IN the dayes when Lewis swayed the Scepter of Fraunce , ruled in great pompe and dignitie , a man ingenious , ful of valencie , wearing with Pallas both the Launce and the Bay . Which Lewis continued long time in mortall warres with Frederick King of Denmarke , which enuie continued the space of twentie yeeres , in which time , many bloody stratagems were performed : so time that tryes all things so weakened theyr forces , and impaired their furniture , the want of which , draue them to conclude a league for certaine yeeres , with which I le rest , and come some-what bréefer to the matter .

In those dayes , in the Citty of Paris dwelt a rich Merchant , named Mountgramet , who had to wife Calipolis , a woman for beauty surpassing all , because none so beautiful , and not so highlie adorned with Natures works , as richly graced with Venus amorites : so beautified with the gifts of both , that Nature her selfe blushed at the beautie of her owne workes , hayre like the golden wier , Iuory browes , cheekes stained with Vermilion tinckture , eyes like the Lampes that guides the heauenly Sphere , or lightens Luna to her siluerd Couch : lips like the Cherrie in his chiefest prime , a necke like the Lillies on the banks of Po , or icie hayre that growes on Boreas chinne : her pretty paps resemble Christ all knobs , or Egypts fountaines that ouer-flowes with milke , a body were it framed of Virgins waxe , by all the cunningst Artists of the world : a belly white and soft , much like the Downe vpon those Swans that on Meander swims , her legge and foote with Venus might compare : and to be briefe , for beauty such a one , as would force Troyalus to be trothlesse . Therefore meruaile not , for loue respects no difference of state so beauty serue to stirre affection , Cupid shootes as well at a rag as a robe , the mightiest Potentates vailes their colours where Cupid comes in place , and yéeldeth at his commaund without controle . But setting a side these vaine ambages , it fortuned one Solinar a young Gentleman walking in the stréete , chaunced to glaunce his eyes vpon Calipolis , and in such sort , that Cupid lying in ambush catched him in his clawes , and made him not onely pensiue but passionate , and so perplexed with a sodaine selfe conceit , that he had much adoe to quaile the extreame heate that loues flames had kindled in his breast , so with the Salamander ( bathing in Aetnas flames ) he hasted to his Chamber , and there solitarily hauing none but the walls to witnes , his woe , he broke foorth , fetching a heauy sigh in this manner . Vnfortunate Solinar because vnfortunate in thy loue , hadest thou perrished at thy birth , or beene stifled in thy swadling clothes , ( the Fates had domed thee with desert , ) for nowe growne to ripe yeeres , thou féelest more miseries then thou hast liued moments . A loue , the laborinth that leadeth men to worser danger then the Minator in Gréece , or newes of death vnto a damned man , infortuned loue that kindleth desire , yet affoordeth no reward , inconstant Venus , whose lawes are tyrranies , whose fauors misfortunes , strumpet as thou art , I disdaine to call thée Goddesse , thou and the bastard brat thy sonne , now show your power , your deity , and take reuenge on me , for how ere your colours be , my calamities cannot be more : and merciles women , whose faces are lures , whose beauties are baytes , whose lookes are nets , whose words are charmes , and all to bring men vnto ruine , and last yet most , Calipolis , borne of a Tigar , nursed of the Wolfes in Siria , beautifull yet ouer base , fayre , but vnfit , louely yet not to be loued of Solinar . Thus rowing in the tempestious seas of his appetites , guided by a Marriner , that delights in the shipwrack of those hee carrieth , perplexed with a thousand cogitations , so extreame was the force of loue , and the sparks so cruell , that patience could not extinguish the vaparous heate , nor salt teares quench the fiery flames , that wanton loue had kindled in his breast .

So on the suddaine he betooke him to his couch , in hope that sléepe would haue qualified his newe come passions . So laying his head vpon the carefull pyllow , intending to nod , his head fell to hammering another matter , plotting a secrete meanes to obtaine his new come loue : so restlesse , turning from side to side , though his bones aked not , his head was brused , and his wits were a wooll gathering . Thus tumbling no long space on the restlesse pillow , but vp he got , and taking his Lute , first framed out some dolefull tune , and hauing fitted his purpose , he fingered his pen , and in a perplexed humor he writ this ditty .

Hauing finished this Ditty , and finding opportunitie as the saying is , The Cat béeing away , the Mouse will play , hee setled himselfe vnder her Chamber window , and so warbled foorth this Ditty . The siluer strings of the Lute was so heauenly , that the eccho of the swéet sounde , awaked the Saint from her sléepe , and mounting from her night couch , opened the casement , and vttered these words . What sweete melodious tunes are these , that ecchoes sweet harmony to my dying soule ? Ah say sweete haplesse friende , what s cause of all your dolefull tunes ? Mee thinkes they increase a second heauen in my hart , then blush not man , take courage and comfort your selfe , and if your helpe bee in mine hands , assure your selfe to obtaine salue for your sore , be it no impeach to my honest name .

Solinar ouercloyed with ioyes at the fauourable words vttered by Calipolis , fetching a heauie sigh from the center of his hart , curtained his face with a suddaine blush , and replied in this sort . Farre be it from my hart to think of such base vilanies , as might in question Lady call your name , yet is the matter of such consequent , standing vpon the credite of my state , too affected with zeale and secrecie , as should I speake and faile in my expectation , it would redownd greatly to my preiudice .

Calipolis , knew by the shoe , where the foote was pinched , for loue cannot be hidden , day appeares at little holes , and the least sparke of wilde fire , setteth a house on flame . The sting of loue , woundeth deadly to the hart , therefore shee encouraged him in this manner , fayning as though she perceiued nothing . Sweete friend , if the cause of your complaints be according to the tennor of your protestations , assure your selfe to receiue comfort to your owne content , and to pacifie your passions with pleasant ioy : therefore frolike in thine attempt , speake thy fill , & if thou faile in thy desire , imagin I am either too coy , or thy selfe too curious .

Shee , hauing vttered these wordes , Solinar in breefe began to breathe out his passions , but Fortune ( who is constant in nothing but vnconstancie , alwaies inclined to crosse mens courses , ) did breake them from their chat in this manner . Baltegar one that had beene of long continuance a friendly fauorite to Calipolis , Fortune so spightfully thwarted his endeuours , that he could neuer obtaine personally to speake to her , til the Fates had plotted this time and place of opportunitie : and finding Solinar so conuersant with her , he so highly fauoured , ( Loue that Tyrant so stirred his stomack , that hardly coulde hee holde his hands from murther , ) yet at last he began in this manner .

Presumptious Solinar , whose peremtory attempts deserues the gurdon of death , darest thou presume to court that Saint in whom I haue shrined my hart , the Goddesse whom I adore , accounting of her as my second selfe , therefore hands of , or els behold thy death , drawing his ponyard . These hard euents amazed Solinar greatly , yet putting on good courage , he replyed to this effect . Good sir ( quoth he ) are you priuiledged in loue , or so tied to the beauty of a woman , that no man may looke vpon her but your selfe : had the Gods fauoured me with such a priuiledge I durst aduenture without request to shew it .

To this replied Baltegar , suffiseth beauty is my priuiledge , if that suffise not inquisitiue Solinar heere is my weapon to authorise it . With that Calipolis as one amazed at these hard euents , beeing a woman so constant , as no Circes with all her charines , nor Calipsoes inchantments , could once preuaile a iote to blemish her affection , shée was constant Silera , and not a dissembling Helin , shée estéemed more of an ounce of honestie then a pound of paltry stuffe : so wrincking her browes , beautifying her face with an angry blush , beganne in thys manner . What meanes these vaine ambages ? t is not vnknowne to the better of you both , that Calipolis is trothed Spouse to Mountgramet , and such a one , as scornes to staine her marriage rites with such base reproch , or the vertue of an honest name , with the infamous slaunder of a naughty Packe , or a wonder to the worlds sole eye . Baltager impatient to heare her prattle , enforced by loue , broke forth into these speeches . Mistresse ( quoth he ) fayre Helens nuptials of Greece were solemnized , yet prooued shee vnconstant to Menelaus , and forsooke the delicates of Sparta , and what enforced that but loue . Admit she did , sayd Calipolis , yet haue I vowed my selfe to the contrary , as constant to my Mountgramet , as euer that fayre Dido was to her Vlisses , and rather shall the running streames of Exanthoes recoyle , or the world turne to a Chaos , whence it came , then will Calipolis once falcifie her faith to Mountgramet .

Solinar frying in loue , like the Salamander in Aetnas flames , taking her by the hand , beganne as followeth . By your leaue Mistris , giue me leaue to reply , Windes often vary , and who resembles them but women ? Baltager breathing it out like a Braggart , thus said , Sirra , who gaue you authoritie to make comparisons ? t were not amisse to make thee eate thy words , or with my ponyard thrust them downe thy throate .

Whilst thus they were at controuersie trying each others title in loue , Fredericke King of Denmarke , being lately come to the Court of Fraunce , accompanied with King Lewis , fortuned to behold this heauie aspect , wondring what it should prognesticate , insomuch that entring somewhat neerer , King Lewis began in this manner . Base pesants , auoyde our presence , and get you packing . With that they both departed with mickle sorrow , fetching many a heauy sight , but marke what after happened . Loue that respects no difference of state , kinled such flames in Fredericks breast , that hanging downe his heade towards the earth , not a merry word for a million , he stood all a mort . Then Lewis , whose loue did ballance Fredericks affection , plucking vp a small courage from a conquered hart , taking Frederick by the hand , fell to these words .

It seemes ( my Lord ) the blinded boy hath played the wagge with you , in loue at the first looke , if he haue escaped Lewis , thou art stung . Can beautie bring you to such a bane , that is but a bauin blast ? Hebay blossoms , that open with the dew , and shut with the sunne , Roses garded with prickles , flowers subiect to the Northerne blasts , the beautifull blossoms in Parthia , that perish in their prime , or the apples of Tantalus , that touched turne to ashes : the comly skinne , that clothes the hatefull Snake , the Box tree , whose leafes are alwaies gréene , and the seedes poyson : abollish this fond determination , extend the Tyrant out by force , for entring at the eye , it harbors at the hart , loue is more perrilous then precious , affording delight with desire , but death with deniall . Lewis beeing wringed with the same shoe , was presently strooke with a contrary obiect , in thys manner , In amour il ny ade fauta , why rage I beyond reason , she is beautiful and therefore worthy to be loued , shée is comely , and deserues to be accounted on . How now Lewis , hath loue turned thy launce to a Poets penne , to paynt out thy passions , is Armour turned to amor ? What ? is Mars able to resist Iupiter , and not to with stand beauty ? is it Venus must were the Target , and Mars the distaffe ? Omphale handle the Club , and Hercules the Spindell ? must Alexander crouch , and Campaspe looke coy ? this verifies the old prouerbe to be true , women will rule in loue , howe euer men are lustie in courage , no dignitie is able to resist Cupids deitie . Loue enters by seeing women , and works not by hearing their words : therefore seeing Cupid must be obeyed , I am content to bow : Nullis herbis amor est medicabilis . So fetching a sigh , began to say , my Lord , there is one thing on the suddaine greatly troubles me , which is this , that both you and I shoulde ioyne our harts in such vnlooked for passions . Not so my Lorde sayd Fredericke , I hope you doe but iest . Iest ( said he ) nay would I did , then were my griefes the lesse . Nere grieue my Lorde , ( quoth Frederick , ) for sith the cause is such to ioyne our harts in such a simpathy , all enuy set aside , let vs agree to yeelde to each others fortune in our choyce . Content sayde Lewis and wh● so ere befall , shake handes my Lorde , and Fortune thriue a● all .

Thus after much prattle , they concluded that Lewis should giue her the first onset , who taking her by the hand , beganne as followeth : Mistres of my harts sole affection , brighter then siluered Luna or Sol , amidst his Horizon , shee whom the Gods hath appointed to ransack my entralls and robed me of my hart , it were endlesse to rehearse the inward griefe I haue sustayned , since I fixed mine eyes on that admirable Comet , whose beautifull rayes , staineth stately Iuno in Samos , or Diana in Delos , Minerua in Athens . It were vaine to boast of Sibillas beautie , or Egipts fayre Isius , Cassandra Troyans pride , bright Penelope , or Romish Cornelia . Sabo shunne to shewe thy face , Lucrecia lurke , Hebe blush , Sephronia stoope , Sapho knéele , and Laura yéeld the pride of beauty to this blazing lampe , whose rayes hath kinled fire in my breast .

Calipolis hauing listened to the Syrens song , and cloyed her eares with the praises of her beautie , armouring herselfe with the plated coate of constancie , in this maner broke him from his vaine similitudes . I beséech your Maiestie , if the earnest entreatie of a poore Merchants wife , may molifie your hart , or the teares of a constant Spouse , may desire your fauour , ( vpon my knées ) grant me liberty to speake , for a womans tongue is her best defence ( quoth she . ) Lewis that was so stung with loue , that had she asked his Diademe , it could not haue béene denied , granted her liberty , who framed her spéech in this sort . Dread Soueraigne , the scandalist reproch that can befall a woman , is to bée stayned with the infamous blotte of disloyaltie , and more welcome to me is the newes of death , then the name of Concubine to a King , were it the Monarch of the world , and more ( quoth shée ) what might Mountgramet thinke of mée , how would the Quéene your bedde-mate looke on mée , to see a Pesant borne , possesse the place of a Princes . Pardon dread King , your request extends to such defamation , that I rather desire death , then lyfe if it stand not with your liking , vnlesse you extinguish this laciuious loue , and set me at liberty .

King Lewis being impatient , because perplexed in minde , to heare such a cooling carde , began as followeth . Heauenly Iuno ( quoth he ) Dianas branch , fedde with Pallas paps , it forceth not what Isabella saith , what Mountgramet coniectures , Lewis is a King and may commaund , and more to requite thy loue , if Isabella die , I le gyrt thy temples with a Diadem , brighter than the morning starre , more precious then the Carcanet , the Emerald , Rubie , or the Carbuncle , the Onix , Saphir , and the Christolet , the Topace , Iasper , and the Adamant .

Calipolis not respecting these large proffers , cut him of in this manner : quoth she who liues to weare a dead mans shooes , ( I haue heard it saide ) may gaule his féete with going bare-foote . Lewis replied , admit ( sayd he ) I make thée Quéene , and banish Isabella . I , sayd she , so to gaine a Crowne , might heape a thousand cares vpon my head , therefore swéete Prince , quoth shée , were it to beare Atlas burden on my backe , to roule the restlesse stone with Siciphus , I would rest at your commaund , rather then to impeach my honest name with any title of defamation . Lewis séeing neither spéech nor proffers would preuaile , gaue ouer with a kinde salute , hoping in time to attaine the top of his desire . With that Calipolis dooing her dutie , departed . All this while stoode Fredericke in a passionate dumpe , not able to vtter a word for a world of wealth . After her depart hee began as followeth : How farre hath nature wrought beyond her skill , in framing such a Saint , as all the Artists in the world cannot proportion ? Apelles nere pictured the like in Gréece , though Alexander did him so commend . Timantes counterfeits are counterfeite to this . Lisippus skill cannot preuaile a iote , Pigmalion would haue loued the shadow of thys Saint . Perillis adored the grounde shée goes vpon , and Alexander honoured , farre aboue the counterfeit of Campaspe . After he had thus warbled foorth a multitude of prayses , they both consented to return to the Court , Lewis béeing passionate , entred his Chamber of Presence , but Fredericke frying in loues vnquenchable flame , made returne to finde out the Merchant , and méeting him where time and place gaue oportunity , he broke forth into these speeches : Mountgramet , quoth he , what is the greatest scandall belonging vnto a married man ? Mountgramet amazed wherfore the King should vtter such speeches , replyed in this maner : sith your grace doth permit me liberty to speake , ( may it stande with your gracious liking ) in my conceit , the greatest scandall can befall a man , is to haue his wife play false . True , said the King , and it greeueth me , thy selfe art tainted with the same , and to shew thee further testis , looke in this glasse , in which thou mayst behold Calipolis , and two contending who first shall graffe the horne .

After King Lewis had shewed this same by Magicke spells , he departed , leauing Mountgramet murmuring at his wiues disloyaltie , who fell to these speeches . Ah Mountgramet , stab thy selfe to end thy griefe , griefe newe begunne , nowe gins my hart to faynt . Ah Calipolis , vnconstant Calipolis , I alwayes thought thee true , till now the proofe too apparantly is made . Who might for beauty once haue bragged with mee ? Calipolis exceeded all in beauties brightnes , til now that Lampe is darkned with inconstancie . Phoebus beames are eclipsed with winter stormes , siluered Luna is curtained with an obscure clowde , the prickles hath ouer-sprung the Rose , the Iuory Lilly turned from rarest white to Rauens black . And to bee briefe , Dianas chastitie , is stained with disloialtie . Ah how I proue the saying true , The hollow Tree is a hiue for the Hornet , Bées haue stings , Fountaines haue Toades , and on the greenest trées are Caterpillers found : the Siren sweetly sings the Saylers wrack , 〈◊〉 Crocodile the Fishers woe , the Hienna when she mournes , 〈◊〉 ●hen most guilefull , the Tygar is cruell , although hee hides his clawes .

Vnconstant Calipolis , the glory of whose face deckt with a vermillion blush , did first trans-forme mine adamant eyes to amorous loue , in conceit stayning Venus for beautie , beeing much fayrer , and Pallas for wisedome , beeing more wittie , but nowe shee hath prooued herselfe as neere Pallas in witte , as Vulcan Mars in property , and as farre from Venus in beautie , as Baucis Iuno in maiestie . And to conclude , in quantitie shee ●esembled the Camelion : héerein the olde Prouerb is am●lified , Euery Venus hath her temple , and well may Vulcan mock , but Mars shall enter in .

Mountgramet impatient at this hard aspect , could not paci●●● himselfe , but protested that death should guerdon her misdéedes . So calling out one Anthony , after many teares hée vttered these words : Anthony , knowing thée to be a faythfull seruant , and such a one as within whose breast I may shroude my secrets , I will the bolder participate the summe of all , which tendeth to this effect . Anthony ( quoth he ) the Scaraba flyes ouer many a swéet flower , and lights on a Cowshard : it is the custome of the flye , to leaue the sound place of the horse , and pick at the botch , the manner of Coloquintida to drawe the worst humours to it selfe , the order of Swine to forsake the faire fields and wallowe in the myre : euen so did I in my youth , forsake many constant Silerias , and made choyce of a dissembling Demaphon , who hath playde with me as the deceitfull Phisition doth , in giuing swéet sirrops to make his poyson goe downe the smoother . The Iuglar casteth a mist before mens eyes , to doe his sleights the closer , the Sirens song is the Saylers wracke , the Fowlers whistle the birds death , the wholesome bayte the Fishes bane , the Harpies haue virgines faces , the Vultures talents , Hienna speakes like a friend , and deuoures like a foe , the calmest seas hides dangerous rocks , the Woolfe iets in Weathers fells , who would haue thought Epius horse , should haue harboured the destruction of Troy ? the Sepulcher Simiramis whose tytle promiseth wealth to the Kings of Persia , and is nothing but rotten bones , the golden ball that Nero did consecrate to Iupiter , Captolinus stuffed with the shauings of his beard . Imagine with thy selfe Anthony , is not this Circes cup , able to turne a reasonable creature to a brute beast : the fact is odious , and therefore vnpardonable , and to be briefe , death shall quittance her misdéeds . And thus to haue it brought closely to passe , thou shalt accompany her thy selfe , to Silia my Minor house , there when thou hast her , in those craggy Woods where heapes of trees may hide so foule a deede , there cut her short from life . From life , nay let her liue , perhaps she may recant , recant , no , often haue I heard it sayd , Bred in the bone , will neuer out of the flesh . Therefore resolue thy selfe , she shall dye . With that Anthony hearing his Maysters resolution , beganne in thys manner .

Good Maister ( quoth hee ) there is no stone so hard , but rayne in time dooth pierce , therefore pardon the first fault , perrish not the branch in his pryme , blast not the bud beeing ready to blossome , no doubt but good counsell may cause such a recantation , as no Northeren blash whatsoeuer , can once blemish the beauty of that branch : the Camelion will turne to the Diamond , so shall you not onely liue in content , but receaue such extraordinary comfort , as your selfe can wish , or in any wise desire to haue .

This friendly saying of Anthony , could nothing allay the rancor setled in his breast , but hee brake foorth in this manner . The common people often times , are more afrayd of the serpent that is hidden in the grasse , then the wilde beast that openly feedes vpon the Mountaynes : the Marriner is more endangered by priuy she liues , then knowne rocks , the Souldier sooner killed with a small bullet , then a long sword , there is more perrill in close Fistulaes then outward sores , in secrete ambushes , then maine battels , in vndermining then in playne assaulting , in friends then foes , in ciuill discord then forraine warres . But tush , tall Cedars from little graines shall shutte high , great Oakes from slender rootes spread wide , large streames from narrow springs runne farre . One little sparke fiers a whole Citty , one dram of Eliborus , doth ransack euery vaine , the fish Remora , hath a small body and great force to stay ships against wind or tide . Ichnemon , a little worme , ouer-comes the Elephant : the Viper slayes the Bull , the Weasell the Cockatrice , and the weakest Waspe stingeth the stoutest man of war . The height of heauen is taken by the staffe , the bottome of the Sea , sounded with lead , the farthest Coast discouered by Compasse , the secrets of Nature searched by wit , the Anatomy of man , set out by experience , and the abuses of women discouered by their dissembling : therefore resolue thy selfe , Calipolis shall dye , i le 〈◊〉 the Author , to deuise her death , & thou the factour to performe the déede .

Maister , quoth Anthony , I knowe women in qualities re●●mble an arrow , which getting liberty , with wings is carried beyond our reach , kept in the Quiuer , it is still at commaund , or a dog , let him slip , and he is straight out of sight , but hold him in a lease , and hee neuer stirres , or a Colt , giue him the bridle , and he flings at liberty , but rane him hard , and you may rule him , or a shyp , hoyse the sayles and it runnes on head , let fall the Anchor and all is well . He runnes farre that neuer turnes , and a fault pardoned , procures the offender from working displeasure . All these similitudes , mixed with sighes & salt teares , could not in any case alter Mountgramets intent : so the one resolued she should die , & the other constrained to commit the déed , I will rest , and come to the poynt .

Calipolis accompanied with Anthony , had not gone past a mile out of the Citty , but Anthony hammering a thousand dispaires in his head , ( procured by her intended death , ) burst foorth into teares . Calipolis turning aside her head , espyed the teares trickling downe his chéeks . Who amazed at the sight , desired to know the cause . Who fething a heauy sigh , and wiping away those streames of teares , began as followeth .

Mistris ( quoth hee ) I am forced by nature and loue , to disclose to you the sum of my Maisters secrets , which are to this effect . He , eyther suspecting , or told some tatling tale touching disloyalty , a blemish to marriage rites , hath solemnly sworne , that nothing should serue , nor pardon passe , but the losse of your life pay raunsome for so foule a deede . And none but I , the vnhappiest of all creatures , am commaunded to be the instrument of your death , therefore good Mistris , quoth hee , forgiue me , though I commit the fact , that am giltlesse of the fault , Calipolis could no longer abide , but burst foorth into these speeches . Vnfortunate Calipolis , on whom the sun of Fortune neuer shone , but Plannets ruled by retrogard aspects . Dissembling Ianus , didst thou betray me with a Iudas kisse , to mount mee to thy chayre of state , and now displayes displeasure with the world● sole hate ? Wherein did I offend Mountgramet , in my constancie , which hee hath wrested to disloyalty ? Heauens will witnes my giltlesse hart . I thought that no man lyuing equalled Mountgramet , in my harts affection , so did I loue him well and faithfully , for which I am rewarded most vnthankfully . Cruell Destinies , that determines the end of dayes with such reproch . Let any lyuing creature , but once obiect , and say I did commit , the least tytle of defamation to my nuptiall rites , and then I rather wish death to pay the raunsome of that misdéed , then pardon in hope of after mends .

But is it Mountgramets minde Calipolis should dye ? Perhaps it was , yet now it may be turned . Hard-harted man , wherein haue I offended thée ? in resembling the constant Diamond , though thou accountest me a dissembling Demaphou , or a Wether-cock , that turnes with euery wind . Vnnaturall man , doost thou weigh downe my good will with vntimely death , or present mee with a ponyard that perfumes thée with Roses ? Whence springs these frantick seats of bedlam iealousie ? Why should he menace death to her that well deserues ? What néeds these vaine ambages , it is the Fates decrée , and they haue swore my death , the cruell Destinies haue cut my twisted thred , and brought my former blisse to fatall bale . Dissembling fortune , that smilest at my fall .

After she had vttered these playnts , she desired him to finish the end of her dayes . Who hearing the swéete soule willing to receaue the stroke of death , began as followeth . Mistris , quoth he , should I commit so foule a deede , it were death to my selfe , the flying fowles will disclose my villany , yea , my guilty conscience will bewray my selfe . Therefore good Mistres , quoth he , of two euils the least is to be chosen , alter your attire , change your state , and try your fortune in some forraine Land . Perhaps the Fates being thwarted in theyr déeds , may turne their frownes to a friendly smile , and grace you vnexpected fauours . Such is the rigour of my Maisters setled malice , that to craue mercy were bootelesse , and to séeke for lyfe , were labour lost in vaine . Therefore to escape the heauy stroke of your vntimely ●eath , and my discharge of promise , and also displeasure of the Almighty , change your attire , alter your state , become like a Page , to get safe passage ouer the Sea , shroud your life vnder the wings of Fortune , and though it be distresse , yet account of it aboue an vndeserued death .

After hée had vttered these spéeches , the teares distilling like Nilus downe her chéekes , and after a thousand thanks , she gaue him a kindly salute , and committed her fortune to the Fates . She had not gone a mile after her departure from Anthony , but she framed this wofull farewell .

She hauing ended this Dittie , committed her fortunes to Neptune , ship and wind seruing for the purpose , with which i le rest , and come to King Lewis , who being passionate fell to these speeches . Ah Lewis , ouer-cloyed griefes will cause thy hart to burst , hadest thou first dyed when first thou gazedst on the Bassalisk , then hadst thou perished before desire begunne , but now begunne I heere expect but death : nay worse then death . Deniall of that Saint in whom I haue shrowded my affection , that Goddesse whom I in heart adore . Could I but gayne her loue , then Lewis were thrise blessed aboue all , yea , but I feare she wil not loue , why Lewis is a King , & therfore may commaund . Foolish man abollish this fond determination , trampell loues branches vnder thy féete , least they sproute vp to thy heart , bridell thy affection , for entering at the eye , it harbors at the hart , and hauing ●●oke good hand-fast , it indangers the whole body . That Cice●●es tongue cannot preuaile , nor Circes charmes , Calipsoes inchauntments , Archimedas circles , Rhombus rifraffe , bee a medicine for that malady . Fond man , whilst thou sits drawing of Mathematicall fictions , the enemy stands with a sword at thy breast , and he that talketh much , and dooth little , is like to him that sayles with a side winde , and is borne with the tyde to a wrong shore .

After he had bewayled his passions , and could not abollish that fond determination , hee pulled out a letter , charging his Page to poste with it vnto Calipolis , where nowe i le rest and come to King Fredericke , who had kindled such hote coales , as al the water in the world coulde not quench , who vttered these spéeches wrapt in a world of woes , consumed in a Laborinth of cares .

Poore soule , I tosse , I tumble , too and fro , one while I think on this , another while I pause on that , and so twixt hope and dread I liue , though liuing die , and loue is the cause of this calamitie . Fickle Fortune , still froward vnto me , desembling fauors with so kinde a friend , fancie is entertained at my hart , affection lodgeth in thys tender breast , delayes deludeth mee from my deere delight , and loue is cause of all this cruel spight . Imps of reuenge , yée fatall sisters thrée , come Atropos vntwist my thread in twayne , and by your Destinies come worke mée thys despight , robbed of the swéet that rauished my soule , I starue with Mydas , and thirst with Tantalus , burning like the vnquenchable flames of Aetna , ouerflowing like Nilus in thy loue , I search , I séeke , and yet I cannot gaine , and loue alas hath wrought mée all this paine .

Whilst hee was thus breathing out his passions , came the Page with the Letter , who questioning with the boy , after certaine communication had , shewed King Fredericke the Letter , who looking on the superscription , opened the same , and ouerlooked the secrets therein , which tended to this effect .