A pleasant and delightfull history, of Galesus Cymon and Iphigenia describing the ficklenesse of fortune in loue. Translated out of Italian into Englishe verse, by T. C. Gent.

A pleasant and most delightful Historie , of GALESVS , CYMON , and IPHIGENIA . AN Ilande standes in TRITONS reigne , that CYPRVS hath to name : A Seate somtime , of Kingdomes nyn● renowmde with lastyng fame . And for the great Amenitie , and fertilnes of soyle : Not subiect , or of value lesse , then any Occean I . Wherin , recorded lieth in time , of aged Fathers dayes : Amonst the Auncient Chronicles , and Monumentes of praise . This Historie , so rare to heare , as pleasant to be read : Of such as can with skyll peruse the same , with iudgyng head . THere whilom was a noble man , that ARISTIPPVS hight : Whom Fortune deckt with worldly giftes aboue eche other wight . So that , both tearmed well , he might and iustly happie bée : If his good hap not clouded were with Fortunes Tirrannie . For ma●y Sonnes he had , yet one in beauty bare the Bell : In s●emlynes of stature , eke dyd others farre excell . For all these giftes of nature , yet a meycocke wretch , was he : Whose name , his Parents first assig●de , GALESVS for to b●e . But sithe , he neither could conceiue , by Tutours learned mouthe : The documentes of PALLAS Arte , nor Muses skyll in youth● . Ne yet his fathers , graue Aduise , nor industrie of guide : Could make him leade a Courtiers lyfe or from his ●olie slide . And ( for his speache was grosse , & thick● and he enclined more To beastly , rude behauiour , then to ciuyll Courtly lore . ) He was of all men ( SIMON ) call●e , in iest , in sporte and game : Which word inferth , in Cyprian tongue a vyle , reprochefull name . And when his idle sluggish life , was griefe , to fathers harte , And of redresse , he saw all hope ▪ was plainly laide aparte . And fearyng , least he should be vexte with dayly present woe : Sent CYMON , to vplandysh soyle , farre from his sight to goe . And Husbandrie to practise there . amongste the Clownish sorte : Of suche as delue , with Spade & Sholue , not lyke to Cytie sporte : Whiche thing , delighted Cymons heart ( for one so rude ▪ as he , Do ioye in Swinish maners more then in Cyuilitie . ) WHylste he therfore , in Countrey toile and trauayle spendes the day : In tearyng vp with tusked Ploughe , the Lande , ( that doth repay Twice toulde , and yearely , treble gain ) his minde he doth conuerte : In lieu of liberall Sciences , of Tilthe to learne the Arte. It chaunc'de therfore vpon a daye , at after noone , as hée Was walkynge , through his Fathers fields his Meades , & Groues to see . Alone with walkynge staffe in hande he entred in a wood : But small : yet passyng swéete of all , that in the Countrey stoode . And ( for it was the Month of May ) and temperate pleasant Ayre : Beyng clothd with gréene delightful boughes it séemde to CYMON faire . Where vainly stalkyng vp and downe , with gazing héere and there : To view the pleasure , of the place , ( Fortune his guide ) came néere : And foote by foote , he passed through , a little Meadow Plotte : Which hugie Trées , with loftie toppes , had compast , as a Moate . And through the place , a Riuer ranne , whose springyng Siluer Streames Did flow with coole , & glisteryng ebbes , against sir PHEBVS Beames . Not farre from which , vpon the grasse he viewd , with fixed eye : A Uirgyn there , surprisde with sléepe , of Beautie great , to lie . The Garment , wherwith she was clad , was thinne , and shonne so bright , That almost no parte , of her Corps , was hid from CYMONS sight . And she was girtte , below the waste , with Lynnen , white as Skies : Nigh her two handmaides , tooke their rest an Eunuche , slept likewise . When Cymon first , this Uirgyn viewd amazde , be stoode in minde : Lyke as if he , in all his dayes , had not séene Womankinde . And leanyng on his knaggy Staffe , beholdes her Courtly grace : And speachlesse restes , and marketh wel the Beautie of her face . With diligence he prieth aboute , with neuer winkyng eye : Tyll all proporcions of her face , ●e dyd directly spie . Then foorthwith , in his sencelesse head , and grosse polluted minde : ( Which no step of U●●●anitie , by vertisment of frinde , And thousand gentle documentes , could pearce , before this tyme . ) This new deuise , is risen now , this thought , his fancie clime : Which musing , he in blockish braine , to reason thus began : And beyng brutish as he was , in troubled head , dyd scan The fulgent brightnesse of her face , and ( oh what thing , ) said hée , Is equipollent , in this worlde to her ●ormos●tie ? Then pondred he with i●dgyng eye , her amiable looke : And view'd the Uirgyns séemelinesse , in lieu of Psalter Booke . And noated all her lineamentes , of perfecte forme and shape : And praised greatly in his heart , in Natures Arte , hir happe And first her He●●e , like goulden wyre , he painted foorth with praise , And fully was resolued in minde , they shonne as PHEBVS rayes . And then her forehead , nose , & mouthe , her necke , her Armes and breast : To laude in heart , and muse theron in mynde , he neuer ceaste . Thus he , a rude , vplandish man , in twincklyng of an eye : Is now become of Beautie Iudge , to scan of Phisnomie . His greatest care , was now to sée , her splendent glisteryng eye : Whiche drownde with sléepe & drowsie dreames fast closde with lids , did lie . Whiche , ( CYMON ) that he might beholde was minded to awake : From sléepe , this Damsell bright that hee the view therof might take . But sithe she fairest séemde of all that earst he sawe with eye : He gan to feare , leaste that she were a Goddesse in the Skie . And ( for he was so blunt of witte , that well he did not know : If heauenly things , more worthy were then thinges on earth that grow . Therfore somwhat , he brideled lust , and staide a time to sée , If that her eyes , of owne frée wyll would wake , or opened bée . And though this pawsinge séemed long , and griefe it was , to staye Unwonted pleasure , heald his hearte from partyng yet awaye : Thus CYMON gazyng styll , and yet enioyng lybertie To gaze : out of her sléepe , behould she walk●th by and by . Her name hight IPHIGENIA , ( so Parentes did deuise : ) Whiche , when she lifted vp her head , and opened wide her eyes : And CYMON leanyng on his staffe , before her stande , she see : Amazde in minde , these wordes , or lyke to hym then vttered shée . ( For Cyprians , knew their CYMON well , for his simplicitie : And partly for his Fathers wealthe , and great Nobylytie . ) What séekste thou CYMON in this wood , at this tyme of the daye ? Why wandrest thou so farre from home what causeth thée to staye ? But Answere CYMON rendred none to IHPHIGENIA : But fi●t his staryng eyes , on hers , not lookyng once away . For sure ( he thought ) a passyng smell , and great suavitie Procéeded from the fulgent light , of pleasant pearcyng eye . Which warmd his heart with present ●ight and sodeine , wontlesse ioy : ( A soueraigne salue to Maladies , to Cares , the chiefe annoye . ) But when the Uirgyn well had markd his neuer winkyng looke : A chillyng horrour shakd her limmes and feare her Sences tooke . For doughte , least his vnciuill lyfe , with Clounish maners fraught : Might cause suspect , of Uirgyns vaunte that he , the pray had caught . ( Whiche seyng , might without desert , redownde to her reproche : And knowyng well , how sclaunderous ●ongs on Uirgyns fame encroche : ) In haste her handmaides she awak●e , in purpose to departe : And farewell ( CYMON ) then she said , Adieu with all my harte . Then answered CYMON in this sorte ▪ my heart shall way●e on thee : ( My ●oye ) my selfe where ere thou go , shall beare thee companie . And though she flatly dyd refuse , his offred curtes●e : Yet could she not reiect her Mate , vntyll with open eye He viewd , the stately dwellyng place , of her that made him thrall : Whose Aunsweres were to him more sharpe then taste of bytter gall . For when that swel●yng heate of loue did boyle within his breast : And ●lamyng fire , did burne his lymmes and rage his hart opprest . And that he ●rau'de of her , ( to quench his drowgh , ) one droppe of grace : She spewd foorth spiteful taunting glikes at him , with frownyng face . And yet that moste procur'd his griefe , was partyng from her sight : That had attachd his Sences all with view , of liuely light . For ( when she past , with ste●lyng steps , her Fathers hugie Gate : ) She bard the same with might & mayne , against her friendly Mate . Then booted not , he knew right well , with showtyng cryes to call : And then perceiued , she scornd his loue , yet he remainde her thrall . A thousand thoughts then h●md his wits in Caue and stucke of woe ▪ And sundrie fancies framde , in hym , the roote of griefe to grow : His Brayne was eke , besiegde with care , what wayes he might deuise : To conquere hate : and gaine the loue , of hir , that bleard his eyes . Thus musing now in minde , he standes in studie colde as Ice : And styll deuising how he may atchiue his enterprise . At length determinde , to reuer●e , vnto his mansion place : And styll he hoopde , in tracte of time , to looke for better grace . And tumbled now , on carefull couche , in Countrey Cabyn lay : Inuentyng seuerall wayes , now this , now that , he did assay . But ( sundrie consultacions passde , ) in ende , he dyd conclude : To liue exilde from Countrey soyle , ( for Countrey Clownes are rude . ) Therfore , to Courte in haste , he hyes hym , to his Fathers howse : And stoutely to his Parentes sweares that he wyll hould the Plowes No longer now , or digge , and delue , and be a Countrey Slaue : But loathyng Countrey life , begyns , a ciuill lyfe to craue . Then newly gan his Fathers cares , and treble , wonted woe : His Friends , and Kinsmens griefe likewise began agayne to grow . Yet purposde they , a while to stay , the perfecte cause , to know : Of sodeyne chang , that forc'de this man his former g●ise forgoe . Therfore : w●en Cupids shaft , had perc'de this CYMONS restles hart : Through which could neuer penetrate , one ●ote of learned Arte. When CYMONS , sense was rauished with IPHIGENIAES face . Whose pulchritude of liuely looke , his glimpse of eye , did daze . ) He , was not he , but chang'd his coate , his maners he began To change likewise , and was be come from thence , an altred man . This chang , to Courtiers séemed strang a wonder , to his féeres : An admiration , to his kinne , a ioy to fathers yeares . Then of his Father , first he crau'd , to be apparaild braue : As others of his Bréethren were , and lyke Attire to haue . His Father graunted his request , and streight began he then To matche himselfe , in felowshyp , of Courtly Gentlemen : With diligence , he searchde , what things were , to a Louer fitte : And now in stud●yng Tha'●te of Loue , 〈◊〉 exercise his witte . And ( whiche is merueilous to tell , ) in mom●ntarie space : To 〈◊〉 , geuyng hote delight , he learnynge did embrace . Amongste the wise Philosophers , he gayned likewi●e , fame With musing mou'd , to all mennes minds that knew of CYMONS name . The cause , of all this sodeyne change , was IHPHIGENIAS loue : Whiche made him banish lobbish lyfe , and rudenes to remoue . For ( loue his guide ) he did refourme , the stuttyng of his tongue : And of a ●●sked l●sping voyce , his speache moste swéetely ronge In vttryng pleasant wordes , and hée of Musicke learnde the Arte : Of skyll in strydyng tramplyng Stéedes , he had likewise , his parte . And skylfull was in feates of Armes , and Actes of Chiualrie : In warfare , well experienc'd too , by lande , and eke by Sea . And briefly , leaste his qualyties , and vertuous déedes , I shew : First this , then that , particularly , as in his hert they grew . In fine , I say : in foure yeares space : he waxde a wiser man : And of more tried towardnesse , then any Cyprian . So that , more eloquent in wordes , and graue in countinaunce : He was estéemde , then Courtiers all , whom Fame , with prayse did haunce ▪ What shall I therfore , speake of loue ? my Pen how shall I frame ? To yelde to him , deserued prayse ? or blase his worthy fame ? For when the fatal Starres , had dewde this CYMONS gentle heart : With Gentleman lyke qualyties , and skyll in Muses Arte. Disdainfull nature , causde the same within his hearte , to lie . Fast bownde & chainde with fettered linkes in LETHE waues , to die : And drowne for aye , in whirlepools huge yet Loue vn●wounde the knot●e : And vanquisht nature with his force , as foe , to luckie lotte . For Loue , oftimes is wonte to raise from duskish drowsie dreames : The drowned wittes , in sincke of ●louth ▪ and Graue of LETHE streames . And wrapt in clowdie darkenesse thick , CVPIDO bringes to light , The Sences : ren●ing seruile yoacke , ( suche is his vayle , and might● And causeth them with glimeryng beames , eftsoones , for to appeare : And shew ●o bright , to all m●ns sight , as PHEBVS ●l●ming Spheare . And raunsōmes o●te , the noble heartes , from deepe , and darksome denne : And brings them , with his glittering rayes vnto ●LISIOS ●enne . THerfore , while swelting heat , of loue did thril through CYMONS hert And he did ( as the amorous sorte , ) from right and reason starte : Yet ARISTIPPVS was con●ent , what euer CYMON dyd : And ioyed to see his sonne , so chaungde ▪ which from his brest hath ●yd All noysome cares : for that by loue his CYMON now became : From first , a sheepe , and clownish lowte a cyuill Gentylman . The Father , dayly addeth Spurres , vnto his Sonnes ●esire : And willes him neuer stay , tyll he vnto his lustes aspyre . When CYMONS minde c●nceu'd the truth his name GALESVS h●ght : Remembring IPHIGENIA , callde hym , CYMON , in despight . It greeu'd his hearte , and then his care was , to extirpe that ●ame : And out of memrie , roote and wéede , that lewde despightfull name . And studiyng diuerse times , to quenche , his parchyng Brondes , of loue : ( Whose fi●rie flakes , his heart assaylde , and mirth to mew had droue . ) Of IPHIGENIAS father , he ( who CYPSEVS hight ) did craue . In gaynyng o● his doughters loue , his friendly wyll to haue . But he affirmthe , a former graunte , is now alredy pas●e : And his consent , to PASYMONDE , before was fully plac'de . And said , he would not falsifie to him , his plyghted ●routhe : ( This PASMONDE was a Gentleman of RHODES ▪ and flower of youthe . And now the time , to celebrate Thespousels , draweth néere : The Bridegrome sent , to fetch the Bride with gladsome merie chéere : All this , when CYMON had reuolu'd and pondred in his brest : The time approcheth now , thought hée , to purchase quiet rest . Yf euer , now : he mindes to shewe to IPHIGENIA : The scorchyng heate , of broylynge loue , that in his brest did staye . And now with diligence , to prooue his vowed Loyaltie : With mightie hande , for to withstande , her partynge from his eye . For thée , ( he said ) I frie and swelt , in Fornace , of desire : For of a Beaste , to manly shape thou madste mée to aspire . Yf that the Gods wyll graunte , that I to wyfe , may thee enioye : And thy Societie , to embrace , that shall my cares destroye . And doubtlesse , would I thinke in ioye ▪ to passe my goulden yeares : And for to leade an Angelles lyfe , amongst the Princelie Péeres , And certes , Death shall ende my dayes , with dint of bloudie knife : But I , in spite of hatefull foes , wyll winne thee to my wyfe . He ( reasonyng thus , in troubled brayne , ) his friendes by stealth dyd call : ( Suche as were borne , of noble bloud , to know what should befal . ) To priuate counsell , whiche he helde , and opened there his minde : To them , & what he woulde haue done , he leaueth not behinde . A Ship , then closely , he prepares , and deckes with furniture : Méete for the warre by Sea : and longe against his foes , to dure . Whiche vittailde well , and armed then he enters in the Ship . And cuttes the Seas , and sayle , & sterne , to EOLVS doth commyt . The restless Tide , that beares his Barke with waltryng waues ●n Sea : Rowes wambling foorth : with hope & mirth were fedde his Mates and he , Away , the méerie Mariner hales , deuyding fomyng streames : The braggyng Boy , hies vp to toppe of Mastes loftie Beames . The waueryng Flag for Ioy is vaunst , the Seas begyn to swell : And he in hope amidst the stormes , of surgyng Seas , do dwell . And there , for IPHIGENIA ES Sayle , he purposde then to staye : In whiche the Rhodians , to her Lorde to Rhoodes , shoulde her conuaye . And now the Father of the Bryde , receyu●d with courtesie : And honor greate : the men of Rhoodes ▪ whiche from her Husbande bee : To Cyprus sent , to that intent , to fetche her home in peace : Whiche shortly leaue , the fertyll lande , and lanche vnto the Seas . And towards Rhoodes , their Sayles they bend● and Mastes they do directe : But CYMON lo , whiche to that ende , ( therof not once suspecte ▪ ) Had warely wate●de , with wakyng eye , the morowe ●exte appéere : When PHEBVS banished , mistie clowdes and shonne i● Skies full cl●●re . And with his garnisht Barcke for warr● ad●urnde with Armour bright : Encountred IPHIGENIAS Hulke , not distant farre from sight . And standynge formost in the front of swiftie Nauies Snoute : To IPHIGENIAS companie , be cryeth with clamour stoute , And saith : abide ye men of Rhoodes , and quickly strike ye Sayle : Els none shall scape the Gulphe of Seas ( e●cepte my heart mée fayle . Then drew his foes , their shining Blades and armde themselues for fight : With courage stoute , and force , for to withstande sir CYMONS might . Wherto , when CYMON had respecte , he threw with man●y might , A Grapple in the Rhodians Shippe , to let the same from flight . Wherwith , he staide their Barke : & then most firmely fastned it Unto his Ship , with stemmes of Brasse , armde for the purpose fitte . And lyke the maned Lyon then , not crauynge aide of Mates : Alone he leapes into their S●ip , and troubleth all estates . For ( loue , augmentyng t●en his force , ) he runnes with valiant hearte : Upon his foes , with bytyng Glay●e , and playeth the Tigers parte . And lyke the Calydonian Boare , or LERNAS Lyons fierce : Whom ere he ratcht ▪ with Transfer bryght their faintyng ly●●s , did pearce . From some , he caru'd the shoul●er boane , from others , made to slyde The legges : from others , he lykewyse dyd heade from Corps deuide . And when of them were diuers slayne , and many wounded sore : And héere did one , another there , lye sprawlyng in the floore . The Rhodians , then perceyuyng well , theirforce , was farre vnlyke : And halfe despeyryng , in their strength , thought bootelesse was to stryke , Or make resistance : and they sawe by flight they could not seape . To him did yelde their captiue corse , to whome , thus CYMON spake . YE men of Rhodes , not want of wealth nor gréedinesse of praye : Nor cancred hate , restes in my hearte , or towardes you do staye : That mou'd mée come , from Cyprus soyle : and you vnarmde , inuade , In midste of Seas : beyng armde my selfe , with keene and caruyng Blade . But this is cause , that force mée thus , and seemeth great , to mée : Whiche to atchieue , I make accompte , a recompence to bée . In guerdon of my former toyle , and hyre of trauayle pas●e , Whiche easely , and with quyet , you may graunt : ( and purchase rest . Myne IPHIGENIA , she it is , who dearer is to mée : And gratefull more , then lande or lyfe , is her socyetie . Whome , when by gentle meanes I could ▪ not of her Father gayne : Loue forc'de me then with Shield , with Speare and Swoorde , her loue obteine . And armde with glitteryng Helme , & creste by violence her to take From you : For so my mynde is bent , my Spouse and féere to make Her . And in lieu of PASYMONDE his function execute : Wherfore , deliuer her to mée , in haste , withoute pursuite . And NEPTVNE guidyng well your sayles to passe the swellyng Seas : Reuerte into your natiue lande , and hence departe with peace . The Rhodians then , wh●m force constraind not franke , and frée good wyll : With wéepyng eyes , the Uirgyn yeldes Sir CYMON now vntyll . Which , when she saw her Corse was pledg and ransome for the rest : The trickling teares , like flowing stremes distylled downe her brest . Then ( gentle Uirgyn ) CYMON said , blurre not thy face with teares : But drie thine eyes , and cease thy griefe , there is no cause of feares . I am thy CYMON , that long time , haue lou'd thée in my hearte : And more deserue'd thée , to my wife , then PASMONDE , for his parte . For broylyng brands , of lawlesse loue , haue pearc'd for thée , my brest : And PASMONDE onely claymeth thée by reason of beehest And couenaunt , which thy father made , ( this said ) he doth returne , Unto his Mates ▪ whiche in the Shippe , did all that time , soiourne . And brought his IPHIGENIA to Ship with him by hande : Unspoylde of stuffe , the Rhodian Ship he sent to Rhodian lande . Then CYMON , which on lyue , did think himselfe the happiest wight : Enrichde with suche a Royall pray , and precious to his sight . D●uised with his felowes nowe , their voyage to directe : On Seas , not to the Cyprian Soyle : but backewarde to reflecte . By commen counsel holden , they agréed , to Créete to sayle : Where all , & chiefly CYMON thought , their foes coulde not preuayle . Against them there , for that they had both friendes and kinsmen too : So now , by all mens full consent , to Thyle of Creete , they go . Then lanche they foorth , & hoiste vp Sayle ( O TRITON be their guide : And brynge them safe to wisshed Porte , their face from foes to hide . ) But sée how waywarde Fortune now , begyns to turne her whéele : And grutchyng at his good successe , her crooked Spyndelles reele . For she that CYMON gratified , with IPHIGENIA : As noble , famous Goddesse ? now hath to●●de her face away . And changde his Ioyes , & goulden happe , in moment of an howre : To soakyng sighes , to waylynge grones , of frownyng Fortunes lowre . Be packynge Muses , to your Mownte , your helpe is bootelesse , héere : I must amongst the Hellish shades , go séeke , to finde MEGERE . ALECTO , flie from LIMBO lake , and scudde from PLVTOS denne : And with your aide , assiste my Uerse , directe my rugged Penne. TWice .ij. houres ▪ scarcely ended were sithe Rhodi●ns home returne : But night with dimming darkenesse came , and mistie cloudes by turne Appearde in Skies : to CYMONS hearte , a ioyfull wisshed night . Which shuld be pleasant more , he thought to him : then euer chanc'de to wight . But loe , a stormie tempest rise , the Skies with cloudes are blacke : And wauie Seas , with whirlyng winds , do tosse the Shippes to wracke . This , blindes their eyes , and dulles their Sences so : That of them all , not one man knew , what thynge was best to doo . For all men , then began to feare ▪ forgettyng Shipmens skyll : But who can paint with proper tearmes or plainly Pen , with quyll . What gr●e●e the tyme , gripte CYMONS hart for Goddes would not regarde : He thought , the force of flamyng loue , and sithe before he sparde Not : lyfe to lose , his loue to winne , in thought , then sure , said he : ) With sharper stinge of death , the Gods , wyll take reuenge on mée . Now Cymons Mates , do wéepe & wayle But IPHIGENIA Aboue the rest shed bitter teares , and ofte cried wellawaye . And gul●fde with gripyng ●ittes , did quaile at euery blaste of winde : And euery storme of wallowing waues , opprest with wo●her minde , And drownde her eyes , with sal●ish teares , she vtterlye deteste : Sir CYMONS loue , and bouldnesse , that had purchaste her vnreste . As though , that stormie whirlwindes , not of other cause dyd swell : But by the wrathfull ire of Goddes , to wreacke with furie fell His boulde attempte : And wyllyng not that CYMON shoulde enioy The rauishte Uirgyn , quietlye , or fr●e , without annoye . But sure she thought , by sentence iuste , of Gods , they both shoulde die : And ende their wretched direfull dayes , in wofull myserie . Amongst these Girlysh waylynges , the●● , and anguish of the minde : The watermen , and Maryners , were wauerynge as the winde , And doubtfull muche , whiche way to turne their Shyp , and them to saue : And ( styll the windes begynnyng more , with boysteous blastes , to raue . Their bark , was driu● to the Ile of Rhodes whiche for the tempest , they Could not discerne , and know to bée , vpon the Rhodian Sea . And studiyng now , for onely healthe , they put their helpyng hande : Both all , and some to leaue the Seas , and bringe their Ship to lanoe . Where ( as the Constellacions wrought ) they landed at that place To whiche the Rhodians came before , whiche CYMON let to passe . And yet they knew not that they were ar●u'd at Rhodes , before That SOL displaide his splendent beames next morow on the shore . For then they sawe , the Ship at Hauen , whiche they did let departe : The day before ▪ not distant more , from them , then throw of Dar●e . Wherfore , Sir Cymon pensiue now , leaste that shoulde chaunce did feare To him , whiche happed presently , as you shall after heare . Then he commaundes with diligence the Ship from thence remoue , In ●aste : not caryng to what Porte , their Tacklynges els they shooue : For well he knew● , all other Portes , from daungers more were frée : And SCYLLAS wombe , lesse wrackfull , where now they landed bée . The Shipmens painfull trauayle , and then his Mates endeuour now Were bootelesse : For the shrillie windes , styll backewardes dyd them blow . And by their force and sturdie strength , are driuen vpon the shore : Against their wyll , for wrastlyng styll , to turne from thence their Ore . The windes did land them , at the Hauen of Rhoodes : where by and by : The Rhodian Shipmen , knew right wel and did them streight descrie . Then of them one , did hastely ronne , to Towne , not distant farre : Where al the route , of Gallantes stoute , that tyme assembled ware . And orderly , reuealth to them , that IPHIGENIA : And CYMON , blowen the stormie blasts tost on the roaryng Sea . Are now arriu'd at Rhodian lande , and all the circumstaunce , He shewes to them : And all thinges els , that hapte to them , by chaunce . ( Which heard ) the lustie youth of Rhodes did leape for present ioye : Euen lyke , as dyd the valient Grekes , at ouerthrow of Troy . And rushyng forth , lyke ragyng route , they mustred many men : And then with speede , vnto the Seas , they flockmeale , all dyd renne . Wher CYMON , hasting now his flight with IPHIGENIA : The Rhodians , him in midst of course preuente , and make to staye : Yet fayled not his noble hearte , to stande in his defence : Against the Rhodian warlyke Troupe , for first , he did dispence . With lyfe : And wyllyng was to spende , his bloud vpon his 〈◊〉 ▪ And many , by his Knightly force , their S●nces dyd forgoe . And thr●ugh his prowesse , some did yelde to ATROPOS their breathe : And some were maymde , and other slayne with direfull darte of Death . Yet ●●●led not , his valiant Actes : and chiualrous Renowne : For taken , hym they Prysoner ledde , to next adioynyng Towne . Then thither came LISYMACHVS , whiche in that yeare by chaunce : Was Maiestrate : And in that Ile had chiefest gouernaunce . Beyng garded with a warlyke route , cōmaund●s , that CYMON , then And all his Aidantes , shoulde be throwen to déepe , and darksome denne . For PASMONDE , and the Senate 〈◊〉 of Rhoodes appointed to . When they , how all the matter stoode , effectuallie did know . Now hath th' unhappy Louer , losse his IPHIGENIA . Whome he had gainde not muche before , by fight vpon the Sea . Of whome he neuer tasted swéete , besides a litle hope : For hire of paynes allredy pas●e , to reape the goulden croppe . Saue that , he collde her lillie necke , and kist her rosie lippes : And claspte her ofte in foulded Armes , agayne : her Corps he clyppes . But all this sodayne ioye , is turnde agyne to wonted woe : His IPHIGENIA , now he must against his wyll forgoe . Thus wandrynge wide , to séeke for rest , in stormie tydes is trapte : And labouryng long , through Gulphes of waues , in care vnwares , is wrapte . Then fawnyng Fortune framde ( he said ) with painted face for sh●e : O brittle cursed Fate , that forc'de my state to alter so . The chiefe , and auncient Matrones , then receiu'de her courteously : And cherisde her with nourishmentes : And of captyuitie : Beyng partly sadde , her gulpyng griefe with sola●e , they appease : And partly weried , with the toyle , and trauayle on the Seas . And there abode she styll with them , vntyil th' appointed day . To celebrate Thespousell rites , had chasde the night awaye . To leade a captiue Prisoners lyfe , the Senate graunted now To CYMON and his Mates , for that some fauour they did show Unto the Rhodians : ( for they gaue them , licence to departe : With bagge , and baggage , frée from death ) But PASMONDE , for his parte , With instant suite , did vrge that they , in pryson might be slayne : To whiche , they were condemnde for aye to leade their lyues in payne . Where they should ende their wretched dayes ( as Reason did require : ) Whyle breath doth last , depryu'de of hope to pleasures to aspyre . The meane whyle now , when PASYMOND for Nuptialles doth prepare : And all prouision néedefull , he prouides with carkyng care . Beholde , how Fortune mou'd with ruthe of former acte repente : And now for CYMON , healthfull ayd● she frendly doth inuent . Thus , loe : in gripe of death is lyfe , in Hell mouthe , helpe is founde : And LACHESIS , the knot half losde , hath fast , and firmely twounde . For entryng in , at PLVTOS doore , and yeldyng vp the Ghoste : With gaspyng oft for breath , sée how his vertue , Death hath iuste . And lyfe begynnes in him againe , to runne his wonted race : So , Death is banishd , and lyfe restorde by Fortunes gentle grace . THis PASMONDE , had a Brother , namde HORMIDAS , yonge of yeares : But yet not lesse , in valiantnesse then PASMONDE , or his péeres . Which ( long deliberation had ) decréed to take to wi●e : A Uirgyn callde CASANDRA : and with her to leade his lyfe . And for she was , of séemely shape , adournde with Courtly grace : LISYMACHVS the Senatour did coueit to embrace . With stretched Armes , her comly Corps , whom with affection : hée Lykde in suche sorte , that he desirde her Louer for to bée . For restless rag● ▪ of scorchyng loue , tormented so●e his hearte ▪ Being clapt vnwares in V●NVS clawe● and stong with CVPIDS darte . Now PASIMONDE , S●temp●●i●yng , the Nuptiall iolytie : With sumptuous preparations , as was mée●eor his degrée . Thought good , his Brother HORMIDAS , for to perswade , that they Might ( entryng both in IVNOES Rites , ) be Brydegr●omes on adaye . So shoulde they saue , the double charge , and coastes , of Mariage feaste : Yet meante he , that of b●th their charge , his Brothers should be leaste . He therfore , with CASSANDRAES frends the matter doth 〈◊〉 And of her father ●rau'd , to graunte her , to be féere , and mate Unto his Brother HORMIDAS : and geuen to him , to wy●● ▪ They shoulde be ioynde i● sacr●d bondes , of wedlocke ▪ all their lyfe . And that same daye , as 〈…〉 his IPHIGENIA : His Brother should be maryed 〈◊〉 his Ladie CASSANDRA . These consul●acions , cor●yes were , vnto LISYMACHVS hea●te : For ( wanne of hope : and comfortlesse ) from ioyes , he dyd departe : Yet with perswasions , fancie féedes hym , that CASSANDRA wyll , Be linckd with hym , in IVNOES lawes , and his desire fulfill . If that HORMIDAS wedde her not , and take her to his wyfe : These , and suche lyke occursions , then in mazed minde were ryfe . But as a prudent man should d●● , ( that claymes of wisdome parte : ) He closely k●epes , his dolour déepe : enc●einde , within his hearte . And compassyng in swarming brayne , what wayes he might with sp●ede : Disturbe this Mariage , could not finde a lawfull meanes , in déede . Therfore , agrées he with him selfe , and fully doth conclude : To winne by force , the Uirgyns grace , and cares so to exclude . which , wel ( he thought , ) he might atchiue and playnly bryng to passe : For that he bare the chiefest sway , and honor in that place . On th●ther parte , his dignytie and tipe of highe renowne Renockte him , from that enterprise , whiche to his shame , should sowne . For that his ●shining Fame , doth adde dishonor to the facte : The more , yf one of his estate , committe so lewde an acte . But after muche aduisement had , Sir Loue , did gayne the place , Of honestie : and Reason too , to luste , did yelde his trace . And now LISYMACHVS , dothe haste with danger of his health : Yea : and with losse of lyfe : to take his praye awaye by stealthe . And roulyng oft in searchyng head , what order he might take : Or what assistentes he might vse , an ende ther●●to make . An● bryng the matter to good passe , bethought himselfe an 〈◊〉 : ( As hap would haue , and Fortune gaue ) of CYMON that dyd mon● His thraldome , beyng closely clapte , in Gayle , and Dungeon déepe : Where straitly , hym , and all his mate● , the Wardeyne styll did kéepe ▪ He , therfore pondryng well , the cause with , hearte , and hande agrée : Unto this sentence : which , he mindes should ra●yfied ●ée . That no man could be founde more true , or of fidelytie : This weightie charge , to take in hande then CYMON was , whome he The nexte night after , brought by stelthe , from déepe , and Hellike lake : Unto his Chamber , bossde with Goulde , and thus to him he spake .

¶ ORATIO LISYMACHI AD CYMONEM . EUen as ( sir CYMON ) Gods are bent and alwayes redy bée . To geue their gracious gifts to men with store abundantly . So doo they too require of them , both paynfull industrie : And valiantness with diligence . and whom againe they sée Strong harted , in calamity , to suffer crabbed chaunce : Those they , as worthy , manlyke men to honors great aduance . The Gods wolde , of thy courage stoute , a greater triall take : And more experience , of thy might . ( more gloryous it to make . Then thou thy selfe , in Fathers house , of riches 〈◊〉 with store : ) Couldst make to shine , & shew it selfe lyke bright , & glistring ore ▪ And ( as the Fame flieth through the town ) the Goddes , haue framed thée : Of dull , and sencelesse blocke : a wyse , and wittie man to bée Besides : withe Fortune wrastlyng now , and thrall to filthy gayle . The Gods wyl trie thée , if thy strength , within thy hearte do quayle . Or if thou be that man , as earste , when thou with manlyke mighte : Obteinde the happie conquest : and didste wynne thy pray by fight : For if thou shew thy selfe the same , ( as late thou were , ) to bée : The Goddes , dyd neuer geue to man , more mirthfull iolytie . Or wisshed pleasure , and more Ioye th●n now they do entende : To graunt and yelde vnto thy hearte , thy heaped cares to ende . And what that is , I wyll in briefe , and fewe wordes , tell to th●e , That thou maiste gather wonted hearte , and animositie . THe glad ▪ and ioyfull PASYMONDE at thine vnhappie chaunce : And chiefe procurour of thy death , makes haste himselfe t' aduaunce . In mariage , to thy rightfull Bryde , thyne IPHIGENIA : Thespouselles eke to celebrate , appoinctes a solemp●e day . That ther●y , he might taste the swéete , of that thy conquerde praye : Whiche smylynge fortune , gaue to thée , and frownynge tooke awaye . And well I know , what cors●e this should bée vnto thy hearte : If in thy brest , of scaldyng heate of loue , thou feale the smarte . HORMIDAS lo● : that selfe same daye , intendes lyke iniurie : And wronge to mée , and lyke despyte , with hatefull Tirranie . For he wyll wed CASSANDRA , whom I minde to take to wyfe : Whose sight , so deare is to my hearte , as is to m●e my lyfe . To take reuenge , of this reproche , and contumelious wronge : Fortune , hathe onely manhoode lefte to vs : as Fortresse stronge . Go too therfore , and ( she our guide ) let vs with naked Blade : Make viotent way , and valiantly resistynge Foes inuade . To seconde rauisshement , for thée plucke vp thy noble hearte . And firste for mée , let force be found , To play his w●nted parte . Yf thou wylt stoutly folow me , the Captayne , of this ●●cte : And guide of famous enterprise , and glorious shyning facte . Beholde , I yelde into thy handes , both auncient lybertie : And IPHIGENIA , I wyll giue , thy lawfull wyfe to bée . Then which two thinges , thou oughtest it ●raue none earthly Treasure more : ( For heartes delight , all men prefere . and healthe , their wealthe before . ) These saynges of LISYMACHVS , did CYMONS hearte reuiue : And ●rylled , through his ●rased Corse , where Death , with lyfe did striue : And hope , hath vanquished now despeyre , and wilshed quiet rest ▪ Enioyes within his hearte , the place , that dolors once possest . Then presently without delaye , vnto LISYMACHVS : Sir CYMON , framde his filed tale , and then , he answered thus . ( LISYMACHVS ) thou shalt not find● 〈◊〉 hardier man then mée : Or of more tried faithfulnesse , or greater Constancie . To compasse this thy stoute attempte , yf so ( as thou doest saye : That Fortune shall pursue the facte , in yeldyng graunted praye . Therfore , what charge vnto my lot , thou wilte assigne , forsée : And looke what office thou appoincte , shall gratefull bée to mée . And I wyll treade what pathe thou wilte and venture lyfe , to treade Amidste the steppes , of enemies Tentes , or yeldyng Serpentes heade . Say on therfore , not heartlesse , I or dreadyng fumyng foes : Wyll folowe thée my Captayne , thoughe my lyfe therby I lose : To this LISYMACVS replyed , within two dayes , saide he : Our foes concluded to procéede , vnto Solemnytie . In mariage of thy wife and mine , and then they shall be broughte : Unto their Bridegroomes mansion place , loe : thus I haue bethought . We armde , with other trustie Mates , at firste watche of the night : Shall rushynge in the house , conuey them from the feaste , by might : And ra●ishde : brynge them to a Ship ▪ whiche for that purpose , I Haue made : & hoouerynge causde on seas , not distant farre , to lye And no man wyll wée spare , of those , that wyll our purpose staye : Or our intent , with violence let , forestallynge vs , the waye . The order , to accomplysh thus the matter , pleasde him well : Whiche in the Pryson , tyll that daye , dissemblynge wise dyd dwell . And now hath PYROEIS ▪ EOVS eke , with AETHON , and PHLEGON , Drawen foorth in Skies , the golden wain● of bright , and glisteryng Sonne . And loe : AVRORE , her purple doores , hath opened in the easte : And LVCIFER , hath chasde the starres , and LVNA takes her rest . The day assignde , for mariage rytes , of louers wishde , is come : Which gorgeouslie , solemnizde were , with pompe : of all , and some While all the house , of brothers bothe , with regall ryot , shyne : And they in midste of costly cates , and quaffyng BACCHVS wine : The mene whyle , ●ow LISYMACHVS not sleapyng his entente : Appointed well , with nedefull thinges ▪ to due accomplishment . Of late decr●ed enterprice , his carued Blade doth hide : Within his Garment : so the rest , for feare , leaste they be spyde . Sir CYMON then , & CYMONS men , and his men , he deuide : To thrée wynges : lottyng to eche ranke , a Captayne , and a guide . For some by stealthe , vnto the Hauen , LISYMACHVS hath sent : Least Rhodians , staie their purpose , and of shyppyng them preuente . Some in the Porch of PASMONDS house he closely causde to staye : For feare therfoes , their passage stoppe , or enterclude their waye . He , with the rest , and CYMON too , aboute pr●fi●ed tyme : And as agréement was before , the Brydale house do clyme . They scale the walles , and win the Forte then enter they with force : The suppyng Chamber , where the Brides , refreshd with foode their Corse . Amongste them , other Ladyes sate , by order , in degrée : At royall Table , richely dight , and garnishde sumptuouslie . With massie Bowles , of golden Cuppes , bedecte with Pearle , and Stone : With other Gemmes , APOLLOS beames not muche vnlike that shonne . And furnishde well with speciall cates , and daintie Princelike fare : Yet CYMON and LISYMACHVS , for nought their purpose spare . But Tables headlong downe they hurle , and rush with reuell coyle : And take their Ladies , eche his owne , deuidyng so the spoyle . And to their Pages them commyt , which to that ende dyd staye : To brynge with spéede vnto their shippes their longe desired praye . The Brides , and other Matrones then complete with howlynge cryes , With waylings huge , & clamours great , do fyll the hautie Skies . Now CYMON and LISYMACHVS , with bloudie Blades in hande : Do make them waye , for no man dare , with force against them stande . Descendyng swiftly downe , they passe the Stayers with hastie foote : For ( gainde their bootie ) there to staye , they thought it was no boote . Where PASMOND mette with them , and mazde with all this rustlyng broyle : And troublous rufflyng : purposde then , to rescue conquerde spoyle . And armde him with a hugie Staffe , and rashly wantynge might : To CYMON ranne with headlong pace , to vanquish hym by fight : But all in vaine , with peised stroke , well aymed at his head : He feld hym , where he staggeryng laye ▪ before his féete for deade . HORMIDAS too , endeuouryng now , to quitte his Brothers death : Through CYMONS wound , lieth on the ground and gaspeth for his breathe . And diuers other réelde to th' earth , that by his might were slayne Which hand to hand , durst ieebard lyfe , the Combatte to darrayne . Thus haue these Louers , won with Sword , and ventred lyfe to gayne Their Ladies . And withstanders all before their féete are slayne . And then , they leauynge PASMONDES house reflowynge all with bloud : ( Wherof the great effusion staynde the grounde , where as they stoode . And bellowyng oft , with wéepyng grones and boysterous stearyng prease ) Without disturbers , all arryue , in safetie , at the Seas . And setlynge in the Brigantine , the Uirgyns wonne by force : And clymbynge with their Mates , the Ship , they take the Sea , perforce . Committyng to the winde , their Sayles , and vsing Shipmens Arte : And actiue diligence : with spéede , from shoare , they all departe . Whiche presently was stoorde with suche , as ●atsome aide dyd brynge , Unto the captiue Damselles : that for woe , their Ioinctes did wringe . But they cam safe to Th' ile of CREETE , where , of their friendes , they were And kinsmen : Gestwise entertainde , with gentle , curteise chéere . Where at their entre in the Towne , the Belles for ioye were ronge . And thousandes came by heapes to méete , Sir CYMON , and his thronge . And after duetie done , they cryed all , with consentyng voyce : And sayde : The Goddes ( Sir CYMON ) graunt thée euer to reioyce . And spende the rest of vitall dayes , in heaped store of myrth : Tyll ATROPOS shal cause thy Corse entumbde to lye in earth . For thou haste tasted soppe of gall , before thou dyd obteyne : In hyre of restlesse , tossyng toyle , the longe desired gayne . Where , after fewe dayes spent in sportes and showtyng pleasant playes : And solempne feastes , to mighty MARS for yeldynge happy prayes . They celebrate the Nuptiall ioyes , and wed their wis●●ed wyues : Enioyng of that rauine myrthe , contynuynge both their lyues . Amongste the RHODIANS , CYPRIANS eke , great discorde did ary●e : And troublesome incumbrance spronge twixte them in hatefull wyse . But finally , on eyther parte , entreatie of their frendes : And kynsmens medyacion , tournde their foes obdured mindes . And stablishde then : that ( for a tyme , susteyned briefe exyle : And banishment from natyue lande , to last a ly●le w●yle . ) With IPHIGENIA , CYMON should , at CYPRVS Soyle soiourne : And with CASSANDRA home to Rhodes LISYMACHE might returne . Eche to his Countrey backe agayne , in shorte tyme to reuerte : Where , with their wiues , they lyu'd in ioye with glad and merie hearte : For when the stormes of cancred hate , were ouerblowen and past : And scorneful spight , had spew●e his gall on Seas by whyrlynge blaste . And Enuies belching Iawes were stopde by VENVS louynge Boye : And tracte of time , ware out of mynde , all gnawyng cares anoye . And LETHE gulffde in drenchyng brink the death of PASIMONDE : And IPHIGENIA , now dischargde of former vowed ●o●de . Did yelde at length with willyng mynd , to CYMONS gentel hearte : And by the graunte of wisshed grace , deuorc'de his former smarte . And thus they passde their happy dayes , in neuer diynge blysse : Of whiche , I craue of God , for aye good Ladies neuer misse . FINIS .