THE FIRST BOOKE of the loues Pastorall , of Daphnis and Chloe .

MITELENE among all the notable cities of Greece , is for the delicacie and strength of the same , not the least in bewtie and greatnes of all others to be commended . The scituation of which ( being in the Isle of Metelene ) hath enuironed rounde about it , a continuall springe of freshe , sweete and deyntie water , the issue whereof floweth from the Seas , and ouer the same are builded manie bewtifull and fine bridges , wrought and curiously polished of fayre white stone . The shewe and brauerie of all which , giueth so large and goodly demonstration vnto the eyes , as he that behelde the same at a sodaine , woulde rather iudge it , an Island of it selfe , then the meere scituation of one sole Citie .

Not farre from thence ( as is accustomed vnto the most riche and popular cities of Greece ) one of the worthiest and noble personages of the same , had in the countrie by , about two or three miles from the towne , a goodly Mannour house , pleasant for the seate , and holsome for the dwelling , wherevnto were adioyninge diuers fayre and welthie possessions , enlarged for commoditie , and exceeding for pleasure . as namely , large hie and goodly mountaines , where were nourished and bred sundrie sortes of wilde beastes , groundes all couered with vines , plaines , stored with all manner of fruits and graines , and with most fertile pastures , whereon to feede and nourishe their cattell , the chiefest whereof laye for the most part , alongest the waters side , which for that cause , rendred the place , something the more delectable Within these groundes , Lamon a poore goatheard , whilest warely he often continued to keepe his charge , founde by chaunce a young childe , the life of which was onely preserued by the sucke it receiued from one of his shee-goates , and nowe see the maner howe . There was about the place where he fedde his flocke , a certaine thicket all ouergrowne with brembles and thornes , and compassed about with furzes , vnder the couert whereof grewe a soft fine and delicate kind of grasse , the turfe thick , as in such shadie places is often accustomed , wheron laid this tender infant . Thither ordinarily ranne one of his shee-goates , the custome whereof made the heardsman oftentimes to misse her , and knewe not where she was become , for that leauing hir young kiddes vncherished , shee onely against nature gaue heede to the feeding and nourishment of this preetie babe .

Lamon piteing the selie young ones , that thus were abandoned by their Dam , began to marke and watche the goate whether she went , and one time amongst the rest in the heate of the daye , sued her trace so neere , that he sawe howe she past vnder the thicket and that with so tender & warie touch , as y● with her hoofs going in , she might no wayes hurte the babe : and there being entred in most louing sort , enclined her teates vnto the infant , who hungerly sucked the same , no otherwise , then if it had beene the brestes of a naturall mother . At the sight of this , the heardsman wonderfully abashed , drew yet at the last more neere , & serching further , founde it was a male childe , well growen for his age , of beautie marueilous , and farre more richly attired , than beseemed any wayes the infelicitie of his fortune , abandoned so miserablie as he was , and laid forth , to euerie common aduenture . The vesture wherin he was wrapped was a rich mantle of purple veluet , the compasse fastned about his necke with a brooch of gold , and by his side was layde a short fine sworde of most excellent workemanship all curiously guilt , on the hiltes and the handle thereof , of the most precious yuorie .

Lamon ( greedie at the first of the riche iewels he sawe ) resolued onely to beare them awaye , and to leaue the childe as hee founde it , to some other fortune , but hauing considered a while of that purpose , a bashfull shame quickely surprised his thoughtes , that beeing a man , ●…ee should bee lesse pitifull and humaine than the poore beast it selfe , that he thereto had with so great regarde attended and nourished it . In so much , that when night came on , hee tooke both childe and other attire about it , and caried them home vnto his wife , whose name was Myrtale , and therewithall the shee-goate that thither to hadde cherished and brought it vp .

Myrtale , astonnished at the vewe , demaunded if it were possible that goates in their selfe kinde , could produce young ones of so marueilous shape and proportion , but Lamon suppressing in her the simplicitie of that conceit , reuealed both the manner howe he found the babe , and in what sort , and with howe great delicacie , hee sawe the beast enclining vnto it , and therewithall forgate not to prescribe vnto her and him a greater cause of humanitie , considering that a bestiall nature , deuoyde of reasonable liuing , had by the gentle condition thereof , taught them so readie a waye vnto the same . Myrtale , ( whose humors sauoured in nothing of a crab tree stock ) did not at all discommend her husbandes regarde herein , but ioyning in one moode of mannerly enterteinement togethers , as housewifely as shee could , ( hauing neuer had any of her owne ) shee lulled the babie , and locking vp the ornamentes and iewels in a fast barred cheste , they both thencefoorth endeuoured to foster it vp , in no other sort , nor by any other kinde of deliuerance then as their owne . And to the intent it might as well in name as otherwyse , resemble the place of education , where it was bred , they called it by the name of Daphnis .

Two yeares were not fullye past and expired , ere one Dryas a sheepeheard keeping his sheepe in great quantitye vppon the plaines and downes thereabouts , happened after this also vppon the like , or verie selfe same aduenture . There was indifferent almost between either of those places , a certaine great caue , standing in a rocke , sacred sometimes to the Nimphes , and therefore called by the name of the Nimphes Caue , somethinge crooked within , but altogether round without . In the inward part wherof were diuers statues of Goddesses & other Nimphes , wrought finely out of stone , the feete vnshod , the armes all naked , & th' atire buckled on the shoulders , their haires cast onely vpon their necks , without tressing at all , girded they were vpon their loynes , their lookes sweetly smiling , and their countenaunces such , as seemed with interchaungeable fauour in delicate sorte to greete eache other .

Right vnder the hollowe rising of this caue , sprang in the middest of the bottom a sweet fountaine , which raising it selfe , with a softe bubling , gathered into a pleasaunt springe , wherewith the fresh and fruitfull greues round about the same , were continually watered . Ouer the mouth of the caue , where the ouerflowinge waues with Cristall humor , had wrought from the earth , sondrie kindes of flowers and hearbs of delicate vewe , hong diuers flutes , Pipes , and Flagiolots , made of reedes , which the auncient shepheards had often tofore-time sacred vnto the Nimphes for their greatest offrings .

To this caue , a sheepe from out of Dryas flocke , that newly had yeaned her lamb , oftentimes in the day frequented , and that with such continuaunce , as the shephearde thinking it manie times to bee lost , endeuoured at the last , to make some deuice whereby to constraine it to feede in companie , without wandring any more as it was accustomed . And going to the Caue to seeke the sheep , with an Osier twig wreathed in his hande , wherewith to fasten the necke and foote thereof togethers , a sight more straunge then looked for , presented it selfe vnto him . For the Ewe ( framed as it seemed by nature , to the pitying of distressed creatures ) hauing there found a sweete babe , did in most soft and gentle maner , visite it many times with her teats , and that with so meek and tender handling as if it had bin the proper Nurce . The childe vnused to any difference , esteemed it as a naturall diet , and without crying or other distemperature at all , first on the one side , and after on the other , as the Ewe turned her selfe , with the prettie mouth ( which was sweete and pleasaunt to behold ) sucked the same . The Sheepe seeming therevnto to haue borne a most straunge and peculiar affection , which one while with the licking of her tongue on the visage , and another while with softe and deyntie coying it with her head , it exceedingly did manifest .

Dryas , though he were clubbishe in condition , yet not herein estraunged from that pietie , which the gentle beast had thus alreadie portraied vnto him thought himselfe also in nature bounde to tender the infant , and perceiuing it was a girle ; and there withall what ornaments ( testimonies that the place whence it came was of no meane reputation ) were also annexed vnto it , hauing on the head a coyfe curiously wrought and imbroidred with golde , iewels and other precious things , not to be despized : he adiudged the chaunce thereof not to haue happened vnto him , without some diuine preparation : Wherefore taking it vp in his armes , he gladly receiued the charge thereof , and making his prayers to the Nimphes , that with good successe he might afterward bring her vp , whom as an humble Suppliant , left ( as it seemed ) to their patronage ) he had found laid at their feet , he departed .

Nowe when night came , that he was to driue his sheepe home to their folde , hauing secretly in the meane time conueied all the iewels and ornaments into his bouget , assoone as he was returned to his house , he began to recompt vnto his wife al that he had seene , and shewed her also what hee had founde : Nape was the Sheperdesse called , to whose especial care her husband with many words recommended the regard of the distressed infant , commanding her thence forward to repute it as her own natural daughter , & in such sort only to nourish and prouide for it . The woman was not stony harted , but according to her shepheards guise began to imbrace and entertain the girle , deeming already that she became a mother vnto it , by meere affection , her conceit grew tender ouer it , and with such feruent loue , and continuall watching did she endeuour to foster it , as that she feared lest the sheepe that whilome sucked the swatheled unpe , should in the beastly regard it shewed be preferred before her . And for that her care stretched that the girle in farther springing yeres might the sooner be taken and reputed for hers , she gaue it thence-fro a name Pastorall , and called her Chloe .

These two children in processe of time grew to be great , and shewed well by theyr beautie and other complements , that their parentage was not meane , nor their descent deriued from out of old thatched cotages . And about the time that the elder of them , was come to the age of fifteene yeares , and the yonger about two yeares lesse : Lamon and Dryas at one very instant , and in the selfe-same night interchangeably ( as it fell out ) dreamed in this sort togithers . It seemed vnto them both , that the Nymphs , whose statues and images were in the caue ( where you heard before the fountaine was , and where Dryas ( as is reported ) had found his daughter ) took Daphnis & Chloe , and them both iointly deliuered to the guidance and protection of a verye yoong boy , gentle in all kinde of behauiours , but of beautie most wonderful , frustrate was his body of garments , his shape curious , his skinne pure as alablaster , his shoulders feathred as wings , his left hand supported with a slender bowe , a small quiuer at his backe , and a fine arrowe in his right hand . Who touching them both with one and the fame dart , gaue charge vnto Daphnis thence-forward to feed his goats on the pastures , and to the other immediatlie to keepe flockes of sheepe .

The heardsmen both at once deepely conceiuing of this vision , were sodenly quailed of al their former expectation , insomuch as the fruits of their carefull nurseries , seemed thus contrarie to that they hoped , and what their seuerall badges , might before that , respectiuely haue presaged , to be destined at one instant to the keeping of cattell togethers . For that the markes of theyr birth , had offered vnto their former notice , so manifest intendments of farre greater fortune , in full pursute whereof , their carefull endeuors had thitherto sought to conduct them , and that in farre more delicate and daintie maner , than beseemed the children of heardsmen , as wel in an honored kinde of vsage to theyr persons , as in liberall training them vppe in letters , and other conuenient skill and demeanours , whereof their yeares at that instant were nothyng ignorant , and that so farre foorth as the largesse of their country dwelling , coulde anye waies affoorde vnto them . Neuerthelesse , forsomuch as the iniunction appeared to be deriued altogither from the pleasure of the gods , they determined in their obedience , rather to giue place vnto theyr commaundes , whose prouidence had saued them both from their former perilles , than to yeelde vnto their owne proper fancies , whose greatest respect of care they were sure coulde least of all auaile them .

Not long after , these two neighbor-dwellers found meanes to conferre at full , touching both their visions , and by one wine consent , they first agreed to go vnto the caue of the nymphs , and there to offer sacrifices , for the better prosperitie and happy proceedings of their seuerall charges , which offering of theirs , they by one vowe togethers , deuoted to the faire yoong boy , vnto whose protection , by the same Nymphs , theyr nurceries had bene before committed , whome they called by the name of the winged god , for otherwise by anye more speciall title or particular effect they had not discerned hym . Which doone , they iointly inferring , whatsoeuer after care of the two youthfull and sweetest of all natures creatures , vppon him , both Lamon and Dryas recorded as a summe of all their expectation , these foure verses to remaine on the wall of the nymphes , as a perpetuall memoriall :

To thee thou winged God , what ere thou bee ( A god thou art ) we sheepheards fruits do bring Let Daphnis and his heards be deare to thee , And Chloes flocks eft cast this sacred spring .

Hauing herewith greatly satisfied their longing desires , and manifolde well-wishinges vnto their tender fosterlings , Lamon returned to hys Myrtale , and Dryas to Nape , and by assent of both their wiues , dispatched the next day with all kind of necessaries , the two darlings of the earth to their seuerall heards , sweet Daphnis to his goates , and faire Chloe to hir sheep , instructing them seuerally , in al things belonging to a heardsmans office . As how to driue their beasts to pasturing before the heat of the daie , and in the coole of the euening againe ho●…e to guide them : what times , & where to water them , when to bring them home at night , and how in the mornings likewise to driue them to the field . In what sort , and vpon what occasion to vse the Whistle-Pipe , and how at another time to call with their voice alone .

These Images of Beautie , mildly yeelding them selues to what herein to them inioyned , receaued as willinglie their charges , and with as deepe contenting pleasure , as though they therwith had receiued some great and notable signorie , Daphnis tendring his goates , and Chloe her sheepe , and that with so entier and more then common affection accustomablie vsed among sheapeheards , as well shewed , that hee for his part had some reason to induce him , and shee for her part could not omit it without seeming vnthankefull .

The season was then of the yeare , about the beginning of the spring , when the very delicacie of Floras selfe was growen to her most naturall prime , and she as Lady and queene of that iollie being , had by a meere earthly shew of most exquisite perfourmance , coloured her walkes and passages , with blossomes of sweetest verdure and die most perfect , for the more ample beautifiyng and enrichment of all her seemly creatures . Hearbs then began to be in their force , trees in their pride , fields in their brauerie , floures in their sweetenes , and the earth in her delicacie . The birds had felicitie to resound their variable notes to the woods , & to acquaint the hedge rowes with their warbling tunes , the lambes and tender kids skipped vpon the hillockes , the yong rammes hurtled on the bankes with their wreathed hornes , & had pleasure to pearch to the highest mountaines , the bees sweetlye murmured from vnder their hiues , and all that frequented the passures had vniuersall gladnes .

The marke of Loue himselfe , combined within the verie eie-liddes of these two excellent creatures , seing all things thus daintelie decked and trimmed vp , by so curious workemanshippe , kindled in their mindes the selfesame sparke and common desire of al naturall enforcements , whereby each of them became studious , according to their humaine nature and disposition to immitate by lik●… equalitie , what they then perceaued to be gras●…ed in all other tenderlinges . In so much as with the birds they sang , seing the kids leape , they daunced , and after the bees they gathered floures , with some part wherof they trimmed their bosomes , and of others made pret●…e small chapelets , the brauest of which they caried vnto the Nimphes , and therewith crowned their heades . Finally as it were vnited in one continued linke of 〈◊〉 , these seemely portraictures of well pleasing youth , louingly alwaies accompanied each other , and euermore on the 〈◊〉 fed their heardes together .

Manie times befell it , that when her sheepe were anye waies straied , Daphnis with great desire would speede him selfe before her to gather them in againe : And when the most hardie of hys yong kids , and ●…ender goa●…s had mounted to the top of some hie or steepe rocke , neatlye would likewise Chloe applie her selfe to make them drawe downe the same with eas●…e pace againe . O●…e while guided she both herds her selfe , whilest he vsed his pastime , and another while ordered he the flockes , whilest shee sported her selfe vnder the shadie toppes . Their exercises were in Sheapehearde games , and the pleasures they intertained , such as beseemed the nonage of their outgrowing childhood , for some part of their time , they spent in gathering bulrushes , wherewith Chloe would make pretie bird ▪ cages and therein put the grashoppers . Daphnis on the other side often times cut downe the reedes , and vnclosing their ●…oints , glewed them orderlie together againe with soft waxe , and of these found diuers pastimes wherewith to occupie them selues togethers . Their vsages were holie , as vnexperienced of euill , and such whose delicate imaginations , were neuer surprizd with the least taint at all of harmefull thinking . Enterchangeably did they ●…ch to other impart their milke , their wine , and what other vitailes , the simplicitie of their shewe , and countrie being could besides afford . To conclude , it might seeme a thing more ordinary , to see their flocks asunder scattred , than at any time to see Chloe from him , or Daphnis from her to be diuided . Now as they thus passed their time in such kind of daliance Loue , the grand Prince and Soueraigne of their vnmacheable bewties , had by this time prepared a secrete ambush wherewith to frame some notable breache , into the vndefensiue imaginations of these two innocent louers , and thus stoode the case . There was not farre from the place where these two gentle Shepheards kept their haunts a she-wolfe that newly hauing cast her whelps , accustomed there-vpon to run often-times into the flockes thereabouts , and there to raum the small cattell , to carrie to her yong ones : By occasion whereof the husband-men and sheapheards inhabiting the villages about , and seeing their cattell thus to bee destroyed , deuised in the night to make sundrie deepe pittes and trenches and them subtilye to couer againe with thin earth cast vppon small twigges whereby to make the place seeme plaine , so that whatsoeuer came running there-vppon , were it of the smalest waight that might bee reasonablie conceiued , the twigges would presentlie fall vnder them , and whelme them there-with into the pitte . A number of such like trappes both in the mountaines and plaines , were cast , wherewith to catch the subtill beast : but shee accustomed to those wiles , shunned the traine and them continuallie discouered , notwithstanding manie sheepe and goates were thereby destroyed , and Daphnis him selfe by that onely inconuenience was like to haue perished .

It happened that two of the fairest buckes of all his heard beeing vehemently chafed one against the other vpon a long fight together , rushed at the last so rudely vppon each other , that with the greatnes of the stroke , a horne of one of them was broken , whereof feeling great paine , the bucke thus disarmed of one of his hornes turne●… him-selfe to flight . The victor ( proude of the conquest wonne ) pursued notwithstanding , and haunted the pore beast both with strokes and pace so busilie , that he hardly gaue it so much leasure as to gather a litle breath . Daphnis grieued at the mishap , to see so faire a beast thus vnhappely spoiled , and vexed also in mind to behold the vnquenchable furie and ho●…e pursute of the other , which with the hurt done could not be satisfied , but with further cruelty , sought to oppresse him whom alredie he had maimed , tooke vp a cudgell in the one hand , and his whistle pipe in the other , and followed the pursuer , laying still at him as hee followed , in minde to beate him , The beast , shonning the strookes , and he more enraged to hit him , then circumspect howe or where he followed him , the buck for feare , and he for haste , tombled both together into one of those pics , the beast first , and Daphnis vpon him , the chaunce whereof ( as it fell out ) saued his life , for that the beast first susteined the hard stroke , & himselfe with lesse damage , fell the more easely vpon him . But Daphnis seeing himselfe thus pitifully distressed in so deepe a passage , could do no other but crie out , and with plentie of teares lament his hard hap , attending if happely some one or other comming that way , might chaunce to here him , and so proture meane to relieue him .

Chloe , whose eie was seldome estraunged from some ( more than ordinarie ) care of her regarded companion , albeit she was then a great way from Daphnis when he fell , perceiued yet his sodaine vanishment , & was not vnmistrustfull at all , of his present harme . And for that she was altogether ignorant what it might bee , and yet doubting the euill she knew not , because shee sawe him not againe , she hastned to the place where her sight had lost him , withal speede possible . There beholding the great depth of the pit , & seeing contrary to expectacion , that he was sound & aliue , she thence sped her pace quickly to a Coweherd that fed cattell hard by , requiring his present aide to helpe Daphnis forth of that grieuous place , who serching vp and down for a corde , and finding none of length sufficient : Chloe with great desire vntressed quickly her golden wirie lockes , and with the silkin twine that bound vp the same , eftsones dobled togethers in manie compasses , supplied what wanted to the former shortnesse , by fastning it to the cordes end that by the Cowherds meanes , they had there already prepared . And this done , ioyning both their aides together , they did so much Daphnis without great hurt , was goten forth again .

The louely shepehard thus raized vp from so depe a dongeon , & by the gentle trauaile of the Nimph freed of the great feare wherinto he was falne , casting many times his bashfull & deep pecring countenances towards her , could not for the present deuise with what kinde of speaches ( sufficient to so great a benefit ) to salute her . And much the rather was he nowe so mazed , for that at that instant more then at any time before , it seemed there harbored in her delicate spirits , a more stronger effcacie , then euer hee had ere then perceiued , in her lookes , were caried an especiall eye marke of he knewe not , what kynde of most sweete and pleasing delight , some onething more then common , rested as he thought in the precious content , of her well applied countenaunce , her speeche was not as the ordinarie sound of her accussomed deliuerance , her gestures ( amiable of themselues ) were fraught as now to his seeming , wyth a more estranged kinde of excellence . Neither knew he , whence the humor hereof proceeded , albeit he felt himselfe euen then deepely touched , but embracing wyth an vnacquainted desire , the conceit where-into hee was carried by the present obiect , he only framed some few speeches , in acknowledgement of this first conceiued benefit , which by the watchfull regard of Chloe he had already receiued . And turning hymselfe likewise to Dorcon - ( for so was the cow-heard called ) giuing a multitude of thankes vnto him for his trauell taken , his lookes and speech at one instant , were therewith both surprised togethers .

This being the first publike place wherein loue , either by looke or gesture had made way into the secret though is of these two Iouers to be discerned . Daphnis as yet ignorant of his passion , and holding himselfe highly pleased , but nothing lesse than satisfied in beholding of Chloe , reposed his chiefest content to gaze vppon hir , and the most pretious part of his delight in kissing hir , wherin , redoubling e●…t soones the pleasures , thereby conceiued a sweeter humor than that which the hony Bee by nature congealeth , or the Candy sugar in taste deliuereth , issued ( as hee thought ) from her lippes , hir lookes were as piercing arrows , and Cupid himselfe seemed to lodge in the very eie-browes of hir countenaunce . Roste , nay far more orient was the hew , that hir hastie pase and yet panting breathing to relieue him had setled vpon her cheekes , the delay mingled , where-vpon was the very die of the white and purest marble . Hir lockes dispersed on hir shoulders , in colour like the burnisht yellow of the finest gold , made hir to appeare as one of the nymphs , whom Iupiter erst fauored , or Apollo with a●…den flames whilom eagerly pursued . Pleasing , and more than pleasing was shee to be seene at that instant , and such as wherein not Daphnis alone , but the pore cow-heard Dorcon also more than ordinarily reioiced .

The simple cow-heard , vnacquainted before time , with such admirable features , and not accustomed to the contemplation of so diuine & far surpassing measures , esteemed one while of Chloe , that according to so rare and exceeding beautie , some what remained graffed in hir countenaunce that appeared more singular than was to be attributed to the common proportion of euerie other creature . Another while , considering the meanenesse of hir fortune , being but in common reckoning the daughter of Dryas hir selfe , but as a simple sheepeheardesse , m●…red only to the downes , he then deemed hir greatnes to be no more than as the reputation of euery other common dweller . And though his rurall condition had not till then made estimate of any thing , more than his countrie feeding , neyther in all his pleasures had ought exempted more peculiar than his cattel keeping : yet by the deep impression of hir sight the grand maister of al humane affections , had led him to an imagination of far more greater consequent , yea the blun●…nesse of his former conceit ( such as seldome falleth out in men of base and seruile reckoning ) began here-with to be molifted , his spirits grosly weighed before wyth an earthly nutriment waxed now more tender . His onely houshold care furnished till then with a couetous regard of profit and husband-like desire , by hardned labours , to see his cattell prosper , was turned into a newe kinde of obseruaunce : his morning walkes where with he wonted erst to visit his pastures , were conuerted into a heede full attendance of blisfull Chloe , and her most daintie passages . Now gan he to aduert the holidays , and to long for the plesant seasons , wherein heardsmen without checke or controlment doe celebrate their interchangeable pastimes ▪ him seemed the bois●…rous leather , and laborsome sweate , dried wyth the dusty season vpon his wrinckled eie-browes , disgraced at one instant both his person and countenaunce , he meerely wared weary of his habite , and grew into great mislike , that he were not presently here , otherwise he might be decked or changed . Much was it that he thoght in himselfe , where with he might afterward be better contented , and hir whom he loued ) by a like coniecture ) to be both the soner pleased and satisfied .

Thus and in such manner wrought the vnknowing conceipts of these two heardse-men eache vnto the other . Daphnis by reason of too much youth and small experience , neither capable of fraud , nor iniured to anie sleight or subtiltie , and leaste of all surmizing what hee coulde or woulde go about to doe , to winne vnto himselfe the effect of that where-vnto , though in trueth hee were so farre forth inclined , he was yet able of the same to frame no perfect end or distinguishment , not so much as mistrusted at al these sodaine alterations bred in the minde of hys newe acquaintance Dorcon , for that neither knewe hee his owne desire to be defined by any title or name of loue , or that any other might be a copart●…er , or become an impatient rivall of his so vehement a passion . But wading with all kinde of simplicitie into the furie of his affection , inclined to whatsoeuer in accompanieng his derely regarded Chloe , was by the subtilty of the cow heard afterward of him required .

Here-vpon Dorcon hauing taken leaue for the present , conceiued thence-forward in his minde , that the place of his intertainment , solicited vnto his remembrance , a respecte more curious in all his actions , than to-fore time accustomed , and forgat not in his holiday shirt , and cleane washed doublet vnbuttoned to the girdle , and there fastened to the waste of his hose wyth a newe greene silken point , importing thereby , that all his you 〈◊〉 was not yet fully spent , oftentimes to take occasion to visit these louers . And for that their purest conceits , harmelesse of euill , and neuer so muche as tainted with any similitude of guile , gaue both scope and courage , whereby wythout suspicion , this newe tricked cow-heard might be receiued into their companies . Hee the better nowe to insinuate him selfe into their fauours , one while indeuored to present them with his new made fresh cheeses , couered wyth a faire white napkin , and strowed ouer wyth the most sweete and delicate floures , therewithall woulde hee bring of his best and morning skimmed creame , spice-cakes , and other preatie conceits . To Daphnis besides gaue hee a yoong fatte calfe from the damme , and manye other faire tokens to Chloe , suche as eyther his countrie trauell hadde purchased , or wherewith hir sweete conceited spirits were any ways delighted .

This sudden alteration of Dorcon , both in habite and other demeanors therevnto according , not so much by any abilitie of coniecture , that thereby could solie arise in the opinion of Daphnis , as by the generall notice and common speech of all the other heardsmen , made euery where knowne , that hee was become a louer , and who but fa●…re Chloe was shee , to whome the man was so fa●…re deuoted in affection , insomuch as Daphnis also among the rest grewe nowe to be partaker thereof , the manner of which , neither place , time , or company , had taught him before to discerne . Yet knewe hee not for this , what was it to be mated wyth a companion of so vnus●…d ●…ollitie , neyther did hee for ought hee heard or sawe , emulate at all the cow-heardes proffered courtesie . This onelye marked hee , which all men else had specially noted , that sithence Dorcon first had framed his spirits to loue , hee became indeede farre more gay , pleasant , and trimmer attired , his tresses as woonted , lay not scattred or hard knurled vppon his head , but faire kembed and rounded fine vnder his eares , neatly shauen was he , as the brauest of the other sheepheards , and not on the holiday alone , but euery morning fasting pinned he ( laced in a silke riband ) on his but toned cappe , a faire and florishing nosegay , well gartered and str●…ked vp were his ho●…en with a crosse bound caddis ribon , his buckled shooes , seemed vnweldie and curiositie of the rest , made him at the least to bestow on him selfe a paire of calues leather pumpes for his wearing .

These onely being specially considered vppon of Daphnis , and there wythall how passing cunning hee had framed the notes of his old tuned pipe , where-upon he diuers times plaied sundrie country laies , in the hearing of Chloe , draue him at one time aboue the rest into a little melancholie , not for that he stoode ignorant howe much the Nymphe was vnto him aboue all others inclined , or that he mistrusted Dorcon , or enuied his pursute , but for the vehemencie of his passion being so feruent , as had already mastred and ouerwearied his imaginations , neither experience of manly knowledge , had yet so farre instructed him , as that he was able to determine the same vpon any certaine limits , nor any other insight directed him , in what sort the operation therof might with more facility be caried , both of which ( as he thought ) Dorcon by this liking of his body & brauery wherin he marched , had already atchieued : insomuch as seing one day the sweetest of his delights to haue taken vppon her the feeding of both their heards , he priuilie secluded him selfe for a while into the thickest of a prea●…ie pleasant groue adioyning , and reposing his youthfull limmes on the soft and tender grasse , nere vnto one of the nimph-like springs whereof the wood euerie where was most aboundant , the solemne tunes of a most sweete sounding flute ( wherein both priuate practize and the common vsage of the countrie , had made him excellent ) gaue musique to his mar●…yred thoughtes , whereupon his mollified spirits so pressed with the weights that which troubled him , enforced him in the barke of a fine Popler tree standing thereby to graue these fewe verses following .

What may I call the sweete whence springs my sweetest ioy , Or wherein rests that on such sweete depends so great annoy . How haps that where I touch the aire hath sweetest breath And in the selfe-same fume I find my cause of death Whence sues that where I liue where most delight I see In selfe-same mood my life consumes , & ●…oies confounded bee Whereon engendred is the heat that breeds the flame Sith tempered is with sweetest blasts the cause that mooues the same What phisicke may I finde what art to cure the sore , Which guided by the aide it seekes the wound makes still the more

This done , led on by the solitarines of the place , musique , and present fau●…ie , hee brake into these farther complaints . Sweete , ah sweete said he , what strange kinde of maladie hath insued vnto me , only in kissing my Chloe , my sweetest Chloe , whose lippes are more delicate then the softest roses , and her mouth and deintie breathing of far more sweetnes , than the finest wafers , yet is the impression of this softnes far more percing than the sting of a Bee . Often haue I kissed my tender kiodes , newlie as it were fallen from the dames , & that fine speckled calfe that Dorcon did giue me , yet felt I no damage , but this kisse is of far other efficacie and operation , by touch whereof , my pulse beateth , my hart trembleth , and my verie soule languisheth , all which notwithstanding , my suffizaunce of remedie resteth yet onely in kissing her . O cruell victorie , O straunge mischiefe whereof I neither know the name or am able to determine the qualitie . Is it possible , the lippes whereof the pressure is so delicate , and the closure so excellent , may be attainted with poison , or that within the medicinable compasse of so sweete a refreshing may be included a matter so monstrous as may breede infection . No , no , for then with the far piercing venim therof , had my death long ere this time beene acquired . What then may I tearme it whereof insueth so great a languishment ? See , see , the Nightingale howe melodiously shee chaunteth , and my Flute hath forgotten hir wonted musike . Behold how the yong kiddes skippe vpon euery hillocke , and I sitte heere laden with teares . The floures are nowe in their chiefest prime , and Dorcon alone maketh chapelets and nosegaies : the Uiolet and the Dasey haue couered the pastures with their beauties , and Daphnis languishing by his maladie withereth onelie in flames . Dorcon is in his gaietie , and shortely will become fairer than I. These , and such like shepeheards iamentations deliuered hee foorth , till wearied with the remembrance and search of that griefe , whereto he knewe neither remedy nor end , hee left the desolate groue , and with a counterfet excuse returned againe to his Chloe , who long ere this time had awaited his presence .

Now Dorcon , whose riper yeares had inabled his clownish sconce , both with larger skil , and greater experience , triumphing on the harmelesse simplicitie of either of these two louers , listed not to spend much time in the long and needelesse wooing ( as he thought ) of hir , whome though of her selfe he were repulsed , yet by imparting some part of that whereof hee had sufficient , to the couetousnesse of him that guided hir ) he presumed he might when he list purchase at all times of hir supposed father , fixing therfore his eies on his store of cattell and other coine , wherewith his laboring yeares were plentifully inough stored , hee onely wanted but time and meete occasion , to further his pretended conference , for which hee thence-forth attentiuely waited , Making therfore a sure reckoning of Dryas , whom antient neighborhood , and long acquaintance had linked vnto him in some particular knowledge , it fell out , that by a preatie occasion , his intendment grewe speedilye to bee effected . Dryas hadde a peece of ground adioynyng not farre from the dwelling of the cow-heerd , whereuppon , whilest hee was there busied , in planting an arbor , Dorcon made the often sutuiew thereof a meanes of his communication : and greeting him euery day , and his people with sundry necessaries wherewith to ease their far set prouision , as well of cheeses , bread , and other vittelles , he one day among the rest began to enter in purpose & renouation of their antient continuance their yeres both being alike , their keping of cattel togithers , and such like remembrances , wherewith men of common account are wont to commend their acquaintaunce . In continuall harping wherevpon , he lastly fell on termes of Chloe , and to discourse of hir marriage .

Much was it that the cow-herd , after his subtil clownish guise , inforced vnto Dryas , wherby the better to make him selfe seeme a man adapted to such a pursute , & the rather to incorage Dryas to make him his son in law , besids the much reputation of his welth euermore thrust forward , to giue vnto him also the greater and more euident demonstration , that he should not marry his daughter to a beggar or a pinch fist , hee tendred vnto him for his good wil , many faire and husband-like presents , rich for the state of a cow-heard as he was , wherof he praid him to make acceptance , & to giue his good will to the mariage . A yoke of fayre large oxen would he giue for the plough , 4 hiues of bees , fiftie foote square of the best part of his orchard , an ox hide large & thicke for lether , & euery yere besides a faire & principal hecfar . That Dryas was couetous Dorcon had good experience , and therfore intruded vppon him so manye faire offers : the delicacie and wealth wherof tickled indeede something exceedinglye the minde of the man , and had it not beene , that a certaine doubtfull feare ouer-tooke him , of some vnlooked for after-clappes , hee had peraduenture , by desire of that commoditie consented to the determined purpose .

But considering afterwardes better of the case , and esteeming by the likelihoods of those ornaments which with Chloe hee had had receiued , that hir descent was not so meane , as to respecte a place of so base a calling , nor a shape so far more than seemely , resting in hir excellent proportion , ought to be bestowed vppon a creature so far out fauour , and altogither seruile : hee vtterly abstained any further to harken to the sute of Dorcon , reckoning fully with himselfe , that if euer after it did happen , that she were recognized by hir parents , & that then it should be known , that for couetousnes of gaine , hee had in so bad and vile maner misprized hir , it could not but turne to his great detriment & irrecuperable vndoing , if at the least wise he might vpon the knowledge thereof be infranchized from death : Led therfore as he was , by the regard of these doubts , he therevppon praied Dorcon for very neighborhoodes sake , to pardon him , and excusing in other sort the matter , willed him from thence-forth that hee woulde sue no further vnto him .

This conceited fore-cast of Dryas , was nothing at al pleasing to Dorcon , who seeing himselfe now the second time , with so flat resolution put off , could almost ( what betweene loue and griefe of so many good gifts , that hee had in vaine bestowed ) haue become desperat . It vexed the poore soule to the hart , to see , that his mornings-milk cheeses , his fat calues , and bacon , were thus vnto the chuffe Dryas imparted , and all for nothing : he could haue whined out-right for sorrow , and his humors rumbled togither with so bad a medley , as made his senses wring foorth diuers tender passions from out his wrinckled countenance . But yet recomforted quickly ( as to such it often hapneth ) of these vncouth pangs , the suttle clown began by a new deuised fraud now to compas that which before he found so difficult , watching for this cause a conuenient time to find Chloe ( if it were possible alone ) & to this end , bethought himselfe , that vpon custome eche after others they vsed to driue their flockes at one certain time of the day togithers to drinke , the one of them daily , as it fel out after the other . Hereof Dorcon tooke heede , and onely expected the day when shee alone should driue them , which being come , the seelie cow-heard thinking to worke a great maisterie in the simplicitie of these soules , tooke vppon hym a deceit of maruellous finenesse ( resspecting , that it was wrought out of so hammer-head●…ed a trunke ) and the deuise was this . He took the skin of a great wolse which one of his bulles fighting by chaunce had killed with his hornes , and spread the same all ouer his backe , and that so ●…ly as the fore-feete thereof , fell iustly before him right euer his hands , and the hinder legges also couered his thighs downe vnto his heeles , the head , as a visard , lay all ouer his face , and thus disguised as hee was , by likelihoode in the full shape and proportion of a woolfe , hee drewe himselfe right vnto the fountaine , whither should come the flockes of Daphnis and Chloe to be watered . The spring was scituate in a valley verye intricate and crooked , and all the place rounde about for the most part enuironed with brembles , sharpe pricking furzes , and lowe declining ginipers , in sort , that if a woolfe in very deede he had beene , he might easily haue couched himselfe thereaboute to haue doone a spoile , Dorcon bussed himselfe in the thickest of these couerts , waiting the houre when Chloe should come , assuring himselfe , that by the fearfull shewe of his shape , hee coulde not choose but amaze hir , and in such amaze might easily seaze vppon hir , and do what he list vnto hir .

Not long had the woolfe-like cow-heard couched himselfe , but the shepheardesse ( as wonted ) came with hir dainty flocks , hauing left hir Daphnis behind , busied in cutting downe of the most tender twigs and boughs , for his goats to browze vpon , against they were returned to pasture , the dogges neuertheles , as accustomed gards vnto hir yonglings , at that instant accompanieng her . And as it is a thing vnto them naturall , to hunt vp and down , & range round about the field , so at the last it befell , that drawing neere vnto the bush where this disguised cow-heard lay couching , they perceiued him bussing , and deeming it some beast , began to baie apase : the fiercest of them herevpon began to snap at the woolfe , and the rest , hardned with this onset , set also vpon him . Dorcon was now in an extasie , and not daring to stand vpright , for feare and shame of the disguise by him without effect pretended , the dogges vnweeting of the fraud , tooke no more knowledge of him than whilom did the hounds of Acteon vpon their master , disguised as he was in the shape of a Hart , but harrieng fast vppon the cow-heard , one in one place , and an other in an other place , so rudely rushed vpon him , as tearing the woolfes skinne from his shoulders , they made him discouer him selfe at the last to be no more than the poore and simple cow-heard Dorcon .

By this time the maske grew vtterly to be marred , & the sharp percing teeth of those mercilesse dogs , pinched so neere his buttockes , as Dorcon was faine to start . Chloe fearefull of the euent , & dreading the furie of some wilde beast , skreched a maine , whereof Daphnis hauing regarde , sped himselfe in all hast to her reskue . But Dorcon contrarie to expectation , hauing susteined more penance than he required , and pestered with the continuall biting of the dogges , could no other waies releeue him selfe then in discouering what hee was , wherewith incite against his will , he cried vehemently to Daphnis . The simple youth suspecting as little fraude , as his innocent yeares ministred vnto him occasion of euill , wondering at the accident , and thinking that it had bene done onely but as a iest , wherewith to haue frayed them , approched the Coweherde , and both he and the Shephardesse rating the dogges , and drawing them thence with their common whistlepipe tooke poore Dorcon with much paine from out of the couert , whom scarce being able to stande for the many hurts in diuers parts about him receiued , hauing nothing wherewith to fende him selfe , they led betweene their armes to the fountaine , and washed his woundes , which done , they brought him by the hand vnto his waie , and recomforting his decaied spirites by all meanes possible left him at the last to the peculiar in sight , & consideration of his owne euils , vnknowing alas were these to hardie guiles and enterprizes of Loue , vnto those tender Impes , nor did they at all participate anye parte of the frawde to the same incident or belonging , whose charie regarde of well-doing , became the onely supporte of their meere simplicitie and good meaning .

Dorcon , now solitarily conceiuing of this so strange an alteration , had all his imaginations thenceforth vtterly benommed , for euer thereafter to continue a louer . And in this hurlie burlie , the vnaccustomed baying also of the dogges , had so farre scattered abroade the flockes and herdes , as both Daphnis him selfe and Chloe had much paine , til night to drawe them together againe , the one part whereof being climed to the hiest rockes and mountaine toppes that might be , and the other fearefully straggled in diuers partes downe towardes the sea coastes . And albeit , their ioynt herdes were otherwise so well ordred and taught by their guides , as that with the least clap of handes , whistle , or other sounde of voyce that might bee , they woulde drawe to their companies , yet nowe were they so farre frighted with this vncouth noyse , as that with all the trauell to them vsed , they could scarce be wholie brought together againe to accompanie . But night , that bringeth in conclusion euerie labour to eude , had at the last conducted also these heardes into their seuerall fo●●es . And werisomnes of the painefull trauel susteined , serued them as a medicine to bring into the thoughtes of these passionate derlings the accustomed rest , from whence a good while since they had beene bereued . Sleepe made them to forget their loues , and the feruencie of their passion swaied thereby a great deale lesse in the disturbance of those their mutuall affectes . But the bright shining day , which is the discouerer & common renewer of euerye crased fantasie , put her and him in minde againe , of their wonted misease . The ruddie raies brandishing the Easterne skies , reuealed a new the fresh & quick spreading flames of their late receued passions , the enteruewe of each breding on the first sight , a nouell grief , issuing interchauncheablie from him to her , and her to him , not for that they sawe eche other , in either of whom the contemplation was a mithridate to a pestered conceipted minde , but that the deep percing in sight therby sustened conceiued in each vew so wonderfull and straunge an effecte , as in conclusion conuerted the former physicke it receiued , to a most encreasing and almost irrecuperable maladie ,

Infinite were their desires ( for to couet , is to mankinde naturall ) but what it was they desired , or wherein consisted the determinate conclusion of the same , that by their simplicitie , could no waies be defined . If they coueted to see each other they saw , if to plaie togethers , they plaied , if to speake , they spake , if mutuallye to embrace , they imbraced , and heereof there was vnto them at all no kinde of controlment , At their libertie they enioyed what they listed , and hauing all that they would , they could not yet , conceiue therein the principall part , of that they most desired . Contentment reposed it selfe vppon their deepest disquiet , and from their greatest miscontentment sprang vppe againe their chiefest ease . Now was it in the decreasing time of the spring , and freshest Sommer perking in her gayest pryde , made waye to her entrance , the flowrishing growth of euerie liuing thing , wared prowde of their beeing . Nowe bloss●…nted were the fruites on trees , and Ceres in her tillage , and Pomona in her orchardes , brethed in the fresshest ayre their sweetest sauours , Titan hauing wound hym selfe in the Crabbe , drewe fast to the Lions cabbin , whereby the season growing hoote , it seemed the Riuers and grauellie springes , placed in most coole and temperate shades , inuited each youthfull gallant , to theyr sweete pleasing baynes : Whereunto Zephyrus gentlie busling thorowe the twigges of the loftie Pines his comfortable blastes , appeared by the pleasaunt murmure thereof to make a kynde of Musique , by meanes of which trilled sometymes downe before them the sweete smelling appels from the hyest braunches .

Phoebus sporting him selfe to glaunce through the thickest grooues vppon their naked shapes , made Daphnis ( enflamed both by an inwarde loue and heate of the present season ) to visice the springs , where casting him selfe into a delicate Riuer , one whyle would hee chase the Swannes alofte , and an other whyle cast himselfe to the bottom , catching therewithall at the smoothe gliding fishes . Often would hee gulpe into his entrayles a great quantitie of the coole water , and then swimme again washing & turning himselfe in the streame desirous to see if there-withall the hotte parching heate hee sustemed , might anie wayes bee cooled : but all invaine , for that the force thereof , by afarre more vehement furie , was inwardlye supported .

Chloe hauing by this time drawen foorth her sheepe and goats to be milked , remained so much the Ienger thereaboutes , for that the sharpe singing flies buzzing round about her vnstained visage hadde in the drawing downe of the sonne something busilie vexed her , wherevppon hauing washed her face in one of the neerest fountaines , shee gathered of all sortes of flowers , and them wreathed , in the braunches and tenderest twygges of the Pine-trees , whereof shee made a chapelet , and therewith crowned her amber coloured tresses , and hauing girded her selfe in the skinne of a mightye heart , buckled fast on her euen pressed sholders , she filled one pot of wine and another of milke , and therewith came to entertaine her deerlie fauoured Daphnis . Who fastening his earnest lookes on her admirable bewties made waie to issue from the riuer , and she stroking againe his delicate limmes with fresh prepared clothes , finding nothing therein to be reprehended , ( so rightly proporcioned was hee in all fewtures ) with many sweete embratings clothed she him apace in his shepheards garmentes . In all this demeanour were not the conceites of Daphnis , in beholding her graces altogether vnoccupied , who seeing her compassed in such nymphlike attire , supposed one while that she was as the fayre Laeda , who for her exceading shape , deserued solie to become the mother of the most beautifull Helena , an otherwhile him seemed that she was some Io , onely meece to be reserued to none other but for the mightie Iupiter , sometimes hee likened her to one of the Nymphes in the Caue . whose lookes as he thought , caried of her behauiour a most notable resemblaunce , and holding her pot in her handes of wine and milke towardes him , hee was wholie confused by Loue the force whereof distilling amaine within him , had wrought to his most secret entrailes . Smilingly therefore taking the Chapelet from her head , and with great deuotion kissing it , he put it on his own , and taking in hand an harpe , whereon his softened strokes were varied with most excellent conning , he tuned the same forthwith , and song thereunto in her praises this dittie following .

Sweete sweetned be the houres , the daies , the monthes and times , Wherein with sweete conceipts my soule , thy sweetned fauor climes Sweete be thy lookes , thy touch , thy speach , thy gate and all Ten thousand sweets betide thee still , whose sweetnes staines them all . Ye floures whose motlie hues do pranke in Natures pride . Do shrowd your selues , and for my sweete , your beauties lay aside . Ye temprate westerne winds , whose aire yeilds sweetned breath Denie your sweete to be as hers , whose sweet yeelds life or death Ye deintie tuned fowles whose notes do decke the spring Confesse in hearing of her soundes , your sweets small pleasure bring Ye christall sacred springs , ye vales and mountaines hie , Whose pleasant walkes her passage decks , and spreading fauours die Agree with me in this , my sweete ( surpassing far ) Excels the sweetnes of you all , and doth your pleasures bar .

His song concluded in the delicacie of this so great a commen●…acion , Chloe tooke no small pleasure , in seeing her selfe thus highlie to be magnified in the liking of him , whom aboue al other she most entierly fauoured , wherefore enclining her lookes to his sweete distilling fauours , one while conceiued she great pleasure in parting of his locks , brown in colour as the Mirtle berries , resembling therein the comlie shape of Adonis , Iulled sometimes in the lap of Venus , and denoting in particuler termes the som of al his perfections , with many sugred speches shee began to admire him , which kindling in Daphnis an earnest zeale in contemplacion of all her fauours , made him in farther demonstration of the great felicitie he thereby conceiued , to adde vnto his former praises also , these succeding verses .

Those hears the golden wiers of my wel tuned sounde , Become the pleasure of my panges , and make my ioyes abounde . These seemely eies the glasse , whereof my fewture staies , And forehead large , the field on which , depends my blisfull raies . This mouth the deintie spring that yeldes me cause of life , These teeth the pearles of precious price , that cure mine inward grife . These lips the curroll fresh , that comforts heart and mind , These looks the guarders of my loue , by whom I fauor find . Those cheeks the apples fresh , whereon Vermilion taint , Be mixed with the siluer white , my sugred pleasure paint . These pits in dented cheeks , are chaires for Beautie plaste , Wherein , triumphant fauor sits , impugning woes to waste . This necke of yu'ry white , confounder of my cares , These hands the aids to further that , which loue for me prepares . These feet the wished steps , whereout my ioies arise From these and out of these ensue , what els I may deuise . Thus decked in my ioyes , on her I gaze my fil Whose shape hath power to comfort all , but neuer force to spill

Herewith Daphnis hauing taken his flute sounded thereupon diuers excellent ditties . And for so much as it grewe towards the middest of the daie , the melodiousnesse of the sound together with the heate of the season , brought Chloe a sleepe , their flockes by this time beeing couched all together vnder the shadie toppes which Daphnis perceiuing , stayed quickly his musique and withdrawing his flute , gaue him selfe thereupon to gaze at full vpon her most exquisite perfections . And seeing that there was none about him to countermaund his demeanors , hee began secretly thus to deliuer in him selfe . Oh howe sweetlie these eie liddes of my fayre and blissefull Chloe are couched together , howe delicate is the sent and sauour of her breath , the sweetnesse whereof neither these albpine buddes , nor flowres them selues , doe in any sort imitate , yet dare I not for this , to kisse at all , these sweete sauours for that the very touch is more peercing than the swords point , and the force thereof cutteth the verie heart on sonder , and as the receipt of the newe made honie , so swelleth in those that touche it the harmefull poyson thereof : Neither would I yet inforce that iniurie to my Chloe , as by to rude pressing her lippes , to yeeld disturbance to her quiet . Alas these grashoppers I feare me with their piping tunes , will wake my deerling . Yee cruell beastes , why hurt yee so rudely with your hornes , vnpacient as it seemeth to giue vnto my derling any rest . O yee wolfes , at this instant more crauinlike then the foxes them selues , why rush yee not into these heardes to scatter them on sonder ? Whylest Daphnis continued in these and such like complaintes , a seelie greshopper egerly pursued by a swallowe , cast her selfe by chance , for her sauegarde into the bosome of Chloe , by meanes whereof , the Swallowe neither was able to catche her , nor lenger could vse vnto her the force of her wing , notwithstanding , the birde came so neere that with fluttering vp and downe about her face , shee awakened Chloe out of her sleepe , the feare whereof , made the Nymphe , ( for that shee knewe not what it was ) to skritche alowde , but when shee sawe the Swallowe yet fluttering top and fro about her , and Daphnis laughing by her at the harmelesse feare and sporte thereof , shee deemed the lesse of the matter , and rubbing her eies , yet greedie of sleepe , shee made her selfe readie to arise .

The grashopper was yet betweene her brestes , and as on e deliuered as it seemed from danger , and in the kinde it bare , willing to shewe it selfe thankefull , began to chante where shee sate , remunerating thereby the good turne at her handes receiued , by reason of which , Chloe not yet experienced of the accident , cried outright , and Daphnis againe laughed a pace at the sport , and loathing to grieue her ouermuch , conueied thereupon his hande betweene her breastes , and tooke out the grassehopper , which yet thankefull of hir sauegarde continued chaunting betweene his handes , whereupon the faire Shepheards knowing what it was , tooke it againe & returned it forthwith into her bosome . Shortly hereupon it befell that a certaine Ringdoue sitting in a groue hard by , began to sing , in whose song Chloe taking great delight , demaunded of Daphnis the reason thereof , whereupon the gentle Goatheard desirous of her vtmost satisfaction , began to recompe vnto her , this storie following .

There was ( my dere ) sayd hee , in times passed , a young damosell fayre of shape , and in the prime of her age , bewtifull as your selfe , who keeping her cattell vpon these pastures , had right excellent skill , both to sing and playe delicately . Her beastes had pleasure in her tunes , and so delightfull was the sounde of her voyce and pipe , that shee gouerned them at pleasure , and was able to drawe them whether she would .

This beautifull Nymphe sitting vnder a statelie Pine , hauing her head crowned with the leaues thereof , one daye happened to sing a song in the honour of Pan , wherewith her beastes began so earnestly to be enclined , as that they drewe them close to her soundes . Neere vnto her was there likewyse keeping of Cattell a certaine young youth , freshe and froolicke as her selfe , who right well handled his pipe , and could thereon playe manie deintie ditties . One daie amongst the rest , with intent to shewe that his comming was not bad , hee tooke his pipe in hande , and thereon in disdaine of the Nymphe , placed so sweetely and melodiously , as that with the ouerpleasing sounde thereof , hee drewe from her eight of her fayrest beastes , pursuing the sweetnesse of his Pipe , doe what shee could , and made them to ioyne to his companie , where-with the poore wenche vexed for griefe & intollerable dispite , to see hir flockes so muche to be diminished , and chiefly also , that she was thus ouercome in hir own cunning , tooke so great a griefe of the same , as that shee praied the gods , and they vouchsafed to change hir into a foule , rather than any more wyth such infamie to returne to hir dwelling . This performed , and she , as you see , being made a bird of the mountaine , in accustomed sort , followeth vp and downe , plaining hir ill hap and losse of hir beasts , whome she seeketh , being thus as she was vnluckily ouercome , and singing as she was woont to doe , reteineth yet some part of hir auntient tunes and sorowfull complainings .

In these , and such like deuises , spent they the disportes of the pleasant Summer , till Autumne drawing on , the vintage began to approch , for that the grapes grew fully to be ripened , in which time certaine rouers of Tyre , hauing a Foist rigged and manned lately from Carye , hapned to come ala●…d vppon the Island , and roming vppe and downe here and there vppon the countrey , they pilled and spoiled all places where they came , and armed as they were , ranne into euery corner to take what they could get , whereby , as chance hapned , they tooke great store of wines , graine , and hony , the noueltie whereof was such , as it was yet in the waxe , and therewithall robbed and spoiled the seelie Dorcon of all his beasts and cattell , leauing the man sore wounded , and wel-nigh dead with their blowes . And cou●…sing as they were vp and down in the Island , Daphnis by ill hap walking on the sea-banke , was by them surprised , for yet was not Chloe gone foorth wyth her sheepe , being early dayes , and fearing ( for she was alone ) to be inforced , by some other of the rudest sort of the sheepheards . The rouers seeing this yong youth , faire , seemly and strong , and thinking him of better regard than any part else of their prize , they made no further pursute after his goates , but contenting themselues with his person , and that they had besides , they returned againe to their Foist : Daphnis cryeng out vpon Chloe , the remembraunce of whome in this extremity did onelye consume him .

These theeues being scarce got aboard , and not yet makyng way with their oares into the streame , Chloe by this time was come vnto the pastures with hir sheepe , and failing of Daphnis in the place of their accustomed meetings , seeing therewithall his goats and tender kiddes all scattered and disordered , here and there , she began to feare the woorst . At last , hearing his voice , yet crieng and complaining after her ( for yet was hee within sound ) she left hir sheepe , and throwing downe her ▪ Pipe , has●…ned with all speede possible to Dorcon , in minde to require his aide , whome betweene life and death shee founde groueling vppon the ground , halfe slaine of the theeues , and scarce able for faintnes to deliuer his minde vnto hir , hauing lost of his bloud an exceeding quantitie . The cow-heard yet perceuing Chloe to be there , the remembrance of his antient loue , kindled in his minde some n●…uell forces , whereby inforcing himselfe a little , he thus sayde vnto hir : My deere Chloe , thou commest euen nowe vnto mee at the rendring of my ghost , for long I knowe I cannot liue , so many wayes haue these cruell rouers wounded me , and beat me downe as an oxe in the s●…all : neuertheles , if thou wilt , it is yet in thy power to saue Daphnis , and to be reuenged on the wicked creatures for my death . I haue ( Chloe ) hitherto accustomed my beasts to the sound of my pipe , and that in so certaine and assured manner , as in the hearing thereof , be they neuer so far from me , they wil yet by all meanes possible draw homewards againe : take here my Flute quickly , and hasting to the sea-coast , sound vnto the beasts my tune , that often before this thou hast heard me teach vnto Daphnis , and wherein thy selfe I knowe , art reasonably well instructed by him , at the hearing whereof , my beasts I dare assure thee will shift to come backe , and Daphnis thereby may be saued . My Flute I freely giue vnto thee for thy trauell , whereon heretofore I haue gained the prize among all the heardsmen , onely for recompence I require at thy hands but once to kisse me , whilest yet I am now dieng , and that my soule shal foorthwith depart the bodie , and when I am gone , bewaile my death , and yet thinke vpon Dorcon at the least wise when hereafter thou shalt behold any others a keeping of their cattell , who once aboue all others so entirely loued thee .

Hauing deliuered vnto her these speeches , the kisse he receyued of Chloe , and his life ended at one instant togither . Wherevpon she tooke his pipe , and foorthwith sette it to hir mouth , on which the blasts she blewe were so shrill , that the beastes hauing knowledge thereof , and the tune thereby deliuered , they altogither with one amase , bussed out of the Foist , and iointly with one poise rushed into the sea , which being but on the one side alone of the ship , the force and waight of the multitude was so great , that therewith they quite ouerturned the vessels , and whelmed men and all therein into the sea●… , but not with one and the selfe-same hope of safetie : for that the theeues beeing clogged with theyr harnesse , swordes , and other defensiue weapons , were not able by the waight thereof long to helpe themselues , but Daphnis being light as the Summer season required , vnshod and naked in the vpper parts , easily came to land , supported by the hornes of two of these oxen iointly , betwene whome , hauing cast himselfe , he was easily carried to land , for these kind of beasts by common opinion hauing longer force of swimming than any other creatures whatsoeuer , except onely the fishes and water-foules , the proofes whereof haue beene made by diuers . In this force , as you haue heard , escaped the poore Daphnis in dangerous aduentures at one instant togithers , the one in becomming a perpetuall bondslaue to the theeues , the other after escape of that hazard , in being deliuered from drowning .

In being come foorth of the sea , he found Chloe vpon the shore betweene hir former distilled teares , and present reioicing of his safe arriuall , entertaining him at one instant togethers ▪ wherevpon , casting himselfe betweene hir armes , he desired to vnderstand of hir the cause of hir playing at that instant on the Flute . Chloe , vpon such demand recounted vnto him the whole progression of speech betweene hir and Dorcon , the vse of his beastes to that sound , the robberie , spoile , and woundes by him receiued , finally , his death , and before his dying , how he committed to her vsage the custodie of his pipe , onely of modestie abstained shee to tell of her kissing him , as a matter ouer and besides the chance of that his present deliuery . But Daphnis recreated of his heauie labours , forgat not for to honour the memorie thereof in the person of Dorcon for a perpetuall remembraunce , and therefore togither wyth his parents and friendes celebrated accordingly his vnhappy funeralles , as by the death of whome grewe the occasion of his vnlooked for escape out of so manifest perilles . His body therefore being closed in the ground , Daphnis with other sheepeheards round about his graue , planted sundry trees , and eache one hun●… vppon the boughs some part of his cunning maistries , they cast also therevpon hallowed grapes , and milke , and for that he was cunning vpon the Flute , they fixed ouer his graue sundrie sortes of pipes . His beasts being come ashore , piteously belowed , and cryed after him , which some heardsemen interpreted to be a sorrowfull lamentation , for the want of their guide and maister .

When Dorcon was thus enterred , Chloe tooke here Daphnis , and led him to the caue of the Nymphs , where shee cleansed and washed his bodie , neat , and pure of it selfe , as the whitest alablaster , afterwards gathering together sundry sortes of floures , as the pleasant season of the yeare then freshly serued , they made chapele●…s for the images , and ouer the mouth of the caue amongest the other instruments , tendered vnto the Nymphs the Flute of Dorcon , as an offering , which being finished , they returned both againe to their flockes , whome they founde all sorrowfully couched togethers on the tender grasse , abstaining ( as it seemed ) from their foode , for the losse of those who were w●…ont to gouerne them , whome they deemed to be vtterly perished . But hauing againe the sight of their beloued guides , they fell afresh to their pastures , the sound of whose voices and melodious piping , made them for to taste the better their accustomed feeding .

The goats couched before in the lowest bushes , began now to peke to the hilles , the kiddes skipped for ioy , the sheepe and tender lambs amazed no more , but vniuersally reioiced at their presence . Sitting therefore downe on the hillockes , whilest Chloe wearied with ernest labor , & moiled with trauell for the search of hir Daphnis , gaue hirselfe to the fountaine , wherein to bathe and wash hir ●…ender limmes : the parts discouered vnto the yong goat-heard , carrieng in themselues the purenesse of hir complexion , renued afresh in his imaginations the thoghts of his loue . Now began he again to pant & breath , as if newly he were to be inforced for a pray to the theues , nowe languished he in like sort by his secret imaginations , and so much also inwardly swelled , as it had bene one that had dronke poyson , his pulces furiously bet by a disordered heat , as if yet his spirits had beene chased , he liued & longed , and looking was neuer satisfied of that , which alwaies hee most desired . The christall waters conteined onely in one slender spring , in which the Nymphe washed herselfe , became vnto his sight , more fearefull than the verie depest seas . Him seemed thervpon , his life as yet stood in hazard , at the hands of the most merciles rouers . And thus continuing in these variable fits , liued pore D●…phnis sequestred from the due accomp●… and benefit of all his passed pleasures , like vnto such a one as him selfe , who beeing alwaies nourished in the fieldes , knewe not howe to make decernement of Loue or any part of his subtilties . But shee whose gracious lookes were replenished with all kinde of fauour towardes him , perceiuing the melancholie Muse wherunto he was driuen , now fresh as the cristall dewes had made her , and much like vnto one of these daughters of the Springs , or Neptunes derling , the faire Venus her selfe issuing out of one of her fathers riuers , in such maner approched she his presence , wherfore for that she was the soueraign guide and director of all his thoughts , she quickly could finde the delay wherewith his continuall coursing fancies were presently to be mitigated . Whereupon ioyning her selfe side to side vnto him , each greting the other with many louing imbracements they enterchangeable framed their tunes one to the other , concluding that daies traueill with this sonet folowing ,

Daphnis . Ye brightest gleames within those percing eies Whose glimpse retaines a shew of power deuine Enclose your selues , for feare from loftie skies Some enuious star do at your glory pine . Chloe Ye mightie powers , to whom these sacred groues Right pleasing bene . And Nimphes that haunt this shade , Enuie you not with wreake the hardye proues That Natures selfe in Daphnis shape hath made Daphnis Alas if Phoebus should the heat for-thinke That once for loue in burning breast he bare And mazed at thy fewter , gin to shrincke From her to thee , then woe be●…ide my share . Chloe Alas if Venus stealing to her springs In mind her sweet Adonis to embrace Thy curled locks should vew whose beautie stings And thee for him admire , then woe my cace . Daphnis Excelling iewels , beare the choisest price Things lesse in shewe , enuie alwaies the best : Lesse Phoebe shines , when Tytan ginnes to rise Where mightie force effects , there shrowds the least . Chloe Unmatched pearles , haue value still for showe When best exceeds , who can denie the place Though things be rated hie , yet this we knowe It ( needs ) excels , whose weight hath highest grace , Daphnis

Be honored then , thou Nimphe of all the flockes

Chloe

Be fairest thou of all that guide their b●…ard

Daphnis

Let still thy name resound on hiest rockes

Chloe

And Chloe ne're be of thy chaunge afeard .