The First Booke .

NEERE the ancient Towne of Lions , on that side where the Sunne sets , there is a Countrey called Forrests , which in the small circuite of it , conteineth in it , what so euer is most rare in all Gaule , for being deuided into plaines and mountaines , the one and the other are so fertile , and situate in an ayre so temperate , that the ground is capable of all that which the Husbandman can desire . About the hart of the Country is the most beautifull part of the plaine , compassed as with a strong wall by mountaines neere enough , and watred with the riuer of Loyer , that taking his head not far from thence , passeth almost thorow the middest , yet neither violent nor muddy , but sweet and peaceable . Many other riuers run there in diuers places , washing them with their cleere streames : but one of the fayrest is Lignon , which wandring in his course , and doubting of his original , goes creeping thorow this plaine among the high mountaynes of Ceruieres and of Chalmaset , as farre as Flens , where Loyer receiuing it , and causing it to lose his name , carries it for tribute to the Ocean . Now on the banks of these pleasant riuers , a man may see alwaies store of shepheards , that what for the goodnesse of the ayre , what for the fertility of the soyle and their owne sweete nature , they liue in so great good fortune , that they take small knowledge of fortune . And be assured that they need not enuy the contentment of the former age , if loue would as well haue suffered them to conserue their felicity , as the heauens were truly prodigall vnto them : but being asleep in their repose , they submitted themselues to this flatterer , who shortly after turned his authority into tyranny . Celadon was one of them that felt it to the quicke , ouertaken in such sort with the perfections of Astrea , that the hatred that was betweene their parents , could not hinder him from losing himselfe wholy in her . And it is true , that if in the losse of himselfe , a man may gaine any thing that may content him , he may call himselfe happy , to bee so luckily lost , to get the good will of Astrea , who hauing assurance of his loue , would not requite it with ingratitude , but rather with a mutuall affection , with which she entertayned his loue and seruice . So that if you see any change betweene them afterwards , you are to thinke that the heauens permitted it , onely to manifest that there is nothing constant , but inconstancy onely durable in her changes : For hauing liued happily enough , the space of three yeeres , when they least feared the mischieuous accident that befel them , they found themselues cast by the treasons of Semire , into the profound misfortunes of Loue ; so that Celadon desirous to hide his affection , to deceiue the importunity of their parents , who out of an ancient hatred betweene them , interrupted by what meanes they could their amorous designes , enforced himselfe to make shew , that the accompt he had of this shepheardesse was rather ordinary then particular . A deuice truly good enough , if Semire had not ma●●●i●usly disguised it , grounding vpon this dissimulation , the treason by which he deceiued Astrea , & for which afterwards she paid such sorrow , so much griefe , and so many teares .

By fortune one day the amorous shepheard hauing risen very early to intertaine his thoughts , leauing his flocks to fresh pastures , went to sit downe on the banke of the winding riuer of Lignon , waiting for the comming of the faire shepheardesse , who stayed not long after him : for being kept waking with an ouer-thoughtfull suspition , she had not closed her eyes all the night . By that time the Sun began to gild the tops of the mountaynes of Isour and Marsellyes , the shepheard might perceiue from far , a flock which within a while he knew to belong to Astrea : for besides that Melampe , the so beloued dog of his shepheardesse , came fawning on him as soone as it saw him , he noted that the sheepe which his Mistris made so much of , had not that morning the ribons of diuers colours which it was wont to weare on the head , in fashion of a garland , because the shepheardesse ouercharged with deepe displeasure , had not the leasure to dresse it vp after her manner : shee followed after with a soft pace , & as a man might iudge by her behauiour , she had somewhat in her mind , that much rauished her , and so intirely tooke vp her thoughts , that whether of neglect or otherwise , passing hard by the shepheard , shee cast not her eyes to the place where hee was , and went to sit downe farre enough from him , on the banke of the riuer . Celadon not much heeding it , supposed she saw him not , or that she went to seeke him where he was accustomed to attend her , hearding his flocks with his sheep-hooke , draue towards her , who beeing set vnder an olde tree , her elbow resting on her knees , and her hand sustaining her head , seemed so pensiue , that if Celadon had not beene bewitched with his owne misfortune , he might easily haue perceiued , that this sadnesse could not grow , but from an opinion of the change of his loue , al other displeasures being vnable to work so sad & pensiue thoughts . But for that a misfortune vnexpected , is most difficult to be borne , I thinke , fortune purposed suddainely to assault him , that she might robbe him of all meanes of resistance .

Not knowing then the mis-hap that was so neere , after he had made choyce of a commodious place for his sheepe , neerest to the flocke of his shepheardesse , he came to her to giue her the good morrow , full of contentment that he had met with her : whom she answered both with countenance and speech so coldly , that the winter brings not with it more chilnesse and frost . The shepheard , that was not wont to see her in these tearmes , grew much astonished at it , and though hee did not forecast the greatnesse of his disgrace , such as he found afterwards ; yet the doubt that hee had offended her whom he loued , so filled him with sorrow , that the least part of it was enough to take away his life . But if the shepheardesse had vouchsafed to heare him , or if her iealous suspition had suffered her to consider , what a suddaine change the coldnesse , of her answer caused in his countenance , out of question , the knowledge of such an effect had made her lose all her mistrust : but it must not be , that Celadon prooue a Phoenix of good fortune , as he was of loue , nor that fortune doe him more fauour then other men , whom shee neuer leaues long in assurance of contentment . Hauing then stayed some while thus pensiue , at last hee came to himselfe , and turning his eye toward his shepheardesse , he saw by hap that shee beheld him , but with a looke so sad , that it left no kinde of comfort in his soule ; so forgetfull had the doubt wherein he was , made him . They were so neere the riuer of Lignon , that the shepheard might haue touched it with his hooke , and the streame held so strong a course , that all glorious and charged with the spoyles of his bankes , hee descended very mainely into the Loyre . The place where they were set , was a piece of earth somewhat mounted , against which the fury of the water beat in vaine , sustained in the bottome with a naked rock , but on the top couered with a little mosse . From this place the shepheard struck the riuer with his hooke , wherewith he raised not more drops of water , then he found diuers sorts of thoughts that assayled him , which dashing on him like water , were no sooner come , then they were driuen away by others more violent . There was no one action of his life , nor one thought of his , that he called not into his minde , to enter into accompt with , and to know wherein hee had offended ; but not being able to charge any one of them , his Loue constrained him to demand of her the cause of her anger . She that either saw not his actions , or if shee saw them , construed them to the disaduantage of the shepheard , went forward to fire his heart with a more burning despight , so that when he would haue opened his mouth , she would not giue him leasure to bring forth his first words , without interruption , saying , Is it not enough , perfidious and disloyall shepheard , to deceiue and coozen the party that deserues it so little , but that going forward in thy vnfaithfulnesse , thou stickest not to abuse her that hath obliged thee to al faire courses ? How haue you the hardnesse to come in my sight , when you haue so much offended me ? How dare you shew , without blushing , that dissembling countenance , which hides a soule so double , and forsworne ? Go , go , deceiue another , faithlesse , be gone , and addresse thy selfe to some one , to whom thy perfidious dealings are vnknowne , and no longer thinke thou canst disguife thy selfe to me , that haue found too much , to my cost , the effects of thy vnfaithfulnesse and treasons . In what case this faithfull shepheard was , he which hath truly loued may best iudge , if euer such a reproch hath beene vniustly fastned on him . Hee fell on his knees pale and gastly , like a man dead . Is this , faire shepheardesse ( said he ) to try me , or to cause mee to despaire ? Neither for the one nor other , said she , but for the truth , there being no necessity to try a thing so well knowne . Ah! said the shepheard , why haue I not put this vnlucky day out of my life ? It had beene for the good of vs both ( said shee ) that not one day , but all the dayes that I haue seene thee , had beene put out both of thine and mine . It is true , that thy actions haue made me hold my selfe discharged of one thing , which hauing done , displeases me more then thy vnfaithfulnesse : That if the remembrance of that which is passed betweene vs ( which I desire for euer might be defaced ) haue left mee any power ; bee gone , disloyall , and haue a care I see thee not , vntill I command otherwise . Celadon would haue replyed , but loue , which vsually heareth readily enough , at this time , for his great hurt , had stopped his eares , and for that she would haue beene gone , he was constrayned to hold her by the garment , saying vnto her : I keepe you not back , to aske your pardon for the fault I know not of , but onely to make you see that it is the end I choose to put him out of the world , whom you make shew to haue in such horror . But she whom choler had transported , without turning her eyes to him , struggled with that fury , that she escaped from him , and left nothing but a ribon , on which by chance he had layd his hand . She was wont to weare it on her garment before , sometimes to set out her partlet with , sometimes to winde about flowers when the season serued : at this time it had a ring at it which her father had giuen her . The sorrowfull shepheard seeing her depart in such choler , stood a long time without moouing , not knowing what hee held in his hand , though he had his eyes on it . At last with a deepe sigh , comming out of his pensiuenesse , and knowing the ribon : Be witnesse , said hee , O deare string , that rather then I would breake one of the knots of my affection , I choose to lose my life , to the end , that when I am dead , and that the cruell shall see thee about me , thou maist assure her , that there is nothing in the world can be better loued , then she is of me , and a Louer worse vnderstood then I. And then fastning it about his arme , and kissing the ring ; And thou ( said he ) the token of an intire and perfect amity , be content not to part from me at my death , to the end that this may remaine with me , at least for a gage from her , who hath made me such promise of affection . He had scarce ended these words , when turning his eyes toward Astrea , hee cast himselfe into the riuer with his armes acrosse .

In this place was Lignon very deepe , and the streame strong ; for there was a world of waters , and the casting back of the rocke made a kinde of counter-mount , so that the shepheard was long before hee could sinke to the bottome , and yet longer before hee could rise vp ; and when hee appeared , the first was a knee , and after an arme , and then ouer-whelmed suddainely with the working of the waues , hee was carried farre off vnder the water .

In the meane time was Astrea set on the banke , & seeing that which she had so dearely loued , and which she could not yet hate , so neer to death for her cause , was surprised with such feare , that in stead of giuing helpe , she fell into a swoune , & so neere the brink , that at her first mouing which she made when shee came to her selfe ( which was long time after ) shee fell into the water , with such danger , that all that some shepheards that were there could doe , did but saue her : with the helpe of her clothes , which held her aboue the water , they had leasure to draw her to the shoare , but so farre besides her selfe , that without any feeling of her part , they brought her to the next Lodge , which they found to belong to Phillis , where some of her companions shifted her wet clothes , shee not beeing able to speake , shee was so much dismayed , both for the danger her selfe had runne into , and for the losse of Celadon , who in the meane time was carried by the water with such violence , that hee was driuen aland a farre off , on the other side of the riuer , among some little shrubs , but with small signe of life .

As soone as Phillis ( who at that time was from home ) knew the accident befalne her companion , shee set her selfe to runne with all her might ; and had it not beene that Licidas met her , she could not haue beene stayed by any other whosoeuer he had beene : yet she told him in few words , the danger into which Astrea had runne , not speaking any thing of Celadon , and indeed she knew nothing of him . This shepheard was Celadons brother , betweene whom the heauens had tied a knot more straite then that of parentage : on the other side , Astrea and Phillis , besides that they were cousin germanes , were so linked with so straite an amity , that it well deserues to be compared to that of the two brethren : that if Celadon had simpathy with Astrea , Licidas had no lesse inclination to serue Phillis , nor Phillis to loue Licidas .

By fortune at this time that they came in , Astrea opened her eyes , and they were very much changed from that they were wont to be , when victorious Loue shewed it selfe triumphant ouer all those which saw them , and which they saw , their looke was slow and abated , their lids heauy and sleepy , and their brightnesse turned into teares , but teares holding of a heart all inflamed , whence they came , and of those eyes scorching as they passed by , which burnt vp both with loue and pitty all those that were neere her : when she perceiued her companion Phillis , it was a new cause of astonishment , and much more when she saw Licidas : and though shee were vnwilling that they which were by , should know the principall cause of her euill , yet was she compelled to tell him , that his brother had endangered himselfe while he sought to helpe her . This shepheard at these newes was so amazed , that without longer stay he ran to the vnlucky place with all the shepheards , leauing Astrea and Phillis alone , who afterwards set themselues to follow them , but so sadly , that though they had much to say , yet were they not able to speake . In the meane time the shepheards comming to the banke side , and casting their eyes now this way , and after that way , found no shew of that they sought for , except it were some that falling more low , found a great way off his hat , which the streame of the water had driuen downe , and which by chance was staied among some trees , which the washing of the riuer had loosened at the roote , and impaired . This was all the newes they could meete with of that they sought ; for hee was farre enough driuen away in a place where it was impossible for them to finde him , because that before Astrea could be recouered of her swounding , Celadon , as I haue said , driuen by the water , fell on the other shore among some trees , where hee might hardly be seene .

And while he was thus betweene death and life , there came to that place three faire Nimphs , whose loose hayre hung wauing on their shoulders , crowned with a garland of diuers pearles , they wore their bosome bare , and the sleeues of their garments trust vp to the elbow , from whence issued a very fine lawne , that gathered vp , ended toward the hand , where two great bracelets of pearle seemed to fasten it . Euery of them had at their side a quiuer full of arrowes , and bore in her hand a Bow of Iuory , the lower part of their garment before , turned vp behinde , that their gold-wrought buskins were seene to the mid-legge . It seemed they came thither for some desire ; for one of them spake thus : This is the place , see heere the bending of the riuer : behold where it comes with violence from aboue , dashing against the other shore , which breakes the force of it , and turnes it short another way . Consider this tuft of trees ; without doubt , this is it which was showne vnto vs in the glasse . It is true , said the former , but there is no apparence of all the rest , and mee thinke it a place somewhat too much with-drawne , to finde that which we come to seeke . And the third , which had not as yet spoke , There is , said she , apparence enough of that hee told , for as much as it represented this place so fully to you , that I doe not thinke there is a tree here , which you haue not seene in the glasse : with such words they came so neere Celadon , that a few leaues onely hid him . And for that vpon particular marking of euery thing , they knew that without doubt this was the place that was shewed them , they agreed vpon deliberation , to see if the end would prooue as true as the beginning : but they no sooner looked downe where to fit , but the principall among them spyed Celadon , and because she thought it to be a shepheard falne asleepe , shee thrust forth her hand euery way , ouer her companions : after , without speaking a word , putting her finger on her mouth , poynted with her other hand to that which shee saw among the little shrubs , and rose as softly as shee could , for feare of waking him : but seeing him somewhat neerer , she tooke him to be dead , for he had yet his legges in the water , his right arme raysed gently ouer his head , the left turned halfe behinde him , and as a prop vnder his body , the necke was wryed by the weight of the head , that let it selfe hang backward , the mouth halfe open , and almost full of sand , dropped apace , the face in many places scratched and sullyed , his eyes halfe shut , and the haire ( which he wore long ) so wet , that the water ranne downe as from two fountaines along his cheekes , whose liue colour was so defaced , that a dead man lookes no otherwise : the mid part of his reynes were so rased , that they seemed to be broken , and that made his belly shew more swolne , though by reason of the fulnesse of water , it was bigge enough of it selfe . The Nymphes seeing him in this plight , tooke pittie of him , and Leonide that spake first ( as the most pittifull and carefull ) was the first that layd hold on the body to draw it on shoare , when presently the water which hee had swallowed , powred forth in such abundance , that the Nymph finding him yet warme , was of opinion he might be saued . Then Galathea , who was the principall , turning towards the other that stood looking on , but not offering any helpe ; And you , Siluia , said she , what will my mynion say that you be so dainty ? Lay your hand to the worke , if not to helpe your companion , yet at least for pittie of this poore shepheard . I am busied ( saith she ) in considering , that though he be much altered , yet me thinkes I should know him : and then stooping downe , she turned him on the other side , and looking neerer on him , Certainely ( sayd she ) I am not deceiued , this is the man I meant , and indeed he is worthy to finde succour , for besides that he is of one of the principall Families of this Countrey , he is of such desert , that our labour shall be well bestowed . In the meane time the water issued forth in such plenty , that the shepheard being well lightned , began to breathe , yet neither opens his eyes , nor comes wholly to himselfe . And because Galathea was of opinion , that this was hee of whom the Druide spake , she began to helpe her companions , saying : They were best carry him into the Palace of Isouer , where they might best succour him . And so not without paine , they conueyed him to the place where the little Merill wayted with the Coach : into the which all three hauing mounted , Leonide was shee that guided them ; and lest their prey might be espied by the warders of the Palace , she went about to enter at a priuie gate .

By that time that they were gone , Astrea comming out of her swounding , where she lay in the water , as I told you , while Licidas nor those that went to seeke for Celadon , could heare other newes then that I spake of . Whereupon Licidas finding but too great certainty of the losse of his brother , came backe to bewaile with Astrea their common mishap . All that she did , was to get to the b●im of the riuer ; where enforced with griefe , she sate downe so full of sorrow and amazement , that a little before she had beene of so small confideration , and so iealous . She was alone , for Phillis seeing Licidas returned , was gone to learne some newes as well as the rest .

This shepheard ariuing , what with wearinesse , what with desire to know how this mischance befell , sate downe by her , and taking her by the hand , said , O God , faire shepheardesse , what a mishap haue we ? I say we , for if I haue lost a brother , you haue likewise lost the man that was not so much his owne as yours . Whether it were that Astrea heeded some other thing , or that this speech vexed her , she made no manner of answer , whereat Licidas being amazed , by way of reproach held on , Is it possible , Astrea , that the losse of this miserable sonne ( for so she called him ) touches your soule no more to the quick , to make you accompany his death at least with some teares ? If he had not loued you , or his loue had beene vnknowne to you , it might be borne with , if we saw you haue no feeling of his euill : but since you cannot be ignorant of it , that he hath loued you more dearely then himselfe , this is a cruell thing , Astrea , beleeue me , to see you so little moued as if you knew it not .

The shepheardesse then turning a sad looke towards him , after shee had considered awhile , answered , Shepheard , I am sorry for the death of thy brother , not for that he loued me , but because he had other conditions which may make his losse worthy to bee lamented , for as for the loue you speake of , it was so common to other shepheardesses my companions , that they are to take it as heauily as I. Ah vnthankfull shepheardesse ( presently cried out Licidas ) I shall hold the heauens to be partakers with thee , if they punish not this iniustice in thee . You haue small reason to thinke him inconstant , when the displeasure of a father , the hatred of kindred , the cruelties of your rigor , could not lessen the least part of that extreme affection , which you cannot dissemble to haue a thousand , and a thousand times acknowledged apparently in him . Truely this is a mis-vnderstanding , which surpasses the greatest ingratitudes , since his actions and his seruices haue giuen you no lesse assurance of the thing , which no body but your selfe make doubt of . So ( answered Astrea ) is there no body whom it concernes as it doth me . Out of question it should ( replied the shepheard ) since he was so thorowly yours , that I know not ( and if he did I should know ) that he was more ready to disobey the high God , then the least of your desires . Then the shepheardesse answered in choler , Let vs leaue this discourse , Licidas , and thinke it cannot turne to your brothers benefit : but if he haue beguiled me , and left me , displeased that I no sooner found out his deceits and craft , he is gone with a great spoyle , and faire markes of his vnfaithfulnesse . You make me amazed , replied Licidas : wherein haue you found that which you reproach him with ? Shepheard ( added Astrea ) the story would be too long and grieuous ; content your selfe if you know it not , you onely are in ignorance , and all along this riuer of Lignon , there is not a shepheard but can tell you , that Celadon loued in a thousand places ; and not to goe farre , yesterday I heard with mine owne eares , the discourse of loue which he had to his Aminthe , for so he called her , whereto I had made longer stay , but for shame : and to tell true , I had some businesse else-where , that stood mee more vpon . Then Licidas , as one transported , cries out : I will no more enquire the cause of my brothers death , it is your iealousie , Astrea , and iealousie grounded on great reason , to be the cause of so great euill . Alas , Celadon , at this time I see well , thy prophecies fall out true of thy suspitions , when thou saidest this wench will put thee to so much paine , that it will cost thee thy life : yet knewest thou not on which side this blow should be giuen . Afterward addressing himselfe to the shepheardesse : Is it credible ( said he ) Astrea , that this disease is so great , that it can make you forget the commandements which you haue so often enioyned him ? I can witnesse , that fiue or sixe times , at the least , he hath falne on his knees before you , to entreat you reuoke them . Doe you not remember , that when he came out of Italy , it was one of your first ordinances , and that within yonder bowre , where I saw you meete together so often , hee besought you to award him death , much rather then to make shew to loue any other ? Astrea , would he say ( while I liue , I shall remember the very words ) it is not for that I refuse , but because I am vnable to obserue this iniunction , that I cast my selfe at your feete , and beseech you , that to make proofe what power you haue ouer me , you command me to die , rather then to ferue any other whomsoeuer , but Astrea . And you answered him ( my sonne ) I require this proofe of your loue , and not your death , which cannot be without mine owne : for besides , I know it is most hard to you , yet will it bring vs a commodity , which we especially are to looke after ; which is , to shut vp both the eyes and mouthes of the most curious and reproachfull , whether hee oftentimes replied hereto , and whether hee made all the refusall which the obedience ( to which his affection bound him vnto you ) might permit , I referre to your selfe , if you haue the minde to remember it : so farre am I from thinking he euer disobeyed you , but for this onely cause , and in truth it was so heauy an imposition , that at all times when he returned from the place , where he was enforced to dissemble , he was compelled to take his bed , as if he came from some great piece of seruice , and there he would rest himselfe some while , and then he vndertooke it afresh . But now Astrea , my brother is dead , so it is , whether you beleeue it , or not beleeue it , it will doe him neither good nor hurt , so that you are not to thinke that I speake to you in his behalfe , but onely for the truths sake , yet may you credit me as you thinke good : if I sweare vnto you , that it is not aboue two daies , since I found him engrauing of verses on the barke of these trees , that stand by the great meddow , on the left hand of the Beech , and I assure my selfe , that if you will vouchsafe to turne your eyes , you may perceiue it was he that cut them , for you may too well know his characters , if forgetfull of him and of his passed seruices , you haue not lost the remembrance of whatsoeuer concernes him : but I am assured the gods will not suffer it , for his satisfaction , and your punishment . The verses are these :

MADRI●AL . I Haue my selfe at such a bent , Although my Loue be violent , That I can gaine this fauour small , To say , I doe not loue at all . But to dissemble loue else-where , T● adore an eye the conquering part , As I doe yours , with trembling feare , I know not how to haue the hart : And if it must be that I die , Dispach me hence then presently .

It may be some seuen or eight daies past , that hauing had occasion to go for a time , ouer the riuer of Loyre , by way of answer he wrote me a letter , which I am willing you should see , and if in reading it , you confesse not his innocency , I will beleeue that you haue purposely lost , for his sake , all kinde of iudgement : and then taking it out of his pocket , he read it to her . It was thus :

INquire no more what I doe , but know that I continue alwaies in my ordinary paine , To loue , and not to dare shew it ; not to loue , and sweare the contrary ; ( deare brother ) is all the exercise , or rather the punishment of thy Celadon . They say true , contraries cannot be at one time in one place ; yet Loue and dissembled loue are ordinarily in my actions : but wonder not at it , for I am compelled to the one , out of perfection ; and to the other , by the commandement of Astrea . If you thinke this manner of life strange , remember that Miracles are the ordinary workes of gods , and what would you my Goddesse should worke in me , but Miracles ?

It was long before Astrea would answer , because the words of Licidas had almost put her beside her selfe . So it was , that iealousie , which as yet hel● some force in her soule , made her take the paper , as doubting if Celadon writ it .

And although she well knew it was he , yet argued she the contrary in her mind , following the custome of many moe persons , who will alwaies strongly maintaine a thing , as if it were their opinion . And much about that time came diuers shepheards from seeking Celadon , where they found no notice of him , but his hat , which was nothing to the sad Astrea , but a fresh renewing of sorrow . And because she remembred her selfe of a sleight which loue made them deuise , and she was loth it should be knowne , she made signe to Phillis to take it ; and then euery one betooke them to their lamentations and praises of the poore shepheard : and there was not any that repeated not some vertuous action , onely she that felt most , was inforced to fit mute , and to make lesse shew , knowing well , that the maine wisedome in loue , is , to hold affection hidden , or at least , not to discouer it vnprofitably . And because the violence she did her selfe herein , was great , and she could hold out no longer , she drew neere to Phillis , and prayed her to leaue her , that the rest might doe so likewise : and taking from her the hat she held in her hand , she went from them alone , and tooke the path she lighted vpon , without any heed to her way . Now there was not a shepheard in the company , but he knew of Celadons affection , because his parents by their displeasures discouered more then their owne actions , but it was carried with such discretion , that except S●mir● , Licida● and Phillis , there was not any that knew the good will she bare him , and though they knew well this losse afflicted her , yet did they attribute it rather to a good nature , then to loue ( such profit comes of the good opinion they haue of a man : ) in this meane time she held on her way , all which time a thousand thoughts , or rather so many displeasures , tormented her pace after pace , in such sort , that sometimes doubting , sometimes assured of the loue of Cel●dō , she knew not whether she had more cause to complaine of him , or of her selfe . When she remembred what Licidas came to tel her , she iudged him innocent : but when the words which she heard him vse to the shepheardesse Aminthe , came into her mind , she condemned him as guilty . In this laborinth of diuers thoughts , she went a long time wandring thorow the woods , without election of way ; and by fortune or the wil of heauen , that wold not suffer that the innocency of Celadon should remaine longer doubtfull in her soule , her paces conducted her , before she was aware , along a little brooke , among those trees that Licidas spake of , where the verses of Celadon were engrauen . The desire to know whether he said true , was of power sufficient in her to prouoke her to seeke for them very curiously , although they were much shaddowed : but the cutting , which as yet was fresh , discouered them soon enough . O God , how soon she found them to be Celadons , and how quickly she ranne to reade them , but how to the quicke , did they touch her soule ? She sat downe on the ground , and laying in her lap the hat and letter of Celadon , she held some while , her hand clasped together , and her fingers locked one in another , holding her eyes vpon that which onely remained to her of her shepheard & seeing that the hat was bigger about the place wherein he vsed to put his letters , when he would giue them her in secresie , she felt with her hand very curiously , and thrusting her fingers vnder the lining , she found the bare felt : wherein loosening the button , she drew forth a paper , which that day Celadon had put in . This deuice they inuented betweene them , when the euill will of their Parents hindred them from talking together ; for casting this hat from one to the other in sport , they might easily take and giue their letters . All trembling she took this out of this pretty packet , & cleane besides her self , spreading it abroad , shee cast her eye on it to reade it , but she had so scared the powers of her soule , that she was forced diuers times to wipe her eies before she could do it , in the end she read these words :

MY Astrea , if the dissembling which you enioyne me to , be to cause mee die of paine , you may more easily do it with a word : If it be to punish my arrogancie , you are a Iudge too gentle , to appoint me a lesse punishment then death . But if it be to try what puissance you haue ouer me , why doe you seeke out for me a readier witnesse then this , whose length may bee so trouble some to you ? for I cannot thinke it is to conceale our dess●ine , as you say , for that not being able to liue in this constraint , my death ( no doubt ) will giue a more speedy and deplorable a demonstration . Iudge then ( my faire Astrea ) that this hath beene long enough endured , and that it is now time you should permit me to act the personage of Celadon , hauing so long , and with such paine , represented that of the person in the world , that is most contrary to him .

Oh! what cutting rasors were these words to her soule , when they brought into her memory the commandement which she had giuen him , & the resolution which they had taken to hide by this dissimulation their loue ? But see what the bewitchings are of loue ! she rooke extreme displeasure for the death of Celadon , and yet she was not without some contentment in the midst of so great sorrow , knowing that in truth hee was not vnfaithful ; and of which shee was assured , the many proofes whereof had cleered the cloudy mist of her ielously : all these considerations ioyned themselues together , to haue the more force to torment her in such sort , that not being able to runne to other remedy then teares , as well to bewaile Celadon , as to weepe for her owne losse , she gaue beginning to her griefe with a riuer of teares , and after , with a thousand pittifull alasses , distempering the quiet of her stomake with infinite sighes gasping for life , and with vnpittifull hands beating her faire hands , she called to remembrance the faithfull amity which she had formerly found in this shepheard , the extremitie of his affection , her despaire for hauing so readily thrust from her the life of her repose : and then were represented the happy time of his seruice , the pleasures and contentment which the honesty of their deuices had wrought her , and what beginnings of sorrow she met with , since by his losse , which though she found very great , yet did she not iudge it equall to her folly , since the continuance of so many yeeres might haue giuen her assurance enough of his fidelitie .

On the other side , Licidas , that was so little satisfied with Astrea , not being able with patience to suffer this griefe , rose vp hard by Phillis , but not to tell any thing of her companion , which displeased him , and went with a stomake so swolne , his eyes so filled with teares , and countenance so changed , that his shepheardesse seeing him in this plight , and giuing him some token of her loue , followed him without feare of what men might say of her . He went with his armes crosse his brest , his head hanging downe , his hat pull'd about his eares , but his soule more ouerwhelmed with sorrow . And because the commiseration of his euill bound the shepheardesse that loued him , to take part in his sadnesse , they followed him , and lamented behind him : but this pittifull office of theirs was but a renewing of his griefe . For extreme sorrow hath this going with it , that solitarinesse is his first garment , because that in company the soule dares not freely disgorge it selfe of the venome of the euill ; and vntill that be vented , it is neuer capable of any remedy by consolation . Being thus pained , by fortune they met a young shepheard lying along on the grasse , and two shepheardesses with him : the one holding his head in her lappe , and the other playing on an Harpe , while he went breathing out these verses , his eyes lifted vp to heauen , his hands layd on his brest , and his face couered with teares .

Stanzaes on the death of Cleon. THe beauty which to cinders death doth turne , Despoyling it of mortall state so soone , Like lightning mounts , and doth like fire burne : So short a life hath so great beauty wonne . Those eyes , late authors of sweete vndertakings , From more deare Loues are clos'd for euer fast , Faire eyes that were of such a wondrous making , That none beheld , but lou'd them e're they past . If this be true , beauty from vs departs , Loue vanquish'd weepes , that conquered heretofore , And she that gaue life to a thousand hearts , Is dead , yet liues in my heart euermore . What good henceforth is worthy of our loue ? Since perfectest is soonest ranisht still , As shaddow doth after the body mooue , So euery good is seconded with ill . Cleon , it seemes , thy destiny hath sworne Euen in thy East to finish vp thy day , And that thy beauty dead , as soone as borne , Should meete her coffin in her cradles way . No , thou diest not , it is much rather I , Since all my life I liuing tooke from thee , If louers life in thing beloued lie , I hauing lou'd thee , thou reuiu'st in me . So if I liue , Loue giues the world to know , That his command he can to death impart , Or being God , his mighty power to shew , Makes Louer liue without or soule or heart . But Cleon , if the will of Fate be so , Of humane frailty that the smart you trie , Loue wils to yours my fortune equall grow , You by my plaints , I by your death doe die . Thus I powre forth my plaints , that new life brings , Death to surprise my sorrow being lame , And my two eyes changed to lasting springs , Bewaile mine ill , but cannot lesse the same . When Loue with me ( to shew compassion ) Laments this faire losse , whence my paines d●still , Dr●e ( saith he ) teares , mourne in another fashion : So much all teares are lesser then our ill .

Licidas and Phillis were very curious to know the griefe of this shepheard , if their own would haue giuen them leaue ; but seeing he had as much need of consolation as themselues , they would not ioyne another mans euill to their owne , and so leauing the other shepheards attentiue to finde it out , they held on their way , no man following them : for the desire euery one had to know what this vnknowne company might be , Licidas was not gone far , before they heard another voice some good way off , which seemed to come towards them , and they willing to harken , were hindred by the shepheardesse , who held the shepheards head in her lap , with these complaints : Well , thou cruell , well , shepheard without pitty , how long shall this obstinate humour of thine indure against my prayers ? How long hast thou determined that I should be disdained and contemned for a thing that is not ? and for the sake of one dead , I should bee depriued of that which cannot profit it ? Consider Tyrcis , consider , thou Idolater of the dead , and enemy to the liuing ; what the perfection of my loue is , and begin at last , begin to loue the person that liues , and not them that are dead , whom you must leaue in rest to God , and not disquiet their happy cinders with vnprofitable teares , and take heed , lest in holding on thus , you draw not on you the vengeance of your cruelty and iniustice .

The shepheard not turning his eyes to her , answered coldly , Would to God , faire shepheardesse , I might be suffered to giue you satisfaction with my death : for to free you and my selfe also of the payne wherein we are , I would choose it rather then my life : but since , as you haue told me , this were but to increase your griefe ; I beseech thee , Laonice , enter into thy selfe , and consider how small reason thou hast , to make my deare Cleon dye twice . It is sufficient ( since my mis-hap will haue it so ) that she hath once paid the tribute of her humanity ; then , if after her death she be reuiued in me by force of my loue , why ( cruell ) will you haue her dye againe , by the forgetfulnesse which a new loue will cause in my soule ? No , no , shepheardesse , your reproaches shall neuer haue such power ouer me , to make me to consent to so wicked a counsell , because that which you call cruelty , I name faithfulnesse ; and that which you thinke worthy punishment , I iudge it to deserue high commendation . I haue told you , that in my Tombe , the memory of my Cleon shall liue by my bones : that which I haue sayd to you , I haue a thousand times sworne to the immortall gods , and to this faire soule which is now with them : and thinke you that they will suffer Tyrcis to goe vnpunished , if forgetfull of his oath , he become vnfaithfull ? Ah! I shall sooner see the heauens cast forth their lightning on my head , then euer offend either my oath , or my deare Cleon. She would haue replied , but that then the shepheard that went on singing , interrupted them , by comming vpon them with these verses :

The Song of Hylas . IF she disdaine me , then adew , I leaue the cruell with her scorne , Not staying till the morrow morne , Before I chuse a mistrisse new . It were a fault my selfe to pine , By force to draw her loue to mine . They for the most part are so wise , They make no reckoning of our loues , Wherein their heart a fire moues : But that the flame must not arise ; So that we kindle other fires , While we pursue our owne desires . The ouer-faithfull vow-keeper , Abused by his loyalty , Loues beauty stuft with cruelty ▪ Seemes be not I doll worshipper , That from an Image nothing strong , Neuer findes succor for his wrong ? They say , Who open passage leaue To be importunde euery day , At last must giue himselfe away . But so we little good receiue , When we may easly meete some one To be importunate vpon . These Louers , lo , that faithfull are , Are alwaies full of dolorous feares , Deepe sighes , complaints , and showring teares , Are commonly their daintiest fare . It seemes the Louers chiefest part , Is onely to weepe out his heart . A man , how can you call him well , That manly honour layd aside , Cries like a boy , cannot abide Apples losse , or Wall-nuts-shell May you not rather call him foole , That loues such displing in Loues schoole ? But I , who all such follies flye , That nothing bring with them but care , By others harmes warn'd to beware , Doe alwaies vse my liberty , And am not discontent at all , That they doe me inconstant call .

At these last verses the shepheard was come so neere to Tyrcis , that he might discerne the teares of Laonice , and because , though they were strangers , yet they knew one the other ; and to busie them a while by the way , the shepheard knowing the sorrow of Laonice and Tyrcis , rowsed himselfe to accost them in this manner : O desolate shepheard ( for by reason of this sadde time of life , such was the name that euery man gaue him ) if I should be like you , I should thinke my selfe most vnhappy . Tyrcis hearing him speake , rose vp to answer him . And I , Hylas , if I were in your place , how might you call me vnhappy ? If I must lament ( reioyned he ) as you do for all the Mistresses that I haue lost , I should haue cause to complaine longer then I haue to liue . If you do like me , answered Tyrcis , you should lament but onely for one . If you do like me , replyed Hylas , you should lament for none of them all . Heerein it is , sayd the desolate , that I account you miserable : for if nothing can be the sufficient price of Loue , but Loue , you were neuer loued of any , seeing you neuer loued any ; and so you may trade in many loues , but not buy any , not hauing the money which is payed for such a commoditie . But how know you ( answered Hylas ) that I neuer loued ? I know it ( said Tyrcis ) by your perpetuall changes . We are ( said he ) of a differing opinion ; for I beleeue , the more expert the workman is , the more he exercises the mysterie whereof he makes profession . It is true , answered Tyrcis , when one followes the rules of Art , but when they do otherwise , it falleth out to them as to men out of their way , the further they go , the more they wander from it . Therefore it is , that as the stone that continually roules , gets no mosse , but rather durt and filth ; in like maner , your lightnesse may gaine you shame , but neuer loue . You must know , Hylas , that the stripes of loue will neuer be healed . God keepe me ( said Hylas ) from any one such stripe . You haue reason , replyed Tyrcis , for if euery time you are strucke with a new beauty , you had receiued an incurable wound , I know not whether in all your body you had had a free place . But so you should be depriued of those sweetes and happinesses which loue brings to the true louers , and that miraculously ( as all his other actions ) by the same stroke that he gaue them , so that if the tongue were able to expresse that which the heart cannot entirely rellish , and it were permitted you to heare the secrets of this god , I do not beleeue but you would willingly renounce your infidelity . Then Hylas smiling , Without faining ( said he ) you haue reason , Tyrcis , to put your selfe into the number of them whom Loue vseth so kindely . As for me , if he vse all others as he doth you , I will willingly forgoe my part , and let you enioy alone your felicities and contentments , and feare not that I shall euer enuy you . It is aboue a moneth since we ordinarily met together ; tell me the day , the houre , or the moment , in which I could see your eyes without the wished company of teares ; and on the contrary , name me the day , the houre and moment , in which you heard me onely sigh for my loues . Euery man that hath not his taste peruerted , as you haue your iudgement , will he not find the delights of my life more pleasing and louely then the ordinary pangs of yours ?

And turning to the shepheardesse which had complained of Tyrcis : And you ( insensible shepheardesse , ) will neuer take the courage to free your selfe of the tyranny , in which this vnnaturall shepheard makes you liue . Will you by your patience make your selfe companion in his fault ? Know you not that he glories in your teares , and that your supplications raise him to such an arrogancie , that he thinkes he bindeth you wonderfully to him , when he heares you with misprisall ? The shepheardesse with a great alas answered him , It is easie , Hylas , for him that is in health , to counsell the sicke ; but if you were in my place , you would know how vaine it is thus to aduise me , and that this griefe may well driue my soule out of my body , but not by reason chase this ouer-strong passion out of my soule : So that if this beloued shepheard exercise any tyranny ouer me , he may do it with more absolute commaund when it pleaseth him , not hauing power to wish more of me , then his authoritie ouer me reacheth to already . Then giue ouer your counsels , Hylas , and cease your reproches , which can but encrease my euill , without hope of asswaging . For I am so entirely the possession of Tyrcis , that I haue not command of mine owne will . How ( said the shepheard ) is not your will your owne ? What will it profit to loue and serue you ? Laonice answered , As much as the amity which I tender to this shepheard auayles me . That is to say , replyed Hylas , I shall lose my time and my paines ; and when I discouer vnto you my affection , this is but to waken in you the words wherewith you may serue your owne turne when you speake to Tyrcis . What would you , Hylas , that I should say more to you , but that it is long since I haue gone bewayling this mis-happe , but much better in my consideration then in yours ? I doubt not ( sayd Hylas ) but since you be of this humour , and that I haue more power ouer my selfe then you can ouer yours : Go take the shepheardesse ( sayd he ) reaching forth his hand , or giue me leaue , or take it of me ; and be assured , that if you will not , I will not be long before I goe backe , as being ashamed to serue so poore a Mistris . Shee answered him very coldly , Neither you nor I shall receiue any great losse , at the least I assure you , this shall neuer make me forget the hard vsage which I haue from this shepheard . If you haue ( answered he ) as much knowledge of that which you lose in losing me , as you shew small reason in the pursuite you vndertake , you will rather complaine for the losse of me , then to wish for the affection of Tyrcis ? But the sorrow which you take for me shall be very small , if it can not equall that which I haue for you ; and then sung out these verses as he went away .

A SONNET . SInce we must needs pull vp that deep-set roote , Which Loue , in seeing you , plants in my brest : And which Desire , with so great longing thirst , Hath with so great care nur●'d to so small boote . Since it must be , that Time which saw it borne , Must triumph in the end as Conquerour : Attempt we brauely freed from Sorrowes power , Let vs at one blow cut both flowre and thorne . Chase we all these desires , those fires put out , Breake we those lines knotted with many boughes , And of our selues let vs take free farewell . So shall we vanquish Loue , that vntamed Lord , And wisely do out of our owne accord , That whereto Time at last will vs compell .

If this shepheard had come into this Country , in a time lesse troublesome , without doubt he had found many friends ; but the sorrow for Celadon , whose losse was so fresh , as it made all them that dwelt thereabout so heauy , that they could not attend his conceits , and therfore they let him go without being curious to question either him or Tircis , what was the cause that led them thither . Some of them returned to their lodging , and others continued on their search for Celadon , and coasted now on this side , and then on that side the Riuer , not leauing euen a brier , nor tree , nor bush , whose shaddowed hollownesse they discouered not . Yet was this in vaine , for they found no more newes for all their search ; only Siluander met Polemas alone , not far from that place , where a little before Galathe and the other Nymphs had taken vp Celadon , and because he had the commaund of all the Countrey , vnder the authority of the Nymph Amasis , the shepheard , who had often seene him at Marsellis , did him all the honour he could in his salutation : and for that he asked , what it was he searched for along the shore , he told him of the losse of Celadon : whereat Polemas was displeased , hauing alwayes loued them of that family .

On the other side , Licidas , which was wandring with Phillis , after he had beene somewhile silent , at last turning to her : Well , faire shepheardesse what thinke you of the humor of your companion ? She which as yet was ignorant of the ielousie of Astrea , answered ; It was the smallest displeasure that might be fall her , and that in so great sorrow he might well be permitted to auoid and fly from all company . For Phillis thought he had complained , for that she was come forth alone . It is true , said Licidas , it is small , but yet I hold , that in truth it is the greatest , and I must tell you , she is the most vnthankfull in the world , and most vnworthy to bee beloued . See , for Gods sake , what her humor is ; my brother neuer had any desire , nay , so far was he of , he had not the power to loue any but her onely : she knew it well enough , cruell as she is ; for the proofes which he hath giuen her , leaue nothing in doubt , the time hath bene ouerpast , the difficulties , or rather the impossibilities contemned , the absences ouercame , the parents anger neglected , her rigors , her cruelties , her disdaines sustained , and that for so long time , that I know no man could do more then Celadon , and yet for all this will not this fickle piece , who , as I thinke , hauing ingratefully changed her mind , is sorry to see him longer liue , whom at other times she hath done little lesse then cause to dye by her rigours , and whom at this time she knew shee hath vnworthily offended : this fickle piece , I say , will not , who dissembling vnder a new pretence of hate and iealousie , commands him to eternall exile , and a despaire euen to seeking out of death . O God , said Phillis all amazed , what doe you tell me , Licidas ? is it possible that Astrea should commit such a fault ? It is too true , answered the shepheard , she told me a part of it her selfe , & the rest I may easily iudge of by her discourse . But well , though shee triumph ouer the life of my brother , and that her perfidiousnesse and ingratitude giue a vizard to her fault , as if she had ouerloued him , yet will I sweare vnto you , that neuer Louer had more affection and fidelity then he , not that I care she should know it , vnlesse it might bring her some extreme displeasure by the knowledge of what might haue falne our by her error : for hence forth I will be as much her mortall enemie , as my brother hath bene her faithfull seruant , and she vn worthy to be beloued . So went Licidas and Phillis discoursing , he infinitely displeased with the death of his brother , and as much enraged against Astrea , and she sorry for Celadon , troubled with the griefe of Licidas , and astonished at the ielousie of her companion : but seeing that the stroke was yet very sensible , she would not as yet apply any strong remedies , but only gentle preparatiues , to sweeten & not to confound ; for in any case she would not that the losse of Celadon , should cost her Licidas : and she considered well , that if the hatred should continue betweene him and Astrea , of necessity shee must breake with one of them : and yet loue was vnwilling to giue place to friendship , and friendship to loue ; and so the one would not consent to the death of the other . On the other side , Astrea euen full with so great occasions of sorrow as I haue told you , giuing such way to her teares , and so languished in her dolors , that for not hauing teares enow to wash away her errour , nor words to expresse her sorrow , her eyes and mouth gaue vp their office to her imagination , so long , that weakned with ouer-much griefe , shee fell asleepe with such thoughts .

The end of the first Booke .