! Oh trayterous wickednes , such as was neuer thought of before ! She tooke him by the hand , and going very softly vp a paire of staires , ledde him to the chamber doore where Filenus his father , and Felisarda his stepdame were a bedde togither , and when she had set him there , she saide vnto him . Now thou art come to the place Montanus , where thou must shew that thou hast courage and no abiect minde , that is requisite in so good a cause : goe into this chamber , and there thou shalt finde thy mother a bed with the adulterer . When she had saide so , she ranne away , as fast as euer she could . Montanus being thus deluded with Syluerias falshood , gaue credite to her words , and in a furie plucking his dagger out of the sheath , brake open the chamber doore with a thrust of his foote , like a mad man with these loud exclamations rushed into it , saying : Here must thou die ( traytour ) by mine owne hands : now shall the strumpet Felisardas foule loues helpe thee nothing at all : And speaking these words , he was so wroth , that he knew not who he was that lay in the bedde , and thinking to haue slaine the adulterer , he lifted vp his arme to stabbe his Father as he lay a bedde . But yet good Fortune awoke the old man , who knowing his sonne by the light that was there , thought verily that for the austere words & vnkind disgraces , which he had done him , he came to kill him ; wherefore lifting himselfe quickly out of the bedde , with holding vp his hands he saide . O my sonne ! what crueltie is this that makes thee the butcher of thine owne Father ? For Gods sake remember thy selfe , and spill nor nowe my innocent bloud , nor ende my life before the appointed hower from aboue doth come . For if I haue heeretofore vsed any rigour against thee , heere vpon my knees I craue pardon for it , with protestation , that from hencefoorth I will entreate thee as louingly and gently as any father in the world may vse his sonne . When Montanus perceiued the treacherie that was wrought , and the danger that he had almost incurred , by killing his owne Father , he stoode there so astonished , that his hart and arme so failed him , whereby the dagger fell out of his hands and neuer felt it . Being thus striken in a maze , he could not vtter a worde ; but ashamed and confounded in his owne enterprise , he went out of the chamber , and out of the house wonderful sorrie for the treacherie that Sylueria had buzzed into his eares , and for that which he had almost done , but that his fortune was the better . Feltsarda , who knew all the matter before , and how it would fall out , when she saw Montanus come into the chamber , she lept out of the bed , and ranne into another inward chamber , and locking the doore after her , saued her selfe from her sonne in lawes furie . But when she saw her selfe free from danger ( for now Montanus was gone out of the house ) shee came into the chamber againe where Filenus was yet shaking for feare , and then she incensing the Father against the Sonne , with loude vociferations began thus to say vnto him . Now Filenus , thou knowest well what kinde of Sonne thou hast , and now canst tell if it be not true which I haue so often told thee of his wicked conditions and nature . O cruell wretch ! O vile Traytour Montanus ! why doe not the heauens confound thee ? Why doth not the earth swallow thee vp ? Why do not the wilde beasts deuour thee ? Why do not men persecute thee to death ? Accursed be thy marriage , thy disobedience , thy loues , and thy Ismenia , that hath brought thee to this barbarous crueltie , and to commit so horrible a sinne . Traytour as thou art , thou dost not punish Alanius , who to thy shame and disgrace , hath too familiar companie with thy Ismenia vsing her dishonestly , and whom she loues more then thy selfe ; and carest not to kill thy owne Father , who with tendernes of thy life , and credit hath euer made account of thee . Bicause he gaue thee good counsell , would'st thou therefore kill him ? O woefull Father ! O vnfortunate gray haires ! O grieuous old age ! What fault didst thou euer commit , that thine owne sonne should kill thee for it , euen he , whom thou hast begotten , brought vp , and for whom thou hast passed a thousand cares ? Plucke vp thy hart now ; leaue of thy fatherly loue ; giue place to iustice ; let him be duely punished : for , if he , which perpetrated such wicked crueltie , hath not his descrued punishment , disobedient sonnes will not be afraide to do the like , nor thine owne hereafter to murder thee once againe with his owne hands . Old Filenus full of feare , griefe , and despite , hearing the speech that his wife told him , and considering his sonnes treason , tooke so great displeasure at it , that taking vp the dagger that Montanus had let fall , early in the morning he went to the market place , & there assembling the chiefest men of the towne , & the Iustices togither , after many teares and sobs , said thus vnto them . I inuoke God for witnes ( most worthie Shepherdes ) that the discourse , which I must tell you , torments my soule so much , that I am afraide it will flye out of my bodie before I haue told it out . Let not any therefore thinke me cruell or vnnatural , by comming to publish my sonnes wickednes openly in this place , since it is so strange and detestable , that the greatest punishment that I am able to giue him , is not sufficient for the enormitie thereof . The which for that I am vnable my selfe to remedie it , I will lay open before your eies , that you may see , how iust and needfull a thing it is to giue him condigne punishment , and to forwarne all other sonnes by his grieuous example . Needlesse it is to tell you , with what tender loue and affection I haue brought him vp , how carefully I haue kept him ; with what diligence I haue instructed him in commendable qualities ; what thoughts I haue suffered for him ; what good counsell I haue giuen him , and how mildly I haue chastised him . To my great griefe he married Ismenia ; and bicause I found fault with him for it , in lieu of being reuenged of Alanius the Shepherd , who ( as all the countrey knowes ) liues dishonestly with his wife Ismenia , turned his anger towards me , and this night would haue done me to death . For this last night he found the meanes to get into the chamber where I was a bed with my wife Felisarda , and with this naked dagger would haue killed me : And had done it , but that God did cut off his strength , and abated it in such sort , that being halfe astonished and afraide , he went out from thence , not able to put his damnable intent in practise , leauing the dagger ( that fell out of his hands ) in the chamber . This is the true report of that which this last night passed , whereof you may be better informed by my louing wife . But bicause I certainly know that my sonne Montanus would neuer haue committed so foule a deed against his Father , if his wife Ismenia had not perswaded him to it , I therefore beseech you all to consider well of this matter : First , that my sonne may be sufficiently punished for his wicked attempt ; and then , that false Ismenia , especially for the treacherous counsell she gaue her husband , as also for her dishonest loue , and life that she leades with Alanius , may likewise receiue due correction . Filenus had scarce ended his tale , when there arose such a noise amongst the people , that all the towne seemed to haue suncke : And the harts of all the Shepherds and Shepherdesses were so much altered at these words , that they conceiued a mortall hatred against Montanus . Some saide , that he deserued to be stoned to death ; others , to be throwen into the deepest place of the riuer Duerus ; others , that he should be cast forth to be deuoured of hungrie woolfes , so that there was not one almost amongst them all , who allotted not his doome and manner of his death . It mooued them also not a little to despite to heare that which Filenus falsely reported concerning my life : but they were so incensed with anger and hate against Montanus , and his pretenses , that they had no leysure to thinke of mine . When Montanus vnderstoode how his Father had openly before all the towne accused him of this deed , and of the hurly burly and awaite , that was laide to catch him , he fell into a woonderfull desperation . And besides this knowing what his Father had told of me before them all , he tooke such a deepe conceit and griefe thereat , that the like was neuer heard of . From hence did all my sorrowes rise , this was the cause of my perdition , and here did my painfull life begin . For my beloued Montanus knew that in times past I had loued Alanius , and was beloued of him againe ; and imagining that old and mortified loues might oftentimes be reuiued , & seeing Alanius ( whom now for his sake I had quite forgotten ) to be in loue with me as much as euer he was , by making daily suites to me for my loue , with those kinde of pastorall feasts and sports , that louers are woont to please their Shepherdesses withall , he vehemently suspected , that the false report which his Father Filenus had told of me was true ; and the more he thought of it , the more he beleeued it to be so indeed : In so much that waxing almost mad and desperate for the treacherie that Sylueria had wrought him , and for that which he suspected I had done him , he fled from the towne and countrey thereabouts , and since was neuer more heard of . And I then , who knew of his departure and the cause thereof , by the report of certaine Shepherds his friends , whom he fully acquainted with his vnfortunate estate , left also our town to seeke him out , and while I liue will neuer leaue seeking , vntill I haue found my deere husband , to acquite my selfe of this crime which he suspectes , although I shoulde die by his owne handes for my labour . It is a good while since I haue gone vp and downe wandring and enquiring after him , and for all that I haue sought in the cheefest townes , and amongst all the Shepherdes and cottages , Fortune neuer yet gaue me any notice of my Montanus . The greatest accident , that in these my trauels chanced vnto mee , since I forsooke my towne , was , that I found the trayteresse Sylueria , who knowing the voluntarie exile of Montanus , went vp and downe following , to tell him the plot and drift of the secret trecherie that she had done him , and to aske him forgiuenes for it , being verie penitent that she had committed such abhominable wickednes . But as yet till then she had not spoken with him , and when she sawe me , she told me openly howe the matter stoode , which was no small ease vnto my minde , to know the maner how we were betraied . I thought with mine owne handes to haue killed her , though I was but a weak woman , yet I did it not , bicause it lay in her only to helpe my greefe by confessing her owne wickednes . I praied her , to seeke out my beloued Montanus in all the haste she could , to certifie him of the matter , and how it stoode , and so I left her to seeke him out some other way . I came hither to day to this woode , where being inuited by the pleasantnes of the place , I rested mee to passe the heate of the day away . And since that Fortune ( for my great comfort ) hath brought you hither , and that it is now the hottest part of the day , I beseech you let me enioy your gracious companie , while the heate of the sunne shall last . Diana and Marcelius were glad to heare the historie that Ismenia tolde them , and to knowe the cause of her greefe . It pleased them also well to heare the discourse of her life , who then gaue her some comfort to ease her greefe , promising her all the fauour and helpe , that they might possiblie bestow on her for remedie of her paine and trauels . They praied her also to go with them to Felicias pallace , bicause it was most like that there she should finde out some kind of comfort to make her glad againe . And they both thought good to passe the time away there , while the heate of the Sunne did last , as Ismenia requested them . But bicause Diana was very skilfull in that ground , & knew very well the woods , fountaines , forrests , and the pleasant and shadowed places of it , she told them , that there was not farre from thence a more delightfull and pleasant place then that was , for it was not yet full midday : So that all three of them rising , went a little way , and came by and by to a forrest , where Diana led them , which was as pleasant , coole , and delightful a place , as any of those hils , or fieldes that euer was with fame renowned in the pastorall Arcadia : There were in it faire and greene Sicamours , Sallowes , Ashes , Byrch , and Beech trees , which round about the brinks of the chrystalline fountaines , and in euery part thereabout , being softly blowen with a coole and sweete winde , made a pleasant and gentle noise . There the aire did so sweetely resound with the tuned melodie of the little birdes , which went skipping vp and downe the greene boughes , that it cheered vp the minde with a gracious kinde of welcome . It was couered all ouer with greene and small grasse , amongst the which were many faire and coloured flowers , which painting the place with knots in many places , did with their sweete sinell recreate the most sorrowfull and melancholike spirits . There were the Hunters woont to finde Heardes of fearefull Harts , wilde Goates , and of other little beasts , in which games and sports they tooke no small pastime and delight . They came into this forrest following Diana their guide that went in first , for she went before to seeke out a little thicke groue of trees , that she had marked out in that place ( where she was woont to resort ) to rest and refresh herselfe many times . And they had not gone farre , when Diana comming neere to the place , that she thought the most pleasant of all the wood , and where shee minded to haue passed away the heate of the daie , putting her finger to her mouth , she made signes to Marcelius and Ismenia to come on softly without making any noise . The reason was , bicause she heard amongst those thicke trees certaine Shepherds singing . By their voices they seemed to be Taurisus and Berardus , both extremely tormented in pursute of her loue , as it is saide before . But bicause she would be more sure of it , stealing on neerer vnto them betweene certaine bushes , she was harkening to them , to see if she knew them , and she perceiued that they were the very same , and that they had in their companie a faire yoong gentlewoman , and a gallant and woorthie gentleman , both which ( although they seemed to be somewhat troubled in minde , and wearied by much trauell ) shewed neuerthelesse in their gesture and disposition notable tokens of valour and vertue . After she had viewed who they were , she went backe againe bicause she woulde not be seene . And now was Marcelius and Ismenia come , and all three togither began to sit them downe behinde certaine Hasels , where they might not bee seene , but where they might distinctly heare the Shepherds songs , whose voices resounding ouer all the forrest , made a singular sweete melodie , as you shall heare in the Booke that followeth .

The end of the second Booke .

The third Booke of Enamoured DIANA .

THe treacherie and malice of an iniurious and enuying stepdame is commonly woont to enterprise so detestable acts , that it would discourage the stoutest hart , not onely to doe them , but make it tremble to thinke of them . And that which is worst , is , that Fortune is so great a friend in changing good and prosperous estates , that she sheweth them all the fauour she may in their vniust attempts : for she knoweth that most of them endeuour to stirre vp strange nouelties , and mutinies , and to be the occasion and meanes of much sorrow and trouble . The crueltie of Felisarda was great , when by her vile and suttle slightes she made the father so mortally abhorre his owne sonne , and a husband to forsake his louing wife ; the one deceiued by an ●pparant shewe of loue and dutie misconstrued ; the other by a false report , and with a vaine and simple suspect stinged : but yet her happe was the better , that brought her malicious and wicked purpose to that effect , that she herselfe desired . And I speake not this , to make men thinke the woorse of all such kinde of women , but bicause euerie one may liue aduisedly by taking good heed of such as Felisarda was , which are but fewe ( I hope ) since so many of that noble sexe are the glorie of the worlde , and the lanterns of life , whose sinceritie , faith , discretion , and vertues with golden verses deserue to be eternized . For proofe whereof , Diana and Ismenia may giue sufficient testimonie , Shepherdesses adorned with singular beautie , chastitie , and wisedome , whose histories do blazon foorth their infinite and woorthie praises . In following the discourse whereof , you must vnderstand , that when Marcelius and they were sitting behinde the Hasels , they heard that Taurisus and Berardus did sing as followeth .

Berardus . THe coole fresh winde , Taurisus , that inuiting vs Amongst the trees , the leaues is gently shaking , Our sences ioying , and with ease delighting vs : The Cotes , and Sicamours sweete shadowes making : The Cristall fountaines , that in cop●ous swelling Doe flowe , our thirst with sauourie liquours slaking : The coloured flower , whose sweete and fragrant smelling To banish melancholie greefes sufficeth , Which makes the hart from sweet content rebelling , His might , that all despiseth , Cannot subdue , nor malice , nor the brauerie , Of that most cruell king , whose sway doth wearie vs , Whose punishment , and slauerie Is absolute , vniust , and meere imperious . For amorous greefes , to hels of paines that ferrie vs , No remedies haue yet beene salutiferous , But still the poison fuming Infects my soule with torments most pestiferous . Taurisus . He that in loue is euermore consuming , Is neuer glad , for such an euill tires him , Liuing in greefe , in greefe his death resuming : Loue giues him paines , and most with torments fires him , When most he seekes his pastime and his pleasure ; For then with furious thoughts he most inspires him : Those few times when a soule entoies her treasure , Greefe doth succeede in place , whose balefull souenaunce Makes it returne to playning without measure : Loue will enioy his couenants : And whom he conquers , kils , or prisoner taketh , He thinkes by him to get most famous glorie : His prisoner now , that quaketh , He giu●… to Fortune , with his Fortune sorie , Or sels to greefe , whom euermore it shaketh , And paints in him her dire and tragicke storie , And him that s burning in his hottest fires He quite consumes , the cruell he retires . Berardus . The whole man waxeth sicke as he intreates him , He turnes each hart from former ioy to sadnes , Still killing him , that liuing is , and threates him , That is most free , with bonds , the scourge of gladnes : Since then ( my soule ) thou knowest too well how cruell This Tyrant is , be patient , and content thee , That such a place containes thy amorous fuell : ( So high a place ) Take greefes , and now present thee To all those harmes , and paines he shall enure thee : Enioy thine ill , and in thy greefes maintaine thee , Bicause by how much more thou shalt procure thee A meanes , to rid thy selfe from that that paines thee , The more thou shalt enwrap thee in his briers , And shalt be furdest from thy cheefe desires : Taurisus . Loue findes in me so well disposed matter , And such a minde to amplifie his glorie , That mongst all those , whose mournfull flockes doe scatter On both Hisperias plaines , in loue so sorie , My daily greefes are euer more augmented : Salt showers of teares mine eies haue euer rained : And more , then wretched Biblis malcontented , When turned to a fountaine she remained . Strange is my good , my paine is proper to me , Faine would I see Dianas face , but twenty , And twenty deaths in seeing her vndoe me , I die for want neere to the fount of plenty : Her presence doth with paines and torments fill me , Her absence doth with desperation kill me . Berardus . The woods doe murmur , and the meadow smileth , And iugging nightingales are sweetely singing : But death to thousand woes my hope exileth : Taurisus . The blooming trees smell sweete , that now are spinging , The grasse growes greene , with many a painted flower : But I remaine ( O woe ) in sorrowes stinging : Berardus . My woes my wits haue slaine in such an hower , That now I haue no power To say by hart ten verses all along : Taurisus . My toong doth cleaue euen in my very song , Wherefore ( my friend ) prolong The time no more , but sing that sweetest dittie , Which interrupted with thy sighes of pitie , And teares , in euery citie And countrie towne , so highly did commend thee . Berardus . Singing with thee , it shall no whit offend me , But ease and pleasure lend me : Then answer me . But now what shall I sing ? Taurisus . Sing that that saieth . The radiant star doth bring ? Or that : Loues teares doe spring . &c. Or that : I knowe not well how it doth say , Which thou sung'st on a day , Dauncing with faire Diana on a greene . Berardus . No Tigresse nor no lionesse haue beene , But with compassion mooued Of all my torments , able to despaire one : But not that cruell faire one , The fierce deuouresse of my life approoued . Taurisus . The fierce deuouresse of my life approoued , My peerelesse Shepherdesse , As fell in hart , as she is faire in face : How then in such a case Can I escape ( O greefe ) but die without redresse ? Berardus . Can I escape ( O greefe ) but die without redresse With deathes of racking passions ? But when I see Diana faire , her sight my griefes asswageth , Yet then my soule enrageth : The more I haue to doe with loue , the lesse I knowe his fashions . Taurisus . The more I haue to doe with loue , the lesse I knowe his fashions , His seruants he neglecteth And he , that flying seeketh to escape his mortall chaine , With thrise redoubled paine He wounds , and with his furious plagues his wretched soule infecteth . Berardus . Faire Shepherdesse , whose face the heauenly powers Haue graced with more beautie , then the Roses : And sweeter then the purple golden flowers , That deckes our meades and virgins brestes with poses : So may the heauens powre downe in copious plentie Vpon thy flockes their fauours most abounding : And thy faire ewes , with double twins not emptie , In numbers swarme , in profit still redounding : That to my soule , which my demerit pesters , Thou wouldst not shew sterne lookes , nor angrie gestures . Taurisus . Faire Shepher desse , that with thy neighbour dwelling , Dost cleere thy fieldes bedight with Daffodillies , The driuen snowe in whitenesse far excelling , In beautie Gilloflowres , and stately lillies : So prosper may thy fieldes in euery season In corne , and fruit , which thou maist taste at pleasure : Thy peares , and plums , and apricocks so geason By handfuls maist thou pull in plentious measure : That thou wouldst looke vpon thy swaine so sorie : For of thy sight depends his cheefest glorie .

About this time the yoong Gentleman , and Gentlewoman that were harkening to the Shepherds songs , did cut them off , and gaue them many thankes for the delight and recreation , which with so sweete musicke they had giuen them . And after this the Gentleman turning to the Gentlewoman said . Didst thou euer ( sister ) in the magnificent and stately Cities heare musicke that pleased the eare , and delighted the minde like this ? Truely ( saide she againe ) these pastorall and country songs , being full of simplicitie and plainnes , please me more , then the delicate voices set togither with curious skill , and full of newe inuentions and conceits in the braue pallaces of Kings and Princes . And when I thinke this melodie to be better then that , you must the rather beleeue it , bicause I haue been present at the best musicke that in any Citie of the world or Kings Court , was euer heard . For in that happie time , when Marcelius was a sutor to our sister Alcida , he did some nights sing to the tune of his Lute so sweetely , that if Orpheus made so solemne musicke , I did not maruell then if the Birdes , and Beastes did follow him , and that he brought backe his deere wife Euridice from darke hell . Ah Marcelius , where art thou nowe ? Ah where art thou Alcida ? Ah most haplesse woman that I am , how often doth Fortune surcharge my memorie with obiects of greefe , when she sees me enioy the least content and pleasure in the worlde ? Marcelius heard the talke of the Gentleman and the Damosell , which were with the Shepherds behinde the shrubs and bushes , and when he perceiued that they named him and Alcida , he began to bee somewhat altered . He scarcely beleeued his owne eares , and was doubting with himselfe whether it was another Marcelius and Alcida whom they named . He rose vp by and by out of his place , and to cleere himselfe of all doubt , comming neerer , he knewe that they were Polydorus and Clenarda , brother and sister to Alcida : Wherupon he ran suddenly to them , and with open armes , and abundance of teares , somtimes embracing Polydorus , sometimes Clenarda , he stoode a great while before hee could speake for inward greefe . Polydorus and Clenarda wondring at this noueltie , could not coniecture what accident it was , bicause Marcelius going in a Shepherds habite , was vnknowne vnto them , vntill his sobs and teares giuing him leaue , he saide . O deere brother and sister , care not nowe for my ill fortune paste , and to come , since I am the happiest man in the world in seeing you . Ah , why is not Alcida in your companie ? Is she perhaps hidden in any part of this thicke woode ! O let me know some newes of her , if you can tell me any , to ease my cruell greefe , and to satisfie my desire ! In speaking these wordes , they knewe Marcelius and embracing him very affectionately , and weeping for pleasure and greefe , they saide vnto him . O happie day ! O vnexpected ioy ! O deere brother of our soules , what cruell Fortune hath bin the cause , that thou dost not enioy the company of Alcida , nor we her sight ? Why dost thou dissemble thy selfe with this new habite ? O cruell fortune , in the end there is not full content of any good . Diana and Ismenia on the other side , seeing that Marcelius had so on the sudden gone to the place where the Shepherds did sing , went after him , and founde him talking with Polydorus and Clenarda , as you haue heard . When Taurisus and Berardus saw Diana , the ioye , that at so sweete and sudden a sight they tooke , cannot be tolde . And so Taurisus shewing a maruellous kinde of gladnes in his hart , and words , said vnto her . This is no small fauour of fortune ( faire Diana ) to make her , that continually flies our companie , by vnexpected and happie chances to come so often where wee are . That is not the cause of Fortune ( woorthie Shepherds ) saide Diana , but rather bicause you are so excellent in singing & playing on your instruments : for there is no place of pleasure where you are not , and where your sweete musicke & songs are not heard . But now , since I am come hither , though ignorant of your being heere , and that the parching Sunne is now in the highest way , I shall be very glad to passe away the heate of the daie in this pleasant place , and in your good companie : and though it standes me vpon to go quickly to Felicias pallace , yet will I not thinke the time long to staie heere with you to take part of the coole and greene grasse , and to harken to your delightfull musicke . Prepare your selues therefore to sing and plaie , and to all kinde of honest myrth , for it will not become this place , and braue assemblie to be without such kinde of pleasure . And you Gentleman , and faire Gentlewoman , surcease your teares a while , bicause you shall haue time enough heereafter to tell to each other your Fortunes and aduentures , and to bewaile , or reioice at the ill or good successe of them . All of them liked well of Dianas speech , and so they sat them downe vpon the fine greene grasse rounde about the Fountaine . That was the pleasantest place in all the wood , and more then any of those , that were celebrated by the cleere Bagpipe of Neapolitan Syncerus in famous Parthenia . There was in this place a broad quadrant fortie paces of euerie side , and compassed about with a great number of thick trees . So that in a maner of a walled castle , they , that went to recreat themselues in it , could not go but by one way into it . It was couered all ouer with greene grasse and sweete flowers , neuer troden downe with the feete of sheepe or goates , nor mangled with their slicing teeth . In the mids thereof was a goodly cleere fountaine , which , issuing foorth at the foote of an olde Oake , rose vp fower square and deepe ; not made by skilfull hand , but placed there by prouident nature to such purposes , as with the abundance of the waters it made there a delightfull meeting , which the Shepherds named the faire Fountaine . The brinkes of this fountaine were of white stone so euen , that none would haue thought , but that it was made with artificiall hand , if the naturall stones growing there , did not deceiue his sight , which were fastened in the ground as hard , as the craggie rocke , and flint in the wilde mountaines . The water that came out of that sweete fountaine , issuing out of two narrow pipes , did water the grasse and trees about it , making them continually to spring , and fertill , and keeping them in a pleasant and fine verdure . This faire Fountaine for euerie goodly pleasure about it was so much visited of the Shepherds and Shepherdesses , that there was neuer wanting about it pastorall mirth and ioy . Who likewise had it in such veneration and account , that when they came to it , they left their flockes without , bicause the cleere and sweete waters might not be troubled , nor the fine little meadow fed , nor troden downe by the hungrie and carelesse sheepe . About this fountaine ( as I saide ) they all sat downe , and taking necessarie foode out of their scrips , did eate it more sauourly , and with greater content , then the greatest Lords their varietie and number of daintie dishes . At the end of which repast , as Marcelius on the one side , and Polydorus and Clenarda on the other , were greatly desirous to heare , and make relation of their passed fortunes , Marcelius first began to say to the other two in this sort . It is great reason ( brother and sister ) that I know somthing of your aduentures and accidents , since last I saw you , bicause seeing not your Father Eugerius , nor your sister Alcida in your company , it makes a great alteration in my hart , not knowing the cause thereof . To whom Polydorus answered .

Bicause this goodly place might not be iniured ( me thinkes ) with reports of dole and sorrow , and that these Shepherds with hearing of our hard haps might not be also greeued , with the fewest words ( that possible may be ) I will report the many miseries and disgraces that we haue receiued of Fortune .

After that I was hindered by the mariners from leaping into the sciffe , hauing attended fit time and occasion haue deliuered my father Eugerius ( being faint and halfe dead ) out of the dangerous ship , and that of force I was constrained to remaine ( to my great griefe ) with my fearefull father in it , the sorrowfull olde man was ouercome with such bitter anguish and paine , as may be imagined of a louing father , who in the end of his aged yeeres , seeth the violent perdition of his owne life and of his louing children . He tooke no heed now to the maine blowes , which the cruell waues did beate against the ships sides , nor to the rage of the angrie windes that did bluster on euerie side , but casting his eies to the little boate wherein thou wert Marcelius with Alcida and Clenarda ( which at euerie flote of the hoisting billowes seemed to turne ouer ) the more he saw it going from the ship , the more his hart burst in peeces . And when he lost sight of you , he was in danger of yeelding vp his decaied spirits . The ship driuen on by the crueltie of Fortune , went floating vp and downe the maine seas fiue daies togither , after that we parted ; at the ende of which time , the Sunne going downe towards the West , we were in ken of lande . At sight whereof the Marriners were verie glad , as well for recouerie of their lost hope , as also for knowing the coast whither the ship was driuen . For it was the most fertill countrey and most abounding in all sorts of pleasures , as far as the Sun doth heate with his beames : In so much that one of the Marriners taking a Rebecke out of a chest , with the which he was wont to cheere vp himselfe in long and dangerous voiages , began to play and sing to it in manner following .

WElcome thy friendes from swelling seas that rore With hideous noise , and tost by Neptunes toile , O fortunate and faire Valencia shore , Where nipping frost doth neuer hurt thy soile , Nor Phebus with his woonted parching beames Doth burne thy meades , nor heates thy christall streames . Thrise happy he , who liuing without feare In swallowing seas and billowes to be drownd , Enioies thy golden beauties euery wheare , Of thy sweete meades greene banks and fruitfull ground , Thy ground bedeckt with flowres so fine and faire , Maintainde with heauenly deaw and pleasant aire . With greater toile the ship doth cut the seas , Then wearie plowmen doth thy gentle fieldes , Then happy Earth , the ioy and wished ease Of traueled soules , that to thy succour yeeldes , Nereas Song . IN those most happy fieldes and plaines , Where Guadaljar in goodly vaines With christall streames doth glide , Leauing the sweete and pleasant fieldes , Vnto the sea his tribute yeeldes And runs with hastie tide . Faire Galatee full of disdaine , And ioyfull of the woes and paine To Lycius that she gaue , Played vpon the sands and shore , The which the sea sometimes before Doth wash with wallowing waue . Gathering amongst the sandes alone Fine shels , and many a painted stone , As she went vp and downe : And singing many songs so sweete , The which the roring billowes yet Did alter much and drowne . Neere to the water side she hies , And there the waues that fall and rise She view'd with great delight ; And fled , when that they came amaine , And sometimes could not , but was faine To wet her feete so white . Lycius , who had in suffring paines No equall in those fieldes and plaines , His torments there suspended , Whiles that he view'd with great content His Shepherdesse so excellent , For beautie most commended . But now comparing his vnrest With all the ioy that she possest , The Shepherd halfe decaied With dolefull voice his sad complaints To shores and champaines he acquaints , And in this manner said . O fairest Nymph , if that thou please , Play not about the roring seas , Although thy chiefe delight Consist therein , yet Galatee As thou dost Licius , so the sea Eschew with hastie flight . And now ( sweete Nymph ) leaue of to play , For it doth greeue me day by day To see thee on the sandes : O doe not now torment me more , For seeing thee vpon the shore I feare false Neptunes hands . And this doth fill me full of doubtes , That I must credit these my thoughtes , Bicause it is most cleere , That if he die not now for thee , He will no doubt thy louer bee When that he sees thee heere . And this is sure : For loue doth knowe , Since first my soule he wounded so , That I should neuer want A stronger riuall , and more stoute , Then I , who daily would seeke out My true loue to supplant . Leaue then the barren sands and shore , Forsake the cliffes , come there no more , Flie from that dangerous coast : Take heede no monster of the sea Surprise thee not ( faire Galatee ) Where many haue beene lost . Flie now , and see how I endure Ten thousand greefes to see thee sure , Bicause with double paine Ie alous I am of thy content , And for thy dangers imminent Great cares I doe sustaine . In seeing thee so mery and glad , My iealous thoughts doe make me sad , And thinke of Europe faire , Deceiued by a milke white bull , As on the sea bankes she did cull Fine flowers to dresse her haire . And more , my ordinarie cares Make me to thinke , how vnawares Disdainfull Alnade was Dishiuered and deuour'd by A huge sea monster , that did lie Hard by where he did passe . But well away , that I doe see Signes of no feare nor greefe in thee , For this my sorrow knowes , That he , that s not of loue afraide , Can with no dangers be dismaide , And feares not where he goes . O then ( my peerelesse Nymph ) take heede , Lest Cupid doe reuenge with speede , To see himselfe contemned , For being such a God of might , He will not suffer , but will smite , When he is once offended . Come goe with me vnto the woods , Where euery plant sprout foorth her buds , And to the goodly fieldes , Where we will spend the pleasant howers , Amongst the faire and redolent flowers , That nought but pleasure yeeldes . If waters please thee , I will bring Thee to so faire and fine a spring , That to be first in praise Amongst the rest , thy body white To wash within her waters bright , For thee it onely staies . Disporting in this naked place , Thou hast no vaile to hide thy face , Nor shade from parching sunne , Pitie it were thy beauties blaze , Which enutous Titan feares to gaze , By him should be vndone . Heere hear'st thou no melodious voice , But still a huge and fearefull noise Of monsters hideous raues , And seas , that rore like tumbling thunder , Tost with the windes , that beate asunder The proude and raging waues . What ioy and pleasure canst thou take , To see the tossing billowes shake A ship vpon the sand ? And then to see the broken plankes , And carcases in pitious rankes Come swimming to the land . Come to the frithes , and forrests tall , Where nature hath beene liberall With many a pleasant seate . Come to the coole and sweetest shades , Where in greene pathes and open glades We passe away the heate . Flie , flie , those proude and swelling seas , Come , come and thou shalt see what ease We take , and how we sing Ditties so sweete , that in suspence We hold the rockes , and euery sence Of euery liuing thing . And though that some be full of pitie , Loue forceth them to such a dittie , For loue is full of paine : Yet all the Shepherdes will I mooue , To sing no mournefull songs of loue , Onely to please thy vaine . There maist thou reade in euety tree , And euery meade that thou shalt see The loues in knots disguis'd Of iolly Shepherdes , and the names Of chiefest Nymphes , and countrie dames In curious sort deuis'd . But it will make thee sad , I feare , To see thy name ingrauen there , By knowing it was carued By him , whom thou didst euer blot Out of thy minde , and hast forgot , And with disfauours starued . And though thine anger will be such , Yet wilt thou maruell not so much To see thy carued name , As thou wilt woonder then to see , That he doth loue and honour thee , That there did write the same . Not to be loued , and to loue , It is agreeuous greefe to prooue : But what a greefe or paine Could it in thee ( faire Nymph ) procure , To be beloued with loue so pure , And not to loue againe ? But now despis'd I reckon small Faire Galatee my torment all So that thou wilt forsake These swallowing sandes , and seas so high , Where monsters bellow out and crie , And daily praies doe take . What better pastime canst thou finde Neere to the seas of blustring winde , Then in our woods and mountaines To listen to the nightingales , And gather flowers in our vales , And bathe in christall fountaines . I would to God thou liuedst heere , In our faire fieldes and riuers cleere , And for to loue them more , I would to God thou wouldst but see Before I should report to thee How they excell the shore . Bicause I know , the more I praise These woods , meades , springs & louely laies , The lesse thou wilt beleeue me ; And wilt not come where thou dost knowe , That part of my content doth growe Which most of all doth greeue me . Poore Lycius would haue spoken more , To win her from that haplesse shore , But that she bad him cease : For with an angrie face and scoule She turn'd vnto the wretched soule , And bad him hold his peace . Then went she to her sportes againe , He to his plaintes and woonted paine : And in the selfe same sort He still remaines in woonted sorrow , She in the sea bankes euen , and morrow , Contented with her sport .

The faire maides song , and our supper ended al at one time , which being done , we demanded of Clenarda what had hapned vnto her since our last departure from her , who tolde vs what villanie Sartofano offered vnto her , in what case Alcida was left , of thy imprisonment , her captiuitie , and in the ende all that thou knowest at large . We bewailed bitterly our hard Fortunes , which when the Fisherman hearde , hee comforted vs vp as well as he could , and tolde vs especiallie how that in these parts there was the sage Felicia , whose wisedome was enough to remedie our greefes ; giuing vs also notice of Alcida , and of thee , to the which our desires principally tended . And so passing away that night the best we coulde , assoone as morning came , leauing the marriners there that came with vs in the shippe , we three alone went our waies , and not long after came to the Temple of Diana , where the wise Lady Fecia keepes her court . We sawe there the admirable temple , the most pleasant gardens , the sumptuous pallace , there we knew the great wisedome of the most graue Ladie , and other things that filled vs so full of woonder , that wee haue scarce anie breath to tell them againe . There we sawe the fairest Nymphes , examples of chastitie , many Lordes and Ladies , Shepherds , and faire Shepherdesses , and especiallie one Shepherd named Syrenus , whom euery one there made great account of : To him and many more besides , did sage Felicia giue diuers remedies for their loues and greefes . But the pleasure , which but hitherto yet she hath done vs , is , to keepe our Father Eugerius in her companie , commanding vs to goe towardes these parts , and that we should not returne vntill we had found out some content or good Fortune . And for the great ioy that wee haue receiued by thy sight , I thinke wee haue good occasion to go backe againe , especially for that we haue left there our Father all alone and comfortlesse : I know well that in seeking out Alcida is no small ease to his carefull thoughts ; but bicause Fortune hath not these manie daies giuen vs any newes of her , we shall take the better course to returne backe againe , then to suffer our old Father to be depriued so long of our companie . After Polydorus had made an end of his discourse , euery one was astonished to heare such strange accidents ; and after Marcelius had wept for Alcida , he made a breefe relation to Polydorus , and Clenarda of that which had hapned to him since he sawe them last . When Diana and Ismenia heard Polydorus make an end of that sorrowfull historie , they desired to go the sooner to Felicias court , the one bicause she knew assuredly that Syrenus was there ; the other , bicause she conceiued a certaine hope ( hearing of the woonderfull wisedome of Felicia ) to haue also some redresse for her greefes . Being therefore possessed with this desire , Diana ( although she was minded to recreate herselfe certaine howers in that pleasant place ) altered her determination , esteeming more of Syrenus sight , then of the greene hew of that goodly and fine wood . Whereupon rising vp , she said to Taurisus and Berardus . Sit yee ( merrie Shepherds ) still , and enioy the delight and sweetenes of this pleasant place , for the desire that I haue to go to Dianas temple , will not let me stay any longer here . We are right sorie to forsake so delightfull a shade & so good company , but we are forced to follow our Fortune in this behalf . Wilt thou be so discurteous ( faire Shepherdesse ) ( said Taurisus ) to depart so soone from our dolefull eies , and to let vs so small a while enioy thy sweet sight & speeches ? These Shepherds haue great reason ( said Marcelius to Diana ) to demand such a gentle request , & it is therfore as great again that their demand be not denied them in reward of their constant faith & true loue , which deserues to enioy thy companie a little while in this pleasant place , especially when thou hast time enough to be at Dianas temple before the Sunne wil hide his light . All of them were of his opinion , and therefore Diana woulde not seeme discourteous to anie of them , but sitting down again in her place , she would not rather please herselfe , then displease so braue a companie as that was . Now then louing Shepherds ( said Ismenia to Berardus and Taurisus ) since faire Diana doth not denie vs her presence , it is not reason that you denie her your songs . Sing iolly Shepherds , that in your songs & roundelaies shewe so great cunning , and so perfect loue , being for the one commended in al the townes and countries heereabout , and moouing the hardest harts with the other to loue and pitie . True ( saide Berardus ) all harts , sauing Dianas , and began to weepe , and Diana to smile . Which when the Shepherd sawe , to the sweete sound of his pipe with the swelled teares standing in his eies , he sung a glosse vpon this Dittie .

MY greeuous sighes and sorrowfull teares In stones doe make their liuely print , But not in thee harder then any flint . The glosse . Let not thy Graces rare , Be with my seruice any whit offended , Since that my greeuous fare , And torments past , to thy deuotions tended , Where neuer yet with greefe of thee lamented , Nor with my sighes thy crueltie relented . Thy hart was neuer changed with my cries , With which I was importunate alwaies To wearied earth and skies : Though thou dost see not onely nights and daies Spilt and consum'd with many feares , My greeuous sighes and sorrowfull teares . In thy conditions strange thou art , That dost not cease with stranger deathes to kill me : But strangest is my sorrowfull hart , That suffring paines wherewith thou dost so fill me , And huing in so strange and cruell passion , It dies not in most strange and cruell fashion . For if an ill a little time relents , ( Although it be the hardest to sustaine ) It openeth yet some vents To ease , and doth not giue such mortall paine : But greefe that hath no end nor stint , In stones doe make their liuely print . Loue is a daintie milde , and sweet , A gentle power , a feeling fine and tender , So that those harmes , and paines vnmeete , Which I doe passe , thou onely dost engender : Onely to him his torments loue deuiseth , That scornes his lawes , his rites , and loue despiseth . And this is now my mortall paine and death , That , loue ( since first thy beauties I did see ) Like to my proper breath , Wherewith I liue , hath euer beene in mee : In me it liues , in me it makes his print , But not in thee , harder then any flint .

Berardus song pleased Diana well , but perceiuing by it , that he made her hart harder then the stones , she would for her credite haue answered him againe , & therfore said . It is a merrie iest ( by my life ) to call her hard that is modest , and cruell , that is carefull to keepe her honestie , I woulde to God , Shepherd , my soule were no more sorrowfull , then my hart is hard . But O greefe ! Fortune hath made me captiue to so iealous a husband , that I was many times constrained to shew discurtesie to gentle Shepherds in these hils , dales , and fieldes , bicause I woulde not haue added more sorrow to my troublesome life with him . And yet for all this , the knot of marriage and reason oblige me to seeke out my rude and ill conditioned husband , although I looke not for any thing else at his hands , then sorrow , care , greefe , and manie more annoies in his frowarde companie . Taurisus taking nowe occasion at Dianas complaints , which she made of her vnfortunate marriage , began to play on his Baggepipe , and to sing , speaking as it were to loue , and descanting vpon this common song that saieth .

The Song . A Faire maide wed to prying iealousie One of the fairest as euer I did see , If that thou wilt a secret louer take , Sweete life , doe not my secret loue forsake . The glosse . Beware good Loue , beware it is not well To let blinde Fortune haue a greater part In women , that in Beautie doe excell , More then thy selfe , since such an one thou art : For Beautie being commended to thy power To grace the same , Thou dost thy selfe dishonour euery hower , And art to blame , By suffring , that this thing should euer be , A faire maide wed to prying iealousie . Thou dost but ill , since thou didst euer make Beautie thy friend , who therefore had prepared Sorrowes for him , ( that viewed her ) for thy sake , Which otherwise she would haue kept and spared : And so my firmnesse , and my faith so pure , And all my paine , A simple sight did not the same procure , Nor did maint aine , But sight of her , and it was onely shee One of the fairest as euer I did see . O Loue ! thou kilst so many without end , ( For murdring is thy pastime and delight ) That once I hope thy selfe thou shalt offend , For want they shall on whom to worke thy spight . Oh then how seemely shalt thou seeme to grone , And wounded see Thyselfe with thine owne griefes , and then thine owne Captiue to be . For thou at last thy selfe shalt not forsake , If that thou wilt a secret Louer take . Then maist thou giue to Louers double smart , And then I will forgiue thee all the care And amorous paines , thou didst to me impart , When that thy selfe ( fond Loue ) thou dost not spare : And if I blame thy deedes or do reprooue thee , Then shalt thou say , ( But to thy selfe ) that reason yet did mooue thee To make away Thy selfe , and for thy selfe thy death to take , Sweete life do not my secret loue forsake .

All of them liked well of Taurisus song , but Ismenia especially . For though it touched Diana most of all , bicause it spake of those women that were ill married ; yet the comment vpon it ( which were complaints against loue ) was common to all those that were tormented with it . And therefore Ismenia , who blamed Cupid for her paines , did not onely like of those reprehensions that Taurisus gaue Loue , but she herselfe to the sound of her Harpe , sung a song to the same effect , which Montanus was woont to sing , when he was a suter vnto her .

A Sonnet . HAuing no cause , why in the deepest sound Of amorous seas my fraile barke dost thou swallow ? O Loue ! I 'le make thy crueltie to sound Swifter from East to West then flying swallow . Though gales of windes doe bluster in my sterne , Yet from the gulfe my ship shall neuer part Of thy braue might , so furious and so sterne , Vntill my sighes doe helpe to blowe a part . If being in a storme , my face I turne , Then my desire is weakned by thy might : Thy force controuces my force , that striues in vaine : I neuer shall arriue with happy turne Into the port , and therefore , if I might , I would let out my life in euery vaine .

Marcelius deferred not his answere long after them , with another song made to the same purpose , and of the same forme , sauing that the complaintes that he made , were not onely against Loue , but against Fortune , and himselfe .

A Sonnet . STep after step I followe death in sight Through euery field , and hill and troden vale , For euerie day my spirits he doth cite , And warnes my selfe , to shrowde me in his vale . O death , that once thou wouldst consume this light , That still deducts my life in blisselesse bale : Now that my hope hath past away so lgiht , And ioies condemn'd to torments without bale . That Goddesse , whose continuall frownes I beare , And loue , that all my ioies asunder teares , And I my selfe , are foes vnto my hart : She praying on me like a hungrie beare , He chasing me like to the wounded Hart , And I , that doe increase my bootelesse teares .

The desire that Diana had to go to Felicias pallace , would not suffer her to staie any longer there , nor harken to any more songs , but when Marcelius had ended his , she rose vp . And so did Marcelius , Ismenia , and Clenarda , vnderstanding Dianas mind , although they knew that Felicias house was nigh at hand , and that they had time enough to be there before night . After they had taken their leaue of Taurisus and Berardus , they went from the faire fountain that way that they came in , and walking thorow the wood at their leysure , enioying the pleasures and delights of it , at last they came out of it , and then they began to go thorow a great and wide plaine , passing goodly to behold , where they went thinking howe they might recreate their mindes with some myrth , while they were going on their waies , and euery one told his opinion concerning that matter . But Marcelius , who had euer the figure of Alcida engrauen in his hart and thoughts , tooke no greater delight nor other ioy , then to marke the sweete behauiour of Polydorus and Clenarda , and to harken to their talke . And therefore to delight himselfe fully with this desire he said . I beleeue not ( faire Shepherdesses ) that all your pastimes are comparable to the delight that you may haue , if Clenarda would discourse vnto you any of those things that she hath seene in the fieldes and bankes of Guadalajar . I passed that way in my peregrinations , but tooke no pleasure in those delights , bicause my minde went musing on other matters . But bicause wee haue two large howers ( our iourney being but halfe an howers worke ) to go to Dianas temple , we may therefore walke on softly , and she ( if it please her ) may tell vs somthing of that goodly and pleasant countrey . Diana and Ismenia seemed to be very glad , shewing by their amiable countenances , that they longed to haue her beginne , although Diana was very desirous to come betimes to the temple ; but bicause she would not make it knowne to them , she concealed the great passions of her desire , by accommodating her will to their pleasures . Clenarda then entreated by Marcelius , following on her way , beganne to saie in this manner . Although I shall offend your daintie eares , and offer great iniurie to the worthines of the kingdome of Valentia , with a rude and disordered relation , to recount the ornaments , rarities , and pleasures of it ; yet bicause I will in some part fulfil your gentle requestes , I will say something that I haue heard and seene therein : I will not make any particular narration of the fertilitie of the yeelding soyle , the pleasantnes of the flourishing fieldes , the beauties of the shrubby hils , the shadowes of the greene woods , the sweetenes of the cleere fountaines , the melodie of the singing birdes , the coolenes of the fresh and calme windes , the riches of the profitable flockes of sheepe and goates , the fairenes of the populous townes , the good nature of the louing people , the strangenes of the sumptuous temples , nor of many other things more , for which that countrey is famous thorow out the worlde , bicause it requireth larger time , and a better toong : But bicause you may knowe the cheefest glorie of that countrey , I will tell you that , which I heard renowned Turia the principall riuer of that land sing . Polydorus and I came on a day to his bankes , to aske the waie to Dianas temple of the Shepherds thereabouts , bicause they coulde best tell it in those parts , and comming to a cottage where certaine herdsmen were , wee founde them sweetely singing . We asked them that we desired to know , and they verie louingly informed vs at large of all we demanded , and afterwards tolde vs , that since we came in so good an hower , that we should not depart from thence , vntill we had heard a most sweete song , that the famous Turia would make not farre from thence after halfe an hower . We were well content to heare it , and so we staied to go with them . After we had staied a little while in their companie , we went vp along the riuer bankes , vntill we came to a wide fielde , where we sawe a great companie of Nymphes , Shepherds , and Shepherdesses , euery one attending when famous Turia would begin to sing . Not long after we sawe old Turia come out of a deepe caue , with a great pot ( very curiously wrought ) vnder his arme , his head crowned with a garland of Oke and Laurell , his armes all hairie , his white beard long and slimie : And sitting downe on the grounde , leaning vpon his pot , and powring out of it abundance of christalline waters , he cleered vp his hoarse and hollow voice , and sung as followeth .

The Song of Turia . WAter ( faire Springs , and purest running streames ) This fortunate and most abundant soile , Comfort the meades and trees , and pleasant aire , Defend the flowers from Titans burning spoile , So with the fauour of the highest beames I will maintaine my bankes so fresh and faire , That these shall haue great enuie of my crowne , The Father of flouds , Rosne , Myncius , and Garoune . Whiles that you goe thus hastening of your course , Winding your streames by many a crooked way , And ioy Valencia fieldes that sweetely smell With sauourie liquours in the hottest day : My weake and feeble breath I will enforce With my diuining spirit to foretell , And sing of those good haps , that shall befall By fauour of the heauens vnto you all . Shepherds , and Nymphes , within these louely dales Whose names resound vnto th' Arcadian fieldes , Giue eare to me : But of the painted flowers , Nor pleasure , that the springs and medowes yeeldes , Nor woods , nor shades , nor warbling nightingales , I will not sing , nor of the countrie powers : But of those famous men and worthy peeres , That shall be heere not after many yeeres . And now I see two Shepherds first in place , Calixtus , and Alexander , whose fames Surmounting the great Cesars chiefe renowne , From Atlas vnto Maurus sounds their names : Whose liues the heauens adorning with their grace , Shall make them both to weare a reuerend crowne : And saue from losse with their industrious heede , As many flockes as in the world doe feede . Of whose illustrous stocke I see arise That man , whose hart base feare cannot rebuke , Well knowne for armes , and many martiall feates , The Roman Cesar , and Valencian Duke : A minde that mounts aboue the hautie skies , Whom yet a cruell fate with murder threates , That that rare strength , braue hart , and noble breath Must haue an end by rawe and bloodie death . The same likewise must in a moment end The glory of Don Hugo de Moncades , With valour , good successe and happy praise , Leauing the Moores subdued by Spanish blades : For Charles his blood most willing he shall spend , After the winning of a thousand daies , And fight he shall with strong and conquering hand Against the French and barbarous Affrican . But ill it doth be fit to talke of those , Whom furious Mars doth kindle with his heate , When learned lampes doe grauely come in place : For heere they shall arise , and shine in great And glorious blaze , as far as Europe goes : The darkest corners shall their lights imbrace . Viues shall liue as long as Daphnes louer Aboue the world with golden wings doth houer . Whose highest skill and learning shall inherit Iohn Honorate , and clime to honours hill , Teaching the mightie Emp'rour of our land : The Muses with great woonder he shall fill , Whom now ( me thinkes ) I see with greatest merit Bearing a Bishops Crosier in his hand : O that such famous Shepherds , all my sheepe And lambes might feede , and plaines and pastures keepe . About that time Nunnez with praise shall flourish , Who for deepe learning in his tender yeeres , Shall be compar'd vnto the Stagarite : Demosthenes giues place where he appeeres And doth declame , whose eloquence doth nourish His owne and strangers : But O vile despite , And most ingratefull place , whom thou shalt make For Ebrus banks , thy countrie to forsake . But who shall tell you of that musicall , Which many a Poet straining foorth his voice Along my bankes so sweetely shall resound ? Heere doe I see how all of them reioice , With fauours that Apollo giues them all , For singing with a spirit most profound , They shall enlarge this happy countries name , From Pole to Pole with endlesse golden fame . And now I see that man , whose name shall bee Bruted with liuing praise in euery part : Whom I may well for golden verse compare To Phebe , to Mars in armes and martiall art , Ansias March , who ( flowring meade ) of thee , Loue , vertue , and death , shall sing with verse most rare Taking for honorable and his iust emprese To celebrate the vertues of Terese . Well shall he shew himselfe to be the sonne Of Peter March , who both in peace , and war , Learned in verse , in armes most mighty heere , Shall make his countrie famous very far : Whose noble linage ( when that they are done ) Where in renowned valour doth appeere , Shall giue a Iayme , and Arnau in those daies Poets , whom heauen shall fauour many waies . Giorgio del Rey with verse most high and stately My banks shall honour , and with garlands crown'd By all my fairest Nymphes , that shall imbrace him , His name with double ecchoes shall resound : The gentle Planets fauouring but lately His fellow Poets , in such sort shall grace him , That Italie shall woonder at his verse , And die for spite his sweete songs to reherse . Now Fraunces Oliuer , that with thy voice Lifting thee vp vnto the Azur'd heauen , Dost wound the same : And thee renown'd Figueres Whose verse shall be most pleasant , fine and euen , And thee Martin Garcy , that maist reioice , That ( mauger death ) thy fame time neuer weares : And Innocent of Cubels I doe see , Who well deserues a crowne of Laurell tree . Shepherdes , you shall haue heere a man of woorth , That with the vertue of his secret skill , And herbes , shall helpe your languors and your smartes , And mend your liues with verses at his will : Then Nymphes strow flowers and sweetest herbes powre foorth Vnto great layme Royg with thankfull hartes , Crowne him with Bay , with Parsley , and with Tyme , For famous skill in phisicke , and in ryme . And great Narcis Vinnols , that to the skie With loftie verse did blaze his woorthy praise , Make him a crowne of Laurell faire and greene , Whose fame shall not ( though all the world decaies ) Another for a personage most high , Whose verse shall reach as high as may be seene : He shall be matcht with him that loued Laura , His name , the famous Crespi Valladaura . Me thinkes I see an Earle most excellent , The noble Lord surnamed of his Oliue , Which , while the world shall last : amongst his owne And strangers , it shall flourish and suruiue : His comely verse shall shine most orient With perfect light , which he deriues alone From heate that from his Centelles doe arise Shining as bright as stars in cleerest skies . And Nymphes , when that the heauens shall ioy you all With Iohn Fernandz , as now but with supposes , There shall no place be voide in all this land , Where sowe ye may not Lillies and fine Roses : And thou ( light fame ) stretch out thy flight , and call Thy mighty powers , and vse them heere at hand : And giue him that surname most souerayn Thou gauest vnto the famous Mantuan . And now I doe behold that Poet rare , Iayme Gaçull , who in Valencian ryme Did shew his pregnant and his liuely wit , Which mounted to the highest cloudes in time : And Fenollar , whom I well to compare To Tityrus my thoughts cannot omit : For sounding heere his sweetest verse along These banks , the world shall heare his solemne song . Pinedas songs so copious and so fine , Shall also make my sweete banks to resound , By whose braue verse Pan conquer'd needes must be , Tygres made gentle : and they shall rebound His famous name , which neuer shall decline , Vnto the highest spheares in dignitie . I hope by him more honour to obtaine , Then proudest Smyrna did by Homer gaine . Behold the staied , milde , and sweetest grace , Wherewith Vincent Ferrand , a man most graue , Shall shew his highest iudgement , and his skill : Being in his time a Poet rare and braue . His verse shall hold king Aeolus in his place , And stay my streames from running at their will , Hearing the sweetest sound and harmonie , Of all his verses gracious , graue , and hie . The heauens will not , nor reason will consent , That I should speake with humble stile and plaine Of that choise squadron , and without compare , Aboue mans reach an office to obtaine : Ferran , Sans , Valdellos , and excellent Cordero , and Blasqo a wit most rare , Gaçet , more shining lights then faire Aurore , Of whom my spirits now shall sing no more . When of so great a Master I doe thinke , As excellent Borja of Montese , Who shewes his valour , as his wits diuine , As well in verse , as any high emprese : Methinkes , my fieldes , my riuers , and their brinks Shall with more hap and greater glorie shine , Then Tybur hath , though he within her wombe Was borne , that built the stately towne of Rome . And thee who of same father , place , and name , And of the selfe same highest linage bred , Most excellent Don Ioan , whose surname shall In Pindus , and Parnase be honoured . For euerie one to reare his verse shall frame With pen aboue the globe celestiall . The Muses that doe dwell in Helicone , Make for thee there a crowne and stately throne . The Romane people with their heroes Was not so proud , when they did all despise , As my most fertill soile , and I shall be When that great Aguilon shall once arise , Whom both in war , in counsell , and in peace , In verse , and valour , his dexteritie Shall to the highest top of honour reare , Where Marius yet , and Fabius neuer were . Now Seraphin Centellas I doe see , Who lifting vp his high and loftie song , And militarie art vnto the skie , Builds for his verse a fort most sure and strong . And shewes himselfe so braue a man to be In courage , skill , and true nobilitie , That now begins my sweete content of hart , To see his valour , and his great desart . But now I feare me that I cannot praise Don Luys Milan , euen as I doe desire , Who shall in musicke to such skill attaine , That to Orpheus wreathe he shall aspire : His vaine shall be so stately in his daies In heroicke verse , that I beleeue in vaine That they will name before this Adamant Cyno Pystoya , and Guido Caualcante . Thou that shalt get so great a part , and taste Of Pegasus fount , that mighty deaw and sweete , And whom the dwellers of Parnassus hill Shall with a standard of braue poesie greete : ( Noble Falcon ) heere words I will not waste In praising thee , for fame shall that fulfill : And shall be carefull that thy learned name In all the world with praise she will proclame , Praising alwaies the famous Emperour Charles the great King , Fame makes the world to knowe him ; And though aboue the stars she doth commend him , Little it is to that that she doth owe him , You shall behold him to excell so fur , With fauour that the Muses all will lend him , His surname shall the worlde so much delight , That Hesiodes name shall be forgotten quite . He that declares the stately Romane lawes , He that a fine and daintie verse compoundes , He that the wise Lycurgus doth excell , And all the Poets of Verona groundes , Comes next in place , whose golden chariot drawes Fame with her trumpe , his praises to foretell : And this is Oliuer , whose memorie Controules the old and newest historie . Knowing faire Nymphes , your good daies to begin Make thousand outward signes of inward ioy , For now ( me thinkes ) I doe behold euen then Two famous men who shall their mindes imploy , The one to war , the other still to win Saluation for the soules of sinfull men . Ciurana and Ardenol , who shall raise Their highest verse to heauen with endlesse praise . What ? Will you see a iudgement sharpe and sure , A generall skill , a graue and setled minde , A liuely spirit , and a quicke conceate , A sweete consort , poeticall and fine , That sauage beastesto mildnesse doth enure ? Of Philip Catalan behold the great Wisedome and wit , who therefore hath no meane A portionin the fountaine Hyppocrene . Heere shall you see a high and loftie wit , Who shall bring honour to our pleasant fieldes , Endowed with a braue and noble spright , Cunning in all things that good letters yeeldes , The learned Pellicer , whose braine shall fit For poemes , making them his chiefe delight : In which his skill and met hode shall be great , His iudgement deepe , a sweete and quicke conceate . Behold the man whose noble brest containes Knowledge most rare , and learning generall , Orpheus seemes with him to be combinde , Apollos fauours on his head doe fall : Minerua giues him wit in plentious vaines , And Mars a noble hart and valiant minde : I meane Romani , comming now addressed With all the best , that learning hath professed . Two sunnes within my bankes shall now arise , Shining as bright as Titan in his sphere , And many spring tides in one yeere shall bee , Decking my bankes and meadowes euery where : The hurtfull snowe , nor hard vntempered ice Shall hide my plaines , nor couer any tree When ecchoes in my woods or greenes reherse Vadilles and Pinedas sweetest verse . The meetres of Artiede , and Clement , so Famous shall be in their yoong tender yeeres , That any thinking to excell the same , But base to them and humble shall appeere : And both amongst the wisest sort shall showe Quicke and reposed wits with endlesse name . And after giue vs from their tender flowers Fruits of more woorth amongst more learned powers . The fount , that makes Parnassus of such prize , Shall be Iohn Perez of such woorthy fame , That from swift Tana vnto Ganges source , He shall dilate his admirable name : To stay the hastie windes he shall suffice , And riuers running with most swiftest course , Filling them all with woonder , that shall throng To heare his verse , and graue and solemne song . The man to whom a woorthy name is due Of right , for his abilitie and skill , Whom all my sacred Nymphes in time shall knowe , And all my Shepherdes shall with praises fill For verse most high : amongst the learned crew His honour and his praise shall daily growe : Almudeuar it is , whose shining wing Vnto the stars his golden praise must bring . In vulgar toong the famous Espinose Shall make the historie of Naples cleere , After he hath reuiu'd the memorie Of the Centellas highly linag'd heere With such a loftie style : That fame bestowes His praise abroad , the which shall neuer die : And make this Poet , second vnto none , To be renown'd in worlds but lately knowne . But now I feele a certaine ioy of minde , That makes mine aged hart to leape apace , But onely thinking of that great content , That Bonauida brings into this place : In grauest learning he shall leaue behinde The rest , whose glorie he shall still preuent : ●…is fine and pithie verse , with Laurell drest , In euery age shall sound from east to west . Now Don Alonso comes in place , who shall The Rebolledos surname much increase In all the world , to raise his woorthy name Aboue great Maro he shall neuer cease , And seeme to haue no humane wit at all But singing with most loftie verse : the same , His fine conceit , his art and vaine so high , It seemes he shall haue robbed from the skie . For end of this most sweete and pleasant song And last conclusion of this generall skill , I giue you him , by whom dame Nature shall The Circle of the world with woonder fill : My simple praises should but doe him wrong And all his vertues most heroicall , His valour , wit , nobilitie which graceth His bountie , faith and zeale which he imbraceth . This is Aldana monarch of such might , That iointly souldiours and braue verses makes : That ( with great reason ) the most famous men As far as Phebus with his light awakes Doe doubte if he be Petrarke Tuscans light , Or Petrarke he : But yet admiring then , To see that where fierce Mars doth shew his face , Apollo milde should haue so great a place . After this captaine there is none whom I With my poore verse may honour and commend , For next vnto the golden sunne that star That brightest shines , in darknes must depend : And yet besides the short time doth denie , To praise each one for poesie and war : Farewell , farewell , for vnto you the rest Heereafter I will sing with cleerer brest .

This was the song of the riuer Turia , to the which the Shepherds and Nymphes gaue great eare , as well for the sweetnes of it , as also for that the most famous men which were foretolde in it , should be afterwards in the kingdome of Valentia . I could tell you many other things , that I saw in those happie fields , but the trouble that you haue taken by my tediousnes will not permit me . Marcelius and the Shepherds maruelled much at Clenardas report , who hauing made an end of it , they perceiued that they were neere to Dianas Temple , where they began to discouer the high turrets of it , most stately reared aboue the tops of the trees . But before they came to the great Palace , they saw a faire Nymphe gathering sweete and fine flowers , whose name , and what succeeded by seeing of her , you shall know in the booke that followeth .

The end of the third Booke .

The fourth Booke of the third Part of Diana .

THe complaints that men do ordinarily attribute to Fortune are verie great , which would not be so many nor so grieuous , if they considered well the good that commeth oftentimes by her mutabilities . He that now reioyceth ( hauing beene in a miserable estate before ) that Fortune is changed , hath no reason to checke her , nor to call her wauering , when some contrary euent doth happen . But though she hath both in good , and in ill inconstancie incident vnto her , as part of her proper nature ; yet a wise man ( how much soeuer he is touched with her ) should not liue with affiance in the possession of worldly felicities , nor with despaire in suffering aduersities ; but should rather moderate himselfe with such wisedome , to entertaine pleasure as a thing not permanent , and griefe and sorrow as things that may haue an ende in time . Of such men God hath a particular regard , as of sorrowfull and painefull Marcelius , deliuering him from all his cares , by the meanes and helpe of most wise Ladie Felicia ; who , diuining ( as it were ) in her minde , that Marcelius , Diana and others , shoulde come to her Palace , caused in a maner that faire Nymphe to goe foorth into that sweete meadow , to giue them certaine newes and signes , that strange things should come to passe , which by her diuine wisedome she did foresee were verie expedient and necessarie to be done . When Marcelius therefore and the rest were come to the place , where the Nymph was gathering flowers , they curteously saluted her , and she them againe . She asked them whither they were going , and they said to Dianas Temple . Then Arethea ( for so was the Nymphe called ) said vnto them . My Ladie Felicia , whose Nymphe I am , will be verie glad of your good companie for the apparant signes of your good deserts , which by your personages you seeme to testifie . And now since that the Sunne hides it selfe in the West , I will goe backe with you thither , where you shall be welcomed and feasted in the best sort that may be . They gaue her most hartie thankes , and went with her towards the Temple , recouering great hope by the words and promises of the Nymphe : and although Polydorus and Clenarda had beene before in Felicias house , yet they neuer remembred that they had knowen or seene her before : And the reason was , bicause of the great number of Nymphes that the wise Ladie had euer at her commaundement , diuersly employed in diuers parts of her Court. Therefore they asked her her name , & she told them that she was called Arethea . Diana asked her what newes she knew in those parts ? And she answered . The latest newes that is here , is , that not two howers since there came to Felicias house a strange Ladie in habit of a Shepherdesse ; the which , being seene by an ancient old man , that is also there , he knew her for his daughter ; and because she had beene a long time wandring vp and downe the world , and thought to be dead , the sudden ioy was so great that he receiued at her sight , that it caused a great wonder amongst all those that were in the house . The olde mans name ( as I remember ) is Eugertus , and his daughters Alcida . Marcelius hearing these words , remained so sencelesse with ioy and feare assayling him both at once , as any wise man may coniecture , and at last said . O happie trauels , and fortunate troubles , which come to their ende with so prosperous accidents ! Ah ah , and desiring to haue passed on farther , his hart was so ouercome , and his toong so tyed , that in a traunce he fell downe to the ground . Diana , Ismenia , and Clenarda , being next vnto him , tooke him vp againe , and with comfortable wordes of hope recouered his dismayed soule : And so comming to himselfe againe , he thanked them many times . Polydorus and Clenarda were not a little glad at those newes , seeing now that all their sorrowes should haue an ende by the happie comming of their sister Alcida . And Diana and Ismenia were also verie ioyfull , as well for their companions good hap , as also for the hope they had of their owne good fortunes and helpe to receiue it at her hands , who wrought such miracles and woonders . Diana , bicause she would know something of Syrenus , said thus vnto her . The great hope of content that thou hast giuen me ( faire Nymphe ) by telling me of that , which is in Felicias Palace for Alcidas comming , is not small ; but yet greater should I haue , if thou wouldest tell me what Shepherds of account are there also . There are many woorthie Shepherds ( answered Arethea ) but those that I do best remember are Syluanus and Seluagia , Arsileus and Belisa , and one other more principall then these , called Syrenus , whose vertues and deserts Felicia hath in great estimation ; but he is such an enimie to loue , that he makes all the rest that are there to woonder at him . Alcida is of like qualitie and condition , in so much that euer since she came thither , both of them haue not beene asunder , discoursing of hate , obliuion , and disdaine . And so I am verie certaine , that Felicia made them come to her Court to marrie them togither , being both of one minde , and their conditions being so semblable one to the other . For though he be but a Shepherd , and she a noble Ladie , Felicia yet by her supernaturall powers can giue him valour , force , riches , and wisedome , which is the truest nobilitie of all the rest . And Arethea following on her speech , turning to Marcelius , she said thus vnto him . By this ( Shepherd ) thou seest how thy ioy is in hazard to fall to anothers lot ; defer not therefore the time , bicause if thou commest betimes , thou maist preuent Syrenus of his match . But when Diana heard these words , she felt the greatest griefe that might be , and had shewed it by teares and outcries , if bashfulnes and modestie had not beene an impediment to it . Marcelius suffered the like paine for the same cause , and was so tormented with it , that he thought to haue dyed for verie anguish of minde . So that on knife wounded Marcelius and Dianas hart , & one iealousie molested their soules : Marcelius feared Alcidas marriage with Syrenus ; and Diana the marriage of Syrenus with Alcida . The faire Nymph knew Marcelius & Diana very well , & those that were with them , but she disembled it very cunningly , as Felicia had told her how , telling Marcelius first a true tale , to giue him an vnexpected ioy ; & after a fained matter , to kindle his desire , & Dianas more ; & also bicause by these bitter news , the gladnes that they afterwards receiued , might be greater & more sweet . Being now come to a broad & most faire Court , which was before the palace gate , they saw a reuerend old Lady comming out of it , apparelled with a long gowne of black veluet , hauing a vaile on her head of white tynsell which hung down ouer her shoulders , being accompanied with three most faire Nymphes , representing a most venerable and diuine Sybill . This Ladie was Felicia , and her Nymphes were Dorida , Cynthia , and Polydora . When Arethea was come before her Ladie and Mistresse ( but first telling her company that she was Felicia ) she kneeled downe and kissed her hands , and so did all the rest . Felicia seemed to be verie glad of their comming , and with a merie countenance said vnto them . Woorthie Gentlemen , Lady , and famous Shepherds , although the ioy that I haue of your comming is great , yet the same that you shall reape by my sight hereafter shall be no whit lesse . But bicause you are somewhat wearie with your iourney , go and take your rest , and forget your griefes , bicause you cannot want the first in my house , and the second with my great knowledge shall be soone amended . They all humbly thanked her , shewing themselues verie glad of their louing entertainment , and at last Felicia left them . Shee made Polydorus & Clenarda to stay there , saying , that she had to talke with them ; and the rest being guided by Arethea , went to a chamber in the rich Palace , where they were seasted that night , and serued with all things needfull for their rest . This house was so sumptuous and magnificent , and so full of all kinde of stately riches , & of curious and costly gardens , that there was not any other comparable vnto it . But I will not trouble my selfe in making any particular recount of the beautie and riches of it , since that was declared at large in the first part of this worke . I will onely tell how Marcelius , Diana , and Ismenia , were lodged in two chambers in the Palace , hanged all about with rich Tapistrie , curiously wrought with gold and siluer , lodgings vnacquainted to simple Shepherds . They were there entertayned with a daintie and plenteous supper , serued with plate of gold and cristall , and when they went to sleep layde in stately beds , whose bodies yet ( though with trauell & paine they were not a little wearied ) with the softnes & sweetnes of them , & with the hope also that Felicia had giuen them , were inuited to a sweet & reposed sleepe . On the other side Felicia in company of her three Nymphes , and of Polydorus and Clenarda ( telling them by the way , that they should say nothing of Marcelius , Dianas , and Ismenias comming thither ) went to a most pleasant garden , where they sawe Eugerius passing the time away with his daughter Alcida . Don Felix and Felismena , Syrenus , Syluanus , and Seluagia , Arsileus and Belisa , and another Shepherd were sitting togither a pretie way off them about a fountaine . Alcida had yet on the same pastorall weedes , that she came apparelled with that day to the pallace , but she was presently knowne by her brother and sister . The ioy that the brother and two sisters had to see themselues altogither , and the gladnes that the father had to see himselfe and them so well and happely met , moreouer the great affection wherwith they embraced each other , the louing talke that passed betweene them , and the sundry questions that they asked of one another , cannot be with words nor writing declared . Alcida was rapt with ioy to see her brother and sister ; but was gladder to see Polydorus , then Clenarda , for the great presumption that she had , that Marcelius went away with her , leauing her in the desolate Iland all alone . But Felicia purposing to cleere all these mistes & errours , & to make an end of so many hard fortunes , spake thus vnto them . Though Fortune hath neuer so much ( faire Alcida ) by many kindes of iniuries shewed herselfe thy mortall enimie , yet thou canst nor denie , but that with this content , that thou now enioyest , thou art fully reuenged of all her wrongs . And bicause the false imagination and deceit , wherein thou hast liued hitherto , hating ( without cause ) thy louing Marcelius , if thou liuest still in it , is enough to alter thy hart , and to giue him much sorrow and greefe ; it shall be therefore very needfull for thee to shake off this conceit & iniurious fuspicion out of thy mind . That which thou thinkest of Marcelius , is cleane contrarie , bicause it was not his fault when hee left thee in the Iland , but the deceite of a vile traytour and of Fortune , who now to satisfie the iniurie that she hath done thee , hath brought thee hither vnto me , which thou shalt finde to be as true as my mouth ( neuer accustomed to faine and lie ) hath plainly and sincerely told thee . Thy sister Clenarda can make a large report vnto thee of all that hath passed about this matter , harken to her , and beleeue her words , bicause I sweare vnto thee , that all that she shall tell thee , is most true . Then Clenarda began to tell the whole matter & how it hapned , purging Marcelius and herselfe , and reciting at large the treason and villany of Sartofano , and all the rest , as you haue heard before . Which when Alcida heard , she thought herselfe very well satisfied , and then the long hatred , which she bare to Marcelius , went out of her hart with the deceit , the onely occasion of it . And then the smothered loue , and hidden fire began to reuiue in her brest , being cleerely ridde of her old suspicion , as also by the operation of those charming words that Felicia made in her soule , and being in that mind , she said vnto Felicia . Mine errour I acknowledge ( most honorable and sage Ladie ) and the great benefite that you haue done me , by deliuering me from it . But if I loue now Marcelius ( the miste of vniust suspect being driuen from mine eies ) and he being absent as he is indeed , I shal neuer the more for this happines attaine to the top of that ioy which I hope for at thy hands ; but shall rather be afflicted with so great greefe of minde , that to remedie the same , I shall stand in neede of newe fauours at thy gracious handes . It is a good token of loue ( answered Felicia againe ) to take thought for the absence of the beloued , but let not this greeue thy minde , for I will be carefull for thy contentment : Now hath the Sunne hidden his beames , and it is good time to take some rest . Goe therefore with thy father and sister to repose thy selfe , bicause we will to morrow take order for these affaires . When she had thus said , she went out of the garden , and so did Eugerius and his daughters , repayring to the chambers that Felicia had appointed for them in her pallace , which were separated from that where Marcelius lay , & the rest of his company . Don Felix & Felismena with the other Shepherdes and Shepherdesses taried a pretie while about the fountain , & then went to supper , appointing to meet there the next morning following one hower before day , to take the fresh ayre of the morning . So therfore as the hope of the pleasure of the next morrowes meeting made them passe away the night with sleeping but a little , they rose vp all so earely in the morning , that before the appointed hower they were ready at the fountaine with their tuned instruments . Eugerius with his sonne and daughters aduertised of the musicke , did also rise vp , and went thither . They beganne to play and sing , and to make much sport and pastime by the light of the Moone , which with a full and bright face gaue them as cleere light as if it had beene day . Marcelius , Diana , and Ismenia , laie in two chambers one ioyning to the other , whose windowes looked into the garden : And although they could not see the fountain thorow them , by reason of the high & thick Laurell trees which were about it , yet might they heare well what they saide . So therfore when Ismenia ( lying awake ) heard the noise they made , and the merriment and songs of the Shepherds , she awaked Diana , and Diana knocking at the wall that was betweene both their chambers awoke Marcelius , and so all of them went to their windowes where they were neither seene nor knowne . Marcelius gaue attentiue care , if he might perhaps heare Alcidas voice . Diana did diligently listen to heare her Syrenus . Ismenia onely had no hope to heare her Montanus , bicause she knew not that he was there . But yet her Fortune was better then she was aware of , for at that very instant a Shepherd sung to the sound of his Baggepipe this Sextine that followes .

THe faire , the fresh , the red , and rosie morning Doth follow still the long and tedious night , And after darknes comes the sun shine day , When Nymphes goe foorth to walke the freshest meades , The aire resounding with their sweetest songs , And cheerefull notes of many chirping birdes . I am lesse happy then the pretie birdes , That are saluting of the merrie morning , With ratling foorth their sugred notes and songs : For in the morne I mourne , as in the night , Be this a desart or most fragrant meade , Be this a cloudie or most shining day . In such a haplesse hower , and dismall day So dead I was , that neuer can these birdes , Which in the dawning ioy both hill and meade , Nor the Vermillion face of freshest morning Driue from my soule a darke and deadly night , Nor from my brest a lamentable song . My voice shall neuer change her woonted song , And for my selfe it neuer will be day : But I will first die in eternall night , Though more and more doe sing the warbling birdes , And fairer rise the bright and purple morning , To shine vpon , and cherish this faire meade . O irkesome garden ! and O dolefull meade ! Since she , that cannot heare my plaining song , And with her beames of beautie staines the morning , Doth not giue light vnto my needefull day : O trouble me no more you prating birdes , For without her your morning is but night . In that time of the still and silent night , When in the townes , the hils , the vales , and meades , All mortall men take rest , the beastes and birdes , I most of all doe force my greeuous song , Making my teares euen with the night , and day , At noone , at night , and after in the morning . One Morning onely conquere must my Night , And if one Day illustrate shall this Meade , Then will I heare with ioy the Songs of Birdes .

By this time Ismenia that was harkening at the window , knew that he that did sing , was her husband Montanus , and tooke so great delight to heare him , as greefe in hearing of that which he sung . For she thought , that the paine that ( hee saide in his song ) he was troubled with , was for anothers sake and not for hers ; but she was by and by driuen out of this doubt , for she heard him ( when he had made an end of his song ) giue a maruellous great sigh , and saide . Ah wearied and sorrowfull hart ! how ill didst thou abuse thy selfe and her in giuing credite to a simple surmise , and how iustly dost thou now suffer the sorrow , that thine owne lightnes hath procured ? Ah my beloued Ismenia ! how better had it bin for me , that thy zealous loue had not caused thee to seeke me thorow the worlde , bicause when I had come backe againe to our towne ( and knowing mine owne fault ) I might haue found thee in it ? Ah wicked Sylueria , how ill didst thou requite him , that euer did thee good from his cradle ? Alas I woulde haue thanked thee for the discouerie of the treacherie , which afterwards thou toldest me , declaring to me the truth of the matter , but that it came too late , which then auailed no more , nor nowe , but for my greater paine and greefe . Ismenia hearing this , thought herselfe the happiest woman in the world , and was so glad a● this good fortune , as may be possiblie imagined . The teares trickled downe her cheekes for ioy , and like one that was now neere vnto the ende of her troubles she saide . Now is the time of my happie daies come , and this house is onely made to helpe those that liue in distresse and woe . Marcelius and Diana were woonderfull glad for Ismenias ioy , and had by this , great hope of their own . Ismenta would by and by haue gone out of her chamber into the garden , and euen then when Marcelius and Diana were perswading her to staie , thinking it better to attend Felicias will and pleasure , they heard new songs about the fountaine , and Diana knew that it was Syrenus that sung them . Ismenia and Marcelius held their peace , bicause they would not trouble Diana , who giuing an earnest eare to the voice of her beloued husband heard him sing this song following .

Syrenus . LOuers , with pride enioy your full content , To see your selues in fauour and in grace , For I doe ioy to see my torments spent , And ioy to see them in Obliuions place : I ioy to see my captiue hart so free , I ioy to see my selfe in libertie . For after suffring worldes of endlesse thrall , The fauours of a proud and scornefull dame So lately come , and seldome doe befall , That euen the best , and greatest of the same Is , not to neede them , nor to be possest Of trifling toies a fond and fained iest . Now laugh mine eies , and thanke Dianas vaine , Thanke her that brought you to this happy turne , Her crue ltie and hate your life did gaine , By her disdaine , by her vnseemely scorne Your libertie , in bondage led away , You haue redeem'd , thrise happy be that day . For if by suffring torments for her sake , Ten thousand times more beautifull she weare , And deerest loue to me if she did make , Yet such content , as now in hating her , I should not haue : And this doth ioy my hart , That my disdaine doth beare so great a part . O soueraine God ! that once I might but knowe Greefe without hope to sease vpon thy soule , And that the God of loue would wound thee so , And so thy scornefull hart with paines controule , That fully vnreueng'd I might not be , For that great wrong which thou hast done to me . For then I would ( and lesse it were not meete ) Be to thy greefe so cruell and so fierce , That if with teares , and lying at my feete , Thou didst thy paines and torments all rehearse , And at my handes thy life if thou didst craue , Answere I would , Thy life I would not saue . God graunt thou maist for euer seeke me out , And ( Shepherdesse ) that I my selfe may hide : That thou might'st say : O turne thee once about , And looke on me : and that I may deride , And answere thee , whom now I haue forgot , Hence ( Shepherdesse ) away and vexe me not . That thou maist say for thee I die in paining , And on my knees to thee I come a creeping , What noueltie is this , O what disdaining ? And I may goe , and leaue thee thus a weeping , And answere thee for paines that I did borrow , I ioy and laugh to see thee in this sorrow . If this thou doubt'st with solemne oth I sweare , That while I liue , I will doe this and more : For now no paines , nor torments I doe feare , And suffer not , as I did once before : And I did neuer loue so much thy name , As from my hart I now abhor the same . And glad I am he hath forgot thee quite , That for thy sake was once so great a foole ; And for thy loue did suffer such despite , And such fond lessons in blinde fancies schoole : And it is meete that he should suffer shame , That in these follies was so much to blame . For cruell Loue with Fortune doth agree , And tickle Fortune like to Cupid wauers : Then ( iolly Shepherdes ) I would counsell yee Not to gape after Loues , and Fortunes fauours : And if ye meane a sweete life to procure , Freedome imbrace , and captiue Loue abiure . O that thou heard'st me now ( ingrate Diane ) To vnder stand , what I doe say more cleere , And how much more my soule doth yet retaine In plainer termes , if thou wert present heere , To tell thee , that I might vnto thy face Degorge my minde vnto thy great disgrace . But yet it is the best ( to ioy my hart ) For thee to shun the presence of my sight : For I shall loose ( no doubt ) no little part Of that great ioy , that pleasure , and delight Of my reuenge , for it would pitie mee And greeue me too I thinke in seeing thee . Then doe I wish , that I may neuer see Thy greeuous presence , nor thy face againe , Bicause vnto my soule it needes must be A greater torment and more cruell paine , To see thee , when I sweare , I loue thee not , Then when thou had'st my deerest loue forgot .

It happened to Diana as to those which hearken to their owne harmes ; for in hearing Syrenus disdainfull resolution , she conceiued so great griefe in her minde , that I am not able to expresse it , and therefore thinke it better to leaue it to the iudgment of wise men . Let it suffice you to know , that she thought to haue dyed at that present time , and therefore it was verie needfull for Marcelius and Ismenia to comfort her vp , and to incourage her with such good reasons , as were sufficient for such an extreme griefe ; one of them was in telling her , that the knowledge and skill that Felicia had ( in whose house they were ) was not so small , but that it had remedied woes of greater paine and consequence , as she had shewed but a little before by Ismenia as disdained of Montanus . As they were thus talking togither , the golden morning beginning to discouer it selfe , the Nymphe Arethea came in to that chamber , and with a cheerefull countenance said vnto them . I wish as fortunate and good daies to you ( noble Gentleman & faire Shepherdesses ) as are due to your deserts and vertues . My sage Ladie Felicia hath sent me hither to know , if you haue slept more contentedly this night then you were wont to do , and to bring you along with me into the garden , where she hath to speake certaine words with you . But you Marcelius must leaue of these Shepherds garments , and put on this apparell that I bring here , fitter for your calling and degree . Ismenia would not stay for Marcelius answer , for ioy of the good newes , but said . The gladsome tydings that with thy sweete sight thou hast brought vs this morning ( O happie Nymphe ) God requite for vs , since it lies not in our power to recompence so great a debt and courtesie . The content that thou wouldest know of vs , is not little , with being only in this house , and how much happier haue we beene in it this morning , when Marcelius and I haue recouered our liues welnie lost before , and Diana no small hope to the attayning of her desires ? But bicause we must obay the command of so great and wise a Ladie as Felicia is , let vs not delay the time to go into the garden , and let her wisedome dispose of vs at her best pleasure . Then Arethea tooke the apparell that Marcelius should put on from another Nymphe that brought it , and with her owne hands helped to put it on , which was so rich , and garnished so brauely with gold and precious stones , that it was of infinit value . They went out of that quadrant , and all of them following Arethea , by one of the Palace gates they went into the garden . This Orchard of the one side was enuironed with an arme of a goodly riuer , of the other side of it stoode most sumptuous and stately buildings belonging to Felicias Palace , and the other two sides compassed about with two wals , curiously plaistered with Iesmines , Woodbind , and other herbes and flowers passing delightfull to the eie . But of the pleasantnes of this place , it is more copiously entreated of in the fourth booke of the first part . Now after they were come into it , they saw how Syluanus and Seluagia separated from the other company , were togither all alone in a little meadow that was neere to the gate . There did Arethea leaue them , willing them to stay for Felicia there , bicause she was to go againe to the Palace to tell that she had done the thing , that was giuen her in charge . Syluanus and Seluagia that were there , knew Diana by & by , and maruelled much to see her there . Seluagia knew Ismenia also , which was of her own towne , and so there was great courtesie between them and many embracings , ioyfull to see each other there after so long a time . Seluagia then with a merie countenance said vnto them . Faire Diana is welcome , whose disdaine was an occasion to make Syluanus mine . And welcome also faire Ismenia , who with thy deceit didst giue me so much paine , that for remedie of it I came hither , where I haue changed it into a happy estate . What good fortune hath brought you hither ? That ( said Diana ) which we receiue of thy sight , and that , which we hope for at Felicias hands . O happy Shepherdesse ! how glad am I of the content that thou hast gotten here : God confirme thy fortune so prosperous , that thou maist enioy it many yeeres . Marcelius offered not to speake any thing amongst them , bicause he neither knew Syluanus nor Seluagia . But whilest the Shepherds were occupied about their congratulations and curtesies , hee was beholding a Gentleman and a Ladie , that hand in hand went walking vp and downe an Alley in the Garden , being verie merrie one with the other . He tooke a certaine pleasure in beholding the Ladie , and his minde gaue him , that he had seene and knowne her before : Wherefore to cleere himselfe of that doubt , comming to Syluanus he said . Although it is a point of discurtesie to interrupt your friendly greetings , yet woulde I faine knowe ( gentle Shepherd ) what Lord and Lady those are that walke there togither . Their names ( said Syluanus ) are Don Felix , and Felismena , husband and wife . Then Marcelius hearing Felismenas name , altered his countenance and said . Tell me , I praie you , whose daughter Felismena is , and where she was borne , if thou dost perhaps knowe , bicause I care not so greatly to enquire of Don Felix . I haue heard her oftentimes tell ( said Syluanus ) that she was borne in Soldina the cheefest citie of all Vandalia , her father being called Andronius , and her mother Delia. But I praie you Sir , do me the fauour to let me know what you are , and why you made this demand ? My name ( saide Marcelius ) and all else that thou seekest at my hands , thou shalt knowe heereafter . In the meane time do me this curtesie , that since thou art acquainted with Lord Felix and Felismena , craue leaue of them that I may speake a fewe words with them , bicause I would aske her a question that may redounde ( perhaps ) to much ioy and good on both sides . It likes me well ( said Syluanus ) and then he went by and by to Don Felix and Felismena and told them , that a Gentleman not farre off would faine entreat with them in certaine affaires if they thought it not troublesome vnto them . They staied not a minute , but came to the place where Marcelius was . And after curteous salutations , Marcelius said to Felismena , I enquired ( faire Lady ) of this Shepherd thy countrey , name , and parents , who told me that which by thine owne report he knowes concerning the same , and bicause I knowe a Gentleman which was borne in the same citie , who is also sonne to a Lord ( if I be not deceiued ) whose name is like to thy Fathers ; Tell me then ( curteous Lady ) if you haue anie brother , and what his name is , bicause ( it may be ) he is the same , whom I knowe . With this Felismena gaue a great sigh and saide . O noble Gentleman ! how much doth thy demand penetrate my hart ? Know therefore , that I had a brother , borne with me at one birth , and being but a childe at twelue yeeres old , my father Andronius sent him to the king of Portugales court , where he liued many yeeres . This is as much as I can tell of him , and that which I told Syluanus and Seluagia that are heere present , on a time at the fountaine of the Sicamours , after that I had deliuered the three Nymphes , and killed three Sauages in the meadowe of the Laurell trees . From that time hitherto I haue heard nothing of him , but that the king sent him as Captaine into the coast of Africa : and bicause I haue a good while since wandred vp and downe the world , following mine owne destinies and fortune , I knowe not whether he be aliue or dead . Then Marcelius could not stay himselfe any longer , but said . I haue indeed ( sweet sister Felismena ) bin dead hitherto , bicause I haue wanted thy good company , and now am reuiued , in that I haue beene so happie a man to see thee . And in speaking these wordes he louingly embraced her . Felismena remembring well Marcelius kinde of gesture and his countenance in her minde , did now cleerely see that he was the same indeed , and so was vndoubtedly resolued , that he was her owne brother . The ioyfull greeting that passed betweene the brother , sister , and cousen , was great ; and the gladnes that Syluanus and Seluagia tooke to see them so happely mette togither , not small . There were many louing speeches exchanged , many teares of ioy and sorrow powred out , many demands and questions , hopes reuiued , determinations concluded , and many wordes and things of ioy and rest mutually spoken and done . They spent in these congratulations one whole hower , which was little enough for the large history & accidents that they had to discourse of after so long an absence . But bicause they might better and more safely talke of those matters , they sat themselues downe in that little meadow vnder a ranke of Sicamours , whose wreathed boughes loden with leaues , made a delightfull and coole shadow , defending them from the heat of the radiant sunne , which was with some heate mounted vp the Hemispheare . Whilest Marcelius , Don Felix , Felismena , Syluanus , and the Shepherds were talking togither of these matters , at the other end of the garden neere vnto the fountaine ( as it is saide before ) were Eugerius , Polydorus , Alcida , and Clenarda . Alcida had that day left of her pastorall weedes as Felicia had commanded , and was now apparelled and adorned very richly with costly garments and iewels that she willed shoulde be giuen her . But as Syrenus was also there , Montanus , Arsileus , and Belisa , singing and sporting togither , they maruell ouslie delighted Eugerius and his sonne and daughters , that were harkening to them . And that which did most of all please them , was a song which Syrenus and Arsileus did sing one against another in dispraise and fauour of Cupid : For they sung with an earnest will and desire in hope of a braue christall cup , which Eugerius had promised for a reward and prize to him that did sing best . And so Syrenus to the sound of his Rebecke , and Arsileus to the tune of his rurall Baggepipe , began to sing in maner following .

Syrenus . OEies that are not now as once tormented , When first my star enueagled and disguis'd you : O ioyfull thoughts , and quiet minde absented , O carelesse hart , now will I once aduise you , That since you made Diana discontented , To see , loue , thinke on you , let this suffice you , That I doe hold your counsell best of many , In vaine to see , nor loue , nor thinke of any . Arsileus . O eies that haue to greater light attained , Looking vpon that sunne , your onely treasure , O toyfull thoughts , in thousand ioies distrained , O happy hart , the seate of secret pleasure : Although Belisa would haue once disdained To see , to loue , or thinke on me at leisure , Yet hold I this a heauen , as like was neuer To see , to loue , and thinke on her for euer .

Syrenus would haue replyed to Arsileus answer , if he had not beene interrupted by Eugerius , who said . Since you must ( iolly Shepherds ) receiue your reward at my hands , it is good reason that you sing in such sort , as may best content me . Sing thou Syrenus first those verses which thy muse shall dictate vnto thee : and then thou Arsileus shalt sing as many againe , or those which thou shalt best thinke good of . It pleaseth vs well ( said they ) and then Syrenus began thus .

Syrenus . LEt now the goodly spring tide make vs merie , And fieldes , which pleasant flowers do adorne , And vales , meades , woods , with liuely colours flourish , Let plentious flockes the Shepherds riches nourish , Let hungrie woolues by dogs to death be torne , And lambes reioice , with passed winter wearie : Let euery riuers ferrie In waters flowe , and siluer streames abounding : And fortune , ceaslesse wounding , Turne now thy face , so cruell and vnstable , Be firme and fauourable : And thou that kill'st our soules with thy pretenses , Molest not ( wicked loue ) my inward senses . Let countrie plainnes liue in ioies not ended , In quiet of the desart meades and mountaines , And in the pleasure of a countrie dwelling : Let Shepherds rest , that haue distilled fountaines Of teares : prooue not thy wrath , all paines excelling , Vpon poore soules , that neuer haue offended : Let thy flames be incended In hautie courtes , in those that swim in treasure , And liue in ease and pleasure : And that a sweetest scorne ( my woonted sadnes ) A perfect rest and gladnes And hils and dales , may giue me : with offences Molest not ( wicked loue ) my inward senses . In what law find'st thou , that the freest reason , And wit , vnto thy chaines should be subiected , And harmelesse soules vnto thy cruell murder ? O wicked loue , the wretch that flieth furder From thy extremes , thou plagu'st , O false , suspected , And carelesse boy , that thus thy sweetes dost season , O vile and wicked treason . Might not thy might suffice thee , but thy fuell Of force must be so cruell ? To be a Lord , yet like a Tyrant minded , Vaine boy with errour blinded , Why dost thou hurt his life with thy offences , That yeelds to thee his soule and inward senses . He erres ( alas ) and fowly is deceiued That cals thee God , being a burning fire , A furious flame , a playning greefe and clamorous , And , Venus sonne ( that in the earth was amorous , Gentle , and milde , and full of sweete desire ) Who calleth him , is of his wits bereaued , And yet that she conceaued By proofe , so vile a sonne and so vnruly , I say ( and yet say truly ) That in the cause of harmes , that they haue framed , Both iustly may be blamed : She , that did breede him with such vile pretenses , He , that doth hurt so much our inward senses . The gentle sheepe and lambes are euer flying The rauening woolues and beastes , that are pretending To glut their mawes with flesh they teare asunder : The milke white doues at noise of fearefull thunder Flie home amaine , themselues from harme defending , The little chicke , when puttocks are a crying : The woods and meadowes dying For raine , of heauen ( if that they cannot haue it ) Doe neuer cease to craue it : So euery thing his contrarie resisteth , Onely thy thrall persisteth In suffring of thy wrongs without defences , And lets thee spoile his hart and inward senses . A publike passion , natures lawes restraining , And , which with wordes can neuer be declared : A soule twixt loue , and feare , and desperation , And endlesse plaint , that shuns all consolation , A spendlesse flame , that neuer is impaired : A friendlesse death , yet life in death maintaining : A passion , that is gaining On him , that loueth well and is absented : Whereby it is augmented , Aiealousie , a burning greefe and sorrow . These fauours louers borrow Of thee fell Loue , these be thy recompences , Consuming still their soule and inward-senses .

Arsileus , after that Syrenus had ended his song , began to tune his Bagpipe , and after he had played a little while vpon it , answering euerie staffe of his Competitor in order , he sung as followeth .

Arsileus . O Let that time a thousand monthes endure , Which brings from heauen the sweete and siluer showres , And ioies the earth ( of comforts late depriued ) With grasse and leaues , fine buds , and painted flowres : Eccho returne vnto the woods obscure , Ring foorth the Shepherds songs in loue contriued : Let olde loues be reuiued , Which angrie winter buried hath of late : And that in such a state My soule may haue the full accomplishment Of ioy and sweete content : And since fierce paines and greefes thou dost controule , Good loue doe not forsake my inward soule . Presume not ( Shepherds ) once to make you mery With springs , and flowres , or any pleasant song , ( Vnlesse milde loue possesse your amorous brestes ) If you sing not to him , your songs doe werie , Crowne him with flowres , or else ye doe him wrong , And consecrate your springs to his behestes : I to my Shepherdesse My happie loues with great content doe sing , And flowres to her doe bring . And sitting neere her by the riuer side , Enioy the braue springtide . Since then thy ioies such sweetnesse doe enroule , Good loue doe not forsake my inward soule . The wise in ancient times a God thee nam'd , Seeing that with thy power and supreme might Thou didst such rare and mighty woonders make : For thee a hart is frozen and inflam'd , A foole thou mak'st a wise man with thy light , The coward turnes couragious for thy sake : The mighty Gods did quake At thy commaund : To birdes and beasts transformed : Great monarches haue not scorned To yeeld vnto the force of beauties lure : Such spoiles thou dost procure With thy braue force , which neuer may be toulde With which ( sweete loue ) thou conqu'rest euery soule . In other times obscurely I did liue But with a drowsie , base , and simple kinde Of life , and onely to my profit bend me : To thinke of loue my selfe I did not giue , Or for good grace , good partes , and gentle minde Neuer did any Shepherdesse commend me : But crowned now they send me A thousand garlands , that I woon with praise , In wrestling daies by daies , In pitching of the bar with arme most strong , And singing many a song , After that thou didst honour , and take hould Of me ( sweete loue ) and of my happy soule . What greater ioy can any man desire , Then to remaine a captiue vnto loue , And haue his hart subiected to his power ? And though sometimes he taste a little sower , By suffring it , as milde as gentle doue , Yet must he be , in lieu of that great hire Whereto he doth aspire : If louers liue afflicted and in paine , Let them with cause complaine Of cruell fortune , and of times abuse , And let them not accuse Thee ( gentle loue ) That dost with blisse enfoulde Within thy sweetest ioies each louing soule . Behold a faire sweete face , and shining eies , Resembling two most bright and twinkling stars ; Sending vnto the soule a perfect light : Behold the rare perfections of those white And Iuorie hands , from greefes most sure bars : That minde wherein all life and glorie lies , That ioy that neuer dies , That he doth feele , that loues and is beloued , And my delights approoued To see her pleas'd , whose loue maintaines me heere : All those I count so deere , That though sometimes Loue doth my toies controule , Yet am I glad he dwels within my soule .

There was not one there amongst them all but tooke great delight in the Shepherds songs . But Eugerius comming to giue his verdict , praise , and reward to him that had sung best , could not so soone conclude of the matter : he stept aside to Montanus to heare his opinion , whose iudgement was , that one had sung as well as another . Then Eugerius turning to Syrenus and Arsileus , said . My opinion is ( cunning Shepherds ) that you are equall in the subiect of this contention , and that , if old Palemon were reuiued , and made an indifferent iudge betweene you , hee could not confesse ( I thinke ) any superioritie in your skill . Thou art Syrenus worthie to beare away the cristall cup ; and thou Arsileus deseruest it as well , so that I should offer you great wrong , if I did not define who is conqueror , and who is conquered . To resolue my selfe therefore of this doubt with Montanus opinion , I say that to thee ( Syrenus ) is allotted the Cristall cup , and to thee ( Arsileus ) this Calcedonian cup of no lesse value , which worthily thou hast wonne . To both of you therefore I giue cups of like value , both of them of account amongst Felicias treasure , and by her bountifull hands bestowed on me . The Shepherds were well pleased at the wife iudgement , and rich rewardes of bountifull Eugerius , to whom they gaue many thankes . But Alcida by this occasion calling to minde her passed times , said . If the deceitfull errour , wherewith I haue beene blinded so long , had endured till now , I would not then consent that Arsileus should be rewarded equally with Syrenus : But since I am now free from it , and wounded afresh with the loue of my betrothed Marcelius , for the paine which I suffer for his absence , I like well of that which Syrenus did sing ; and for the ioy and sweete delight which I expect , I also commend Arsileus song . But take heed carelesse Syrenus , that these complaints which thou makest of Diana , be not like to those wherewith I blamed Marcelius , bicause thou maist not repent thee of thy hardnes of hart and disdaine , as I haue done . Syrenus smiled at this and said : What greater blame may be laide vpon that Shepherdesse , who after she had forsaken me , married her selfe to a iealous , peruerse , and vnfortunate husband . Then Alcida answered . Vnfortunate indeed he hath beene enough , since he cast his eies vpon me : and bicause it comes fit to the purpose , I will tell thee that , which yesterday ( by reason of Felicias discourses and affaires with me ) I could not declare vnto thee , when as we were talking about Dianas matters : and to this end especially , bicause thou mightest forget all iniuries past , and shake off thy wrongfull obliuion , when thou shalt vnderstand of the strange and vnluckie accident , that by my contempt befell to miserable Delius . I haue told thee before , how I was talking and singing with Diana at the fountaine of the Sicamours , and how iealous Delius came thither , and sorrowfull Marcelius after him in a Shepherds habit , at whose sight I was so grieued , that I fled from him incontinently into a wood that was hard by . But when I came to the other side of the wood , I heard a far off a voice that still cryed , Alcida , Oh Alcida , stay , stay : which made me to thinke that Marcelius followed me ; and bicause I would not fall into his hands , I ran as fast as I could away . But by that which afterwards happened , I knew that it was Delius , husband to Diana , that came running after me . And bicause I had run a great way , and began to be wearie , I then went so easily , that he followed me in sight . I knew him , and staied to know what he would haue , not thinking once of him , nor of the cause of his comming . And when he was before me , what by the faintnes of his running , and by the anguish of his minde that troubled him , he was not able to vtter one word . At the last with rude and ill formed reasons he said , that he was in loue with me , praying me after his homely manner to loue him againe , and many other things ( I know not what ) which shewed his little wit , and simple behauiour . To tell the very truth I laughed at him , and the best I could , endeuoured to comfort him , and to make him forget his folly , but it auailed nothing ; for the more I disswaded him from it , the more foole he was . In faith ( Shepherd ) I sweare vnto thee , that I neuer knew man in my life so assotted with sudden loue . But as I went on my waies , and he following me at an inch , we came to a village a mile distant from his towne , and there , when he perceiued my rigour , & that I had flatly denied him , for verie griefe and anguish of minde he fell sicke . He was lodged there by a Shepherd that knew him , who as soone as morning came , certified his mother of his malladie . Delius mother came thither with a heauie hart in great haste , and found her sonne tormented with a burning feauer . With much sorrow she lamented his case , and did importune him to know the cause of his griefe , but no other answer would he giue her , but sob , sigh , and weepe . The louing mother powring forth many a bitter teare , said vnto him . Oh my deere Son ! what an vnfortunate chance is this ? Hide not the secrets of thy hart from me , behold I am thy mother , and ( perhaps ) I knowe some part of them alreadie . Thy wife told me last night , that at the fountaine of the Sicamours thou didst forsake her , running after I knowe not what vnknowne Shepherdesse , tell me if thy greefe doth grow thereby , and be not afraid nor ashamed to impart it to me ; for ill may that malladie be cured , the cause and beginning whereof is vnknowne . Oh sorrowfull Diana ! thou didst this day go to Felicias temple to learn some newes of thy husband , and he was neerer to thy towne , and weaker then thou wert aware of . When Delius heard his mother speake these words , he answered not a worde , but gaue a great sigh , and then redoubled his painefull agonie . For before he complained onely of Loue , but at these wordes with loue and iealousie he was most greeuouslie molested . For when he remembred that thou ( Syrenus ) wert here in Felicias pallace , and hearing that Diana was come hither , fearing least her olde and mortified loue might be rekindled againe in her , he fell into such a frantike madnes , that , being assaulted with two most fierce and cruell torments , he ended his life in a furious traunce , vnto the greatest greefe of his sorrowfull mother , kinsefolkes , and lamenting friends . In very truth I could not chuse but be sorrowfull for his death , knowing my selfe to be the chiefest cause of it , but I coulde haue done no lesse for safegard of mine owne content and honor . Onely one thing greeued me not a little , that not contenting him with any comfortable deede , I gaue him not ( at the least ) some gentle words , whereby he might not then ( perhaps ) haue come to so sudden a death . In the ende I came hither , leauing the poore soule dead , and his kinsfolkes weeping for him , not knowing the cause of his death . Thus haue I digressed ( yet to the purpose ) to make thee knowe what harme a cruell disdaine and forgetfulnes procureth , and also bicause thou shouldest vnderstand of Dianas widowhood , and consider with thy selfe , if now it were good for thee to change thine intent , since she hath changed her condition and estate . But I maruell much that Diana departing from her towne yesterday ( as Delius mother saide ) to come to this place , is not yet heere . Syrenus gaue attentiue eare to Alcidas words , and when hee heard of Delius death , his hart began somewhat to alter and change . There did the secret power also of sage Felicia worke extraordinary effects , and though she was not present there , yet with her herbes and wordes , which were of great vertue , and by many other supernaturall meanes , she brought to passe that Syrenus began now againe to renewe his old loue to Diana : which was no great maruell , considering that by the influence of his celestiall constellation he was so much enclined to it , that it seemed Syrenus was not borne but onely for Diana , nor Diana but for Syrenus .

The prouident and most wise Ladie Felicia was now in her magnificent and rich pallace , enuironed about with her chaste Nymphes , working with soueraigne and secret verses the remedies , and content of all these Louers . And as she sawe by her diuine wisedome , that by this time Montanus and Alcida being by their imaginations deceiued , had now acknowledged their errours , and that hard harted Syrenus had mollified his obstinate and rigorous disposition , she thought it now high time vtterly to confound olde errours , and to ease the long trauels and troubles of her guestes , by exchanging them into ioyfull and vnexpected happines . Going therefore out of her sumptuous pallace , attended on by Dorida , Cynthia , Polydora , and manie other goodly Nymphes , she came to the delightfull garden , where the Lordes , Ladies , Shepherds and Shepherdesses were : The first that she saw there , were Marcelius , Don Felix , Felismena , Syluanus , Seluagia , Diana , and Ismenia , sitting in one of the corners of that little square meadow neere vnto the great gate , as is aforesaide . When they sawe the reuerend Lady comming towards them , they all rose vp , and kissed those hands , in which they had placed their cheefest hope and remedies . She courteously saluted them againe , making a signe vnto them that they shoulde all follow her , which most willingly they did . Felicia attended on by this amorous traine , crossing euery part of this great and pleasant garden , came at the last to the other part of it to the fountaine , where Eugerius , Polydorus , Alcida , Clenarda , Syrenus , Arsileus , Belisa , & Montanus were . They all rose vp , in honor of the sage Matron . And when Alcida espied Marcelius , Syrenus Diana , and Montanus Ismenta , they were all astonished at the sight one of another , and verily thought they were in a dreame , standing like enchaunted persons , and not beleeuing their owne eies . The wise Ladie commanding them all to sit downe againe , and shewing by her countenance that she was to entreat of important affaires , sat her downe in the middes of them all , in a chaire of Iuorie , grauen with gold and precious stones , and spake in this sort . Nowe is the hower come ( renowned and faire assemblie ) wherein with my hands I meane to giue you all your long desired and happie contentment : for by diuers strange meanes , and vntroden waies I haue made you come to my Palace for no other intent and purpose . Since you are heere therefore altogither wel met , where the matters and meanes of your happie loue and life to come must be determined , my desire is that you would follow my will , and obey my commands herein . Thou art Alcida , by the true testimonie and report of thy sister Clenarda , cleerelie deliuered from the suspicion of thy deceiued imagination . And I knew well enough that , after thou hadst forsaken that cruell disdaine , the absence of thy Marcelius did not a little greeue thee . Come hither therefore , and offer thy selfe vnto him , for this absence shall not be long , which hath rather beene so short , that at that time when thou complainedst to me of it , Marcelius was in my pallace . Nowe thou hast him heere before thee , as firme and stedfast in his first loue , that , if it pleased thee , and thy Father , brother and sister , he would thinke himselfe the happiest man aliue , to solemnize this desired marriage long since betrothed . The which besides that it must needes cause great ioy and gladnes , being betweene such principall and noble personages , shall make it more perfect and absolute , by reason of Felismena his sisters presence , whom Marcelius after many yeeres past , hath happely found out in my Palace . Thou Montanus by Sylueria herselfe , that betraied thee , art rid from thy erronious opinion . After which time thou didst weep continually for the losse of thy faithfull wife Ismenia , who now is come to liue & die in thine armes , and to comfort all thy sorrowes , after that thorow out all Spaine , with many a wearie iourney , and many dangers , and troubles she hath sought thee out . But now last of all it resteth to remedie thy paines ( faire Diana ) before which time I meane to aduertise thee of that which Syrenus and some of these Shepherds doe know by Alcidas report , although it will be but a sorrowfull tale in thine eares , and a grieuous corosie to thy pitifull hart . Thy husband Delius ( faire Shepherdesse ) as it pleased the inexorable destinies , hath ended the course of his life . For the losse whereof I know well ( Diana ) that thou hast great cause to lament , but yet in the end all men are bound to pay this tribute to Nature , and that which is so common a thing , ought not extremely to grieue any one . Weepe not ( faire Diana ) for thou breakest my hart asunder in seeing thee powre forth such dolorous teares , drie vp thine eies , comfort thy sorrowes , and cheere vp thy selfe . Put on no morning weeds , and make no long moan , for too much lamentation & sorrow is not allowed in this house , when as also the heauens haue reserued for thee some better hap , then that which thou had'st of late . And since there is no remedie for that which is lately done , it belongeth to thy wisedom to forget what is past , and to my skill & power , to giue order to things present . Heere is thy old louer Syrenus , whose hart by my operations , and by the reason that bindes him to it , is become so tender , gentle , and chaunged from his former hardnes , that now for his great contentment , it onely behooueth him to conclude a marriage with thee . That which I request of thee is , that thou wilt obay my will in a thing which so greatly concerneth thy happie and ioyfull life : The which , although it may seeme to offer some iniurie to thy husband that is dead to marrie so soone againe ; yet being a thing practised by my decree and autoritie , cannot any waies be deemed ill . And thou Syrenus since thou hast begun to giue place in thy hart to honest and vertuous Loue , make now an ende to yeelde vp thy thoughts and deeds to it : and let this merie and happie mariage be put in effect , to the fulfilling of which , all the fauourable stars are inclined . The rest of you , which in this delightfull garden enioy your happie content , reioice in your minds ; make merie pastimes ; play vpon your tuned instruments ; sing sweete Ditties , and exercise your selues in delightfull sports and conuersation , in honour and memory of these ioyfull meetings , and happie marriages . Sage Felicia had no sooner ended her speech , but all of them were verie willing to do as she commanded them , liking well of her motion , and maruelling at her singular wisedome . Montanus tooke his wife Ismenia by the hand , thinking themselues thrise happie and fortunate ; and betweene Marcelius and Alcida , Syrenus and Diana , at that instant a holy and virtuous marriage was solemnly celebrated with great loue , firmnes , and sumptuous accustomed ceremonies .

All the rest exceeding glad for these happie accidents , sung and reioiced with maruellous applause . Amongst the which , Arsileus for the great good will that he bare to Syrenus , and for the friendship betweene them both , at the sound of his Rebecke , sung this Caroll in memorie and ioy of the new marriage betweene Syrenus and Diana .

LEt now each meade with flowers be depainted , Of sundrie colours sweetest odours glowing : Roses yeeld foorth your smels , so finely tainted , Calme windes , the greene leaues mooue with gentle blowing : The christall riuers flowing With waters be increased : And since each one from sorrowes now hath ceased , ( From mournefull plaints and sadnes ) Ring forth faire Nymphes , your ioyfull songs for gladnes . Let springs and meades all kinde of sorrow banish , And mournefull harts the teares that they are bleeding : Let gloomie cloudes with shining morning vanish , Let euery bird reiòice , that now is breeding : And since by new proceeding , With marriage now obtained , A great content by great contempt is gayned , And you deuoid of sadnes , Ring forth faire Nymphes , your ioyfull songs for gladnes . Who can make vs to chaunge our firme desires , And soule to leaue her strong determination , And make vs freeze in Ise , and melt in fires , And nycest harts to loue with emulation : Who rids vs from vexation , And all our minds commaundeth ? But great Felicia , that his might with standeth That fild our harts with sadnes , Ring forth faire Nymphes , your ioyfull songs for gladnes . Your fields with their distilling fauours cumber ( Bridegroome and happie Bride ) each heauenly power Your flockes , with double lambes increas'd in number , May neuer taste vnsauourie grasse and sower : The winters frost and shower Your kids ( your pretie pleasure ) May neuer hurt , and blest with so much treasure , To driue away all sadnes , Ring forth faire Nymphes , your ioyfull songs for gladnes . Of that sweete ioy delight you with such measure , Betweene you both faire issue to ingender : Longer then Nestor may you liue in pleasure : The Gods to you such sweete content surrender , That may make milde and tender The beasts in euerie mountaine , And glad the fields and woods and euerie fountaine , Ab●uring former sadnes , Ring forth faire Nymphes , your ioyfull songs for galdnes . Let amorous birds with sweetest notes delight you , Let gentle winds refresh you with their blowing , Let fields and forrests with their goods requite you , And Flora decke the ground where you are going : Roses , and vilets strowing , The Iasmine and the Gilloflower With many more : and neuer in your bower To taste of houshold sadnes , Ring forth faire Nymphes , your ioyfull songs for gladnes . Concord and peace hold you for aye contented , And in your ioyfull state liue yee so quiet , That with the plague of iealousie tormented Ye may not be , nor fed with Fortunes dyet : And that your names may flie yet To hils vnknowen with glorie , But now bicause my brest so hoarse , and sorie It faints , may rest from singing , End Nymphes your songs , that in the clouds are ringing .

When Arsileus had made an end of his song , there was such a generall reioicing , that it woulde haue cheered vp the most sorrowfull harts that euer were . Sweete and delightfull songs resounded in euery part of the garden , the tuned instruments made more then earthly Harmonie , and it seemed that the blossomed trees , the gliding riuer , the pleasant fountaine , and the chirping birdes reioyced at that feaste . After that they had a pretie while delighted themselues in this kinde of exercise , Felicia thinking it time to go to dinner , commanded that it shoulde be brought to the fountaine where they were . Whose commaunde the Nymphes obeying , presently busied themselues seuerally to prouide for dinner ; and setting the tables and cupbordes of plate vnder the shadowe of those greene trees , euerie one sitting in order as Felicia appointed them , beganne to taste of those delicate and daintie meates that were serued in , and most of them in plate of great value . Dinner being done , and returning to their former pleasures , they made much sport and merriment with many feastes and pastimes , which shall be set downe in the Booke following .

The end of the fourth Booke .

The fifth Booke of the third Part of Diana .

THese Louers were so well pleased with their happie estate , euerie one seeing himselfe in his desired companie , that they quite forgat their former troubles . But wee , that a farre off beholde and marke the paines and troubles that their contentment cost them , the dangers that they were in , and the mishaps and crosses that they had before they came to this happines , must be well aduised and take good heed , that we put not our selues into like inconueniences , although our after reward and repose were more certaine then theirs ; and the rather being so vncertaine and doubtfull , that for one that hath good happe , a thousand there are , whose long and painefull liues with desperate death haue beene rewarded . But leauing this aside , let vs entreate of those feastes and pastimes , which were made in Felicias garden for ioy of the new espousals , and obliuion of old iniuries and deceits , although it is not possible to set them downe in particular . Felicia , at whose command all were obedient , and in whose direction the whole order and substance of the feast consisted , willed the Shepherds ( for their first pastime ) to dance togither , to the tune of certaine songs that they themselues should sing : And so sitting downe with Eugerius , Polydorus , Clenarda , Marcelius , Alcida , Don Felix , and Felismena , she declared vnto the Shepherds her will and pleasure . Then they all rose vp , and Syrenus taking Diana by the hande , Syluanus Seluagia , Montanus Ismenia , and Arsileus Belisa , began to foote so braue and sweete a dance , as anie that the fairest Driades and Napees with their yealowe haire like threedes of fine Arabian golde hanging loose and blowen abroad with the winde , were euer wont to dance in the greene and pleasant forrestes . There was no curteous contention amongst them , who should begin to sing first : For Syrenus , who was the chiefest man in all that feast , being somewhat ashamed of the small regard hee had of Diana till that time , the thought whereof ( he also suspected ) was likewise a hinderance vnto him from iustly excusing himselfe , resolued in song to tell Diana his minde , which shame woulde not permit him to acquaint her with in familiar talke . Therefore without any more adoo ( the rest answering him as it was decreed ) he sung as followeth .

I Should haue dide , and neuer viewed thee ( Faire Shepherdesse , vnwoorthily forgot ) Since that I durst presume to liue , and bee Before thy sweetest sight , and loue thee not . A happy loue , and fortune I should prooue , Both which my paines and sorrowes should abate , If by remembring of thy deerest loue , I should forget the greefe of former hate . For now the feare of death , and leesing thee , I feare will be my guerdon and my lot , Since that I durst presume to liue , and bee Before thy sweetest sight , and loue thee not .

Diana was of a contrarie opinion . For hauing satisfied her old obliuion and disdaine that she had of Syrenus with a renewed and entire loue of him againe , and seeing herselfe sufficiently recompenced for her passed paines and greefes , she had now no cause to lament the small care she had of him in times past , but rather finding her hart filled with all content and ioy that she could wish , and free from all paine , by manifesting her gladnes and blaming Syrenus needlesse excuse , she answered him with this song .

MY soule doth leape for ioy to haue My wished loue againe , For there 's no other ioy to craue , Nor greefe to giue me paine . I doe not thinke of sorrowes past , Our loue it may offend : Of any present greefe to taste , For hate that hath an end . Reioice ( my soule ) such blisse to haue , Since with so high a gaine , There is no other ioy to craue , Nor greefe to giue me paine .

While Diana was singing her song , there came a most beautifull Shepherdesse to the fountaine , but newly ( as it seemed ) come to Felicias Palace , and being tolde , that the Ladie was in the garden , she came thither to see her and to talke with her . Being come to the place where Felicia was , she kneeling downe before her , kissed her hands , and said vnto her . Pardon ( good Lady ) my boldnes , for comming into this presence without leaue , since the desire I had to see you , and the neede which I haue of your skill and wisedome , was so great , that I was forced hereunto . I bring with me my hart surcharged with greefe , the remedie whereof is onely in your handes , but it is so great , that it requireth some fitter time , occasion , and place to tell it at large , bicause it is against good manners to interrupt this merrie companie with matter of sorrow and greefe . Melisea ( for so was this Shepherdesse called ) was yet on her knees before Felicia , when she perceiued a Shepherd comming along in an Alley of the Orchard towards the fountaine , and in seeing him , saide . This is an other greefe ( good Ladie ) so troublesome and painfull vnto me , that for the deliuerie of the same also , I haue no lesse neede of your gracious helpe and fauour . By this time the Shepherd ( whose name was Narcisus ) came in presence of Felicia , and of those Lordes and Ladies that were with her , and making lowe obeisance , he began to make a great complaint against the Shepherdesse Melisea that was present there , saying , that he suffered great torments for her sake , and receiued not from her again one fauourable or gentle word : Insomuch that in pursute of her loue and company to that place , he had come very farre , and she not suffred him so much as to declare his greefe to her cruell and disdainfull eares . Felicia commanded Melisea to rise vp , and cutting off their troublesome contentions , saide . It is not now time to harken to long and tedious complaints , wherefore be content for this time Melisea and giue Narcisus thy hand , and go both into that dance , and for the rest wee will heereafter finde out a remedie at fitter time . The Shepherdesse would not gain saie the Ladies command , but hand in hand with Narcisus she went to dance with the other Shepherds . And at this time happie Ismenia that was readie to sing , shewing by her outward countenance signes of inward content , which after so long sorrow she inioyed , sung in this sort .

SVch ioy I feele doth in my soule surmount , That now againe I thinke it nothing strange : If that a pleasure of so great account Doth cost two thousand torments for exchange . Rtill did I looke but still my comforts staied , But when my soule did once enioy the same , With their content and sweete delight I paied My staying , and their tariance did not blame . Let paines therefore within my soule surmount , Sorrowes and plaints to me shall not be strange , If for a pleasure of so great account , They giue me thousand torments in exchange .

All the while that Ismenia was singing , and before , and after , she neuer cast her eies off her beloued Montanus . But he , who was somewhat ashamed of his fonde conceit wherein he had liued so long , to the great griefe of his wife , durst neuer looke on her but by stealth , and at euerie turne of the daunce , when she could not see him againe : the reason whereof was , bicause when sometimes he went about to looke her in the face , he was so much confounded with shame of his folly that was yet so fresh in his memorie , and was so much ouercome with the light of those two radiant eies of her , which with great affection continually beheld him , that he was forced to cast his downe to the ground . Whereby seeing that he lost a great part of his delight , by not looking on her , whom he accounted his chiefest felicitie , and making this the occasion and matter of the song , he sung to his beloued Ismenia in manner following .

TVrne thy faire eies ( wherein my shame I see ) faire Shepherdesse , aside : For looking on me with the same , To looke on thee , I am denide . With thy two sunnes so dost thou giue , And cast me beames with pearcing eie , That though by seeing thee I liue , Yet when thou look'st on me I die : Eies that are of such art and frame , Thou must beware to keepe aside , For looking on me with the same , To looke on thee I am denide . Like as the snowe vnto the sunne , And as the marke vnto the fight , As cloudes are with the windes vndone , As waxe before the fires light : So doe thy fairest eies with shame Confound me , and my soule deuide : For looking on me with the same , To looke on thee I am denide . Behold what mightie loue is bent To doe , and fortune doth ordaine To make my sorrowes still augment By the sweete guerdon of my paine . Thine eies doe feede my amorous flame , And sight of them my life doth guide : But if thou view'st me with the same , To looke on thee I am denide .

Melisea , who was all this while dauncing against her will with Narcisus , whom she could not abide , with a disdainfull song thought to be reuenged on this griefe , and iust to the purpose of those paines and griefes , wherewith the Shepherd said he died euerie daie for her sake , making but a mocke and iest of them , did sing thus .

YOng Shepherd ) turne aside , & moue Me not to follow thee , For I will neither kill with loue , Nor loue shall not kill mee . Since I will liue , and neuer fauour showe , Then die not for my loue I will not giue : For I will neuer haue thee loue me so , As I doe meane to hate thee while I liue . That since the louer so doth proue His death , as thou dost see , Be bold I will not kill with loue , Nor loue shall not kill mee .

Narcisus tooke no meane griefe to heare the cruell song of his deerest Loue , but encouraging himselfe with the hope that Felicia had giuen him , and forced by the constancie and fortitude of his enamoured hart , he answered her with two staues , which he adioyned to a certaine old song , that said thus .

IF to belou'd it thee offends , I cannot choose but loue thee still : And so thy greefe shall haue no end , Whiles that my life maintaines my will . O let me yet with greefe complaine , Since such a torment I endure : Or else fulfill thy great disdaine , To end my life with death most sure . For as no credit thou wilt lend , And as my loue offendes thee still , So shall thy sorrowes haue no end Whiles that my life maintaines my will . If that by knowing thee , I could Leaue of to loue thee as I doe , Not to offend thee , then I would Leaue of to like and loue thee too , But since all loue to thee doth tend , And I of force must loue thee still , Thy greefe shall neuer haue an end , Whiles that my life maintaines my will .

Melisea was so hardened in her crueltie , that Narcisus hauing scarce ended the last words of his song , and before another did sing , she replied in this manner .

ME thinks , thou tak'st the woorser way , ( Enamoured Shepherd ) and in vaine , That thou wilt seeke thine owne decay , To loue her , that doth thee disdaine . For thine owne selfe , thy wofull hart Keepe still , else art thou much to blame , For she , to whom thou gau'st each part Of it , disdaines to take the same : Follow not her that makes a play , And iest of all thy greefe and paines , And seeke not ( Shepherd ) thy decay To loue her , that thy loue disdaines .

Narcisus could not suffer Meliseas song to passe without an answer , and so with a milde grace he sung these new verses vpon an old song , that said .

SInce thou to me wert so vnkinde , My selfe I neuer loued , For I could not loue him in my minde , Whom thou faire Mistresse dost abhor . If viewing thee , I saw thee not , And seeing thee , I could not loue thee , Dying , I should not liue ( God wot ) Nor , liuing , should to anger moue thee . But it is well that I doe finde My life so full of torments : For All kinde of ills doe fit his minde , Whom thou ( faire Mistresse ) dost abhor . In thy obliuion buried now My death I haue before mine eies , And heere to hate my selfe I vow As ( cruell ) thou dost me despise : Contented euer thou didst finde Me with thy scornes , though neuer ( for To say the truth ) I ioyed in minde , After thou didst my loue abhor .

The contention betweene Narcisus and Melisea , delighted them all so much , that the generall reioycing of that feast had beene greatly augmented by it , had it not bin diminished with the manifest apparance of the rigor that she shewed Narcisus , and with the pitie that they had of those paines , which he suffered for hir sake . After Narcisus had made an ende of his song , all of them turned their eies to Melisea , thinking she would haue replyed againe . But she held her peace , not bicause she wanted nipping and cruell songs to encounter and vexe the miserable Louer with , nor will to reply ; but bicause she would not be troublesome to all that merie companie . Seluagia and Belisa were afterwards requested to sing , who excused themselues , by alleaging their in sufficiencie . Nay that were not well ( said Diana ) that you should goe from the feast without paying your shot . And this must not so smoothly passe away ( said Felismena ) without the consent of vs all heere , who meane to participate the sweete delight of so delicate voices as yours are . We will not be slacke ( said they againe ) to do you anie seruice ( little though it be ) in this solemnitie ; but pardon our singing ( I pray you ) for in all other things we will be willing to do our endeuours . I will not for my part giue my consent ( saide Alcida ) to exempt you from singing , or at the least that some others shall sing for you . Who can better do it ( said they ) then Syluanus and Arsileus our husbands : The Shepherdesses say well ( said Marcelius ) and it would be best ( me thinkes ) if both did sing one song , and one answere another in it , for it shall be lesse troublesome to them , and more pleasant to vs . All of them seemed to take great delight at that kinde of singing , bicause they knew , how the readines and liuelines of their wits would be shewed and tried by it . And so Syluanus and Arsileus seeming to be well content , leading their daunce about againe , sung in manner following .

Sylu. SHepherd , why dost thou hold thy peace ? Sing : and thy ioy to vs report . Arsil . My ioy ( good Shepherd ) should be lesse , If it were told in any sort . Sylu. Though such great fauours thou dost win , Yet deigne thereof to tell some part : Arsil . The hardest thing is to begin In enterprises of such arte . Sylu. Come , make an end , no cause omit Of all the ioies that thou art in , Arsil . How should I make an end of it , That am not able to begin . Sylu. It is not iust , we should consent , That thou shouldst not thy ioies recite , Arsil . The soule that felt the punishment Doth onely feele this great delight . Sylu. That ioy is small , and nothing fine , That is not told abroad to many , Arsil . If it be such a ioy as mine , It can be neuer told to any . Sylu. How can this hart of thine containe A ioy , that is of such great force ? Arsil . I haue it , where I did retaine My passions of so great remorce . Sylu. So great and rare a ioy as this No man is able to withhold , Arsil . But greater that a pleasure is , The lesse it may with words be told . Sylu. Yet haue I heard thee heeretofore Thy ioies in open songs report : Arsil . I saide , I had of ioy some store , But not how much , nor in what sort . Sylu. Yet when a ioy is in excesse , It selfe it will vnfold , Arsil . Nay such a ioy should be the lesse , If that it might be told .

The Shepherds would haue sung one verse or two more , when a goodly companie of faire Nymphes ( as Felicia had appointed ) came to the fountaine , and euerie one playing vpon her seuerall instrument , made strange and delightfull harmonie . One of them plaied on a Lute ; another on a Harpe ; another made a maruellous sweet countertenour vpon a Recorder ; another with a peece of a fine quil made the siluer stringed Cyterne sweetely to sound ; others the stringes of the base Viall with rosined haires ; others with Virginals and Violins made delicate changes in the aire , and filled it with so sweete musicke , that in a manner it astonished them that heard it , and made them to maruell no lesse at it . These Nymphes were strangely apparelled , and passing faire to behold , euerie one in her proper colours , their locks of golden haire hanging loose to the wauering winde , with fine coronets on their heads , and sweete flowers tied togither with threds of gold and siluer . The Shepherds seeing this melodious quier of angels , left of the daunce that they had begun , and sat downe , giuing attentiue eare to the heauenly musicke , and concent of the sundrie sweete instruments that they plaied on , which ioyned sometimes with cleere and delicate voices , mooued strange and rare delight . Then came out by and by sixe Nymphes apparelled with crimosin Satten , embrodered with flowers & leaues of gold and siluer , wearing rich caules vpon their heads , which were filled and wrought with Rubies and Emerauldes , from the which hung downe vpon their fairest browes Diamantes of incomparable value , with pendants at their eares , of the rarest Pearles and richest Diamonds that could be founde . They had crymosin Buskins on their legs that were finely printed and gilt , with their bowes in their hands , and their quiuers of arrowes hanging behinde their shoulders . In this sort they began to dance to the sound that the instruments made , but with so braue a grace , that it was a rare sight to behold them . And being in the middes of their dance , there lept out on the sudden a stately white Hart , marked all ouer with little blacke spots , which seemed very pleasant to the eie : his painted hornes with golde were large , high , and branchie . In breefe it was such an one , as Felicia could best deuise to make that companie sport . When the Nymphes espied the Hart , they ranne rounde about him , and dancing neuerthelesse without missing one straine of the musicke that plaied still , with a braue concord they began to shoote at him , the which leaping from one side to another after the arrowes were once flien out , with manie nimble and pretie skips did the best to defend himselfe . But after they had a pretie while sported themselues with this pastime , the Hart beganne to breake out from them amongst the orchards and courts , the Nymphes pursuing him amaine , vntill they chased him out of the Garden , who with their ioyfull cries and pleasant hallowing made a delicate noise , which the other Nymphes & Shepherds seconded with their voices , taking a most singular delight in this dance . And with this sport the Nymphes made an end of their musicke . In the meane time sage Felicia , bicause there should not want some profitable lesson to be gathered out of those pleasures for the direction and instruction of life , meaning to trie their conceits about the obscure mysteries and significations of that dance , saide to Diana . Canst thou tell me ( faire Shepherdesse ) what is ment by the chase of this goodlie Hart , besides the thing it selfe ? To whom she saide againe , I am not so wise ( gracious Ladie ) that I am able to expounde mysteries , nor to dissolue your hard questions . Why then will I tell thee said Felicia , what matter is conteined vnder that inuention . The Hart is mans hart , made faire with delicate thoughts , and rich with quiet content . It submitteth it selfe to humane inclinations , which shoote mortall arrowes at it , but with discretion remoouing it selfe into diuers parts , and applying it selfe to honest exercises , it must defend it selfe from so many hurtfull arrowes , that ayme so cruelly at it . And when it is pursued of them , it must flie away speedilie , thereby to saue it selfe , though those humane and fraile inclinations which shoote such arrowes , will not cease to pursue it , and will neuer leaue to accompanie it , vntill it escapes out of the orchard of life . How can I vnderstand ( saide Diana ) so difficult and Morall a conclusion , as this , when as the questions and Riddles which wee Shepherdesses exercise and disport our selues with ( to this but plaine and easie ) I could neuer yet dissolue nor expound . Make not thy selfe so vnskilfull ( saide Seluagia ) since I haue knowne the contrarie in thee , and that there was neuer any Riddle so hard , but was easie enough in thy vnderstanding . In good time ( saide Felicia ) for now we may wel try her cunning , which pastime wil affoord no lesse delight then the other before . Propound her therfore euery one of you a Riddle , for I know Diana will acquite herselfe with you all . It liked them all well ; but Diana , who had not such confidence in her cunning , that she durst oppose her skil to such difficult questions as she thought they woulde propounde , but bicause she woulde obey Felicia and please her Syrenus , who seemed to take a pride and delight therein , she was content to take in hand the charge that they imposed vpon hir . Syluanus , who was very ready in propounding of Riddles , made the first , saying . Bicause I know well ( faire Shepherdesse ) that thy pregnant and liuely wit is able to discouer hard and hidden matters , and that thy skill is no lesse sufficient to compasse and attaine to intricate and high things , I will therefore ( by thy fauour ) aske thee a question , by answering which , I know thou wilt manifest thy delicate and ripe wit . Tell me therefore what this Riddle meanes ?

A Riddle . NEere to a Shepherd did a damsell sit , As leane as withered sticke by scorching flame : Her body as full of eies as might be in it , A toong she had , but could not mooue the same . her winde she drew aboue , and eke beneath , But from one part she neuer yet did change , A wofull Shepherd came to kisse her breath , Then made she plaints most sorrowfull and strange : The more the Shepherd put his mouth vnto Her mouth in stopping it , she cried amaine , Opening her eies , and shutting them againe . See now what this dumbe Shepherdesse could doe , That when her mouth he did but touch or kisse , He waxeth dumbe , but she still speaking is .

This Riddle ( said Diana ) although it be somewhat hard , shall not trouble my wit much , for I haue heard thy selfe propound it on a day at the fountaine of the Sicamours ; and because there was no Shepherd there that could tell the meaning of it , thy selfe didst expound vnto vs , saying , that the Damosell was a Bagpipe or a Fluite played vpon by a Shepherd . And thou appliedst all the parts of the Riddle to the effects that happen commonly in musicke . All of them laughed to see how Syluanus memorie had deceiued him , and how Dianas so readily found it out ; wherefore Syluanus to acquite himselfe , and to be reuenged of his shame , smiling said . Maruell not at my weake memorie ; for this forgetfulnes seemes not so ill as Dianas , nor so hurtfull as that of Syrenus . Thou hast now paide vs home ( said Syrenus ) and better thou shouldest haue done , if our Obliuions had not beene changed into so perfect affections and happie estates as now they are . No more ( said Seluagia ) for all is well spoken . But answere me Diana to that , which I will aske thee , for I will trie if I can speake in a darker language then my Syluanus did : The Riddle is this .

A Riddle . I Sawe a hill vpon a day , Lift vp aboue the aire : Which watered with blood alway And tilled with great care , Herbes it brought foorth Of mickle woorth . Pulling a handfull from that ridge And touching but the same , Which leauing neere vnto a bridge , Doth cause much sport and game , ( A thing scarce of beleefe ) Lamenting without greefe .

Diana looking then towards her husband , said . Dost not thou remember ( my Syrenus ) that thou hast heard this Riddle that night , when we were togither in my vncle Yranius his house ? And dost not thou remember also how Maroncius sonne to ( Fernasus ) did propound it ? I remember verie well ( said Syrenus ) that he did put it there , but told not ( as I thinke ) the signification of it . But then I remember it ( said Diana . ) For he said , that the field was that part of the horse from whence they pull out his longest haires , wherewith the Rebeckes being strong , make a tuned noise , although they suffer neuer the more any paine or hurt . Seluagia said , that it was so , and that Maroncius Author of the Riddle , had told it for a fine one , although he had many more better then that . There are many pretie ones , said Belisa , and one of them is , that I will now put : wherefore call thy wits togither Diana , for this time thou shalt not escape scot free : and it is this .

A Riddle . WHat bird is that so light , Her place that neuer changeth : She flies by day and night , In all the world she rangeth : Ouer the sea at once she flies , Mounting aboue the loftie skies . She 's neuer seene by eies , And who doth seeke to show her Hath beene accounted wise : Yet sometimes we doe knowe her , Onely the wals by viewing well Of her close house , where she doth dwell .

Thy Riddle Belisa ( said Diana ) hath beene more vnfortunate then the rest before ; for I had not declared any of their significations , if I had not heard them before now , and this which thou hast put , as soone as I heard it , I vnderstood it , which of it selfe is so easie and manifest , that any indifferent conceite ( I thinke ) is able to dissolue it . For it is verie cleere , that by the birde which thou speakest of , ones thought is vnderstood , which flies with such swiftnes , that is not seene of any body , but coniectured and knowen by the outward signes and gesture of the bodie , wherin it is included . I confesse my selfe ouercommed ( said Belisa ) and haue no more to say , but that I yeeld my reasons to thy discretion and wit , and my selfe to thy disposition and will . I will reuenge thee ( said Ismenia to Belisa ) for there comes an obscure probleme to my minde , that hath posed the wisest Shepherds , which I will propound , and thou shalt see how I will grauell Diana , who shall not be so fortunate ( I thinke ) in expounding it , as she hath beene in the rest , and looking vpon Diana , she said .

A Riddle . TEll me what Master he may be , Whose Master is his man ? Bound like a sencelesse foole is be , Wittie , it nothing can . Vnlearned , yet he doth abound In learning graue and most profound ; When that I take him by the hand , Although I heare him not , His meaning yet I vnderstand , Though him I haue forgot . So wise is he , though wordes nor motions showing , Yet thousand things he tels me woorth the knowing .

I would haue beene well contented ( said Diana ) and thought my selfe happie to haue beene ouercommed by thee ( beloued Ismenia ) but since in beautie , and in other perfections and graces thou goest far beyond me , I shall gaine no great praise & glorie by ouerthrowing thy purpose , whereby thou thoughtest to haue entrapped me with thy Riddle . It is now two yeeres , since a certaine Phisition of Leon came to attend my Father in his sicknes , & as he had a booke one day in his hands , he gaue it me , & I began to read . And the great profit occurring to my mind that is commonly taken in reading of bookes , I told him , that they were like doombe Masters , that were vnderstoode without speaking . Then to this purpose he told me this Riddle , wherein some rare matters and excellent inuentions of bookes are particularly set downe and noted . In good sooth ( said Ismenia ) there can none of vs Shepherds ouercome thee , wherefore our courage is quailed in passing any farther in this contention , vnlesse these Ladies heere meane to giue thee afresh assault with their weapons , and to make thee yeeld . Alcida , which till that time had held her peace , taking great delight in hearing the musicke , and looking on the daunces and sports , and to behold and deuise with her beloued Marcelius , being also very desirous to haue one part in that sport , said : Since thou hast ( gracious Diana ) subdued all the Shepherds with thy skill , it is not reason that we should also passe safely away without our Riddles , the which although I know thou wilt as easily dissolue ( and mine especially ) as thou hast done the rest ; yet bicause it may perhaps delight thee , I will propound it . When I sayled on a time from Naples into Spaine , by the way the master of the ship told it me , and I committed it to memorie , bicause me thought it was a pretie one : and this it was .

A Riddle . SHew me a horse of such a kinde , That in the strangest fashion Doth neuer eate , but of the winde Doth take his sustentation : Winged before , and wing'd behinde : Strange things he doth , and wondrous deeds : And when he runs his race , Vpon his brest with haste he speedes . His reines with maruellous grace Come from his sides that neuer bleedes . And in his course he doth not faile , If rightly he doth wag his taile .

When Diana had heard this Riddle , she was a pretie while thinking with her selfe how she might expound it , and hauing framed the discourse in her minde , which was necessarie for the answere , and considered well of euerie part in it ; at the last , she said . As it is great reason ( faire Ladie ) that I remaine conquered at thy hands : So it is no lesse , that whosoeuer renders himselfe to thy gentlenes , he yeelde himselfe also to thy discretion , whereby I esteeme him not confounded , but happy . And if by the horse of thy Enigma , a ship be not vnderstoode , I confesse then that I cannot declare it . Thou hast ouercome me more ( said Alcida ) with thy answer , then I haue done thee with my Riddle ; for to confesse it plainly vnto thee I vnderstood it not , before thou hadst subtilly expounded it . By chaunce I haue hit it , said Diana ( as I thinke ) and not by any skill , speaking at randome , and not thinking to hit it so neer . Howsoeuer thou didst it ( said Alcida ) it cannot otherwise be but that it proceeded from thy readie wit and ripe iudgement . But I pray thee now ( faire Shepherdesse ) diuine what my Sister Clenardas Riddle is ( which I know is no ill one ) that she shall put thee , if she can at the least remember it . And then turning her selfe to Clenarda , she said vnto her . Propound to this wittie Shepherdesse ( good sister ) that Riddle , which one day in our citie ( if thou remembrest ) thou didst put to Berinthius and Clomenius our cosins , when we were merie togither in Elisonias house . I am well content ( said Clenarda ) for I remember it well , and was purposed to tell it : and this it is .

A Riddle . TEll me ( good Sirs ) what Bird is that that flies Three cabits high , and yet doth neuer rise , With more then thirtie feete that mount and fall , With wings that haue no plume nor pens at all : Beating the aire it neither eates nor drinks , It neither cries , nor sings , nor speakes , nor thinks . Approching neere vnto her cruell death , She wounds , and kils vs with the stones she throwes : A friend to those that spend their deerest breath In spoiles , and thefts , in mortall wounds and blowes : Wherein she takes her pleasure and her fill , Hiding the men in waues that she doth kill .

I should neuer expound this Riddle ( said Diana ) if I had not heard the meaning of it by a Shepherd in my towne , who had sometimes sailed . And yet I cannot tell whether I remember it or not , but I thinke , he said that a Galley was vnderstood by it , which being in the middest of the dangerous waues , is neere to death , and being accustomed to robbing and killing , casteth the dead carcases into the Sea . By the feete he told me , that the oares were ment , by the winges the sayles , and by the stones that it threw , the pellets . We must in the end ( saide Clenarda ) goe one equall with another , for one deserues no more praise then another . Truely thy great knowledge Diana makes me to woonder much , and thou canst receiue no reward sufficient enough for so great deserts , but onely by being Syrenus wife . These and other curteous speeches they passed , when Felicia , beholding the fine wit , the comely grace , the passing behauiour , and sweete actions of Diana , and maruelling much at them , tooke off from her finger a verie rich ring , set with a stone of infinite value , which she did ordinarilie weare , and giuing it her for a rewarde of her wittie answers to those Riddles , said . This shall serue for a token of that , which I meane to do for thee ( faire Shepherdesse ) keepe it therfore wel , for in time of thy need the vertue of it may not be a litle profitable vnto thee . Diana & Syrenus both rendred humble thanks to Felicia for so great a gift , with deuoutly kissing her reuerend hands . Who after he had sufficientlie & curteously made an end of his thanks , said . I haue noted one thing in all these Riddles , which is this , that the Shepherdesses & Ladies haue propounded the most of them , and that the men haue held their peace in such sort that they haue cleerely shewed , that in daintie and wittie conceits they haue not so fine a vaine as women haue . Don Felix then iesting said . It is no great maruell that in sharpnes of wit they excel vs , when in all other perfections they come nothing neer vs . Belisa coulde not digest Don Felix his merrie iest , thinking ( perhaps ) that he ment it in good earnest , but looking vpon all the women , said . We will agree ( Don Felix ) that men excell vs , but therein we shew our goodnes , and our vertues in our voluntarie subiection to their will and skill . But yet knowe this , that there are women which for their vertues and deserrs may be paragoned to the woorthiest and wisest men , for though gold lies hidden & vnknown , yet it looseth not therefore any part of that value and prize of that which is currant . For the truth and force of our praises is so great , that it maketh you publish them to your selues , which seeme to be our enimies . Florisia a Shepherdesse renowned for great knowledge and wisdome , was not ( Don Felix ) of your opinion , when in our towne on a day at a certaine marriage ( where was a confluence of many Shepherds , men , and women , that from townes farre and nie had come to that feast ) to the tune of a Rebecke , and of two Harpes , which three Shepherds sweetely plaiedon , she sung a song in the praise and defence of women , which not onely pleased them , but also delighted all the men there , of whom she spoke but little good . And if you are too peruerse and obstinate in your opinion , it shall not be amisse to rehearse it to you , to make you leaue of your blinde errour . They laughed all hartely to see Belisa so cholericke , and made no small sport thereat . In the end old Eugerius and his sonne Polydorus , bicause they would not be depriued of that merrie song which they expected at Belisas handes , said vnto her . The praise ( faire Shepherdesse ) and defence of women is iustly due vnto them , and no lesse delightfull to vs to heare it with thy delicate voice repeated . It pleaseth me well ( said Belisa ) if it like you , for there are many sharpe and stinging inuectiues , if I could remember all the verses in it ; but yet I will begin to recite them , bicause I hope that in singing them , one will reduce another to my minde . Then Arsileus , seeing that Belisa was preparing herselfe to sing , began to tune his Rebecke , at the sound whereof she sung the song , that she heard Florisia in times past sing , which was this .

Florisias Song . FLie storming verse out of my raging brest With furious anger , malice , and despite : Indigned spirits , once at my request Powre foorth your wrath and pen prepare to write With scornefull stinging and inuectiue stile , Against a people brutish base , and vile : Avile , peruerse and monstrous kinde of men , Who make it but their pastime , and their game , With bar barous mouth and with vnciuill pen To slaunder those , who lest deserue the same : Women Imeane a work manship diuine , Angels in shape , and Goddesses in minde . Thou wicked man that dost presume too hie Of thy perfections , but without desart , False man I say , accustomed to lie , What euill canst thou thinke within thy hart , Or speake of her , whose goodnes more or lesse , Doth fill the world so full of happinesse , But onely this , that woman was the cause , Though not alone , of one exceeding ill , In bringing foorth ( constrained by natures lawes ) A man , whose mischiefes all the world doth fill : Who after that he is conceiu'd and borne , Against his mother proudly liftes his horne . Whom if she had not borne , poore silly dame , With fewer greefes her life she might haue lead , For then he should not slaunder thus her name , And such a crowe she should not then haue bred , That being hatch'd , her dam would thus despise , And daily labour to plucke out her eies . What man in all the world did euer knowe , ( Although the tendrest father he had beene ) Those cares , and greefes , that sorrow , and that woe , Which wiues haue for their husbands felt , and seene ? And how the louing mother for her sonne With sorrow hath beene oftentimes vndone ? Behold with what affection , and what ioy , What gentlenes , and what intensiue loue , The mother dothintreate her little boy ? Which after doth a Traitour to her prooue : Requiting ill her paines and loue so kinde With powring sorrowes still into her minde . What iealous feares , what fearefull iealousies , Doe haunt the mother for her cruell sonne ? What paine , when that in any paine he lies , What greefe , when that with greefe he is vndone ? What perfect gladnes , and what sweete content , When that he is to any goodnes bent ? Alas how pensiue and how sad they ar , If that their husbands suffer any paine : What sorrow , when they trauell somewhat far , What moane , when that they come not soone againe : A thousand greefes to heare their losse of wealth , Ten thousand deathes to heare their want of health . But men that are so full of false deceate , Our daily sorrowes neuer doe requite , Or thinke of them , though they be neuer so great , But rather such their malice and despite Is ; that our louing cares both great and small , Vniust suspects , and iealousies doe call . The cause of which surmise is onely this , That as these wicked and detested men Of custome are enclined to stray amisse , And in false loue their wits and wealth to spend , Do thinke it now a burden to their liues , To be belou'd so truely of their wiues . Then since in louing them we euer finde Our selues a payde with hatefull scorne and blame , I thinke it best , for easing of our minde , Quite to forget their nature , sexe , and name : Or else to leaue our ioies in looking on them , Or if we looke , not once to thinke vpon them . But yet it is a pretie iest to see Some kind of men , whose madnes is so great , That if the woman will not wholly bee At their desires , then in a franticke heat They call her Tygresse , cruell , and vnkinde , And trasteresse vnto a louing minde . Then shalt thou see these men vnseemely call The modest women , whom they would haue naught , Coy and disdainfull to conuerse withall : And her that 's chaste , vnmanner'd and vntaught . Those that be wise and sober , full of pride : And cruell those , whose honesties are tride . I would to God that those dishonored names Did fit them all , as well as all the rest , Then none of them should bide so many shames , Nor be deceiu'd by men , that loue them lest : For being cruell , proude , and rusticall , They would not loue , nay could not loue at all . For if the thing , which they so faine would haue , By any meanes they cannot once obtaine , Then do they wish for death , or for their graue : But yet the same no sooner they attaine , But make it but a sport and merie game , And straight forget that ere they lou'd the same . They faine themselues most sorrowfull and sad , And wearied with a long and painfull life : They still do tell the paines that they haue had , And other lyes , which are with them so rise : They call themselues vnhappie , poore , and blinde , Confounded slaues , yet all but words of winde . O how they can make Oceans of their eies ! And terme their flames their torments and their paines , And breath out sighes , like vapours in the skies , And belch out sobs like Aetnas burning vaines : In many things the greatnes of their minde They shew , contemning base and doubtfull feare : As those , whose tender loue hath beene so kinde Vnto their husbands , when they liuing were , That all their moanes and sorrowes for their death They ended soone , by stopping of their breath . And if for vertue , and his chaste intent Hippolytus deserued any praise , On th' other side behold that excellent And noble Roman Matrone in her daies With stabbing dagger giuing vp the ghost , I meane faire Lucrece , for her honour lost . It was no doubt great valour in the youth , As neuer like hath beene in all the rest , Who vowing to his father faith and truth , Deni'd his stepdames foule and fond request . All which admit : Hippolytus is but one , But thousands of Lucrecias haue beene knowne . Giftes haue we more ( our beauties set aside ) For in good letters famous haue we bin : And now to prooue our iudgements often tride , And sharpnes of our finest wits therein , Let Sappho and Corynna well suffice , Who when they liu'd , for learning got the prise . And learned men doetherefore banish vs Their schooles , and places where they do dispute , For feare ( if we should argue and discusse ) With praise we should their arguments confute : Too proud therefore , they would not by their will , That women should excell them in their skill . And if some authors , scorned in their loues , Haue written ill of women , in their hate , Not this our credits any whit disprooues , And can as lesse diminish our estates : Since they themselues haue writ as ill of men , Beleeue not then their lying toongs and pen. Yet this doth cause some small and little change , And alteration in our great desarts : For they must needes ( and sure it is not strange , Considering their vile malicious harts ) In what soeuer they doe write or say , To speake the woorst of women that they may . But yet among these Authors thou shalt finde Most famous women , and most excellent : Peruse their works but with indifferent minde , And thou shalt see what numbers they present Of good and honest Dames , before thine eies , Of louing , faithfull , holy , chaste , and wise . They doe adorne the world with goodly graces , And with their vertues giue it golden light : The shining beautie of their sweetest faces Doth fill each hart and eie with great delight . They bring all comforts , gladnes , peace , and ioy , And driue away all sorrowes , and annoy . By them ( false men of bad and wicked mindes ) You get great honour , glorie , and renowne : And for their sakes , inuenting sundry kindes Of verses , get sometimes the Laurell crowne : And for their loue , in Martiall feates againe To golden praise and fame you doe attaine . You therefore that imploy your wits and time , In searching out the course of others liues , If that you finde some woman toucht with crime Amongst so many widowes , maides , and wiues : Condemne not all for one poore soules offence , But rather hold your iudgements in suspence . And if so many Dames so chaste , and faire , Cannot subdue your proud and hautie harts , Behold but one , whose vertues are so rare , To whom the heauens so many goods imparts , That onely she possesseth in her brest As many giftes , nay more then all the rest . The brauest men , and most heroicall , And those that are most perfect in conceate , I see this Lady far excell them all , With her diuine perfections , and so great , Which Orpheus did sing vpon a day , As on his harpe most sweetely he did play . Saying : That in that happy land , where white And chalkie cliffes are steept in Brittish seas , A morning star should rise exceeding bright , Whose birth will siluer Cynthia much displease , In that her golden light , and beauties gleames Shall far surpasse her brothers borrowed beames . And such a Lady shall she be indeede , That she shall ioy each hart with happy chaunce : Her woorthy house , wherein she shall succeede , With titles of great praise she shall aduaunce : And make the same more glorious and more knowne , Then euer did the Affrican his owne . Make triumphes then for birth of such a dame , And let each hart be glad that hath beene sorie : Retoice Meridian springs from whence she came ; You linage her , she honours you with glorie , Her name from East to West , from North to South Is well esteem'd and knowne in euery mouth . Come then you Nymphes , resigne to her your powers , Faire Nymphes that follow Cynthia in her chace , Come waite on her and strowe the ground with flowers , And sing in honour of her matchlesse grace : And Muses nine that dwell in mount Parnasse Let verse nor song without her praises passe . Thou dar'st not Rome ( in seeing her ) presume With Brutus stately Iland to compare , But sooner wilt thy selfe with greefe consume , To see how far she doth excell those faire Ladies of Rome renowned in their daies , In cuery thing wherein they got most praise . In bountie Porcia she shall much exceede , In wisedome passe Cornelia Pompeies wife , In honour Liuia , so haue her stars decreed , And chaste Sulpitia in modestie of life : Her beautie and the vertues in her brest . Eugeria staines , and conquers all the rest . This is the Thought that honours my desire , This is my Parnasse and Aonian spring , This is the Muse that giues me holy fire , This is the Phoenix with her golden wing , This is the star , and power of such might , That giues me glorie , spirit , plume and light . Petrarke had left his Laura all alone , Folchet Aldagias praise with loftie stile , Guilliaum the Countesse of Rossiglion , Raymbald his Lady Morie Verdefueille , To grace his verse , he would be sides refuse The Countesse of Vrgiel for his Muse . Anacreon Euripile defied And Americ , Gentile , Gascoignes light : Raymbald the Lordof Vacchieres denied Of Monferrato Beatrice to delight With sweetest verse to win her noble grace Sister vnto the Marquis Boniface . Arnoldo Daniel had as much repented Bouilles praise his Lady long agon , Bernard had neuer with his verse contented The faire Vicountesse of Ventideon . ( Though these were Dames of beautie and renowne , Gracing each Poet with a Laurell crowne . ) If they had seene this Lady in their time , Who all their giftes and beauties doth possesse , They had strain'd foorth inuention , verse , and rime , To celebrate so high a Patronesse . On her their thoughts and pens they had imployed , Happy so rare a Muse to haue enioyed . This did Orpheus sing with sweetest verse , And Eccho answered to his siluer voice , And euery time he did the same rehearse , The land and sea did presently reioice To heare the ioyfull newes of such an one , By whom their honour should be so much knowne . Now then from this day foorth and euermore Let wicked men their false opinions leaue , And though there were not ( as there is ) such store Of woorthy Dames ( as vainly they conceiue ) This onely one with honour shall recall , And amplifie the glorte of vs all .

The praise and defence of women , and the braue grace and sweet note wherewith Belisa sung it , pleased and delighted them all passing well . Wherefore Don Felix acknowledging himselfe ouercommed , Belisa was well content , and Arsileus her husband not a little proude . All the men there confessed all to be true that was said in the song , and sung in the fauour of women ; and all that to be false that was said and sung in the dispraise and disgrace of men , and especially those verses which inluriously inuayed against their falshood , deceits , and dislembled paines in loue ; with affirmation rather of their firmer faith and truer torments , then they outwardly expressed . That which most of all pleased Arsileus , was the answere of Florisia to Melibeus , bicause it was no lesse pithie then pleasant ; and also bicause he had sometimes heard Belisa sing a song vpon that matter which delighted him very much . Wherefore he praied her to reioice so noble and merie companie as that was , by singing it once againe . Who , bicause she could not denie her deere Arsileus , although she was somewhat wearie with her last song , to the same tune did sing it : and this it was .

POore Melibee of loue and hope forgot , Told to Florisia greefes that he hadpast , She answered him : I vnderstand thee not , And lesse beleeue thee ( Shepherd ) what thou saiest . He saith : Mypeerelesse Shepherdesse , Behold the paine wherewith I die , Which I endure with willingnesse , And seeke that greefe , which I would flie : My hot desires doe burne and die I wot , Hope is my life , but feare the same doth waste : She answered him : I vnderstand thee not , And lesse beleeue thee ( Shepherd ) what thou saiest . He saith : The pale and pinching care Hath beene so pleasant to my minde , That how much more fals to my share , The more I doe desire to finde : I craue no guerdon for my painefull lot , But as I loue , to be belou'd as fast : She answered him : I vnderstand thee not , And lesse beleeue thee ( Shepherd ) what thou saiest . He saith : My death should now redresse My paines , but for the greeuous ill Which I should feele ( faire Shepherdesse ) In leauing of to see thee still : But if I see thee sad , a harder knot Of greefes I feele , and greater death doe tast : She answered him : I vnderstand thee not , And lesse beleeue thee ( Shepherd ) what thou saiest . He saith : In seeing thee I die , And when I see thee not , I paine , In seeking thee , for feare I flie , I haue to finde thee out againe . As old Proteus was woont to change his cote , Figure , and shape which long time did not last : She answered him : I vnderstand thee not , And lesse beleeue thee ( Shepherd ) what thou saiest . He saith : I doe pretend to craue No more good then my soule can get : Bicause with that small hope I haue , ( Methinkes ) I doe offend thee yet . For suffring for thy sake the smallest iot Of wounding greefe a thousand ioies I tast : She answered him : I vnderstand thee not , And lesse beleeue thee ( Shepherd ) what thou saiest .

Whilest Belisa was singing both her songs , Felicia commaunded a Nymphe to ouersee and set in order a gallant sport and pastime , which was prepared before , and which should presently insue , which she so well executed , that euen then , when the Shepherdesse had ended her song , they heard a great noise and hurly burly in the riuer hard by , as it were the beating of oares in the water . Whereupon all of them went towards it , and being come to the riuer side , they saw twelue little ships comming in two seuerall nauies from the riuer beneath , brauely depainted with diuers colours , and verie richly set forth . Sixe of them bore sailes of white and crimosin damaske , and their displayed flags in the tops , & streamers in their poupes of the same colours : And the other sixe , their sailes , flagges , and streamers of murrey sattin with yellow shrouds and tackling to the same . Their oares were brauely gilt all ouer ; and they came decked , strowed , and adorned with many sweete flowers , and garlands of Roses . In euerie one of them were sixe Nymphes apeece , apparelled with short moresco gownes : they of the one fleete with crimosin veluet laid on with siluer lace and fringe ; and they of the other , of murrey veluet embrodered with curious workemanship of gold , hauing on their armes a sleeue of golde and siluer made fit vnto them , and carrying their targets on their armes after the manner of the valiant Amazones . They that rowed these fiue ships , were certaine Sauages , crowned with garlands of Roses , and bound to their seats with chaines of siluer . There arose amongst them a great noise of drums , trumpets , shagbotes , cornets , and of many other sorts of musicke ; at sound of which two and two togigither with a maruellous sweete concent keeping iust time and measure , entered into the riuer , which caused great woonder in them that looked on . After this they parted themselues into two nauies , and out of both of them one ship apeece of defiance and answere came out , the rest remayning beholders on either side . In each of these two ships came a Sauage apparelled with the colours of his owne side , standing bolt vpright in the forecastle , carrying on his left arme a shield , which couered him from top to toe , and in his right hand a launce , painted with the selfe same colours . They both at one time hoysted saile , and with force of oares ran one against the other with great furie . The Nymphes and Sauages , and they that fauoured each partie , made great shootes and cries to encourage their sides . They that rowed , emploied all their force , the one side and the other striuing to saile with greater violence , and to make the stronger encounter . And the Sauages being welny met togither , and armed with their targets and launces , it was the greatest delight in the world to see how they were encouraged to this encounter , and how they sped in it : For they stoode not so surely , nor had not so great dexteritie in their fight , but that with the great violence that the ships met one another , and with the pushes that they gaue with their launces vpon their targets , they were not able to stande on their feete , sometimes falling downe vpon the hatches , and sometimes into the riuer . Wherewith the laughter of them on the shoare encreased , and the reioycing and triumphes of them , whose side had done best , and the musicke to encourage them on both sides . The iusters , when they fell into the water , went swimming vp and downe , vntill being helped by the Nymphes on whose side they fought , they made a fresh encounter , and falling into the water againe , redoubled the laughing of the beholders , and the sport with exceeding glee and meriment . In the end the ship with white and crimosin sailes came on so fast , and with such force , and her champion so steadie in his place , that he stoode still on foote , bearing downe his aduersarie before him into the riuer . Which when the Nymphes of his squadron perceiued , made such triumphe , with hallowing , and ringing such a strange peale of musicke , that the other side was halfe abashed , and dasht from any farther enterprise : But especially one proude and stoute Sauage amongst the rest , who , being somwhat ashamed and angrie at their foile , said . Is it possible that there is any in our company of so small courage and strength , that is not able to abide so feeble and light blowes ? Vnlocke this chaine from my legs , and let him that hath prooued himselfe so weake a iuster , row in my place , and you shall see how I will make you conquerours , and confound our enemies in their owne foolish triumph . He had no sooner saide the word , but deliuered from his chaine by a Nymphe , with a braue courage he tooke his launce and target , and manfully stood vpright in the prow of the ship . Then the Sauages with valiant mindes began to row on both sides , and the Nymphes to make loude voices in the aire . The contrarie ship came with the same force as before , but her Sauage had little need to set his staffe in rest to get the victorie ; for the champion that had braued it so much , before they met , with the great force and haste that the ship carryed him , could not possibly keepe himselfe on foote , but that with shield and speare he fell into the water , giuing a manifest and cleere example , That the proudest and most presumptuous fall most often into greatest disgraces . The Nymphes tooke him vp againe ( who went swimming vp and downe ) although he little deserued it : But the fiue other ships spoken of before , remaining aside by themselues , seeing their captaine ouercommed , what with choler , shame , and desire to regaine the victorie , and their lost honours , came all rushing out at once . The other fiue of white and crimosin did the like , and then the Nymphes bestirred them in throwing perfumed pellets and muskebals of white and red waxe , and painted egshels full of orange and rose water , making such a shrill shoute , and fighting with so good order and valour , that there they brauely figured a ship yeelding it selfe , as if it had beene so in good earnest . At the end whereof the ships with the murrey colours shewed themselues ouercommed with striking saile , & yeelded to the other Nymphes , who like valiant conquerours leaped into them by and by , and then with the same musicke as before , came to the riuer banks , where they disimbarked the conquerours , and those that were vanquished , with the Sauages their captiues , making a goodly shew with their seuerall and singular beauties . When this sport was finished , Felicia with Eugerius , & the other companie following them , went backe againe to the fountaine , where they were no sooner come , but they found a Shepherd , that during all the time of the fight by water , had beene in the orchard , and had sitten neere vnto the fountaine . He seemed verie comely and gracious in all their eies , but especially in Felicias , who knew him incontinently , and said thus vnto him .

Thou couldest not haue come at a better time ( Turianus ) for remedie of thy greefes , and for encrease of this solace and sport . We will hereafter take care for thy greefe , and helpe it at fitter time , as for the rest , thou must shew this goodly companie , how much thou canst delight with thy sweete singing . For now I see , thee with thy Rebecke out of thy scrip , as though thou wouldest please this faire companie , sing something of thy Elumia ; for thou shalt for this seruice see thy selfe hereafter well satisfied and contented . The Shepherd was amazed to heare Felicia call him by his name , and the Shepherdesse his loue by hers , and that she promised him some lightning of his paine : Wherefore meaning to requite such offers with rather obeying her commaund , then onely with simple thankes to gratifie them , all of them being set , and keeping silence , he began to play a while on his Rebecke , and to sing that which followeth .

Prouençall Rythmes . WHen that with thousand parti-coloured flowers The springtide comes in euerie pleasant mead , And glorious Titan , free from winters showers , With golden beames the fields doth ouerspread , The Shepherds rich , and frollicke in their bowers , With pipes and songs their flockes to fields do lead : The nighting all with warbling throte Doth iug forth many a pleasant note , that makes the woods to ring : The fountames cleere , as Christall glasse , About the which , vpon the grasse The Nymphes do sit and sing : But let Eluinia turne her eies from all those sweete delights , Then doth continuall winter rage with stormy daies and nights . When that the freezing Northren windes disgrace The fragrant flowers , the slately trees and tall Of all their pride , and couereth euery place With flakes of snow , which neuer cease to fall : And nightingals their songs leaue for a space , And desert fieldes , that haue no greene at all : The daies are yrkesome short , and sad , The cold nights blow , as they were mad , With many a bitter blast : The cloudes as darke as any pitch , And thicke as lothsome mud in ditch , The aire do ouercast : But let Eluinia walke the fields or where it please her best , There merie springtide doth returne her praises to protest . If that the angrie heauens sometimes throw downe A fearfull lightning or some cruell thunder , The silly Shepherd , far from wood or towne , Begins to feare , to tremble and to wonder , And if the hayle fall thicke vpon the ground Like little stones , do beat and burst asunder The fruit , and leaues in euerie place , And spoiles the flowers of their grace , A strange , and pitious sight : The Shepherd runs away amaine , Leauing his sheepe vpon the plaine With swift and fearfull flight : But let Eluinia walke the fields her beautie euerie where Doth cleere the heauens , and rids the Shepherds hart from trembling feare . And if by chaunce I sing or pipe on hie , Vnder the shade of Elme or little hill , The Song thrush and the heauenly Larke replie Vnto my songs , with sweetest notes at will : And when the fresh and Western windes in skie Breath forth an aire , so pleasant and so still : When euerie ioy , and sweete content , And euerie day in pleasures spent Doth giue me new delights , And free from feare with liuely cheere In happines I spend the yeere , The pleasant daies and nights : But if Eluinia once do frowne , I am much more afraide Then if a burning lightning had my sences all dismaide . If that Diana goeth forth to chace The sauage beastes , with bended bow to tame , With troups of Nymphes that waite vpon her grace Whose thoughts chaste sports and exercise do frame : And with the same with great delight do trace The woods and lawnes in seeking out some game . Hamadriades and Napees faire With strowing Roses , do prepare The way before their Queene : The Nymphes that follow sweetly sing , And hils and dales with triumphes ring , And woods both fresh and greene : But if she come vnto the wood , where my Eluinia chaceth She makes her silent , quailes her pride , and beauties all disgraceth . And when her bodie whiter then the snow She washeth in the fountaine christall bright , If thither Cynthia should but chaunce to goe , And see those parts so daintie and so white , For shame she would cast downe her eies I know , And so depart , confounded at that sight : For in those fountaine waters cleere So braue a figure doth appeere , As like was neuer seene : So faire a face , such golden haire With rarest grace are shining there As like hath neuer beene : And bold Acteon if he did but see there alone , Had not beene turn'd into a Hart , but to a Marble stone . A thousand times my song I will reply thee , In euerie place where I doe feed my sheepe , But hence away , for pitie now go hie thee Vnto my Loue , and tell her how I weepe . See if thou canst but mooue her hart To some small pitie of my smart , And of my little rest : Go to my faire and fatall star , Tell her what wounding thoughts do war Within my painfull brest . O happie man if that thou mightest this grace of Fortune trie , To see Eluinia change her minde , or else thy selfe to die .

How much the sweete voice and gentle grace of this enamoured Shepherd pleased them all , I am not able to expresse , whose song was so melodious , and personage so faire and comely , that he seemed to be Apollo , who had sometimes taken vpon him a Shepherds shape for the loue of a countrey wench , for they could not iudge any more like vnto him for perfection in beauty , and sweetnes in song : whereupon Montanus maruelling much , said , Eluinia ( gentle Shepherd ) is not a little beholding to thee , of whom thou haste so sweetely song , not onely for the fauour she hath got , to be beloued of so gracious a Shepherd as thy selfe ; but by hauing her beauties , and virtues with thy delicate comparisons and daintie verses so highly commended . And she being beloued of thee , it cannot be otherwise imagined , but that her perfections of bodie and vertues of minde are most rare and excellent . And that which doth not a little helpe to the accomplishment of her gifts , is the delight and dexteritie that she hath in hunting , for which thou didst compare her with Diana ; bicause it is one of the braue qualities which make both Nymphes and Shepherdesses to be thought more beautifull and gracious , and most worthie of golden praises : For I my selfe did sometime know a Shepherd in our towne , and my Ismenia and Seluagia knew him also verie well ; who being enamoured of a Shepherdesse ( called Argia ) was with none of her passing graces more captiuated , then with her singular cunning in shooting and delight that she had in her bowe , which was continually in her hande , and her quiuer of steely headed arrowes at her backe , wherewith shee hunted , wounded , and killed , the nymble footed Does , wilde beastes , and simple birdes . For which delight her louing Shepherd ( named Olympius ) did sometimes sing a pretie Sonnet , made of the skill , beautie , and cruelty of that Shepherdesse , fayning a challenge and contention betweene her , the Goddesse Diana and Cupid , whether of them three should shoote best , a fine and delicate conceit , which sometimes to delight me , I euer haue by hart . With this Clenarda stept foorth and said . It is reason Montanus that we enioy part of that delight with thee in hearing it : And nothing can please me better , then to heare thee sing it for the great loue and deuotion that I haue to that exercise . I am content ( said Montanus ) if I shall not seeme troublesome with it . That cannot cause any trouble ( saide Polydorus ) which with so generall delight shall be heard . Montanus then playing on his pipe sung Olympius Sonnet , which was this .

DIana , Loue , and my faire Shepherdesse , Did in the field their chiefest cunning trie , By shooting arrowes at a tree neere by , Whose barke a painted hart did there expresse : Diana stakes her beautie mercilesse , Cupid h●…we , Argia her libertie : Who shewed in her shot a quicker eie , A better grace , more courage , and successe : And so did she Dianas beautie win , And Cupids weapons , by which conquer'd prize So faire and cruell she hath euer bin , That her sweete figure from my wearied eies , And from my painfull hart her cruell bowe Haue stolne my life and freedome long agoe .

This Sonnet was maruellous delightfull to them all , and the sweetnes , wherwith Montanus sung it , a great deale more . And after they had discoursed of euery particular part and matter of it , Felicia seeing the night came on , and thinking she had feasted and sported her guests that day sufficiently , made a signe by her countenance , that she would say something ; whereupon they left of their mirth and talke for a while , and with attentiue mindes harkened vnto her : and silence being kept , with her accustomed grauitie , she thus began to speake .

I am vndoubtedly perswaded ( noble Lordes and Ladies , and you worthy Shepherds ) that , since the time that you came to my house , you haue no cause to complaine of my fauours bestowed on you , nor of the diligence and seruice of my Nymphes employed for your sakes . For the desire which I had to please you all , was so great , and the delight which I take to helpe distressed men to their contentment , so proper to my nature , that ( me thinks ) if I had done a great deale more for you , it had bin but little in respect of that which your virtues deserue . Onely Narcisus with the crueltie of Melisea , and Turianus with the disdaine of Eluinia , remaine discontent amongst you all . Whom it shall now satisfie to comfort themselues with hope of their future felicities , since that my word ( which was neuer stained with deceit and lye ) hath assuredly promised them a speedie and full contentment by those meanes which shall be most expedient for them . I see old Engerius glad with his sonne , his daughters , and his sonne in law , and not without cause , since for loue of them he hath passed so many dangers , and suffered such extreme paine , sorrow , and anguish of minde . Felicia hauing ended her speech , Eugerius wondered greatly at her wisedome , and the rest were satisfied and well content with so gentle and courteous instructions , wherby they gathered out of them profitable lessons to lead from thence forth a virtuous and happie life . And so all of them rising from their places about the fountaine , and following the sage Ladie , went out of the garden into the Palace , euerie one to their seuerall lodgings , accommodating their mindes to the ioyfull feasts & princely sports of the next day following : The which , and that which happened to Narcisus , Turianus , Taurisus , and Berardus , with the delectable historie of Danteus , and Duarda the Portugale Shepherds ( which for certaine respects is omitted heere ) and many other things of great delight , pleasure , and profit , are handled in the second Part of this Booke .

All these three Partes were finished the first of May 1583.

Boto el amor en Y●…go .

Faultes escaped .

Page 7. line 35. reade debt . page 40. line 3. read See . p. 60. l. 18. r. Ash colour veluet hose . p. 62. l. 45. r. be not deuided . p. 73. l. 42. r. nurse . p. 80. l. 20. r. brake with . p. 88. l. 34. r. Ill. p. 99. l. 40. r. Vique . p. 104. l. 36. r. temerous . p. 139. l. 31. r. such beautie . p. 145. l. 13. r. away . and l. 46. r. hap . p. 149. l. 10. r. And she . p. 153. l. 1. r. heades . p. 163. l. 22. & 23. or to mistrust , p. 174. l. 11. r. all goodes . p. 190. l. 29. r. not them . p. 195. l. 1. r. turne amaine . p. 208. l. 39. r. mids was greene to shew that in the mids of . p. 213. l. 22. r. sure . p. 228. l. 11. r. But rude . p. 230. l. 31. r. legge , where . p. 253. l. 24. r. As aires . p. 257. l. 19. r. a gloze . and l. 47. r. with our . pag. 282. l. 1. r. was now . pag. 284. l. 25. r. loth . p. 286. l. 35. r. with rurall . p. 309. l. 39. r. dorre . p. 311. l. 1. r. were wrought . p. 331. l. 32. r. vertuous . p. 340. l. 3. r. she spake .