Zelauto. The fountaine of fame Erected in an orcharde of amorous aduentures. Containing a delicate disputation, gallantly discoursed betweene to noble gentlemen of Italye. Giuen for a freendly entertainment to Euphues, at his late ariuall into England. By A.M. seruaunt to the Right Honourable the Earle of Oxenford. Honos alit artes.

ZELAVTO . THE FOVNtaine of Fame . Erected in an Orcharde of Amorous Aduentures . Containing A Delicate Disputation , gallantly discoursed betweene two noble Gentlemen of Italye . Giuen for a freendly entertainment to Euphues , at his late ariuall into England . By A. M. Seruaunt to the Right Honourable the Earle of Oxenford .

Honos alit Artes .

¶ Imprinted at London by Iohn Charlewood . 1580.

VERO NIHIL VERIVS

To the Right Honorable , his singuler good Lord and Maister , Edward de Vere , Earle of Oxenford , Viscount Bulbeck , Lord Sandford , and of Badelesmere , and Lord high Chamberlaine of England . Anthony Munday , wisheth all happines in this Honorable estate , and after death eternall life .

AFter that the Englishe Prince ( Right Honorable and my verie good Lord ) had taken view of the seemelye Portrature of Gridonia , her tender Infant lying by her , and leading two Lions in her hand : he presently left the Court , and tooke himselfe to trauayle . When the princely Primaleon , heard pronounced before his famous father the Emperour of Constantinople , the sorrowfull Letters sent by the Lady of the Lake , how his best belooued brother was loste in the vnfortunate Forest of England : he abandoned all his Courtly delights , and neuer ceassed wandring , till he became prisoner in the same place . So my simple selfe ( Right Honourable ) hauing sufficiently seene the rare vertues of your noble minde , the heroycall quallities of your prudent person : thought , though abilitie were inferiour to gratifie with some gift , yet good will was ample to bestowe with the best . When all the braue Gallants and woorthy Gentlemen in Roome , presented vnto the Emperour Iewels and gifts of great value and estimation : a poore Cittizen amongst them all brought a handfull of Flowers , and offered them to the Emperour , the which he receiued gratiously and with great affection , and gaue him a great reward . Why ( quoth one of the Gentlemen ) how durst thou presume to giue so poore a present , to so puissant a person ? Why ( quoth the Citizen ) how durst they be so bolde to giue such great gifts ? Quoth the Gentleman , they are of great credit , and beside , their gifts woorthy the receiuing . And I am poore ( quoth the Cittizen ) and therefore I giue such a meane gift , yet hath it beene gratefully accepted : And although they discend of such noble Linages : yet doo they owe dutifull alleageaunce vnto the Emperour , and as poore as I am , I beare him as true a heart as the best : Euen so my poore gift hath beene as faithfully deliuered : as the richest Iewell that was by them presented .

And loe Right Honourable , among such expert heads , such pregnaunt inuentions , and such commendable writers , as preferre to your seemely selfe , woorkes woorthy of eternall memory : A simple Soule , ( more imboldened on your clemencie , then any action whatsoeuer he is able to make manifest ) presumeth to present you with such vnpullished practises : as his simple skill is able to comprehend . Yet thus much I am to assure your Honour , that among all them which owe you dutifull seruice , and among all the braue Bookes which haue beene bestowed : these my little labours containe so much faithfull zeale to your welfare , as others whatsoeuer , I speake without any excepcion . But least that your Honour should deeme I forge my tale on flatterie , and that I vtter with my mouth , my hart thinketh not : I wish for the tryall of my trustinesse , what reasonable affayres your Honour can best deuise , so shall your minde be deliuered from doubt : and my selfe rid of any such reproche . But as the puissantest Prince is not voyde of enemies , the gallantest Champion free from foes , and the moste honest liuer without some backbiters : euen so the brauest Bookes hath many malicious iudgements , and the wisest writers not without rashe reports . If then ( Right Honourable ) the moste famous are found fault withall , the cuningest controlled , & the promptest wits reproched by spitefull speeches : how dare so rude a writer as I , seeme to set foorth so meane a matter , so weake a woorke , and so skillesse a stile ? When the learned are deluded : I must needes be mocked , and when the skilfullest are scorned : I must needes be derided : But yet I remember , the wise will not reprehend rashly , the learned condemne so lightly , nor the courteous misconster the good intent of the writer : But onely sutch as Aesops Dog , that brags but dares not bite , hid in a hole and dare not shewe their heads , against all such , the countenaunce of your Honour is sufficient to contend , which makes me not feare the force of their enuie . The Chirurgion more douteth the hidden Fistule : then the wide wound , the woorthiest warriour more feareth the secret assault : than the boldest battaile , A little hooke taketh a great Fish , a little winde falleth downe big fruit , a smal spark kindleth to a great fire , a little stone may make a tall man stumble , & a small wound kill a puissant person : Euen so the hidden enemy may sooner harme a man : then when he trieth his quarrell face to face , and the least report of a slaundrous toung ( beeing lightly beleeued ) may discredit him to his vtter vndooing . But for my part I feare not , let them prate at their pleasure , & talke till their toungs ake , your Honour to please , is the cheefe of my choise , your good will to gaine is my wished reward : which shal be more welcome then Cressus aboundaunce , and more hartily accepted then any worldly wealth . The last part of this woorke remaineth vnfinished , the which for breuity of time , and speedines in the Imprinting : I was constrained to permit till more limitted leysure . Desiring your Honour to accept this in meane time , as a signe and token of my dutifull goodwill . Not long it will be before the rest be finished and the renowned Palmerin of England with all speede shall be sent you . Thus praying for your prosperitie , and the increase of your Honourable dignitie : I commend your woorthye state to the heauenly eternitie .

Your Honours moste dutifull seruaunt at all assayes . Antony Munday .

¶ To the well disposed Reader .

I May be deemed ( courteous Reader ) more wanton then wise , and more curious then circumspect : in naming my booke by such a vaine glorious title , for some will suppose heere are rare exploytes of martial mindes to be seen : which when they haue prooued , they finde it to faint . Othersome will desire for Venus daintie dalliances : but Iuno dealeth so iustly in this cause , that their also they misse their marke . Then how ( will some say ) can Fame be so furnished : and bothe of these absent ? the matter ( say I ) shall make manifest what I haue attempted : and then if I be founde faultie , I will stand to your gentle iudgementes . That man is very wise that neuer offendeth in folly , that man is very valiant that neuer meetes with his match , and that man is very circumspect that neuer talketh awry , the righteous man offendeth seuen times a day : then needes must the negligent be found very faulty . It is a good horse that neuer stumbleth , and he a seuere seruaunt that neuer displeaseth his maister , then beare with my rudenesse if I chaunce to offend you : my good will did labour in hope for to please you .

Againe , some will be inquisitiue , why I am so willing to welcome Euphues into England ? he beeyng so excellent : and my selfe so simple ? If Euphues so wisely dooth wish you beware , and to preuent the perilles that heedelesse heades may haue , wishing youth likewise to frame their fancies so fit , that no crooked chaunces doo happen to harme them : Then like that Lilly whose sent it so sweete , and fauour his freend who wisheth your welfare . And although my wit be so weake : that I cannot welcome as I would , and my skyll to simple to gratifye so gentle a gueast : I trust my good will shall plead me a pardon , & my honest intent be nothing misliked . Thus hoping to haue your courteous consentes , which is the reward I cheefest require , I wishe my woorkes may prooue as profitable to you in the reading : as they were delightfull to me in the writing .

Your freend to commaund A. Munday .

A delicate Disputation gallantlye discoursed betweene two noble Gentlemen of Italy . The Argument .

NOt longe since ouer the famous and stupendious Citie of Venice , gouerned Gonzalo Guicciardo , elected Duke by the most worthye Orlando Fiorentino . This aforesayde Gonzalo , ( renowmed for his princely gouerment , obayed for his singuler wisdom , praysed for his pollitique suppressing of prowde vsurpinge enimies , and honored for his humilytie to his subiects in generall ) was not onely accounted as a second Mutio among his freends and familyars , but euen amonge his very enemies was also esteemed as a prince worthy of eternall memory . And nature the more to agrauate his ioyes in his hoary haires : gaue hym a Sonne called Zelauto , whose singuler humanitie , whose puisance in feates of armes , whose dexteritie in witte , and whose comelye shape in personage , caused hym through all Venice to bee greatly accounted of .

This gallant youth Zelauto ( more desirous to aduaunce his fame by traue●lyng straunge countries : then to leade his lyngring life styll in the court of his famous father ) one day by chaunce tooke courage to open the hidden thoughts which longe incombred his carefull breast , and hauing espied his father at such conuenient leasure , as serued best for his auayle , yeelding his obeysaunce as dutie beseemed , entred into this discourse .

If ( Right woorthy and renowmed Father ) nature had adorned me with such rare and excellent quallities , as might procure an hartes ease and ioy vnto your princely estate : then would dutie cause me to keepe my minde in silence , and feare ( of displeasing your aged hart ) byd me restrayne my vowed attempt . But sith I am destitute of that which my hart desireth , & willing to gaine the same by painefull industry : I hope I shall purchase no ill will of your person , nor displease the mindes of your subiectes in generall . First weigh and consider by your gratious aduisement , that a youthfull minde more desireth the fragrant fieldes : then the hidden house , Custome confesseth , yea , and lawe of Nature alloweth , that it is more permanent to a princely courage , to seeke the renowmed mansion , of the most illustrious and sacred Ladye Fame : then to drowne his youthfull dayes in gulfs of gaping greef , in silent sorrows , in vaine thoughts and cogitations , and also in trifling and idle exercises , which maketh him more prone vnto vice then vertue , more apt vnto lewdnes : then contented liuing , yea , maketh him so friuilous and fantasticall , that nothing but libidinous thoughtes , beastly behauiour , is his whole exercise . For then euery blasing beame , and euery sugred countenaunce of a woman allureth him , that floting on the Seas of foolish fansie , and hauing abid one lusty gale of winde , wherewith the Barke of his body , is beaten against the Rockes of his Ladyes lookes , then the poore patient falleth into so extreme an extasie , that one worde will kill him , and an other reuiue him . Thus is he inclosed amid these subtill snares , while in the warlike feeld he might enioy his libertie , and their win fame which should last eternally . These and such like crabbed conceites ( deere Father ) vrgeth me to craue your leaue and licence , that I may a while visite straunge Countries , In which time , I doubt not but to atchieue such exploytes , that at my returne it will be treble ioy to your Princely eares to heare them recounted .

Sonne Zelauto ( aunswered the Duke ) this your discourse is both commendable , and allowable , for I lyke well of your intent , and with all my hart giue consent that for a limitted time you shal seeke aduentures , which time shall amount vnto .vi. yeares , and on my blessing I charge thee , not to breake that appointed time . In the meane while , if God call me ( as my life is vncertaine ) I frankly & freely giue thee all is myne . Wherfore looke well to thy selfe , that good report may be heard of thee , which vnto me will be great contentation . But nowe as touching what ayde and assistance thou wilt haue with thee : speake , and it shall be graunted . Good Father ( answered Zelauto ) none but onely one to beare me company , which I know will be sufficient . Well ( quoth the Duke ) receiue heere my blessing , this portion of money , and this knight to beare thee company . And I pray God in all thy wayes to guide and protect thee , and so you may depart when you please .

Zelauto accompanied with his knight , departed from the Court of his famous Father , and tooke shipping to goe vnto Naples , from thence , he trauailed vnto Valentia in Spayne , and chauncing into the company of certayne English Merchauntes , who in the Latine tongue told him the happy estate of England , & how a worthy Princes gouerned their common weale , and all suche thinges as could not be more praysed then they deserued . The which Zelauto hearing , craued of them that he might sayle with them into England , and he woulde liberally reward them . They beeyng contented , and hauing laden their Shippes with such necessaryes as they best desyred : within fewe dayes hoysed sayles , and away they went .

This young youth Zelauto beeyng come into England , and seene the rare and vertuous vsage of the illustrious and thrise renowmed Princes , with the great honour and fauour which he obtayned among her woorthy Lordes : purposed to stay still there . But yet remembring , that although he sawe one place : many others were as yet vnseene , after a yeere expyred , he tooke shipping into Persia , and so departed . In processe of time he had visited many straunge Countryes , sustayned many and wonderfull iniuryes among the Turkes , which after shall be declared . And returning homeward , happened on the borders of Sicile , where Fortune was fauourable vnto him : that vnawares he happened on the caue of a valiaunt Knight , who was a Christian , and hauing committed an hainous offence : fled out of his owne Countrie , and inhabited there in a silent Cell , among the woods . This Knight beyng named Astraepho , and hearing the trampling of one about his denne : tooke his weapons , and came foorth . He beeing greatly abashed at the sight of Zelauto , for that in tenne yeeres space he neither sawe man nor woman : but had lyued there a sauage lyfe : forgetting all poyntes of humanitie sayd . What varlet , art thou come to seeke my death ? thou art welcome , and therewith all strooke at Zelauto , who alas through tediousnesse of trauell , and long beeyng without any sustenaunce : was constrayned to yeeld , and falling on his knees submitted himselfe to his mercye , which Astraepho seeing , sayd as hereafter followeth .

The Fountayne of Fame , distylling his dainty drops , in an Orchard of Amarous Aduentures .

Astraepho , hauing conquered Zelauto , sayth .

WHat so sodayne and straunge Metamorphesis is this ? Art thou a Knight , that professest thy selfe a Souldier vnder God Mars his Ensigne : and so soone conquered ? What doost thou think that this thy submission , shall hinder me of my pretended purpose ? Thy death it is I seeke , and more honour shall I obtaine by the slaughter of such a wretche : then to let thee lyue any longer time .

Zelauto .

Most woorthy syr , if euer any iot of clemency consysted in your valiant brest : then respect I craue , the distressed case of your poore vassaill . And meruayll not though in force I am not able to resist against you , for that the great miseries which I haue susteyned in these my tedious trauayles , hath quite bereued me of my manly might .

Astraepho .

The Lyon dooth easily conquer his yéelding pray . A bad excuse ( say they ) is better then none at all , you pleade nowe simplicitie , through the defect of your valiancie , and by such sophisticall Sillogismes , to beguile me craftilie , no , no , poore wretch , harde was thy hap to light in his handes : who séeketh the subuertion of thy state , and to cause thée yéeld● thy neck to the rigor of his manly might . Long delayes néede not , differ not with dalliance , for I am bent to thy vtter ruin .

Zelauto .

Where as Fortune is so aduerse , small hope is to be had . Small hope hath the siely Lambe , in the rauening lawes of the greedy Woolfe , to escape with life , lyttle comfort hath the pensiue prisoner at the poynt of death , to shun so harde a lot . So I ( poore soule ) in the handes of a Tirant ( who more regardeth blood , then bountie , more respecteth death then delyuerie , and more vaunteth of villainy , then any valiancie ) what succour can I haue in this my sorrowe ? what hope in this my so harde hap , to craue life it auayleth not , to desire a respit it booteth not , and to striue against the streame , were but a presuming boldnes , if I wish for death I gayne it , if I wish for life , I lose it . What shall betide thee poore distressed Zelauto ? hap weale or woe , hap life or death , hap blisse or bale : I will aduenture by fayre woords to intreate him , Zelauto at last by faire woordes , dooth séeke to win fauour . & so it may happen to stay his rigor . Good syr , if euer humanitie harbored in that noble brest , or if euer pittie pronounced her puissaunce on your princely person : then respect ( I pray ) the disstressed case of your conquered captiue . Small honour shall you haue by my death , & no Fame to vaunt on a naked man . My life can lyttle pleasure you , and my death lesse , therefore séeke not to shed his blood , who at your will & pleasure voweth bothe heart and hand at your courteous commaundement .

Astraepho .

In déed I confesse , After many clowdy showers ▪ yet shineth a fayre day . that small honor is his due that vaunts on so prostrate a pray , & therefore somewhat hath thy woords satisfied my former desire , for in deed , a straunge and wonderfull sight it is to me , to see a man that haue seene none these ten yeeres passed , therefore pardon what is spoken , there resteth the greater amendes to be made .

Zelauto .

Syr , Zelauto right glad of his delyuerie , yéeldeth thankes . more bound vnto you in duty , then euer I am able to performe : I yeeld you all thankes possible that resteth in so poore a person , & I doubt not but that God hath appoynted all at the best , for these fiue yéeres & more haue I visited straunge countreyes : and neuer yet did I happen on any such aduenture .

Astraepho .

And haue you ben a Traueiler syr ? then vnfolde I pray you what hath bene the mishaps , that the frowning Fates vnto you hath alotted , and first tell I pray you , of what soyle , what Parentage and kindred you are of , and what is your name .

Zelauto .

Syr , as necessitie hath no lawe , so neede at this present vrgeth me to speake . In this your Caue ( I am sure ) you are not destitute of victualls , the which I want , wherfore if it shall please you , to refresh his hunger , who is ready to faynt : I will discourse vnto you afterward my whole aduentures at large .

Astraepho .

Alas syr , if such simple fare as I haue may seeme to suffise your hunger : come neere , and we will goe to dinner , and afterward will we discourse of such matters ( as perchaunce ) may be profitable to bothe .

Zelauto .

With right good will syr , & a thousand thanks for your courtesie , extended vnto me in this my vnlooked for mishap . And it may so fortune , that after our conference had together : we may with our pleasaunt talke well content eche other .

Astraepho .

Well syr , approche this my homely Mansion , and I desire you to accept the goodwill of your poore hoste .

Astraepho and Zelauto goeth to dinner , and their talke after they had well refreshed themselues .

Astraepho .

Honest talk passeth away the time pleasauntly . NOw Syr , how lyke you of your homely entertaynment ? where no better is , bad may su●fise , and to a contented minde nothing is preiudiciall . You sée howe poore folkes are content with pottage , Ritch men may goe to dynner when they wyll , and poore men when they may .

Zelauto .

Syr , A fréendlie gratulation for curtesie receyued . he that wyll looke a giuen Horse in the mouth : is vnwoorthy of the gyft , your fare hath suffised me , and you haue vanquisht him , who would haue murdred mée . What dayntie delycates is to be looked for in desert places ? it suffiseth the Courts of Princes to haue their delycate fare , and to poore Trauellers , the homeliest dyshe is welcome , they looke for no after seruice , & in stéede of sauce , they vse their hungrie appetite , Ne ob diuitias laudaris virum indignum . we syt not to haue our Table taken vp , we chop at noone , and chew it soone . They in their superfluitie , we in our want . They in their prodigalitie , we spare for an after extremitie . Who more couetous then they , that haue all at their pleasure ? and who more fréendly then they , that haue a lyttle , and impart thereof to their fréendes . They spend , we spare , they vse excesse , and we hardnesse . And therefore sayth Tullie : We ought to haue great respect , Cicero in partitionibus Orat. least that the hydden vice : That dooth vppon the vertues tende , dooth slylie vs intyce .

The elder Cato also vppon this sayth . Cato Senior . By two thinges I encrease my wealth , by tylling of my ground : The other by good husbandrie , that I therein haue found . For why , the one aboundaunce bringes , as much as heart can chuse : The other dooth me wisely teach , howe I the same should vse .

Thus syr may you sée howe sparing is commended : and now somwhat wyll I speake as concerning inordinate spending , and laciuious excesse , which hath the personnes that vsed it , greatly abused .

Lucullus , Lucullus . for his sumptuous buyldings , and his inordinate expences , thought among the Romaines to be magnified , for that he thought to excell all his predecessors . Pompey . But Pompey hearing thereof , and greatly desirous to sée if all were as the common brute dyd blase it abroade : iorneyed vntyll he came vnto Lucullus Mansion place , where séeing that the thing it selfe excelled the common report , in derision sayde vnto Lucullus .

These gay and gorgious buyldings heere , An excellent priuie nyp giuen vnto Lucullus . be set with Stories braue : And open windowes , that the ayre , free entraunce in may haue . For Summer they delightfull are , and gallant to beholde : But when that Hiems dooth approche , her blastes wyll make you colde .

Truly , in my opinion , his woordes stoode with great reason , and ought also greatly to be estéemed of , for fancie is so fickle , that each tryfling toy ( though it be not profitable , if it be pleasaunt ) is now a dayes most desired . As Lucullus , he was all in his prodigallitie , but nothing regarded in the ende the myserie . Aesculapius sonne to Apollo . Farther we reade , how Apollos sonne Aesculapius , for his prodigall minde , & vnsatiable desire of rytches : was cast into the bottomles Limbo , among the Fiendes , and Diuels of hell . And diuers other ( which were too tedious to rehearse ) which got their goods wickedly , and spend it laciuiously . And therefore I wyll say with Tullie . Tullie . Malè parta , malè dilabuntur .

Zelauto dooth returne to giue his fréend thankes for his lyberalyty . But now Sir , returning to our contented feast passed , for my part , I am to yéelde a thousand thankes , and to shewe you the like curtesie if I come in place where abilitie shall serue me , And wish you not to thinke , but as it was lyberally and curteously bestowed : so was it gratefully and hartily accepted . And now may I well say , that he which neuer tasteth necessitie : knoweth not what want is . Néede hath no law , necessitie breaketh stone Walles . For whyles I tasted on our Courtly iunckets , I neuer thought I should haue bene driuen so néere , but now , this state contenteth me farre better then my former , which was nothing but vanitie .

Astraepho .

Syr , this your pleasaunt discourse , is bothe pithy and profitable , & sauoureth of the sence which prooueth perfect in the conclusion . A promise made , may alwayes be claymed for a due debt . But now as touching our talke before dinner , I must not forget your promise , for that you sayd , I should vnderstand the sum of your myseries , your aduentures happened in trauayle , your name , Countrey , & parentage , which tolde : I shall declare the better some of my straunge aduentures .

Zelauto .

Zelauto accordeth to his fréendly request , Indéede syr , promise is due debt we say , and according to promise , I will vnfolde that which is bothe straunge , & lamentable , wherefore giue me leaue I desire you , & you shall heare , the perillous Pylgrimage which I poore soule haue passed .

Zelauto telleth his first trauayles .

Gonzalo Guiciardo , Duke of Venice .

Fyrst syr , as concerning my Countrey , Parentage and name : I giue you to vnderstand , that I am sonne to the woorthy Gonzalo Guiciardo , who is Duke of Venice , and by name I hight Zelauto . Long tyme had I soiourned in the Court of my noble Father , not knowing the vse and order of forreigne Countreyes , wherevnto my minde was adicted , wherfore at the last , I ventured boldly , and tolde my Father what in heart I had attempted : the which he well lyking of : gaue his consent , His trauelling to Naples . Banditie , called Outlawes , doo wound Zelauto . and so I and an other Knight ( whome my Father gaue me for companion ) traueyled towarde Naples , and in our trauayle : we met with certaine Outlawes , whom we call Banditie .

These cruell fellowes set vppon mée , wounded mée verie sore , slew my Companion , dispoyled of my apparell and money , leauing mée for dead . But God more mercifull then these Uillaines were tyrannicall , His hard escaping to Naples . would not suffer mée to perish in their handes , but they ( béeing gone ) gaue mée the power to créepe on all fowre to Naples . When I was come thyther : I knew not what to doo , because I was fréendlesse , moneylesse , and dispoyled out of my Garmentes . His bolde entraunce into an Inne . At last , hauing espyed an Osteria : I boldly entered , putting my selfe in the handes of God , to whome I referred the paying of my charges .

Heere Zelauto telleth what happened to him in the Osteria , and what freendshippe he found with Madonna Vrsula , Madonna della Casa .

Madonna Vrsula , the Mistresse of the house . BEing come to this Osteria , I entered , and the first person that I sawe , was the Misteresse of the house , who was named Madonna Vrsula , a very proper , pleasaunt , kinde & courteous Gentlewoman . At my comming in , Her fréendly entertainment . you are welcome Gentleman ( quoth she ) Is it your will I pray you to haue lodging ? I answered , yea surely , vntill such time as my wounds be healed , and my selfe better refreshed . With that quoth she to one of her maydens . Magarita la donizela . Margarita , conduct this Gentleman to the best Chamber , make him a good fire , and carry vp with you a Boccall of winne and a manchet , in the meane while , wil I make ready his supper . A fréendly and gentle offer . And Gentleman ( quoth she ) what thing so euer it be that you want : call for , and if it be to be gotten in Naples for loue or money , you shall haue it . Héere was yet good entertainment , after so hard mishaps , my gréefe and sorrowe was not so great before , for the losse of my companion , my money & apparail : but her chéerefull woordes did as much reuiue my hart . And so yéelding her great thankes I went vp into my Chamber , where against my comming , I found a very great fire , my Chaire ready set for me to sit downe with my Cushion , & my boots pulled of , warme Pantofles brought vnto me ,

Madonna Vrsula her returne to Zelauto .

An Italian courtesie .

She commaundeth her maide to depart , and beginneth her talke .

and a cleane kertcher put on my head . So hauing sitten there about the space of halfe an houre : vp came the misteris of the house , who taking a glasse , fille● it with Wine , and came vnto me saying . Sir ( Per licentia vostra ) I salute you . So causing an other glasse to be filled with wine : shée gaue it me , whom I pledged as courteously as I could . Then tooke she an other Chaire , & sat downe by me , commaunding her mayden seruaunt ( who attended there ) to giue place , who making courtesie to me and her misteris , departed . Then began she to talke with me in this order as followeth .

The talke that the Misteris of the house had with Zelauto .

GEntleman , as I very well esteeme of your courteous and ciuill demeanour : Madonna Vrsula her talke . so am I desirous to knowe of whence you are , and what misfortunes hath happened vnto you , that you are so gréeuously wounded . Pardon me I pray you , if I demaund the thing which you are not willing to vtter , and also because on so suddaine acquaintaunce , I enterprise to question with you : Zelauto his reply . Gentlewoman ( quoth I ) the good opinion , and great liking that you haue of me , is as yet vndeserued , and as yet you haue séene no such ciuilitie in me as deserueth to be commended . But yet I am to yéeld you thanks for your good liking . A fayned excuse to collour the matter . And as touching my mishaps , and this straunge aduenture which hath happened , and if you please to attend the discourse : I will tell you all . I am of Padua , and there my parentes dwell , and béeing minded to sée the vse of other Countries : I left my Parents , béeing well stored with money , and a Gentleman also which bare me company .

Béeing come héere into the kingdome : among the woods we encountred with certaine Banditie , who set vpon vs , slew my companion , left me for dead , and spoyled me of all my money and apparell . So God helping me : I haue hardly got hether with my life .

Thus haue you knowen some part of my mishaps , Her encouragement giuen a freshe to Zelauto nowe consider thereof by your good construction . Sir ( quoth shée ) your hap hath béen hard , and little doo your Parentes knowe of this your suddaine aduersitie . Be not discouraged therfore , héere shall you abide vntill such time as your woundes are healed , and that you haue perfectly recouered your health , and beside what money you want : you shal be well prouided therof . Therefore let not this mishap dismay you , a fréend in necessitie : is better then a hundred in prosperitie . Signor Giouanni Martino , a merchaunt in Naples . But are you not acquainted with any here in Naples ? Yes ( quoth I ) I haue letters to Signor Giouanni Martino , from my Father , for the recouerie of money , as now I stand in néed thereof .

Well Sir ( quoth she ) pardon my boldnes I pray you , & first trie your fréend , Madonna Vrsula her courteous promise . & if he faile : you know where to spéede of mony , & of a greater matter if néede require , In the meane time , I will sée how néere your supper is ready , & wil come againe and beare you company . How like you now Sir of the fréendly entertainment that I obtayned at this Gentlewomans hand , and also of her proffered courtesie ?

Astraepho .

Certainly Zelauto , Astraepho telleth his iudgement on this matter . you are much bound vnto that Gentlewoman , for in my opinion , you might haue gone to twentie Osteriaes in Naples and not haue founde the like fréendship . But procéede I pray you , how sped you with your fréend for your money , and how did your hostes deale with you ?

Zelauto .

You shall heare Sir .

Zelauto procéedeth in his discourse .

She returneth demaunding if he wil go to supper .

After she was departed out of the Chamber , there came vp two modest Damsels , and they couered the table . At last came she vp againe . Sir ( quoth she ) doo you not thinke it long before you goe to supper ? No ( quoth I ) in good time yet , you neede not make such hast . Well Sir ( quoth she ) anon héere will a Surgion come , who shall dresse your woundes , and looke vnto you till you be perfectly healed .

They goe to supper . Then was our Supper brought vp very orderly , and she brought me water to washe my handes . And after I had washed I sat downe , & she also , but concerning what good chéere we had : I néede not make report . For all thinges was in as good order , and aswell to my contentation : as euer it was in my Fathers Court.

She proffereth to play with Zelauto .

A Chirurgion commeth and dresseth his woundes .

After Supper ( quoth she ) Sir but that you are so ouercharged with trauell , and faynt with your woundes I would play a game or two with you at the P●imero . But we will referre that till to morrowe at night . Then came in the Chirurgion and he dressed my woundes , and water was brought to wash my féete , my Bed was warmed , and so I went and layde me downe to take my rest .

¶ In the morning Zelauto sendeth for Signor Giouani Martino , of whom he should receiue money , and how he sped and of his farder freendship that he had with Madonna Vrsula .

NOwe when I had well and sufficiently reposed my selfe all night , and in the morning finding my selfe more strong and forceable , In the morning Madonna Vrsula commeth to see Zelauto then before I was : I thought to haue risen , But vp came Misteris Vrsula agayne , and comming to my Bed side , she sayd . Gentleman , haue you taken quiet rest this night or no ? Yes surely Misteris ( quoth I ) I neuer slept so soundly in all my life before , and credit me , I finde my selfe very well amended . Wherefore now I will rise . No not yet Sir ( quoth she ) you shall first make your Collation in bed , with such things as I haue ordayned , and haue your wounds dressed agayne : They fall in talke againe . and then shall you rise . I thanke you good Misteris Vrsula ( quoth I ) and surely it seemeth very straunge vnto me , that on a straunger you should bestowe such courtesie ? Sir ( quoth she ) on the vertuous and well disposed , no one can bestowe courtesie sufficient . As for my part , to such Gentlemen , as vpon some occasion are fallen into want & necessitie : I thinke it a great poynt of humanitie , to bestowe on them fréendly hospitalitie . And therefore I followe the minde of Lactantius , Lactantius de vero cultu . Chap. 12. Inholders & Tauerners for commoditie . who sayth , there is a kinde of hospitalitie , which is vsed for a priuate gayne and secret commoditie , and for no loue fauour nor freendship at all . Of which sort I am none , I referre that to common Inholders , and those tipling Tauerners . Let them entertayne for their commoditie , and I for courtesie . I remember how Caesar dooth commend in his Commentaries , the great fauour & fréendship that the Germaines shewed to straungers . Caesar in his Commentaries commendeth the Germaines . Abraham Genesis . Sodom and Gomorra . Rahab deliuered from death for the same . For not only would they defend them from their enemies : but also entertaine them with meate , drinke , clothing & lodging . The Scripture also maketh mention , how Abraham , receiued into his house ( as he thought ) men , but he receiued God himselfe . Lot also receiued Angels in the shape of men into his house . Wherefore for his hospitalitie Lot escaped the fire of Sodom & Gomorra . Rahab , for the same likewise , with all hers was preserued from the terror of death .

And what saith Saint Ambrose ? Who can tell if we welcome Christe or no ,

S. Ambrose as touching the entertainment of straungers .

Zelauto answereth her learned discourse .

when we giue fréendly entertainment to straungers ? Therfore sir séeme not to be offended I pray you , though I preach on this fashion , for both loue , dutie , faith and charity , dooth bind me to welcome you hether curteously . Alas good Misteris ( quoth I ) I sée well your great curtesie , but I knowe not how to requite the same . Sir ( quoth she ) what you are not able to doo : God will doo for you , and it is sufficient for me to receiue thankes at your handes , for greater is my reward in heauen . And with that she departed to fetch me my breakefast . Now syr , tell me I pray you , if the memory of this rare and vertuous woman is not woorthy to be rehearsed ?

Astraepho .

Astraepho vnfoldeth his iudgement agayne . Now credit me Zelauto , she surpasseth all that euer I heard of , both for promptnes of wit , vertue of the minde , and excellencie in qualities . But I pray you could she repeat these Authors whereof you haue showen , so readily ?

Zelauto .

Yea Sir , and a great many more , which I am not able to rehearse . For surely the rare excellencie that I did beholde in her : made me so amazed , that I coulde not attend all her discourses .

Astraepho .

Astraepho desireth to heare more of this matter . Now for Gods sake procéede , and let me heare more of this : for surely shée is woorthy of eternall remembraunce , in my iudgement .

Zelauto now goeth to breake fast . Then came vp two Damsels , the one brought a pretie litle table couered , and set it on the Beds side , and the other brought such necessaries as did belong to that we went about . Then came she her selfe , and brought me such meate , as I neuer did eate the like before : and what other chéere was there I referre that to your iudgement . But then ( quoth she ) to one of her Damsels . Goe and fetch me my Lute , and I will recreat this Gentleman with a pleasant song , She sendeth for her Lute . the copie whereof she gaue me , and for a néede I could rehearse it .

Astraepho .

Astraepho desireth to heare her song . Nowe good Zelauto let me heare it , for I am sure it is woorthy the rehearsall .

Zelauto .

Since you are so desirous : you shall , wherefore attend it diligently .

¶ The Song which misteris Vrsula sung to her Lute , to Zelauto . Zelauto reherseth it AS Loue is cause of ioy , So Loue procureth care : As Loue dooth end annoy , So Loue dooth cause despaire ▪ But yet I oft heard say , and wise men like did giue : That no one at this day , without a loue can liue . And thinke you I , will loue defie : No , no , I loue , vntill I die . Loue knits the sacred knot , Loue hart and hand dooth binde : Loue will not shrinke one iot , but Loue dooth keepe his kinde . Loue maketh freendes of foes , loue stayes the common wealth : Loue dooth exile all woes , that would impaire our health . Since loue dooth men and monsters mooue : What man so fond will loue disprooue ? Loue keepes the happy peace , Loue dooth all strife alay : Loue sendeth rich increase , Loue keepeth warres away . Loue of it selfe is all , Loue hath no fellowe mate : Loue causeth me , and shall , Loue those , that loue my state . Then loue will I , vntill I dye : And all fond Loue I will defye . FINIS . Zelauto .

How like you now Sir of her Song ? is it not bothe pithie and excellent , dooth it not beare a singuler and great vnderding withall ?

Astraepho .

If I should speake all I thinke , you would hardly beléeue me , Astraepho amased at her singularity knoweth not what to say . for surely , her song contayneth great and learned poyntes of wisedome , and requireth a more expert and learned heade then mine to define thereon : And certainely it amazeth me to heare that such excellencie should remayne in a woman . But I pray you procéede , and let me heare more of this matter ?

Zelauto .

After she had ended her song : Quoth she , Gentleman I trust you are not ignoraunt of the meaning of my Song , for perhaps you might alleadge some poynts of lewdnes or lightnes , Zelauto goeth on with his tale . that a woman should so much commend Loue , but my intent therefore I referre to your good construction . And nowe sir since you haue refreshed your selfe : let the Chirurgion vse his cunning to your woundes : and in the meane while , The Chirurgion commeth and dresseth him againe . I will send for Signor Giouanni Martino , and then we shall sée what he will say to you . I thanke you good Misteris Vrsula ( quoth I ) and I pray you let him be sent for .

So after that the Chirurgion had dressed me and was departed : The comming in of Signor Giouanni Martino . in came Signor Giouanni Martino . Who séeing mée , knéeled downe and kissed my hand , the which Madonna Vrsula , marueiled at . Then quoth I to him in his eare , I pray doo not vse any such curtesie whereby I may be knowen , for because I would not be knowen to any , but if they demaund of you who I am : say that I am of Padua . Well syr ( quoth he ) your minde shal be fulfilled in all thinges .

Then I gaue him Letters , which when he had read ▪ he departed & brought me seuen hundred Crownes , saying , spende these whyles you are héere , and at your departure you shall haue more .

Then spake Madonna Vrsula to him . Syr , doo you knowe this Gentleman . Yea forsoothe ( quoth he ) his Parents are of great credit in Padua , wherfore I pray you let him want nothing . Well syr ( quoth she ) he hath wanted nothing yet , nor shall not , if you had not spoken . But nowe dynner is ready , and I will desire you to beare him company : Yes ( quoth he ) that I shall , wyllingly .

Well syr , to be short , there had I passed ten or twelue dayes , & was perfect whole , Zelauto woulde néedes depart from his hostes . Her sorow for his departure . and then I would néedes depart . Which when she saw , she was verie sorie and pensiue . But yet ( quoth she ) although Syr you doo depart : I hope if it be your Fortune to iourney this way againe homewarde , you wyll take vp your homely lodging héere . And in token that you shall remember mée : take héere this Iewell , and weare it I desyre you for my sake .

I yéelded her a thousand thankes , recompenced her seruauntes , payed my charges . So on the morrowe morning I departed , accompanied with a Gentleman , who was an especiall fréende vnto Signor Giouanni Martino . Zelauto departeth from Naples . And thus haue you heard the whole discourse of my first trauayle .

Astraepho .

Surely héere hath béene a gallant discourse , and worthy the memorie ,

Zelauto commeth to Valentia in Spaine , and trauayleth with Gentlemen to Ciuill , from thence to Lysbone , where he happeneth on certaine Enlyshe Merchants with whom he talketh as concerning their Countrey . Their answer .

Zelauto goeth with the Merchants to S. Lucas , so towards England .

you are much bound in curtesie vnto that Gentlewoman . And I would it were my fortune once to happen on such an hostes . But whether iourneyed you then from Naples ?

Zelauto .

Sir ( as I was about to tell you ) in fewe dayes I ariued at Valentia in Spayne , where it was my chaunce to méete with certaine Gentlemen , who trauailed vnto Ciuill , and with them I went , there I remayned & my companion thrée dayes . From thence I went to Lysbone , where as I lodged in the house of one Pedro de Barlamonte ▪ There lodged also certayne English Merchauntes , whom I béeing very willing to talke with all : one night desired them to take part of a Supper with me . They spake the Latin tongue very well , and so of them I questioned about the vsage of their Countrey , & that of long time I had heard great commendation thereof : Also of a mayden Quéene that swayed the Scepter there . I asked them whether it was so or no ? They answered it was , and gaue me to vnderstand so much of their Countrey : that I would néeds , goe with them into England , who in déede were very willing , and so they hauing ended their Merchandize : we iourneyed ●o S. Lucas , and within fewe dayes I tooke shipping into the so famous bruted Realme of England .

¶ Heere Zelauto telleth how with certayne English Merchauntes he sayled into England , and what happened vnto him . Astraepho .

Why then you stayed but a while in Spayne .

Zelauto .

No sure , for after I and my Companion had heard of the fame of Englande : we could not settle our mindes to staye there , but thought euery day a yéere vntill we myght come into England .

Astraepho .

Astraepho requyreth to know of England . And is England so famous ? I pray you declare vnto mée what you haue seene there that deserued so great commendations .

Zelauto .

That I shall , wherefore I desire you to giue eare vnto this discourse , for it is both straunge and excellent .

After as we were departed from the coast of Spayne , in a thrée wéekes space we ariued vpon the coast of England , Zelauto came into England & landeth at Douer . and landed at a certaine hauen that in their language they call Douer , the maister and his mate , with two or thrée other of the ship bare vs company into the towne , where we came to an Inne ( as they call them ) and béeing set downe , one of them called for drinke , He drincketh English Béere , and merueyleth at the Language . which was such as I did neuer sée the lyke before , for they call it Beere , and such a language they speake , as is bothe straunge & wonderfull , for I knowe not to what I should best liken it . Well sayd I to my companion , now we are héere , what shall we doo ? We knowe not what they say , nor they can not vnderstande vs , I thinke it were best to hyre some of these that are in the ship which speake the Latin tongue to conduct vs vntill we come to some of our Country-men , wherof they tolde vs was a great many there , Zelauto traueth of the maister for a guide . he was verye well contented , and so I desired the maister that wée might haue one of his men to guyde vs , who in déede verye courteously consented .

And then he sent to his Shyp for one Roberto , Roberto a very mery fellow appointed for a guide to Zelauto . a verie merry and pleasaunt fellowe , and he spake our language very well , he gaue him very great charge , that he should vse vs well , vntyll we came to their chéefe Cittie , which they call London , and then as soone as we came thyther : to bring vs to some of our countreymen . So we contented the Maister , got vp on Horsebacke , and so rode to London .

Zelauto and his companion being come to London , through the meanes of Roberto their guyde , they are brought to the house of one Signor Giulio di Pescara , who entertained them very curteously .

OUr mery Companion , Zelauto is come to London to the Royall Exchaunge . hauing brought vs to London : shewed vs many fayre and comly syghtes , as first he had vs into their Bursse , where abooue were so many fine Shops full of braue deuises , and euery body sayd , a mad term that they had , What lack ye , what lack ye . I merueyled what they meant by it , then I asked Roberto what they sayd . So he tolde me , that they asked me what I would buye , if I would haue any of their fine wares . And surely in that place were many very proper and comely Women : Then he had vs , and shewed vs a very fine Uaute vnder the same , where there was a great many Shops lykewise . So then it began to waxe somthing toward the euening , and then he conducted vs to the house of one Signor Giulio , Zelauto is brought to Signor Giulio di Pescara , of his Countrey . a Gentleman of Pescara , where we had very gallant entertaynement , and so well estéemed of , as if we had bene in our owne Countrey . This Giulio had maried an English Woman , who in déede , was so gentle of nature , so comely in qualities , and so proper in personage , that sure mée thought she excelled . Of her lykewise we were very gently welcommed , and a very gallant Chamber prepared , with all things so necessary , and seruaunts to attend on vs so dilligently , that sure it was not in vaine that England had such excellent commendation . Zelauto lyketh well of the seruyce in England . My Companion sayd , he was neuer so quiet , and so well at his hearts ease : as he was there , béeing but so lyttle tyme there . For in déede ( to say the trueth ) I wanted nothing , but euerie thing was ready at halfe a woordes speaking , and with great reuerence also .

Zelauto commeth acquainted with Gentlemen of the Englishe Court. To the house of this aforesayd Signor Giulio , resorted diuers Gentlemen , which were of the Court of England , who shewed vs such courtesie , as it is vnspeakable . But all this whyle I would not be knowen what I was , but told them that I was a Gentleman of Naples , and my name was Zelauto , and that I came for my pleasure to sée the Countrey . These Gentlemen , some of them dyd pertayne to men of great Honour , in the sayd Court , whome I lykewise came acquainted with all . But to recount the rare and excellent modestie , the vertuous lyfe adorned with ciuilytie , the hautie courage and Martiall magnaminitie , & their singuler qualyties in generall , though I had the gallantest memorie in the world , the pregnanst wit , and the rarest eloquence to depaynt them : I know my selfe were vnable to doo it .

He chaunceth to sée the noble Queene of England . It was my chaunce within a whyle after I was acquaynted with those woorthy Lordes of Honour : to come in presence where theyr vertuous Mayden Queene was . But credit mée , her heauenly hew , her Princely personage , her rare Sobrietie , her singuler Wisedome : made mee stand as one bereft of his sences . For why , before mine eyes I sawe one that excelled , all the woorthy Dames that euer I haue read of .

Astraepho .

But stay Zelauto , dyd you sée that péerelesse Paragon ? and is she so rare and excellent as you make her to be ?

Zelauto .

Oh Syr , neuer can my tongue giue halfe a quarter of the prayse , that is due to that rare Arabian Phaenix . Were Mars himself alyue : he would stand agast at her Heauenly behauior . And as Timon , Timon . when he drew the mournfull portrait , of King Agamemnon , for the losse of his Daughter , could not set foorth his face correspondent to the sorrow that is conteyned : Agamemnon left the same couered with a vayle to the iudgement of others . So I , because I am vnable to paynt foorth her passing prayse , according as desert deserueth : I remyt her vnder the vayle of Eternall memorie , to the graue iudgement of others .

Astraepho .

What now Zelauto ? why , the Goddesses & the Graces them selues , coulde but deserue this commendation , and I am sure she is none .

Zelauto .

Were it possyble for a Goddesse to remayne on the earth at this day : credit mée , it were shée . For thus much I wyll tell yée . It is not to all Countreyes vnknowen , how well her Grace dooth vnderstand and speake the languages , that of her selfe without any interpretour : she is able to aunswer any Ambassadour , that commeth to her Maiestie . Also , it is not vnknowen , howe her Princely Maiestie made the minde of the valiant Marques Vitelli ( Ambassador sent from the King of Spayne ) to be marueylously mooued . Marques Vitelli , Ambassador of Spayne . This Vitelli , hath bene knowen a excellent warriour , and yet the rare excellencie of this Queene had almost put him cleane out of conceyt . That as he sayde him selfe : he was neuer so out of countenaunce before any Prince in all his lyfe . Sappho , Corinna , Eriune , Praxillae Telesilla , Cleobulinae Pithogareans , Diotima , and Aspasia .

It is in vaine of the Grecians to vaunt of their Sappho , Corinna , Eriune , Praxilla , Telesilla , Cleobulina , nor yet the Pithegoreans brag of theyr Diotima , and Aspasia , for theyr lyues , this is she that excelleth them all : and therfore will I say .

O decus Anglorum virgo clarissima viuas : Donec terrigenis Praebebit lumina Titan. O Virgin Queene , the rarest gem , Ioue graunt thy happy race : That whyle Dan Titan giues his lyght , Titan. Thou mayst enioy thy place . Let all true English harts , pronounce whyle they haue breath : God saue and prosper in renown , our Queene Elyzabeth . Viuat , vincat , regnat , Elyzabetha .

Astraepho .

Zelauto , these your woordes dooth agrauate an excéeding ioye in my minde , and causeth mée to thyrst with Tantalus , Tantalus . vntyll it be my Fortune to sée that happy Land , that thryse happy Princes , whome ( if she be ) as you make report , would cause bothe men and monsters to adore . But I pray you Syr procéede , and let me heare what happened vnto you in that Countrey ?

zelauto .

Syr , after I had stayed there a whyle ( to show this gallant Princes pastime ) certaine of her woorthy and famous Lordes assembled in a Tournament , The Pageant with all languages before ●e Quéen . the brauest sight that euer I saw , & with this gallant troupe , there came a Pageant as they call them , wherein were men that spake all Languages . O syr , I am not able to speake sufficient in prayse thereof .

At an other time , there was a braue & excellent deuise which went on whéeles without the helpe of any man . The Pageant with Apollo , and the nine Muses . Therein sate Apollo , with his heauenly crew of Musique . Beside a number of straunge deuises , which are out of my remembraunce . But yet I remember one thing more , which was a braue and comely Shippe , brought in before her Maiestie , wherin were certaine of her noble Lordes , and this Ship was made with a gallant deuise , The Ship before her Ma●●stie . that in her presence it ran vpon a Rock , & was dispoyled . This credit was the very brauest deuise that euer I sawe , and woorthy of innumerable commendations .

Astraepho .

Oh admirable Princes , whose singuler vertues , mooues the mindes of such noble Personages , Astraepho falleth into admiration with him selfe . by dayly déedes to demonstrate , & by vsual actions to acquaint her Princely estate with such myraculous motions , as you zelauto make report of .

Zelauto .

If I were able to rehearse all that I haue séene : then I know you could not chuse but say your selfe , that she is well woorthy of farre greater , if possible there might be such : as for example these thinges I haue tolde you , which are yet in my remembraunce may make the matter manifest , bothe the Pageants , and also this séemely Shyp wherof I haue spoken .

In Countryes cause , I mount vpon the Seas , with shiuering shot to daunt my furious foe : It dooth me good all strife for to appease , to keepe my Land free from all forrain woe . God saue my Prince , that keepes a Nauy huge : In time of neede to stand for her refuge .

Astraepho .

Why ? The admiration of Astraepho at the passed tale of Zelauto . is there any Prince that can wishe or desire to lyue in more worldly pleasure , then that famous and illustrious Quéene ? Or can there be more vertues resident in an earthly Creature , then her noble lyfe maketh so ample mencion of ? Surely in my opinion it were vnpossible : for credit me , the rare rule of her vertuous life : maketh her Land and People in such happy estate . Wherfore good Zelauto , conceale not any of this matter from me , for surely I think my self happy to come to the hearing therof .

Zelauto .

Since syr , Astraepho● earnest request , compelleth Zelauto to procéede to déeper matters . you séeme so importune on me , and that my homly Tales doo so much delyght you : giue eare , and I wyll reade you heere one of the rarest deuises that euer you heard of . Which was a comely sort of Courtiers , prepared in a Tournament to recreate the minde of their Princes & Souereigne .

Astraepho .

Where want of sufficiencie remayneth , to counteruayle your euer approued courtesie : accept in token therof alwayes at your commaundement my dutifull seruice & loyaltie , and attendaunce shall not want , tyll I haue heard these discourses .

Zelauto taketh out of his Scrip a Book , wherin he readeth a gallant deuise presented in a Tournament , which he sawe in England .

FIrst syr , Zelauto to pleasure his fréend , telleth him an excellent and braue deuise doone in England . to make the matter the more playner vnto you , at the Tylt met an armed Lady , with a Courtly Knight , well appoynted at Armes , who menacing his manly might , as though he came to Combat , began to looke about if there were any defendour . The Lady not minding the inuincible courage , and lofty looke of the Champion : gased vpon the renowned Princes , who was there present , debating with her selfe in inward thoughtes , the sodayn aduenture which had happened her , and hauing long looked on this sumptuous spectacle , at length with her selfe , fell into these woordes .

The Lady beeing driuen into a great admiration at the presence of this peereles Princesse , vseth her talke in this order . WHat dooth the Gods delude mée ? or hath the infernall ghosts enchaunted me with their fonde illusions ? Wake I , or sléepe I ? Sée I , or sée I not ? What chaunce hath conuicted me ? What sodayne sight hath attaynted me ? Is this a Goddesse , or a mortall creature ? If this be the séemely shée , that the Trumpe of Fame hath so blasted abroade : if this be the second Saba , to astonishe the wyse Salomon ? then hast thou well imployed thy paynes to come and sée her . For Report running through the Orcades , The Orcacades , the golden America , the East and UUest Indias . the golden American countrey , and the rytch inhabited Islandes of the East and West Indias , ratling in euerie eare this rare rumour , of a gallant and renowned Mayden Quéene , that gouerned her Countrey woorthily , her people peaceably , and rightly bare the tytle of inestimable dignitie , sayd in this manner .

BY West , a famous Region , with Sea encompast round : With wealth adornd aboundantly , as lyke hath not bene found . And euerie thing so plentifull , in such good order framde : That this the Isle of happinesse , by tytle true is namde . There , there remaynes the seemlyest Queene , that euer nature bred : In Vertues gyftes excelling farre , of all that we haue read . And more then this , Diana so , dooth rule her royall reygne : That hetherto a Vestall pure , she constant dooth remayne . Adornd with wisdome woorthily , and learning in each case : That Fame recordes her Memorie , abroade in euerie place . Saying , the Queene of Anglia , the rarest gemme alyue : From all the Creatures on the earth , the honour dooth depriue . Wherfore arise ye noble rout , that long this sight to see : You gallant Lordes and Ladyes all , in Court where ere you bee . And you shall see that seemely Saynt , whereof I tell you newes : Whose view , the Gods , and mortall men , wyll force to stand and muse . FINIS .

WAs euer so braue a brute blased of the Imperiall Alexander ? Was his lyfe so meritorious , The Lady dooth suppose that no one deserued rightlye such condigne praise as this péerelesse Princesse . The Lady doubteth whether this is the Princes or no , & at last looketh and espyeth the Champion . that it deserued such rare renown ? Was puissant Pompey , euer so honoured ? Or Iulius Caesar , so magnifically adored ? Or dyd they all deserue halfe the estimation , that by tytle true this séemely shée maye clayme ? No sure , well may their déedes be noted , as a patterne to our eyes : But their lyues shall neuer be regystred , where her Fame is enrolled . But I , the most vnfortunate creature alyue , héere in a soyle vnknowen to mée , to stand in such great hazard and doubt : Because I know not rightly , whether this be shée or no , yet dooth my minde perswade me , that it were vnpossible to finde her mate . But yet if I knewe that this were shée : I would fetche the rest of my company , that they might be pertakers of my long desired ioyes . But stay , what comely Champion is this so brauely mounted , ready to encounter with his mortall enemie . I wyll attend to sée what his comming is , and wherfore he standeth thus to hazard him selfe to Fortune .

The Champion seeing that the Lady had ended her talke , presumeth neerer , and speaketh to her , The Champion speaketh to the Lady , dysdaining her talk passed , & yéeldeth her great rebuke therfore . as followeth .

IT may be fayre Lady , that eyther you hope to purchase prayse , by extolling so much this renowned Quéene : Or else you looke for a priuate commodity to counteruayle your bolde attempt , which of them you doo , I knowe not , nor which you are lykelyest to gayne , I can not coniecture : only this I am to aunswer , that ( of my self ) I thinke no prayse can deseruedly patronize you : without it were more merited , and as for commoditie , you are like to get it where you can , He alleadgeth that women are apte to prayse their Sex . for our charitie is nowe waxen colde .

In déede I must thus allowe , you Women ( for the most part ) are giuen to prayse your owne Sex , and though there be no desert : yet wyll you prayse for your pleasure . What heroycall woordes you vsed , are not yet forgotten , and what peremptorie brags you made , He vseth threatning woordes , thinking thereby to allay the corage of the Lady . yet sticke on my stomacke . You commend this Princes to excell all other , and you séeme to say , that none more rightly dooth deserue it then shée . If you of your selfe are able to auouch what is spoken , and of sufficient force to stand to your boasting ? doubt not but you shall be dealt with all before you depart , and be constrayned to remember your selfe better an other tyme .

Haue I condempned my péerelesse Pollinarda : He séemeth to extol his Lady abooue the Princesse . and aduaunced the Fame of this Princes ? Haue I left my natiue Countrey , wherein abound choyse of delycate Dames , hoping that this should surpasse them all ? And is it now come to no better effect ? I sée Report tatleth as pleaseth her , and maketh those fooles that thinke them selues most wyse . Pack vp to Hungaria , as wise as thou camest hyther , and all thy winnings , put in thy purse to spend when a déere yéere commeth .

The Lady hearing the Champion in such vnlawfull order to contempne the partie in presence , maketh him an aunswere , thereby to coole his courage .

SYr Knight , The Lady repliet● to the Champion , because he séemed so much to commend his Polinarda . neither dismayed through your presumptuous woords , nor yet encouraged through any vaine hope , yet greatly agréeued at this your rude behauiour , for my part I am one who comes to sée as well as your selfe , yet dislyke not so much with my selfe as you doo . Séeme you to be offended at any thing passed , and extoll you your Pollinarda abooue this gallant Gem ? I knowe it were vnpossible she should make any comparison , and I knowe this so vertuous : that she can not be her equall . The Lady biddeth battell to the Champion in defence of her cause Wherfore if your heart be hardened , that you dare abyde the breakfast that I shall bestowe on you , and your minde so misbeléeuing that it wyll not be reformed : I wyll assay my courage in defence of this Princes , and force you to confesse you haue chosen too hard a choyse .

The Champion perceyuing the Lady so wylling to stand to her woords passed , and that by force of Armes she would mayntaine her cause : replyeth .

The Champion taketh the offer of the Lady , wylling to enter Combat . LAdy , if your courage be so correspondent , and your manhood so equiualent , that you dare séeme to auouch your preter presumption , though small honour I shall gayne by conquering a Woman , and no victorie to speake of , it shall be to vanquishe you : yet wyll I teach you how you shall behaue your selfe an other time , and how to beware to make your choyse so hard .

The Lady replyeth .

The Lady prayeth for asistance . AS for that syr Knight , we shall deale well inough . Now God assist me in this my enterprise , and as I know my quarrell good and lawfull : so hope I the victorie shall be lawdable and gainfull . Thinke not syr Knight , although God hath giuen the greater courage , the more magnanimitie , and the bolder behauiour to your Sex : he hath vtterly reiected the weaker vesselles .

She applieth her gifts equiualent to his kifts . In stéede of your courage , he hath indued vs with comely condicions , and in place of magnanimitie , he hath graffed womanly modestie : and for your bolde behauiour , he hath bestowed on vs bountifull beautie . So that aspect our beautie : your boldnesse is blunted , respect our modestie : your magnanimitie is but meane , and our comely conditions , wyll soone quayle your courage , and as howe . A Gentleman voyde of of Uertue : his behauiour is wurse then a Begger , a meane person adorned with vertue : Uertulesse Gentillytie is wurse then Beggerie . is a precious Iewell abooue such a Gentleman . Therefore may it rightly be sayde , and sufficiently auouched , that vertulesse Gentillytie : is wurse then Beggerie .

You syr for example , The Lady chargeth him with greater matters then he looked for . if any iot of Gentillytie , or any signe of humanitie , séemed to be extant in you : you would vse your talke with more discrecion , and demonstrate that which I perceyue is not in you . Is it your bolde behauiour that dooth purchase you prayse ? Is it your melancholy magnanimitie , that maketh you euer the more manfull ? Or is it your craking courage , that wyll make you euer the sooner commendable ? No , The Lady héere learneth him a lesson . in stéede of these place honest humanitie : and then I warrant you shall not séeme so haughtie , for bolde behauiour , vse knightly courtesie : and then your déedes wyll appéere more woorthy , for your mysused manhoode , frequent decent magnanimitie : and then your Fame shall be wytnessed accordingly , and for your craking courage , vse Courtly ciuilitie : then shall you be honoured , where now you are nothing estéemed . But as your Countrey is barbarous : so is your behauiour , and as an Ape cloathed in a coate of golde , by his condicions is an Ape styll : So good talke ministred to one that careth not therefore : is euen better well spared then euyll spent .

The Champion incensed with great anger , commeth neerer the Lady , saying .

AUaunt presumptuous peasant , The Champion scorning the Ladies good talke , aunswereth . séemest thou to vse chyldishe woordes to me ? Thinkest thou I wyll be taught of such a Uarlet as thou ? No , I le soone coole your courage , therefore delay no longer , but defend thy selfe .

The Lady .

SInce neyther fréendly councell , nor wisdome of thine owne selfe is able to warne thée , but that thou wylt hazard thy ha● in hope to conuince me : defend thy selfe manfully , and I as womanly , so that begin when thou please , for I am perfectly prouided .

The Champion rydeth to the one end of the Tylt , and she to the other , and there they deale according as the order and custome is therof , after halfe a score Staues be broken : the Champion was throwen beside his Horse , to whome the Lady came thus saying .

The Lady hauing vanquished the Champion sayth thus . WHat Syr , is Miles Gloriosus , or triumphing Thraso , who thought it were vnpossible to pull his pearched plumes , or to cease his corragious countenaunce : nowe brought to so bad a banquet ? Was this he who thought him selfe no-nothing inferiour to Alexander , as puissant as Pompey , as hautie as Hanniball , Hector or Hercules , as couragious as Caesar , as stoute as Sampson or Scipio : And nowe foyled at the handes of a Woman ? Where is now thy brauerie ? Where is thy vaine vaunting ? Where is thy presumptuous , peremptorie perswasions ? Where are now all thy manly motions ? Now dasht amyd the dust ? now sent to séeke succour , and thou and all thy might now subiect to my valiancy ? How sayst thou , wylt thou reuolt thy former woords , and content thy selfe to yéelde submission to this péerelesse Princes : or dye the death which thou hast rightly deserued ?

The Champion seeing himself in such a pittifull plight , and that all this whyle he had maintayned a wrong opinion , desired the Lady he might stand vp , and then spake as followeth .

REnowned Princes , The Champion ashamed of his bolde presumption desireth that they woulde heare his sorrowfull discourse . and you most woorthy Lady , as my fact is so faultie , that I can craue no forgiuenesse , and my déede so desperatly doone , that it deserueth due discipline : yet am I to desire you to permyt me a lyttle patience , and to ponder my woordes at your curteous pleasure . First , where folly so guided me , and selfe wyll so blinded me , that I was lead with euerie lewde report , and euerie tatling tale , I not minding the rare vertues resident , in the Princely person whome I haue so haynously offended : let my tongue run at lybertie , where nowe I repent me .

Next , He repenteth that he praysed so much his Polinarda . thinking mine owne manhoode sufficient to contend bothe against Men and Monsters : made me to commend my Polinarda , whome I nowe perceyue is farre inferiour . Let therefore my cause be construed at your clemencie , let pittie pleade my case , though I be nothing woorthy , and I vowe whyle life lasteth to her such dutifull alleageaunce : that I hope you wyll count my seruice woorthy commendation . In so dooing , that valiant trayne which I brought with me , who are not farre hence attending my comming : shall and wyll be all contented to serue at your pleasure .

The Lady seeing the dutifull showe of submission in the Knight , commeth to him , saying .

The Lady commeth to the Champion , pronouncing him pardon , in hope of his amendment . WEll syr Knight , in hope that your after seruice shall prooue so permanent as héere you haue auouched , and that you euer hereafter in this péerelesse Princes cause , wyll bothe lyue and dye . I dare pronounce that you are pardoned , and that your offence shall be no more remembred .

Caesar got him such a noble name , through his great compassion , and that made Cicero so much to commend him . Cicero in Oratione Pro rege Deiotaro . Alcander who put out Licurgus eye . Eusebius . Licurgus , when he had his eye put out , by the neglygence of Alcander : commaunded that his first offence should be forgiuen , he would be more héedefull in the next . Eusebius , wounded to the death with a stone , throwen from the hand of a Woman : on his death bed forced his fréendes to sweare , that they would not harme her for it . I may lykewise alleage the woordes of Virgill to thée : Forsan et hoc olim meminisse iuuabit : and that the sentence of Euripides wyll byd thée beware : Virgill . Euripides . Dul●e est meminisse malorum . Nowe is thy first fault forgiuen , in hope of amendment , so that rather prayse shall be purchased by pardoning thine offence : then that rigour should rule to exact on so penitent an offender . Therefore behold , when Iustice sayth strike : Mercie by mildnesse dooth stay the swoord , & when a crime is commited deseruing death : Pitty dooth woork on the offenders behalfe . Therefore whyle thou lyuest , homage her whose mercifull minde , wyll not reuenge with rygor : for that Uertue hath caused her to pittie thine estate , and thou and all that are her dutifull Subiectes : say , God saue our most woorthy Queene . Therefore goe your way , and fetche the rest of your trayne , and so wyll I bring with me all my noble Ladyes , and then will we goe together , to procure some farther pastime .

After they had bothe brought theyr traynes , they fell to a freshe Tournament , and so ended this Deuise . Zelauto .

Now syr , haue I not wearied you with this long & tedious discourse ? Tell me I pray you how lyke you of it ? Is it not woorthy to be caryed in remembraunce , because it is such an excellent deuise ?

Astraepho .

Credit me syr , it is the proprest deuise that euer I heard of , and if it shall please you to bestowe the same on me : I wyll giue you as gallant a discourse to cary with you .

Zelauto .

Syr , any thing I haue is at your commaundement , and I would it were so déere a gyft , as I could finde in heart to bestowe on you .

Astraepho .

I thanke you for your good wyll hartily . But doo her noble Péeres and Lords that are about her , often vse to recreate her person with such braue and straunge deuises ?

Zelauto .

Syr , those gallant youthes doo , and haue bestowed aboundaunce in the pleasing of her Maiestie , and are so well contented therwithall : that surely it surpasseth any mans wit to giue them prayse according to theyr desert .

Astraepho .

But dyd you euer come in acquaintaunce with any of those noble Gentlemen ?

Zelauto .

Zelauto telleth how much bound he was to a noble Lord in the English Court. Yea Syr , and am much bound to one of them in especiall , who sure in magnanimitie of minde , and valure of courage , representeth in that famous Land , a second Caesar , to the view of all that know him . And a lyttle before I departed out of that woorthy Countrey , I wrote a few verses in the commendation , of that vertuous Mayden Quéene : and also I wrote a few other in prayse of that noble Lord , to whome I am bound for his singuler bounty .

Astraepho .

I pray you Syr , if those verses be not out of your remembraunce : let me heare some part of them ?

Zelauto .

That you shall , Zelauto writ verses in the prayse of the Queen . wherfore marke what I wryt in the prayse of the English Quéene .

Zelauto heere telleth to Astraepho , the verses that he wrote in the commendation of the Englishe Queene .

QVEL . CHE . MI. MOLESTAVA ACCENDO . ET ARDO

IF eyes may iudge , and minde may full suppose , the Vertues rare , that I of late haue seene : Then pen at large , may perfectly disclose , the seemely honour of a Virgin Queene . Whose perfect prayse deserues to be vnfolde : And blasde abroade in trumpe of beaten Golde . The Graces three attendant stand at beck , Diana dooth her royall raygne support : Vertue dooth stand , all vice to countercheck , and Modestie beares sway in all her Court . Trueth rules aloft , repelling darke debate : Iustice dooth sway the swoord of her estate . Prudence dooth stand , on right side of this Queene , and Temperaunce a Garland holdes before : Then Fortitude standes ioyntly them betweene , and Tryall he dooth garde her euermore . Peace on the left syde , Plentie on the other : Thus seemely they adorne the Queene their mother . Sobrietie dooth beare the flagge on hye , Virginitie standes clothde in Vestall white : Her trayne behinde borne by Humilitie , Pittie lykewise , waytes on this woorthy wight . Thus euerie thing standes in so good a frame : That farre and neere , dooth spreade her golden Fame ▪ FINIS . Astraepho .

Astraepho merueyleth at this rare report . Zelauto , beléeue me , I neuer heard in all my lyfe so many Uertues resident in a mortall creature . But certaynly as I know your iudgement is excellent in such matters : so I confesse agayne , that had I not heard it of you , I would not haue beléeued it . But now Syr , I pray you let me heare the verses which you wrote in commendation of that noble Gentleman , whome you praysed so much lykewise .

Zelauto .

That you shall , Zelauto writ verses in the prayse of a noble Lord and I would I were able by pen to prayse , or by paynes to requite his singuler great curtesie .

Heere Zelauto rehearseth the verses that he wrote in the prayse of a certayne Noble Lorde in the English Court. IF euer Caesar had such gallant Fame , or Hanniball , whose martiall lyfe we read : Then in your Honour , I esteeme the same , as perfect proofe in vertue and in deede . My pen vnable is your prayse to paynt : With Vertues rare , that dooth your minde acquaynt . What I haue found , I neede not to expresse , what you haue done , I farre vnwoorthy was : But Nature yet dooth cause me thinke no lesse , but that with looue you dyd respect my case . And such great looue dyd in your heart abound : That straunge it is the freendship I haue found . Wherfore for aye I Honour your estate , and wishe to you , to lyue Argantus lyfe : And all your deedes may prooue so fortunate , that neuer you doo taste one iot of stryfe . But so to lyue , as one free from annoy : In health and wealth , vnto your lasting ioy . FINIS . Astraepho .

Surely , belyke Zelauto you haue found great fréendshippe at that noble Gentlemans handes . But referring all other matters aside , tell me what became of your Companion , that went with you into England ?

Zelauto .

Truly he was so farre in loue with the Countrey , that I could not get him from thence when I departed . And in déede so would I lykewise haue stayde , if my Fathers commaundement had not bene such , which caused me to hasten away , because I would sée other Countryes .

Astraepho .

Then you dyd depart shortly after , and left your Companion there ?

Zelauto .

Zelauto taketh shypping into Persia. Yea Syr. And from thence I tooke shypping to goe into Persia . But many were the myseries that I poore soule abode among the tyrannous Turkes .

Astraepho .

Astraepho séemeth to tell Zelauto of his bolde h●●arding himselfe in such order . But durst you séeme to wander so farre as to put your selfe , in hazard of lyfe among those cruell and bloody Turkes . You remembred not belyke your Fathers commaundement , who wylled you to guide your selfe so well : that your returne might be to his eternall ioy , but rather as desperate , hauing a youthfull head and a running wyt , would venture on your owne destruction .

Zelauto .

Zelauto excuseth his boldnesse as well as he can . In déede Syr , who mindeth not the after miserie : wadeth often so farre that he is cleane ouer shooes , so I more vppon pleasure then any other cause : put my selfe to God and good Fortune on that behalfe , yet was I not vnmindfull of my Fathers preceptes , for that I purposed nothing , but found it to my profit .

Astraepho .

They goe to supper . Well Zelauto , it draweth now towarde night , and we haue well spent this tyme in talke . Let vs now goe in , and prouide something for our Supper . And to morrow we wyll discourse of your other aduentures at large .

Zelauto .

I am well contented Syr , and a thousand thankes I yéelde you for your courtesie .

The Author .

THus hath Zelauto and Astraepho passed one day in talke together , and now are gone to prouide such necessaries as are néedefull to suffice theyr hungrie stomackes : howe they spent the next day : the matter ensuing shall make manifest . Thus yéelding my selfe ( gentle Reader ) vnto thy courteous construction , and not to a rashe Reporters reprehension : I wishe my woorkes might procure thée as much pleasure , as my good wyll is to woorke thy welfare . Vale .

Honos alit Artes . FINIS . A. Munday .

Zelauto . His Ariuall in Persia , his valiant aduenturing in the defence of a Lady , condempned for her Christianitie , his prosperous Perigrination among the tyrannous Turkes , with the rest of his Knightly deedes .

¶ The second part of the Fountayne of Fame .

Written by A. M.

Honos alit Artes .

The Author , to the curteous Reader .

WHo but behelde the one syde of Ianus : woulde hardlie iudge that he were so rare mis-shaped . And who but viewed the vpper part of a Siren : would think she were a whole woman incorporat . So who but readeth the beginning of a booke : can giue no iudgement of the sequell ensuing . The Fryer in the midle of his sermon , cryed the best was behind : and I hauing tolde you a peece of a tale , say the finest followeth . So , if that you beholde Ianus perfectly : you shall see his deformednesse , and if you see all partes of the Siren : you shall finde the alteration , lykewise if you reade all the booke : you shall not be deluded by ( the best is behinde ) but so to reprehend mine excuse . The Printer ( you will say ) hath painted it full of Pictures , to make it be bought the better : and I say the matter is more meritorious , and therefore you should buy it the sooner . So , if you wyll be ruled by the Printer and me : you shall at no tyme want any of the Bookes .

The homelyest house , may be hansome within : the simplest Garden , may haue Flowers woorth the smelling , and a weather beaten Bulwarke , may hold out the bolde blowes of a well wintered Soldier . Many a good Captayne , may goe in a playne coate , and many an honest man , may walke simply arayde . Therefore , the homlynesse of the house , dooth not reprehend the hansomnesse , the symplenesse of the Garden , condempne the sweet sent of the Flowers , nor the Bulwark disbase the stoutnes of the Soldier , lykewise , the playne coate of the Captaine dooth not diminish his manhood : nor the meane aray of the Citizen , impayre any of his honesty : Neyther dooth the bluntnes of my Booke , altogether condempne me : nor the meane methode of the matter , diminish any iot of the good wyll of the Author , you can haue no more of a Catte but her skyn : nor of me more then I am able to doo . Well , I wyll not trouble you with wresting many woords , nor hinder you from hearing that which ensueth : you haue free entraunce into the Orchard , pluck where you please , looue where you lyke , and fancy where you finde fyttest .

FINIS . Your freend . A. Munday .

¶ The second part of the delycate Disputation between two noble Gentlemen of Italy . Astraepho .

NOw Syr Zelauto , Astraepho in the morning beginneth to talk with Zelauto , desiring him to accept in good part his homely entertainment . you haue séene , the whole courtesy , that I your poore fréende can show you , to feast you with Fortunes fare ( I call it so ) because as to day I haue it , and to morrow it is vncertayn , therefore it commeth by sodayne chaunce , and also to lodge you in my carefull coutch , harde and vnpleasant , the furniture therto belonging all of mosse & leaues , yet well dooth it content me , because I haue vsed my selfe therto , to you I knowe it is straunge , and no meruayle , because the Princely pleasures that is in your famous fathers Mansion , as yet stick vpon your stomack . My selfe , hauing remayned héere full fouretéene yéeres and more , haue cleane forgot , my preter delightes , my wanton conceyts , and my layes of Looue . Now to the sprouting sprayes I commend my sute , the Hylles , the Dales , the Rockes , the Clyffes , the Cragges , yea , and the gallant Ecchoes resound of this solitary Wyldesse , they & none but they can witnesse of my woe . In Court I serued , to my small auayles , I sued to a selfe wylled Saint , I complayned , He showeth how he néedeth not to accept of coyne , for because he hath Nobody to ba●ter withal . and it was not regarded . But héere I lyue as Prince within my selfe , not foe to any , nor none to me . I adore my God . I feast my selfe as well as I can , as for my garmentes , though they be homely , yet are they healthfull , for Silken sutes , are not to wander among the bryery brakes withall . What care I for money , I haue Nobody to bater withall , my Hoste asketh me no money when I ryse from breakfast , dinner or supper , then what should I doo with it ? If in your carefull Citties , Money in Citie● causeth much mischéefe discencion among the commons , discorde among fréendes , & such lyke iniuries . you as lyttle regarded , your coyne as I : you should not haue so much extorcion , so much brybing to Officers , so much wrangling and iarring among the common sort , so much encroching one vpon another , and to conclude , you should not haue so many diuellish deuises frequented , therfore I doo not aspect for my priuate commoditie , I lyue not héere by pride or by vsurie , but I take all contentedly , so to no man am I enemie . This homely discourse , for a mornings good morrowe I trust will suffice , now must I desire you to procéede in your promised affayres , touching the rest of your mishappes .

Zelauto .

Zelauto yéeldeth innumerable thanks for the great courtesies that he hath found , béeing but in déede a straunger . Courteous Sir , if my slender habilitie , were of such and so great a puissaunce , as might but séeme to counteruayle the large and inestimable courtesie , that I haue founde at your hands vndeseruedly : I might then then the bolder behaue my selfe in your company . But as where nothing is to be had , the King looseth his right : euen so I hauing nothing ▪ yéeld my selfe to your courteous consideration ( alwayes remembred ) that if it shall please God to sende such successe , as of long I haue looked for : I doubt not ( though not able to satisfie the whole , wherin I am indebted ) yet to recompence the greatest part as néere as I can . And this by the way to assure your selfe , though lothe to spend so much lyp labour in promysing you preferment , doubt not but in heart I will remember you , and that to your contentment .

Astraepho .

Astraepho desirous to heare the rest of his trauayles : remembreth him of his former promise . Syr Zelauto , héere néedeth no such thanks , if I could bestow so much of you , as my poore heart would wyllingly affoord : I doubt not but then you would thanke me . In the meane whyle , take as you finde , welcome your selfe though you be not bidden , shut vp the sacke when it is but halfe full , & giue God thankes for all . But procéede I pray you as touching your promise , for I greatly desire to heare what after happened you .

Zelauto .

I shall satisfie your aspectation wyllingly , but giue eare I pray you , and marke it attentiuely , for you shall heare the tenour of a straunge and tragicall Commedy .

Zelauto remooueth his Thought to haste out of England .

Heer Zelauto telleth how he departed from the royall Realme of England , and arriued at Zebaia in Persia , and of the great courtesy that he found with his Host Manniko Rigustello , Zelauto his comming to Zebaia in Persia , to the house of one Manniko Rigustello , who lodged Christians . and also of his wife named Dania .

BEing departed from my Companion , & from that thrise renowned Realme of England , after many hard and diffy●ill passages : I arriued at Zebaia , a gallant and braue Cittie in Persia. Béeing come thyther , alas I wyst not what to say , the people so gased vpon me , as though they would haue eaten me , so at last I entred into the signe of the Gorgons head , which is a house of lodging for Straungers . When I came in , I found my Hoste and his Wife sitting by the fire at supper , I saluted them in their owne language as well as I could , mary mine Hostesse was a Florentine , The hostes of the house a Christian a Florentin . and she did quickly perceyue what countreyman I was , wherefore she rose vp , and very courteously bad me welcome , so presently I was had vp into a Chamber , & a good fire made , then I sate down & communed with mine Hostes.

The talke betweene mystres Dania and Zelauto in his Chamber .

The hostes and Zelauto conferreth together about his comming to that place , and informeth him of the lawes & orders of that City . SYr ( quoth she ) as the sight of a Christian in this place , is a thing of great lyking vnto me : euen so are you welcome , although as yet vnacquainted . But neyther to stand vpon the nicenesse of Rethoricall gloses , nor to trifle the time with long and doubtfull delayes , this I am to enforme you , we are héere subiect vnder a Law , to which Law , wyll we , nyll we , we must obey , the Law dooth thus farre stretch in charge , that no Christian must abide in the Cittie abooue ten dayes , if longer , to their owne peryll , in which tyme , the Hoste must be sworn for his good vsage , and to sée if that he kéepe due and decent behauiour in his house . Now Syr , you hauing taken vp your lodging héere : my Husband is vpon his good lyking to giue his woord for you . The hostes proffereth herself to be his fréend . Thinke not Gentleman that I speake to discourage you , for you shall finde your selfe heere as well vsed as in your owne Countrey , I am my selfe a Christian borne , and wyll stand your fréend in more then I wyll nowe make my vaunt of : therefore ( by the way ) I giue you first to vnderstand our Lawes , of other matters we shall the better discourse afterwardes . Gentlewoman ( quoth I ) I would that my simple and meane behauiour , Zelauto giueth her great thankes for her courtesie . might once be woorthy to deserue , the courtesie of such a fréendly entertaynment , & surely in the informing me of the Lawes and Customes of your Citie : you haue doone me no small pleasure , for otherwise , I might haue by some one occasion vnwittingly violated them . But now since you ( on méere courtesie ) hath doone thus much for me : I am to yeelde you a thousand thankes . Well syr ( quoth she ) then if I might be so bolde , She demandeth of what countrey he is , & wherfore his comming is , and whether hée minded to make his iourney . I would enter into a lyttle talke with you . Truly Gentlewoman ( quoth I ) you are not so wylling : as hartily welcome , therefore say what pleaseth you .

Then syr ( quoth she ) since your patience hath pardoned my rash attempt : I am the bolder without blushing to craue such courtesie at your handes , as to rehearse of whence you are , from whence you come , what mooued you to visite this place , and whether you minde to trauayle . Suspect no subtyll Sophistrie in this my demaund ( good syr ) but rather impute my boldnesse to countrey behauiour , Zelauto reposing a good beleéfe in his hostesse , because shée was a christian , openeth to her of whence he was , & how he had traueyled ▪ other countreyes , and howe hée meant to traueile , tyl his tyme were expyred . She aunswereth him verie honestly & ciuilly , so it drewe at length to supper time and to one that wisheth your welfare .

Genlewoman ( quoth I ) to dissemble were no part of fréendly familiaritie , to lye , would impayre my name and credite , to tell trueth also , may héere perhappes to returne to myne owne endamagement , but buylding my assuraunce on your Christian fidelitie , and hoping you will not séeke to woorke my harme wilfully , but wyll rather adiuuate me in my necessitie : to you wyll I vnfolde the sum of my secretes . First I am a Venetian borne , and my Father , if lyuing ( as I hope he be ) thereof is Duke , my youthfull minde béeing addicted to sée forrayne Countreyes : left my Father , and tooke my selfe to trauayle . So after the view of other Countreyes : Fortune hath sent me hether , where I must be no long abyder , because fowre yéeres and more are fully expyred , and my tyme dooth amount but vnto sixe yéeres , and to aunswer whether I shall goe from hence : I can not , because I must craue your good and fréendly direction in my voyage , that I may escape from mine enimies : and safely returne home into my Countrey .

In déede syr ( quoth she ) I can not blame you , to kéepe your selfe so secrete , if you be discended of so noble a house , and for my part , you shall be iniured by no way , but rather aduaunced , and if lyfe , goodes , or what euer else may pleasure you : be holde , for they are ready at your commaundement . By this tyme it waxed somewhat darke , and supper was ready , so the meate béeing serued vp into my Chamber , the Hoste came , and he , his wife and I , supped altogether .

The talke which Manniko Rigustello the host , Dania his wife , and Zelauto had together at Supper .

The Hoste béeing at supper with Zelau . knowing he was a Christian , and had a good minde to the same him selfe , entreth into talke with him . MAnniko Rigustello the Hoste , sitting at the Table , and séeing that I was a Christian , he béeing one him selfe that of long tyme endeuoured to become a Christian : desired me , ( if I coulde ) to rehears● some part of the Scripture , whereby he might receyne comfort and consolation , for the want of which he was long time troubled and vexed in his spyrit . Quoth I , though not so able as I would I were , yet wyll I reueale such things vnto you , as I haue no doubt but you shall be comforted thereby , and I wyll helpe to mitigate your wounded conscience , by the swéet and blessed promises of our Lord and sauiour Iesus Christe , a soueraigne medicine against all ●railties of the vyle and voluptuous ●●eshe .

Heere Zelauto rehearseth to Astraepho the comfortable talke that he vsed to his Hoste Manniko Rigustello , and of the conuersion of his Hoste .

AFter that God of his infinit goodnesse & mercy , had framed all things according to his heauenly will and pleasure , The creation of man . Gene. 1. as first the day and night , next the trées , the earth , the sea , the fishes , the fowles , and all liuing beasts : then made he Man the Image of his owne lykenes , and gr●ffed into him reason and vnderstanding , Man● made a gouernor . The beastes to labour for him , and to be his foode lykewise . Man , what a losse hee had . whereby he excelled all the creatures of the earth , insomuch , that he gaue him the domination ouer all other creatures , as the Oxe bothe to labour for him , and to be sustentation to his body likewise , the Horse to beare his wearie carkase , after his tedious labour , and other creatures beside for his behoofe and nourishment .

But man amyd all his gallant ioyes , receyued so sharpe and so heauy a fall : Man , cast out of Paradise . that for euer he lost his paradisall pleasures . Before , lyuing at lybertie , wanting nothing to his prosperity , was now driuen into such a perplexitie , that he must eate his bread in the sweat of his browes , tyll the ground by his wearie labour , beside , sustayning the wrathfull countenaunce of his heauenly Creator , that before was bent towarde him so loouingly : nowe cast out vtterly , ashamed to come before his Maiestie ,

God yet would not leaue vs succorlesse , but sent his Prophetes to preache to vs , then his Christ to pay the raunsome of our sinnes & what greeuous tormente● he did abyde for vs : yet we do not seeke to amende our naughtie lyuing , but dayly sinne more and more .

Zelauto telleth him what cruelty they vse to a poore member of Christes body , when they take him .

Through want of knowledge of God commeth this great tiranny ▪

To knowe God , is to do as we would be done vnto .

To knowe God , to worship him only .

To know God , to beleeue in his Christe .

To knowe God . bringeth lyfe euerlasting .

so horrible was his sinne & iniquitie , that the quantitie of his losse to vs is vnspeakable .

But what of that , dyd God for euer after leaue vs desolate ? dyd he send vs no comfort to succour vs ? Yes , yes , his Prophets to preache to vs , lastly , his déere Sonne to ransome vs , who when we were at the brinke of vtter destruction , payed the price of his precious blood , to redéeme vs . What mockings ? what scoffinges ? what raylinges ? what spytting in the face ? what whipping ? what crowning with thorne ? what nailing on the Crosse ? and what tyrannous tormentes dyd hée méekely , patiently , loouingly , gently , yea , & wyllingly suffer for our sinnes . But alas how lyttle doo we regard it ? we that knowe there is a God , & a punishment due to our sinnes : séeke not to amend our lyues . You that lyue in darknesse , and not able to attayne to so cléere lyght : how wilfully , how wantonly , how wickedly you leade your lyues because you wyll not knowe this . When you catche a Christian , a member of that swéete body that suffred all these torments : then triumphe you , what mercilesse tormentes he must abyde , alas , my heart bléedeth for to thinke on , howe tyrannically you can finde in heart to vse him ?

And whereof groweth this great crueltie you vse ? only for want of the knowledge of God . If you knew what God is : you would then consider with your selues , howe you should doo to an other man as you would be done to your selfe .

If you knewe God , you would neuer call on such a vaine thing as Mahomet is : but on the true God , he which lyueth and reygneth euerlastingly . If you knew God : you would then beléeue in his Christe , ( whose name you can not abyde ) and then you would consider what and how many gréeuous tormentes he suffered for you , and then would you rather séeke to increase the members of his body : then to make such hauocke and spoyle of them as you doo . So that if you knew God : you should be partakers with his déere chyldren , in the kingdome of heauen .

Manniko Rigustello the Hoste reasoneth with Zelauto .

SYr ( quoth the Hoste ) by this your talke , The Hoste mooued in minde at the talke of Zelauto : entreth into farder communication with him . The Hoste desireth to know how he might lykewise become a Christian. I am greatly mooued in minde . First , to consider the blindnesse in which I haue lyued : Next to thinke on the happy and blisfull lyfe that you Christians haue . But syr , I haue communed with a great many that haue come hether , and they in déede haue tolde me part of that which euen now you sayde , and haue hartned me verie much , but none that euer came so néere the quicke as you doo : well letting that passe , I am to desire you to infourm me howe I might attayne to so swéete a comfort as you haue . If my applyable paynes may ayde me to purchase it : I vowe no occasion whatsoeuer shall hinder me .

Zelauto .

I am right glad ( quoth I ) to heare that you haue so good a zeale & intent to the Christian faith , Zelauto glad to heare the Hosts good zeale , yet desireth him to cease of that talke tyll some 〈◊〉 ther more conueniēnt tyme . and my dilligence shall not want to councell you therein , but as of two extremities , the least is to be chosen , and of two euilles the wurst to be shunned : So holde I it best , that at this tyme we leaue to conferre of these matters , least that when we least of all thinke , the enimie come to subuert vs . At this tyme , if you please , let vs vse such delightfull talke ( vsed with moderation : ) as may well recreate vs : and no faulte be found therewith , yet think not ( I desire you ) but that I will satisfie your requests , in whatsoeuer you please , & you shall finde me to doo more for you , then now I minde to make protestation of . So if you are well instructed , and I deuoyde of my peryll : you shall winne your whole wishing , and I purchase no disprofite . How say you syr , are you contented to graunt to that I haue spoken ?

Manniko Rigustello , the Hoste .

The Hoste is wel contented with the reply of Zelauto , & falleth with him into other talke . In déede syr , you say trueth ▪ lyttle sayde is soone amended , and where the hedge is lowest , the beastes goe ouer soonest : therfore we wyll cea●●e this talke at this time , & reason therof betwéene our selues secretly . Therfore tell me I pray you , what was the cause of your comming into this Countrey , béeing such a soyle , wherin they rather desire your death , then wish your well fare ? and whether meane you from hence to trauayle ?

Zelauto .

Zelauto telleth to the Hoste the cause why hée went thus in trauaile . Sir ( quoth I ) you knowe that a youthfull minde is styll ventrous , and desirous to sée new sightes , and fashions euery day , wherefore I béeing one more addicted to pleasure then profite , and more desirous of nouelles , then to continew styll in one song : hazarded my selfe to all chaunces , whatsoeuer , and hitherto I haue out stoode them ( I thanke God : ) well inough . What shall followe I know not ▪ what is passed hath bene sufficientlie discharged , but whether I trauayle from hence , is vtterly vnknowen , thus you knowe at large the cause of my trauayles .

Mica Sheffola the Nephew of the Soldane came in ●erie sad and heauy . We had now sitten at supper not fully halfe an hower , but there came in one , a verie goodly Gentleman , who was Nephew to the Soldane of the Cittie , named Mica Sheffola , this Gentleman sate downe at the Table , and gaue a verie grétnesse sigh ▪ at length looking on me , the blood rose aboundantly in his face , and the teares began to trickle downe his chéekes . My Hostesse . Dania séeing the pensiue plight of this Gentleman : ran to him , The Hostes of the house taketh the Gentleman about the necke to comfort him . and tooke him about the necke saying . Alas good syr , what meaneth these mestiue motions ? What harme is happened that makes you so heauy ? Or what cause procureth you to lament in this sort ? O tell me good swéete syr , and if any helpe lyeth in me : credit me , I wyll doo it to the verie vttermost of my power . Ah good Dania ( quoth he ) I knowe right well , if thou couldest remedy the matter ▪ thou wouldest doo it wyllingly , but the case so standeth , that it is farre from thy power to pleasure me , or any that I knowe , that is able to doo so much for me . Then looked he on me againe , and faine he would haue spoken , but yet he was halfe afrayde , which I séeing , and hearing him say , that a man might pleasure him in the cause of his so great sorrow , I sayd .

Gentleman , Zelauto séeing the great sadnesse of the Gentleman speaketh vnto him . Arte and inuencion of man hath framed for euery sore a salue , for euery malladie a medicine , & for euerie disease a cause or remedy for the same . Likewise God , as he hath framed the mouth : so hath he sent meate to sustayne the same with all , and as he sendeth sicknesse to man , so dooth he send him health againe .

Man of him selfe is placed among a multitude of myseries , somtime ready to fall into this euill , then into the , yet is he not left desolate . As God sendeth him myserie : so sendeth he ioye againe , a whyle he scourgeth , and then he ceaseth , a whyle he lowreth , and then he laugheth .

The Phisition first ministreth a sharpe Salue to searche the deapth of the disease , Zelauto séeketh by many and sundrie-examples to cause the Gentleman to leaue his great and sodayn sadnesse . and then he the better and sooner healeth his cure ? The Prince a whyle frowneth vppon his Subiect , to declare his authoritie , and to make him to obey ? but afterward he vseth his dealinges mercifully . The maister quickeneth vp the dull minde of the Scholler with sharpe woordes ▪ and stripes of the rodde at the first : but afterward he looueth him , and maketh much of him .

Euen so Sir it maybe , that some sodeyne chaunce permitted by God hath happened , as to depriue you of some of your déerest fréendes , He applyeth his former allegations to the Gentleman . or else that some vnlooked for mischaunce hath happened , which procureth your pensiuenesse , souseth you in sorrowes ▪ and maketh you mone in such mestiue manner . I● so it be , thinke not but he which hath sent this Crosse : is able to take it away againe , and that he which causeth you now to lament : wyll at length cause you to laugh .

He sheweth him howe his great lamenting dooth but bring all his sences out of quiet . Therefore neuer wrap your selfe in woes , nor waste your dayes in wayling : For that can but cause the vnquietnesse of the minde , distemperature of the body , and lykewise bereaue you of your sences . Pardon my presumption ( Syr ) I pray you , in that I s●eme to meddle in this matter , which to me nothing pertaineth , and that I perturbe your patience with my friuolous talke . I doubt not but it is as well taken : as it is meant by me and spoken , and as courteously construed , as my poore self pretended . I would be verie loth to haue any heauy , although I can procure them small pleasure , and I would be sorie to sée one in sadnesse : if by my meanes I might mooue him to myrth .

He courteouslie offreth him self , to pleasure him by any means that lyeth in him to doo . Therefore Syr ( although you be to me a straunger , and I haue no commission to examin you in this case , yet as a fréend that wisheth you well , and would willingly , woorke your well fare , ) if you please to vnfolde the cause that molesteth your minde , and what you thinke is best remedy therfore : I promise you on my fidelitie , though it were to encounter with any enimie , to procure you a remedy : I would hazard it wyllingly . In signe and token wherof , that my déede shall make manifest my woorde : I offer you the hand of a true and faithfull Christian.

Mica Sheffold the Soldanes Nephew replyeth to the courteous offer of Zelauto .

WHen the Gentleman had well pondered my tale , and béeing one ( as I was informed by my Hostesse before ) that I néede not to doubt of , because he was a good Christian him selfe , but he durst not be knowen therof : tooke my hand and courteously kyssed it , and then began to say .

The Gentleman kisseth Zelautoes hand● , and then beginneth fréendly to talke with him . Syr , I am glad of your Christian company , but sorie for your béeing in so succorles a soyle , and although you be a straunger : yet to me the welcommest man alyue . I haue noted well your freendly talke , and wishe I were able any way to requite it , neuertheles you shall finde me more your fréend then I entend to boast of , and I will awarde any extremitie , that may héere séeme to hurt you , in hope when you haue heard it : you wyll doo your good will to helpe it .

It is so syr ( as your Hoste can credibly wytnesse ) that I am Nephew to the Soldane Neoreo , The Gentleman openeth the cause of his sadnesse to Zelauto . who gouerneth this Cittie , and one , who with him am able to doo you a pleasure , but at this tyme , Fortune hath frowned so frowardly : that she hath dasht the chéefe of my desires in the dust . I haue a very gallant , godly and vertuous Gentlewoman to my Sister , who because of her Christian beléefe , His syster for her christian beléefe appointed to death . and constant auouching of the same : is condempned by the Lawe , and to morrowe shée must loose her life . Yet hath the Soldane thus much graunted , that if any one whatsoeuer , dare venture him selfe against a Champion by force of Armes to set her frée : shée shall vpon his good successe be restored at lybertie . To take this case in hand I knowe no one dare be so bolde , there are many which wyllingly would : but that they doubt to be suspected thereby , my selfe dare wyllingly venture the cause : More of her fréends but for feare of suspition dare venture to stand in her quarel . but that if I should conquere the enimie , myne Unckle the Soldane would conspire my death by some meanes , so that séeing no way to adiuuate this extremitie , I am fully perswaded shée shall dye the death . And to request you héerein , I willingly would not , for that I know it were the losse of your life : which ( on my Christian fidelytie ) I would be lothe to heare of , much lesse to be the procurer thereof ▪ Wherfore ( good syr ) tell me the best councell you can , what may be done in this doubtfull matter ?

Zelauto .

I hauing heard the Gentlemans sorrowfull tale , Zelauto deuiseth what were best to be done in this doubtfull case . and considered the distressed case of that famous and woorthy Lady : thought , that if I lost my lyfe in defence of my faith , my Captayne Christe would purchase me the greater reward . Again , if the Lady were so constant , to abyde such mercilesse tormentes as her owne kyndred , and the residue of her enimies would wyllingly lay vpon her , Zelauto thinketh it a great shame for ●uer vnto him , if he should not apply his paynes to set the Lady frée . and all for the zealous Christianitie which remayned in her vertuous brest : I should deseruedly reape a great reproche , if I could and would not séeke to mittigate her miseries . Therfore wholy committing the cause to Gods omnipotencie , and not accoumpting of my life , to set foorth his glorie : I enterprised the matter courragiously , in assured hope to foyle the enimie . And if that afterwarde my death by any meanes should be conspired : I would referre all to the wyll of the almightie , for that death were vnto me aduauntage , and life nothing meritorious . The learned say : Summa virtutis Potestas est . Cui come● virtus non est , is animo facile cadit a fortuna percussus . The minde therefore adorned with vertue : wyll neuer be timerous of that which shall rayse his eternall honour , for after death is the glory of a mans preter dayes wytnessed , as it is rightly sayde : Viuit post funera Virtus ; and euen so I encouraged , Mors non est fo●midanda . through the good hope I had sustayned : I made no accoumpt of this miserable mortality , but addressed my selfe to set the Lady at lybertie , and so turning to the Gentleman , I sayd .

Zelauto replyeth to the demaund of the Gnetle man . Syr , as I am wylling to worke your well fare . So am I doubtfull of my destruction , and as I may pleasure you to your perpetuall profite : so may I hinder my selfe to my helplesse harmes : You say your selfe , the aduenture is so aduerse : that on bothe sides it bringeth death , though the Lady enioye her lybertie : the Conquerer must abyde captiue , therefore neither can the Lady like her delyuerie : nor her Champion his harde choyse .

Againe , if I ( béeing a Christian ) should conceiue so good a courage , as to venture on my valiancy , to redresse her emminent myserie : I doubt least a farder inconuenience might be to her alotted , and to me a death , that ( albeit dying ) should styll lyue , this is to be doubted , and if it might be possible , woorthy to be preuented . But nowe Syr to assure your selfe , what a Christian courage can comprehend , & to satisfie the sorrowes , that you and your fréendes haue sustayned , thus much ( more for your fréendly fauor , then any gaine I hope for , yea and more for the good lyking that I haue conceyued , then for any ryches wherewith you are able to reward me ) I dare hazard my selfe to defend your Syster , and stand to the peryll that my presumption may procure me . Wherefore if it shall please you , 〈…〉 to pray for the 〈…〉 able to lend me : I will 〈…〉 .

Whe● the Gentleman 〈◊〉 heard the fréendly offer which I made him , and vppon so small acquaintaunce ▪ 〈…〉 .

〈◊〉 thy Sir , 〈…〉 woordes of a Turke , may so perfectly pierce your heart 〈…〉〈…〉 .

〈…〉〈…〉 shall be victor : He giueth to Zelauto his hand to be a Christian , and with him to taste of any troubles . It shall be verie hard but I will reskew you from their rigor , and my selfe take part of your paynes whatsoeuer . And héere in token , my woords shall turne into déedes , I giue you the hande of a Turke , chaunged to a Christian , With you to lyue and lacke , with you to be true and trusty , Vsque ad mortem .

Syr ( quoth I ) neyther do● my déedes deserue halfe the good report you haue vttered , nor my simple self woorthy to weare such commendation . Zelauto desireth him in the morning to bring his armor , and he wyll discharge his promise . But as the 〈◊〉 béeing touched , followeth so farre as it can : so I béeing praised , presume as farre as honesty may holde me . What I haue promised , I purpose to performe , and what you haue offered , I shall still a●●●●mpt of : in the morning set ●e brought 〈◊〉 defence as shall serue the turne : and I am héere your Champion ready to the Combat .

Our Hoste hauing sitten all this whyle , and heard what woords had passed betwéene vs ▪ right ioyfull that I would aduenture for the Lady , The Hoste rendreth thankes to Zelauto . sayd thus . Now surely Gentlem●n , were the vttermost of my 〈◊〉 able to aunswer your singuler courtesie , or any action ( whatsoeuer ) I your poore fréend could performe : you should not finde me so forward to vtter the same , as I would be in the verifying thereof , but in token that I would discharge what héere I haue spoken : I , and all mine resteth at your commaundement . Then turned he to the Gentleman saying . The Hoste speaketh to Mica Sheffola . And you Syr ( for your part ) haue good occasion to thinke your comming fortunate 〈◊〉 and your time not yll bestowed : when you finde a fréend so ready to graunt your request . I should thinke you verie much discourteous , and that small humanity harbored in you , if you should séeme to be obliuious of so courteous an offer , but I knowe your wisdome wyll 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 so wisely : that my simple selfe néede not to make mencion thereof , yet as one that wisheth your good ●redite should be blased by your good déedes : and that so noble a Gentleman should not be lightly remembred : I was so bolde to interrupt your patienee with my friuolous talke , and to occupie the tyme , better then to stande ydle .

With that , The Hostesse speaketh to Zelauto , & to Mica Sheffola . my Hostesse Dania , courteouslie kyssing my hand , beganne to say as followeth . Woorthy Syr , neyther would I wishe you to surmyse my woordes spoken of flatterie : nor that you should suppose I speake otherwise then my minde serueth me , neyther you noble Sheffola to misconster my meaning ; but to accept as my talke shall giue occasion . First , the outward apparaunce of this gallant Gentlemans humanitie : maketh ample discouerie of true nobillitie . Next , the hauty courage that consisteth in his valiaunt brest : argueth that his Parentes are of hye degrée , The Hostesse her great good wyll to Zelauto . for we all béeing straungers , and you most of all : his séemely selfe to take vppon him to discharge so great a taske , as the losse of his owne lyfe to succour your Syster : m● thinkes you are vnable to counteruayle his courtesie , who forceth not his lyfe to defend Christianitie . Therefore Syr , for euer commaund me and mine , farder then now I meane to make mencion of .

M● fréendes ( quoth I ) your good wyll I sée is great , Zelauto thanketh his Hoste and Hostes for theyr good opinion . and your affection so feruent : that you imbolden me to perfourme that which I haue made vaunt of , wherefore you Syr , may depart when you please , and fayle not to send such thinges as are néedefull , and that verie timely in the morning .

Syr ( quoth he ) your minde shall be fulfylled , to the vttermost that you haue required , Mica Sheffola dep●●teth from Zelauto and goeth to the prison to his syster . and nowe wyll I goe to the prison to my solytarie Syster , to comfort those cares that this harde happe procureth , so shall I dryue her from doubt , and procure her to prayer , that her Champion may prooue so valiaunt , as to vanquishe her enimies . In the meane tyme I committe you Syr , to your God , who I pray to strengthen you in your attempt , and so mine Hoste and Hostesse bothe fare well .

The Gentleman béeing thus departed , Zelauto confirmeth the Hoste in the Christian fayth . and the howre of rest app●oching ▪ I entred with mine Hoste into a Chamber , secretly betwéene our selues , and there exhorted him in the best manner I could , so that my dillygent labour bestowed : brought him to a good beléefe , and that he was fully pretended to lyue and dye in the good counsayle I gaue him .

Well , all that night , I went not to bedde , but on my knées with heaued handes , made my peti●ions to my God almightie , to shéelde me safe from the tyrannie of my mortall enimies .

Mica Sheffola returneth in the morning , with the Armour for Zelauto . In the morning , the Gentleman returned agayne , and brought with him a verse gallant Courser , a coate of Complet Armour , a Shéelde , and other necessaries . When he was entred my Chamber , verie courteouslie , he sayd . Albeit ( woorthy Syr ) I can not comprehend my long expectation in all poyntes , but that I fayle in the fulfilling some part thereof : I doubt not but you wyll respect the breuitie of the tyme , and allowe a reasonable excuse , contayning nothing but trueth . And though this furniture is not so 〈◊〉 as I would it were , nor my entraunce so honestly discharged , as it might haue béene : I hope you wyll déeme the one as farre as might could maintayne it , and accoumpt the other but for want of good manners : neuerthelesse , if you beare with my boldnesse on this behalfe , perchaunce it may be hereafter a sufficient warning .

He sheweth the great courage of his Syster to the death . Fyrst Sir , yester night after I departed , I went to the prison to sée my Sister , whom I found nothing fainting , though feare were so nye : nor in ought to dismay at the terror of death , but rather reioycing , that her race was so néere run , and to leaue mortality for eternal felicity , saying vnto me . O brother , neither molest your minde with any 〈◊〉 ones , nor subdue your selfe with any sorrowes for I goe to gl●rie , leauing you héere in a world of myserie , wherefore I would the howre were at hande to translate this Trag●die ▪ then should I haue my with● , and they suffice them with tyranny . But since it can not be so soone as I would , but perfor●● I shall stay tyll choir .

Mica Sheffola hearing the ioyful wordes of his Syster reioyced . When I behelde my Syster , 〈…〉 courage , from mourning to myrth , and from pensiuenes to perfect gladnesse : what ioy I conceyued , is not nowe to be spoken of , for the wyllingnesse that she had to the death , caused me perfectly to beléeue , that their excessiue tormentes should not any and attaynt her : but that in the fulnesse of her fayth , she would withstand their practises whatsoeuer , and then I sayd vnto her . The words he spake to his Sister . Déere Syster , as I am right ioyfull of this your Christianlike courage : so wishe I you may remaine vnto the ende , but thus much comfort is sent you , & thus much good hope to harten you : that there is a Christian Champion in this Cittie , wyll aduenture lym and life in defence of your constancie , and thus much he hath wylled me to tell you , that this night you must passe in prayers , for his safe successe . Wherfore kéepe this secrete to your selfe , for it is vnknowen to any● and least I should be in ought suspected : I wyll byd you adiew good Syster . With that the Iaylor came to attend o● talke : and I séeing that departed . Then went I in to the Soldanes Armorie , and from thence brought the best 〈◊〉 finde , & héere is mine owne Shéeld , Launce and 〈◊〉 , which I doubt not but wyll like you well .

¶ Zelauto hearing the discourse passed by Mica Sheffola , and hauing finished his Orisons : vnto him verie courteouslie replyeth in this manner .

SIr , Zelauto after Mica Sheffola had ended his discourse : sayth vnto him . the good wyll I wishe you , and the dutifull courtesie I am ready to offer you , I trust shall suffice for to byd you good morrowe . These weapons which you haue brought , and this Armour h●re present : shall ( through the assistaunce of my God ) eyther set at lybertie your godly Sister : or be bathed with my blood in the open féelde , for this I wyll assure you , and without vaunt be it spoken : I neuer in all my life went about any thing so wyllingly , as I nowe goe ●o the Combate for my conscience , & were he as great as Goliah , as stoute as Sampson , Zelauto so armed with so good a courage , that hée doubteth not but to spéede well . and as monstrous as the Mino●aure● ▪ I wyll be so bolde as bestowe a fewe blowes , not doubting but they shall be indifferently delyuered , and that the Soldane him selfe shall say ; he that wyll buye her better then I : is woorthy to haue her when he hath done .

And if afterwarde , by trayterous treason , he séeke to bereaue my life : yet shall he knowe , that no man deserueth it better then I. But I pray you ( quoth I ) doo you know the other Champion against whome I must wage battayle ? is he any man of accoumpt , or of such estimation , as to fight in this quarrell taken in hand ?

Terolfo the Soldanes son , is he that must fyght against Zelauto . He aunswered me , that it was the Soldanes Sonne , named Terolfo , a man of synguler courage , and one that had aduentured verie woorthily in his tyme , bothe by Sea and Land , in verie great affayres .

Mary all the better ( quoth I ) the more noble the man is : the more famous wyll the fight be , and ryght glad I am that it is the Soldanes Sonne : for then if I dye , I dye at the hands of a valiaunt Champion . And about what time think● you ( quoth I ) that it wyll be when shée shall be conducted foorth to death ?

Zelauto demaundeth at what tyme the Lady must suffer death Syr ( quoth he ) verie early ; because they are verie wylling to dispatche her , least any other should séeme to take opinion of her fayth , and it wyll not be long nowe , for the Officer● were gone to the prison to make her ready , and the Trumpet soundeth on the Castle , for any Champion that wyll come , the Stake is made ready to burne her at , and wood , and all thinges ready brought . The Soldane him selfe , and all his Lordes are ready , wherefore I knowe it wyll not be long hence now .

Well ( sayd I ) the time is welcome , whensoeuer it commeth , and if it shall please you to helpe to arme me : it shall not be long before I am ready too .

Manniko Rigustello , and Dania his wife commeth vp into the Chamber to Zelauto , and there helpeth to arme him .

THen presently came vp mine Hoste and his Wife , The Hoste & his wife commeth vp to Zelauto . who after they had courteouslie saluted me : they and the Gentleman , helped to arme me . After I was ready , I heard a great noyse of Trumpettes . Syr ( quoth the Gentleman ) nowe commeth this sorrowfull sight , The order howe the Lady was lead vnto her death . héere commeth the séelly Lambe lead vnto her slaughter . I looked out , and there came the Soldane and his Lordes , before him a great garde of Armed men , some on horsebacke , some on foote , and next before the Soldane , rode one on a verie gallant Stéede , a valiaunt and comly Champion .

After the Soldane and his Lordes , came the innocent Lady , in a fayre whyte Roabe downe to the ground , about her were the Tormenters , that should payne her to death , then after them a company of auncient Matrones all in blacke , to mourne the Ladyes death , and after them came all the braue Ladyes and Gentlewomen of the Cittie , all to sée the execution of this poore innocent .

All these béeing past , The departure of Mica Sheffola . the Gentleman tooke his leaue of mee tyll I came to the place , which was not farre of . Within a whyle I lystened , and heard the Trumpette sounde verie shryll , then it stayed , and sounded the second tyme , vp came mine Hoste and sayde . Syr nowe it is tyme , hye you quickly or else neuer .

The comming of Zelauto to the place to fight for the Lady . I got vp on Horsebacke , and by that tyme I was come out of the doores , the Trumpet sounded againe ▪ Then rode I with all the possyble spéede I might , tyll I came to the place , and when the Soldane and all his company sawe a defendour come in such haste : they were all abashed . There was great enquirie what I should be , and from whence I came , the braue Ladyes and Damoselles , they were excéeding ioyfull , and when I was entred the myddest , I saluted the Soldane as well as I could , and lykewise the Champion , then made I obeysaunce to all the company beside , who thronged néere to heare what I would say , and then began I to frame my talke this order .

The woordes of Zelauto to the Soldane . If right woorthy Soldane , and you also noble Lordes , by the verdict of your wisedomes , shall lycence mée to yéelde to lybertie , what I haue to saye , and be not offensiue at any thing héere spoken : I shall thinke you shewe mée nothing but Iustice and equitie , and then I shall accoumpt your Fame the more woorthy .

Quoth the Soldane , The Soldane aunswereth Zelauto . thou hast frée leaue to speake , and lybertie to doo what thou canst : but what wyll follow we can not assure thée . Why ( quoth I ) offering no iniurie to any person present , nor wishing to be no otherwise dealt with all , then my déedes deserue : I trust you shall finde no occasion of any offence , but that what I say , may be well borne with all . Well ( quoth the Soldane ) if all be well , it is the better for thée : if any thing yll , stand to your owne aduenture .

Zelauto beeing come to the place where he must defend the Ladyes cause , who stoode there before him ready bound to a stake , and hauing talked with the Soldane , as touching pardon for his bolde attempt : thus beginneth to make his Oration , in the presence of them all .

AFter I had well pondred the sharpe reply of the Soldane , Zelauto nowe setteth a good face on the matter , not fearing the Soldane . and that since I was entred before them all , it behooued me to set a good face on the matter , & not dismay my self with any of their diuellish dealinges : neyther estéeming the furie of the Soldane , nor crauing the courtesie of any his companions ; aduaunced my selfe forwarde , and sayd .

Since neyther promise may be proffered to purchase my pardon , nor licence for that I shall yéeld vnto lybertie ; neither dismaying through doubt of your dealing , nor fearing the chéefest ●orte of your furie , I pronounce in presence what my minde giues occasion : and wyll mayntaine the same with the losse of my life .

Zelauto his Oration . Beholde ( inuincible Soldane ) you noble Lords ( and you renowned Matrones ) a man , bothe dead and a lyue , a lyue to aduaunce the cause of this Lady : and dead ( in that my victory ) returneth losse of my lyfe . But yet remembring life is vncertayne , & death is so that each man may make accoumpt thereof : I nought estéeme the likelyhood of my life , but arme my selfe , as one willing to the death .

Yet by perfect proofe we sée , that the tallest Trée , abydes many a bitter blaste , the brauest Bulwarke , by force is battered , the hautiest Hart , subiect to a fall , and the proudest person ( at last ) maketh his Cabben of clay : euen so your potencie may soone be peruerted , and the vttermost of your tyranny , cleane disapoynted . Sée héere the guyltlesse doomed to death , sée héere the lewdest suffered to lyue , beholde where trueth is turnde out of all , sée héere where falsehood boasteth in his brauerie .

But since rashnesse in spéeche maketh me run too farre : the knowledge of my selfe calleth me backe againe , I confesse it is not my part to disalowe of your dealings , nor to contemne the principalitie , which now you professe : yet may I reprehend the abused aucthorytie , ruled by rigor and not by indifferencie . You will say , that Princes are not to professe partialitie , and that the Subiect should not meddle in the swaying of his dignitie : yet ought the Prince to deale vprightly , and not to pinche that partie , that auoucheth most ●ayth and dutifull loyaltie . Admit that the Prince may so farre ouer run him selfe , that by ambicious heades , double dealers , and priuie enemies , he condempneth the man , that most dooth honour him : yet is not his death to be prosecuted so hastily : but to be considered of with wisdome and discretion .

This Lady for example , no straunger , but of your owne blood , and no enimie to your Maiestie : but rather one that wisheth you inestimable dignitie , she by you is condempned , for wishing you well , & shée committed to this mortall death : that séeketh to saue you from eternall death . What heart so hard , can commit such crueltie ? and what beast so brutishe , but dealeth more naturally . If to your owne blood , you will deal● so tyrannically : how will you deale with me poore wretch of so meane estimation ? Me thinketh that though the extremity you vse to the vttermost : Nature yet should mooue with an inward affection , and though that iustly she deserued the death : yet should naturall kindnesse procure you to pittie . Also among so many gallant youthes , none so ventrous to defend her cause , nor none so inflamed with affection , as to mittigate her myserie . Me thinke noble Ladyes , that some one of you ought to haue stoode her defender : if no man had the courage to hazard his lyfe . Admit that the estate of your Countrey consisted on this Ladyes well fare : would you séeme so slouthfull , as to suffer your whole Countrey to perishe , rather then to make apparaunce of your manhood ?

King Codrus béeing aduertised by the Oracle , Codrus yéelded him selfe to dye for the sauegard of his people . that except he were slayne : his people should not vanquishe their enimies : armed him selfe lyke a Soldier , placing him selfe in the forefront of the armie , and there by his death , set all his people at quietnesse . Beholde what great affection was in this noble Prince , who more estéemed the sauegard and happy societie of his people : then his owne life .

Aglaurus , Aglaurus by throwing himself from the walles of Athens , redéemed his Countrey . to shun the emminent daunger that was like to fall vpon Athens , seeing his death only might set it at liberty : threw him selfe headlong from the walles of Athens , and so ended the strife , where else it should haue bene conquered . But now attend you noble Ladyes , and you modest Matrones : let the excellent example of Iphigenia cause you to remember what care you ought to haue in the preuenting of such daungers as may happen , and by some one of you may be easily escaped . Shée ( I say ) séeing that her death would appease the rigor of her enimies , Iphigenia , yéelded her selfe to be sacrificed . yéelded her selfe to be sacrificed . Oh admirable vertue ▪ oh singuler constancie , her matche as rare to finde in these partes : as to sée golden Goates to féede on gréene mountaynes , yet wish I that all Women would prosecute her rare rule of life , and that some one Iphigenia among you , would hazard your hap to set frée this Lady .

But least in wishing you to be warriours , I should séeme to ●hroude my selfe , and that you should thinke I come to prate , rather then to put my puissance in practise : I wyll cease to trouble you with ouermuch talke , & vtter the cause wherfore I come . First , I come to sue and intreate , if I may haue good successe , which is , that you would spare the life of this famous Lady : and not cut of her dayes in her gallantest prime , that you would remember the race shée is discended of : and woorke no wurse to her , then you would to your owne selues . Next , if you● Lawes be so extreme that they may not spare punishment , and eke you your selues so wilfull , that you must néedes woorke her wrack : I thinke it sufficient that you put her in exyle , with expresse charge in payne of death neuer to returne : so may your rigor be verie well asswaged , & shée for her paines indifferently penaunced . Thus in your Land shall you euer héereafter be magnified : and all people wyll laude your Princely dealinges . And lastly , if neyther of these peticions may séeme to take place , but that you must néedes execute the vttermost of your crueltie : Héere am I byfore of Armes to defend her quarrell , and against this your Champion will liue and dye in her defence . This is the cause of my comming , and this the dutie I haue to discharge .

The Soldane stroken into a great quan ●arie . With that the Soldane began to looke on his Lords , and they on him , the Ladyes & all that were present , was stroken into a great maze , some for ioy clapped theyr handes , and some on the other side began to wéepe : the poore distressed Lady stoode all this whyle bound to the stake , and the Tormentors ready to make the fire . At last the Champion began to come néerer vnto me : and the Soldane hauing taken good aduisement of my woordes , sayd as followeth .

The Soldane after he had well pondred the passed tale of Zelauto : made his reply in this order , as followeth .

The Soldane replieth to Zelauto . SIr , as we haue well aduised our selues of your woordes : so are we to giue aunswere , as wée shall thinke best , and as your talke séemeth to giue occasion . We are not to condempne you for that you haue spoken : nor yet to commend you , least you should receyue a priuate pride in your selfe , also your manhood we are not to reprooue , nor yet of your qualities we are not to accoumpt : although bothe of them in you haue made a séemely shewe , but as your manhood may misse , when you thinke most surest : so may your qualities be so craftie , as at last may deceyue your selfe . And where you haue alleaged , that naturall affection should woorke in vs , especially towards them of our owne Parentage : I aunswere , that were shee mine owne Childe , making an offence : shée is woorthy to be beaten , and so shée , altring from all her fréends , Kinskolke and faith : in our iudgementes shée is woorthy to taste the sharpest torments . Farder , you sayd that shée dooth it as an example in wishing our weale : we aunswere , That they which speak vs fayre and looue vs not : We will speake them as fayre , and trust them not , and shée that would take no warning when shée might , nowe if shée would , we will not accept of it . But belyke ▪ you are of the same opinion your selfe : and that makes you heare so much with her in that respect , if you be , choose you , the wurse will be your owne in the ende .

To 〈◊〉 vp the whole estate of your talke it were néedelesse , and to trifle the time we doo not intend , our aunswer is this , neyther pittie shall procure vs to consider of her cause , nor exyle shall be graunted , to her for her offence : but only the death whereto shée is adiudged . Now win her and weare her , shewe the best of thy manhood : but take héede of the ende .

When I perceyued the Soldane so fully bent , to bathe his handes in her guyltlesse blood , and that nothing but her death might séeme to suffice him : Zelauto talketh to the Lady bound to the stake . I went to the Lady , and thus I vsed my talke . Lady ▪ neyther can I warrant you lyfe : or my selfe able to vanquishe your enimie , but how euer it be of the death I doo assure my selfe ▪ wherfore neither faint with feare , nor forgette your faith , but as you séeme to be constant vnto the death : so frame your peticions , the better shall I spéede . If I redéeme you , it is the cheefest of my desire : If I dye my selfe , God will receyue my soule . Thus neyther trusting to the one , more then the other : or more accoumpting of lyfe , then I doo of death : I enter the féeld to fortifie your faith , and hazard my hap , as shall please God to spéede me .

With that the Lady ( whose comely and swéete countenaunce me thinkes I yet beholde ) made aunswer vnto me as héere I shall tell you . The Lady replyeth to Zelauto . Most noble Syr , I may thinke my selfe happy to haue so good a Champion : and coumpt the féelde wonne , how euer it spéede : if you foyle my enemie , I haue that I looke for , yet if you dye your selfe : my state is farre wurse then it was before , rather had I to abyde the brunt , and you to shéelde your selfe : then to ende two bodies lyues , where one may suffise , so shall the enemie gorge him selfe with my blood : & your good wyll be neuerthelesse estéemed of . Therefore good Syr , content you , and escape hence if you can , for I am prepared to abide what it shall please them to lay on me .

Nowe credit me Syr , these her woordes dyd so greatly encourage me : that had it béene against Men and Monsters , yea , the furious féendes , I would haue ventured what euer had betyde me : Zelauto speaketh againe to the Lady . So then I sayd vnto her . No Lady , what I haue promised , shall be presently performed , they shall not say , that a Christian will eate his woorde : but that he dare venture against the proudest of them . And so fare well good Lady , for héere goes your woorthy Knight , who before hée returneth , wyll eyther subdue thy enimie : or loose his lyfe in the féelde .

Terolfo the Soldanes sonne speaketh to Zelauto . When the Champion sawe I was returned : he came vnto me saying ▪ Syr , as you are a Knight at Armes , and héere professe the same : so nowe according to the order and custome of the Lawe , I am to desire your name .

Trueth Syr ( quoth I ) and of my name I am not ashamed , my name is Zelauto , Zelauto his replye . and I come to maintaine the cause of this Lady . Nowe am I to request as much of you .

Terolfo his reply . Syr ( quoth he ) my name is Terolfo , I am sonne to the Soldane , and héere am chalenger , on the behalfe of my Father . I trust you wyll pardon what shall passe betwéene vs héere in this place .

With all my heart ( quoth I ) and I am not in doubt , but you will doo the like , Zelauto forgiueth Terolfo . for if I am ordayned to dye in this place : I franke and fréely forgiue him that dooth the déede , so it be but one man .

And if you Syr ( quoth he ) are the man to dispatch my dayes : Terolfo forgiueth Zelauto . with all my heart I forgiue you my death .

Then were the Coursers sent abroade to make roome , the men appoynted to iudge the fyght , euerie thing in order appoynted , that belongeth to the matter , we went about , hée fetching his course one way , and I an other , and so we began a fierce and terrible fight .

Then began a valiant and fierce Combat , between Zelauto , and the Soldanes sonne Terolfo , which was so excellently well handled on bothe sides : that it was doubtfull to whome the victorie should fall , but yet at the last , after many fierce assaults , Zelauto kylleth him in the open feeld , and so redeemed the Lady from death , and what happened to him afterward .

WE endured so long in daungerous and doubtfull fight , that he had small hope to vaunt of any victorie , or I any likelyhood to boast of the bargaine , but credite me , he for his part verie valiantly behaued him selfe , and deserued rightly to be well estéemed of , for neyther any feare could inforce him to faynt : nor wearinesse of war●e cause him leaue of , but stoutly and couragiouslie , behaued him selfe manfully .

Zelauto killeth Terolfo in fight . At last , it was my fortune to strike the stroke that dispatched him , the which was as great a gréefe vnto me ● as to any of his familiar fréendes , for gladly would I haue conquered him , & saued his lyfe : but not bothe vanquish him , and bereaue his life . But as you know your selfe , a man in such affayres , dealeth as best he can , for the sauegarde of him selfe , is his chéefest desire : euen so I was warie least the lot should haue lyghted on me , and so valiantly ●lew him before his father and all his fréendes .

But to sée what leaping , what clapping of handes , what throwing vp of Cappes , The Ladyes and common people reioyce at the victorie of Zelauto . and what great ioy was made of the Ladyes and the common people , would haue reioyced you to heare . Then was the Lady let loose , and I commaunded to come before the Soldane , who was not before so willing to the death of the Lady : as he was now sorrowfull for the yll successe of his sonne .

When I was come before him , he sayd . We confesse ( Syr Knight ) that you haue done the déede manfully ; The woordes of the Soldane to Zelauto . and that you are woorthy a greater rewarde , then héere you are lyke to gayne : but yet since you haue ●ereaued my Sonne of life , we must therefore deale the more hardly with you . And as the rewar● you must haue for your victorie , is death ● euen so we wyll you to take it patiently , and not to striue , least farder harme doo arise vnto you .

If you had saued the life of my sonne ▪ we could then haue permitted more pittie , then nowe we can , or if you had wounded him , yet that he might haue lyued : your fréedome had béene soone ●bought , where now all the ritches of India is not able to doo it . Your selfe was not altogether ignoraunt before , how that the redéeming 〈◊〉 life : was the death of the partie whatsoeuer , and we infourmed you , that in such sort you might behaue your self , as no man should molest you , you haue now dealt so with vs● that 〈◊〉 fréendship may be found , and beside , your 〈…〉 vtterly condempne 〈◊〉 Yet wyll we somewhat vse you honestly in the matter ▪ you shall not presently féele the 〈◊〉 of your paine : but for the space of fowre dayes , lyfe shall be graunted you , in which tyme , dispose your selfe to dye , for there is no other meanes can be made for you● . Thus doo we not deale with you as sharply as we might ● nor vse 〈◊〉 otherwise then the Law● was appointed , she hath her life , let her goo where s●e please and 〈◊〉 your death , which we are sorie 〈◊〉 yet can not it be 〈◊〉

When I had well aduised my selfe of this sharpe sentence● and that no remedy there was , but Lawe must procéede , then looking on all sides , and beholding the trickling heares of the modest Matrones . the 〈◊〉 and Gentlewomen 〈…〉 for me , the commmon people also vsing such pittifull 〈…〉 that it gréeued them intierly to heare such wofull 〈…〉 taking heart 〈…〉 , and drea●ing no myserie , but trusted in my Christe assuredlie : and thus I aunswered the Soldane .

〈…〉 of the déede that 〈…〉 moues of these 〈…〉 as of sufficiencie 〈…〉 other I must néedes abide the death , and there is no remedie : then beholde me as wylling to the losse of my lyfe , as I was dillygent to discharge the Ladyes distresse . It is not my lyfe that I doo accoumpt of , nor yet my death that wyll returne your aduauntage : This Ladyes well fare is all my desire , and my dying for her , to cause you worke no more iniurie to her .

But since the death of your Sonne is the cause of your choller , and that if he had lyued , the better might haue beene my happe : I trust you are not ignoraunt what belongeth to the Lawe of Armes , and what passeth betwéene vs in sight ought to be pardoned . I was as vnsure of my lyfe as he , and I was as hopefull of victorie as he : If then bothe parties doo their dillygence as beséemeth them , what harme eyther of them sustayne is not to be accoumpted of . Therfore if for his death you deale with me extremely : I must néedes say you vse extremitie , and no Lawe or Iustice .

And for the fowre dayes of respyte you haue graunted , I am to thanke you , for that it is more of your clemencie : then of my simple deseruing , yet in the meane tyme I accoumpt my selfe but a dead man , for that your doome is passed , albeit Lawe is to execute .

Zelauto giueth his fare well to all the Ladyes and Gentlewomen . Wherefore , you noble Ladyes , you verteous Damoselles , and you déere Lady , in whose defence my death is obtayned , from my heart I bid you all farewell , wishing as wel to your swéete selues , as to mine owne poore heart , and if my tyme had not béene cut of so soone as nowe it is : you should haue séene that which now I am not able to vnfolde . In your causes I lyue and dye , and for your sakes I haue thus much attempted , therefore to you all I byd farewell . And to you all in generall , whose wylles I sée should not want to woorke my well fare , I would my abilytie were as sufficient to pleasure you : as I would be wylling with my paynes to profite you .

Then the Soldane and all his trayne departed , and I was conducted with a dozen Officers , Zelauto & his Hoste were lead to prison . with their Halberds to my lodging , where when I was vnarmed : bothe mine Hoste and I were lead to the prison , such a multitude of people following vs , and such good report euerie one gaue me : that credite me , I went as wylling to the prison , as to my lodging .

At the prison gate I saw Mica Sheffola ( the Ladyes Brother , Mica Sheffola awayted for Zelauto at the prison . for whome I aduentured ) awayting my comming , who had prouided for me , the best and pleasauntest Chamber in the prison , and got me the lybertie of the Garden , to walke at my pleasure , and at last rounded me in the eare saying . Good Syr , feare no daunger , for God and I will hence delyuer you , but I am sorie for your Hoste , because he is already apprehended vnto the Soldane , The Hoste apprehended & must dye . and his Maiestie tolde vnto me euen now when I departed from him : that to morrowe he shall be executed before the prison . I dare tarie no longer for feare of béeing suspected , I haue prouided all thinges for you héere , & to morrowe I will come againe , about the howre he must dye .

Alas me thought these were farre wursser newes , then the other , I could not speake to mine Hoste , because he was haled and pulled in so violently , and layde in a déepe dungeon by himself , and clogged with so many Irons , as he could possibly beare .

Well , The Hostesse commeth to the prison to Zelauto . in the after noone , my Hostesse Dania came to speake with her Husbande , but could not , then came shée vp to me , informing me of all that Mica Sheffola had tolde me . I demaunded of her , how he was knowen ? She aunswered , that for the woordes hée vsed in my cause , & other suspicious talke . Well ( quoth I ) you were not best to tarie héere long , least you be suspected likewise . No Syr ( quoth shée ) I wyll byd you fare well tyll to morrowe , and then shall you sée my poore Husband miserably martyred .

In the morning returned Mica Sheffola , bringing me a great deale of Golde to spende in the prison , Mica Sheffola returneth in the morning . and demaunded of me , how I was vsed in the prison ? I aunswered , very well I thanked him , for his sake I wanted nothing . Then he desyred the Iaylor to let me into a Chamber towarde the stréete , that I might sée mine Hoste put to death , the which I thanke him he dyd .

Then ( quoth he vnto me ) without the Cittie , I haue prouided for you ● lustie G●urser , and Armour to defende you with all , soone at mydnight , at the dead tyme of the nyght , shall you be let into the Garden , and there clymbe ouer to me , and I will receyue you , for I haue gotten the keyes of the Soldanes Treasurie , and soone at mydnight will I steale from thence so much as shall serue you in your trauayle : A déere fréende of mine , and one as good a Christian as my selfe shall goe with you , to conduct you on your way from all your enimies , thus will I fulfill my promise vnto you , and yet not woorke my selfe any discredite : An notable deuise to helpe Zelauto out of prison . so that you be ready at the how●e appoynted ▪ for the Iaylors Wife wyll let you into the Garden , and so on the backe syde of the Cittie you shall escape away safely . Then a mightie hole shall be broken in your Chamber , as though you had stollen out into the stréete : I dare tarie no longer , remember your selfe soone , and so God be with you .

Nowe surely me thought it was the greatest fréendshippe that euer I found at any mans ●andes in all my lyfe , especially , I béeing a prisoner , and hée to defraude his owne Unckle in such sort to pleasure me with all .

The Hoste brought foorth to death . Well , at lengthe my Hoste Manniko Rigustello , was brought out in his shyrt , and such a multitude of people was there to sée him : as was the other day to sée the Lady . Then went he vp vppon the Scaffolde , where they would not suffer him to speake ▪ but presently layde him vppon an Ingine that they had made : and so wrested him to death , verie cruellie and tyrannicallie .

When he was dead , one member of him was throwen this way , an other that way , so that all his members was dispersed about the stréetes , a verie gréeuous and dolesyght to sée . Thus was my poore Hoste martyred and mangled , and I remayned in great sorrow to thinke therupon .

The Gentlewoman of the Prison came vp to Zelauto , and to expell the thoughtes that troubled his minde : conducted him into the Garden , and shewed him the Monuments of Brisaro de Saroto , who sometime was conquerour of that Cittie .

REmayning in these pensiue plightes , yet greatly encouraged through the comfort that Mica Sheffola gaue me : Oriana the Mistresse of the prison came vp to Zelauto . at last came vp into my Chamber the Gentlemans wife , who kept the prison , béeing named Oriana , a verie gallant & courteous Gentlewoman , who in the Italian language , thus saluted me . Ditemi per cortesia Gentilhuomo , come sta vostra S. ? I aunswered . Carrissima mia Signora , sto bene , sempre al commando vostro ▪ evi rendo mille gratie . After much conference passed betwéene vs together ( quoth shée ) shall it lyke you so well Gentleman , as to walke with me into the Garden .

Gentlewoman ( quoth I ) if I would deny so small a request : I were to be accoumpted verie vncourteous . Not so ( quoth shée ) for perhappes other occasions may so hinder you : that you haue not the leysure which I séeme to require , and then I might be accoumpted more carelesse then cyrcumspect , in entring so rashlie to perturbe your patience . You doo well good Gentlewoman ( quoth I ) to frame your selfe so faultie : else should not I haue knowen howe to accuse my selfe .

Well , we walked into the Garden , where shée gaue me to vnderstande of that which Mica Sheffola had tolde me , Oriana telleth Zelauto , how at night shée wyll conuey him ouer the garden wall and that shée at the myddle of the night , would conuey me into the Garden , and so ouer the wall to him . I gaue her great thankes for her courtesie , as it dyd chéefly behooue me . At last , shée opened a great doore , where as we entred into a verie fayre Hall , and there was the Monuments of a notable Champion .

In life I wun the type of hye Renowne : And now in death I weare dame Honors Crowne .

Loe Syr ( quoth shée ) the redoubted Monuments of Brisaro de Saroto , Shée sheweth him the Monumentes of Brisaro de Saroto . who conquered this Cittie eleuen tymes , and framed the good orders , that now héere are vsed . Gentlewoman ( quoth I ) it séemeth that he hath béen a noble Champion , & I thanke you hartily for making me pertaker of the sight therof . With other familiar talke we passed out the time tyll supper , then went I to supper , Shée commeth vp bydding him to prepare him selfe . and afterward I layd me downe vpon my bed . About the thyrd howre of the night , came shée vp , & tolde me that Mica Sheffola had entred into her Garden with a great deale of Treasure , and there he had left it , desiring me to prouide my selfe within an howre .

I thanked her hartily , and tolde her , I would be as ready when she came to fetche me : as she was wylling to come for me . I could not lay mine eyes together for the ioy I conceyued , to thinke how God had blessed me , in sending me such fréendes among all mine enimies .

Within an howre after , she came vp very softly againe , saying : Come a way Syr ▪ your fréend faryeth your comming . It was no néede to byd me make haste , considering I should escape so harde a plunge .

Zelauto with Oriana the Mistresse of the prison went downe into the Garden , at the myddle of the night , and was conueyed ouer to Mica Sheffola , and so escapeth from his enimies .

WHen I was come downe into the Garden , finding a Ladder ready set for me to clymbe ouer : I tooke leaue of the Gentlewoman , and so went ouer the wall , there stoode Mica Sheffola at hand to receyue me . Quoth he , for the looue of God let vs make all haste possible , for the Trumpettes hath sounded the thyrde watche , and now wyll they come without the Cittie : and if we spéede not the faster , we are lyke to be taken .

We trudged apace tyll we came out of all daunger , and at last we came where one héelde a lusty Courser for me , Zelauto goeth with Mica Sheffola away . and Armour lay ready for me to put on , and a lyttle before was a Companion for me , who awayted the comming of any body , to giue vs warning thereof . When I was Armed and vppon Horsebacke ( quoth he ) though I haue not recompenced with as much as I would : yet haue I done what possible I might : there is one before shall lyue and dye with you , he wyll conduct you toward Constantinople . Thus wylling to preuent all daungers that may happen , and wyshing you prosperitie in all your affayres : a short fare well shall suffise , and so to God I commend you .

Zelauto departeth from Mica Sheffola . Well Syr ( quoth I ) I will not trifle out the time with long and tedious thankes , I am bound to pray for you , commend me to mine Hostesse Dania , & to the good Gentlewoman Oriana , that conueyed me ouer the wall , and so we bothe parted .

Within a whyle I ouer tooke my Companion , who was as honest , vertuous and ciuill a Gentleman as euer I rode with all in my lyfe . Hée and I rode together toward Constantinople , in which iourney befell diuers other accidentes . Thus haue you heard my first aduentures in Persia : now tell me your iudgement thereof .

Astraepho .

My iudgement is too slender in such a myraculous matter , Astraepho giueth his censure on this passed tale , and goeth to prouide dinner . but sure you haue had the best Fortune that euer I heard any , so neare the death : and yet to be delyuered , now credite me it is excellent . Well , now will I goe to get our Dinner , and will leaue you héere tyll I come agayne , in which tyme you shall peruse a proper Deuise that I will shew you . How say you , are you contented ?

Zelauto .

Syr , right ioyfull of your courtesie , also glad to accept your offer , and after Dinner we will discourse of the rest , if you please .

Astraepho .

With all my heart Syr , wherefore come in and I wyll giue it you , I beléeue you wyll lyke well of it after you haue read it .

FINIS .

The Author , to the curteous Readers .

GEntlemen ( and ryght courteous whatsoeuer ) I must needes confesse , that the painfull Pylgrimage of Zelauto , hath beene so tedious vnto you in the perusing , that neither could you gaine any delight in the discourses : nor such methode of matter as you looked for , but euen playne Dunstable way , he hath tolde you an olde Canterburie tale . Yet on your iudgementes I am not to define , for that they are diuers : nor to suppose you will lyke , without I were better assured , for the one may shew the rashnesse of a vainglorious head : and the other a presumption to conster any mans behauiour . Antisthenes sayth , that as of the Serpent , the Phisition receyueth part of his remedies : so the wise man of his verie enimies ( contrarie to expectation ) shall obtayne some profite . Diogenes beeing by a malicious and spitefull tongue , reprehended of a fault long before committed : made aunswere . I remember the time when I was such a one as thou art now : but such an one as I am now wilt thou neuer be .

Likewise Gentlemen , ambicious heads , are apt to send foorth spitefull speeches , and if they can possyble catche a hole in a mans coate : the same wyll they lay euerie day in his dishe : But such secrete Serpentes in bewraying their behauiour , can not hurt him whome they wyllingly would : but confound them in their craftyest inuentions . Aristotle sayth , that he which receyueth a false peece of coyne , dooth but sustayne a reasonable losse : but he that trusteth a fayned freend in steede of a true , may endammage him selfe to his vtter vndooing , few such fr●ends God send me : and as much good money as shall please him . But now in the meane while Gentlemen , whyle such coyne may be currant , and such freendes found : I sende you Astraephos delycate discourse , to make mery with the bad banquet you haue had . And though I haue no Cumfettes and Carawayes to bestowe vppon you : iudge my good will is neuerthelesse , if might could mayntayne it . Thus of a little take a little when you come thereto : and of a little leaue a little how euer you doo .

FINIS . Yours to vse to his power . A. Munday .

Astraepho . A Delycate Deuise by him delyuered to Zelauto , wherein is gallantly discoursed , the Amorous lyfe of a Scholler , and the braue behauiour of a martiall Gentleman , the one at last by looue aswell conuinced : as the other , who alway professed him selfe a Subiect to the same : neyther friuolous nor fantasticall , but delyghtfull , and to no man preiudiciall .

¶ The thyrd part of the Fountayne of Fame .

Written by the sayd Author A. M. Seruaunt to the right Honorable , the Earle of Oxenforde .

Honos alit Artes .

The Author .

COurteous Gentlemen , in the meane tyme as Astraepho is prouiding his Dinner , and hath left Zelauto at home to peruse at his pleasure on an Amorous discourse : I wyll seeme so sausie , as to molest his studies , and desire him to let you be partakers of this Delycate discourse . I hope I shall not neede to be all day in crauing : nor he so vncourteous to deny my request , if he should , I must confesse he offereth me great iniurie , in taking so much paines for him : I deserue to craue a mightier matter . Well , I will assure my selfe to speede in my purpose , and you shall haue the hearing of the Dayntie Deuise . If after you haue read it , you finde it woorth his hyre , and that it hath pleased you , which is my whole wishe : I shall then prouide a Peach for all prating Parasites : and keepe a sweete Figge to gratifie my freend with all .

Honos alit Artes . FINIS . A. Munday .

The Amorous lyfe of Strabino a Scholler , the braue behauiour of Rodolfo a martiall Gentleman , and the right reward of Signor Truculento a Vsurer . Cap. 1.

THe Recordes of auncient antiquitie , vnfoldeth in apert , and liuely manner the happy and prosperous estate , of the florishing and famous Cittie Verona , whose Accademies so woorthily gouerned , and the Schollers so effectually instructed : that it caused Syr Vincentio of Pescara , to sende his sonne Strabino , there to be trayned vp in such vertuous educations : as was méete for one of his tender time . This Strabino , a gallant & lusty youth , of forme well featured , of audacitie expert , in manners well nurtured , but from Martiall affayres wholy enclined , & to looue one seuerely enthraled : fel at length in acquayntaunce with one Rodolfo , a Gentlemans sonne of the Cittie , who more vsed the Schole for his pleasure , then any profite , more for a pastime to talk● & conferre with his fréendes : then for any minde he bare to his booke . And this Rodolfo was one that greatly gaue himselfe to Martiall exercises , a disdayner of looue , and a reiecter of the company of Women . Betwéene these twayne were ioyned such a league of Amytie : that neyther bitter blastes should procure the breach thereof , nor any accident whatsoeuer , mooue them to mislike one of the other , but euen brotherlyke were vnited , tyll terme of lyfe were vtterly expired . Strabino vsually frequenting the house of his fréend and brother Rodolfo , who had a Sister in all poynts so well proportioned : that the lookes of her Amorous countenaunce , infected in the heart of Strabino , such a restlesse rage , a ●orting torment , a Feuer so fantasticall : that none but only shée must be the curer thereof . Now are his bookes reiected , and his fancie followed : his study banished , & the Gentlewoman dutifully serued Who ( alas ) although he were her superior : of her was regarded , as her farre inferior . He lykes , he looues , he sues , he serues , he runnes , he waytes : she lowres , she frownes , she disdaynes , and vtterly reiecteth his company . Which when he sawe , that his proffered paynes were estéemed as trifles , his continuall courtesie , regarded as lyght as a feather , and his affectioned seruice , cleane cast out of memorie : walked into the féeldes , and thus discoursed with him selfe .

Alas Strabino , yll hap hadst thou to lyght on this lucklesse lot , to looue where thou art disliked , to serue , where thou art nothing regarded , and to fancie where looue is extinguished . What mooued thée to make her thy Goddesse that regardeth thy paines as light as a May game ? What mooued thée to make her thy Mistresse : who scorneth the good will of so trusty a seruant ? What , is there no more Women in the world but one ? Is there none can please thée so much as she ? Art thou framed of such ylfauored mettall , that all will mislyke thée ? In Pescara thou barest the chéefest prayse : in Verona thou art nothing estéemed of . In Pescara thou wast looued , in Verona thou art reiected : but alas I remember , who trusteth to a Womans will , were as good leane on a broken staffe , for when she pleaseth , then she looueth : and when she is displeased , she hateth like a Tode , therfore well maist thou remooue thy fancy : & set as light by her , as she dooth by thée . But alas Strabino , if thy déedes might aunswere to thy woordes , then there were some hope of health : but thou art so surely tied , that vnpossible were it for thée to get loose when thou pleasest , thou sayst thou wilt doo this & that , but alas , if thou couldest , thou wouldest , therfore neuer speake against thy conscience . for that were no credit . I looue her so intierly , that I can not refraine me : I fancie so forcibly , that I cannot remooue me . She is the Saint whome I serue , she is the Goddesse whome I adore , & she it is must ease my payne , else shall I neuer be holpen . Thou hast not yet tried her : therfore neuer speake the wurst of her , though thou hast showen thy selfe by sundry signes : yet canst thou not say she refuseth thée , because thou hast not opened the state wherin thy well fare standeth . Thou art to blame to vse these woords against her that neuer offended thée , and thou deseruest small courtesie , for thy so rash iudgement . She is syster to thy fréend : he is gentle of nature , so may she be : he is courteous in conference , so may she be : he looues thee well , so may she do , therfore neuer conster things at the wurst , before thou haue occasion . Thinkest thou she knoweth the secretes of thy heart , that neuer talked with her ? How were it possible she should looue thée , when she knoweth not whether thou loouest her or no ? Perswade thy selfe to spéede of thy purpose , faynt heart neuer wan fayre Lady , and a halfe hearted Soldier is terrified at the first allarum : fyrst prooue her , then prayse her , when thou hast tryed , then thou mayst trust : hye thée home in hope , & finding her at conuenient leysure , shew her thy sute . Thus the poore oppressed Strabino returned to the Mansion of his Mistresse , & finding her sitting at her Sampler in the garden : he tooke heart a fresh , and went and sate down by her , framing such deuises , as she might haue occasion to speake vnto him , who when she saw how merily disposed he was , sayd . Surely syr Strabino , I haue wanted your company all this day , for I haue sitten héere very solitary , and lackt such company as might procure some pleasure , & now you are come : I hope we shall passe the time more merier , then hytherto I haue done , and therfore you are welcome hartily .

Strabino hearing the courteous words of his Lady Cornelia : was surprised with such inward ioy , that he neyther minded his former feare , nor yet the present peryll that might happen to him , but wholy depending vpon his dutifull alleageaunce , and imbracing in minde & thought her supposed lyking : hazardeth his heart to stand vnto the hap , and yéeldeth him conquered wholy to her clemencie . Wherfore , he neyther distracting his sences with any seuerall motion , nor occupying his brayne vpon manifolde matters : desyreth pardon for that which his lyppes shall yéelde vnto lybertie , and her good construction in his actions whatsoeuer .

Syr ( quoth she ) if we talke of familliarity , perforce I must vse you fréendly : if vpon nouelles , I will handle you as nicely : if vpon present proofe , I will vse you pleasauntly : if vpon all , I will accoumpt you as a merie companion , so that looke what is spoken in decent or honest wise : doubt you not but it shall be as honestly entertained , therfore say as pleaseth you .

Strabino , and Cornelia , courteously conferreth together . Cap. 2.

LAdy ( quoth Strabino ) I muse why the Gods , framing you first to be as a comfortable companion vnto man : you should so much digresse as to be the only instrument of our sorrowfull sadnesse , rather a woorker of our woe : then one that wisheth our well fare . For this is perfectly knowen ( I speake not vpon had I wist ) that you Women , for the most part , are so coy of your conditions , and so curious in your conceytes : that you neyther estéeme the quantitie nor quallitie of affection : nor yet the only perfect ground of our prosperity . For admit that a whyle you beare vs in hand with many an Amorous countenaunce , many a gallant glóse of firme fayth and fidelitie , yea , many a subtill surmise of pure looue and affection , haue you once gotten that which you would haue , to fléece our purses to pranke you in pride , that you may sweat in your Sylks , whyle we goe threadbare , you on your Pantofles , when we haue scant a good shooe to our foote , you at your delycate iunckets , when we are glad to ryse with emptie bellyes , and you so much in your brauerie , that you bring vs to vtter beggerie : In fayth , then fare well frost , more such haue we lost .

Nay now , since he can holde out no longer : fare well he , in faith he was a good fellowe whyle he had it , but nowe since he hath no more inke in his pen : let him goe shake his eares , a new customer , a new . So long time was he fed with fancies : that after he cursseth his folly . So long looued in lookes : that at length he lamenteth his losse . So long helde vp with wanton and wily woordes : that in the ende he cursseth such paltrie fables . A colde sute , and a harde penniwoorth haue all they that traffique for such merchandize . On the other side , let a man holde vp you at rack staues , diferre you of with doubtfull delayes , alleadge vnto you many defectes of abillitie , and besides that , kéepe that from you which most willingly you would haue : In faith , then he is a counterfayt cranke , a shamlesse shéepbyter , a worldly miser , he is no good fellowe , that will not lay his penny by theyrs , a craking Companion , an eue dropper : with such and so many floutes they haue , that it is woonderfull to heare .

What great reproche is this to such wanton Women , that regard more an ell of pleasure , then an ynch of profite ? more desirous of loathsome lybertie , then they care for contented lyuing ? What maketh so many young Gentlemen crack theyr credite , loose theyr good name , mortgage theyr lyuinges , barter away all they haue : but such carelesse company ? When before , they were in good and honest commendation among all men : now are they glad to hide theyr heads for shame .

I speake not this ( déere Lady ) to the reproche of all Women : for that were méere impudencie : but I speake in the contempt of all such as dayly frequent it , as these Cortizans which abide in the brothell house héere in Verona , & besides them , many a one that beares a gallant grace through the Cittie : taketh a snatch now and then , which by right deserue a greater reproche , then they that so dayly vse it . For by such meanes is vice intruded among the vertuous , making many that ( God knowes ) are well disposed lyuers , to be lyghtly accoumpted of , only by vsing the company of such carelesse creatures .

Syr Strabino ( quoth Cornelia ) your discourse hath béene delyghtfull , yet sauoureth it sharpe some where , belyke you haue bene bitten , or stung by some of these Waspes : and that maketh you so expert in bewraying theyr qualities , for the mother would neuer haue sought her daughter in the Ouen , but that shée had béene there her selfe , and he that is galded , hath good occasion to kicke . You haue béene bartering , & found all so déere in the market : that no butter wyll sticke on your bread , or belyke you haue sauced some body : and payd swéetly for it .

But what maketh you to exclayme against women in this order ? haue you looued , and not béene looued againe ? haue you sought for honny , & caught the Bée by the tayle : or haue you neuer looued , and wholy giuen your selfe there against ? if so you haue , the harder is your happe , for farre vnable are you to stand against the decrée of the gods , and haue you not read of diuers that haue repugned against looue : which haue béene inforced to fancie theyr inferiors ? Take héede Strabino , least in your denying to looue some gallant Lady : you be not procured to fancie som poore Fachine héere in Verona . If you haue looued , & not béene looued againe : you are to mooue your sute , and if it be to such a one who is frée from all other , and may well be your match : there is no doubt but after many sharpe showers , a gallant gale of winde will blow in the Skie , that will send your ioyes on heapes to you . I giue you the best counsayle that I can , and I would my proffered paynes any way might pleasure you . If either my woorde , counsayle , credite , or ought else may preuayle you to her whome you lyke : credite me , you shall not finde me so ready in promising , as I wyll be in the performaunce therof .

Now Gentlemen , iudge you what sundrie & seuerall quandaries assayled the assaulted minde of poore Strabino , to heare such courteous talke pronounced by the person whome hée most honored and obeyed . Yet doubted he , that if shée knew the very originall and only helpe for his heauines : shée would be as slowe to performe , as she was ready to promise , but yet buylding still on good hope of her bountie : hée procéeded into farder talke .

My hope is ( quoth he ) my good Lady & Mistresse , that what hath passed in my presumptuous talke , you will conster it at the best : but sure as yet I am frée from that which you haue supposed , only this I am to confesse , that I loue & lyke , where I am neither refused nor yet entertained , wherfore I can not condempne vpon no occasion : nor I can not prayse before it be deserued . So that I am neither to vaunt as victor : nor yet to yéeld as altogether conquered . And why I haue enuyed against these sort of Women , I can yéeld you some sufficient reason : I haue known diuers of my fréends , that haue wasted out theyr web of youthfull time , in frequenting company with such wilfull Women . As for example , one déere fréende of mine , who was tost , turmoyled , and vtterly made hauock of : among those whome he thought had looued him déerest , yea some that were of good name and credit , that sucked him drye : & then matched them selues with other . Therfore I say , it is hard to know who a man may trust now a dayes : for you Women are so craftie , that a man cannot tell howe to deale with you .

In déede Syr ( quoth she ) though we be craftie , you men are more deceyptfull . It behooueth vs to stand vpon our reputation , and to make the matter nice and coy to some , for when they haue once caught vs : they will vse vs as they lyst . What sorrowe and care is it to be a maried Wife ? that which God hath ordayned to be a comfort and solace betwéene man and woman , is made nowe a thing of most contempt : for when we be maried , then commeth our cares all at once : how many frowning lookes ? how many crabbed countenances ? how many sharpe woordes ? beside , how many continuall gréefes and sorrowes of the minde ? If our Husbandes be a lyttle displeased : all the house must be out of quiet . If he frowne , then what is next hand , flyes at the face of his Wife . If he sée her but merily disposed in any company , then is he ielous : if she looke on any man , then she lusteth after him . Then is she watcht and spied , in euery place where she goeth , to catche her in a tryp , the which vrgeth her sooner to doo it , when before she neuer thought it . What terror , & what diuellish mindes are these of men : who when they come to wooing , then plead they simplicitie : then yea forsoothe , and no forsoothe , this shall be and that shall be , when God knowes , when it comes to perfection : it is neyther so , nor so .

Can you blame Women , if they be so lothe to graunt to your requestes ? and can you thinke them so harde , when you your selues are harder then the Adamant ? Can you say Women are ordayned as a plague vnto men : when as you your selues plague them so cruelly ? O déepe dissemblers , O prating Parasites ? What subtill Sophisters ? What faire mouthed fellowes are these ? What paynted sheathes , fayre without & fowle within ? Who would thinke that you could beare such a double heart about with you . I hope you shall be fayne to say at length , Ars deluditur arte . Hencefoorth therefore neuer enuy at Women : when you are wurse your selues , nor neuer play the Crauens , as Cockes of your owne dunghyll : the shame wyll redound where it is woorthy , and you shall be forced to crye Peccaui . Ah Syrra , though you haue all the learning , God hath leant vs some wyt , that wée should not be to much deceyued . Therefore neuer vpbrayde vs with such Rhetorical gloses , nor neuer fall out with those who are your best fréendes : If you lyke vs , loue vs : if not , let vs alone .

Strabino , halfe driuen in feare of incurring his Ladyes displeasure , and doubting least his talke had bread some cause of melancholie : calles vp his wittes together , to make amends for his former fault . For thought he , if now I comming to speake for mine owne auayle , and to gayne the good wyll of my best belooued , should séeme to apprehend or reprehend in such causes as willingly shee would not : it might marre all my matter , and throwe all my good Fortune into the fyre . Wherfore , euen as the childe when he hath made a fault , commeth créeping on his knées with bytter teares , willing to kisse the rod ▪ & so to pacifie the yre of his Parents whome he displeased , or as the Ape when he hath nipt one to the quick , and séeeth the whip holden vp in signe of correction : commeth with chattering the téethe , holding vp the ten bones , so to content his maisters displeasure conceyued : Euen so méekely and mildly commeth Strabino to the loouing lap of his Lady , and in sygne & token of humilitie , vttereth these woordes . Déere Lady & Mistresse , not so wel satisfied & contented with your reasonable replie : as sorrowfull for suffering my tonge so rashly to offend you . Rather impute it therefore to obliuiousnesse of my selfe : then to any willingnesse so incurre your anger . More honour trulie shall it be to you , quietly to put vp the chollorike woords of an impudent Scholler : then to menace your anger , where as sorrow sufficient is retayned . It is a good Horse that neuer stumbleth , he is verie cyrcumspect that speaketh alway without a fault , and he is verie vpright that neuer committeth crime . I must confesse my tongue ran before my wyt , and my mouth vttered that which my heart neuer thought . But the best is , my boasting brauerie , can blemishe none of your bountie : nor my franticke foolishnesse , impayre any of your vertuous credite . But all is well that is well taken , little sayde is soone amended , and so I pray you pardon your penitent , and sorrowfull offender .

Syr Strabino ( quoth she ) for this fault , you haue already obtayned pardon , it was not so gréeuously taken as you thought for : nor it was not so fault woorthy as nowe you graunt it . I am not to exact the vttermost of any man : nor I am not to conceyue an anger before iust cause be offred , for you know , that what talke so euer we vse , that dooth not stretch beyond the boundes of honest and allowable reason : by promise is to be estéemed of no effect , therfore I discharge that Obligation of his full strength and vertue , and sticke to the promise passed . Mary , yet am I on the other side , to thinke well of you , that stoode in such awe of displeasing her : who was far more afrayd of incurring your anger . Wée women are not to be too captious nor to quarrellous , neither to hasty , nor to slowe , for it were no poynt of ciuillitie to handle our freendes churlishly , and it were méere folly to quip them vpon no greater occasion . Fyrst , we are to vnderstand the efficient cause that vrgeth them to speake , & to way it thorowly in the wayghts of modestie : and so to giue aunswere , that we be neyther found to scripilous in the one , nor to coy in the other . I knowe you are my fréend , and so I estéeme you , and as my fréend I make accoumpt of you , then neuer thinke that I your fréend will séeme to conster your meaning at the wurst : nor yet to condempne you vpon no greater occasion . I can not deny but that some are verie apt to anger , to receyue a matter yll , be it neuer so well spoken , that dooth demonstrate a great error in her that vseth it , whatsoeuer : and condempneth her of impudencie , for her so light beléefe . Soft fyre ( they say ) maketh swéete mault , a wyse Woman will way all with discretion : but a foole will be hasty , and to troublesome to deale with all . Wise Cato sayth , Bridle thine anger with modestie , and iudge not of a matter too rashly , for as there is great commendation in the one : so is there great shame followeth the other . It is a séemely thing for euerie one to vse theyr anger with discretion : because ( perchaunce ) it may redound to theyr discredite . Thus Strabino suffice your selfe , that the coales of my anger were soone kindled and soone quenched . For if I should be angrie with you : you might accoumpt it but the rashnesse of a Woman , and her want of foresight , and so I pray you take it ,

Strabino , perceyuing the courteous excuse of Cornelia , and that his passed talke was taken in such gentle grée : thought it now good time to preferre his sute , and so desiring her patience , procéeded as followeth .

Strabino now offereh his looue and seruice to his Lady , requiring the courteous acception thereof . Cap. 3.

THen déere Lady , since neyther my rude behauiour hath offended you , nor my passed presumption purchased any yll will : I hope I may vnder authoritie of your lycence , procéede to the verie ground and effect of all which I haue to vnfolde . For since your wisdome hath weyghed eche cause so discréetly , and construed the meaning thereof with such good demeanour : I will make you partner of my passed perylles , and of the distresse that may ensue ( alwayes prouided ) that you accept and conceyue no wurse then I thinke it . Since it hath béene my hap ( déere Lady ) héere in Verona , to passe my time in studious exercise , according to the long desired wishe of my Parentes : I haue one way profited , and an other way procured my peryll , for casting mine eyes among the renowned troupe of gallant Dames , ( as héere are many ) the bountifull beautie of one among all the rest , hath so searched the secretes of my hydden heart , & bewitched my wittes in such woonderfull wise : that neyther medicines may serue to mittigate , hearbes , or any Phisicall potion adiunate to amendment : but only that soueraigne salue which most dooth delight me , her little finger would lyft me to life , a woord of her mouth would cease all my sorrowes , and one question absolued : would make me a sufficient Scholler . I presume in place , where I behold this seemely shée : and the more I come in her company : the greater increaseth my care , the more I looke : the more I lyke , but lyking brings such restlesse woe : that were it not I had a soule to saue , and that I stand in awe of the anger of God : I should finish this Tragedie , with such a mercilesse massacring of my poore selfe , that neyther should she vaunt of the losse of my life : nor I be thought to demerit so dyrefull a death . But what néedeth all these woords ? to what ende doo I make this tedious protestation my helpe is neuer the more furdred , but by talking of her I am the more endamaged .

Ah Sir ( quoth Cornelia ) is the winde in the doore now ? are you Sea sick so soone , & not halfe a myle ouer ? well , well , this litle sparke will flame to so fierce a fire : that perhaps all the wit you haue is not able to quench it . Why Lady ( quoth he ) I am not so farre ouer shooes : but I may returne yet drie , nor I am not so far in , but I may easily escape out , there is more wayes to the wood then one , and passages wherin are no peryll . I shall vse my selfe in extremity as I sée occasion : and doubt you not my wyt shall stand for a warrant . Syr ( quoth she ) the crafty Foxe would eate no grapes , no though they fel in his mouth , the Catte will eate no swéete milke , for feare of marring her téeth : so you would not be in looue , no though you might , and when you are in , you will looue as your lyst .

O Syr , soft fyre makes swéete Mault , it is yll to halt before a Criple , and it were shame to belye the Diuell . Your owne woordes dooth condempne you in that you haue spoken : or else you are very impudent , that you speake you know not what . Medicines you say , can make no amendment , the force of Phisicke to helpe you dooth fayle , and yet you say , there is one soueraigne salue can minister a remedie . O crafty head , your téethe will not let your tongue lye , in faith it is almost tyme to byd you good night . Yet to sée how you will maintayne your matter with wresting of woordes , you would make me beléeue the Moone is made of gréene chéese : In faith Syr no , you must rise somewhat more early , if you goe beyond me : and you must deale more subtilly , if you séeke to deceyue me . But truly if you were as mighty a man of your déede , as you are of your woorde : Verona would be little enough to holde you , and neuer a Woman of them all durst abyde your stearne countenaunce . You doo well , you will holde with the Hare , and run with the Hound , and you would play Ambodexter , if you could tell how , but in fayth Syr I haue you at my fingers ende , euen as perfect without booke as you are within .

Strabino with this passed tale was so nipt in the head , that he had scant any thing to say , & when he saw she was so craftie , that his subtill Sophistry did deceyue him : he would with all his heart haue béene farre enough from her presence : or that his talke were to begin againe . For albeit he was a man stoute of his person : yet they that had séene him now , would haue thought he had neither life nor soule left in him . Which when Cornelia beheld how sadly he sate , and would speake neuer a woord , how his couller went and came , as though he had lyne a dying : thought it no courtesie to let him languishe so : but to giue him a fresh encouragement to reuiue vp his spyrites . Why Syr Strabino ( quoth she ) is your heart in you hose ? Is your corragious countenaunce so soone chaunged to pale and wanny chéekes ? Your face makes apparaunce of your gréeuous disease , and your lookes bewray you , that you are in looue . But what of that ? neuer dismay your selfe with any doubting dread , nor let not my talke so séeme to to trouble you , if I haue made a faulte : I aske you forgiuenesse , and if I haue displeased you : I will doo so no more . You know , promise was made , that all should be well accepted , that pertayned to no harme , and that which should passe betwéene vs : should not be offensiue to eyther . I for my part am not offended with any thing spoken : and if you are , truly you be to blame . I will leaue your company , if you be not more merie , and will forsake héereafter any more to frequent it . Shake handes and be fréendes againe , and tell me who she is that you so faithfully looue : I will stand your fréende perhappes in the matter , and if of my selfe I am not able to doo it : I will informe those of it , who ( doubt you not ) shall bring it to effect .

With that Strabino reuiued him selfe out of his browne study , and began smugly to holde vp the head , right wylling he left his so sodayne quandarie : and began to looke vp with a sensorical countenance . His heart that before lay in a hole : was now ready for ioy to leap out at his mouth , his minde that earst was pinched with passions : was now so iocond , that it daunced with ioy , and his couller that before was as pale as ashes : began now as fresh as the redolent Rose , euerie member which before séemed maimed : he could now stretch out to the ninth degrée . And if his present seruice might haue wonne him a Wife : he was able to discharge it , & that to the vttermost , besides , his conceytes began to come so nimbly together : that he now rolled in his Rhethoricke , lyke a Flea in a blanquet . ( Ah courteous Cornelia ( quoth Strabino ) how much am I bound in dutie to your séemly self ? How much am I indebted to your prudent personage ? that with such swéete perswasions , such maydenly and modest motions , such heroycall and singuler actions : hath losed to lybertie a discouraged prisoner , and hath reuiued him to lyfe , who was almost past all hope of recouerie .

Excellent was the opinion of Valerius Maximus , who commended the fréendly déedes , doone in aduersitie , as for prosperitie will succour it selfe . My selfe may be witnesse , in aduauncing , your fréendlines , whose aduersity was vncurable : had I not obtained councell of so prudent a Phisition . I thank you for your fréendly offer , wishing I were able to counteruayle it as I would , and that my might were correspondent to my well meaning intent : then should you sée the depth of my desyre , and haue occasion to thinke you should not passe vnrewarded The Lady whome I looue will be won to your will , the Saint whome I serue : will fulfill your request , and the least woord of your mouth , will binde vp the bargaine . So that doo you but speake : I speede , doo you say yea , and I shall haue no nay , so much dare I crake of her credite , and boast of her bountie : that you can not so soone say the woord : but she will wyllingly doo the déede .

Cornelia smiling at this gallant glose , and hauing half a coniecture at what marke he aymed to shoote at : framed such an aunswere as she thought best her selfe , and to make Strabinos sute neuer the néere . The foolish Flye ( quoth she ) so long iesteth with the Candle , that at last she sindgeth her selfe , the silly Mouse wandreth oft so farre abroade : that she is taken tardy before she come home , and the Nightinggale singeth so swéetly , tyll she fall in a sléepe , and so oftentymes is caught at vnawares . Lykewise , I haue helde you héere so long with a pleasaunt tale , that you make me halfe mistrust my selfe . If your Lady be so wilfull , to be wonne to my will , and so courteous that she will come at my call , yea , if I say the woord , you aske no better bargaine : either I must coniecture , that her affection is greater to me then to you : or that shée would clayme assurance of me for your good behauiour . Now credite me Strabino , you are wylie in your woordes : yet not so craftie , but I conceyue your meaning .

Qui simulat verbis , nec corde est fidus Amicus : ●u quoque fac simile : sic Ars delùditur arte .

But yet Strabino , let these matters passe , and to come to the poynt , whervpon we haue stoode so long , name me your Lady , what she is , and where she dwelleth : then shall you heare farder what I will doo for you . If so be ( quoth Strabino ) you will promise me no good will shall want on your part , to the fulfylling my request , and that you will not hinder the matter I haue in hand : I will shew you the swéete she , whose captiue I am , and to whose looue I am thus intierly intangled . Syr ( quoth she ) Qui ante non cauit , post dolebit , A man may looue his house well , though he ride not on the roofe , and a man may make a good Mart , yet be no great gayner . There goeth more woordes to a bargayne then one , and other prayers to be vsed beside the Pater noster , when you haue tolde me your tale : you shall sée what I will say , and though I make you no promise : doubt not but I will please you .

Then tooke Strabino vp her glasse that hung at her Gyrdle , and therein he framed many an Amorous countenaunce . At last ( quoth Cornelia ) what fancies finde you there , that makes you so pleasaunt ? or haue you a delyght in beholding your owne face ? Nay ( quoth he ) not for the fancie I finde in mine owne face : but for the comely countenaunce that consisteth in my Lady and Mistresse . And haue you found her face there ( quoth she ) I pray you let me sée her , to iudge if I know her . After Cornelia had looked a whyle , she sayd . Why Strabino , you promised I should sée that séemely shée , to whom you owe such delightfull looue & loyaltie . And what I promised ( quoth he ) hath béene héere performed . As how ( quoth she ) Whose face ( quoth he ) did you behold when I shewed you ? why yours and mine owne ( quoth she ) I thought it would come to such a passe , well I will speake to her , & if she chaunce to giue her consent : doubt you not but you shall heare of it . But one thing I can tell ye , & that you shall perfectly prooue , how shée is wedded to her will , and maried to her owne minde : that she had rather lyue a mayden styll , then be bydden to so bad a breakfast .

That were against reason ( quoth he ) that she should be so maryed to her minde : as not to respect one so good as her selfe , or that in disdayning so good a breakfast , be forced to come to a courser dinner . A little pyttance in the morning : is better then to be fasting all day , and perhaps , a good strong stake strooke in the hedge in Summer : will stand for a good defence in the Winter .

Albeit Syr ( quoth she ) you are her better : yet she thinkes it not against reason to lyke before she looue , and though it be not expedient to giue the chyldrens bread to dogges : yet will they lycke the crums that falles from theyr maisters table . And besides she thinkes , that if she kéepe her stomacke for a good supper : she shall not take surfeit of her fasting all day . Lykewise , though the strong stake doo well fortifie the hedge for Winter : yet if the stake be without other defence : the Beasts will easily get ouer and spoyle the pasture , and so in tyme vtterly vndooe the owner .

Strabino hauing well and sufficiently pondred her talke : thought now he would not discourage him selfe with the diuersitie of her deuises , but euen as his heart serued him he would make her an aunswer . Why Lady ( quoth he ) doo you misdoubt of my bountifull behauiour ? or that I am such a one as regardeth not my honesty ? Thinke you if I would make my choyse , I could not haue as good as you , or if my minde had béene so adicted , ere this I could not haue béene sped ? thinke you all Women are of your minde ? or that they will dislyke vpon no occasion ? No credit me , Cornelia ( I speake Bonafide ) if my stomacke had serued : I could haue béene soone suffised , and if all Women were of your minde : I should haue but a colde sute with my wooing . But belyke you are betrothed already : and that makes you so dayntie , if you be tell me , that I may loose no more labour .

Truly Syr Strabino ( quoth she ) if as yet I am betrothed : it is more then I know , what my Parents haue done , I know not , but as yet I can assure you , there is no such matter meant by me . But what of that , you are neuer the neerer your purpose , nor yet the likelyer to gayne my good wyll , you are a gallant Gentleman , well known in Verona , wherfore you may chaunce to lyght on a better bootie , and doubt you not but there are those , who with all theyr hearts would haue you . Wherfore good Syr , neuer féede your humors on such a homely péece : since there be more delycate Damoselles that will not deny you . But now it drawes toward supper tyme , and occasion is so offred : that perforce I must leaue you , desiring you not to déeme any discourtesie , that I leaue your company so soone .

Nay ( quoth Strabino ) I am not to conceyue the wurst of your departure : but rather to thanke you , that vouchsaued my company so long , no anger I trust is conceyued for my superfluous spéeche : but rather pardoned for that no dishonestie was meant . Thus thanking you a thousand tymes for your courtesie offered : tyll Fortune so frame our next méeting together , I commend you to God , whome I pray graunt me my wishe , and you the depth of your desire .

Thus Gentlemen is Cornelia and Strabino parted , he taking the way home to his Chamber : and she spéedeth her selfe that she were at supper , but so sowre a sauce she had giuen Strabino : that the sharpnesse turned his stomacke from minding any meate . It is not straunge to sée what a metamorphesis Looue maketh of a man ? that he which earst might haue bragged with the best : is now become to carefull for any company , he which earst walked the stréetes with a gallant grace : nowe pulleth his bonet ouer his browes , that none may beholde his sodayne alteration ? He which before lyued merily , faring with the finest , and delyghting in the dayntiest : now scant eateth a good meales meate in a month . He commeth to his Chamber , throweth him selfe on his bed , incombred with so many cares , that it is vnspeakable : at last vnto him selfe talketh in this order .

O God , where are become the loftie lookes I vsed before I was a Loouer ? Where are the curious countenaunces , the wayghtie woordes , the dayntie dealinges , the bolde behauiours , and the manly order of lyfe wherein I lyued before ? Hath Looue so puissaunt a power to reuert my swéetnesse into sorrowes , my myrth into mazednesse , my life into langor , and all my happinesse into a state so helplesse ? O gréefe without ende , O sorrowes without ceasing , O hellish tormentes that hath no conclusion . But yet am I the first that was framed to folly ? Or I am the last that shall be lead by Looue ? Hath not the Gods themselues béene subiect to lyke mestiue miseries ? Did not Iupiter enter Acrissius tower , in the shape of a fayre swimming Swan , to deflowre faire Danea ? Apollo persecuted Daphne to get his will of her : Neptune begatte Nauplius father to Palamedes of Amimone , daughter of Dauaeus : Mercurie lay with Lar the beautifull Nimphe , and got of her two prety chyldren called Lares . Likewise king Dauid became conuinced by the looue of Bersaba : Salomon the wise was subiect to looue likewise . If then looue hath made the Gods to agrée , the wise to be wilfull , the stoutest to stoupe : is it possyble for me poore Strabino , to resist a thing of such force ? O Cornelia , lyttle doost thou estéeme the good wyll I beare thée , lyttle doost thou accoumpt of my constancie , lyttle doost thou regard my restlesse rage , & little doost thou déeme all my dollorous doubtes . Is thy heart so frosen , that the sunny beames of bounty may not make it to melt ? Is thy minde so misbeléeuing , that no faithfull fidelitie may séeme to reforme it ? Is not dayly proofe sufficient to trye my trustinesse ? Is not the great good will I beare thée , able to cause thée to accoumpt well of me ? To offer me crueltie for courtesie , thou doost me open iniurie . Alas wretched wight that I am , whose miserie is more then mine ? Whose dayes more dollorous , whose tyme more troublesome , whose life more loathsome , & whose state more yrksome , the day to me is nothing delightfull : the night more carefull , sléepe I can not , and waking , I neuer cease wayling .

Sometime I syt to conquere the cogitations , which weary my wittes : then againe am I driuen into a more déepe desire . Sometime I scorne and laugh at Looue , thinking mine owne wyll a sufficient warrant : but then in a moment aryseth manifolde miseries , so that neither waking nor sléeping , walking or sitting , can my sorrowfull selfe sustayne any rest . Why wast thou borne to abide such bitternesse ? why hast thou lyued to sée this trystfull tyme ? why hath not death desired his due : and the graue cutte of this mercilesse gréefe ? O Laberinth of intricate euylles , O maze of endlesse myseries , whome neither dutifull surrendring of my selfe may suffise : nor any vertuous action séeme to content you . Cease Strabino , giue not thy selfe altogether to insolencie , nor frame not thy selfe wholy vanquished with follyes , time may turne thy troubles to tranquilitie , tyme may make thy foes thy fréendes , and tyme may reuert all thy paynes to pleasure . Impute not thy Lady altogether disloyall , for he that spéedeth at the first : wooeth well , and he that hath no denyall : in my opinion is very fortunate .

In these and such lyke carefull complayntes the solytarie Strabino hath worne away the wearysome night . In the morning commeth his brother and fréend Rodolfo , to vnderstand the cause of his sodaine sicknesse .

Rodolfo , the brother of Cornelia , and auouched freend to Strabino , commeth to the Chamber to knowe the cause of his sicknesse . Cap. 4.

AT last Rodolfo a déere fréende to Strabino , and Brother to his Lady and Mistresse , myssing his fréend from Schoole , wherto was his dayly repayre : commeth to his Chamber , & there found him tossing and turmoyling him selfe , on his carefull coutch , which when he sawe , as one amased at this sodayne mutabilitie , and greatly gréeued to sée his fréend in such a pittious plyght : beganne thus to frame his spéeche .

My déerest fréend & chéefest Iewell of my ioy , not so glad of the rare fréendship that in you I haue found : as sorrowfull to sée this vncouth sight . Is this the comely countenaunce that you were wont to carie : and now chaunged into the perfect Image of care ? Are you that man , that earst dyd swim in delyght : and now bereft of your former behauiour ? Was my woordes earst woorthy to procure thée to pleasure : and now not able to stand in their former effect ? Am not I the same Rodolfo I was wont to be : and shall not I nowe be accoumpted as thy former fréend ?

What is the cause my Strabino of this sodayne alteration ? How happens it you are so soone chaunged into heauines ? If I be woorthy to know the cause of your carefulnesse , or that my desertes may gayne my desire : let me vnderstand the sum of your sorrowes , and doubt not but I will sée some redresse for you .

Strabino hauing well wayed the woordes of his fréend , and how earnest he was in this his request : bethought him selfe how he might sufficiently aunswer him , and yet not be found tardy in his talke . Perhappes afterward he would discouer more of the case : but at this instaunt he should not knowe whome he looued , wherefore in this order he framed his aunswere . My déere Rodolfo , whose fréendshippe I highly make accoumpt of , & whose fidelitie I haue found firme in waighty affayres , to you will I display my dollorous disease : hoping by your meanes it may be mittigated .

Since first it was my fortune ( déere fréend ) to vse the company of the braue Ladyes and Damosels héere in Verona : I haue béen attainted with so many perillous passions : that sure I am past hope to haue any recouerie , yet doo I striue with mine affection as forceably as I can : but vnpossible it is for me to remooue it , so excellently doo I estéeme of the person , whome I honour : that in lyfe or death I am hers at commaund .

Rodolfo perceyuing Strabinos sicknesse , and how that looue made him to languish in such sort : he estéemed the matter of lesse accoumpt , and made him an aunswer but little to please him . Ah Syr ( quoth he ) are coales so soone kindled in your vncertaine stomack ? is your minde so mutable , that no stedfast stay may be had ? Are you one the regardeth not your prosperitie : or make you so small accoumpt to fall into miserie ? Doo you sée the daunger each day before your eyes : and are so héedelesse to fall headlong in the same ? You haue read your selfe , how the effectes of Looue are strauuge : and by so much as you haue séene and heard , me thinkes it should be odious vnto you . Forget you Plautus woords , when as touching this diuellish disease , he sayth : Iactor , crucior , agitor , stimulor , versor in amoris rota , miser exanimor , feror , distrahor diripior , vbi non sum : ibi sum , ibi est animus . How like you this lesson alleadged to your Looue ? How can you excuse that these feares are not felt ? How can you disprooue these innumerable daungers ? Remember Antigonus woordes to his Father Demetrius . Let Seleucus folly to his sonne , forwarne thée what aduersenesse consisteth in this contagious disease , who ioyned his owne Wife with his sonne in mariage to satisfie his lust . What caused the long dissencion betwéen Themistocles and Aristides : but the looue of Stesilia the harlot ? What procured the hatred betwéene Cato and Caesar : but the lycentious looue after Seruilia the strumpette ? Semiramis , honored and extolled for her noblenesse of minde , and vertue in her déedes : by looue brought her name into eternall infamie . Why are the Assirian Kinges so reprooued of wantonnes : but for the lawlesse looue they vse , with theyr Concubines ? Dyd not looue blemishe the rare renowne of Hanniball in Salapia ? Dyd not looue infect the fame of Alexander ? What caused Catalin to kyll his sonne Oristilla : but looue ? What caused Laodice Wife to Ariartes King of Cappadocia to murder his sonnes ▪ but looue ? What made Scilla to destroy her Father : but looue ? What made the stately walles of Troy be sacked : but looue ? Infinite are the extremities which through looue aryse , and can not be so much reprehended : as by right it deserueth . What man so wilfull to come subiect to Women ? What paynes more intollerable then to come at theyr calles ? It is theyr ioye , to haue one bowe at theyr beckes , it is theyr delight to haue one wayte on theyr wylles , it is the chéefest of theyr choyse , to haue a man sue for theyr succour . Then Gyll will be a Gentlewoman , if she could but Parle vn petit de Francoys . If a man will be made a meacock , & blinde him selfe with a little of theyr bolde behauior : then is theyr coyne currant , yea , better syluer then an honester Womans . If they can once fledge them selues , with an other mannes fethers , and iet in theyr Iewelles at other mens costes : then a pin for the prowdest , a fygge for the finest , she is as honest as the best , though she be ashamed to vse it , yet sure she dooth well , not to haue her honestie so much séene , least with wearing it on working dayes , it may catch to much heat , & so melt it away : or els take so much colde , that it wil neuer be good after . If with a song , you would be sung a sléepe , or with a daunce lead to delight , or if you haue the Quatrinos , to play at sinke & syse : then is she a Companion with the cunningest , a fellowe with the forwardest , and will rather play small game : then syt quite out . Who would misse such a mate , that for a monthes pleasure : will after make you leade a loathsome life ? Who would lacke such a Lasse , that for a dayes pride : will make you goe a moneth starke naked ? Now truly he were vnwise , that would not haue such a Wenche , and he were too farre foolishe , that would want such a Bon Companion .

Oh Strabino , in fayth the blacke Oxe neuer trode on your foote yet , you neuer came where it grewe : nor you neuer tryed time , as héere after you shall finde it . If you had beaten the bush , and caught any of the Byrds : I doubt not but you would haue tolde me an other tale . If you be wise : stay your selfe in this state , if you will followe your fréends who wishe you well : eate a bushell of Salt with them , ere you trust any one of them , for you were better beware before : then wishe you had taken héede , when it is too late ▪ Trye & then trust mée , if you finde not true that I haue tolde you : then report of mée , as my déedes shall giue occasion .

Strabino hauing lyne still a pretie whyle , and deuised howe he might now stand in defence of his Misterisse : made aunswere vnto his fréend on this wise . Syr ( quoth he ) saying and dooing are two mens labours , and it is easier for a man to promise : then to fulfill , your selfe now setteth such a corragious countenaunce on the matter : as though your minde were inuincible . Thinke you there is not as wise men in the world as you ? Are you made of such mettall , as force will not melt you ? could you if the matter were brought to the tryall : with all the cunning you haue make any resistaunce ? No credit me , but euen so glad to finde ease as my self : & march vnder Cupids banner for company . What sayd Ariosto in the commendation of Looue ? He sayth , what swéeter state ? what more bountifull blysse , and what more happy life : then to be lyncked in looue ? Chrisippus also sayth , that looue is the bond of fréendship , and ought not to be helde in contempt : for that beauty is the flowre of vertue . Cicero holdeth opinion , that a Wise man may lawfully looue , and the very reciprocall and mutuall societie of true & faithfull fréendship ( say the Peripations ) is Looue . Zeno the Prince of the Stoikes affirmeth , that it is néedefull and necessarie of young men to be loouers , and neuer disagréeeth with wise men : for that Looue is an associate with vertue . And will you reprooue Looue that is so much honored ? Will you disdayne Looue that is so magnified ? Will you condemne all Women , although some be euill ? and will you reprehend all Women for one strumpets sake ? What perillous paines ? What troublesome trauaile ? What pinching panges , and what manifolde miseries , dyd one woman sustaine for you ? Remember her that brought you into this world , consider her care in prouiding for your prosperity , thinke on the dayly deuises her motherly affection framed to kéepe you in quiet , sometime lulling on the lap , and trifling with many a toy , for the pure looue she bare her childe , remember all these poynts indifferently : and then iudge how much you are bound vnto that famous sex . Did not God giue Adam in Paradise a Woman for his companion ? Hath not God ordained man & woman to liue together in matrimony ? and that the mutuall looue betwéene man & wife , is to him most acceptable ? O my fréend Rodolfo , forsake this fondnes , leaue of this lewdnes , & take holde on a better text , looue them that looue you , and maintayne no more this vaine assertion . When Rodolfo had wayed the sick mans aunswer , & that he was so farre in : that it was too late to crye hoe , he sayd . Now credit me Strabino , all women haue iust cause to wage you well : because you stand in their defence so doubtily , were I a woman : you should not want what possibility could performe , & sure I would chuse you alwayes for my Champion against any whatsoeuer . And truly , she whome you looue , knowing what mettall you are made of : if she looue you not againe , she is very vncurteous .

Well , I warrant you , ye will not dye of this disease , you will take better aduisement with you I hope . If you would frequent the Tournaments , to bestride the stately Stéedes , and with the shiuering Launce to behaue your selfe manfully : these foolishe fancies , these troublesome thoughtes , and these coy cogitations would soone abandon you . The howre you know of our exercise is at hand , I must be gon , my Companions attend my comming , in the after noone I will visit you againe . Your sodayne departure ( quoth Strabino ) is an augmenting of my gréefe , but I will not hinder you from your valiaunt exercise : tyll you come agayne , God kéepe you .

Rodolfo béeing departed : Strabino could not take any rest , vp he rose , his head incombred with a thousand thoughts , his minde musing on many matters . One whyle he thought to goe sée his swéete Saint : then he thought it would but procure the greater payne , an other whyle he thought to send to her : then he doubted how she would take the matter , at last , he tooke pen , inke and paper , and framed his salutations , as followeth .

ALbeit déere Mistresse , you may accoumpt me more wytlesse , then wise , and more saucie then beséemeth me , to perturbe your patience , with these friuolous lynes : yet if you respect the good will I wishe you , and consider the dutifull seruice I am ready to showe you : I trust I shall be discharged of any crime committed , and that my honest intent deserueth no rashe repulse . Part of my paines I haue bewrayed to your bounty , and some of my sorrowes you haue secretly séene : then iudge if my iustnes deserues not your gentlenes , and whether my constancie may claime part of your courtesie . Pigmalion so long imbraced a colde stone : that at last he wonne the same to his Wife . Admetus in the attyre of a man , with long seruice gayned his best beloued . If Looue were so effectuall to frame , fit for theyr fancies : why may not Strabinos hap at length returne fortunate ? But perhappes déere Mistresse , you will alleadge that the lybertie of my spéech , bewrayeth the lyghtnesse of my Looue , & that I séeme to vndermine you with forgerie , intending no fidelytie . To driue you out of such doubts , and discharge my selfe of doubl● dealing , and to prooue my looue vehement without vaunting , feruent without falsehood , trusty without trifling , and constant without any craftinesse : let be practised for proofe , what shall please you to imploy me : and commaund to the vttermost , though it were losse of my lyfe . If you finde me faltring : then rightly repell me , and if you prooue me periured : then neuer more vse me . Thus committing the sum of my sute to your swéete solution , and the construing of my cause to your inestimable courtesie : I referre héere to multiply manifolde matters , and so with a Courteous Conge , byd you farewell hartily .

Yours to commaund , the solitary Strabino .

THis Letter thus written , and sealed with sorrowes : he wished a thousand times it were in the hands of his courteous Cornelia . But now thought he , how might I behaue my selfe in the sending my sute ? Howe might I deuise to haue this delyuered ? If I carie it my selfe : I shall be suspected , if I send it by a straunger : her Father may chaunce to see it . If I should make my fréend Rodolfo messenger , hée would then perceyue the sum of my secretes , then would hée sée that his Sister were my Saint ▪ and that her looue would set me at lybertie . I knowe not how the matter may be misvsed : nor how the cause may be by them consulted . A bargayne ( they say ) well made is halfe won , and he that woorkes surely : lightly hath no harme , then will I trust none in this but my selfe : so if I spéede not well , none knowes it but my selfe .

The Tournaments béeing ended : Rodolfo returned , and finding S●rabino walking in his Chamber : requested to know how he felt him selfe amended ? Quoth Strabino , neyther amended , nor worse impayred : but euen as you left me , yet if it were not for hope : the heart could not holde , so I hope that that my sicknesse , will in the ende returne my swéetnesse . 〈◊〉 I thinke will somewhat mittigate the mazednesse of my minde , and beside make me haue a stomacke the better to my meate : if it shall please you to walke with me : I wyll after goe with you to your Fathers house . With right good wyll ( quoth Rodolfo ) I wyll walke where you please , and doo what you can deuise : so that I might somewhat perswade you from looue .

Signor Truculento , an extorting Vsurer in Verona , commeth to the house of Giorolamo Ruscelli , the father of Cornelia , to desire his Daughter in mariage , and bringeth with him a sumptuous present . Cap. 5.

LEauing Rodolfo and Strabino in walking for theyr pleasure : I wyll now rehearse how olde Signor Truculento smoutched vp him selfe in his Fustian slyppers , and put on his holy day hose , to come a wooing to Mistresse Corneli●● ▪ The olde horson would néedes be lusty , and to chéerishe vp his churlishe carkase , would get him a wanton Wife . And though I say it , he was as well made a man , and as curious in his quallities : as euer an olde Horse in this towne , when he is gnabling on a thystle . This carpet Knight , hauing pounced him selfe vp in his perfumes , and walking so nice on the ground , that he would scant bruse an Onion : comes to the house of Signor Giorolamo Ruscelli , bringing with him a verie costly Cuppe , wherein was about fiue hundred Crownes . When he was come into the presence of the Gentleman , he sayd Syr , as one right glad to heare of your health , and willing besides to woorke your well fare : I am come to sée how it fareth with you ; because that long tyme I haue béene desirous ▪ First Syr , this Cuppe I fréely giue you , and these fiue hundred Crownes , I frankly bestowe on you , besides if you pleasure me in my reasonable request : you shall finde me your fréend in more then I wyll speake of .

The Gentleman amazed at Truculentos lyberalytie , who before would scant bestowe on him selfe a good meales meate for expence of money : made him this aunswere . I can not chuse Syr , but consider well of your courtesie , and lykewise estéeme of your bountifull beneuolence , vndeserued of my part to be so rytchly rewarded : considering my countenaunce to you hath béene small . And if your request be so reasonable as you séeme to affyrme , & that it lyeth in me to bring the same to effect : doubt not that I will make you any denyall , since you haue gratified me with so great a gyft . Well Syr , now Truculento trusseth vp his towardnesse , and bustleth vp his braynes lyke a bunch of Radishe , setting vp his wyttes to woorke about his Amorous eloquence : he thus began to tell foorth his tale . It may be thought to you good Syr , eyther a naturall inclination , or a predestinate desire , that a man of my yéeres should now be bent to folly , in crauing that company which a youthfull head requyreth , and seeking to match my selfe in mariage , drawing each day to my death . But as a good foresight in all thinges is to be had , and dillygent industry kéepes the Woolfe from the doore . Euen so , though I am to be thought fonde in following my wyll , I am to be excused in wishing my weale . Yet this may be alleadged to condemne mine assertion , and this may be thought , I do it more for lust then looue . That in making my choyse , I am not more cyrcumspect , and in ruling my will , I am not more wise . The hoary heayres should chuse one agréeable to his age , the lusty youth one méete to his tender tyme : then if this allegation may stand in effect , I haue made my market farre amisse . On age I begin to bend my browes : and on a gallant Girle I fixe my fancie ▪ Age of me is altogether despised : and youthfull yéeres honored and exalted , Age in my minde is nothing holsome : but beauty is braue , delycate and toothsome . So Syr , if I may gaine her whom I haue thus chosen : I shall not be only pleasured , but your selfe for euer héereafter profited . Your Daughter it is whome I desire , it is euen she whom I serue , and none but she must be my solace . If you accept my sute , make aunswer accordingly : and if I shall haue your Daughter , doo not deny me .

The Gentleman hauing well lystened this newe come wooers tale , and seeing at what marke he leueld his looue , he bring one him selfe that preferred money before manly modestie , coyne before courteous ciuillitie , and rytches before any vertuous action , besides , ouercome with the costlynesse of the Cuppe , out of measure contented with the fiue hundred Crownes : Furthermore he thought , if he matched his daughter with him : she would soone send him to Church , and then should she swym in her golden bagges : was verie lothe to send away such a swéete Suter , thinking it rare to haue a rytcher : wherefore to Truculento he made this aunswere .

I hope Syr , you doubt not of the good will I wishe you , nor of the courtesie you shall finde héereafter , your reasonable request is altogether allowed : and your gentle gyft greatly accepted . I would my Daughters dowrie were as much as I could wishe it : I would bestowe it on man sooner then your selfe . With that he called for his Daughter Cornelia , who when she was come into this olde amorous Squyres presence : his heart began to heaue lyke a Bakers bun , his whole complexion so myraculously chaunged : that you could scant haue knowen him from a Croydon sanguine . Oh so his Amorous eyes beganne to looke on his new Wife , I am sure he would haue spent all the shooes in his shop to haue had one kysse for a courteous Conge .

Loe Daughter ( quoth her Father ) God hath sent you héere a Husbande , one that will maintayne you in your brauerie with the best , and you shall lacke nothing , but lyue a Ladyes lyfe , now make aunswere as you shall thinke best .

Cornelia somewhat mooued at this made matter , and nothing contented with her Fathers choyse , all her senses distracted with this sodayne motion : yet tooke corrage to aunswere the matter in this sort . Déere Father , it is the duty of the Chylde to be obedient to her Parentes preceptes : and it is the Fathers fame to haue his Chylde vertuously nurtured , I confesse it is my part to obay your graue aduise : and it ought to be your care to sée me méetely matched . If then your care be no better bestowed : my dutie must be as much neglected , though your will be to sée me carelesly cast away , if it lye in me , I am to preuent it , bothe for the credit of your woorthy estate : and also for the good name of my simple selfe . Wyll you for money marrie me to a myser ? Wyll you for wealth wedde me to a Wyttoll ? And wyll you for rytches so lyttle regard me ? Shall I for a lyttle vaine glorie ? forsake vertue ? Shall I for paltrie pride run headlong to hell ? Shall I for mortall muck , forsake immortality ? No Father , had he wytte to his wealth : he would be more wise , had he reason to his rytches , he would be of more regard , and had he manhood to his money : he would be ashamed of his extorting vsury . For what is wealth without wisdome ? Ritches without reason , and money disorderly gouerned ? Euen lyke the shadowe of a man portraited in a picture , that hath all the lyneaments in good order belonging to a man : yet wants the man him selfe , for as the Image lacketh lyfe to his proper proportion : so this man wants that which should most of all adorne him . Rather had I you should haue chosen a countrey Clowne , that getteth his lyuing lawfully , & lyueth by trueth and honesty : then such a one as is not acquainted with any vertuous behauiour . I must confesse he is wise enough , to make much of his money , and carefull beside how to cull in his coyne , but he that will run to the diuell for a lyttle drosse : and pinche the poore to the perdition of his owne soule : shall neuer be looued of me whyle I liue , much lesse intende I to haue him to my Husband .

When Truculento heard Cornelias pinching reply , and how she disdayned such a loathsome lyuer : he would with all his heart haue had his Cup againe , on condition he would neuer come more a wooing . Yet set he a good face on the matter , because he would not be misdoubted , and fayne he would haue spoken , but his heart was so bigge he could not , the which her Father séeing , sayd .

Come Syr , we will goe walke about the Cittie a whyle , and neuer dismay your selfe at the woordes of my Daughter , for will she , nill she : I will haue her followe my minde in this matter . Away went olde Truculento with a heauy heart , yet the Gentlemans woordes , procured him to be of better chéere .

They were no sooner out of the doore : but in came Rodolfo and Strabino bothe together , and Strabino in walking : had bewrayed to his fréend the sum of his secretes , whereto he gayned so much his good will : that he promised he would further it as much as he might . When they came into the Garden : there they found Cornelia very sad and sorowfull . Why Syster ( quoth Rodolfo ) how happens it that you séeme so sad ? Why doo you cumber your minde with carefulnesse , your head with heauinesse , and all your parts with such pensiuenesse ? When I went foorth in the morning : you were merrie , and are you now chaunged into such melancholi● ? O Brother ( quoth she ) after myrth commeth mones , after ioy gréefe , and after pleasure paine , that comes in an howre : that happens not in seuen yéere : Euen so since your departure , hath chaunced such chaunge : that all my fréends will lament to heare of my fathers folly . Hath my father ( quoth Rodolfo ) framed things contrary to your fancie ? And dooth his dealings hinder your delight ? I pray you vnfolde this sodayn alteration : if I may be so bolde to craue such courtesie . You are to commaund me in greater affayres then this quoth she : wherfore attend & I wyll tell you all . Not fully yet two howres agoe , there came to my father such a comely Camellion : that could chaunge himselfe into all hues sauing honesty , all quallities in him , sauing those that are comly , & as expert in humanity : as he that neuer knew what it meant . Besides ( but that I am not to reprehend age ) for that it is honorable , nor to condemne his yéeres , ( for that he hath liued a tranquile tyme ) he is as doting a dissard as any in Verona , & as couetous a Carle , as lyueth at this day . But if wealth may make a man wise : he will brag with the best , or his extortion make him estéemed : he wyll be nothing behinde hand . But if vertue should vaunt & clayme for her fee : this comely Squyre were sunk in the wetting , & all his credite crackt before it were gotten . But to come to the effect of the matter , & to let passe his properties : without they were prayse woorthy , and to shew the cause of his comming , and his sute to my Father . It is so , that this money myser : is become a lusty loouer , and bringing a gorgious gift to gratify my Father : the Amorous whorson would haue me to his wife . Now my father ( as you know ) hath a good minde to money , & lookes that the olde suter will soone turne vp his héeles , ( so then shall I haue more money then modest manners , and greater store of substaunce , then wisedome to rule it , ) he would néedes make him promise , that he should wedde me to his Wife . But I gaue him such a cooling ●arde , & such a pinching replye : that my Father is fayne to goe and perswade him , saying at his departure : that he shall haue me whether I wyll or no● . But sure , ere I giue my consent to fulfill his fancie , and match my selfe with such a Midas : my Father shall first cause me leaue my lyfe , which wyll be a greater reward : then to lyue with reproche .

Now surely Syster ( quoth Rodolfo ) I must commend your constancie , and allow the care of your credit , before such a doting drudge should spoyle your gallant youth : my selfe would tell my Father an other tale . With that Strabino tooke out his Letter , and courteously kissing it : gaue it to his swéete Saint , and in the meane whyle she was in reading it : they walked about the Garden together , and hauing read it : came vnto him saying . Syr Strabino , your honest intent : I can not dislyke , nor your well meaning minde can I reprooue , but wishe I were woorthy so séemely a suter , & of abyllitie to gratifie your excéeding courtesie . I confesse your iustnesse condempneth me of vngentlenesse ; & your constancie reprooueth my great discourtesie , in that at your last departure : I dyd misuse my selfe with such blunt behauiour , but as the Sunne should not set on an anger conceyued : so I hope my presumption by you was pardoned : If at the first I had graunted your looue : you might haue alleadged my minde to be lyght , if at the first demaund I had made no deniall : you might haue thought me very vntrustie , but now perceyuing your ardent affection , the loyall looue and good wyll you beare me : I think I can not bestowe my selfe better , then on him whose fidelytie I haue found so faithfull .

Now Brother tell me how lyke you my choyse ? In choosing my fréend , Syster ( quoth Rodolfo ) you haue followed my fancie , in making my fréend your Husband : you haue doone as I would haue you . God graunt your dayes may be spent so prosperous : as I wishe this match to each party meritorious . This match is more séemely : then my Fathers forecasting , & this is more agréeable to God : then to haue you vnited in that order , for where perfect looue is effectually placed : there is triumphant tranquillitie , peace and plentie ▪ Gods blessing and sufficient . But where mariage is made vpon compulsion , the one agréeing , the other disdayning : there is dayly discorde , displeasing of God , continuall care , and many infirmities followeth . Wherefore I thinke this a match so méete : that it can not be mended , a choyse so equall : as there can be no better , héere is looue and loyaltie , héere is fayth and fidelitie , God prospere your procéeding , I wishe it hartily .

Now Gentlemen , iudge if Strabino had not cause to be corragious of so gallant a conquest ? of so péerelesse a prize , and so loouing a Lady ? Whose ioy was more iocond ? Whose blisse more bountifull ? And whose hap might be compared to Strabinos good lucke , in compassing that in a moment : which he thought would neuer haue come to effect , and in getting the good wyll of so gallant a Goddesse , so swéete a Saint , and so mercifull a Mistresse .

Wherefore now leauing the languishing of his sorrowfull sicknesse , and forsaking the feare that earst followed his fancie : he saluteth his Lady with this courteous replye . I sée ( most mercifull Mistresse ) that there is no disease so desperate : but helpe may be had , no sicknesse so sore : but Phisicke can foyle it , no wound so daungerous : but a swéete salue can recure it , no gréefe so great : but patience bringes prosperitie , and no doubt so dreadfull : but tyme bringeth to full effect . Sée héere , he that was earst drowned in doubten : now hoysed in happynesse , he that earst remayned in vnmercifull myserie : nowe floteth in florishing felycitie , he that earst was plundged in pittyfull perplexitie : hath chaunged his state to perfect prosperitie . If Caesar héere would commit to me all his conquers , Craesus his puissant possessions , or the thrée Goddesses proffer vnto me , as they dyd to Paris : None could so much please me , as you my second selfe , none could more delyght me : then my Iewell so gentle , nor any more lyke me then my Lady so loyall , whose courteous constancie : high Ioue prosper in perpetuitie .

Cornelia séeing Strabino in the myddest of his myrth , and hauing deuised a drift to fal pat to their pleasures , crossed his tale with a courteous kysse , and after began her talke in this order . The wise holde opinion ( quoth she ) that a present peryll is good to be preuented , who woorkes warely at the first : néede not repent him after , and a bargayne well made , is halfe won . You knowe Brother , our Father requyreth rytches out of measure , and a match of money makes vp his mouth , nowe if Strabino should solycite his sute to him ( as néedes he must ) he may alleadge the want of his wealth , and that his abillitie is not able to maintayne me according to his minde , as no doubt he will compasse a hundred conceyts : because he would match me with olde Truculento .

To deceyue him now of this deuise , and to winne the matter fit for our wyll : I haue bethought of a cunning coniecture , and remembred such a remedy , as will fall verie fyt , bothe that my Father shall giue his consent : and the olde worldly wretch serued in his right kinde . First , Brother you shall goe with Strabino to Truculentes house , and there on your credite , take vp a great summe of money , as much as you shall thinke good , then go you into La strada di San Paolo , and buy the Iewell which my Father hath long had such great affection to , the which will so win him : that I dare warrant none but you shall haue me to his Wife . For the payment therof you shall not néede greatly to accoumpt : for that you shall referre vnto me , but this way I thinke you shall soonest spéede , and this way I warrant you shall gayne no nay .

I perceyue Syster ( quoth Rodolfo ) a Womans wyt is good at a néede , and this your deuise full well we allowe . Howe say you Strabino , shall we put this in practise ? Or wyll you deferre it for feare of discredite ? Nay sure ( quoth Strabino ) since the matter consisteth on no greater a clause , and that this inuencion may driue all out of doubt : I thinke eache day a yéere tyll we haue dispatched it , and eache howre a month tyll we haue bound vp the bargayne .

Cornelia espying her Father was entred , and fearing least he would mistrust the matter , gaue them a watche woord to win them away , and to goe about their pretended purpose . Rodolfo goes in to flatter his Father , in the meane whyle Strabino stealeth out , so that theyr prancks were nothing perceyued : but all fell out , euen as they would wishe it . Rodolfo stealeth out , and followeth his fréend , and in short tyme they met bothe together , then they agréeed how the case should be concluded : if so be the money would be lent that they hoped for .

They béeing come to Signor Truculentos house , & he sitting at his doore verie solytarie : Rodolfo in the fréendlyest fashion saluteth him , and flattering the foole , thus frameth his tale . Woorthy Syr , if I say otherwayes then beseemes me : I hope you wyll beare with me , and if I speake as affection serues me : I doubt not but you wyll déeme all at the best : so that neyther flattering you with any forgerie , nor vpholding my selfe by any vaine glorie : I shall committe to your courtesie my well meaning tale , and my simple sute to be accoumpted of , as you shall lyke best .

Since the prouidence of the Gods hath so appointed , law of nature hath eke allowed , and the graue aduise of my Father hath so consented , that you are the only man must matche with my Sister : I reioyce that my hap hath prooued so fortunate , and that the Gods hath sent me such a lucky lot , as your woorthy selfe shall become my brother , alwayes wishing that your tyme may prooue as tranquill , as my good wyll is to woorke your well fare . When olde Truculento heard Rodolfos Rhetoricke , and how gallantly he glosed to purchase his purpose , he thinking that all his tale had béene trueth , and vpon pure affection he had spoken the same , replyed . Fréend Rodolfo : You haue not found me so bountifull : as héereafter you shall find me brotherlike , ne haue you had any such occasion to commend me : as héereafter you shall purchase occasion to prayse me . I remayne to pleasure you , in what I can possible , and will stand your fréend in more then I will speake of . Indéede your Father hath found me so fréendly : that I thanke him , he déemes me to deserue his Daughter , & you I sée conceyue so good opinion of me : that you thinke me sufficient to match with your Syster . Well , if all prooue so well , as I hope it will , and the matche be so graunted as on my part it is proffered . It is not money , or ought that I haue , but shall be all present to doo you a pleasure .

Strabino began to smyle in his sléeue . Rodolfo much a doo to kéepe his countenaunce , to sée the olde whorson how willing he was : & how craftily they caught him into so good a beléefe , wherefore nowe he beginneth to shewe foorth his sute : not doubting to spéede before they departed . Well Syr ( quoth Rodolfo ) for your proffered courtesie I remayne your debtor , not doubting but the matter will come so to passe as I haue alwayes wished it , & if it lyke you so well , as to graunt me one request : whyle I liue you shall binde me to the vttermost of my power . Héere is a Gentleman , a verie déere fréend and fellow of mine , who because his liuing is not yet come into his handes : is desirous to borrowe a certayne sum of money , allowing for the gaynes thereof , what you will demaund : the sum dooth amount to fowre thousand Duckattes , and but for one month he desireth the lending , and if by that tyme he doo not discharge the debt : he is willing to forfayte his patrimony , and besydes the best lym of his body .

Fréend Rodolfo ( quoth Truculento ) the world is so wretched now a dayes , & diuers of the people so pinched by pouerty : that many will borrow , but slack payment is made , then if we exact the Law to the vttermost : we are accoumpted couetous carles , worldly wretches , and such like , which makes me so lothe to lende : for I care not for dealing in the trade any more . What pleasure were it to me to maime or mangle this Gentleman for mine owne : truly I had rather if I could well spare so much , to giue it him outright , so should I sustayne no reproch my selfe : nor he be endamaged in the distresse of the law . Yet for your sake , I care not if I lende him so much : so that you wyll stande bound vnto mée , as straytlie as hée shall .

Syr ( quoth Rodolfo ) for the credit of the Gentleman , I dare wage all that I am woorth , and for the payment thereof , I dare stand to the perill , deliuer you the money , & if the debt be not discharged before , or at the aboue named day : I will loose all my Landes , beside the best lym of my body . Well ( quoth Truculento ) this is the bonde , if by the first day of the month ensuing , the whole sum be not restored : eache of your Lands shall stand to the endamagement , besides the losse of bothe your right eyes , are you content to stand to this bargayne ? Yea ( quoth they bothe ) and that right wyllingly .

With that he departed to fetche the money , then quoth Strabino to his fréende . Dyd euer man see a more extorting villayne then this ? Is not our Landes sufficient to glut vp his gréedinesse ? But that each of our eyes must stand to the hazard ? Oh myserable myser , oh egregrious cormorant , surely the iust iudgement of God , wyll reward him for his wickednesse . Well , cease ( quoth Rodolfo ) no more woordes , Lupus est in fabula , little sayd is soone amended .

Then comes Truculento , wylling them to tell out theyr money , and then to set their handes to his Byll , which béeing doone : he delyuered fortie Duckattes more to Rodolfo , to carie his Syster for a token from him , saying . Desire her to estéeme of the gratefulnesse of the gyft , more then the quantitie dooth amount vnto , and tell her , that in lyfe or death I am hers at commaund .

Your courteous token ( quoth Rodolfo ) shall be delyuered , and your message ministred , with as much expedition as possibilitie wyll permitte , and thus thanking you a thousand tymes for your Brotherlyke beneuolence . I committe you to the custody of the heauenly Creator . The lyke wishe I you ( quoth he ) desiring you to remember the bargaine wherin you are bound .

¶ After that Rodolfo and Strabino had borrowed the money of Signor Truculento , they departed to their lodgings , and in the morning goe and buy the ritch Iewell , which Strabino presenteth to Signor Giorolamo Ruscelli , the Father of Cornelia , and obtayneth promise that he shall haue her in marriage . Cap. 6.

ROdolfo in the morning , repayreth to the Chamber of his assured Strabino , where béeing entred , he found him in his study at his Booke , awayting his company to goe about their businesse . Strabino ( quoth he ) let your Bookes a whyle be left : and frame your selfe to furder your fancie , let be the solemnesse you vse in your study : for you are lyke to purchase a double delyght , the tyde taryeth no man , and when we are assured of our wished Iewell : then may we deferre the tyme as long as we lyst . Wherefore , my selfe desyrous to hasten in our enterprise , and also to prooue the doubt of a dreame . I desire the more to make an ende of this matter . Quoth Strabino , hath a dreame driuen you in any such doubt , or haue you séen a fancie in your sléepe , which you shall prooue effectuous now you are waking : if it shall like you to tell me the trueth , I will define thereon as well as I can .

To trifle the tyme in talke ( quoth Rodolfo ) may let our labour , and beside , to shew you the effect of the same : would cause you to delude me , wherefore I will let it alone tyll we returne , and if by the way it prooue to perfection ( as my desire is of God it may not ) truly I wyll tell you . They take theyr way downe by Signor Truculentos doore , where he sawe the Saint sitting which all night was in his vision , no further could he goe he was so faynt , but stoode leaning on the brest of his fréend Strabino , at last he burst foorth in these woordes , saying .

O my Strabino , but that you are my fréend , and one whom I doo highly make accoumpt of : I should doubt to discouer the cause of my dollor , and feare to display my so sodayne passions , yet séeing your selfe hath tasted like torment , and haue borne out the bruntes which now I abide : the bolder I may my secretes bewraye , and the surer demonstrate the cause of my care . Yet you will condempne me for my preter presumption , and may rightly controule me for my rashe reprehension : yet iudge with indifferencie , and deale with me fréendly , let olde faultes be forgotten , and penaunce clayme pardon . I sée there is no stomacke so stoute : but looue will allay it , no courage so conquerous : but looue will conuince it , nor no heart so hautie : but looue can bring lowe : Euen so my selfe , who was a reiecter of looue , am now enforced to followe my fancie , and I who enuied against Women kinde : am now become a thrall to one my selfe .

With that for feare of béeing suspected in the open stréete : they went theyr wayes about theyr other affayres , and as they were walking , quoth Strabino . I sée déere fréende , that the most learned Clarkes , are not the wisest , the most valiaunt , not the surest , nor the greatest boasters , the best perfourmers , I perceyue you would haue béene in your deskant , before you knewe what pertayned to pricke Song . What say you nowe to Plautus woordes ? What say you to all the matters wherewith you charged me ? Well , I will not replye so rashlie as you dyd : nor I will not giue you such colde comfort , as you vsed to me , but I wyll doo the best to make vp the matter , and my head to a halfepeny , I wyll bring it to effect .

I knowe it is Truculentos Daughter whome you desire , and she it is must cease your sorrowes : let vs first ende the matter we haue in hande , and then you shall sée how I wyll compasse this géere . Rodolfo well satisfied with Strabinos promise : went and bought the Iewell which his Father so much desired , and there withall a fayre white Iennet of Spayne , and comming home : found his Father sitting at the doore , he entred , leauing Strabino to talke with him , who after he had saluted him in séemely sort : beganne his matters in this order as followeth .

To rip vp the chéefe occasions ( woorthy Sir ) that procureth me in what I can to pleasure you : would be ouer tedious to me in the telling , and somewhat troublesome to you in the hearing , wherefore letting them passe as remembred in minde , and recounting such matters as occasion dooth byd me : I first and formost present you with this rytch & sumptuous Iewell , wishing it so much woorth , as I could wyllingly bestowe .

When Signor Ruscelli sawe the Iewell , which so long he desired , and that his sonnes fréend and Companion was the bestower of the same : he was ouercome with such excéeding ioy : that it is vnpossible for me to expresse . But when he had well viewed all about , & séene the sumptuousnesse bestowed thereon : he aunswered Strabino to his great contentment .

If I should shew you ( quoth he ) how much this gyft pleaseth me , and besides , make manifest the good wyll I beare you : you would suppose I dyd but flatter you , and déeme my woordes of no true intent . Wherefore to driue you out of all such doubtes , and to make apparaunce of that I haue spoken : demaund of me what you shall déeme expedient , and I vow to the vttermost to graunt your request .

With that Cornelia came to the doore , and séeing the Iewel in her Fathers hande : commended greatly the lyberalitie of her Brothers fréende , and informing her Father to make him large amendes .

Syr ( quoth Strabino ) the Iewell giuen , byds me ( vnder verdite of your lycence ) craue an other Iewell , and this Iennet besides I giue you , wishing but to spéede of that Iewell . What Iewell soeuer it be ( quoth he ) I haue , or any other thing , that may séeme to suffice you : on my credite and fidelitie , you can but aske and haue . Strabino stepped vp and tooke Cornelia by the hand , saying : then giue me this Iewell in recompence of my Iewell : so shall I be contented , and you nothing iniured .

Syr Strabino ( quoth Signor Ruscelli ) the demaund you haue made is doubtfull , and the choyse you haue chosen , nothing correspondent to mine intent , her mariage is already made , and she is giuen to one whose wealth is so woorthy , & whose store so surpassing : that whyle she liueth , she shall néede to lacke nothing . You are a young Gentleman , youthfull and lyberall , and will spend more in a day : then he in a yéere , he is warie and wise , you youthfull and prodigall , therefore the matche is otherwise determined , any thing else remayneth at your request . Syr ( quoth Strabino ) you haue left a poynt open , and I haue a man to enter , respect your play wisely , least you loose the game outright . A promise may alwayes be claymed for a due debt , and such a man as you should neuer shrinke at his woord , I may clayme this Iewell by a sufficient tytle : for that in your promise you made no exception . Yea but Strabino ( quoth he ) I meant you should haue desired some other desert . But I meant ( quoth Strabino ) to craue none other , so that you standing to the bargaine , and I lybertie to take what best lykes me : this Iewell is mine , and your woorde a sufficient warrant .

Besides , where you doubt my liuing is not sufficient to welcome such a Wife : I trust that the patrimony my Parentes dooth allowe me , is more then the dowrie you wyll make to her mariage . Againe , if my lyberalitie , of you be dyslyked , and the niggardly sparing of a worldly wretch so much commended : I perceyue you preferre rytches before a noble minde , and accoumpt more of vanitie , then you doo of vertue . Mazeus when he receyued his Pretorship of Alexander : in commendation of his munificence , vsed these woordes . My Prince Darius was euer but one man : but thou by thy lyberalitie , makest many Alexanders . Scipio Africanus neuer rode abroade , but he would vse such lyberalitie ere he returned : that of his greatest fooes , he would make his déerest fréends . Isocrates wysheth Nicocles to be familliar with this excellent vertue , wylling him in his apparell to be gallant and glorious : and let his lyberalitie set foorth his magnificence . Then neuer disprayse lyberalitie , which is the chéefe ornament of a noble minde : but hate that worldly pleasure , enemie to all vertuous actions . I content my selfe to stand to her gentle iudgement , if she doo not regard me : I am content you shall refuse me , and if she lyke me not : I will let her alone .

What bargayne is betwéene you twayne ( quoth Signor Ruscelli ) I knowe not , nor how you haue deuised the matter in hope to deceyue me , yet haue I séene no such familliarity , whereof I should accoumpt : nor any such likelyhood , that she will chuse you to her Husband . I am content to abyde her agréement , wherefore speake Daughter as your minde shall best serue you .

Then since déere Father ( quoth Cornelia ) it hath lyked you to graunt me my minde , in making my choyse , and that you will not be offended at my bolde behauiour : Syr Strabino , you are the man whome I most accoumpt of , and no other will I haue during lyfe .

When Signor Ruscelli perceyued it was come to that passe , and that his promise bound him to stand to her verdict : he sayd . Take héere then Strabino , the Iewell of my ioy , to quite your Iewell so lyberallie bestowed , and God graunt you such prosperitie whyle you liue together : as I wishe to mine owne soule , I speake vnfaynedly . The Nuptialles shall be celebrated when you thinke best , in the meane while I will take you as my Sonne , and you bothe as Man and Wife .

After much talke passed betwéene them : out commeth the mournfull Rodolfo , rauished with such inward desyre , and tossed in such frantick fittes : as his pittious plight bewrayed the state of his sicknesse . Strabino taking leaue of his new found Father , and of his swéet Lady and wife Cornelia : went with him . And as they were going ( quoth Rodolfo . ) O my déere Strabino , néedes must I goe , to knowe eyther of or on , her Father shall knowe the good will I beare her , and she shall perceyue I wishe her to my Wife . If I maye spéede , I haue my desire , if not , the greater wyll be my distresse .

Ah Syr ( quoth Strabino ) how lyke you looue ? Who shall controule you for following your fancie ? A man knowes what his beginning is : but he knoweth not his ending . Brag is a good Dogge , whyle he will holde out : but at last he may chaunce to méete with his matche . In such like conference they came to the house of Signor Truculento , and who should open the doore but Brisana his Daughter , the Mistresse of Rodolfo , whome he saluted in very fréendly sort . But euen so willing as he was to haue her to his Wife : she was as desirous to haue him to her Husbande . Héere was hote looue on bothe sides , and each of them so farre in : that it was vnpossible for eyther to gette out . Rodolfo , he in secrete telles Truculento such a flattering tale in his eare , howe his Sister had calmed her courage , and was content to stand to her Fathers appointment : that the day after the debt was discharged the mariage should be made , so he for ioy of these new-come tydinges : ioyneth them bothe hand in hand , to marie when they will , & God giue them much ioy ▪ Heere were mariages soone made , and Wiues soone wonne , I beléeue if I should sue for lyke succour : I should perforce take longer space to spéede .

Nowe is Rodolfo returned reioysing , and Strabino right glad of his good successe , Truculento presently hyes him to horsebacke , to goe wyll all his fréendes , to méete at his mariage .

When Signor Ruscelli knew how his sonne had spedde , and by so fine a drift had deceyued Truculento : the next morning marieth his sonne , and Truculentos Daughter together , and Cornelia and Strabino in the selfe same sort . What ioy was héere on eyther side : iudge you that are maried folkes and meddle in such matters , yet though I be vnskilfull to define on such clauses : I must néedes suppose , that since each of them gayned , the thing which they most desired : their ioy was not lyttle , nor their pleasure lightly to be accoumpted of .

Strabino he with his swéete Cornelia passeth the tyme pleasantly , & Rodolfo with his braue Brisana lyueth at hearts ease & tranquilitie , so that they thinke there is no other felycitie .

But now Gentlemen ( as the auncient Prouerbe is ) after pleasure comes payne , and after mirth comes myserie , and after a fayre and sunny day , ariseth blustring windes & sharp showers : Euen so to this passed pageant of pleasure , is annexed a stratageme of sorrowes .

Truculento is returned from bydding his Guestes , and hath heard of the hap which chaunced in his absence , he comes as one bereft of his wyttes , or as a man feared out of his fiue sences , and vttereth this tale to Signor Giorolamo Ruscelli . Syr , blame not my boldnesse , for that I am constrayned , nor reprehend my rashnesse , since I am so misused , I thought more credite had consisted in your auncient heart , and that you would not haue dissembled with any such double dealing . Dyd not you perfectly promise I should matche with your Daughter , and that no one should gayne her but only I ? Did not I giue your Sonne my Daughter on the selfe same condition ? And haue you in my absence maryed her to an other ? Not contented with matching my Daughter with your Son , I béeing not present ▪ but to goe and play such a Parasites part . Well , well , I doubt not but to deale so sharply with some : that they shall wishe they neuer had maried my promised wife .

Fewe woordes & swéete Syr ( quoth Signor Ruscelli ) threatned folkes liue long , and angrie men are subiect to many sorrowes , I gaue you no other consent , then on my Daughters agréement , and when I mentioned the matter : I styll found her contrarie . Wherfore you must pacifie your selfe , there is no other remedy , and learne to make a vertue of necessity , for sure your lucke was still turned to losse . And whereas my Sonne hath matched with your Daughter : I déeme you are not greatly to finde any fault , but rather may be glad she hath sped so well , for the day hath béene he might haue had her betters . Wherfore if you séeme to chafe your selfe vpon so lyght occasion , and that you will not be contented , we offering you such courtesy : meddle in no more matters then you may , nor heape any more harmes on your head , then you are wylling to beare . If you set not a poynt by vs : we care not a pyn for you , if we may haue your good will so it is : if not , kéepe your winde to coole your Pottage .

This aunswere made Truculento more mad then he meant to be , and he flung foorth of doores in such a fume : as though all the Towne would not haue helde him .

On the morrow , he caused Strabino and Rodolfo to be summoned to appéere before the Iudge , for the payment of the money , which when Cornelia and Brisana perceyued : they willed their Husbandes in nothing to doubt , for that by their industrie they should be discharged . Cornelia apparelleth her selfe all in blacke like a Scholler , and Brisana attyreth her selfe in the same sorte . After dinner they appéered before the Iudge , where Truculento appealed against them in this order .

Signor Truculento summoneth Strabino and Rodolfo before the Iudge , for the debt which was due to him , where Cornelia and Brisana , by their excellent inuencions redeemeth their Husbandes , and Truculento at last seeing no remedy : falleth to agreement . Cap. 7.

MOst magnificent Iudge , tyme was ( quoth Truculento ) when firme affection , and pure zeale of fréendshippe , mooued me to minde the destitute estate of these two Gentlemen , when as either they had not money to their contentment : or wanted such necessaries , as then was to them néedefull ▪ At which tyme ( as the Lambe endaungered by the rauenous Woolfe , flyeth for sauegard to his folde , or as the Ship abiding the hazard of Fortune , and fearing the emminent daunger , posteth to some Porte , or hasteth to some Hauen in hope of succour ) : Euen so these twayne repayred to me , who béeing sufficiently stored of that which they wanted , and besides , willing to pleasure them , to their greater profite : committed to their custody , a certayne summe of money , which amounteth vnto fowre thousand Crownes . Nowe theyr necessite indifferently satisfied , and they béeing bound to delyuer the summe at a certayne daye : they haue broken theyr promise , which is open periurie , and falsyfied theyr faythes , in not restoring the money . Wherefore , that all Gentlemen may be warned by such wylfull offenders , and that God may be glorified in putting them to punishment : I haue thus determined how the debt shall be discharged . The rendring of the money I doo not accoumpt of , ne wyll I be pleased with twise as much restored : the breach of the Lawe I meane to exact , and to vse rygor , where it is so required .

The forfayture of theyr Landes , is the one part of the penaltie , the losse of theyr right eyes the whole ingenerall , now remembring the wofull estate of theyr solitarie wiues , how in depriuing theyr substaunce , they might be pinched by penurie : I let theyr Landes remayne vnto them in full possession , whereon héereafter they may liue more honestly . I clayme theyr right eyes for falsifying theyr faith : to mooue others regard howe they make lyke rechlesse promises . So shall Iustice be ministred without partialytie , they rightly serued for infringing theyr fidelity : and my selfe not thought to deale with crueltie .

Thus haue you heard the cause of my comming : now giue iudgement as your wisedome shall thinke most expedient . My fréends ( quoth the Iudge ) héere is no place to deale with partialitie , héere is no roome where falsehood should be frequented , nor time in this place to deferre in trifling affayres : but héere is simply Iustice to be aduaunced , wrong righly reuenged , and mercie mildly maintayned . Wherfore , ere I beginne to deale in this diuersitie , or that I séeme to contend about this controuersie : I exhort you each one to exempt double dealing , to flye forged fraude , & to minister nothing malitiously , but on each cause to way the matter aduisedly . Consider you come to deale in matters of conscience , matters of your owne mayntenaunce , and such thinges whereon your credite consisteth , now you are not for fréendshippe to further falsehood , ne yet for malice to touch an vntrueth , but euen to deale so directly , to frame your matters so faithfully , and to vse your selues héere so vprightly : that not so much as a motion be made of any misorder . But euery one to aunswere as occasion is offered , so helpe you God and the contentes of this booke , wherat they all kissed the booke . And then the Iudge called Strabino , to shewe in what sort , and after what order the money was borrowed , and what promise there was betwéene them .

Most mightie Iudge ( quoth Strabino ) trueth neuer defameth his Maister , right repelleth all proffered wrong , and vpright dealing disdayneth all forged fraude , wherefore , neyther fearing the force of his reuenging rigor , nor yet dismaying at ought that is doone : I will tell my tale , reporting nothing but trueth , and clayming no other courtesie then my desertes shall deserue .

Trueth is , my Father fayling to send me such money , as serued to the mayntenaunce of my studious exercise , and besides , wanting wherewith to deale in waighty affayres : my fréend & I came vnto this Caterpyller , ( so rightly may I call him , neyther defacing his lycentious lyuing , condempning his practised science , and cunning handy craft , nor yet inuaying against any of his honest behauiour : but commending his cut throate conditions , in pinching the poore , to fyl vp his own poutch . ) Béeing come to this aforesayd woorme of the world , ( who eateth so many to the bare bones , out of Lands and lyuing , to glut his gréedy desire ) we desired a certayne summe of money , which is no lesse then him selfe hath confessed , for a monthes space , and then to restore the same to the vnrightfull owner , who binding vs straytly in the losse of our Landes , and of each our right eyes : lent vs this aforesayd sum . Now in déede , we not minding the so short restoring of his due debt , for that necessary occasions was partly our hinderaunce : haue indamaged our selues in two dayes more , then the limmited time did amount vnto , for which time we will allow him to the vttermost he can aske , & his money to haue when him pleaseth . Now if your wisdome dooth not thinke we deale with him honestly and well : we will stand to what effect it shall like you to bring it .

My fréend ( quoth the Iudge ) your reply is reasonable , you confesse your selfe indebted in that which he hath demaunded , and yéeld that you haue broken the band , wylling to make an amends , insomuch that you will satisfie the vttermost , which he may séeme to sue for : I can not chuse but accoumpt your woordes of good credite , in that your dealing dooth demonstrate no other . Now Truculento , you sée the Gentleman graunteth him selfe guilty , since his earnest affayres dyd hinder the repayment of your debt to you due , now he hath the whole ready to restore , and beside , ouer & aboue this sum : will content you to the vttermost it shall please you to request . In my opinion you can reasonably require no more , if you doo : you shall but séeme to shame your selfe .

Syr ( quoth Truculento ) he that before my face will vse such terrible tauntes , behinde my backe , would gladly brew my bane , he that in my presence will so spightfully reprooue me : in my absence would hang me if it were in his possibilitie . Dooth he demerit fauour : that so frowneth on his fréend ? Can he clayme any courtesie : that abuseth him selfe so disorderly ? Or can he once pleade for pittie : that standeth in so great a presumption ? Or you my Lord , desire me deale gently : with one who respecteth not gentillitie ? No , the money is none of mine , ne will I haue it , his Landes I respect not , ne care I for them , and now his submission I way not , ne will I accept of it . You my Lord shall rather reape reproche by pleading on his part : then gayne any credite in maintayning so carelesse a creature . I driue my whole action to this issue , I plead my priuiledge vnto this poynt , & to this clause I am seuerely bent : I will haue the due which breach of promise dooth deserue , I will exempt all courtesie : and accoumpt of cruelty , I wyll be pleased with no ritch reward whatsoeuer , no pitty shall preuayle , rigor shall rule , and on them bothe I will haue Lawe to the vttermost .

Why Truculento ( quoth the Iudge ) respect you cruelty : more then Christian ciuillitie , regard you rigor more then reason . Should the God aboue all Gods , the Iudge aboue all Iudges , administer desert , which your sinnes hath deserued ? If his fatherly affection , if his mercifull myldnesse , if his righteous regard , dyd not consider the frayltie of your fleshe , your promptnes vnto peryll , and your aptnes vnto euyll : how mightie were the myserie , which should iustly fall vpon you ? Howe sharpe the sentence that should be pronounced against you , and howe rigorous the reuenge , which should rightly reward you ? Is this the looue you beare to your brother ? Is this the care you haue of a Christian ? The Turke , whose tyranny is not to be talked of : could but exact to the vttermost of his crueltie . And you a braunche of that blessed body , which bare the burden of our manifolde sinnes : howe can you seeme to deale so sharply with your selfe ? séeing you should vse to all men : as you would be dealt withall . Yet to let you haue the lybertie of your demaund in Lawe , and you to stand to the Iustice which héere I shall pronounce , let first your right eye be put foorth in theyr presence : and then shall they bothe abide lyke punishment .

For since neyther the restoring of your debt wyll suffice you , nor yet the lyberall amendes they are content to make you : I déeme it expedient you should be pertaker of theyr paynes , so shall you knowe if you demaund a reasonable request . Howe say you , will you stand to the verdict pronounced : or take the rewarde which they haue promised .

My Lord ( quoth Truculento ) neyther doo I deserue to abide any such doome , nor they woorthy to be fauoured with any such fréendshippe , I may lawfully alleadge that you permit partiality : & that you deuide not each cause indifferently , for to what ende should you séeme to satisfie me with their woordes : when your selfe perceyues how they are found faultie ? And what vrgeth you to vse such gentle perswasions : when you sée your selfe they deserue no such dealing ? If I had wylfully offended in any such cause , and wyttingly broken in such sort my bonde : I would be contented you should deliuer me my deserts , so that you dyd minister nothing but Iustice . And wherefore should you séeme to demaund the losse of my eye who haue not offended : for sauegarde of their eyes that haue so trecherously trespassed ? I am sure I go not beyond the breache of my bande , nor I desire no more then they haue deserued . Wherefore obiect no more matters , whereby to delude me , nor impute no occasions to hinder my pretence , I craue Iustice to be vprightly vsed , and I craue no more , wherefore I will haue it .

Indéede my fréends ( quoth the Iudge ) who séeketh the extremitie , & vrgeth so much as his wilfull minde dooth commaund him : his commission is very large , & his request not to be refused . Wherfore , since neither pittie can preuaile , nor fréendly counsayle perswade : you must render the raunsome that he dooth require , for we cannot debarre him in these his dealings , nor we can not chuse but giue our consentes . Therfore if you haue any that will pleade your case in Law : let them speake & they shall be heard , to further your safety as much as we may .

My Lord ( quoth Rodolfo ) theyr courtesie is ouermuch that will knéele to a Thystle , and theyr beneuolence bountifull that will bowe to a Bramble : Euen so we are farre foolishe to craue courtesie of such a cut throate , and more wytlesse then wyse to meddle with such a wordly wretch . If there be no remedy : we knowe the vttermost of our paynes , yet we craue that these our Attorneyes , may haue such lybertie as Lawe will permit .

With that Truculento fared like a fiend , and curssed and banned like a Diuell of hell , ( quoth he ) my Lord , you deale with me discourteously : when the Lawe is come to the passe to let them haue theyr Attorneyes .

Syr ( quoth the Iudge ) you haue vsed all this whyle your Attorneyes aduise , and they haue aunswered simply of them selues , now since you the Plaintife haue had this prerogatiue : it is reason the Defendaunts should demaund their due . It may be that their Attorneyes may put you to such a plundge : that you shall haue small occasion to bragge of your bargayne : wherefore let them speake .

Then Brisana ( Truculentos Daughter ) began in this order to pleade for her auayle . Admit my Lord ( quoth she ) that I come to such a person as this partie , to borrow the lyke sum of money , binding me in the selfe same band , to restore the money to the same party of whome I had it . Well , the time expyred , I come to deliuer the due to the owner , he being not at home , nor in the Citty , but ridden foorth , and vncertaine of his comming : I returne home to my house , and he him selfe comes out of the Countrey as yesterday . Now he vpon some seuerall spight or malicious intent : sueth me in the Lawe , not demaunding his due , nor I knowing of his ariuall . Am I to be condempned for breaking the Lawe : when the partie him selfe hath deferred the day ?

How lyke you this géere Truculento ? you haue now an other Pigeon to pull , and héere is one wiser then you were beware . Can you condempne this partie , not demaunding your due , nor béeing at home when it might haue béene discharged ? And making the bande to be restored to your selfe ?

My Lord ( quoth Truculento ) though I was not at home : my house was not emptie , and though I was away , if it had béene restored : it stoode in as good effect as if it had béene payd to me . Wherefore it is but follie to frame such an allegation : for my Receyuer in my absence dooth represent my selfe .

Well ( quoth Brisana ) admit your seruaunt in your absence , standeth in as full effect as your selfe , and admit the debt had béene discharged to him , if wylfulnesse had allured your seruaunt to wandering , and that he had departed with the debt he receyued : you returne and finde it styll in your booke , neither marked nor crossed , as if payment had not béene made , you wyll let your seruaunt slyp with his offence : but you wyll demaund the debt agayne of me .

Tush ( quoth Truculento ) this is but a tryfle , and your woordes are now to be estéemed as winde , you should haue restored the summe to my seruaunt : and I would not haue troubled you in any such sort , for there is no man that vseth such follie : but he will sée the booke crossed before he depart . Therefore you doo but trouble tyme with mentioning such matters : for your redemption is neuer the néere .

Well then Syr ( quoth she ) you will thus much allow , that at the deliuery : the bande should be restored , and if I had delyuered the money to your seruaunt : I should haue respected my bande tyll yesterday , for your seruaunt had it not to delyuer : and I would not pay it before I had my ●ande . Ah Signor Truculento ( quoth the Iudge ) he toucheth you to the quick now , how can you reply to this his demaund ? In déede I confesse ( quoth he ) my Cubborde kept the bande tyll I returned , but yet noting the receyt in the booke , would haue béene sufficient tyll my comming home .

With that Cornelia stepped vp , saying . Since ( Signor Truculento ) you will neyther allowe the reasonable aunsweres he hath made , nor be content to abide my Lord the Iudges verdict : receyue the raunsome you so much require , and take bothe their eyes , so shall the matter be ended . But thus much ( vnder verdict of my Lord his lycence ) I giue you in charge , and also especially notifie , that no man but your selfe shall execute the déede , ne shall you craue any counsayle of any the standers by . If in pulling foorth their eyes , you diminishe the least quantitie of blood out of their heads , ouer and besides their only eyes , or spyll one drop in taking them out : before you styrre your foote , you shall stand to the losse of bothe your owne eyes . For that the bande maketh mention of nothing but their eyes , and so if you take more then you should , and lesse then you ought : you shall abide the punishment héere in place pronounced . Nowe take when you will , but beware of the bargayne .

Truly ( quoth the Iudge ) this matter hath béene excellently handled , it is no reason if you haue your bargayne : that you should hinder them with the losse of one droppe of blood , wherefore I pronounce no other Iudgement , shall at this tyme be ministred .

Now was Truculento more mad that he could not haue his hearts desire , for that he knewe he must néedes spyll some blood , it could not be otherwyse chosen , wherefore he desired he might haue his money , and so let all other matters alone . Nay ( quoth the Iudge ) since you would not accept of it when it was offered , nor would be contented with so large a promise : the money shall serue to make them amendes , for the great wrong which you would haue offered . Thus in my opinion is Iudgement equally vsed , and neyther partie I hope will be miscontented .

Truculento séeing there was no remedy , and that all the people praysed the Iudgement so woorthily : accepted Rodolfo for his lawfull sonne , and put him in possession of all his lyuinges after his disease . Thus were they on all partes verie well pleased , and euerie one accoumpted him selfe well contented .

If now this homely Historie may séeme to suffice you : in recompence of my costes , I craue nothing but your courtesie . You shall haue the rest as possibilitie can permyt me , and I remayne your fréend to pleasure you in ought to my power .

Take this in meane tyme , though too short to be swéete , and thus I byd Euphues hartily welcome into England .

Honos alit Artes . FINIS . A. Munday .

Faultes escaped in the printing . 1. In the .25 . Page , in Zelautos spéeche , for vnderding , reade vnderstanding . 2. In the .32 . Page , in Zelautos spéeche , for Timon , reade Timantes .

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