WHen the Spring began to appeare like the welcome messenger of Summer , one sweet ( and in that more sweet ) morning , after Aurora had called all carefull eyes to attend the day , forth came the faire Shepherdesse Vrania , ( faire indeed ; yet that farre too meane a title for her , who for beautie deseru'd the highest stile could be giuen by best knowing Iudgements ) . Into the Meade she came , where vsually shee draue her flocks to feede , whose leaping and wantonnesse shewed they were proud of such a Guide : But she , whose sad thoughts led her to another manner of spending her time , made her soone leaue them , and follow her late begun custome ; which was ( while they delighted themselues ) to sit vnder some shade , bewailing her misfortune ; while they fed , to feed vpon her owne sorrow and teares , which at this time she began againe to summon , sitting downe vnder the shade of a well-spread Beech ; the ground ( then blest ) and the tree with full , and fine leaued branches , growing proud to beare , and shadow such perfections . But she regarding nothing , in comparison of her woe , thus proceeded in her griefe : Alas Vrania , said she , ( the true seruant to misfortune ) ; of any miserie that can befall woman , is not this the most and greatest which thou art falne into ? Can there be any neare the vnhappinesse of being ignorant , and that in the highest kind , not being certaine of mine owne estate or birth ? Why was I not stil continued in the beleefe I was , as I appeare , a Shepherdes , and Daughter to a Shepherd ? My ambition then went no higher then this estate , now flies it to a knowledge ; then was I contented , now perplexed . O ignorance , can thy dulnesse yet procure so sharpe a paine ? and that such a thought as makes me now aspire vnto knowledge ? How did I ioy in this poore life being quiet ? blest in the loue of those I tooke for parents , but now by them I know the contrary , and by that knowledge , not to know my selfe . Miserable Vrania , worse art thou now then these thy Lambs ; for they know their dams , while thou dost liue vnknowne of any . By this were others come into that Meade with their flocks : but shee esteeming her sorrowing thoughts her best , and choycest companie , left that place , taking a little path which brought her to the further side of the plaine , to the foote of the rocks , speaking as she went these lines , her eies fixt vpon the ground , her very soule turn'd into mourning .

In this passion she went on , till she came to the foote of a great rocke , shee thinking of nothing lesse then ease , sought how she might ascend it ; hoping there to passe away her time more peaceably with lonelinesse , though not to find least respit from her sorrow , which so deerely she did value , as by no meanes she would impart it to any . The way was hard , though by some windings making the ascent pleasing . Hauing attained the top , she saw vnder some hollow trees the entrie into the rocke : she fearing nothing but the continuance of her ignorance , went in ; where shee found a pretty roome , as if that stonie place had yet in pitie , giuen leaue for such perfections to come into the heart as chiefest , and most beloued place , because most louing . The place was not vnlike the ancient ( or the descriptions of ancient ) Hermitages , instead of hangings , couered and lined with Iuie , disdaining ought els should come there , that being in such perfection . This richnesse in Natures plentie made her stay to behold it , and almost grudge the pleasant fulnes of content that place might haue , if sensible , while she must know to taste of torments . As she was thus in passion mixt with paine , throwing her eies as wildly as timerous Louers do for feare of discouerie , she perceiued a little Light , and such a one , as a chinke doth oft discouer to our sights . She curious to see what this was , with her delicate hands put the naturall ornament aside , discerning a little doore , which she putting from her , passed through it into another roome , like the first in all proportion ; but in the midst there was a square stone , like to a prettie table , and on it a wax-candle burning ; and by that a paper , which had suffered it selfe patiently to receiue the discouering of so much of it , as presented this Sonnet ( as it seemed newly written ) to her sight .

Alas Vrania ( sigh'd she ) ! How well doe these words , this place , and all agree with thy fortune ? sure poore soule thou wert heere appointed to spend thy daies , and these roomes ordain'd to keepe thy tortures in ; none being assuredly so matchlesly vnfortunate . Turning from the table , she discerned in the roome a bed of boughes , and on it a man lying , depriued of outward sense , as she thought , and of life , as she at first did feare , which strake her into a great amazement : yet hauing a braue spirit , though shadowed vnder a meane habit , she stept vnto him , whom she found not dead , but laid vpon his back , his head a little to her wards , his armes foulded on his brest , haire long , and beard disordered , manifesting all care ; but care it selfe had left him : curiousnesse thus farre affoorded him , as to bee perfectly discerned the most exact peece of miserie ; Apparrell hee had sutable to the habitation , which was a long gray robe . This grieuefull spectacle did much amaze the sweet and tender-hearted Shepherdesse ; especially , when she perceiued ( as she might by the helpe of the candle ) the teares which distilled from his eyes ; who seeming the image of death , yet had this signe of worldly sorrow , the drops falling in that abundance , as if there were a kind strife among them , to rid their Master first of that burdenous carriage ; or else meaning to make a floud , and so drowne their wofull Patient in his owne sorrow , who yet lay still , but then fetching a deepe groane from the profoundest part of his soule , he said . Miserable Perissus , canst thou thus liue , knowing she that gaue thee life is gone ? Gone , O me ! and with her all my ioy departed . Wilt thou ( vnblessed creature ) lie here complaining for her death , and know she died for thee ? Let truth and shame make thee doe something worthy of such a Loue , ending thy daies like thy selfe , and one fit to be her Seruant . But that I must not doe : then thus remaine and foster stormes , still to torment thy wretched soule withall , since all are little , and too too little for such a losse . O deere Limena , louing Limena , worthy Limena , and more rare , constant Limena : perfections delicately faign'd to be in women were verified in thee , was such worthinesse framed onely to be wondred at by the best , but giuen as a prey to base and vnworthy iealousie ? When were all worthy parts ioyn'd in one , but in thee ( my best Limena ) ? yet all these growne subiect to a creature ignorant of all but ill , like vnto a Foole , who in a darke Caue , that hath but one way to get out , hauing a candle , but not the vnderstanding what good it doth him , puts it out : this ignorant wretch not being able to comprehend thy vertues , did so by thee in thy murder , putting out the worlds light , and mens admiration : Limena , Limena , O my Limena . With that he fell from complaining into such a passion , as weeping and crying were neuer in so wofull a perfection , as now in him ; which brought as deserued a compassion from the excellent Shepherdesse , who already had her heart so tempered with griefe , as that it was apt to take any impression that it would come to seale withall . Yet taking a braue courage to her , shee stept vnto him , kneeling downe by his side , and gently pulling him by the arme , she thus spake . Sir ( said she ) hauing heard some part of your sorrowes , they haue not only made me truly pitie you , but wonder at you ; since if you haue lost so great a treasure , you should not lie thus leauing her and your loue vnreuenged , suffering her murderers to liue , while you lie here complaining ; and if such perfections be dead in her , why make you not the Phoenix of your deeds liue againe , as to new life rais'd out of the reuenge you should take on them ? then were her end satisfied , and you deseruedly accounted worthie of her fauour , if shee were so worthie as you say . If shee were ? O God ( cri'd out Perissus ) , what diuelish spirit art thou , that thus dost come to torture me ? But now I see you are a woman ; and therefore not much to be marked , and lesse resisted : but if you know charitie , I pray now practise it , and leaue me who am afflicted sufficiently without your companie ; or if you will stay , discourse not to me . Neither of these will I doe ( said she ) . If you be then ( said he ) some furie of purpose sent to vex me , vse your force to the vttermost in martyring me ; for neuer was there a fitter subiect , then the heart of poore Perissus is . I am no furie ( repli'd the diuine Vrania ) , nor hither come to trouble you , but by accident lighted on this place ; my cruell hap being such , as onely the like can giue me content , while the solitarinesse of this like caue might giue me quiet , though not ease , seeking for such a one , I happened hither ; and this is the true cause of my being here , though now I would vse it to a better end if I might . Wherefore fauour me with the knowledge of your griefe ; which heard , it may be I shall giue you some counsell , and comfort in your sorrow . Cursed may I bee ( cri'd he ) if euer I take comfort , hauing such cause of mourning : but because you are , or seeme to be afflicted , I will not refuse to satisfie your demaund , but tell you the saddest storie that euer was rehearsed by dying man to liuing woman , and such a one , as I feare will fasten too much sadnesse in you ; yet should I denie it , I were too blame , being so well knowne to these senselesse places ; as were they sensible of sorrow , they would condole , or else amased at such crueltie , stand dumbe as they doe , to find that man should be so inhumane .

Then faire Shepherdesse , heare my selfe say my name is Perissus , Nephew I am to the King of Sicilie , a place fruitfull and plentifull of all things , onely niggardly of good nature to a great man in that Country , whom I am sure you haue heard me blame in my complaints . Heire I am as yet to this King mine Vncle ; and truly may I say so , for a more vnfortunate Prince neuer liued , so as I inherit his crosses , howsoeuer I shall his estate . There was in this Country ( as the only blessing it enioyed ) a Lady , or rather a Goddesse for incomparable beautie , and matchles vertues , called Limena , daughter to a Duke , but Princesse of all hearts : this starre comming to the Court to honour it with such light , it was in that my blessed destinie to see her , and be made her seruant , or better to say , a slaue to her perfections ; thus long was I happie , but now begins the tragedie : for warres falling out betweene the people and the Gentlemen , the King was by the people ( imagining he tooke the other part ) brought into some danger , and so great an one , as rudenes ioynd with ill nature could bring him into , being at last besieged in a strong hold of his , all of vs his seruants , and gentle subiects , striuing for his good and safetie ; in this time nothing appearing but danger , and but wise force to preserue mens liues and estates vnto them , euery one taking the best meanes to attaine vnto their good desires . The Duke ( father to the best , and truest beauty ) would yet bestow that vpon a great Lord in the Country , truly for powerfull command and meanes , a fit match for any , but the wonder of women , since none could without much flatterie to himselfe , thinke he might aspire to the blessing of being accounted worthie to be her seruant , much lesse her husband . Shee seeing it was her fathers will , esteeming obedience beyond all passions , how worthily soeuer suffered , most dutifully , though vnwillingly , said , she would obey ; her tongue faintly deliuering , what her heart so much detested ; loathing almost it selfe , for consenting in shew to that which was most contrarie to it selfe ; yet thus it was concluded , and with as much speed as any man would make to an eternall happines . While of this , and so my misfortune , I remained ignorant , till one day the warres being a little ceased , though not ended , the siege still continuing , I stole from mine vncle to see my heart , which she kept safe with her : but when I came thither , I found , or fear'd I found no roome for it . She who had it , being in the power of mine enemie ( for so I accounted him , when he enioyed my losse , my hopes being frustrate , my ioyes lost and spoild , I grew from my selfe , my sences failed me , a trembling possessing my whole bodie , so as this distemper was marked , and pittied of all : but what did comfort me , was , that she did seeme to pitty me . Then did I blesse my torments , that had procured me such a fauour . There were none , but carefully sought my health , especially her husband , whose diligence was as tedious , as his wiues was my onely ioy . Grieu'd I was to stay and see my miserie , yet sad I was to goe from seeing her , who gaue me ( though a barr'd ) delight in beholding her : but knowing passion the greater Lord ouer my strength , I tooke my leaue , pretending busines , hauing onely taken the opportunitie that way afforded me to visite them , passing so neare by them ; they all seemed sorry for my going , and Limena indeed was so ; then by vnus'd pathes I got backe to the King , often , as I rode , looking to that place where I left my soule prisoner . When I had been a while at home , remembring , or rather neuer letting the beautie of Limena be absent from me , I say remembring her , and my euerlasting wretched state in missing her ; calling my mischiefe by his gaine to account , I found so much cause to lament , as in short time I was but mournefull sorrow ; my friends grieu'd , and generally all did shew displeasure for me , only my selfe found nothing but cause to proceed in this dispaire , loue hauing truly changed me to that most low , and still vnluckie fate . Businesse of State I neglected , going about as in a dreame , led by the cruellest of hellish spirits , Despaire , till I was awaked by a command to goe and leade some troops which were gathered by the Kings friends together comming to raise the siege , yet desiring me to be their head . I went , and thus farre willingly , hauing so much hope left me , as to thinke I might by this meanes conclude my afflictions with my end ; yet first I resolued to write vnto her , that she might know , she had so vnblest a creature to her Seruant . When I had written my letter with shaking hands , and yet a more shaking heart , I gaue it to a Page of mine , who was newly come vnto mee , and neuer had been seene in her Fathers house , giuing him besides directions how to carrie himselfe , which he discreetly did obserue , and found as fit an opportunitie as could be wisht : for her husband being gone to see an ancient house of his , she walked alone into a little Groue below the place of her abiding ; he perceiuing her , knew straight it was she ; wherefore he followed her , hauing before hid himselfe in the vppermost part of the thicket , expecting occasion whereby to performe his Masters commaund . He then seeing it offered , would not neglect it , though somewhat timerously , esteeming her for her excellencies rather some Goddesse of those Woods , then an earthly Creature : but remembring the infinite ( yet not sufficient ) praises I had giuen her , concluded , it could be none other then Limena ; so as comming to her , he on his knees deliuered the letter , saying these words ; The wofull Perissus his Lord and Master presented that , with his seruice to her . This ( though but little ) was more then I could haue said , if in his place : For Lord , how was I afflicted with millions of doubts how it might be deliuered ; then , whether she would accept of it ; and most , what she would conceiue of my boldnesse , quaking when I gaue it him , knowing how wretched a creature I must bee , if it offended her , yet wishing I might haue had the papers place once more to haue been toucht by her , though , if it brought dislike , for that to haue suffered martyrdome . But she for my happinesse tooke it , and with a pretty blush read it , which since I perceiu'd did spring from loue , yet blusht to see it selfe so liuely in her cheekes . When she had read it , Good youth ( said she ) commend me to your Lord : but for his letter , say , It needs no answer till he come himselfe , and fetch one . With this he return'd , and so with much comfort to me , hope being glad to build on any small ground , how much more then on so likely a possibility . I then , Hopes seruant , as before onely slaue to Despaire , made all haste I could to see her , hauing good and welcome meanes affoorded me , being able with conuenience to take her Fathers house in my way to the new-rais'd Army . Thither I came , which though in a wild Forest , yet it was pretended , I left the great roads for my better safetie . Thus was a colour set vpon my loue , which but for her seruice , and so the safelier to serue her , would suffer any glosse but truth in affection . Being there ariu'd , I was extreamely welcomed of all : her Father , a graue and wise man , discoursed with mee of businesse of State : after him , and so all supper time , her husband discoursed of hunting , an exercise fit for such a creature . Neither of these brought my Mistris from a graue , and almost sad countenance , which made me somewhat feare , knowing her vnderstanding , and experience , able and sufficient to iudge , or aduise in any matter we could discourse of : but modestie in her caus'd it , onely louing knowledge , to be able to discerne mens vnderstandings by their arguments , but no way to shew it by her owne speech . This ( and withall feare of discouering some passions , which she , though excelling in wit and iudgement ; yet could not gouerne , at least , guiltines forc'd her to thinke so ) was the reason she held her grauitie ; yet after she grew more merry . And I finding a fit time by her husbands going out of the chamber , with some companie that was there , humbly desired an answere of my letter . She blushing , and as if ashamed so much innocent vertue should be discouered with my Louer-like importunitie in her , though strong in constancie ; yet womans affection gain'd so much by lookes , and sweet though-fearing words , as I was resolued , and assured of her loue , which made me proud of such a treasure , begin to dispose part of it to my benefit , for looking about , and seeing euery ones eyes carried their owne waies , I kist her ; she , not offended , yet said ; Let not my freedome make you dispose otherwise then virtuously of me : I vowed more then that libertie I would not aske , which I know , if I had offered , her vertue would haue refused , nor truly would my deere and worthy affection permit mee to demaund , and this held our loues more firme , when tied by vertue . But not to hold you long with this ( which yet to me is some ease for the present , although the bitterer the conclusion is that followes ) . We had as many such meetings as true , or fained meanes could compasse vs , still our miserie was such , as this wild man her husband ( whether out of true consideration of his great vnworthines , or proceeding from his froward disposition , I know not ) grew iealous ( an humour following base minds as readily , as thunder doth the lightning ) , then had he rashnes to accompany the other , which fram'd a determination , which was soone altered from that name by performance , that she should stay no longer with her father , but go with him to his own house ; this I had notice of , but all that we could doe , could not hinder the accomplishing his will , and saue her honour , which to me , more deere then mine owne life was esteemed . But the night before her going I came thither , where I found the accustomed entertainement , he vsing me with al shew of respect , which in that kind I embraced ; our hearts being as farre from meaning truth in giuing or accepting , as truth is from bare complement , but greatnesse in me made him vse it ; and care in me ( of my better selfe ) receiue it ; my heart swelling with hate and scorne , euen almost to breaking , when I did see him . That night I saw her , and but spake to her , so curiously her husband watched vs , yet could he not keepe our eies , but by them we did deliuer our soules , he onely able to keepe her daintie body in his wicked prison . The next day they went , and so went all worth with this odd man to haue her delicacy kept like a Diamond in a rotten box : yet she considering it to be to no purpose to contend , where she was miserably bound to obey , obserued him , as well as she could bring her spirit to consent to ; yet did he begin for her welcome to grow curst to her ; with her Seruants he first began , finding , or better to say , framing occasions to be rid of them all , placing of his owne about her , which she suffered , onely contenting her selfe with the memorie of our Loues : yet wanting the true content which was in our conuersation , shee grew sad , and keeping much within , grew pale , her rosie cheekes and lippes changing to wannesse : but this was all the change , her noble heart free from such a sinne . This was but part of her affliction , still vexing her sweete disposition , with speaking slightly of me , and then telling her of her loue to me ; which brought her to that passe , as at last I was not named , but she would blush ; then would he reuile her , and vilely vse her : but she patiently , and silently bare all , not suffering me to haue notice of it , lest it might , as it should haue done , moue mee to reuenge her wrong for my sake endured . Thus it rested , she restlesly bearing all the ills that froward Nature ( mixt with peeuish and spitefull iealousie ) could afflict vpon the purest mind ; vsing no other meanes , but gentle and mild perswasions , which wrought no more in him , but that still his madnesse increased . Now was his house not farre from the way which I must passe betweene the Campe , and the great Citie of Siracusa , being one of the chiefe of that kingdome ; and which at that time had yeelded it selfe againe vnto the King . I hearing Philargus ( for so was this vnworthie man called ) was at his house , with his truly vertuous wife , whom my soule longed to see , I resolued to lodge there that night , not ( alas ) mistrusting the misfortune , but coueting to see her , whom more then my heart I loued , or lou'd my heart the better for being hers . So I went thither , where I was by him exceedingly well welcom'd in outward shew , though his meaning was contrary , which I should haue found , had his diuelish plots bin readie , Iealousie hauing now blinded him to all good nature or iudgement . She poore Lady ( poore onely in this fortune ) sad and grieu'd , all her smiles turn'd into sighes , and thinkings , which made me feare , and wonder , wondring at the change of her beauty , which yet in palenes shew'd excellency ; and feare I did , lest my absence had offended her : but I was deceiu'd , while I lest thought of the true cause , or could imagine such villanie plotted against so rare perfections . Desirous to know the cause , I remain'd almost impatient , not venturing to speake to her before her husband , for hurting her : but he going out of the roome , after wee had supped , either to couer the flames which were ready to breake out in huge fires of his mistrust , or to haue the company fitter for him , affecting stil to be chiefe ; his absence , howsoeuer , gaue me opportunitie to demaund the reason of her strangenesse : She sigh'd to heare mee call it so , and with teares told me the reason , concluding ; and thus doe you see my Lord ( said she ) the torments I suffer for your loue ; yet do you more torture me with doubting me , who haue no happines left me , but the knowledge of my faith to you , all afflictions being welcome to me , which for your sake I suffer . Betweene rage and paine I remain'd amazed , till shee , taking mee by the hand , brought mee more wofully to my selfe with these words . And yet am I brought to a greater mischiefe ; with that fixing her weeping eyes vpon mine , which affectionately answered hers with lookes and teares . I must my Lord ( said she ) intreate you to refraine this place , since none can tell what danger may proceed from mad , and vnbridled iealousie ; Refraine your sight ? Commaund me then to die ( said I ) . Haue I deseru'd to be thus punish'd ? Shall his brutishnes vndoe my blessings ? yet this place I will , since you will haue it so , hoping you will find some meanes to let me know Philargus house is not in all places . That I will doe , or die ( said she ) . Miserable wretch ( cry'd I ) , art thou borne to such fortune , as to haue this Lady loue thee , and her vnmatched goodnes to suffer for one so worthlesse as thy selfe ? No , no , my Lord ( said she ) in this you wrong me , and that iudgement which heretofore you said was in me , since if you were vnworthy then , my choice was vnperfect : but you are worthie , and I worthily chose you ; I lou'd you , and constantly lou'd you , and in this doe I best allow of my owne iudgement . I hope that loue is not cleane gone ( cri'd I ) , ( my speech by loue directed to say thus ) , nor will you forget me , though from our most desired meetings , we must be barred . My loue , my Lord ( said she ) had , and hath too sure a ground to know remoue , I too truly lou'd , and doe loue you , euer to forget it , or to let it haue least shadow of lessening , though vailed in absence , but rather ( if increase can be where all is already possest ) it shall increase ; Loue liuing best where desert , and sufferance ioyne together ; and for witnes of it , take this ( said she , bestowing her picture vpon me , which is all the Limenas I shall now enioy , or euer did , more then her lou'd , and best beloued sight . The case was blew , commanding me withall to loue that color , both because it was hers , and because it self betokened truth . By this time her husband was come , who told vs , 't was time to goe rest . We obay'd : and this was the last time that euer I saw my deere , and most worthily accounted deere Limena : for the next morning I was by day to be at the Citie , and so from thence to returne to the Campe . Thus tooke I my leaue , and my last leaue of vertuous Limena , whose sad face , but sadder soule foretold our following harme , and succeeding ruine . For within few dayes after my returne to the Camp , there came a Messenger early in the morning , and ( O too early for my fortune ) whom I strait knew to be Limenas faithfull Seruant . At first , it brought ioy to me , seeing a letter in his hand ; but soone was that turn'd to as much mourning , cursing my hands that tooke it , and eyes that read so lamentable a letter ; the contents ( nay that it selfe ) being this , and the verie same my Mistris sent , and wo is me , the last she ere can send . Vrania read it , while he with teares and groanes gaue the true period to it . The Letter said thus .