Hecatonphila. The arte of loue Or, loue discouered in an hundred seuerall kindes.

HECATONPHILA The Arte of Loue . Written by Master Leon Baptista Alberto , Florentine : wherein is taught an hundred kindes of Loue .

I Take it to be a part of humanitie , as also an action of pittie & compassion , seeing for the most part amongst you ( faire Ladies ) so manie signes of an afflicted spirite , onely through the weightie oppressions of loue , that by all the wit and cunning remaines in me , I should instruct how this burthen might bee more easie , and lesse troublesome vnto you .

For beholding at this instant ( most sweete Sisters ) manie of yee leaning your heads on your hands , others crosse armd ore the breast , some ( bitterly sighing ) hiding their eyes with their fingers , other some lending their lookes to all parts of this Theater , as it wer to espie among the multitude , the man whom they most of all expect , & with greatest longing desire to see .

Whereby I cannot chuse but take pittie on them , whom I know to bee in the same agonie , which I my selfe haue heertofore felt , being then lesse seene and skild in loues affaires , than now I am at this instant .

Now albeit you are furnished of good iudgement and singular wisedome , whereby to direct & gouerne ye in the case of Loue ; yet make no doubt at all ( faire Patrones of beautie ) but being lesse experienced therin than I , that you shall heare some thing deliuered from me , as pleasing to heare , as profitable to practise .

At no time can bee found a better Phisition , than hee , who hauing first tasted an infirmitie himselfe , learnes thereby the skill of helping others infected with the same disease . As for my self , concerning mine own loue , and others made knowen to mee ; I finde , that without anie repenting , I haue satisfied my desires ( for one woman ) more than an hundred other Louers could doo : so that at euerie Fall of the leafe , & likewise for euerie Summer season , I might iustly make account of a whole yeres experience in loue .

Vpon this occasion , learned men ( who aboue al other most please and content me ) in their priuate amorous Discourses call mee Hecatonphila , which is as much to say , as An hundred Loues ; wherefore from me , beyond all other , they would seeke to gather the fruites of the second Triumph , concerning the sweetes and pleasures of Loue .

Therefore ( faire Friends , and my dearest Delights ) while the Comoedians delay their time of appearing on the Stage , listen to me as diligently and attentiuely as ye can : yea , to me I say , who am a perfect Mistresse in this Arte , and desirous withall to make you deepely learned therein ; that you may learn how to end your Loues with maruellous pleasure and contentment , without dread of anie sinister accident , that may befall in the progresse of your loue .

CAP. 2.

AS concerning mine owne Loues , ( which till this instant were neuer more than two ) with those of others , wherein I haue imployed my labour and industrie : but onely of the first , thorough my want of prouidence , I haue no great occasion to complaine : And that was in my yong yeares , when I set a high rate on mine owne beautie , esteeming more a bare victorie of opinion , than the endowment of such an especial occasion , wherby I might soly studie & endeuour , to make my selfe faire and beautifull indeed .

But for this euer afterward I gaue thankes to Venus and Cupid , who in my first affections & yonger errors , gaue me a Loue discreete , wise , modest , vertuous , pittifull , patient , and worthie of all commendation : of whom I learned ( that which is onely sufficient ) to loue secretly , and without pride , controuling daylie mine owne imperfections , and practising the knowledge of manie things necessary to true and perfect louing : as for example , to rehearse large Histories by lookes onely , & other especiall matters by least suspected behauiour .

But most happy is the Louer whatsoeuer , whose fortune is so good as to light on so true and faithfull a Friend : sweet loue , sweet pastime , but sweetest of all is the first kindled heate , which brings the louer both pleasure and profit together , whereby he may the better attaine his owne contentation .

The first loue , being not counterfet but surely grounded , can neuer be remooued from the remembrance : but truly the sweetnes of those ioies were rare and numberlesse , were they not often troubled by crooked & finister meanes , as oftentimes happens to vs women , such as I was in my yong & vainer dayes , as shewing our selues too disdainful , & reckoning the meanest of our owne priuate opinions , to be farre beyond all others .

Fooles that wee bee , how manie wonderfull pleasures lose we , in nice shunning them ? Afterward , both alone and publique , how much do we bemone our owne stearne rudenesse ? Thus first ( through our owne fault ) we finde the cause of our annoiance , til with floods of teares we weare out the flint of our stonie stubbornnesse , learning thereby to become more milde and tractable .

It is best then to learne , how to loue without fiercenesse or disdaine , but it falls out verie sildome , that without some bitternesse one can endure the sweete which growes by Loues beginning , except wee first make choyce of such an one , as shall appeare most meete and worthie to be beloued .

Listen then ( faire Virgins ) & learn of me to passe pleasantly the course of your life , as also to bring such quiet to your Loue , as the issue thereof shal be most peaceable and glorious .

CAP. 3.

HEere then will I first instruct ye , how to make choyce of a right good Louer : & afterward teach , in what maner and by what arte you may take & entertaine him , with all the grace & good wil in such cases requisite . Lastly , ye shall vnderstand from me , with what ease and securitie yee may long time triumph in your amorous enterprises . For which good Lessons , I wold next of all know , what thanks or kindnes ( on your behalfe ) I shal be requited withall ?

But out alas , what recompence shal I expect from ye ( faire louely Creatures ) when ye haue proou'd , what pleasure , profit & contentment these my instructions shall enrich ye withall ? Well , come what may , I will wayte for nothing else from yee , or make anie other demaund , but when yee haue attentiuely heard my speeches and admonitions , that ye would bestow your loue effectually on the partie , by whom ye finde your selues to be loyally beloued .

For this I dare certainly assure yee , that whatsoeuer she bee among yee , that in her course of loue will not obserue my Aduertisements , let her neuer looke for anie amorous content , without verie great crosses and perturbations , neither shall shee liue without the charge and oppression of infinite cares , greefes and heart-killing passions . Listen then aduisedly , how much it shal auaile ye to loue discreetly , and how preiudiciall beside , the want of this knowledge in loue will be vnto ye .

CAP. 4.

FIrst then must wee shew yee , what kinde of Louers they ought to bee , of whom you should make choyce : and therefore ( sweet Sisters ) bee carefull of this first precept , that yee chuse not a man either too yong , or ouer-wearied with yeares : for no age can bee more successefull in louing , than when a man is in the state of firme strength & abilitie : which being alreadie spent and gone in old men , makes them vnapt or incapable of those sweet pastimes the case of Loue requires .

Think with your selues what a hell it is , to loue where the like cannot be returned againe . Whereas the able gallant Youth , being in the first flower of his manly age , hath a most delicate aspect or countenance , declares a more firme & potent constitution , and is able to endure watchings or other weightie burdens , in better sort than those of weaker disposition can .

But learne with me ( I beseech ye ) to know , how many discommodities attend vpon such men , as being ouer yong , are likewise vnapt for loue .

They are not expert , & euery smal occasion seemes in their mindes to make a verie great shadow , being alwaies hasty , & subiect to no patience .

They are sudden , rash & indiscreet , knowing little , & therefore improuident , suspitious in all things , & easily caried away with any disdainful conceit . Sildome shal ye see them without some folowing friend , to whom they wil discourse a whole historie of their amorous passions , taking delight in counterfeiting and defending apparances of truth , and making open vaunts of approoued falshoods .

Here hence insues it , that these reports passing from one to another , whatsoeuer is spoken of vs women , bee it neuer so false , as quickly will some be found to beleeue it .

Thus by the meanes of these indiscreet yong heads , before wee can scant know the name of him we purpose to loue , wee are made common reports and pratlings of the people .

And sometimes it happeneth , that when all sinister language is silent of vs , then our owne fortune resembles the yong Liones following the Hart , who iested & dallied verie long with her yet in the end cast her off : rather than which inconuenience should happen to me , I would make election of an elder Louer , than one so ouer yong and voyd of reason .

The Louer more seene in yeares , will be wise , discreet , readie to know and accomplish whatsoeuer , according to time , place , and all offered occasions : whereas the yong gadding head , not obseruing those necessarie rules , can neuer know how to fit him selfe with these needfull furnitures .

Note well the discreet Louer , and yee shall see him silent , secret , patient , modest & aduised : but the yong Fantasticke will go vp and downe all day before your doore ; where , thogh he be alone , yet euerie passenger shal be a witnesse of his inward affection .

The elder Fauour it , except theretoo induced by some mightie occasion , will neuer giue ouer his enterprise , his Loue is his hearts Heauen : but if he cease to loue , yet neuer will he become an enemie , hate , or seeme molestuous vnto ye , either by word or deed .

The yong wanderer , like one that newly comes into a publique market place , walkes along euerie side , and admireth all things , desiring to inioy each thing hee beholdeth : but with the least looke he is presently chaunged : and no greater miserie can happen to her that truly loueth , than to affect the man , whose heart and soule are not solemnly dedicated and linkt together , to desire or couet more than one onely Loue .

But that which is worst of all , these young amorous Gallants , for euerie smal occasion giue ouer their affection , conuerting their behauiour and all else towards vs , as if we were their verie greatest enemies .

Vnhappie then are we , that by louing such yong straglers , proud minded , and voyd of counsell , must liue continually in feares , compassed in with worlds of endlesse molestations .

In a soft and gentle molde , anie print or forme we like , may easily be effected : euen so in this first estate of greene & delicate youth , sooner ( beleeue me ) may loue be extinguished , than rightly enkindled .

This makes euerie one timorous to deale with so sweete a solace : remembring the beautifull Rose , that it both springs & dies in one Summer ; and haile stones fallen in the morning are no where to bee found the same day at night .

Hereby ye may perceiue , faire virgins , that men ouer aged , are not the aptest for loue : likewise these yonger sort to bee verie daungerous , and therefore not to be dealt withall ; but such as florish in a mature and setled middle age , may perfourme , what the too olde are vnable for , and know that , which those young and greene wits are vtterly vnexpert and ignorant in .

An apple being well knit together and mellowed , is more sweete and pleasing than when it is greene ; yet that apple beeing ouer-ripe and too much mellowed , becomes wrinckled , saplesse , and wel neere sauourlesse : euen such is the loue of men ouer young and ouer olde ; the one sowre and sharpe , the other dry and senselesse .

Heere too I must now adde , that in loue are infinite pleasures , no lesse delightsome , than to be admired ; as in the marriage bed , where is all kinde conference , discouering of greefes , recounting afflictions passed , clearing all suspitions , correcting with sweet accusations one another : thus out-wearing the slow-paced howers , one while with true-loues teares , another while with intyre reioycing .

To the faithfull Louer , nothing is more pleasing , than to feele on her cheekes , or in her bosome , the teares of him she loueth , sweetly trickling downe : what honnie of Hybla , what cinamon of Arabia , or what Nectar prepared for the gods themselues to drinke , can be imagined so sweet , ( faire Glories of Vertue ) as one little teare of him whom you intirely loue ? A thing inestimable , a delight admirable , nothing so precious , wherewith may not be valued al the pearles of India , the gold of the Persians , or Emperie of the Latines ; no , not with the verie least teare ( sweete Sister ) of thy affected Louer .

Oh happie Maiden , oh fortunate Louer , that seest shining in thy soules eyes , loue , faith , pittie , and all other sweetnes , religiously combyned fast together . So that by these , and infinite other heauenly pleasures , which though auaileable ▪ yet heere I let passe for breuities sake , and some other serious respects : affirming this , Greene Youth is not for ye , old Age is as vnnecessary , only the meane betweene both , the sound setled spirite , is aboue all other to be preferred .

CAP. 5.

HEthertoo ye haue heard , of what Age your Louers ought to be : there are now other things most profitable , concerning their election , which I will rehearse to yee as breefely as I can .

Neuer could I finde my selfe inclinable to loue a man ouer-rich , because these money-mongers will buy loue without exchange of good will , and seeking to serue their turne with manie , neuer keepe faith with anie .

As hard a matter do I account it , to loue a man ouer-beautiful , because he being desired of diuers , though I loue him neuer so earnestly , yet shall I be in continuall feare to loose him .

As dangerous I take it , to loue a man lifted by Fortune to anie great dignitie , because he can neuer intend to loue without many witnesses , both strangers and domesticall , abroad & at home .

He can neuer go abroad , but with a mightie throng of Seruants and Friends , which makes him ordinarily more noted of the world , than others are .

Such men are commonly of proud spirit and puft vp courage , compassing manie things rather by violence , than any fauour , loue , or friendship .

As little wisedome is it , to loue such as are slothfull , dull spirited and couragelesse , who through want of better wit or exercise , make an arte or occupation of their loue , gadding abroad with frizled lockes , embroidered garments , & other open marks of their lightnesse , onely but to procure their owne scorne and derifion .

Flie from such ( faire Sisters ) and take heed of them , for they loue not a iote , but spend the day in these odde courses , not as requiring your kindnesse , but for lacke of other labour : and looke what they say to you , the same will they to whomsoeuer they meete withall ; and doubt not , but what they speake of others , the same will they of you , be it true or false .

I holde it in like manner as blame-worthie , to fore-stall good fortune in better place , and stoop to the affection of a Boore , Peazant , Carterly clowne , or such like , because it is a submission to men of the very vylest and basest condition : for marke what inconuenience followes thereupon . These abiect hirelings and mercenarie groomes ; thinke to attaine some title of honour , by giuing it foorth in publique to be knowen , that they are fauoured by such a Gentlewoman , or beloued by a Ladie of so great height and calling .

Moreouer , vnder colour of religion , to loue him , who pretending zeal in his speeches , shall discouer and reprooue that publiquely , which himselfe seekes for in secrete , and gladly would attaine vnto ; I condemne as much as anie of the rest , and holde it for a misfortune hardly to be repayred .

Then all these rehearsed , vz. The too rich , too beautifull , too fortunate , too negligent , too base , and too holie , are men not to bee regarded , neither contained within my lessons , anie way to be beloued ; let vs learne to know them then , that are to bee tearmed worthie of affection .

CAP. 6.

MAke no doubt ( dere Sisters ) in fixing your fancies on such a louer , as is not poor , misshapen , defamed , or a villaine : ye shall easily perceiue when he is indued with wisedome , modestie , patience and vertue .

It hath euermore been my natural inclination , to loue such an one , ( as I haue said before ) that was addicted to good letters , learned , and adorned with manie vertues , euen such an one as my first husband was ; whom ( indeed ) I loued more dearly , than I did mine owne selfe : for hee was of goodly personage , of exceeding qualified conditions , accompanied with a maiesticall countenance , gentle & affable , compleat in all parts of humanitie , and of a minde ( diuine as it were ) farre beyond all other men .

He abounded in all vertues , especially those that best beseemed the greatest Princes , being of comely & strong personage , couragious , hardie , affable , graue , secret , modest , merrie , pleasant , where he deemed it best became him ; eloquent , learned , amiable , pittifull , warie , expert , quick witted , and ( aboue all ) most loyall , & exceding in al the parts of gentlenes .

Verie skilful was he in the exercise of Armes , managing great horses , and either at his launce , bow , or such commendable qualities , right ready : well seene in sciences , musique , painting , engrauing , yea all other Artes whatsoeuer ; and yee can name no laudable action fit for a man , but I imagine he could therein very hardly be seconded .

Impossible it is for mee to recount the moitie of his admirable vertues , which worthily made him famous , affected , and euerie where regarded .

Thinke then ( faire Ladies ) I neede not be ashamed , both to esteeme and tearme him my Lord , being such an onely most sweete and loyall Louer , neither a matter hard or laborious to me , readily and at all times to please and obey him ; nay , I thought my selfe most happie and fortunate , if I might expresse my vttermost diligence , in doing whatsoeuer he pleased to commaund me .

Who better could deserue such dutie and reuerence at my hand , than such a worthie husband ? Oh my Lord , most blessed haue I euer reputed my selfe , seeing Fortune bestowed such a Loue on me , as had not his like . But alas , my mishap chaunced afterward , cutting off the felicitie of such a heauenly kinde of life , by taking him from me into a farre distant Countrey , and death could bee no worse to mee , than this sowre separation : yet this is some consolation to my soule , that the remembraunce of thy faith and loue continueth aliue in me , which I keepe and will doo with all religious duty I can , as a most memorable testimonie of our neuer sundred affection .

Such a Loue as this ( faire Ladies ) yea , such a Loue , if such a one maye be met withall , doo I councell ye to make choyce off , and intyrely to loue him , neuer preferring anie to the souereigntie of your affections , but such as are wise , vertuous , and modest .

These are they that will requite your faith and kindnes with endlesse recompences , and by whom ye shall neuer need to doubt any sinister accident .

These ( like Poets , Times glories ) will make your names immortall , giuing true fame and eternitie to your beautie and vertues : Lesbia , Corinna , Cynthia , and manie more deceased a thousand yeares since , yet liue , by being beloued of vertuous and learned men .

Loue then ( sweete Sisters ) those that are learned , wise , modest & vertuous : so shall your liues be heere as none the like , and your loues remembred , as none comparable .

CAP. 7.

THus hauing declared , how ye should elect men worthie of your loue , now will I shew the meanes to entertaine and preserue them still in louing .

And first of all let me tell yee ( faire Creatures ) that nothing better becommeth your excellent perfections , and sooner preuaileth in conquering his heart you ayme at , than a sweete carriage of countenance , as also a comely , discreete , and modest presence : one piercing looke heates and enkindles the dullest desire , one modest amorous glaunce awakens sleepie thoughts , fetcheth fire from the flint , and makes the hart as yeelding , as your own can craue enioying .

Heerein I haue discerned manie young Damosels , ( through want of better wit ) verie much to deceiue themselues , imagining , that a man no sooner lookes on them , but presently he is in loue with them : which makes them verie liberall in eying euerie one , and take plesure in gazing on each goer by , still thinking theyr beautie increased by their often beholding , wheras men are rather wearied with noting their vanitie .

But beleue me ( deare Friends ) it is no part of beauties glorie , to attract a troope of eies , or be beleagerd with an hoast of idle regarders : couet rather priuately to bee seene , as one adorned with vertue , courtesy and humanitie , than gold , purple , silke or siluer , for that shall make thee truly honoured , when the other will leaue thee foolishly despised .

One onely light makes an entyre and perfect shadow , whereas manie lights being together , confounds & defaceth it : euen so from one onely Friend and loyal Louer , true and perfect loue is to bee expected ; for well may she bee compared to the Brood-hen , that all the daye long bestowes her paines in all the dust shee meetes withall , and yet sleepes at night hungrie and vnsatisfied .

It is good then for her that loueth , to imploy all her endeuour , to finde the meanes for preseruing one entire Loue onely : for how vnwise is shee that considers not , how manie casualties and dangers happen in loue , especially when affection is rouing at more than one marke onely ?

Vnderstand ( faire Sisters true loue is a matter immortall , not to bee deuided or seuered : for when it is truly bestowed where your soule solemnly affecteth , what beside it is bragd or boasted on to anie other , is woords without woorth , and golden showes with glassie substance .

She that can deuide her liking into diuers parts & proportions , knowes not how to loue indeed , but prophanes so sacred a profession , & shee that labours not to maintaine loue in his true and onely glorie , deserues not to haue the benefites of loue , but rather to be generaly hated and contemned .

And though all other reasons auailed as nothing in this behalfe , yet thinke with your selues , that beeing pursued with a multitude of riualls , what expectation is to be had thereof ? I will not stand to rehearse all the inconueniences , but let this one suffise for the residue .

If yee lend good lookes to euerie one , ye bring your selfe into a hell & intollerable seruitude : for then , if ye grace one more than another , presently ariseth hatred and contentions betweene them . What daily is then to bee lookt for about your doores , but brawles , quarrels , frayes & murders , made onely about you ? The people laye the blame hereof vppon you , worthily despising yee for these rude inciuilities .

Some one of them , either to despite his enemie the more , or because he will be singuler in his owne conceipt , beares downe the rest with tearmes and brauadoes , he becomes the kill-cow , he will haue more than anie , though he merit lesse than any : where ere hee comes , hee brags of your fauours , presents , letters , and tokens , yea , sometime of kindnesse that might be kept closer . And hearing the like deliuered from another , with oathes and protestations , how true I know not , ( furie beeing enkindled ) nothing but blood can allay this hot tempest ; and you being the cause thereof , are publiquely condemned , that neuer can your credit bee afterward repayred .

But admit that all your Louers were ciuill and modest , no way iniuring your fame and reputation , yet shal ye finde great defect in this multitude of followers , and that the prosecuting of their loue will proue very perillons .

Continuallye will they bee to one another as spyes , murmurers , and secrete enemies , so that no place or time can yeeld yee anye safe assurance or priuiledge , but by one or other ye shall bee continually siedged , & neuer enioy one minutes rest , from their ceaselesse perturbations .

Therefore would I aduise ye , not to be so generall in your affection , but to elect one Louer onely , such a one as before I haue deciphered vnto ye , to whom ye may safely disclose your harts secretes , and finde your loue euerie way effectually requited .

To all other beside , ye must be verie scarce and sparing of your behauior : for they perceiuing themselues not to be regarded , will suffer yee to enioy your owne choyce the more quietly , because no man will loue longer , than hee hath hope to bee esteemed .

If they discerne in your lookes no apparant signes of loue , they will cease al pursute , and for beare further molestation : abuse not then your selues with the opinion of some vain headed wantons , who are perswaded that the onely meanes to make them affected , consists in brauery of attire , and gay decking of the bodie to bee gazde on .

But I assure ye ( deare Sisters ) that neither golde , pearles , periwigs nor painting , but faire & comely demeanour , humanitie , gentlenesse and modestie , are the true weapons to win Loue withall , and the onely faire Trophees that beautifies his Triumph .

I haue seene more homely in aides beloued for their ciuill demeanour & modestie , than faire faces for their pride and boldnes and reason giues vs knowledge by most apparaunt proofes , that a proud minde can neuer loue as it should doo .

What thinke ye ( sweet Sisters ) did first of all incite and prouoke yee to loue ? Questionlesse neither golde , purple , precious stones , or any other of Fortunes ornaments : but rather discreet behauiour , vertue , modesty , gentlenes and ciuilitie , discerned in your amorous Seruants : then looke what first procured you to affect , the selfe same in others makes you to bee fauoured .

Giue then your selues to one modest Louer onely , not audaciously , as diuers ouer-bold and impudent vse to doo , but with a womanly cariage , an affable demeanous , true signes of humanitie , simple facilitie , & a pleasing disposition , whereby you shall gaine as much grace , good will and equall affection , as you can wish or desire from your chosen Fauourite .

CAP. 8.

THus ye see how yee should make your election of one onely Louer , of mature age , vertuous , modest & ciuill behauiour , as I haue alreadie described vnto ye : him and no other would I wish ye to affect , euen as yee seeke to bee required with the like againe in him .

Not much differing from this present purpose , I begin now to remember mine owne former loues , when sitting weeping by my deare beloued mother , I would make complaint vnto her , that my Husband ( the onely moitie of my soule , to whom I frankly gaue my selfe , despising the thoght of anie other ) seemed vnkind to me , and in outward appearaunce did not manifest such affection toward mee , as my simple wisedome craued and expected .

Continuing in the heate of these amorous oppressions , I found but one comfort onely in this my martirdome ; which was , to weepe my fill daily , and declare my greefes to my pittying Mother , still accusing ( to my vttermost ) my Husband with great crueltie .

When such large expence of teares and heart-renting sighes auailed not , I would often intreat and desire him , that hee should not forsake my companie , and seeme so disdainfull to her , that intyrely loued him : but his discreete aunsweres ( as now I can confesse they were , though then my folly would not suffer mee to discerne so much ) declared him to bee a wiser Husband than I was a Wife , and his councell was more auailable , than I had wit to conceiue .

But I being then yong , and in the extremitie of Loues flames , as many other in the like case doo , tooke all in the worst sense , fretted , greeued , and wept alone by my selfe , imagining still , that I loued but in vaine , & fancied where I was not affected .

These troubles and molestations made me so forget my selfe , that I vsed the aduice of forcerers and charmers , hearbes , vearses , oyntments , or anie thing thoght likely to induce & procure loue : them I made proofe of , as deeming I had him not sure enough , who loued me better than I did my selfe .

In teares at length I told all to my Mother , and she being well acquainted with youths peeuish follies , worthily controlling my deepe indiscretion , vsed these or the verie like speeches vnto me .

Daughter , the eye onely is Loues directer , no hearbe , no potion , no enchauntment , neither Circes nor Moeris , that could chaunge themselues , & other humane shapes , into beasts and monsters of strangest qualities , haue anie power at all by theyr spells or exorcismes to procure loue , or preuaile against a minde not determined to loue .

Let her then that will declare her selfe a Louer , affect truly him whom she deemes to be the like .

One knowes not a Musitian , but either by his voyce or touching hys instrument : euen so ye cannot be reputed a perfect Louer , but by the testimonie of the true signes belonging to Loue .

Figures are fallacies , & shewes no substances ; loue more priuately , than may be noted apparantly , so shall ye expresse your loues value , and your wittes vertue : for by following this course , yee shall haue this assurance , to be as intyrely affected , as your self can fancy , and the least friendly look shall finde as fauourable liking .

Heertoo she added diuers other reasons , but none so pleasing ( mee thought ) as this .

Beware Daughter ( quoth she ) that when reports come of others despising thee , thou be not as readie to beleeue , as the other to belye , and so prooue as sudden in hatred , as they were swift to incense thee .

We should bee naturally inclined rather to loue than hate , because loue is full of sweetnesse , and hatred hath no felicitie but in bitternes & sowrenesse . Therefore thus resolue with thy selfe , that whosoeuer shall perceiue thy hearts firme affection , will hold it as religion to returne thee the like : leaue then these had courses , to base abusers of their time , for they that so liue , shal worthily be loathed , and run into more contempt , than thou hast reason to consider .

Loue , and thou shalt be belou'de ; be kinde , curteous , gentle , and debonaire , that thy outward demeanour may 〈…〉 harts feruor : for thus shall the fire that warmes thee , heate him , and make him as tractable , as thy selfe can be affable . What thogh he bee somwhat slow in discouering his affection ? thou oughtest not to misdeeme thereof , but conceiue the best in such a case , gouerning thy self by this rule ; That he who is long ere he loues , is much longer ere he mislikes , for hastie fancie hath as hastie flight : whereas loue growing by leasure , hath aduise for his guide , comfort by his continuaunce , and true fame after death to make him eternall .

He neuer slips or falls , that runneth with discretion ; and the tree which is slacke in sprouting , is as slow in perishing .

Wel worthie regarding were these good admonitions , for ( to my cost ) since then , I haue found them most certaine .

How manie disdaines , how manie molestations , more hurtfull to my selfe , than offensiue to him : yea , how manie wrongs bare my Husband at my hand , only through no other occasion , but because indeed I knew not rightly how to loue ?

All which notwithstanding , his affection to me neuer failed , & scantly would hee seeme to shew himselfe anie way offended : he saw it was but my want of better iudgement , & , being borne weake by nature , I must needes declare the same in nurture ; which though he had admirable patience to endure , yet had I no reason at all to discerne .

My Grandame beeing a Woman experienst in manie things , but especially in the Arte instructing to loue , tolde mee that long since , which I found most true in my Husband . A patient man ( quoth shee ) is the true honour of manhood ; for being euermore wise and secret to himselfe , bee his wrongs few or manie , his bosome is their buriall , and tungs abroad shal not tattle of his troubles at home . Euen so did I finde it in my Husband : for though I daily gaue him cause to be displeased , and ( indeed ) presumed a little too much on his patience , yet ( God knowes ) much griefe would he smoother with a smile , pittying to to haue my errors showen , or his disquiet reuealed to anie .

Consider then ( faire Ladies ) on the good precepts rehearsed , be constant in loue , & doubt not of the like : the next way to purchase contempt , is by shewing your selues vnkinde , & the surest waye to win loue , is by expressing true loue ; hate then the one , and be sure to enioy the honor of the other .

CAP. 9.

YE haue hithertoo heard , sweete Sisters , what election yee should make of modest and vertuous Louers ; likewise , that ciuill conuersation and faire demeanour , both preuailes and purchaseth such meete men for ye . It remaines now to know the latter part , how this loue may be kept in perfect continuance , that the pleasure thereof may for euer be preserued .

Which I hope ye wil account as a most necessarie consequent , and that no lesse skill is to be vsed in keeping , than was in obtaining : for in compassing of a thing , wee are oftentimes assisted by fortune and good hap , but to keepe the same in such estate as it should bee , requires industrie , wisedome , & carefull diligence : for the felicities of Loue are subiect to manie infirmities , one while , by time and course of occasions , another , by the iniquitie and mallice of enuious persons , somtime thorough lets and hinderaunces ensuing by fortune , then againe by want of knowledge , how to guide and gouerne our selues in louing .

To Time and Fortune ( faire Ladies ) wee must needes bee obedient . And as he that intends to passe a Riuer , stayes on the banke till the rough stormes bee ouer-blowen : so in the stearne tempests of time , wee should awaite and not wilfully cast our selues into daunger , considering that what may not bee done to day , happily to morrow in better sort will bee compassed .

Let the way be neuer so long , hold on , and at length thou shalt attayne the end . Thinke then no trauaile tedious in Loue : if thou meete anye crosse encounters , proceed on chearfully , and at last thou shalt land in the wished hauen .

As for the slaunder and detraction which oftentimes attendeth on secrete loue , it may easely bee escaped , because hidden Loue is fortefied on all sides with infinite good excuses , which serues as a rampart against all bad reports .

But among all the aduerse chaunces incident to vs Louers , ( as I haue tried by mine own proofe , and noted the like in others ) there can no mishap whatsoeuer betide vs , but it receiues from our selues the ground & originall ; as by our ouer-much inconstancie , pride , wilfulnes , disdaine , and such like , which proones more to our owne harme , than theirs wee seeke to hurt .

And let me assure yee , that there is nothing more preiudiciall to the sweete proceeding of loue , than our owne peeuish humours , which being carried away with meere shaddowes in manie things , continually deludes vs with vaine and idle fantasies in all things .

Onely our own folly and obstinate opinions , makes vs afterward sit alone , and sigh out our repentaunce , nor ensues this fault so much by improuidence , as through pride and vaine conceit at the first in our selues : therefore he spake both well and truly , that affirmed : A proud Woman could not loue effectually , because suspition continually attendeth her .

Suspition ensueth through lacke of knowledge , and distrust , waited on by disdaine ; which makes vs to shun , iniure and torment them , that too dearly loue vs : thus our crooked behauiors serue as instructers to them , & look what coyne they receiued of vs , they pay vs backe with the like .

There are some of vs women , who deeme themselues neuer satisfied with pride , furie , and scornfulnesse , which makes but a bad agreement among vs : for where disdain is entertained , contempt of all kindnesse is the more increased , and it is pittie a true Louer shuld haue such a reward for his labour .

But she that is of a noble inclination , gracious , benigne , modest , kinde and gentle , will listen to iust excuses , and let reason be her ruler . If anger would presume , she will quickly suppresse it ; if disdaine would attempt her , shee can foorthwith turne it off : remembring , that loue must bee imbraced with loue , & wher the enemy is repulsed , the solace is with greater sweetnes receiued . Be not then coy , proud or scornful in affection , but ( like your faire semblances ) full of all affabilitie .

Which of yee would denie him whom ye dearly loue , whatsoeuer he demaundeth ? Little can ye do then , if ( at his request ) ye will not forsake a fond and friuolous opinion : learne , as my Lord taught me in my first affections , to reiect and despise all such hurtfull follies .

I tooke extreame delight , sweete Sisters , in commending him whom I knew to be compleat in all arts and vertues , especially this whereof wee now conferre : yet let it not seeme offensiue to ye , that among my praises of him whom I loued , and euer shall , I mingle some of mine owne infirmities , wherein , either you haue likewise fallen through lacke of prouidence , or maye heereafter by ouermuch peeuishnesse .

Being a yong Damosell , rash and vnexperienced , I began to loue , falling afterward to a little pride in my selfe , which drew me to disdaine , and such fantasticke humours , as falling from one peruerse opinion to another , I grew afterward suspitious of anie occasion whatsoeuer .

My Husband was a goodly personage , of exceeding pleasing speech and vertuous qualities , which made him called to manie companies , loued and esteemed of euerie one generally , and herehence began in me a world of afflictions .

Whatsoeuer woman lookt on him , I iudgd her immediatly a riuall in my loue , my thoughts were neuer free from iealous suspition : if he were in my sight , yet I deemed him not sure enough , and what woman lookt vppon him but once , I wisht she might be blinde for euer afterward .

I could neuer glut mine owne eyes with sufficient gazing on him , but desired that perpetually they might be fixed on him , when he came toward me , no woman in the world could be more contented ; and let him but go backe againe , I imagined no torment might be so greeuous .

My too much reposing trust in him , began to make me distrustfull of my selfe : and , though needlesse suspition had got some hold of me , as yet it robd me not of my loues felicitie , nor anie way impaired the height of my pleasures .

So long these golden howres , daies , months and yeares endured , till fortune ( enuying my further happines ) suffered me to see a certaine Gentlewoman , who albeit her deserts else where were worthie liking , yet mee thought her familiaritye fitted not with my Husband .

Hereupon , as if I had been wounded with a deadly stroke , my face became pale and wan , deepe conceiued displeasure sate vppon my brow , and my former pleasing disposition conuerted into such melancholy , as my Husband ( being present ) & conquered with compassion , gathering by his discretion , what danger hereby might redound to our loue , both in teares , & other apparant testimonies of sorow , he declared how greatly this mishap did discontent him .

All which was no appeasing of my furious oppression , but I must needs goe complaine my selfe to my Mother : who , to witnes her owne experience , as also to withdraw mee from so vaine a perswasion , affirmed ; That shee had both noted and heard their discoursing , meruailing I wold shew my selfe so immodest , as to iudge of honest demeanour so absurdly and rashly , and the Gentlewoman , comming but in kindnes to see mee , my Husband ( for my sake ) gaue her such entertainment , aswell knowing what became him , farre better than I did .

Her words wanted strength to remooue mine opinion , I reputed it an iniurie , and therefore I would not be otherwise perswaded , but gaue this frantick spleene such souereigntie ouer me , that I grew into a wonderfull hatred against him , concluding , neuer after to loue him againe , but rather greeuing for the affection I had bestowed on him alreadie . And in this heate , I shut vp my selfe to solitude , purposing while I liued to loath mens company : loue now was changd to hate , faire looks to bitter frownes , & all else were my vtter foes , but such whose fortunes did equall mine afflictions .

Alas , what fooles are we women , transported vp and downe with these amorous passions ? When I perceiued my former determination of solitarinesse , to haue no likelihood of continuance , then became I deuout and religious , none but Church-goers might now bee my companions , with them ( sister-like ) I went from Church to Church , vsing all the meanes I could deuise , to forget the loue of him whom I thought my greatest enemie .

And , least conference with ouer-manie , might alter mine intent , I would prattle with dumbe pictures , vowing this day and that day to enter religion , because I would become a sworne aduersarie to loue . See here my silly wisedome , as if I could thus haue left my Husband , at mine owne proper pleasure , being bound to him in the bond of all humilitie & dutie .

The verie thoght of Loue , I found wold not agree with the austeritie of Religion ; the one , in bitternes , I deemed sweet , and the other , in the very best estate , somewhat too sowre .

Thus , while with one nayle I thought to expell another , in seeking to quench Loue , I kindled it more violent , and where I was but sindgd before by the flame , now , in euerie part of me , I felt the fire hotly burning .

Thus one while , I would faine be free from Loues mightie thraldome , yet lothe at another , to loose his continuall amorous seruice , whose verie lookes were my life , and whose absence was more bitter than a thousand deaths .

But I was cunning enough to keep all this close , and seemed outwardly to feele no greefe at all , when ( God knowes ) how extreamely my poore heart was tormented .

Sullen will made me to delight in solitude , darke roomes and obscure vaults would I daily walke in , where , like a witlesse foole , I did nothing else but plague my self , and please others , who in secrete smiled at my peeuish disposition .

In the end , being well disciplinde with mine owne disease , and more wearie of this oppression , than I would the world shuld haue known , I became a little more friendly to my Husband , desiring that still he would keepe me companie , and I might be his glasse continually to gaze on .

To ease himselfe of my daily molestations , and somwhat to sooth me in this friuolous humour , he yeelded to let his owne affaires run lauishly at randome , and suggest my sottishnes with all possible conuersation & obseruance .

When I had gotten this vaine victorie , it were wonderfull to tell you , how prowde I became thereof , for then I beganne to determine a soueraigntie in my selfe , to make my will a law , and his submission the onelye piller to maintaine and vnder-prop it . I grew then into such extremitie of bold and vndecent presumption , that I would esteeme of him as I list , offend him when I pleased , hauing no other reason , but onely his patient sufferance : if he laughed , I would lowre ; if hee spake faire , I would be froward ; if hee desired to walke , I would tarrie at home ; if he inuited friends to be merrie , I would deuise al the meanes I could to make them malcontent : thus home was a hell to him , abroad , little or nothing better , and I ( like a verie diuell ) continually tormenting him .

But who sustained the worst al this while ? His patience did priuiledge him for inward vexation , so that my selfe bare the burden of this disquiet , and I did my selfe more harme , than I could doo him : for my blood began to drie vp , my mind afflicted with insupportable sorrowes , all my veynes seemed as shrunke and wythered , & daily was I subiect to ( welneere ) howerly swounings . Which my pittiful Husband with great griefe beholding , my former faire shape to bee so strangely altred , and without any iust cause of offence proceeding from himselfe , he still desired to know the reason of this maladie , & whether it lay in him by any means to help it , or if at him I was thus offended . If not ( quoth he ) but that your displeasure is kindled against some other , wrong not your selfe with these sharpe tormentings , but let mee reuenge it on whom so ere it be : for it is a debt due to Loue , and a right which hee doth by great reason challenge , that betweene two vnited soules , nothing should bee kept in secret , but the one bee alwayes priuie to the others oppressions ; because a Louer ( in such a case ) is to be commaunded , and eithers counsel is not to be scorned , but obeyed as the onely salue to cure any amorous sicknes .

But I ( euen as it is the nature of manie other women , neuer to be suffised with iniury , much lesse with reuenge ) one while tooke pride to see him humbled , another while practised how to preuaile more & more against him , smiling to see him so obsequious , & I sit ( as it were ) controlling ouer him .

I wished that he might know the ground of my greefe ; yet , if by my speeches hee anie way perceiued it , with stout courage & solemne oaths I would flatly denie it : affirming that he had no way offended me , but the cause of my distemper grew by others . Then would I shew disdainfull looks , scorne to keep him company , and expresse manifest hatred against him : and so long I continued in these pestilent humors , onely to make him wearie with the weight of this martyrdome , that I could sing when hee sighed , smile when he wept : & ( thogh indeed I lou'd him ) yet I took a great pride in these commaunding behauiours .

Thus , though outwardly I appeared to bee high minded and imperious , yet iealozie within kept me hot & fiery , loading me with more mightie molestations , than those foolish conceits of mine could burden him withall : yet still his patience exceeded my presumptions , and the more I grew stubborne , the lesse he cared for it . How sorie haue I been ( manie times ) within my selfe , that I could not by my disdaines and outrages , prouoke him to anger ? I could haue wisht my selfe in hell , to haue gotten him but half way thither . See ( poore soules ) the folly of our selfe wills .

When all the rest preuailed not ▪ to plague him as I would , I fell to this wicked purpose , to seeme in outward shew quite weaned from his Loue , and that my affection was inclined to some other ; which to make hym the more soundly beleeue , in his sight I would talk idly & fondly with yong Gallants , to kindle the same fire in him , that flamed so extreamely in mee .

Thus after long seeking mine own miserie , at length I found it ; and I was not so greedie of compassing it before , but then I would as gladly haue been rid of it againe .

Much raine weares out the roughest marble , and with continuance of strokes the hardest steele is pierced : euen so , the greatest patience ( by extremities ) may be peruerted , and the kindest hart made cruell by intollerable torturing .

His loue , which before flamed toward mee like Aetna , became now more cold than frostie Caucasus ; his kinde lookes , faire presence , and admirable sufferance , were now sowre frownes , moodie gestures , & stearne impatience : which ( finding to my cost , and feeling to be so cruell ) then , each word I had spoken , each deede I had done , & euery priuate thought which had displeased him , with true teares I bewailed , & with sighes from my soule intirely repented .

But what a hell is it , when repentance auailes not ? Let me complain , it was to no purpose , though I sighed and sorrowed , it had no successe : his wrongs had been so mightie , and my wilfull transgressions so manie , as I could not but expect a iust deserued punishment , hauing thus ( through mine owne folly ) procured both his hurt and mine owne .

Infortunate wretch , my teares and torments I cannot expresse vnto yee : the nights seemed too long , wearying me with a thousand reuoluings and repentances , the dayes likewise appeared gloomie and dark , because I had no succour but solitude onely .

My breast was nothing else but a store-house of cares , griefes and vexations ; my thoughts , like distempered seas , diuersly transported , one while with anger , then with repentance , now with disdaine , then again with loue ; now with pittying my self , then him whom I had displeased : I would , and I would not , I wept , pleaded excuses , told my selfe the whole storie of my silly behauiour , wishing I could againe haue recouered so much time spent in vaine .

At length it was my good fortune , ( though all this while I had been so vnhappie ) to know for certainty , that my former suspition concerning the Gentlewoman , which had been the cause of my so long discontentment , was nothing els but the folly of mine owne peeuish fancie , and no offence at all committed by my Husband .

Had I not then great reason to bee ashamed of my selfe , as one almost vnmeet for anie vertuous company ? Iudge you ( faire Ladies ) that are carefull of your honours , and would not haue your good names to bee anie way scandalized : was it time to submit my selfe speedily or no ? & to beg fauour of him , to whom I had beene so farre vnfriendly ?

But to see how different the nature of men is from vs women , & where true wisedome is embraced , how no malice can haue long predominance : he , who neuer was acquainted with vnciuill disdaine , but euermore despised all franticke follies , vppon my submission was immediately satisfied ; all offences past before , were presently forgiuen , and as effectually forgotten , as if neuer at all committed .

Then could I not chuse but confes my infirmities , finding that most true which himselfe had alwaies taught me , that in loue the least suspition is foorthwith to be disclosed , & a conceit no sooner taken , but presently to be told .

For , a Louers best strength is subiect to much weaknes , and suspition once entered the minde , will hardly with reason or perswasions be mastred . It may bee compared to an Egge , the more it is heated , it wexeth the harder : so iealous suspect , the more it is credited , the worse it is for vs ; and the lesse wee regard it , the greater is our quiet .

They that pay for experience , as I did , will rue it as I doo ; and they that preuent the sweetes of Loue by their own wilfulnes , may wish for them afterward , and yet walk without them . My lucke was little better , which I sigh to remember , because when our felicitie began again to be firme , and that now I would not loose the least portion of pleasure , our Countreyes affaires robd mee of my Husbands companie ; where , with the losse of him , I would my life had perished .

CAP. 10.

THus fals it out with vs ( fair Sisters ) alas too often , we care not for delight when wee haue it in possession , but would giue our liues for it when it is too farre from vs .

See then how manie inconueniences attend on false suspition : suspition breedes disdaine , disdain couets reuenge , reuenge prosecutes iniuries , which iniuries doo bring the wracke and ruine of all loue delights : this makes our soules opprest with infinit molestations , beeing a more plague to our owne selues , than them wee would offend . Thus in stead of smiling , we sluce foorth whole riuers of teares ; for friendly conference , wee vse bitter taunts and tearmes : & loue being created a heauen , wee make it worse than hell ; then shun suspition as a deadly poyson , for that is the only enemie to true loues felicitie .

Seeke not for that which yee will be sorrie for afterward & enquire not too curiously after your Louers liues : for beleeue mee ( faire Ladies ) if you be wronged in loue , and know it not , the blame is theirs , not yours ; and an iniurie endured , is better than one offered .

Couet not then to know , what ye cannot wisely gouern : if he be kinde to you , it is sufficient ; if he erre without cause , your glorie is the greater . But neuer will hee stray abroad , that findes all well at home ; & neuer will he care for another , that may haue his owne in quiet .

Without thred , a needle serues to no vse , nor the plesures of loue , without due prosecution : and though a needle haue two , three eyes or more , by reason whereof it carries as many threds with it , yet it makes but one entrance , marrie it makes the worke the faster : euen so , he that delights to dally with manie , bindes himselfe thereby the more strictly to her hee loues indeed .

But happie is she that knowes how to ioy with him whom manie couet to enioy , and she that can skill of making her self the cheefest , shal be sure to finde no equall in her loues good fortune .

CAP. 11.

LOue then ( sweete Soules ) the men that loue you , be contented with your liking , and seeke not to know that which will hurt ye : flie suspition , disdaine , and all other proud humors ; belieue none but him loue , if yee wish well to your owne selues : for look what loue ye extend , the like shall ye finde againe , and the firmer ye keepe your faith , the faster shall ye finde his , whom ye haue chosen to affect .

Thinke not but mens constancie in loue must needs goe beyond ours , for men bee lesse suspitious than wee are ; therefore they haue the greater wisedome and gouernment .

They perseuere more than we can , because they are lesse obstinate .

They are not so sudden in ill conceit as we be , because they haue better courage and loftie disposition .

They cannot beare hatred so long as we vse to do , by reason they are of a more magnifique minde , and affable nature .

No hindrance whatsoeuer can stay them in their amorous deseigns , because their permanencie exceedes ours , and their qualities are not so apish as ours .

Some of vs women are timorous , and the least occasion offered , is our guide to suspition : which friuolous humour makes vs scorne others , albeit our owne errours goe farre beyond theirs .

Each smal offence we seek reuenge for , hauing no moderation in malice and misliking , but liue as capitall enemies to them that loue vs most .

We know how to offend , but not to suffer : wee are quickly led into errour , but neuer firme in beleefe , for looke how our opinions are , such bee our behauiours , and an imagination once setled , is not in haste remooued .

CAP. 12.

THis opinion hath alwayes beene the destruction of kindnes . For ( as my Husband once told mee ) it resembles the Mole , that beeing in the deep earths obscuritie , straies about euerie way , passing thorow the hardest molde she meetes withall ; now , so soone as she comes but to the day-light , all her force and strength immediately failes her : euen such in this iealous opinion hid within the darke clowde of an afflicted minde , it neuer ceaseth to remoue fresh thoghts with infinit perturbations : but when truth doth discouer it , it is presently nothing .

When ye manifest your conceipt to him yee loue , vsing withall some reasonable excuse , ye cleare both his doubts and your own dread : encreasing ( withall ) his affection the more toward ye : for then yee declare , all trust is not remooued , and shew a desire of loue to be continued . Which in like occurrences hapning afterward , makes him the more careful of offensiue behauiour ; and when occasion is hindred , the lesse wrong can be offered .

Whereas on the contrarie , suspect kept within the heart and not reuealed , caries ye headlong from one bad conceit to another ; and then yee see what mischeefe immediately followes . For a man tost in the tempest of continual molestations , if he finde that reason bee vtterly abandoned , though hee giue yee leaue to pursue your head-strong opinions , yet hee will bestow his loue , where hee may finde it in better sort requited . Is not this a faire haruest of such foolish humours ? and a verie meete recompence for such vain and rude demeanour ? Yee may then sit and sigh , but who will bemone ye ? You may crie for comfort , and it flyes the faster from ye .

And when this shall come to the cares of others , what censure will they presently passe vpon yee ? That ye were rash , indiscreete , vnthankfull and vnkinde : yee were beloued , and despised it ; had a true Loue , & knew not how to vse him ; therefore worthily do ye beare the burthen of your owne abuses .

Others , lesse acquainted with these mightie disgraces , seeing ye not walk as ye were wont , not your Loue keeping yee familiar companie , they iudge as their opinions please them ; That ; either greater faults are committed , than may well bee endured , or such imperfections crosse your course , which rather deserue burying in silence , than publikely to be spoke of , for scandall of the Sexe .

CAP. 13.

IT may so come to passe , that your Louer being ouer passionate by reason of your offences , and touched too neere with the piercing point of your continual iniuries , will reuenge himselfe with your shame , and ease his owne oppression by your publique defamation . For ye must thus be perswaded , that hee whome your rigours haue brought to an extreame estate , as it were next neighbour euen to deaths doore ; will regard your disgrace no more , than you did his disease ; and take as little compassion on your honour , as you did on his life .

Remember then ( deare Sisters ) that by beeing so vniust , proud , vnkinde and disdainfull , the lampe of faire renowme is quite extinguished : and in stead of true loue with the pleasures thertoo pertaining , ye shall receiue but counterbuffes of your owne cruelties , and a iust measure of reuenge , for beeing so desirous to seeke it .

Alone shall ye be left without Louer or Seruant , accompanied onely but with teares and sighes : & where before you suspected a riuall in your loue , you shall then finde your selfe not to be lou'd at all : but , like one cast off and despised , fearing ( withall ) to be further afflicted .

Consider ( faire Ladies ) the most constant patience ( being too far prouoked ) conuerteth into furie ; and a wrathfull Louer is more to be feared , than a sauage monster that hath no reason .

CAP. 14.

HEertoo could I adde diuers other such discommodities , no lesse to bee respected , your selues beeing the originall . Yee shall finde that those plesant places , where before ye were wont to passe the time in sport & delights , through want of his companie that then graced the Assembly , they are become like solitarie deserts , and vnhaunted walkes , not so pleasing before , but now as vncouth . Alas poore soules , what a torment wil it be vnto yee , to see the yeares faire seasons so often wheele about , when ye wer wont to be at amorous sports , sweete conference , and other delicate recreations : now to finde no more , but that ther were such times , and once yee had a Loue , who made all those delights in their verie chiefest luster ? For now the times are miserably changed ; ye are left companionlesse , ioylesse , neighboured on euerie side with greefe and calamitie : sighes and teares abound , but return no benefit ; manie eyes looke on , but none lending pittie ; and that which indeed is the verie worst of all , abandoned by him , who was your liues solace , & bayted at by euerie one for a course so carelesse .

Then bee no more ( sweete Sisters ) like to blowen bladders , puft vp with proud opinion and needlesse suspition , seeking therby to make conquest of your Louers . What victorie call yee that , which hurteth your owne selues , and bringeth ( beside ) the losse of your Loue ? Striue to vanquish & surmount him in loyaltie and kindnes , and then the victorie will bee to eithers profit .

It is a farre greater emperie , to make your selues belou'd by louing , than reaching thereat by sinister waies , to procure your Louers damage , and your owne downfall : for in nothing is a gentle & braue minde more to be discerned , than in lenitie , humanitie , pittie , and affabilitie ; where contrariwise , loathsome disdaine breedes all inciuilitie , and none but a wicked minde dooth nourish such thoughts , as knowing neither how to reuenge , nor how to pardon .

Then least yee should fall into such misfortune , & haue your faire names blemished by so foule a blot , follow the courses I haue alreadie declared , giue your selues to loue truly , and yee shall finde loue againe as truly .

Chuse a Louer as I haue aduised ye , neither yong nor old , modest and vertuous : win his loue by gentlenes and all faire behauiour ; so shall yee still preserue Loue in his cheefest soueraigntie , and make the issue thereof peacefull and glorious .

CAP. 15.

REmember heer withall , that your quiet will be the more effectuall , if so soone as a fond suspition is conceiued , yee seeke for immediate resolution therein , remaining firme and immouable in your selues , as also toward him whom your hart hath elected , as knowing the benefite that ensues by the one , and the vnrecouerable losse hapning by the other .

And , affecting thus with intyrest faith , diligent obseruaunce , and all kindes of gracious vsage : the miseries and mishaps attending on proud opinion , which is the vtter shipwrack & perishing of loue , can neuer preuaile against yee , but howrely ioy and felicitie euermore await on ye .

CAP. 16.

HAd I more leasure , I would teach yee manie other rules to be obserued in loue : but I see the Comedie is in some forwardnes , & the Personages ready attyred that are to present it : then till some other time & place conuenient wil I refer what remains as yet vndiscouered , as hauing not gone throgh a quarter of the hundred kindes of loue . In meane while , sweet Sisters , shew your selues pleasing and tractable to your Louers , be not offensiue to them , and thereby hurtfull to your selues . Be warned by the multitude of so many examples , change not plesure for paine , solace for sighing , and all loues heauen , for foule hates hell .

As ye desire to be beloued , so shew you the like : no enchauntment , no hearbe , no charme preuailes so much in loue , as the verie power of an immoouable affection .

Loue then , and shun all misbeliefe of your Louer , then will he embrace ye with all due correspondence : disrobe your selues of iealous doubts , disdaines and opinions ; so shal your liues bee matchlesse , and your Loues immortall .

Tutto vince Amare .

FINIS .