IN Greece , there dwelt a mighty King called Aegeus , who had raigned fiftie yeeres ; fortunate and successiue in all his warlike affayres : that through the puissance of his force to his foes , and bountifull courtesie to his friends ; he was feared in hate , and imbraced in loue . This Aegeus had one onely Sonne , whose name was Theseus , who was by birth Royall , learned by education , by Nature valorous , and by Vertues famous : insomuch that it was hard to iudge whether his valour , Fortune , or Vertue wonne the greatest praise .

This young Prince , being so richly adorned with she rare feats and accomplishments of Chiualry that he did not onely enioy his Fathers loue , but also wonne his Subiects hearts : at that instant , there liued Meleagar , King of Achaia , not farre distant from the Court of Aegeus , who had a Daughter , a faire young Virgin , whose name was Titana , her vertuous dispositions were such , as might iustly challenge more loue than the world could yéeld her : for her beauty was such , as it tainted Venus chéekes , her vertue shadowed Diana's Altars , her learning stayned sacred Pallas , & her loyalty was such as if quite surpast Penelope : how can the world then extoll these excellent gifts of Nature , to the high spheare of their deserts , being so exquisitly limitted , and so louingly applauded by their Subiects reports , but by committing them to those glittring creatures , inclosed within the spangled s●ies , where wée le leaue them to the Heauens disposing , and turne to Meleagar her father : who in his youth , had béene brought vp with Aegeus , and was his Schoolefellow ; so as they had béene Schoole fellowes in their youth , they remained louing Neighbours in their age , maintaining course and recourse , to and fro each others Courts , vpholding golden amity , with the pillars of brotherly loue , which did not onely reioyce the Achaians , but also augment the Grecians loue , with such inordinate and extreame passions , that euery yeare , vpon the Kings Coronation day , the people throughout all Greece , and Achaia , held a generall feast , for the space of forty dayes , with Iusts and Turnies , with Running , Wrestling , Leaping and dancing , with Bonfires , ringing of Bells , and such like pleasant pastimes : not onely to honour their two Kings , but also to shew their inward ioy , by their outward actions : as well to shew their Kings , their royall deserts , as their loyalty , being Subiects . When this solemne Triumph was quite ended , the people returned vnto their former labour , and wonted course of life , where wée le leaue them and turne to Theseus : who though but yong in yeares , yet old in experience , though valorous with Hercules , yet not too venturous with Phaëton ; though vpheld with the wings of Fortune , yet not rash in flying with Icarus , but kéeping lower bounds with Daedalus ; hee feared not the Thunderbolts of Jove , nor yet the raging waues of Neptune : well ( to be briefe : )

Theseus , who had euer since hée was able to harbour , or conceiue one amorous thought , mark'd the excellency of Titana's behauiour , and the exquisitie of her beauty , perswaded himselfe that she was matchlesse on earth : in so much , that at last he fell into passionate affections with Titana ; and burst out his passions in these tearmes , being alone in a garden , sitting vnder an Orenge Trée :

Ah Theseus thou art a Kings sonne , and art applauded by the Greekes , to be the only champion of this climat , and wilt thou liue a slaue to Venus , confin'd and bard of libertie ? no , no , cast off these foolish affections ; for Theseus , surely thou dost not loue , these are but instant conceits , swéetned with hony , or fire made with straw , they are not Amors of perfection .

Ah Theseus , flatter not thy selfe , thy heart doth féele she deadly wound of Cupids Dart : Oh , that blinde boy hath pierst it cleane through , like an Indian pearle : yet be cheareful Theseus , what néedst thou feare , thou knowest the salue to cure thy amorous corrasiue : Titana , is a Kings Daughter , and she is by birth Royall , learned by education , faire by Nature , by vertues famous and by possessions rich : why then what néedst thou feare , cast off these despairing follies , and put on assuring fancies , for Cupid neuer throwes his Dart , but Venus séekes the wound : why then Theseus , art thou a Prince , a valiant Souldier , and wilt liue thus perplexed with foolish loue , or a wound giuen by a Boy ? expell such capitall follies , as would include thee with ignominious conceits , when he had thus sufficiently explained his passions , & searcht the deepnesse of his still bleeding wound , he takes his farwell of the Orenge Trée , that shaddowed him from the beames of Phoebus , and returnes to his chamber , where wee le leaue him ruminating on his loue , and turne to Titana : Who all this while euen from her infancie , had noted the princely gesture of Theseus , & seeing his face so perfectly featured , and viewing each limb ▪ the portraiture of his body so well limited , that she greatly commended Dame Natures art , and excellencie in shaddowing such perfection vnder her Fortunes lot : perswading herselfe , that none but Theseus should reape the harnest of her affection : being thus perplexed with inordinate passions , & possest with amorous affection , it wrought like a purgation with her , in so much that at last she brake her passions in these tearmes .

Ah Titana , ( thou art in loue ) ( I ) with whom ? with Theseus , ( with Theseus ) hee is a Kings sonne , why so art thou a Kings Daughter ; he is famous in birth ; thou art vertuous , and faire by Nature ; he is a Prince , why thou art a Princesse : thou euery way art equiualent with him : why then , if thou lonest Theseus , Theseus cannot chuse but loue Titana : Ah Titana , thou fond foole , sigh , sob , and lament thee of thy follies , art thou so fond to thinke that Theseus being a valiant warrier , the Grecians champion , and heire apparent to that inuincible King Aegeus , will looke on thee ? no , thou art not an obiect fitting for his expectiue eye , though thy vertuous qualities be opposite to his valorous accomplishments , yet he cannot loue Titana : why ? Titana is beautifull , vertuous , and rich , I , and after her Fathers decease heire to the Crowne of rich Achaia : why then Titana , suppresse these franticke passions , and incline to louely affections , for doe thou but smile , hee cannot chuse but loue : well when she had thus at large playd and displayd her passionate affection , she returnes to her chamber , to be melancholy , where wée le leaue her .

Theseus , who had receiued such a deadly wound , thought it long vntill he had some remedy for it , starts him vp from the imbracements of his restlesse bed , and walkes towards the Court of Meleagar : euen at his approach within the Court gates , she clocke strucke eight : quoth Theseus , it is too earely dayes to séeke to speake with Titana yet ; I le goe walke a course or two about the Gorden , till the clocke strikes againe , and that I thinke will be about the time of Titana's rising : he immediately turnes on the backe side of the Court , to enter into the Garden , but when he came he found the doore fast lockt : yet Fortune willing to fauour his presence , would not suffer him to returne , but caused him to knocke , the which hée did , and immediatly it was opened by a Groome of Titana's chamber : quoth Theseus , where is your Lady and mistris , stirring yet ? quoth the Groome , and shall please your Highnes shee sits alone at the further end of the Garden , a reading , with that Theseus cast vp his eye , and espied his louely Paramour : walking in the Garden vnséene of Titana , he stept into a gréene Arbour , which stood directly opposite against her , and not farre distant from her , where he first viewed each limit , or proportraiture of her body : and then beganne hée to breake his passions : Ah Theseus : ( ecce ) sée how her crimson lips stand like two Pilgrimes , to adorne those vermillion chéekes of hers , which like as the Adamant drawes the stéele , so they draw thee to loue : Nay behold her chrystall eies , how like to vnestimable Diamonds , they glitter and giue light to the out chanted Cynthia : now last of all , sée how farre her twined lookes doe surpasse the Arabian gold , in golden beauty : when he had thus breathed out his passions in these passionate tearmes ; he stands a while commenting in this dull perplexity , yet at last beginnes to prosecute his passions with these tearmes .

Theseus , thou séest her excellency , perfection and beautie , why then make a mixture with those , and thy intire loue , and drinke them as a physicke potion , either to cure , or kill , and so shalt thou be sure to be eased by death , else cured to life , for in loue there is life , in hate there is death , but Titana's face , resembles an Adamants vertue , to draw loue by affection , and not kill loue with reiecting ( and more ) it is impossible , that she should couer a flinty heart with a smiling face , for I know the vertue of Venus mollifies the heart of Titana : why then Theseus , what néedest thou feare , shew thy selfe as valiant a Prince to Titana , as thou hast done in former time to Mars , and returned victor of the field , when thou wast beset with millions of foes , and wilt thou now feare the repulse of a woman , and being thy loue too ? no thou shalt scale the walles , and lay battery to the fairest : and with that he stepts out of the Arbour with a modest behauiour , and full resolution , takes her by the hand , and withall dimples her cheekes with a louelie smile , as loue giues louers direction ( and thus beginnes . ) Faire Titana , euer since I could conceiue one Amorous thought , or cast a wanton eye on beauties perfection , I haue remained imburthened with the essence of your beauty , and wounded with the vlcerous sore of your loue : therefore , faire Lady reiect me not with disdaine , because I approach with courtesie : and as our two aged Fathers liue in peacefull amity , so let vs combine a matrimoniall vnity , it will not onely be a comfort to them , but also an eternall ioy to vs : Titana resting , and meditating a while , at last be paints her chéekes with a maiden blush , and thus replies .

Prince Theseus , this is very strange to mee , that such inordinate passions of loue , should so farre ouerflow her shores on the sudden , being no storme nor spring to be the causer : therefore Theseus , surely this is not loue , these are but faigned fictions to try simplicity : inluring baites , to catch fond folly in wantons snares : for Demophoon was faire by nature , but prooued false to Phyllis : Aeneas was a braue man , but as false as Almider : yet were their protested vowes , greater than common hearts can conceiue : Therefore Theseus suppresse thy passions , and leaue to loue Titana , for she cannot loue thee againe , shee is like the starre Artophylax , that is beautious to the eye , but fit for no vse : euen so is Titana , iust opposite against nature : well still she keepes him at the staffes length , and sits her still on the gréene banke where hee found her : shadowing her yéelding passions with denying frownes .

Theseus , who all this while had mark'd , and viewed each limit of her body , and the feature of her face , thought it very strange , that Nature should endow so faire a face , with so hard a heart , such comely limmits with such peruerse conditions ? at last thus beganne to prosecute his cause againe in these tearmes .

Faire Titana , be not proud of beauties painting , for it is but a Summers flower , the Winter séedes it , and those which disdaine in youth , are despised in age : therefore faire Lady , make not a Goddesse of beauty , but yéeld me loue , for loue ; and let not the destinies cause me to despaire , now in the verdency of my blooming youth . Titana sitting still on the banke , ( as it were ) not regarding him , thus beginnes . Theseus I commend thine excéeding wit , but in this case , I pitty thy distresse , and for thy extremity of loue thou bearest to mée , I vow thee recompence , but with contract I dare not promise , therefore good Theseus , suppresse those passions , which now thy minde is perplexed with .

Theseus standing a while , commenting of his dull perplexity , scarcely dared vouchsafe to giue an answere , or demand a remedie , yet sayd hee , opportunities neglected are signes of follie , therefore hée beganne againe in these tearmes .

Titana , the fatall doubts of cruell death , is not so feared of me , but I dare extend my life with fortunes sate , to enioy thy loue : why then faire Lady , sith I am so wounded with your loue , yéeld to my request , which is within the bounds of modestie desired : If I were lasciuious , demanding vnchast desires to vse thee as a Concubine , then mightest thou iustly be peruerse , & say me nay : or were I a begger , or a base borne vassall of no desert , or for reputation vile , then would I hold it wisedome : or came I like a Scythian Shepheard , with my shéepe-hooke on my neck : but comming like a Grecian Prince , with my Scepter in my hand , demanding loue with a chast deuotion , me thinkes you should not be so peruerse to deny so kind a demand . Quoth Titana , good Theseus be not so tedious , for to be short in tearmes , I will not grant thee loue ; for loue is the only thing ● hate , therfore trouble me no more with such friuolous spéeches , if you please to accompany mee , as in former time you haue done , you shall be the welcomest man in Greece : but if you reply with such like speeches as loue , I rather desire your a sence , than your presence .

Theseus hearing her still in that froward denying veine , quite expel'd hope , and included despaire : and thus beganne hee , which scarcely found beginning . O wicked and despairing wretch , forlorne , and of Titana forsaken , worse than the seruilst slaue in Achaia , more base than the stimie earth vnderneath thy féete , more in bondage than Tunisian gally slaues , more vacant on earth , than Indians in Arabia , and more wretched than Progne in her transformation : why how camest thou thus metamorphosed being a Kings sonne ? ( oh with loue ) with loue of that ingratefull Titana , for had I not loued Titana , she had not caused my vntimely death , but measuring my adverse fortune , with thy peruerse obstinacy , I le end my life : and with that hee unsheashed his fatall Engine , and sayd thus : Faire Lady , as like the Camelion , I haue liued by the Airy essence of thy loue : so like faithfull Theseus by thy hate I le die : He sets the point of his sword to his brest . Titana séeing him so desperate , lightly skipt from off the banke whereon she sate , and suddenly takes him by the hand which held his sword , and thus beganne .

Theseus , art thou a Prince , and a Kings sonne , a warriour , and Grecians Champion : and wilt at a wenches frowne ruine thy body , and bring thy aged Fathers gray haires with griefe vnto his graue , and his carefull head on a restlesse pillow ? remember this , thou art Heire apparent vnto thy Fathers Crowne and kingdome ; and by thy well liuing , thy Fathers daies are prolonged on earth , but by thy ill dying , with griefe they are soone ended : why then know this braue Theseus , wenches will most deny the thing they most desire ; and séeme most peruerse , where most they loue ; and proue most constant , where they séeme most wauering ( and so will I ) I loue , although I faigned a frowne , yet detested I to hate , and though my tongue sayd no , my heart protested I. Therefore swéet Theseus , impute me not peruerse , for the heauens know , I shame to expresse , how proud I haue beene of Theseus loue , yet would I not say , Theseus I loue thee , because then thou mightst repute me immodest being a Lady , but the Gods doe know , I haue honoured Theseus with a zealous deuotion , and I loued Theseus with as dutifull affection , as Titana could performe , or Theseus desire : therefore swéet loue , thinke not I yéeld with vrgent prayers : but with the force of Loue .

Theseus noting her behauiour , and hearing such vnexpected tearmes , and snared allurements of Titana , which made such pleasing harmony in his halfe dead eares , was halfe rauished , & wholly reuiued to his former senses sheathed his fatall blade againe , imbracing her in his armes , layd battery to her skarlet lips , with many a sugred kisse he giues assault and winnes the Fort : In briefe ▪ they suddenly combind , and fully accomplish'd a matrimoniall contract , so that after many louely imbracings , and pleasing-wanton toyes , ( as loue hath many ) they parted for the time , so fraught with inordinate ioy , that it is impossible for the capacity of man to looke so high as their ioy did raise rebounds .

Fortune now enuying their good acts , turnes her Whéele , and as she had dimpled her cheekes , so now she wrinkled her forehead , and vnréeled the destinies , for in Achaia there dwelt Oenie , which euery yéere did sacrifice the firstlings of his store : the which he first assigned of his corne , and fruits to Ceres : to Bacchus the first pressing of his wine : and vnto Pallas Oliue oyle ▪ and thus honouring the gods of Graine , and fruit , hee offered frankincense , but at Diana's Altars none was offered , hee ouer slipt them , the which Diana tooke in high disdaine , and sayd , he shall not scape vnpunished , though he past mine Altars vnworshipped , nor vaunt of his escape vnreuenged , if I be a Goddesse i le plague him and his fruits , and with that away she flies : and on the next morne , she sent a huge ouer growne Beare to Oenies ground , such as the like had neuer yet beene séene . This gréedy Boare deuoured the Corne and grasse , and rent his ●●ines vnto the ground : and not so sufficed but beganne to ouer-runne , and deuoure his Countrey of Ach●ia ; insomuch that the husbandmen had laboured in vaine , he ouer ranne their Lambs , shéepe ▪ and Hearvs of Kie , nay men , women , and children went daily in danger of this orped swines dreadfull Tuskes .

In so much , that the people of Achaia preferred supplications to Aegeus , Meleagar and Theseus , and many other Kings , Dukes , Lords and Knights , to desire their ayde to conquer this mercilesse Hogge : the which they all were very willing and affable , but Theseus : yet he said I , although he could haue wisht it no : for the reason that moued him rather to haue stayed at home , than haue gone , was this : he was newly returned from his loue Titana , and they had both agréed to make their Fathers acquainted with their loues on the next day following , which was the day appointed , that this Princely knot should méete and accompany each other , to the face of the Achaians foe : Theseus very much discontent with this newes , could haue faigned himselfe sicke , and stayed at home , but his heart was so enobled with valour , that it would suffer excuse to take no place : he seeing no remedie , but goe he must , being that renowned King Meleagar , with his royall troopes of valiant Knights , accompanied with his Father A●geus were come , he like Jason when he ventured for Media , or Hercules for Deianita , or like Turnus , before he went to his bloudy fight , armed and enobled himselfe with valour : which done , hée accompanied this Princely knot of noble Knights , euen to the very brincke of his owne aduerse Fortune , where wée le leaue him vnréeling the destinies , and turne to Meleagar the causer of his griefe : who being vpholden with the wings of Fortune , reaped the plenteous Hauest of a renowned encounter , by the winning a famous victory . Meleagar with the rest of the valiant knights , threw his lucky Dart against this orped swine , who being more potent with Fortunes fauour , then impotent with Diana's frowne , gaue this Beare his deadly wound : this being done , though old in yeares yet young in conceit , for with pride méerely of his fortunate stroake , he presently fell into amorous feakes , with Atalant , Schoenies Daughter of Tegea : and suddenly stepping to the Swine , said thus : Oh Lady Atalant , receive this my fee : And of my glory , vouch thou safe , partaker for to be .

And with that gave her the head of the Swine .

THis Lady for the giuers sake was as glad in heart , as for the gift , and receiued it very thankfully : but the rest repinde that shee such honour had , and armes displayd , that all the field might easily sée , and heare , their murmuring discontent : Plexippus and Toxey cryed : Dame , lay downe this geare , doe we take the toyle , and thou the honour of our Game ? no nor let that faire face smooth of thine beguile thee , least he that being doted in thy loue , and giuing thee our sée , be ouer-farre to rescue thee : and with that word they tooke the gift away from her , and right of gift from him .

Quoth Meleagar , with a sterne and sterce looking countenance , you Thesties race , learne this from me , and doe not other folkes dispoyle of honour giuen ; for Princes gifts are frée , and none to be reiected : and Princes wills are lawes , of none to be vsurped . Therefore Plexippus , what difference is betwixt your threats and deeds , i le with this weapon trie : & with that he suddenly strikes him through the brest with his Boare speare . Toxey seeing his brother slaine , stood doubting what way to take , desiring to reuenge his brothers bloud , yet fearing to be murthered as his Brother was before , stood amazedly commenting : Meleagar , to dispatch his doubtfull muzes , drew his fatall sword and slew him for company of his Brother Plexippus , whose blood was hardly cold as yet .

This bloudy prospect , bred such a mutiny amongst them , that their armes displayd on both sides , insomuch that the two houses , Meleagar and Aegeus , fell into ciuill discension , and much bloud was spilt on both sides : and not onely these two houses of Meleagar , and Aegeus , but almost all Greece , Achaia , and Calidon was in an vproare , for each tooke armes against other , and being renowned and famous Princes , friends tooke partes , and they beganne to bandie , and ouer-runne each others Dominions .

This disagréement betwéene the parents , although it was a heart breaking to these two louers , Titana , and Theseus , yet did it not at all disparage their affection , but the greater the mutinie , the deeper was the impression of their mindes , and by this meanes their libertie was confin'd , and meeting places quite debard ; yet loue being a priuie searcher of secrets sound a time and opportunitie which gaue them place , time , and leaue to parle , to play , and display each others mindes : when these two louers came together , they were in feare , and danger to be espied , which caused them one while , to sigh , sodde , lament , and greiue ; another while , kisse , smile laugh , and ioy : and thus they spent the time as pleasantly as distress'd louers could doe yet they sweare to each other , that their Fathes dissention should neuer separate their loues , nor aduerse . Fortune should dimini●h their affections , but would remaine ioyfull vnto death , in despite of the hatefull destinies : hauing thus recounted each others loue to their hearts content , yet séeing they could not enioy the full fruition of their ●o●les in Greece , nor Achaia . Theseus determined assoone as time and opportunitie gaue him leaue , to prouide a masse of money and Iewels for the easier cariage : and so transport themselues into Spaine , to Tunis : and there to liue a contented life , not knowne , but as a Grecian Knight , vntill he heard of some vnited peace betwixt their Fathers , else by succession to enioy their Kingdomes : Titana hearing his determinate course , commended highly his wittie deuice , and sayd thus , Faire loue , if thy father Aegeus should take me within his precinct , it were death , or at least perpetuall imprisonment , and againe on the other side , if my father Meleagar , should take thée to his Dominions , it were the like danger for thoe to come into . But if my Father should heare of this contract , his fury would be such , that the tortorous death were too easie for vs both , first you for presumption , then , I for simplicitie , and so we shal bite both on the destinies bridle . Therefore sweete Theseus , make hast with all expedition , & prouide all things fitting for our Voyage , for delay breeds danger , and false Fortune despite . Theseus being fraught with boundlesse ioy and prickt forward with loues desire , did protest vnto her assoone as opportunitie gaue him leaue , he would prouide soch necessaries as were fitting for their Voyage , so resting vpon this resolution , and night beginning to listen to their complement , after many imbracings , payed and repayed kisses , they parted , Theseus hauing taken leaue of his best beloued Titana , returnes him backe againe to his fathers Court : and being there arriued , calld vnto him , an ancient Seruant of his fathers , whose name was Iunia : this Iunia being a faithfull Seruant , and Theseus approoued friend , he thought him not lesse then fitting to imploy about this his secret pretence . Theseus reposing confident trust in him , declared the whole volume of his mind vnto him , from the beginning to the end : Iunia , hearing him so fully bent , and determinately resolued on this imperfect course : began to diswade , or diuert him to the contrarie , alledging diuers instant inconueniencies : Theseus being to determinate in his pretence beganne to reiect Iunia for his folly in diswading him , and told him he did not call nor disclose his mind vnto him , to aske his advice , or to be intercepted by him , but the cause he had him there present , was this , he did depose trust vnto him , and impose this secret busines on him to prouide a small barke or Pinnace to transport them into Spaine , with moneys and certaine Iewells and such like commodities for the easier carriage : which if he could prouide and make readie against such a time , hee would reward him royally for his paines .

Iunia hearing this , that there was no perswasion would take effect , or instant examples to the contrarie diuert him , and withall respecting the Princes bountfull promise began to yéeld vnto him , I , and in the end promised him to prouide all things ready for their Voyage within the space of forty dayes at the farthest . Theseus hearing this direct answere and yromise of Junia , was exceedingly fraught with ioy : insomuch , that to shew his bounty , and bind him vnto his promise , hée sent him away very richly rewarded , where wée le leaue him prouiding for their Voyage , and turne to Meleagar .

Fortaine , who had already layd her traine , so destinated , that it vtterly brake the vnited bands of these two Louers Fathers combinde League , and almost to the separating of their loue , with heart breaking : yet not so content , intending as she had giuen them a slender checke , so now shee should giue them a cruell blow ; and to bring her pretence to be managed with perfection , she layd her plot in his wise .

Meleagar walking priuately in his Garden , commenting on his Daughter Titana , brake out his passions in these tearmes ; Meleagar , thou hast but one onely Daughter , and she is now about the yéeres of 23. and she is a Prince so richly deckt , and adorned with the gifts of Nature , so fraught with beauty and vertuous qualities , that she is not onely a comfort to thee , but also a ioy to thy poore Commons : why then , place all thy ioy in her perfection , and sith she is now marriageable , prouide her a husband that is equiualent with her : when he had thus passioned a while , he sate him downe vnder a Poomsisherne Trée , to meditate on whom he might bestow his Daughter Titana : till at last , he called to minde great Ambrosia King of Portugall , who in former time had bin brought vp togeither for the space of seuen yéeres in Schoole : and knowing this Ambrosia to haue a Sonne , whose name was Pirismus , who was faire by Natures , royall by birth , by vertues famous , and by possessions rich : presently sends Embassadors to the King of Portugall , to intreate a marriage betwéene his Daughter Titana , and his Sonne Pirismus . Ambrosia hearing this , was excéedingly fraught with ioy , and told the Embassadors , it was his decrée before they came , to haue sent to their King Meleagar , concerning the same matter , but sith they were so hapily come , he told them his nauy was ready , and his Sonne Pirismus should along with them to Calidon , and if God did permit him , he would be there with them within forty dayes . The Embassadors hauing receiued their answere , and the Prince borded his Fléet , the Marriners hoisted their maine sailes , weighed anchors , and halled into the déepe .

Fortune fauouring Theseus destinie , opens the windowes of Aeolus , and giues them a full wind , which in a short space arriued them on the shores of Achaia , being so fortunately arriued , they instantly retired to the Court with the young Prince Pirismus , and made report to Meleagar of Ambrosia's answere , and how he had sent his Sonne as a pledge in the meane while . When Meleagar heard that was Ambrosia's Son , hee séemed very angry they did not send him word of their comming , that he might haue receiued him in a more Prince like manner : but séeing it was now too late , to recall what was past , he saluted him very submissiuely , and told him he was very sorry he knew not of his comming , for if he had , he would haue met him by the way . Well after these , and such like words , Meleagar takes him about the middle , and leades him into the priuy Chamber , causing the Nobles to attend them , whereas Titana sate a sowing . Quoth Meleagar , young Prince Pirismus , behold there sits mine onely Daughter Titana , my chiefest ioy , and the originall cause of your Voyage hither , and if you please to acquaint your selfe with her you may . Quoth Pirismus , my noble Leige , with your leaue ▪ else not ▪ Quoth Meleagar , yong Prince , you haue our leaue to vse your pleasure , Quoth Pirismus with a low obeysance , thankes my noble Leige , and with that steps vnto Titana , takes her by the hand , and thus beginnes : Faire Lady if a 〈◊〉 Prince , may vouchsafe so bold to be , as to preferre a rough vnpolish'd touch vnto those soft lips of yours without offence , my desire is accomplisht , otherwise my suit is cold . Titana séeing him a stranger , and hearing such inordinate tearmes procéede from him , was halfe in a misdoubt that her father had brought him to be a suter in a cause that was already ouerthrowne , and dammages recouered , yet hoping the best , though fearing the worst with a low curtisie , she thus replies , noble Knight , as your request is small , it is the easier granted ; againe , if I should by dentall refuse it , you might iustly appeach me foolish : with that he giues her a kisse , which she very thankfully receiued , and accompanied him vnto her father , the which did greatly reioyce the King , her father : by this time there was a table furnished with such cates , and dainties , as could at so small a warning be prouided . Meleagar sitting downe , caused Pirismus to sit on the same side which he sate on , and Titana to sit on the other side , right opposite against him , because they should take a ful veiw of each other , the which Pirismus did ; in so much , that her perfection dighted so déepe an impression in his heart , that none but Titana could satisfie the Amor of Pirismus eye : when he was thus solemnely , and sumptuously feasted , and royally entertained ; and so entertained that if Ambrosia had béene there himselfe in person , hauing so small warning , they could not receiue him with more triumphant royaltie . After they had thus sufficiently past the daye in sumptuous feasts , and banquets ; the King gaue command he should be attended on to his lodging , and all his Lords , Knights and Gentlemen , and their followers appointed their lodgings , and attended also : which being done and all departed , Meleagar calls for Titana , and thus brake his mind vnto her .

Titana , my gray haires sounds an alarum , and calls mee to my graue : therefore actions measured by time are seldome bitten with repentance ? thou art young , and I am old , my white haires are fading blossomes , and thy fresh colors blooming flowers , mine preparing to die , and thine repairing to liue : therefore ( Titana ) I take care , and tell thee as a father hoping thou wilt giue care , and obey as a Childe . The chiefe thing I haue taken care for , and desired , hath béene to sée thee happily married before I die , or thou grow old .

Titana , hearing her fathers counsaile , and marking well his words , beganne to féele which way the winde sate , and at last perswaded her selfe in her opinion , as this , that her father had chosen this young Prince Pirismus to be her spouse : fearing to displease her father , yet swearing and vowing not to forsake Theseus , made him this answer .

May it please your Grace , to giue me leaue to speake ? Quoth Meleagar , we giue you free leaue . Quoth Titana , Sir , there is no greater bond than dutie , nor stricter law than Nature : for often disobedient youth are despised in age , and Parents wills are lawes ; therefore , rather than by deniall I should be appeached of disobedience , i le rest content to loue , although it be the onely thing I hate ; I fit may please your Highnesse to appoint whom I shall loue .

Meleagar hearing this vnexpected answer of his Daughter , and séeing how light she accounted of Loue , began to be very hot , and chollericke , and with a frowning countenance , made her this hasty answer .

What Titana , canst thou not loue ? why , doth the cynicall passion of prone desires ouercome thee with franticke frowardnesse , or péeuish peruersenesse ? or dost thou thinke thy selfe a young Phoenix , that there is none to equall shee ? Ah Titana , take héed , left high Pride , bring low pouerty , and young disobedience , aged repentance : the Trée Alpia wasteth not with fire , but withereth with deaw , and that which loue nourisheth not , hate perisheth .

Well , yéeld Titana to thy Fathers perswasions , which may preuent all after-perills ; thou séest I am old , and full of gray haires , daily walking on the brincke of my graue , ready to fall in euery houre , and thou heire apparant to my Crown , after my decease shalt succéed in my Kingdome , in more triumphant Throne , then ere thy Father Meleagar did in his youngest yéeres : knowing this , thou being young in yeares , and scarce gouernesse of thine owne dispositions , it would be a greater trouble , & a heauier burthen , to be so ouer prest with the charge of a whole Kingdome , to gouerne and looke to : with ioy , I haue chosen thee a husband ●●●e , the Prince Pirismus , thou sawest here●ore whi●e ; he is a Prince , faire by nature , royall by birth , by vertues famous , and by possessions rich : therefore if thou like Pirismus , thou bréedst my content , and in louing him , thou shalt haue my loue , otherwise an euerlasting hate .

Titana standing a while , called to minde that Theseus did purpose to take his Voyage to Tunis very shortly , where she determined to arriue with him , and therefore she thought it was as good for her to say she loued him , and kéepe her fathers good will , as say she could not loue him , and haue his ill will ▪ and againe , she thought this , if she should be peruerse , and say him nay , it might be a meanes in her fathers anger , to make him suspect , and misdoubt some other matters , and so looke more nearer vnto her , and so be a hindrance to her departure with Theseus : therefore she determined to yéeld with words vnto her Fathers desire , and thus bespake him , with a low courtesie :

Father , I obey your command as a child , hoping to enioy your loue as a Father : and if Pirismus can loue Titana , Titana will loue Pirismus ; but pray father thinke not , but that I yéeld with loue , and not with your perswasions : and please you to appoint the nuptiall day , I will be ready to accomplish what you please to impose on me .

Quoth Mel●agar , now hast thou wonne my heart , and shalt enioy my loue , I le make thee rich by possessions , and happy by marriage , I le indow thee with wealth , and Pirismus with loue , I ioy to sée thee toward , and hate to sée thee peruerse : now shall my gray-haires enioy a rest , which long hath béene disturbed with eare ▪ so after these , and many other such like spéeches , hee appointed her the nuptiall day , which should be at Ambrosia's comming : Titana , being mindfull of her true loue Theseus , was fore troubled in mind , because her father had appointed the time within so short a space , she was fearefull that Theseus could not prouide all things for their Voyage so soone : yet bearing it out with a good countenance , shée lookt pleasantly in the sight of her father , and determined , if things were not ready soone enough , shee would faigne some excuse to prorogue the time ; well for that time they departed , and betooke them to their rest : on the morrow morning , Meleagar was stirring very early , and calls to him his chiefe Admirall , and commands him to prouide a Fleet of his chiefest Ships , and furnish them with men and Ordinance , and all things else fitting to receiue a Prince ; he being no lesse then willing to fulfill the Kings ioyfull determination , very speedily prepared all things fitting for their Voyage , tooke his Embassage of the King , and suddenly boarded the Nauie , hoysted maine Sailes , weighed anchors , and away they cut through the déepe , where wée le leaue them to the fauour of the wind , and the Seas .