THE FIRST EGLOGVE . Technis tale . WHy now I see these Plaines some good afford , When Shpherds will be masters of their word . Dory . Yes ; Technis yes , we see it now & then That they 'le keep touch as wel as greater men , Who can protest and take a solemn vow To doe farre more then they intend to doe . Dym . Stay Dorycles , me thinkes thou goest too farre Le ts talke of Shepheards , as we Shepheards are : For why should we these Great mens errors note , But learne vnto our Cloth to cut our coat . Sapp . Dymnus , 't is true ; we came not to display Great mens abuses , but to passe away The time in Tales , wherein we may relate By one and one our blest or wretched state . Cor. Indeed friend Dymnus therfore came we hither , To shew our Fortune and distresse together . Lin. Proceede then Technis , you 'r the eldest Swaine That now feeds Flocks vpon this fruitfull Plaine : So as your age , whatseuer we alledge , Doth well deserue that proper priuiledge . Tech. As to begin ; Lin. So Technis doe I meane . Tech. Thanks Shepherds heartily , that you will daine A haplesse Swaine such grace ; which to requite , I le mix my dolefull Storie with delight , That while yee weepe for griefe , I may allay Your discontent , and wipe your teares away . Dory . On Technis on , and wee le attention lend , And wish thy loue may haue a happie end . Dym . Which showne , each shall reply , and make exprest When all is done , whose fate 's the heauiest . Tech. Attend then Shepheards , now I doe begin , Shewing you first where I had nurturing , Which to vnfold the better , I will chuse No other words then home-spun Heardsmen vse . First then , because some Shepheards may suppose By meere conjecture , I am one of those Who had my breeding on this flowrie Plaine , I must confesse that they are much mista'ne , For if I would , I could strange stories tell Of Platoes and of Aristotles Well , From whence I drain'd such drops of diuine wit , As all our Swaines could hardly diue to it : Dor. Indeed I 'ue heard much of thee in thy youth . Tech. Yes Dorycles , I say no more than truth . A Prentiship did I in Athens liue , Not without hope but I might after giue Content and comfort where I should remaine , And little thought I then to be a Swaine : For I may say to you , I then did seeme One of no small or popular esteeme , But of consort with such , whose height of place Aduanced me , because I had their grace : Though now , since I my Lambkins gan to feede , Clad in my russet coat and countrey weede , Those broad-spred Cedars scarce afford a nest Vpon their shadie Boughes , where I may rest . Sapp . It seemes , they 're great men Technis . Tech. So they are , And for inferiour groundlins , little care . But may they flourish ; thus much I am sure , Though Shrubs be not so high , they 're more secure . Lin. High states indeed are subiect to decline . Tech. Yes Linus yes , in this corrupted time We may obserue by due experience That where a Person has preeminence , He so transported growes , as he will checke Ioue in his Throne , till Pride has broke his necke , Whereas so vertuous were precedent times , As they were free not only from the crimes To which this age's exposed , but did liue As men which scorn'd Ambition . Dymn . Now I diue Into thy meaning Technis ; thou do'st grieue That those who once endeer'd thee , now should leave Thy fellowship . Tech. Nay Dymnus I protest I neuer credited what they profest ; For should I grieue to see a surly Lout , Who for obseruance casts his eye about ; In nothing meriting , saue only He Is rich in acres , to disvalue me ? Dory . No Technis no , th' art of a higher spirit Than these inferiour Gnats , whose only merit Consists in what they haue , not what they are . Tech. No Dorycles , for these I little care , Nor euer did : though some there be that feede On such mens breath . Dymn . Good Technis now proceed . Tech. Hauing thus long continued , as I said , And by my long continuance Graduate made , I tooke more true delight in being there , Than euer since in Court or Country ayre . Sapph . Indeed minds freedome best contenteth men . Tech. And such a freedome I enjoyed then , As in those Beechie shades of Hesperie , I planted then my sole felicitie . So as howsere some of our rurall Swaines Prerogatiue aboue all others claimes , That they haue nought , want nought , nor care for ought , Because their minde vnfurnisht is of nought That may accomplish man : I could averre , ( Howsere I doubt these in opinion erre ) That in my breast was treasured more blesse , Then euer sensuall man could yet possesse . For my delights were princely , and not vaine , Where height of knowledge was my only ayme , Whose happy purchase might enrich me more , Then all this trash which worldly men adore . So as if Pan were not the same he is , He 'de wish himselfe but to enioy my blisse , Whose choice content afford me so great power , As I might vye with greatest Emperour . Coryd . It seemes thy state was happie ; Tech. So it was , And did my present state so farre surpasse , As th' high top'd Cedar cannot beare more show Aboue the lowest Mushrom that doth grow , Or more exceed in glory , than that time Outstripp'd this present happinesse of mine . For tell me Shepheards , what 's esteem'd 'mongst men The greatest ioy , which I enioy'd not then ! For is there comfort in retired life ? I did possesse a life exempt from strife , Free from litigious clamour , or report Sprung from commencement of a tedious Court. Is contemplation sweete , or conference , Or ripe conceits ? why there 's an influence , Drawne from Minerua's braine , where euery wit Transcends conceit , and seemes to rauish it . Is it delightfull Shepheards to repose , And all-alone to reade of others woes ? Why there in Tragick Stories might we spend Whole houres in choice discourses to a friend . And reason of Occurrents to and fro , And why this thing or that did happen so . Might it content man , to allay the loade Of a distemperd minde to walke abroad , That he might moderate the thought of care By choice acquaintance , or by change of ayre ? What noble consorts might you quickly finde To share in sorrow with a troubled minde ? What cheerfull Groues , what silent murmuring springs , Delicious walkes , and ayrie warblings , Fresh flowrie Pastures , Gardens which might please The senses more then did th' Hesperides , Greene shadie Arbours , curled streames which flow , On whose pure Margins shadie Beeches grow , Myrtle-perfumed Plaines , on whose rer'd tops The merry Thrush and Black-bird nimbly hops And carols sings , so as the passers by Would deeme the Birds infus'd with poesie ? Sapp . Sure Technis this was earthly Paradise . Tech. Sapphus it was ; for what can Swaine deuise To tender all delight to eye or eare , Taste , Smell , or Touch which was not frequent there ? Besides ; Lin. What could be more , pray Technis say ? Tech. We had more ioyes to passe the time away . Dory . What might they be good Technis ? Tech. 'Las I know They 'r such as Shepheards cannot reach vnto . Dym . Yet let vs heare them . Tech. So I meane you shall , And they were such as we internall call . Cor. Infernall , Technis , what is meant by that ? Tech. Infernall , no ; thou speakst thou knowst not what : I meane internall gifts which farre surmount All these externall bounties in account : For by these blessings we shall euer finde Rich Treasures stored in a knowing minde , Whose glorious inside is a thousand fold More precious than her Case though cloath'd in gold And all Habilliments : for by this light Of Vnderstanding , we discerne what s right From crooked error , and are truly said To vnderstand by this , why we were made . Sapp . Why , we nere thought of this . Lin. Nay , I may sweare I haue liu'd on this Downe , this twentie yeare , And that was my least care . Corid . Linus , I vow To feed our Sheepe , was all that we need doe I euer thought . Dory . So Coridon did I. Dymn . The cause of this , good Technis , now descrie . Tech. Heardsmen I will ; with purpose to relate , Lest my Discourse should be too intricate , In briefe , ( for length makes Memorie to faile ) The substance of your wishes in a Tale . Within that pitchie and Cymmerian clyme , Certaine Inhabitants dwelt on a time , Who long had in those shadie Mountaines won , Yet neuer saw a glimpse of Sunne or Moon . Yet see what custome is , though they were pent From fight of Sunne or Moone they were content , Sporting themselues in vaults and arched caues , Not so like dwelling Houses , as like graues . Nor were these men seene ere so farre to roame At any time as halfe a mile from home ; For if they had , as th' Historie doth say , They had beene sure right soone to lose their way : For darke and mistie were those drerie caues Where they repos'd , so that the wretchedst slaues Could not exposed be to more restraint , Than these poore snakes in th' ragged Mountaines pent ; And thus they liu'd . Lin. But never lou'd . Tech. To tell Their loues I will not : but it thus befell , That a great Prince , who to encrease his fame Had conquer'd many Countries , thither came . Sapp . For what good Technis ? Tech. Only to suruey it . Corid . Why sure he had some Torch-light to display it , For th' Coast you say was darke . Tech. And so it was ; But yet attend me how it came to passe : By meanes he vs'd , hauing this coast suruei'd , With all perswasiue reasons he assaid , Partly by faire meanes to induce them to it , Sometimes by threats , when he was forc't vnto it , That they would leaue that forlorne place , and giue Way to perswasion , and resolue to liue Neere some more cheerefull Border , which in time They gaue consent to , and forsooke their Clime . But see the strength of Habit , when they came To see the light they hid themselues for shame , Their eyes grew dazled , and they did not know , Where to retire or to what place to goe : Yet was the Region pleasant , full of groues , Where th' airy Quiristers expresse their loues One to another and with Melodie Cheer'd and refresh'd Siluanus Emperie . The warbling Goldfinch on the dangling spray , Sent out harmonious Musicke euery day ; The prettie speckled Violet on the Banke With Pinke and Rose-bud placed in their ranke ; Where chafed Violets did so fresh appeare , As they foretold the Spring-time now drew neare ; Whose borders were with various colours dy'd , And Prim-rose bankes with odours beautifi'd ; Where Cornell trees were planted in great store , Whose checkerd berries beautifi'd the shore . Besides , such gorgeous buildings as no eye Could take a view of fuller Maiestie ; Whose curious pillers made of Porphyrite Smooth to the touch , and specious to the sight , Sent from their hollow Cell a crispling breath , Arched aboue and vaulted vnderneath . Yet could not all these choyce varieties ( Which might haue giuen content to choicer eyes ) Satisfie these Cimmerians , for their ayme Was to returne vnto their Caues againe , And so they did : for when the Prince perceiu'd How hard it was from error to be reau'd , Where ignorance discerns not what is good , Because it is not rightly vnderstood ; Hee sent them home againe , where they remain'd From comfort of Societie restrain'd . Dym . Apply this Tale , my Technis ; Tech. Heare me then . You may be well compar'd vnto these men , Who ignorant of knowledge , doe esteeme More of your Flocks , how they may fruitfull seeme , Then of that part , whereby you may be sed From sauage beasts to be distinguished . Dory . Technis you are too bitter ; Tech. Not a whit , Shepheards should tell a Shepheard what is fit : Though I confesse that Heardsmen merit praise , When they take care vpon the Flockes they graze . Yet to recount those Swaines of elder time , How some were rapt with Sciences diuine , Others adorn'd with Art of Poesie , Others to reason of Astrologie ; Swaines of this time might think 't a very shame , To be so bold as to retaine the name Of iolly Heardsmen , when they want the worth Of those braue Swaines which former times brought forth . Corid . Why , what could they ? Tech. Endorse their Names in trees , And write such amorous Poems as might please Their deerest loues . Dym . Why Technis what was this , Can we not please our loues more with a kisse ? Dory . Yes Dymnus , thou know'st that ; Dym . Perchance I doe , For Dymnus knowes no other way to wooe . But pray thee Technis let vs say no more , But hie thee now to where thou left before . Tech. I 'me easily entreated ; draw then neere , And as I lend a tongue , lend you an eare . Hauing long liued in Minerua's Groue , My life became an Embleme of pure loue . Dym . Of Loue my Technis , pray thee say to whom ! Tech. As thou mean'st Dymnus , I did fancie none : No ; my affection soared higher farre , Than on such toyes as now affected are : I deated not on Beautie , nor did take My aime at faire , but did obseruance make , How humane things be shar'd by diuine power , Where fickle faith scarce constant rests one houre ; How highest states were subiect'st to decline ; How nought on Earth but subiect vnto Time ; How vice though clad in purple was but vice ; How vertue clad in rags was still in price ; How Common-weales in peace should make for warre ; How Honour crownes such as deseruing are . Dory . And yet we see such as deserued most , What ere the cause be , are the oftest crost . Tech. I le not denie it ( Swaine ) and yet attend , For all their crosse occurrents , but their end , And thou shalt see the fawning Sycophant Die indisgrace , and leaue his Heire in want : While th' honest and deseruing Statesman giues Life to his Name and in his dying liues . This I obseru'd and many things beside , Whilst I in famous Athens did abide ; But 'lasse whilst I secure from thought of care , With choisest consorts did delight me there , Free from the tongue of rumor or of strife , I was to take me to another life . Lin. To what good Technis ? Tech. To haue Harpies clawes ; To take my fee and then neglect the cause . Sapp . A Lawier Technis ! Tech. So my father said , Who as he had commanded , I obey'd . But iudge now Shepheards , could I chuse to grieue , When I must leaue , what I was forc'd to leaue , Those sweet delightfull Arts , with which my youth Was first inform'd , and now attain'd such growth , As I did reape more happy comfort thence In one short houre than many Twelue-months since ? Corid . This was a hard command . Tech. Yet was it fit I should respect his loue imposed it . For ne're had Father showne vnto his sonne More tender loue than he to me had done : So as his will was still to me a law , Which I obserued more for loue than awe , For in that childe few seeds of grace appeare , Whom loue doth lesse induce than thought of feare . Hauing now tane my leaue of all the Muses , I made me fit as other Students vses , To waine my minde , and to withdraw my sight From all such studies gaue me once delight : And to inure me better to discerne Such rudiments as I desir'd to learne , I went to Iohn a Styles , and Iohn an Okes , And many other Law-baptized folkes , Whereby I set the practise of the Law At as light count as turning of a straw , For straight I found how Iohn a Styles did state it , But I was ouer Style ere I came at it ; For hauing thought ( so easie was the way ) That one might be a Lawyer the first day : I after found the further that I went , The further was I from my Element : Yet forasmuch as I esteem'd it vaine , To purchase law still from anothers braine , I stroue to get some law at any rate , At least so much as might concerne my state . Lin. I am more sorie for it . Tech. Linus why ? Lin. Because I feare me thou wilt haue an eye More to thy priuate profit , than deuise How to attone such quarrels as arise . Dym . Technis is none of those . Tech. No , credit me , Though I 'me resolued many such there be Who can dispence with fees on either part , Which I haue euer scorned with my heart ; For this shall be my practice , to assay Without a fee to doe you th' good I may . Corid . Technis enough . Tech. Hauing thus long applide The streame of Law , my aged father dide , Whose vertues to relate I shall not neede , For you all knew him ; Doric . So we did indeed : A Patron of all Iustice , doe him right . Sap. Nor was there Art wherein he had no fight . Dym . Yet was he humble ; Lin. And in that more blest . Corid . He liues though seeming dead ; Tech. So let him rest . Hauing lost him whose life supported me , You may imagine Shepheards , what might be My hard succeeding fate : downe must I goe To know if this report were true or no. Which I did finde too true , for he was dead , And had enioyn'd me Guardians in his stead To sway my vntraind youth . Dym . And what were they ? Tech. Such men as I had reason to obey : For their aduice was euer for my good , If my greene yeeres so much had vnderstood : But I puft vp with thought of my demaines , Gaue way to Folly , and did slacke my raines Of long restraint ; Dory . 'Las Technis , then I see What in the end was like to fall on thee . Tech. O Dorycles if thou hadst knowne my state , Thou wouldst haue pitied it ! Corid . Nay rather hate Thy youthfull riot . Tech. Thou speakes well vnto 't , For the Blacke Oxe had nere trod on my foot : I had my former studies in despight , And in the vainest consorts tooke delight . Which much incens'd such as affection bare To my esteeme : but little did I care For the instruction of my graue Protectors Who neuer left me , but like wise directors Consulted how to rectifie my state , And some aduised this , and others that , For neuer any could more faithfull be In sincere trust , than they were vnto me . At last , one to compose and end the strife , Thought it the fitt'st that I should take a wife . Corid . Yea , now it workes . Lin. Stay till he come vnto 't ; Sap. And then I know he will goe roundly to 't . Tech. Nay iest not on me , but awhile forbeare , And you the issue of my loue shall heare . Hauing at last concluded , as I said , With ioynt consent I should be married , One 'mongst the rest did freely vndertake This priuaete motion to my selfe to make ; Which I gaue eare to : wishing too that he Would me informe where this my Wife should be , Dym . As it was fit . Cor. Who was it thou shouldst ha ? Tech. He tell thee Boy , 't was Amarillida . Cor. Lycas faire daughter ! Tech. Yes , the very same . Dory . She was a wench indeed of worthie fame ; Tech. As ere fed Lambkins on this flowrie Downe ▪ Whom many sought and sude to make their owne , But she affected so a virgin life , As she did scorne to be Amyntas wife . Dym . Is 't possible ? Tech. Yes Dymnus I doe know Some tokens of affection twixt them two , Which if thou heard , right soone wouldst thou confesse , More vnfaind loue no Heardsman could expresse : But to omit the rest , I meane to show The time and tide when I began to woo . Vpon that * * 〈◊〉 Valen● day ; 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 to ●●fe their ●tes , with ●om ●y re●e and 〈◊〉 take in ●tuall ●es . Day ( sad day and heauy fate ) When euery Bird is said to chuse her mate , Did I repaire vnto that fairest faire , That euer lou'd , or liu'd , or breath'd on aire . And her I woo'd , but she was so demure , So modest bashfull , and so maiden pure , As at the first , nor at the second time She would no eare to sound of loue incline . Cor. But this ( I 'm sure ) would be no meanes to draw Thy loues assault from Amarillida . Tech. No Coridon , for then I should not seeme Worthy so rare a Nymph as she had beene . But I did finde that female foes would yeeld , Though their relentlesse breasts at first were steeld ▪ Continuall drops will pierce the hardest stone . Sap. Did Technis finde her such a stony one ? Tech. Sappho I did : yet though she oft had vowd A vestall life , and had my suit withstood , I found her of a better minde next day , For she had throwne her vestall weed away . Lin. Thrice happy Shepheard ! Tech. Linus , say not so ; If it be happinesse to end in woe , Thou mightst enstyle me happy ; Dory . Was not she Fully resolued now to marry thee ? Tech. Yes Dorycles : but when she had consented , Heare by what strange mischance I was preuented ▪ Vpon a time a Summering there was , Where euery liuely Lad tooke in his Lasse To dance his Measure , and amongst the rest I tooke me one as frolike as the best . Dym . What was she man ? Tech. A Matron full of zeale , But pardon me , I must her name conceale . Lin. It was Alburna I durst pawne my life . Tech. I must confesse it was the Parsons wife , A lusty Trolops I may say to you , And one could foot it giue the wench her due . Lin. Yea marry Sir , there was a Lasse indeed Knew how she should about a Maypole tread . Tech. And I may say , if Linus had beene there , He would haue said , we euenly matched were : For I may say at that day there was none At any actiue game could put me downe . And for a dance ; Sap. As light as any fether , For thou didst winne the Legge three yeeres together . Tech. And many said that it great pittie was That such a Parson had not such a Lasse : So as indeed all did conclude and say , That we deseru'd the Pricke and prize that day . But hauing now our May-games wholly plaid , Danc'd till we wearie were , and Piper paid : Each tooke his wench he danc'd with on the Downe , Meaning to giue her curt'sie of the Towne . Sim. What curt'sie Technis ? Tech. As our Shepheards vse , Which they in modestie cannot refuse : And this we did , and thus we parted then , Men from their women , women from their men . Dory . But didst nere after with Alburna meet ? Tech. Yes , on a time I met her in the street , Who after kinde salutes inuited me Vnto her house , which in ciuilitie I could not well deny ; Dym . True Technis true . Tech. And she receiu'd me , giue the wench her due , With such a free and gracefull entertaine , As did exceed th' expectance of a Swaine . Dory . She had some reason for 't ; Tech. None I may sweare , Saue that she ioyed much to see me there . Dory . Yet did ; Tech. Did eat , did drinke , and merry make , For no delight saue these did Technis take . For I may say to you if so I had , My lucke to Horse-flesh had not beene so bad , As by some yeeres experience I haue found ; So as of your suspicion there 's no ground : But if I had , no fate could be more hard Than that which I sustained afterward . Corid . Relate it Technis . Tech. To my griefe I will , Hauing done this without least thought of ill , This ( as report doth new additions draw ) Came to the eare of Amarillida : Who iealous of my loue ( as women are ) Thought that Alburna had no little share In my affection , which I may protest Was nere as much as meant , much lesse exprest . Sap. Alas good Shepheard . Tech. So as from that day I found her fancy falling still away , For to what place soeuer I did come , She fain'd excuse to leaue me and the roome . Lin. Yet she nere fix'd her loue on any one . Tech. Yes Linus , else what cause had I to mone ? Some few moneths after did she take a Mate , I must confesse of infinite estate ; Yet in my minde ( nor doe I speake 't in spight ) He 's one can giue a woman small delight , For he 's a very Erwig . Lin. What is he ? Tech. Petreius sonne ; Lin. The map of miserie . Tech. Yet thou wouldst wonder how this dunghil worne When he encounters me , redarts a scorne On my contemned loue : Dym . All this doth show , That he resolues to triumph in thy woe , But how stands shee affected ? Tech. 'Las for griefe , Shee is so farre from yeelding me reliefe , As shee in publique meetings ha's assaid To glory in the trickes which shee hath plaid . Dory . O matchlesse insolence ! Tech. Yet shall my blasse In wanting her , be charactred in this ; " Hauing lost all that ere thy labour gain'd , " Be sure to keepe thy precious name vnstain'd . Corid . A good resolue . Tech. Yet must I neuer leaue While I doe liue , but I must liue to grieue : For I perswade me , there was neuer Swaine Was recompenc'd with more vniust disdaine , Dym . Indeed thou well mightst grieue . Dory . Yet shall 't appeare , I haue more cause , if you my Tale will heare : For nere was story mixed with more ruth , Or gronnded on more Arguments of truth . Corid . Let 's haue it Dorycles ; Dory . With all my heart , And plainly too ; griefe hates all words of 〈◊〉 .

The Argument . DOrycles loues Bellina ; Who esteemes As well of him , But proues not same she seemes .

The second Argument . DOrycles a youthfull Swaine , Seekes Bellina's loue to gaine : Who , so euen doth fancy strike , Tenders Dorycles the like . Yet obserue how women be Subiect to inconstancie ! Shee in absence of her loue , Her affection doth remoue , Planting it vpon a Swad , That no wit nor breeding had , Whom she honours ; but in time Dorycles seemes to diuine , Since her lone is stain'd with sin , She 'le ere long dishonour him ; For who once hath broke her vow , Will infringe't to others too . In the end he doth expresse His disdainfull Shepherdesse : Who , when she had iniured Him and his , and cancelled That same sacred secret oath , Firmely tendred by them both ; She a Willow-garland sends For to make her Swaine amends , Which he weares , and vowes till death He will weare that forlorne wreath . With protests of lesse delight In her Loue , than in her Spight .

THE SECOND EGLOGVE . Dorycles tale . COme Shepherds come , and heare the wofulst Swaine That euer liu'd , or lou'd on western plaine : Whose heauy fate all others doth surpasse That ere you heard ; Dym . Say Heardsman what it was . Dory . I must and will , though Dymnus I confesse , I 'm very loth my folly to expresse , Whose madding passion though it merit blame , I will display't . Tech. To 't then : away with shame . Dory . I lou'd a bonny Lasse as ere lou'd man , For she a middle had that you might span , A mouing eye , a nimble mincing foot , And mannerly she was , for she could lout : And her I lou'd , and me she held as deare . Corid . But Dorycles where liu'd she ? Dory . Very neare : Knowst thou not Polychrestus ? Corid . Who , the Swaine That with his sheepe doth couer all our Plaine ? Dory . It seemes thou knowst him Coridon ; Corid . I doe : And seuen yeeres since I knew his Daughter too . Dory . Who , faire Bellina ? Corid . Yes , the very same . Dory . And her I lou'd , nor need I thinke 't a shame . For what might moue affection or imply Content of loue to any Shepheards eye , Which she enioy'd not ? For if choyce discourse ( As what more mouing than the tongue ) had force To infuse loue , there was no Heardsman neare her Who was not rauish'd if he chanc'd to heare her ; And for a beauty mix'd with white and red . Corid . I know 't was rare , good Dorycles proceed . Dory . When I was young , as yet I am not old , I doted more than now a hundred fold : For there was not a May-game that could show it All here about , but I repaird vnto it , Yet knew not what loue meant , but was content To spend the time in harmlesse merriment . But at the last , I plaid so long with fire , I cing'd my wings with heat of loues desire . And to display my folly how it was Without digression , thus it came to passe . Downe by you Vale a Myrtle groue there is , ( Oh that I nere had seene it , I may wish ) Where Pan the Shepheards God to whom we pray , Solemniz'd had his wonted holiday : Whereto resorted many noble Swaines , Who flourish yet vpon our neighbour Plaines ; Mongst which Bellina with a youthfull sort Of amorous Nimphs , came to surney our sport . Which I obseruing ( see the fault of youth ) Transported with vain-glory , thought in truth Shee came a purpose for a sight of me , Which I with smiles requited louingly : But howsoere , I know Bellina ey'de My person more than all the Swaines beside . When night was come , vnwelcome vnto some , And each was now to hasten towards home , I'mongst the rest of Laddes , did homeward passe , And all this time I knew not what Loue was . To supper went I and fell to my fare , As if of loue I had but little care , And after supper went to fire to chat Of sundry old-wiues tales , as this and that ; Yet all this while loue had no power of me , Nor no command that euer I could see . Hauing thus spent in tales an houre or two , Each to his rest ( as he thought best ) did goe , But now when I should take me to my rest , That troubled me which I did thinke of least . Tech. Trouble thee Swaine ! Dory . Yes Technis ; and the more , Because I neuer felt such pangs before . This way and that way did I tosse and turne , And freeze and frie , and shake for cold and burne , So as I wisht a hundred times , that day Would now approach my passion to allay . Yet still , ( so weake was my distemper'd braine ) I thought Bellina put me to that paine , Yet knew no cause why shee should vse me so , Yet thought to aske her if 't were shee or no : So as next day , I purpos'd to repaire To see if shee could yeeld a cure to care . But she ( poore wench ) was split on fancies shelfe , All full of care , yet could not cure her selfe ; So as in briefe we either did impart , The secret passions of a wounded heart , Shot by loues shaft , for so 't appear'd to be , Which found , we vow'd a present remedie ; Yet to our friends both shee and I did feane , As if we neuer had acquainted beene . Dym . A prety sleight ; Dory . Though many times and oft , Plaid we at Barlybreake in Clytus croft . And thus our loues continued one halfe yeere Without suspition , till one neighboring neere , An equall friend vnto vs both , did make A motion of our Mariage . Tech. Did it take ? Dory . Yes Technis yes , so as first day I went , My friends , to shew that they were well content , Wish'd that all good successe might vsher mee . Lin. One should haue throwne an old shoo after thee , Dory . Nay Linus that was done : and now to hie Vnto my Tale , on went my dogge and I , Poore loaue-eard Curre . Sapp . Why Dorycles , hadst none To second thee ? Dory . Too many ( Swaine ) by one : For trowst thou Lad , when I my suit should make Vnto her friends , my dogge he let a scape . Sapp . Ill nurtur'd stitchell . Dory . Now yee may suppose Bellina tooke the Pepper in the nose , That to her friends when I should breake my minde , The carrian Cur should at that time breake winde . So as for halfe an houre I there did show Like to a senslesse Picture made of dough : Nor was my dogge lesse 'sham'd , but runs away With taile betwixt his legs with speed he may . At last my spirits I did call together , Showing her friends the cause why I came thither , Who did accept my motion ; for that day I was esteem'd a proper Swaine I say , And one well left . Cor. We know it Dorycles , Both for thy wealth and person thou mightst please . Lin. For good mug-sheepe and cattell , I le be sworne None could come neare thee both for haire and horne . Dory . Yee ouer-value me , but sure I am I had sufficient for an honest man : Hauing thus free accesse to her I lou'd , Who my affection long before had prou'd Though she seemd nice , as women often vse , When what they loue they seemingly refuse . Not to insist ought longer on the matter , They deemd me worthy , if they did not flatter , Of her I su'd ; So as without more stay , Appointed was this solemne Nuptiall day . Sapp . Happy appointment , Dory . Sapphus say not so , It rather was the subiect of my woe , For hauing heard reported for a truth She formerly had lou'd a dapper youth , With whom she purpos'd euen in friends despight , To make a priuate scape one winter night ; I for a while thought to surcease my suit , Till I heard further of this iealous bruit . Tech. Why didst thou so ? Bellina had consented To loue that youth , before you were acquainted . Dory . Technis 't is true ; But seme there were auer'd , Though I 'm resolu'd they in opinion err'd , That these two were affide one to the other . Sapp . What hindred then the match ? Dory . Bellinas mother : Who tender of th' aduancement of her childe , And well perceiuing Crispus to be wilde , ( For so the youth was named ) did withdraw Bellina from him by imperious awe : Which done , and he preuented of her daughter , His Countrey left , he neuer sought her after . Tech. I knew that Crispus . Dory . Then you knew a Lad Of seeming presence , but he little had , And that was cause he grew i● disesteeme . Sap. Alas that want of meanes should make vs meane . Dory . So did it fare with him ; for 〈◊〉 his praise ( Though with his tongue he wrong'd me many waies , But tongues inur'd to tales are nere beleeu'd ) He had from Nature choicest gifts receau'd , Which might haue mou'd loue in a worthy creature , If that his life had beene vnto his feature . But promising out-sides like the Panthers skin , Though faire without , are oft times foule within ; But heauens , I hope , to mercy will receiue him , His wrongs to me are buried ; so I leaue him . Corid . But admit Shepheard they had beene affide , Shee might reuolt , it cannot be denide . Dory . I grant she might ; and I confesse there be Some that haue done 't are greater farre than we : But goodnesse is the marke , not height of state That meaner men by right should imitate . I might produce store of examples here , But lest I should be tedious , I forbeare , What tragick Scenes from breach of faith are bred , How it hath caus'd much guiltlesse bloud be shed . This caus'd me for a time to hold my hand , To see how all this businesse would stand , And that I might my fancie better waine From her I lou'd , to Troynouant I came . Where I imploi'd my selfe no little time About occasions for a friend of mine : For I did thinke to be from place remou'd , Would make me soone forget the wench I lou'd . Sap. I rather thinke it would thy loue renew ; Dory . Sapphus it did ; and farre more rigour shew : " For true it is , when louers goe to wooe , " Each mile's as long as ten , each houre as two . " Whence each true louer by experience prones " Man is not where he liues , but where he loues . For what delight , as all delights were there , Could my enthralled minde refresh or cheere , Wanting my Loue , whose only sight could show More true content than all the world could doe ? Yet stay'd I still , expecting I should heare , How in my absence , she herselfe did beare , And whether those same rumours which I heard , Were true or false , as I found afterward . Lin. How went they Dorycles ? Dor. Howso'ere they went I found Bellina meerely innocent ; Whence I inferr'd , that many times we wrong them , By causelesse laying false aspersions on them : For I perceiu'd she had beene woo'd by many , But neuer yet affianc'd vnto any . Coryd . Thrice happie Dorycles ! Dor. Happie indeed , Till worse euents did afterwaards succeed . Coryd . What fate ? Dor. Farre worse than ere on Shepheard leight . Tech. Expresse it Heardsman ; Dor. So I purpose streight . Hauing thus heard all rumours to be vaine , I streight resolu'd to returne backe againe Into my Countrey : where I found my wench The same I left her when I came from thence ; So as in briefe , so happie was my state , I meant my marriage rites to consummate . Which that they might be done more solemnly , All our young Shepheards in a company , Address'd themselues to grace that day ; beside The choicest Damsels to attend the Bride , For to preuent occasion of delay , Set downe on both sides was the Mariage day . Tech. Me thinkes this cannot chuse but happen well ; Dory . Stay Technis heare , what afterwards befell● The Euen before that I should maried be , One came in all haste and acquainted me How Cacus that vnciuill lossell , would Carry the best Ram that I had to fold , Wherewith incens'd withouten further stay , Going to th' sold I met him in the way : Who of my Ram not onely me denide , But vs'd me in disgracefull sort beside , Which I distasting , without more adoe Reach'd my vnnurtur'd Cacus such a blow , As he in heat of passion aymd his Crooke Iust at my head to wound me with the stroake : Which I rewarded , so as by our men Without more hurt we both were parted then . But scarce had Phoebus lodged in the West , Till He , whose fury would not let him rest , Sent me a challenge stuffed with disgrace , Length of his Weapon , Second , and the Place . Dym . Then we must haue a field fought . Dory . Without stay ; I met him though it was my mariage day , Though not on equall termes . Tech. More fit't had bin T'encounter'd with Bellina than with him . Sapp . I would haue thought so Technis ; Lin. So would hee , If he had beene resolu'd as he should be . Dor. Shephcards 't is true ; but now it is too late , For to exclaime against relentlesse fate , Whose aduerse hand prouented that delight , Which louers reape in a blest nuptiall night . Cor. Thou migh●st with ●reait haue deferr'd it , Swaine ; Dor. I know it , Corydon : but 't was my aime To right my reputation , which did stand Engag'd , vnlesse I met him out a hand , Which I perform'd , and with my Second too , To beare me witnesse what I meant to doe . Dym . And he perform'd the like ; Dor. He vow'd he would , And so indeed by Law of armes he should , But I perceiu'd his recreant spirit such , To sight on equall termes he thought too much : Neere to Soranus caue there stands a groue , Which Poets faine was consecrate to Loue , Though then it seem'd to be transform'd by fate , From th' groue of Loue , vnto the graue of Hate ; There we did meet : where he out of distrust , Fearing the cause he fought for was not iust , To second his iniurious act , did bring A rout of desperate rogues along with him , Who lurking , kept together till we met , And so vpon aduantage me beset , As fight or fall , there was no remedie , Such was the height of Cacus villanie . Tech. Who euer heard a more perfidious tricke ? Dor. T is true ; yet though my Second had been sicke , And much enfeebled in his former strength , We held them play , till haplesly at length , Through violence of fury , from himfell His lucklesse weapen . Dym . Oh I heare thee tell A heauy Seene ! Dor. Yes Dymnus hadst thou seene How our shed bloud purpled the flowrie greene , What crimson streamlins flow'd from either of vs , Thou wouldst haue pitied , though thounere did loue vs : For hauing fought so long as we had breath , Breathlesse we lay as Images of death , Bereft of sense or Motion . Sap. 'Las for woe , Any true Heardsman should be vsed so . Cor. What boundlesse sorrowes were ye plunged in ! Dor. T is true ; and worser farre had vsed bin , Had not Dametas that well natur'd Swaine , Repair'd that instant to our forlorne Plaine ; Who seeing vs , and in what state we were , In due compassion could not well forbeare From shedding teares , so soone as he had found Our red-bath'd Corpes fast glewed to the ground . Oft did he reare our Bodies , but in vaine , For breathlesse they fell to the Earth againe ; Oft did he rub our temples to restore That vitall heat , which was supprest before : But without hope of life , though life was there , As Men of Earth , did we on Earth appeare . At last assisted by a Swaine or two , ( See what the Prouidence of Heauen can doe ) We were conueyed to a Graunge hard by , Whereto were Surgeons sent immediatly , Whose learned skill dram'd from experience , Brought vs in time to haue a little sense Of our endanger'd state . Dym . But pray thee tell Whose hand exprest most art ? Dor. Graue Astrophel , Whose knowne experiments of Art haue showne More noble oures of late on this our Downe , Than all our Mountebankes could euer doe , For all these precious drugs they value so . Sap. Indeed I know He has much honour won For his admired Cures ; good Shepheard on . Dor. Hauing long languish'd betwixt life and death , Remou'd from thought of loue for want of breath , As men we liu'd expos ' to dangers Sconce . Lin. Would not Bellina see thee ? Dor. Nere but once . For hauing heard there was no way but one , And that in all mens iudgements I was gone , Shee straight resolues to finde a cure for care , That if I liu'd she might haue one to spare . Tech. Why , made shee choice of any but thy selfe ? Dor. Yes Technis yes , and of a dwarfish else , Whom she preferr'd , ( though he could little please ) Before her first loue , haplesse Doricles . Tech. Inconstant Swainlin . Dor. Hauing heard of this , You may conceaue how griefe augmented is : I straight depriu'd of hope , began to raue , And would not take what my Physician gaue , But scorning all preseriptions valued death Aboue alanguishing distastfull breath ; Till by perswasion and recourse of time Those braine-sicke passions and effects of mine Depressed were : so as vpon a day , The burden of my sorrowes to allay , And to expresse the nature of my wrong , I set my hand to pen , and made a Song . Dym . Good Dorycles let 's heare what it may be , It cannot but be good if 't come from thee . Dor. Shepheards you shall ; and if you thinke it fit , I lou'd her once , shall be the Tune of it . Tech. No Tune more proper ; to it louely Swaine . Dor. Attend then Shepherds to my dolefull straine . THe fairest faire that euer breath'd ayre , Feeding her Lambkins on this Plaine ; To whom though many did repaire , I was esteem'd her dearest Swaine . To me she vow'd , which vow she broke , That she would fancie me or none . But since she has her Swaine forsooke , I 'le take me to a truer one . Had she beene firme , as she was faire , Or but perform'd what she had vow'd , I might haue sung a fig for care , And safely swum in fancies flood ; But ô the staine of womanhood ! Who breakes with one , keepes touch with none ; Wherefore in hate to such a brood , I 'le take me to a truer one . Was 't not enough to breake her vow , And quit my loue with such disdaine , But scornfully deride me too , With scoffes to gratifie my paine ? But since my labours are in vaine , I le spend no more my time in mone , But will my former loue disclaime , And take me to a truer one . Who euer liu'd and shew'd more loue , Or lesse exprest what she did show ? Who seeming firme so false could proue , Or vow so much , and slight her vow ? But since I doe her nature know , I am right glad that she is gone ; For if I shoot in Cupids bow , I 'le take me to a truer one . More faith lesse faire nere spoke with tongue , Or could protest lesse what she thought ; Nere Shepheard suffer'd greater wrong , Or for lesse profit euer wrought ; But since my hopes are turn'd to nought , May neuer Heardsman make his mone To one whose mold's in weaknesse wrought , But take him to a truer one . Cor. May all poore Swaines be henceforth warn'd by thee ; But didst thou neuer since Bellina see ? Dor. Yes , and her louely spouse Archetus too , Who seeing me ( quoth he ) There doth he goe , Who on a time , as I enformed am , Would lose his Lasse before he lost his Ram ; Which I retorted , saying , I thought best , My butting Ram should be his worships crest , Whose broad-spread front lets did presage what fate Would in short time attend his forked pate . Sap. Thou hit him home my Dorycles ; but say , What said she to thee ? Dor. Bit lip , and away ; Though the next morne , my sorrow to renew , Shee sent a Willow wreath fast bound with Rew , Which I accepted , but that I might show I neuerrue her breach of promise now , The Rew that tyde my Wreath I threw aside , And with Hearts ease my Willow garland tyde . Lin. A good exchange . Dor. Now Shepheards you haeue heard My faithfull loue , and her vniust reward ; Did euer Swaine enioy the light of Sunne , That bare such iniuries as I haue done ? Tech. Indeed thy wounds were great ; Dym . Yet mine as wide . Dor. I mist my Loue , and lost my bloud beside . Dym . Suspend thy iudgement , and thine eare incline Vnto my Tale , and thou wilt yeeld to mine . Coryd Let 's haue it Dymnus ; Dym . Heardsman so thou shalt , Yet if I weepe , impute it to the fault Of my surcharged heart , which still appeares The best at case , when eyes are full'st of 〈◊〉