Arisbas, Euphues amidst his slumbers: or Cupids iourney to hell Decyphering a myrror of constancie, a touch-stone of tried affection, begun in chaste desires, ended in choise delights: and emblasoning beauties glorie, adorned by natures bountie. VVith the triumph of true loue, in the foyle of false fortune. By I.D.

Arisbas , Euphues amidst his slumbers , or Cupids Iourney to Hell .

THe Sunne soiourning in his winter mansion , had disrobed Arcadia of all her pleasures , & disgarnished Vestaes mantle of delightes variable choise , wherewith Flora had in plentie poudred the freshnesse of her earst-gréen hue . Night suted in a duskie robe of pitchie darkenesse , besieged the globe with long shadowes , while Phoebus wanting wonted vigor , did by darting his scarce reflected beames affoord smal comfort to the earths encrease . So that Arcadia earst the souereigne seate of all content , and sole place of worlds perfections , séemed now a patterne of the auncient Chaos , wherin all things ( if things ) were confounded . Feldes flourelesse , trées leauelesse , ground heatelesse , brookes streamelesse , springs vnhanted , groues vnhalowed , augmented this hue of horror , blemish of Europes Paradise . The mayden huntresse Arcadiaes patronesse , did sildome trace the plaines guarded with her troupe of virgin-knights , to fixe shafts on the flying beasts , whose wont was in time of heauens more milde aspect , to grace the fields with her daily presence , and when her brothers scortching heat tirde her limbs with faintnesse , to bath her chaste bodie in some pleasant brooke . Nor did the wanton Satyres lightly skipping on the painted meades , painted I meane by Natures workemanship , vaunt their bodies agilitie to the Fairy wood-Nymphs . Pan Arcadiaes President , pent vp himselfe in his winter-lodging , and the other rurall powers , séeing their glories date ended for that yeare , shrouded himselfe in the place of his wonted repose . In this season , a season wel fitting his melancholy thoghts distracted with moodie passions , Arisbas the mappe of Fortunes mutabilitie hauing lost his dearest Ladie , left his Country , abandoning the state of a Prince , the hope of a Crowne , the succession of a kingdome , wandred in middest of winters rage , surcharged with sorrowe , lamenting his losse , séeking his loue , loathing his life , since liues solace , loues swéetnesse , had but one and that an hopelesse obiect , whose want made him an haplesse abiect : while rough Boreas winters Hench-man mustering legions of stormes , scourged the plaines with a troupe of tempests , and aimed his violent blasts at the tallest trées to loppe their heights pride , and combatting with his companions , filled the aire with dreadfull noise of their tumultuous encounter , the infortunate Prince in whose minde Loue martialled millions of striuing passions , wandring alone , ( if he be alone ) whom Fancie tosseth in a boundlesse Ocean of perplexing thoughts , ceased not his trauaile till the weathers intemperate furie calmed by heuens milder influence , tooke truce with Tyme , & sealed the attonement with a sodain change . But when Phoebus renuing his yéerely taske , and denying longer residence to stormy winter , had pierced earthes entrailes with comfortable warmth , opening a fruitfull passage for the issue of her wombe , to cloath Pomonaes branches with Natures bountie , and diapre her owne mantle with Floraes sense-alluring pomp . Arisbas entred the frontiers of Arcadiaes maine continent , where séeing the late hue of horror turned to an heauen of eies happinesse , he redoubled many sighes drawne from the depth of his wofull hearts centre : for remembring that Tellus was erst dismantled , the trées bereaued of their blossomes beautie , earthes naturall defects anatomized by Time , in the place where frostie Hyems had displaied her ycie trophies , he lamented to thinke that these the tokens of worlds mutabilitie , had recouered their former flourish by the yeres timely alteration , but his desperate fortune had no hope of an happie spring to calme the winter of his woe . Drowned in this déepe meditation , he procéeded pensiue , but he had not walked farre , when he espied a faire broade Oake , whose spatious branches enuirond the ground lying vnderneath with a shady circle . There hée determined to rest awhile his bodie wearied by long iourneyes , and somewhat disburthen his soule by displaying his sorrowes . Thether he came , downe he sate , and fixing his eyes on the starrie concaue , began thus to vtter passionate complaints , not limiting his laments with distinct clauses , for his mone admitted no methode .

INiurious heauens ( quoth hée ) hath your influence effected this misfortune ? Iniust Gods , haue you enuying earth so rare an ornament , beautified the seate of your abode with worlds wonder ? Vngentle Cupid , hast thou déeming my Timoclea fairer then thy Psyche , renewed thy doting humor ? if so , then wert thou cruell in thy change , but more in thy choise , enforcing mée to loue whome thy selfe didst like . I haue wandered through the earth , augmenting the springs with streames of my teares , filling the woods with rebounding Ecchoes of my woes , tracing the plaines with restlesse steps , yet haue I mist Timoclea , and not finding her , haue lost my selfe . I haue blamed heauen , searched earth , accusde the Gods , and shall Hell excéede the scope of my passions impatience ? May I not surmise that Pluto affecting a second wonder , hath performed a second rape ? If so , then most cruell Monarch of the Ghosts , be thy Proserpine as iealous as I am ioy-lesse . Doest thou triumph in the possession of so péerelesse a pray , and may not I lament the losse of so matchlesse a myrror ? Should I excuse thy fury , or accuse thy folly ? ( if it be folly to be blinded by so faire an obiect , the worth of whose perfections words can not vtter , and thoughts scarce comprehend . ) O that I might equall Orpheus in arte as I excéede him in anguish : the powerfull vertue of his heauenly tunes , amased furious beastes , stayed fluent streames , raysed stones , assembled trées , mouing sense in senselesse things . Descending to the silent vauts of Acheron , hee caused ghosts to grone , shadowes to sighe , effecting relenting thoughts in hels remorselesse iudges : but were I his péere in that profession , I would do more , enforcing the tyrant not touched then with such a sympathy , to leaue his lust , and graunt me my loue . Tush Arisbas , these are fancies , and therefore follies . Timoclea is yet lost , and if not found in Arcadia , then for euer lost . But aye me , what comfort can Arcadia affoord , from whose coasts the windes fury did violently driue her ? Hath then the Sea gréedie of such rare gaine swallowed her , not satisfied with Helle , nor glutted with Hero ? No , but Neptune desirous of change , hath receyued her into his watrie Palace , and crowned her Empresse of his liquide Monarchy , commaunding the Sea-Nymphs to attend on her , the Syrens to delight her with the swéetenesse of their enchaunting harmonie , Dolphins to wafte her Chariot , Phocae to gard her , and the Tritons to sound her Maiestie . Whether doe I wander ? Is this to rest ? Leaue Arisbas , nay , procéede Arisbas , cease to suppose , begin to sorrow , aye me , wretched me , haplesse , hopelesse , what meanes may I now conceite , what deuise may now be plotted ? Héereat hée stopt , and opening the floud-gates of his eyes , distilled a showre of teares , supplying his speaches with déepe sighes . But resoluing to procéede , hee behelde as hee looked aside , one somewhat neere him , which was by birth an Arcadian , and by his habit seemed a Shepheard , who ouerhearing the last wordes of the Princes complaints , and ayming ( though amisse ) at the occasion of his sorrowes , thought that béeing a stranger hée lamented the losse of his way , to which imagination applying his words , hée began thus :

Friend , ( for so I may tearme you without offence ) the day is almost spent , and the night dangerous for such as you are , or at least seeme to bée , I meane a stranger , Accept then a simple lodging in my Cottage , with such homely fare , as Shepheards houses yeelde , and when to morrowes Sunne shall display his faire ( though late forcelesse ) beames , you may prosecute your entended iourney , wherein , if my directions may further you , you shall finde me ready to afford them .

Arisbas wondering at such rare humanitie harboured in those contemptible wéedes , made a long pause as if he had enioynde his mouth to perpetuall silence , at last shapt this reply .

Friend , ( for so your proffered courtesie bindes me to tearme you ) muse not that sobs interrupt my wordes , or sorrowes season my discourse , which onely comfort my fates haue assignde mée . What I was , I list not now repeate : what I am , you sée , I grieue . A lodging in your Cottage I gladly accept : your countrey fare i le thankefully receiue . Your directions will be as néedefull as my distresse is notable . My bodie wearied much through trauaile , requires longer rest then one nightes repose . My minde wrapped in a Chaos of confusions , expects ease by earnest conference . I haue a secret to disclose , a sorrowe to disciphre , which while I smother in priuate passions , I shall in stead of comfort reape discontent , but by discouering my fortune , I may discharge my fancie . And if this double fauour doe procéede from you , then in requitall of your courtesie , first , I beséech Iupiter Xenius , the patrone of hospitalitie , and protector of strangers , to blesse your labors , prosper your attempts , & enrich your store with heaped plentie . Next , I vowe by that bright lampe heauens ornament , that if fortune ( as she is neuer stable ) rayse me from so lowe an ebbe to the wonted height of my good hap , I will remunerate your kindnesse with most ample recompence . For knowe , that I can by birth challenge what may beséeme a Prince to clayme . Euery Shepheard is not a Swayne , nor all priuate that séeme poore .

Damon ( such was the Shepheards name ) séeing maiestie in his lookes , grauitie seated in disguise , royaltie suted in base attire , gathered by these probable coniectures , that he could be of no meane degrée : mooued therefore with a déeper remorse , he curteously intreated him to repaire to his simple lodging , and remayne there till fortune should conuert her frowns into fauors , protesting , that though he could not entertaine him as the qualitie of his condition required , yet he would supply in good will the disabling defects of his lowe estate . Which wordes wrought such chéerefulnesse in the heart of Arisbas , that he yéelded him millions of thanks , and accompanyed him to his house : which , when he entred , he found not gorgeously embost , yet gayly trimmed , not courtly , yet comely , though homely , yet handsome , and he was kindly welcommed by Damons wife , who gréeted him with a merry countenance , being by her husband certified of his fortune . Soiourning there some small time , he sought by sundry meanes to abolish the impression of his sorrowe , but being vnable to finde ease in ease , he resolued to depart , and finish his search by finding his loue , or ending his life . Thus ready to effect his resolution , he determined to enforme Damon at full of his estate , knowing that he being both borne and brought vp in Arcadia , could not be ignorant of such accidents as fortune there had acted . As they walked together on a day through Damons ground conferring of sundry matters , the heate growing excessiue , they hasted to a coole shade , & there sate downe . Arisbas loth to omit so méete occasion , séeing opportunitie friend to his desire , began thus .

Friend Damon , sith many respects shorten my intended residence , I haue resolued with speede to leaue you , though for euer bound to loue you , my fortune enforceth the one , your courtesie causeth the other . But before my departure , I will disclose to you a secret , which may moue you to meruaile , and me to melancholy . A secret so rare , so ruthfull , that euery periode may effect a passion , each clause a corrosiue , wherein you shall sée a world of wonders plotted by loue , and perfourmed by fortune . For know , that you haue lodged a Prince , whose maiestie masking in disguise of miserie , droupt in a lower ebbe then might séeme a decorum in my former dignitie . If you muse at this , then marke the rest , and lend attentiue eare to my tale .

Cyprus of all neighbour Iles the noblest , is my fathers Kingdome , the succession of whose estate , right of birth , and title of inheritance , will by due claime after his decease , transferre to mée . But what auailes it to be inuested with a diademe & want delight ? When the date of my nonage was expired , hee desirous to linke me in some honourable alliance , determined to prouide a wife with an ample dowrie , and large hopes of future good haps . Many Princes of Ionia , and Péeres of Europe , desirous to insert themselues into so royall a kinred , and to haue interest in so noble a Familie , offered their daughters with large portions . But onely the Prince of Lemnos sped in his suite , whose allyance my Father accepted , shadowing his pretence which was aymed at hoped profit , for the match was concluded with this condition , that if the Prince dyed without heire Male ( as he then had none , nor may by any likelihoode hope of any ) then the enioying of his estate , and possession of his Crowne , should in right of his daughter descend to mée . This compact thus subtilly contriued , was by agréement of both our Parents confirmed , so that nothing wanted to finish the bargaine and strengthen the contract , but my consent , whereof my Father seeming to conceiue no doubt , made me priuie to his proceedings , commanding me to deliuer my resolution in briefe and playne tearmes . I , who misliking his choise , would not conforme my thoughts to an others direction , perceiuing the old mans drift , yet dissembling my intent , answered in effect thus , that my yeares were fewe , my experience small , my affections frée , a sole life best fitting my fancie . Yet did I in humilitie submit me to his disposing , onely crauing a little respit to summon my senses , and conceite a change , desiring him to impute the not liking of so honourable an estate , to the imperfections of my youth . He suspecting no fraude in these faire speaches , thought it sufficient that I was so flexible , and referd the times appointment to mine owne choise . But I déeming nothing more dishonourable then to measure affection by money , or leuell the eye , fancies herault , at a gainefull , though inglorious obiect , pronounced lucre an heresie in loue , and estéeming such mercenary thoughts méeter for a peasant than a Prince , would rather neuer marry then so marre . For should I wed mine owne woe ? Should I accept her a spouse , whose beautie I beheld not , whose behauiour I knewe not , of whose worth I was vncertaine , because it was vnséene ? How could that loue be constant , that affection permanent , which had no déeper roote then the parents naked consent , no surer seale then a bare saluting at the first fight ? Yet , ( such was the inclination of my youth ) I earnestly desired to fixe my fancy on some fortunate obiecte worthie of a Princes fauour . Many both gorgeous and gallant Dames attended in my Fathers Court , yet none fit , though all faire . While fancy commenced such tumults in my thoughts , there arriued in Cyprus a noble Epirote , surnamed Aristophon , a man noble in déede , graced with all ornaments which nature might afford , or vertue challenge . He was banished from his natiue soyle by tyrannous doome of his vnnaturall Souereigne , being falsely accused to attempt an innouation in the State , and plot some treacherous practise with the King of Macedon . For it was vniustly surmised by some , and beléeued by all , that he had conspired to betray to him the countrey of Ambracia , whereof he was President , and had annexed it by force of Armes to the Crowne of Epirus . Although his integritie should haue cleared him from such a crime , yet , ( as it commonly happens ) innocencie oppressed by iniurie could not preuaile : leauing therefore his vnkinde countrey , despairing of returne , yet bearing with manlike patience the burthen of his exile , he repaired to my Fathers Court , who reléeued him with princely liberalitie , allowing him an honourable pension for maintenance of his estate : for hauing oft employd him in weightie affaires , and finding him fortunate in atchieuements , he perceiued by these experiments that he was garnished with all glories of nobilitie , graue in counsell , valiant armes : of dauntlesse courage , spotlesse truth . But leauing this digression , I will returne to the proposed entent of my discourse . Hée brought with him his daughter and onely childe named Timoclea , a creature endued with such ornaments of the bodie , graced with such qualities of the minde , that it seemed nature and vertue concurring in one , had conspired to make her a péerelesse proofe-péece of their vnited perfections : and though fortune fretting at their fauours so largely bestowed sought to crosse their courtesies with her cruelties , yet could she not blemish the bright-shining worth of so famous a wonder . But as a small cloude in a cleare day may somewhat stayne , not wholy stop the Sunnes light , so fortunes malice did rather darken then drowne her merits , in whose Iuory browes Chastitie sate enthronizde as gardian of her lookes , Modestie teinting her chéekes with a vermilian dye of Virgin-red maiden-blushes , emblasond her a map of mirrors . Maiestie whiche beautie claymed , birth challenged , loue commaunded , guided her gestures with such decent proportion , as Iuno wanted in the pride of her glorie , or Minerua in the prime of her pompe . These gifts these glories did so enchaunt , enthrall , enforce me , that hauing scarce viewde her , I vowde her mine , or my selfe not mine owne , such déepe impressions were wrought in mine affections . Loue hauing wonne and wounded me with mine owne weapons , finding an easy entrance into mine heart through mine eyes , the authors of my disease , and discouerers of my desire , disgarisond my thoughts of wonted fancies , conuerting my solace into sobs , my delights into despaire . I vnable to susteine so grieuous a burthen , perceiuing that the more I stroue to allay the heate , the more those smothered cinders reuiude in quenchlesse flames , Flames which Aetna-like boild in my brest , resembling the horrors of Mount Ghibelloes firie rage , which vomits millions of vapors , and darts heapes of sulphur from the glowing centre , being I say torturde with troubles , I resolued to finde ease for my loue , or end for my life , suing to her bountie which had vndone me by her beautie . I am so briefe in relating my fortunes , as I was then loth to defer the execution of mine enterprise that so highly concernd the hope of my good hap . Finding her on a time in company with other , I singled her from the rest , my intent not suspected by any . When we were alone , I hauing awhile dallyed with common deuises to enterteine her with varietie of talke , in the end though I could not Orator-like paynt my passions in figuratiue tearmes , nor contriue them with rhetoricall conceipts , yet did I playnely discouer my affection , protesting my present loue , vowing my future loyaltie , producing causes , desiring comfort , alleadging her worth , my wants , seasoning my words with many sighes . She in a cholerike humor ( but it was a pretty choler ) framde a courteous yet cruell answere , courteous in her words , enterlaced with reuerent speaches , cruell in that vnkinde repulse , yet kinde rebukes , not omitting to insert the respect of her owne honor , and the regard of her fathers safetie : but concluding her friendly anger in a calmer veine , she proffered in submission all seruice loue excepted and her honour reserued . Although the last clause afforded sufficient matter for a fresh reply , yet did her constancie so confound me , that being vnable to vtter one word , I brake off our parle abruptly , and summoning my fancies to a retreate , I resolued to attempt a second onset , wherein being likewise vanquished by her vertues , yet rather animated then amated ( these kinde conflicts kindling not quenching my flaming passions ) I attached a third onset : but hauing therein receiued a sharper foyle , I proceeded to a fourth , of all most fatall , for she taunted me with contemptuous tearmes , and yéelding a full denyall , sealed with a storme of frownes , she departed , leauing me amid my discontent plunged in a sea of dangerous conceipts , musing on my mishaps , meditating on her rigor , desperate of all hope , destitute of all delights : but my passions were such that I could not conceale them vndiscouered : such my sorrows , that I could not smother them in silence : thus therefore I vtt●red part of my griefe in an extemporall Sonet .

Arisbas his Sonet . SHould I accuse mine eyes that boldly gazed On that fayre obiect not to be obteyned , Or blame the worth in Europes wonder blazed , That them to looke and me to loue constreyned ? Eyes for excuse alleadgde preuailing reason , Heart in extreames on fancies wrong exclaymed : Hopes sun-shine clowded like obscurest season , Yeelds to despeire at my misfortunes aymed . Nature too lauish outward graces planted , Vertue too friendly inward bounties sowed : Yet those faire eyes of courteous looks are scanted , And angels hue on tygres thoughts bestowed . Tush , loue which not alike did wound vs both , Is cause , that I my death-like life doe loath .

But not satisfyed thus to haue expressed my sorrowe , I did in an odder veine pen an Elegie without methode or good matter , but as it was I will rehearse it .

Arisbas his Elegie . FAint wel I may for I feele enfeebling faintnes about me , faintnes vpon my lims heart to beset to besot . Loue is a God but a cruell God but a boy but a wanton blinde but boldly triumphs , proud to be tearmd a tyran . What shal I do ? shal I sue to the gods that lodge in Olympus ? there loue seated aloft vaunts to be Lord ouer all . Heau'n yeelds small comfort : him , they do tremble obeying , and themselues enthralde cannot alas me release . What shal I doe ? shal I sue to the pow'r whome Cyprus adoreth , loues loue-worthy mother though not a friend to Cupid ? Her doth he wound and smiles when her hap Cytherea bewaileth , how then will he for her yeeld to releeue another ? What shal I then ? shal I sue to the boyish God that hath hurt mee , hurt and harmd me so , that little is my reliefe ? Then wil he vexe mee more til heart more heauily languish , torne as Prometheus fruteful vnhappy liuer . What shal I then ? i le sue to the saint whose lookes me bereaued of liues blisse through loue , loue the decayer of hope , O that beautie so rare ( but I blush to blame such a bountie ) should staine fairest hue with such a blot such a blur . Yet wil I try , to the saint wil I pray and sue to be succord , in whose choise it rest mee to relieue to release .

If you mislike eyther of them , or both of them ( as well you may ) accept this for a currant excuse , that troubled thoughts thwarted with sorrowe , can hatch no pleasant conceipts seasoned with swéetnesse , and where sadnesse houers , no Muses harbour , but to our purpose . This melancholy ( whereof I spake before ) procured a grieuous maladie , which she at the first supposed feigned , knowing that I would plot all sleights , and leaue no subtilties vnassaide to circumuent her , but when the Physicions report , my Fathers sorrowe , the generall rumor bruted through the Courte had assured her of mine estate , she thinking it enough to cause but too much to continue my danger , came with her Father to visit me . How then I was affected , I refer to their censures whose fortunes haue resembled mine . All the powers of my bodie being transferd into mine eyes the contriuers of my then-séeing discontent , were employed in viewing her outward glories , and valuing her inward graces . When I remembred her last tearmes , I trembled at each thought , but weighing that being endued with all vertues , she could not want that of clemency hauing the other of courtesie nor be voide of gentlenesse being garnished with far-deriued gentilitie , I supposed this the fittest time to spéede if now I spake . When her father tooke leaue , I craude his daughters longer presence vnder pretence of passing away the time , she not vnwillingly assented though smelling the drift of my demaund , and he both accepted and ratified my request , commaunding her to tarrie . When we were alone , I pleaded in effect thus , though not so boldly as before , First , I alleadged that my present sicknesse so dangerous , my former vowes so serious , might warrant the truth of mine vnfeigned passions . Next , that I meant not to dishonour her by affecting her , sith I craude onely to make her my lawfull spouse , which fauor if she would vouchsafe to afforde , I vowed to incurre all hazards for the preseruing of her honor , protesting to leaue Cyprus , to frustrate the pretended mariage with the Prince of Lemnus his daughter , and liue with her the onely blissefull heauen of my life , and stay of mine happinesse , as banisht in some other countrey till my Fathers anger were appeased and his consent obteyned , whose royall estate to me as eldest by right belonging , when I should by succession in that farre-renowned Kingdome fully enioy , I promised to inuest her with a Diademe , and Crowne her Quéene of my countrey , as she was already souereigne of my content . I ended my plaints with an humble petition , desiring her to pittie mine estate , accept my seruice , and compassionate my sorrowes , sith in loue-diseases they onely can heale which causde the hurt . She showring a streame of siluer-teares from those christall fountaines bright lamps of loues light , such as might beseeme Venus to shead on her déere Adonis , Aurora on her Sonne Memnon , shapt this answere .

Pardon ( dearest Lord ) the follies of a selly mayde , or rather weigh with indifference the causes of her coynesse , for so you tearme my denyall , which if folly had effected , or disdeigne caused , I had merited more blame then a world of punishments might expiate . But sith the respect of my Fathers safetie , and the regard of mine owne honour moued me to be so rigorous in my replyes , I hope to finde the more fauour in the offer of my satisfaction , which with all submission I humbly present . As it grieues me to be the author of your present danger , so it glads me not a little that in me it rests ( as you affirme ) to cure your discontent , and be the happy author of your health , wherein if mine endeuors may further you , I will not faile in diligence , nor be slacke in my deuoire , but with this condition , that you obserue your promise of preseruing mine honour from all preiudice : then leauing all , and onely louing you , I will for euer liue with you , but if you violate that vowed couenant , then is the bargaine cancelled by so heinous a forfeit .

These words conteining such comfort , affoording such content to my halfe-withered hope , did so relieue my fainting spirits , that they recouered their wonted vigor , and I my former strength , being within short time restored to mine health by this good hap . I foorthwith conceiued meanes for our escape , hauing before decréed to passe into your Arcadia , and to remayne there vntill my Fathers anger were appeased , knowing that in such affaires delayes import more then ordinarie dangers , fearing my Fathers too hastie pracéeding in that ill-pleasing match with the Lemnian Princes daughter . Being loth to defer time , or dally with fortune , I obserued this order in perfourmance of my plotted enterprise . Disguising my selfe , I went on an euening t●●he Hauen ( for the Court was then kept at Famagosta ) there I met with a Rhodian , which hauing shipt his fraught , was readie to hoise sayle , and determined to touch in the maine of Greece before his arriuall at Rhodes . Conferring with him a while of triuiall matters , in the end I disclosed my purpose , feining my selfe an Arcadian , and that my Father enforced to flye his countrey , had long liued in Cyprus , spending the remnant of his life in banishment with mée and my poore sister ( for so I tearmed Timoclea ) his vnhappy children , the hopelesse companions of his exile , that being now dead , he left vs séely Orphanes , and to vs such small substance as hée had , that wée bereaued by death of our dearest comforte , not knowing howe to mainteine our selues in a strange place with so small a portion , were desirous to reuiewe our natiue soyle , and returne to our deceassed fathers friends . Procéeding , I tolde him that I knewe none fitter to transport vs then himselfe , protesting to pay whatsoeuer he would reasonably demaund , if he would vndertake it as well he might , hauing occasions to touch in the maine of Greece , sith in what part soeuer of the continent wée were set on lande , wée might haue easy passage thence into Arcadia . Hée beléeuing my feined tale , séeming to pittie each clause of my discourse , or perhaps tickled with desire of gaine , offered himselfe most willingly to vndertake it , but requested a round summe , which I granting , gaue him part in hand , with sufficient assurance for the rest . Thus the bargaine being solemnly knit betwéene vs , hée wilde mée that I should come with my supposed Sister the next night very late , béeing the time prefixed for his departure , and tolde me secretly in friendly sort , as one stranger to an other , that hée had aboord certayne vnlawfull and vncustomed wares , the sale whereof would be very gaynefull to him , but if it were reuealed , would worke his vtter vndoing , which caused him attempt meanes to launch thence by stealth . Nothing could chance more ●espondent to my wish , who desired to depart priuily . Leauing him therefore and returning to the Court , I repaired to Timoclea , certified her of my procéedings in all points , willed her to remember her vowed promise and plighted faith , enfourmed her of all things néedefull to be done . She not failing mine expectation , promised her readinesse at the appointed time . I leauing her , packt such treasure as I could gather in haste , and attended the assigned houre , which being come , taking her with me , I came to the Hauen , and béeing spéedily conueyed aboord , found all things ready , anchors weighed , sayles spread at our comming : within short space we got out of the Hauen , and before morning were farre enough from the coast of Cyprus . Foure dayes wée sayled merrily , hauing a lusty gale in the poope , which draue vs gallantly forward . On the fift day towards euening we descryed land , the shores delightfull hue affoording vs a pleasant prospect . Our maister iudging it some part of Greece , supposing that I which had feinde my selfe natiue in the continent , could not be ignorant of the coast , desired me to goe on shore , search the land , and bring him word whether I knewe the countrey . I of all most desirous to leaue the sea , fearing pursuite of my fathers power , condescended to his request . Being set on land , pacing vp and downe a while , I was drowned in viewe of those delights which that fertile soyle yéelded , déeming that it was Arcadia , or some place bordering on it , participating like pleasures with it . Then began I to conceit varieties of imagined blisse , iudging this a fit place for mée and my Timoclea to rest in a while , till she had recouered her health , being much impaired by her sea-iourney . Hetherto Fortune séemed friendly to mine attempts , but now , least she should be vnlike her selfe , she obscurde the sun-shine of my happinesse with clouds of her inconstancie , for the wauering Goddesse doomd my solace to be thwarted with eternall sorrowes . In a moment the windes raysing the Sea in billowes , secluded mée from returne . He which attended my comming in the Boate , fearing to be intercepted by the storme , rowed backe in haste , leauing me , yet did hée hardly escape drowning . I though too late weighing the weathers change , hasted backe , but missed the Boate , and him that guided it . Then I beheld the Ship tossed amid those tempestuous waues , sometimes hoised to heauen , presently plunged in the Oceans deapth . Accursed eyes the vnhappy beholders of my dearest Timocleas troubles whereof she was vnworthy , I too worthy which brought her to this perill , for whose danger drouping more then dreading mine owne , I made signes to them aboord , which answered me with the like , intimating as I did guesse their desire and readinesse to take me in when the storme should ceasse . I somewhat comforted with this colde hope , sate downe néere the shore looking for a calme . Dayes light declining , nights darkenesse shadowed the earth , but in this obscuritie of all things I continued my abode , expecting dayes returne . But when Phoebus posting from the Antipodes had remounted the Easterne hill , and burnished heauen with his glittering beames , I hoping to see my wished obiect , viewed onely the voyd Sea . What should I then do ? exclaime ? I did it : accuse ? whome ? the Gods ? I would not : Fortune ? I durst not , for I hoped her fauour might be regayned . But ay me , my hope was forcelesse , because frutelesse . The windes fury was asswaged , but no Ship séene , no hope of returne . I spent the second night in this bootelesse expectation , which being past , and day restored , I summond my thoughts to consult , and determind sith vaine sorrowe without search could not auayle , to séeke her my lost loue , and finde her if the earth affoorded her . Rising in this resolution , and hasting by the coast , hauing mine eyes alwayes towards the Sea , I came to a desolate and almost dispeopled Hauen , where finding a Cretan Pinnesse ready rigd , and furnished for departure , I spéedily embarqued my selfe therein , but neither in my passage at Sea , nor in my search on land after my arriuall , could I finde any certaintie of my desire . Passing thence by Ship to Rhodes , I had like successe , for expecting there most comfort , I found least content . Though there discouraged , yet I drouped not , but proceeded : no I le in the Ionian or Aegaean Seas was by me vnséene or vnsearched . Failing in these , I came by Sea to Hellespont , thence to Epirus , thence to Macedon , then forward into Thessaly , from Thessaly to Thrace , enquiring diligently in all the Port townes of these Prouinces , and not finding any comfort , not hearing any newes of what I most desired , I entred into Arcadia , and met happily with you amid my laments . Thus haue you heard the summe of my sorrowes briefely related , whereto if you can affoord such ease as I expect , you shall not onely saue the life and salue the honour of a distressed Prince , but make him of all most fortunate . Héere words melted into teares , teares that made a periode to his plaints . Damon halfe in a passion after some pause replyed thus .

The strangenes of your discourse hath so amazed me , that I scarce knowe howe to answere . I should deriue my beginning from crauing pardon for so homely enterteyning so great a personage : but the ignorance of your estate affoords sufficient matter of excuse to shield mée from reproach . Yet if the sequele of my report doe in any sort satisfye you , I request that the solace which you get thereby , may in part recompence those former defects .

When our last Autumne the yeares most desired season , had rendered Earths tribute with heaped plentie of encrease , Aegon and Damaetas , both Arcadians , by profession Shepheards as I am , walking on the downes not farre from the Sea , while Titan posting to plunge his firie Chariot in Thetis lappe had gladded Oceanus with his returne , walking I say and ouerlooking their Swaynes that gathered the flockes to pen them in the foldes , they sawe a farre off one running towards them , séeming by signes to request their tarriance . At his approach they behelde him a goodly youth of comely feature , and endued with such rare beautie , as is séeldome séene in any of our sexe . The selly lad breathlesse with running , speachlesse , and almost heartlesse through feare , fell downe at their féete . They hauing graunted him some respit to settle and recouer himselfe , gently tooke him vp and courteously demaunded his estate , and the cause of his ill hap . He which panting for breath stopped oft in his tale , and could not make a long discourse , briefely told them , that hauing by hard fortune left his Countrey , he was taken by Pirats , amongst whome he had long led a miserable life , being most barbarously handled , they sometimes alluring him with faire promises , sometimes terrifying him with sharpe menaces , but no way able to winne him to their wills , or moue him to satisfye their beastly lust . Oft he cursed his worthlesse beautie , so he tearmed it , that had caused that wretched bondage , wherein he had endured so many troubles , continuing resolutely in his chast constancie . Thus much he discouered , and desired them to question no farther of his estate , but earnestly besought one of them , whome it should so please , to enterteyne him as his seruant , and promised to doe his duetie with all deuoire of diligence . Aegon the wealthier of the two , a man of approoued honestie enterteined him , tooke him home , and since that time hath vsde him not as a seruant but a sonne , for hauing no childe he purposeth to make him his heire . When the fame of this wonder , and the fortune of his arriuall was bruted through the countrey , Aegons house was frequented with troupes of Arcadians lusty Gallants , and dainty Girles . Ranished with the viewe of so rare a creature , they all sayde that eyther Hyalus béeing retransformed , had returned to grace Arcadia , or Cupid shrowded in disguise of mortall shape , was come to fire their hearts with newe flames . Thus was this wonder admired of all , loued of Shepheards , and liked of Lasses . Happy séemed the Swayne that could enioy his company , prowde was the Girle that could for a louers glaunce receiue a friendly looke . Among the rest , Dorylus an Heard-man , doting more déepely then became a Neateheard , assaying all meanes possible , yet finding no meanes possible to compasse his desire , at last resolued to woe him with offers , try him with presents , and tempt him with gifts : for déeming loue a couetous humor , hée thought this the onely point for his purpose . Béeing in so odde a veyne , presuming to foresée his owne successe , he plotted his supposed fortune in a Poeme , which béeing common in euery Shepheards mouth , I will nowe recite , that you may iudge howe cunningly he could contriue his fancy in a fiction .

Cupids iourney to Hell . LOue leauing heau'n gan post to Stygian lake , And being landed on the farther shore , For Plutoes palace did his iourney make , To view his vncles Court and royal store . Thus hauing crept from mothers sight by stealth , He welcom'd is with pompe by bloodlesse ghoasts : And hels grim tyran greeting him with health , His royalties to powre-full nephew boasts . Hauing viewd each strange hue of monstrous shape , They feasted with great iollitie in hell : And sawc'd their meate with store of pressed grape , Till wine did wit and sense from them expell . Sleepe causde by fumes to their ore-charged braines , Did seaze on both : first Pluto tooke a nap : Next , Cupid ( thus his quaffing moode constraines ) Laie downe to rest him , dreading no mishap . In hast the fondling from his shoulders threw , His deare bought quiuer and his fatall bowe : Faire Proserpine came in and at the view , Forthwith exclaimde , these , these haue wrought my woe . These , these causde me depriude of wonted ioy , T' inhabit Hell these firde the leachers lust : But sith they are misguided by a boy , I will commit them to an others trust . This said , came Plutus headlong tumbling in , Plutus the god of Coyne blinde as the other : Whom with faire words the guilefull queene did win , T' vsurpe those gifts and seeme loues second brother : At first he fearde , at last he was delighted , With vsing them and smiled oft to thinke : How mens affections by those shafts excited , Obeide his doome which loue with gold did linke . Cupid awaking miss'd the dreaded signes Of godheads might : strange passions did him tosse : He wreathes his armes in folds and them vntwines , Thus childishly he mones his haplesse losse . He wept , he fled , in hell he durst not hide him , Grieude with the murmure of so many soules , Neere heau'n he dares not come least Venus chide him . What should he do whom Fortune thus controules ? Foule fall the wagge that lost so rare a iewell Long may he lurke that could no better gard His fathers toile , his mothers pride , the fewell , Which for hearts wracke , eyes glaunses haue preparde . Sith then the god of gaine vsurps loues roome , I will with gifts make sute for gracious doome .

You may perhaps doubt the coherence of this deuise , thinking it straunge that Plutus stumbled in headlong at that instant , no former cause of his hastie comming being pretended : but marke my briefe report , which being heard , his inuention may séeme plausible .

In this the last and worst time wherein men carry golden thoughts though it be an iron age , Plutus perceiuing the generall desire of wealth setled in all hearts , thought himselfe so great a god as the best , since his giftes were so estéemed of the most . Meaning therefore more benignely to expresse his bounties royaltie , he lent the vse of his chief seruants to sundrie his well-willers , pretending those the onely acceptable sacrifice to obtain his fauour , their names were Couetousnesse , Deceit , Periurie , and the Séede of all mischiefe , that Arch-sinne Vsurie . Hauing thus prepared a path-way , he fancying greater glories due to his diuellish deitie , discouered himself in the West , supposing that these Coyne-cormorants , these Money-mongers his godheads chiefe pillers , would runne in heapes to adore him , and fill the earth with Temples erected in honor of his name : But his hope wanted successe , for these odde companions hearing that his iollitie had ascended from his infernall lodging to frollike with them , contriued meanes to catch him , and hauing layd hold on him , they hampred him so , euerie one catching a péece , that he erst in hell a god , was now on earth a prisoner , mangled and martired by those his fauourites , locked in great chests strengthned with yron barres , kept so close that the poore god was almost stifeled , gasping oft for breath , but being blinde , he felt no want of light , though closed in darkenesse where the glorie of his former beautie was blemished by rust . But when Saturnes blacke sonne had sent his poursiuant Death to seaze on these hucksters for whome a stately bath was prepared in euer-burning Phlegeton , the children not liking their fathers close fingring , restored Plutus to his libertie but with his losse , for they brought him from prison to torture , setting him on the racke , stretching his ioyntes so , that he possessed more roome then Tityus , whose bodie couered so many acres , for they made him reach or rather retch to the benefites of all those whom they glutted with inordinate giftes , and they had almost dismembred him , for they drew him so ●rie and sucked the marrow so néere ( the quintessence of 〈◊〉 substance being bestowed on the basest though best-s●●●ing commodities ) that the leane god had nothing 〈◊〉 but skin & bone . At last , winding himselfe from their , he met in this perplexitie with his olde friend Fru●●●itie , which being an expert Chirurgian set him togither againe : hauing recouered his legs , away he trotted amaine wingd with feare , dreading euer that some of those mad companions were at his héeles , and neuer thought himself secure vntill he came to hell , but he left his seruant Treasure behinde him on the earth , with a thousand curses to them which kept it : Of which one was , that they should neuer be quiet in minde : Another , that the brats of Vsurers should be alwaies sicke of the loose disease , neuer able to holde any thing long .

Thus haue you heard the cause of his headlong stumbling in , but here I will presume to comment on the conceit of Dorilus . Plutus did gladly ●●cept this offer of Proserpina , hoping thereby to recouer his seruant Treasure , for which purpose he vsed to wound louers after Cupids fashion , with the gold-tipped shafts , but he pierced the hearts of their beloued obiects with leaden headed arrowes , though garnished with a thin couerture of golde , which intimated that they carried Mercinary affections , not vouchsafing them any fauour which brought them no fée . But belike the god himselfe ment to share stakes , and by that kinde of tribute which they paied , to recouer in part his seruant Treasure , through them to whom he had bene the author of so profitable a profession . Hereat Arisbas smiled , and Damon ending this his first merry digression , procéeded thus on a second .

This was not his first experience of repulsed affection and vnregarded passions , for before this wonders arriuall , he extremely doated on Palma a faire shepheardesse , which was more delighted with obseruing Dianaes orders , then accepting his offers . He halfe in despaire , pend a conceit as he thought persuasiue , thinking that could moue her , which did rath●r mad her , and thus it was .

Dorylus his Ode , in English Sapphiques . TEll me thou fairest of al earthly creatures Faire by thy vertue , by thy beautie blessed , Tell me what moues thee to refuse my seruice sleightly regarded ? Loue of a sole life to be like Diana May perhaps moue you , but I wish ye would not : Would not or could not , but I hope ye will not , stil be resolude so . If to the Forrests , to the shadie thickets , Fancie doth moue thee to repaire alone thus , If to the wide woods , to the craggie mountaines , or to the vallies , Then wil I speed mee to the groues vnhanted , Where Satyres sport them to the Fairie wood-Nymphs ▪ Nimbly now skipping , then againe reposing , neare to the fountaines . Like not a sole life : Venus is reuenging , Feare ye not frownings of an angrie goddesse ? Scorne not her hests then : be no foe to Nature , Loue is a pleasure . Beautie decaieth , yet is no chiefest Grace of a Virgin , yet it is required : Life is vncertaine . Who can hold a shadow Lost in a moment ?

Such was his conceit wherein he sped not as he expected the issue of his fortune , yet loth to disgrace himselfe , to salue that suspition which might intimate want of perfections in him , he thus feined the cause of that repulse .

Dorylus his Madrigal . Loue vowde himselfe my friend and chose his time To wound faire Palma : Cynthia him espide , As wantonly the god did climbe To fit his aime , and sware to worke his smart , If he presum'd to pierce so chaste an heart : And therewithall from Mayden side She drew a shaft : away the god gan flie With wings fast wau'd , nor durst the wanton scant Or slacke his course amid the skie , Thus he his will and I my wish must want .

But let vs returne to his last wooing : hauing thus descanted ●ndeceiuing hope , hée attempted to effect his deuice , but failing in the execution , being reiected with seuere lookes , finding frownes in stead of fauours , he felt such déepe impression of sorrow , that since that time of his repulse , he hath led a discontented life , spending his daies in pensiue meditations . His fortune or rather misfortune not so rare as by his laments made ruthfull , is memorized by vs in a prouerbial byword : for we term il successe in loue the destinie of Dorylus . Thus you haue heard , what I can discourse concerning this wonder , a name well fitting his perfections , modestie of behauiour , maiestie of lookes , comelinesse not common , fairenesse of face , eyes lyke Starres , browes sometimes furrowed with prettie frownes , yet alwayes beauties bowre : frownes resembling those siluer steppes in the milke-white way leading to Ioues palace , chéekes cherrie redde , yet was this louely tincture circled with a mayden white , such neate proportion of all parts , that I want a world of tearmes to emblason their perticular praises , and will therefore ende with this assertion , which I dare auouch against all men , that Nature in framing him hath wronged her owne sexe , bereauing it of so great a glorie .

Arisbas galled to the quicke with Damons wordes , houering betwéene hope and feare , knew not how to surmise , what to suppose , for he felt a worlde of melancholy motions mustring tumults in his fancie . Weighing the report of that wonders beautie , he thought it could be no other then his Timoclea , but when he remembred the diuersitie of the sexe , he was againe discouraged , till hope rescuing his drouping passions with timely succours of happie comfort , bad him imagine that as loue doth oft effect rare stratagems , so he might proue his power miraculous in this one thing , shadowing the sexe for his auaile . Being in these dumpes he held a session in his thoughtes , whereto he assembled all his powers , and therein resolued to ryd himselfe of this doubt by a spéedie view of that far-renowmed wonder . For this purpose hée enquired of Damon the name and distance of the place where hée remained , who answered , that hée dwelt farre of in the Southerne parts of Arcadia , and that it were ●●lly to wearie himselfe with a néedelesse iourney , sith if hée woulde continue his abode but nine dayes , hée might with lesse trauaile , and in a full assembly view him at ease . The Prince demanded how , The shepheard after a long pause beganne thus , gracing his relation with an vnexpected discourse . When our Country was haunted with the almost-daily presence of heauens high inhabitantes , though now bereaued of so great a good through our owne ingratitude . ( For Iupiter courted Calisto in Dianaes shape , robbing her of her dearest Iewell , and Apollo mastered or rather martyred by Cupid , for his high contempt pursued swift Daphne winged with chaste desires . )

There liued in Arcadia a most faire Ladde famous as the rest , I may well terme him faire , a terme too slender to emblazon his beauties woorth . Much I muse ( yet I néede not muse , for Iupiter possessed Ganimede alreadie ) that he made not him a praie for his pleasure . But sith I cannot fully expresse his perfections , I wil rehearse to you the description of him couched by an Arcadian pen-man , in a briefe Ode , a conceit wel knowne to all shepheards , and by them oft recited .

The description of Hyalus in an Ode . GAnimede th' Idaean boy , Second glorie of the day : Phrigiaes wonder fathers ioy , Loues content , ●oues wishfull pray , Blith Adonis beauties treasure , Venus darling , Fancies fire , In whose lookes were heauens of pleasure , Fruite too faire of foule desire : Both these would , though both were rare , Both the mirrors of their time : Blush if they should make compare , With this wonder of our clime . In whose eyes loue lodgd his darts , But he did with glaunses ayme them , That hee might subdue all hearts , And his owne by conquest clayme them . Such his face such was his stature , Locks resembling burnisht golde , That his like , astonisht nature , Framd not since of earthly moulde . Nature at her selfe amazed , O what influence then did guide her , Sith in want such worth was blazed , Worth which heau'ns haue since denide her ? May not then this louely boy , For he was a louely creature , Well be tearmd Arcadiaes ioy , Blest in bearing such a feature ? Well he may and if not he , Who should then our wonder be ▪

Such and so many were his perfections , that he could not fully describe them , much lesse I discouer them . He was affected by many , admirde by all . Shepheards doted on him , Lasses droupt for him , all liked him , for who could not loue him ? It is the custome of Arcadians to rest in some shade when Sommers scortching heate annoyes them . Being shrowded from the Sunne , they spend the time in discoursing on their owne or their fellowes fortunes , Shepheards I meane , men of their owne profession , whether natiue in Arcadia or no : as in memorizing the worth of Astrophell , praising the perfections of Phillis , lamenting the losse , commending the loyaltie of Amyntas , mourning for the death , yet misliking the disdeine and pride of Amaryllis , pitying the distresse of the forlorne Shepheard , the vnhappy admirer , though happy herauld o● her worth . But if Hyalus by hap came by ( as oft he did ) they would abruptly breake off these discourses , and follow him gréedily , gazing on so glorious an obiect . Nor was this vniformitie of affections only in humane hearts , for the rurall powers were touched with like simpathy : Pan sighed to sée him , remembring by him his Syrinx , though of an other sexe . The Hamadryades flocked to view him , wishing him one of their troupe . Faunes , Siluans , Satyres , séeldome séene before , were oft beheld by men , while they left the hallowed groues to gaze in the open fields on that eye - Syren , alluring not with the sound , but at the sight . Amongst other , Pomona , Goddesse and patronesse of fruite did so deepely affect him , that Venus could not more dote on her Adonis . She desirous to winne him with ouer-cloying kindnesse , fed him with Apples , gaue him Plums , presented him Peares . Hauing made this entrance into her future solace , she would vse oft his company , kisse him , coll him , check him , chuck him , walke with him , wéepe for him , in the fields , neere the fountaines , sit with him , sue to him , omitting no kindes of dalliance to woe him , winne him , feyning to droupe , to dye for him . But he which would not listen to loues lore , nor obey his hests , nor abide his lawes , tooke no pleasure in her passions , loathed her embraces , liked not these amorous combats , and oft shunning her sight , would repaire to the vnhappy Shepheard , disdaind by Amaryllis , and sit with him and sing , tying his angels voyes to the obseruations of musick , recording the skilfull Swaines swéete ditties in heauenly notes : for he loued him for his pleasing grace in passionate Sonets . While these things chaunced , Zephyrus that glads Arcadia with friendly gales , sawe him , and sighed for him : nor did hée only sée him , but by oft breathing coole gales into him , felt the many swéetes lodged in that louely subiect . While he thought of no fellowe in his affection , his passions were moderate , but when he knew that Pomona was his riuall , he loath to brooke a partner in his pleasure , or a companion in his content , resolued to sequester his delight from hazard of surpazing , and thus effected his resolution . As on a day Hyalus parched with sommers heate , and tyrde with faintnesse , reposed his weary lims on a gréene banke , Zephyrus not omitting this oppertunitie , gently heaued him from the ground , and softly conueyed him musing much , into the worlds Westerne coasts , wafting this wonder to the fortunate Ilands , the blessed soyle not annoyde with rough blasts , nor ouerwhelmd with immoderate raynes , but sometimes ( though seldome ) touched with a superficiall moysture of showres . There he layde him downe in a medowe on a bed of floures , gathered against his comming by his ayrie seruants , to whome before he had intimated his intent . When the boy was layde , being in a pretie chafe , he scolded and exclaymed , though not knowing whome he might accuse . Zephyrus which felt fresh coales kindled in his heart by this louers combat , spake thus . Scolde not my wanton with thy friend , whose name if thou desire , know that it is he which for thy sake hath oft mantled Arcadia with Floras pride to delight thine eies , & comforted thée with a pleasing coole in extreame heate , to relieue thy faintnesse , euen Zephyrus , Lord of the Westerne blasts , whome if thou canst affect , thou shalt want nothing which the world can affoorde : try me , trust me , employ me , impute to me thy desires , thy delights . This sayd , resoluing himselfe into ayre , he diued into his dearling , on his eyes , on his lips he seazd , he surfeited : then raysing him thence , he carried him to his Palace , a most pleasant coole edifice . There Hyalus rested long , not wanting his will in any wish . He was serued by vnséene att●ndants that waited with diligence on their Lords dearling . Varietie of daintiest fare , choise of wines , change of meates , store of delicates , were plentifully brought or rather blowne in at appointed houres , tables couered , all things furnished with more then princely magnificence , yet no seruitour appearing , diuine melodie on windie instruments fild his eares with continuall charmes of harmonious sounds . Oft he walked abroade to viewe the perfections planted in that soyle , and being weary or wanton , roade backe in an ayrie Chariot . But all this could not content him , who wanting his wonted companions , seemed to leade a life voyde of comfort . Hée did therefore so importune Zephyrus with childish complaints , that he vnable to deny him any thing , graunted the boyes most earnest desire , and ratified his graunt with spéedie performance . Truce was taken , and the composition sealed with many kisses : the summe of their agréement was , that Hyalus after his arriuall in Arcadia , should shunne the sight of Pomona , and leaue all other that pretended loue . On these conditions he was conueyd backe , and layd in the place whence he was lifted . The rumor of his returne being bruted abroade , the Arcadians throngd in thicker troupes then before to sée him , for measuring the worth of his presence by the griefe of his absence , they could not glut themselues with gazing on him . So soone as Pomona heard these happy tidings , she erecting tropheys in her fancy , vowde to preuent like future misfortune . Hauing gotten a sight of him , she ran , he ran , he fled , she followed , and followed so fast , that she ouertooke him in his course , and stayd him from starting : then she began thus . Shun not thy friend fond wagge which hath sought thée , sobd for thée , grieud to loose thée , glad to finde thée . At first I thought that Iupiter misliking Ganimede that now growes stale , had taken thée to supply his roome , or Venus chosen thée her second Adonis : But when I heard that Zephyrus had done this , I was the lesse discouraged , knowing my selfe able to encounter such an aduersary , and beard so bas●● riuall in the pride of his hope . Now I haue got thée , and beshrow me wanton if I watch not your wiles , and kéepe you not in a surer garde . This sayd , she tooke him by the hand , and led the blushing boy to her mansion , where she locked him vp close prisoner , restraind his former large libertie , allowed him only to walke in her Orchards , and féede on her fruites . O beautie nourse of bondage , faire ill , sowre swéete . O most preposterous estate of all things , that he should be captiue to them whome his lookes had conquered . Vngentle Fortune , what malice did selly Hyalus merite , that hauing perfections worth , he should féele pleasures want ? was he therefore faire that he should be infortunate ? this by the way , but i le procéede . Zephyrus renewing his olde wont , romde through Arcadia , and missing his choise , marueiled at the change . Did he violate his vowe ? tush , he was a childe that could not value the vertue of an oath . Was he vrged by others ? why not ? for he was faire . Did he loue an other ? he might , for he was yong . Thus dreading many doubts , he swallowed his discontent , but when he knewe that Hyalus was Pomonaes prisoner , he was so enraged with furious passions , that he ruminated on nothing saue reuenge , and being vnable to hurt so power-full a riuall , vowd to inflict vengeance on the whole countrey of Arcadia . In this impatient humour , he hasted to the Northren regions , and méeting there with Boreas , saluted him thus . Father of stormes , salue now the sorrowes of vnhappy Zephyrus , thy brother in nature , thy equall in substance : helpe me , and for euer haue me a friend , a fauourer . I haue in one iniurie receiued more wrongs then I can reckon . Vnmindfull , vnthankfull Arcadia not weighing the many fauours by mée affoorded , withholds from me my loue , my life , my hope , my heauen : but if thou powre thy plagues on that vnkinde soyle , and oppresse the inhabitants with outragious furie of thy blasts , my riuall may repent her rashnesse , and I recouer my losse : Do it then deare fellowe , and for this courtesie I will for euer rest at thy commaund , let thy tryall of affection moue thée to weigh my affliction . Boreas replide with a rough voyce . Brother Zephyrus , though our blasts doe oft effect contrarieties in the ayre , yet are not we contrary in our thoughts . I haue heard thy cause , and will auenge thy quarell , scourging the continent with such a storme of whirle-windes embattaild against themselues , raysing in their tragedies the tropheyes of my mercilesse fury , that the world hearing report of this ruthfull accident , shall repute thy cause highly reuenged . I vowe to thée by the Scepter of our King , not to defer the execution of thy desire . Zephyrus comforted with these words , yéelded him many thanks , and returned to the West . Boreas forthwith issude from his icy prouince with a troupe of tempests and inuaded Arcadia , where he wrought so many mischieues in a moment , that no eye could viewe them tearelesse . Groues were disgarnished of their shrubs , fields disfurnished of their floures : trées , some torne , some rent vp by the rootes , cattaile violently carried from the places where they fed , and tumbled headlong downe the cliffes , men staggering , could not stay their steps , leauing therefore their wonted walkes they housed themselues . The Arcadians grieued with so many incommodities , imputed these afflictions to the anger of the Gods , whose wrath they sought to appease by Sacrifice . Repairing for counsell to the Delphi●n Oracle , they receyued this answere , that they should sue to Aeolus , for he onely could ease them , whose altars they loaded with many oblations , omitting no vsuall solemnities . The God pitying their distresse , checked Boreas for his vnruly rage , and limited his boistrous furie with appointed boundes , commaunding him not to touch the pompe of Flora , or the hope of Syluanus , not to wrong the harmelesse Husband-men , or hurt the selly Shepheards , but afflict onely the places of Pomonaes charge , which thing he did . The amorous Goddesse séeing a generall tranquillitie , and all other places quiet , saue where she was president , was forced to bridle her affection , and release her prisoner , least for a fickle humor she should loose her honor . Hyalus set frée , raunged in a childish rage , but being weary with wandering , he rested néere a pleasant Spring , and hauing wept fréely , slept soundly . In this sléepe , strange sléepe , the late sexe was changed , and of a faire boy a fairer maide fashioned . Awaking and musing much at this metamorphosis , she was in the midst of her dumps raisde with a strong gale , & carried to a place néere the streights of Thermopyles , where was a Temple dedicated to Aeolus , wherein the louely maide was consecrated a Priest to that God , and continued there the whole tearme of her life a spotlesse virgin . Our auncestors desirous to celebrate the remembrance of this rare accident with eternall honor , appointed the day of her change to be for euer , memorizd in a yearely feast called Parthenia , wherein the Priest of Aeolus accompanyed with the fairest of the youth of both sexes , offers a noble Sacrifice , disposing all things with due Ceremonies . Which done , they compassing the aultar in a ring , sing a solemne Hymne in prayse of that God . This did our auncestors institute , and their progeny hath by long successe of time obserued their deuoute orders . This feast must be solemnized nine dayes hence , whereat doubtlesse you shall sée this wonder one of that louely Chorus . Arisbas delighted with this talke , and cheered with hope-full courage , thanked Damon for his discourse , and resolued to tarry the néere-approching time , and desirous in the meane while to rid himselfe of wonted pensiuenesse , in a veine halfe rude halfe ready , he fashioned these thrée fancies , for taking truce with sorrowe , yet not wholly sorrow-lesse , he felt more comfort , though no full content . But take them as he wrote them , wherein if all be not currant , impute it to his thoughts which were not clearde . If this passe with fauour , the other followe with like hope .

The strife of Loue and Beautie . LOue was arm'd with fatall bowe , Shafts which mother did bestowe , Mother gaue , but Father framde , Father , Mother , both were blamde . Wanton Goddesse did beguile Husband with a feigned smile : For a kisse she did obtaine ( Labor neuer spent in vaine , ) That her Sonne by Vulcanes trade Might the chiefest God be made . Thus she wonne him to her will , ( Wily worke of womans skill ) But the boy more proude then wise , Waues his wings and foorth he flyes . Soone as he on earth had lighted , Thus the fondling was despighted . As he vaunted vncontrolde Thinking all that glisterd golde , Terming in a foolish thought Which his selfe-conceipt had wrought , Heau'n his foote-stoole , Gods his marke , Men his obiects , earth his parke , Gods and men his hunting game , Beauty natures deareling came : Beautie clad in natiue hue , Whome the Graces did endue With rich plentie of their gifts , Beautie cause of witty shifts : Beautie with whose worth delighted , Poets haue sweet hymns endited : Faire as is the ruddy morne , Leauing restfull bowre forlorne . Morne dide with Vermilion red , Rising from old Tithones bed . Thus this fairest of all faire Deind to grace the liquide aire : Passing by where loue did stand , Holding powre-full bowe in hand ▪ Not saluting as she went , Him that rag'd in discontent . Boyling wrath must issue finde , Wrath that boilde in troubled minde ▪ For the ease of whose vnrest , Thus his furie was exprest . Loue said he was Beauties better : She said Loue was Natures debter . Loue exclaimde on Beauties pride , Which all duties force denide . She said Loue receiude no wrong , Where no dutie did belong . None might craue peculiar right , Sith they were of equall might . He said beautie nere preuailed , But where Loue the heart assailed . Beautie for it selfe admired , His shafts causde to be desired . For where Loue bred no remorse , There had beautie litle force . Psyche was more faire then any : Loude of few , though likde of many . Yet so likde that not affected : Sisters sped , but she reiected . Yet , quoth Beautie Psyche gainde Cupids heart to her enchainde . Where was then his wonted might ? Vanquishde by a womans sight ? Thus fell Loue into a trip : Thus she galde him with a quip . He said t was his owne procurement , She said it was her allurement . Loue said beautie pleasde the eie , But he wrought hearts sympathie . She said heart when eye had viewde , Was by beauties force subdude . He said beautie soone decaide : She said loue no longer staide , Then while beautie was in prime : Thus did both giue place to time . Cupid grieude with these replies , Framde by her in taunting wise : Sware by dreadfull Stygian lake , ( Greatest vow that gods can make ) That he would no more descend , Till he did this quarrell end : Vowing by his godheads might , Beauties darlings to despight . Thus he saies , and vp he flies Swiftly through the Empyre skies . If men might this strife decide , As by men it should be tride , Then would all agree in one , Beautie can preuaile alone : Beautie able to enthrall , Eyes and heart , and thoughts and all : Yet three powers in one assenting Stroke mine heart , heart soone relenting . Eyes saw beautie and admirde it , Loue saw heart , through eyes he firde it , But faire lookes did first constraine Cupids shafts to shape my paine . Fairer Vertue beauties iewel , Bad mee not pronounce Loue cruel . Loue that forc'd me to affect , Beauties worth by Vertue deckt : Then ô three of all the chiefe , Ease at last my loathed griefe .

His second inuention followes thus .

CVPIDS PALACE . PAphos now a worthlesse name , Wants the grace of wonted Fame . Fishie Cnidus not frequented , Samos highly discontented , Discontented with the misse , Of so great a former blisse , Where from altars did arise , Odors sweete , with louers cries : Breathing sighes from hearts amaine , Sad reporters of their paine . Barraine be Idalian hill , Vnadornd by Natures skill . Dry be Acidalian spring , Circled with no euening ring : Of the Fairy wood-Nymphs tripping , And on greene grasse lightly skipping , Where sweete Amorets were chaunted , While it was by goddesse haunted : Be they of all bounties reft , Sith they are by Venus left . Loues coy queene forgetting quight , Iles could yeeld her queint delight , Deeming earthly mansions drosse , Former solace , future losse , Haunts the palace of her sonne , Worke of wonder lately done : Daily guest she there remaineth , And of loue to Loue complaineth . Now no more to rule she deignes , Yoked Swans with siluer reines , As she did from earth ascend , ( Earth which erst she did commend ) And returnd through liquide aire , Gliding to Ioues royall chaire . Vulcan staide from framing thunder , That he might erect this wonder . Wanton boy would neuer cease , Wily mother grant no peace , Till by this the strife were ended , Feined strife by them pretended . Top is close , the fourme is round , Seated on an azure ground : No doore seene , yet doores each-where , Entries close , yet many there . For one colour teinteth all , Turrets , doores and gyring wall : Clammy stuffe the colour beareth , ( Halfe white , halfe red hue it weareth ) Such as in Asphaltis lake , Did Chaldaean workemen take : For that high-entitled frame , Honord with first Empires name : On the top with triumphs fild , Stockdoues mothers birds did build . Right side was with windowes dight , To receiue th' infused light : Light so cleare , so bright , so faire , As in clearest open aire . There the roofes are rich embost , Wals adornd with equal cost : Workes engraude of queint deuise , And enchasde with gemmes of price . There his bow of beaten gold , Worth a world of wealth vntold : And shafts pointed with like mettle , Wily wag thought meet to settle . Pleasure gardian of this roome , Author of each happie doome : Loues Vicegerent on that side , Vaunts the worth of heau'ns chiefe pride . Fancies on her steps attend , Such as do her fauours send , Or affoord the fruites of pleasure , When delight by loue they measure . These serue when the god doth strike , Both hearts with one shaft alike . Not that one should sue in vaine , And the other dart disdaine . But a mutuall passion wrought , In one sympathie of thought : Or when hope of hap vnproued , Plots the praise of things beloued . Pyrocles such fancie knew , Fancie giuing Loue his due , Which did on Philoclea looke , Bathing in a Christall brooke . He disguisde a virgin seemd , And his name was Zelmane deemd . O how sweetly did he praise , In those lines those louely laies , All perfections in her planted ? For his pen no praises wanted . Tresses of her Ambre haire , Wauing in the wanton aire . Rubie lips and corall chin , Soft , smooth , Alablaster skin . Angels ●ookes , hands lily white , Eyes subduing at the sight . Left side hath no windowes made , Darker then Tartarian shade . There was bowe of fatal yue , Acting horrors that ensue , And his arrowes with leade tipt , Which in Stygian poole were dipt . Sorrow keeps this seate of terror , Mirthlesse hag the whelpe of error . Fancies do on her attend , Fancies which despaire do send : When one shaft poore heart doth shiuer , Drawne from loue-enforcing quiuer : But a second tipt with lead , Strikes affections vigor dead : In an other heart not moued , With remorse of paine vnproued . These do on repulses muse , And Loues rigor oft accuse . And soft sounds like minutes breath , Sighes by turnes from vnderneath . But ô God the most diuine , Sith Timocleas heart and mine Were with equall wound opprest , And with fairest Fancies blest : End these sowres with sweete conclusion , Least thy godhead seeme illusion .

His third inuention not treating of loue , but shadowing the worth of Poesie in a fiction , was thus :

The worth of Poesie . IMpute it not prophane impietie , Dread god of Delos , and chaste virgin-troupe : To him that , in vnpitied miserie That doth enforce his wearied muse to stoupe , And him all cheerlesse abiect-like to droupe , Reueales those holie secrets of your hill , That do concerne defence of depest skill . Vnder the couert of a Laurell tree , Vpon the mount where learned Muses dwel : Rare monuments of worth enshrined bee , The workes of Laureate pens , workes which excell , Cherish'd by comfort of Castalian well : There rest they safe : though safe , yet once assailde By three mishaped elues , which fled and failde . There laie enrolde in euerlasting lines , Epique records wrapt in heroique stile : There laie enclosde in those eternall shrines , Sweete Hymns and Odes that lyriques did compile , And Elegies , and Epigrams sharpe file , With th' other graces of a laureate quill , Whence hony sweets do copiously distill . Pale enuy Beldame-like with staffe vpholding Her cursed limbs , came first and tooke a sitting , In lothsome signes her deadly teene vnfolding , Neare to that hallowed place how il befitting , How much annoyd through her contagious spitting , T' infect the tree that did those branches nourish , And kill the roote whose moisture fed their flourish ? From depth of poisnous mawe the monster fierce Did belch foule gobbets with an hell of snakes , Wallowing in lothsome filth , that did empierce The teinted ground : Forthwith the Laurell shakes , For whose decaie the hag that vomit makes , Which sinking downe corrupted roote and all , With Christall drops that from the spring did fall . Soone as the erst-greene began to perish , And witherd branches could no longer couer Those antique rolles , or them with safetie cherish , A second hag still darknesse silent louer : Obliuion hight , slow hag did slily houer , Suted in duskie robe of pitchie staine , Like to an hanging cloude that threatens raine . Well did this name of Lethe her beseeme , Which oft forgot her selfe and her entent : Eftsoone she staid , as doubting what to deeme : Then forth she stept : nor long she forward went , But staid againe , as musing what was ment . But being come , she towards her gan rake Those monuments , that prize her praie to make . Then Ignorance that doth Arts glory blot , Ran to the tree to get a Laurell wreath , Before the branches by that fatal spot Were wasted cleane , that rose from vnderneath : Nor would she stop , nor did she stand to breath , Till tree was toucht : thus did the sot desire , The highest praise of laureate Poets hire . She thought it meete her pupils to inuest With lasting bay : and in that fairest place To lodge their lines , where worthier workes did rest , But when they were repulst with deepe disgrace , She hirde those hags both glories to deface . Those elues of horror which did yeeld their helpe , The one despaires , the other darknesse whelpe . O bane of blisse , gainst worthiest wits pretended , O lucklesse lot ô iniurie of time : Foule-fall the hags that such ill hap entended , And haggish brood enuying honors prime : When high-plum'd Muse through Empyre skies doth climbe : And curses all which holy Poemes hold , Light on the hags that stop those mines of gold . O who could harbour such inhumane thought , Though he Hircanian Tygres milke did sucke ? Heart more flint-hard then beating waues haue wrought On sea-washt rockes , reward from arte would plucke , And guerdonize desert with direst lucke . Stand they good Gods dull stones ay-vnremoued , That such despight by censure fell approued . Fame gliding from on high did there alight , Viewde their attempts , and rested on the tree : The earth was circled with a glorious light , ( Such light as mortall eye could neuer see ) Forcing the elfe which had those hags in fee , To troth with apish pace vnto some caue , The halfe-lost vse of daseled eyes to saue . The winged Goddesse moude with high disdaine , So shrill a note from siluer trompet sounded , That slowe obliuion posted thence amaine , Whose eares that strange vnwonted noise confounded , Eares where small helpe for memory was grounded . Pale enuy fled surprizde with doubtfull feare , Whose witherd cheekes with wrinckles furrowed were . The filth boild vp : the leaues wexd greene againe : The Lawrell flourisht in her former hue : Fame bade Desert for euer there remaine With light and sound , to shield a Poets due , By safe defence from wrongs that might ensue . Thus I record that future age may tell , Loe this is he that wisht to Poets well .

Although he aymde his conceipt at the merits of Grecian and Romane labors onely there preserued in a golden closure of perpetuitie , vnder that ay-greene ay-glorious trée , euer faire , because euer fresh , whose lasting flourish dated with eternitie , and cherished by the Christal-flowing Castalian spring , such labors as either record the worth of those ancient Heroes , marshalling their stately blasons in maiestique methode with such successe of acceptance and admiration , as when an high-pac'd Muse treading a lofty march , leades honor enchaind in an Epique pen , grac'd with the furtherance of historique Clio , or treate the tragical tropheyes of the cothurnate Muse , vttering clamorous complaints , and enwrapping complotted practises of bloud and reuenge in the swelling pompe of hautie Iambiques , which yéeld matter for the Chorus to complaine , warbling sorrowes with variable soundes : or the faire blossoms of affection displayde in elegies , with the facetious grace of sharpe-cutting conceiptfull Epigrams , limiting delight in compendious swéetnesse : with Satiricall reprehensions , heauenly Hymns , and the pleasing solace of harmonius Odes , not the least studie of a Lyrique pen-man , with Eclogues , and the fruites of Thaliaes fauors suted in meanest robes . Though he I say aymde his conceite at these onely , yet may I auer with like truth , that the like moderne taskes publishd since by men of sundry nations especially in the Latin tongue , absoluing all parts of poesie in seueral perfections , were likewise registred in that holy refuge of such happy reliques . But the Muses blusht , and Phoebus frownd at the strict bounds of their bounties , whose fauors were limited with these two languages . For which restraint of their worth they prouided this remedie , that the diuine Entheos inspiring such sap , such swéetnesse , should be afforded to other nations , which decrée being once ratified , conceiptfull Italians obteind first place of this priuiledge , and did diuinely absolue each aboue-named part with seuerall perfections : their names I néede not to relate , being famously knowne through Europe to the most . Poesy wauing thence her golden wings beyond the Alpes , though returning , establisht an habit of high humors in France , the happy nourse of many rare spirits , which likewise with no lesse praise haue in liuely colours expressed all perfections of Poetry , and these being in like sort famous , néede not to be by me memorized . To these adde the labors of Castilian pens . But in Albion the wonder of Ilands louely Thamesis , fairest of the faire Nereides loues sea-borne Quéene adoring , vaunts the glory of her maiden streames , happy harbour of so many Swans , Apollos musical birds , which warble wonders of worth , and chaunt pleasures choise in seuerall sounds of sweetnesse , pleasant , passionate , loftie , louely , whose matchlesse notes , the faire Nymph kéeping tyme with the billowing of her Chrystall waues , carrying to the Ocean with her ebbe , doth there echo them to her astonisht sisters which assemble in those vast flouds by timely confluence . Baetis grac'd with many bounties , Po , and Arno , garnishd with many pleasures , Rhone , and Araris , enriched with many royalties , yet none of these may vaunt more heauens of happinesse then Thamesis , in harbouring such Swans , such swéetnesse . Yet many most worthy monuments of heauenly wits wanted the honor and safetie of this seate , for they were drowned in the abysse of Lethes silence , especially of the most ancient Graecian Authors , as Orpheus , Linus , the first Musaeus , Aratus , Nicander , Theognis , Phocilides , and most of all the nine Lyriques , and Elegiacke and Comicke Poets , and some taskes of tragique pens , with the precious predictions of the tenne Sybills , and many of the Romane Worthies . Little remaines of graue Ennius , who vaunted though vaine-gloriously the transmigration of great Homers soule , séeking aduantage by that one poynt of Pythagorean doctrine to bositer his owne ambition , but though he were rude in stile ( which was the fault of his time ) yet was he graue in matter , and in this meriting praise , that being one of those that brake the first yee , he rowsde the following rare spirits . But worse hap befell the rare Smyrna of learned Cinna , and sugred passions of sweete Gallus , and of those other both Gréeke and Romane workes , many are blemishde with some blurs : so that it was high time that Phoebus and the Muses should vndertake their protection , and become their patrones . But leauing this digression , let vs returne to the matter .

Thus spent hée some houres in these meditations , but when the long-expected day of his desire approached , Damon taking his princely guest with him , iourneyed to Sicyone , néere whose suburbs that solemnitie was euer celebrated in a faire fielde hallowed for that yearely vse . At their arriuall in the Citie , they founde there innumerable Grecians , both natiue of the continent , and Ilanders , whome awfull zeale of pure deuotion had induced to be present at those holy rites : ( such they tearmed them . ) The next morning ( for their expectation lasted but one night ) Arisbas and his hoste , leauing their lodging betimes , went to the place , and there prouided themselues an easy roome without the rayles : for within them none might stand , the Priest and his necessary attendants excepted : with them infinite troupes of the assembled strangers hasted to preuent Titan , who shaking his deawy lockes on the mountaines , posted from the watry cabbin of Nereus , to be an ea●ely viewer of these solemnities . But ere he had measured a tenth proportion of his daily pace , the Priest sute● in a long sky-colourde robe , a wreath of Poplar branches , though consecrated to Alcides , encompassing his Temples , came forward , and with him the ordinarie Ministers , the inferior assistants to his office , clad in their Ceremoniall robes , each attending on his seuerall charge . Some caried syluer basons to receiue the bloud , some fumigations , one the knife , an other the hallowed fire , brought from the euer-glowing altar of Delphos , euery one somewhat , and two the chiefe of them led the sacrifice , a yong milke-white Heifar crowned with a garland of floures , whose frée necke had not felt the heauie yokes bondage : Next these , came the most louely traine , consisting of the fairest of both kinds , flourishing in the prime of their youth , and in the pride of their beautie , clad all in long white robes trailing after them , wearing on their heads garlands of odoriferous floures . They obserued a rare methode in their comely march , pacing two and two , a faire boy and a girle .

In one thing the weaker sexe , those wonders of beauties worth excelled , whose amber tresses waued so on their shoulders , marshalled with swéet equalitie of distance , that Phoebus féeling contrary passions , did both sigh and smile to sée them . But in this , the worthier kinde farre ouermatched the oth●● , in the front of whose rancke that wonder whereof Damon made late report was placed the first , as of all the ●●ir●st , who turned the eies of the beholders from not●ng th●●e procéeding , to gaze on his perfections . Arisbas hauing before lost himselfe in a desert of despaire , & now finding an issue for hi● hope , was so rauished with the sight , that he could scarce conteine himselfe from leauing his station , and running to embrace ( as wel he might . ) For Arcadiaes triumph was his Timoclea . Thus it séemed , thus he supposed , not gessing at randon , but gathering by likelihood of his loue : yet stil he doubted because he dreaded . The full triall of this séeming truth , was deferred till the solemnities were ended , which thus they prosecuted . All the traine being come within the railes , a general silence mixed with reuerence possessed all men . The sacrifice being prepared after the vsuall maner , the accustomed sprincklings & other ceremonies dispatched , that noble offering was layd on the altar & the wood kindled by the consecrated fire . And forthwith the faire Chorus cast into a ring began their hymne . In the same moment of time a shril harmony of winde-instruments , sounding miraculously in the aire , not drowning with ouer-loude noise , but consorting with the musicke of those well-agréeing voices in a fit key , made diuine melodie . And for a second testimony of the gods kind acceptance of their deuotions , a stronggale snatched vp the sacrifice , and swift as thought bereaued their eyes of that obiect , before the Hymne was ended , which I haue here added .

The Hymne sung to Aeolus . MOst iust auenger of Arcadiaes wrong , Dread God , high Regent of the worlds wide frame , Enricht with titles of adored name , To thee these rites , these honors do belong : At whose dire frownes th' amazed earth hath trembled . Patrone of harmelesse men in haplesse age , Restrainer of thy furious seruants rage , Accept th' intents of vs in zeale assembled . Worker of wonders in the continent , Prince of the aire , distinguisher of time : The calme relieuer of our troubled clime , To thee these duties pure deuotion sent . We celebrate as ancestors before vs , With yearly thanks best fruites of swaines degree , The miracle and mercies shewde by thee , Which Countries natiue plentie didst restore vs . And our succeeding progenie shall know From fathers mouth , the debt which children owe .

Scarce were the accustomed ceremonies finished , when Arisbas leauing his station entred within the railes , & running with hasted steps to the louely leader of that beautious troupe of angel-faced boyes , after many embraces seasoned with a mixture of swéete kisses , began thus aloude : Deare of all the dearest , if not mistaken , luckily met , happily found : thée haue I sought , successesse on sea , on land , in the groues , on the plaines , in the Iles , on the maine , wearying the world with iteration of my woes . Now haue I found thée , if thée , then am I fortunate : but if eyes deceiue me , hope faile me , then may I iustly impute this mishap to the extremitie of fortunes malice , which séemed to ease me with a shadow of not-being solace , that she might plunge me in a déeper sea of sorrowes . Wen Timoclea ( for shée it was ) sawe her Arisbas , and heard him speake , chiming in her eares charmes of vnthought pleasure , how she was affected I refer to their censures , which after sowre crosses enioy swéete comfort : blushing at her discouerie , yet reioycing at this happie accident , she replied thus , gracing her proeme with a maiden-blush . Doubt not dearest Lord the assurance of your hope , I am that Timoclea sought by you so much , that haue sighed for you so oft , whose truth hath had many tryals in troubles , yet vanquishing all distresse , she beholds you , secure from danger . Thinke not this disguise of mine attire , and dissembling of my sexe , any reproach to the modestie of a maydens behauiour , for I haue plotted this chaste pollicie to preuent all perils of lustfull violence , and preserue mine honour inuiolate , that I might restore my selfe to you with the same dowry of virgins dignitie , for which you at the first affected me . This sayd , they shedding teares , enterchaungeable tokens of their mutuall ioy , recompenced the long want of loues delight , with swéete kisses , and Damon supplying the time of their solace , stood vp , and in a large discourse dilated the fortunes of Arisbas , and the successe of his loue agréeing in effect of sense , with the former relations , whose tale being ended , Timoclea prosecuting the discouery of loues strange aduentures , procéeded thus . Sith those things are reuealed which I thought that the gods and our selues onely had knowne , I will likewise in this assembly publikely relate the many changes of aduerse chances , from ill to worse by me endured . Thus then deare Lord , and you strangers and friends , receiue a briefe rehearsall of my troubles , & in hearing my discourse , dread souereigne of my soules blisse , weigh the many dangers of thy dear too dearly-bought Timoclea . When that il-boding tempest first cause of our ensuing cares had secluded thée from the sea , mée from the shore , our ship was dangerously tossed on the troublous waues , and though within no small space a timely calme had quieted the waters rage , yet the vngentle windes , lucklesse instruments of fortunes spight , kéeping their wonted quarters , draue vs far from the continent with continued aduerse blasts . After long tumbling on the floud , we descried a litle desolate Iland , and packing on all the sailes , made towards it amaine , when sodeinly the Pilot causing them to strike the late-spred sailes , kept aloofe from the coast , and willed the boat-swain to sound the depth , for he vehemently feared to be driuen on some shelues in that vnknowne current , but finding all sure in the safetie of a wide chanell , we approached néerer . There was a small créeke on the South side , making shew of an harbor , seeming then a fitte hauen for our weather-beaten vessell . Thereinto we entred , bearing in close with the point , and hauing anchord , the chiefe gouernour of the ship went on land with the stoutest of his Marriners to search the country , and to finde fresh acates , but he returned failing in his purpose , only supplying our want of fresh water & fewell , and bringing aboord with him a fewe straunge ill-tasting birds which they had taken among the cliffes : leauing this comfortlesse coast , we made againe to sea , & on the seuenth night from our departure thence , we were engulfed among the Cyclades by the windes thwarting alteration , fitly resembling the crosse course of fortunes whéele in peruerting humane actions . In one of those Ilandes , the Gouernour finding a fit hauen , caused his ship to be had into a dock , and there he set his men on worke to stop leakes , and new trim her sore-bruised sides . I vnwilling and vnable through my want to attend the issue of his delaies , left him , resoluing to embarque in some other vessell sailing neare Arcadia . But remembring how many dangers were incident to our sexe , and to how many perils my beautie though small was subiect , I sought to procure my safetie and preuent al dreaded ils by this disguise . Hasting to the next port , I found there a Merchant of Hellespont readie to hoise saile for Byzantium : with him I bargained for my passage : he accepted mine offer & taking me with him , after a dayes tariance in the hauen , lanched ayded by a prosperous winde . But though heauens fauoured me , yet hard hap stil followed me . Mark an other instaunce of fatall spight . On a faire calme day though a foule storme in mine estate , the ●ilot mistaking his course , stemmed the ship on a rock , and ●he cruel winds continuall furtherers of fortunes spight , draue her on with such violence , that she was there split . In this generall extremitie of life , each tooke what was next his hand to sustaine him in that hazard : I nimble through feare , got a great péece of the maine Mast , and thereon committed my safetie to the seas curtesie , and though euerie surge threatned ouerwhelming , each waue menaced death , yet I not daunted in these dangers kept mine hold . Oft I beheld the Dolphins mounting on the waters vneuen superficies , but at my approach they would cease their sport , in kind regard of my ruth , not raising the billowes with their tumbling , but gently on either side following me thus floating , séeming to waft me with wary eyes as carefull of my safetie . The day being farre spent , I discried a sayle Westward , and ( such was my hap I know not how to terme it good or ill ) it made toward the coast on which I was thus tossed , when I saw it some what néere , I made signes to them aboord , expressing my danger and imploring their aid . They desirous to saue me ( for sometimes miscreants féele passions of pitie ) sent two of their fellowes in the long boat to fetch mée , who rowing to mée , tooke mee vp ( thus one affection wrought an other ) & carried mée aboord with them , where , hoping for solace , I found sorrow . Being in the sea , though euer dreading to be swalowed by the surges , yet was I free : In the ship though sa●e from such perils , yet was I prisoner to wretched Pirats from whose remorslesse hearts all compassion was exiled .

Yet , me they sought to win by allurements , hoping that I deceiued by their pretended kindnesse , would sooner yéeld to their filthie desires . The same night they frolliked with great iollitie for ioy ( as they saide ) of obteining me : when the wine had fired their enflamed lust , they sollicited thogh successesse , their former motions , and stroue so long for kisses but got none , that they left their kindnesse towards me and fell to contention among themselues . Their Captaine enuying them , the publike possession of his priuat pleasure though but supposed , déeming me a praie fitter for himselfe and iudging a common good not currant , appeased the fraie through his authoritie , & did countermaund their passions , but priuately he would assaile me with all the engines of loue-plotted pollicies , adding cruell threats to kind words , sometimes entreating , sometimes menacing , now suing , then swearing , to obtaine his will , or augment my woe : now praying , then protesting to enioy me , or enioyne me perpetuall slauery . I hearing him in these tearmes , fed his humor with vaine hopes , coining new occasions of delaies , prefixing a time , promising , that expired , to yéeld to al kinds of dalliance which he would vse , limiting my feined profer with ●his condition , that till then he should cease from prosecuting his intended desires . He accepting this answer for an high fauour , protested to obey my doome , and obserue the propounded condition . But ere time winged with thoughts swiftnesse had touched the prefixed point of my then-imminent perill , I was happily freed from feare of his force , and deliuered from dread of that danger by Anaxander , a valiant Gentleman of Sparta , who hauing charge of a Galley scoured those seas , being sent by the Ephori , and bounde by strict commandement to execute seuere iustice on such malefactors which infested the seas with piracies , and landing oft on the coast of Laconia , for raged the Country , tooke rich pillage , & committed many spoils . But Anaxander méeting this neast of théeues , part of that accursed societie , encountred them , and hauing after small fight bourded them , put all that crue of caitiues to the sword , accounting mercy to such offenders an high blemish of iustice . Me onely he saued , & with gentlemanlike compassion pittied my distresse . You may perhaps suppose that now my sorrowes were ended , and I in protection of this worthie patron , without the compasse of fortunes reach : but if you so thinke , your iudgements faile : these my sea-fortunes & those vnstaied waues , do in most liuely sort expresse the vncertaintie of worldes wauering , as by attending the sequele , you may easily conceipt .

When the report of this exploit was bruted to the eares of those other monsters , ( for the minde of man degenerating from the decorum of humanitie becomes monstrous , complotting mischiefes excéeding the vildenesse of beastes , and the bodie the mindes instrument , slaue to that tyrannicall gouernment , wherein affections rule and reason obeyes , effects them ) they I say hearing this , lamented the ill hap of their fellowes , especially the Captaines death , whome they affected for his valure , and admired for his villanies , to them séeming vertues . But conuerting their mones into mad fury , they confederated themselues in a bloudy league , vowing extreame reuenge on that worthie Gentleman whome they opprobriously tearmed the proud Iusticier of Lacedaemon . They had got togither sixe vessels , & Resicles a Cretan was Admirall of this accursed fléete : fortune sildome foe to worst attemptes , suted their expectation with hoped successe . For méeting the Spartan Galley , they encompassed her , and commencing a bloudie broile , after long fight laid vs aboord , slue them all , and not satisfied with this butchery , exercised more barbarous crueltie , mangling the dead bodies into many péeces . Here againe I escaped death reserued by fortune , for a second brunt of dishonour which likewise I preuented , not touched with the least spot of reproach . The souldiers of Resicles taking me , brought me to their Captaine , who fancying in his fond thoughts a world of future imagined pleasures , entertained me kindly , and wooed me with many curtesies , I filled him with vaine hopes , limiting my consent with delaie of time as I vsed the other before , and meane while plotted meanes for my escape , which thus I effected . At the very time wherin the feast of Thesmophoria was celebrated at Eleusis with mysticall obseruations by the Priests of Ceres , Resicles hauing left his fellow-Pyrats which dispersed themselues to purchase booties , tooke a vessell of Samos returning from Syria , a rich prize . The day ensuing , he & his accursed companions applied themselues wholly to myrth and belly-chéere for ioy of their good fortune , seeming to celebrate the Bacchanals in their disordred dyet , dyet I terme it , because they oft vsed such excesse . When the wine had preuailed , and fumes ascending from their stomaches had besieged their ouerwhelmed braines , summoning their distempered senses to rest , they laie as drowned in a sléepie charme , without feare or regard , in euery corner some . The winde and sea the one quiet , the other calme , did fauour them : fortune their common friend did not annoy them with approach of enemies : for if a tempest had bene raised , or the foe assailed them , doubtlesse they had receiued a full reward of their dissolute demeanours . I iudging this a fit time for my escape , slily conueied my selfe into the long boat , and cutting the roape rowed so well as I could , to the shore which was not farre off : leaping on land , I left my boat to the seas direction , and running with hasted steppes discryed two Arcadians , both which are now present , the one a friendly relieuer of my distresse . I entreated their tariance by signs , and being come to them , was kindly comforted by them . Since which time I haue remained in this Country , where what fortunes I haue felt , most Arcadians can relate .

Thus haue I contriued the rehearsall of my troubles into a briefe discourse . Timoclea would faine haue procéeded , but a generall murmure of admiration raised by the whole assembly hindred her entended purpose . Aegon stood vp , & suing for silence by signes , hauing obtained audience spake thus . Country-men and friends , doubtlesse the discouery of this rare secret and due guerdon of loues long-suffering patience , was deferred to this time by iust prescience of the immortall powers . For next the rare hap of Hyalus whose memory we now celebrate , what other accident could so directly fit the feast of Parthenia ? As his sexe was miraculously changed from a faire ladde to the fairest girle that euer liued in Arcadia , so this lampe of royaltie , the Paragon of womans perfections , found in this place at this time , the onely occasion of disclosing of her disguise , and being supposed by all the mirror of our sexe , may now be tearmed the wonder of woman-kinde . The whole assembly applauded his words , arguing hereby , that they confirmed his opinion by their consenting censures . Many floures were throwne on those two louers , the floures of true affection , and each departing , filled his natiue prouince with report of this rare accident : so that the miraculous metamorphosis of Hyalus was almost drowned in obliuion .

Arisbas hauing repossessed his Loue the staie of his life , thinking it high time to glad his aged father with his returne , whose discontent ( as he not vainly supposed ) his departure had bred , taking with him his dearest Timoclea , with Damon and Aegon , tarrying litle in Arcadia , hasted to the next hauen , and there embarqued for Cyprus , where arriuing in the hauen of Famagosta , he found a wonderfull change . For the aged King dispairing of his eldest sonnes safetie , had matched Anaxilas the second brother of Arisbas , with the Lemnian Princes daughter , whose father deceasing immediatly after the marriage , he in right of his wife reigned Prince of Lemnos . Arisbas nothing discontent with these newes , sent one to certifie his father of his arriuall . The old King replenished with incredible ioy , was transported into a trance : recouering himself , he hasted his aged steps towardes the hauen and méeting his sonne by the way , fel on his necke shedding many teares , swéete arguments of his high content . Arisbas preparing to craue pardon of his departure , was preuented by his oft redoubled fatherly welcomes and embraces : with like kindnesse he entertained trembling and blushing Timoclea , & spake curteously to Damon and Aegon . Returning to the palace he tooke great delight in hearing his sonne relate the troubles and daungers with oft changes of Fortune endured by him and his dearest Timoclea , and iudging it inexpiable impietie to hinder the successe of so rare affection resolued to giue loue his right and marrie them honourably . For this purpose hee sent Herauldes to all the Ilandes adiacent , and Prouinces scituate in the maine of Greece , which published in his name leaue and libertie of accesse to all whom soeuer , especially strangers of account which would repaire to his Court , and be present at the nuptiall of his son , & honour him in such princelike exercises as might best beséeme the worth of that intended solemnitie , not omitting to expresse the time . These messages had such successe , that besides a troupe of meaner persons , the most worthie Heroes of Greece appeared at the appointed time , & being present at the ceremonies of Hymens rytes , gaue honourable testimonie of their perfourmance . The Cyprian Kings second sonne then soueraigne of Lemnos , and his faire Princesse , were part of that royall assembly , whereat the Nobles of Cyprus did glister in almost-kingly pompe . Forthwith many honourable sportes and déeds of chiualry were exercised , in which Arisbas and Anaxilas were chiefe challengers , suted both in purest white , mounted both on milke-white Coursers , richly caparrasoned . The old King entending farther fauour to his sonne , and desirous to disburthen himselfe of the heauie charge of gouernment , and inuest his age with ease , surrendred his estate , & resigned the regiment to Arisbas , whom he caused to be adorned with the royall Diademe , and he entending like fauour to his dearest Timoclea , caused her to be likewise crowned Queene of Cyprus .

These second solemnities thus finished , the princelyke strangers and others departed , bruting an honourable report of the Cyprian Courts royaltie . Damon and Aegon hauing receiued rare entertainment and rich rewards for their former courtesies , shipped themselues for Arcadia . Fortune ending frownes with fauours , did thus absolue the catastrophe of this roial Comedy , which was yet imperfect . The old Cing of Epirus deceasing , his sonne Sostratus a man of milder disposition , succéeded him in the Crowne , who remembring the former good seruice of banished Aristophon , and knowing his innocencie , sent immediatly after his coronation , an honourable Ambassage to conclude a league with the yoong King of Cyprus , and reduce thence guiltlesse Aristophon from exile . The Ambassadour was royally receiued and entertained in the Court of Cyprus , and hauing declared the cause of his comming , sped in both his demands . For the league of amitie betwéene those two mightie Princes was solemnely concluded by oath , and Aristophon desirous to laie his bones in the mother-soyle that brought him forth , was soone persuaded to return . Taking his leaue therfore of the old prince , the yong King & his daughter raised to such royall estate , he returned into his Country , hauing with him the other Péere of Epyrus , and a noble man of Cyprus sent by Arisbas , to cause King Sostratus to sweare likewise , that the league might be confirmed by their mutuall othes . Such was the successe of this rare oft-thwarted loue which my ouerbold penne hath presumed thus rudely to discyper , If any decorum be omitted , or indecorum committed , I can not otherwise excuse it ( curteous Gentlemen ) then by your fauours which wil ( I hope ) beare with such imperfections , & not impute it to mine owne desert , which was loth to pollish a toy , whereon I neuer bestowed more labour , then sometimes an idle houre of recreation .

FINIS .