The historie of Ariodanto and Ieneura, daughter to the King of Scottes, in English verse, by Peter Beuerley

Ariodanto , and Ieneura . AMongst the vanquisht Regions , that worthy brute did winne : There is a soyle in these our dayes , with Occean Seas cloasde in . That fertile is , and peopled well , and stord with pleasant fieldes : And hath for tillage lucky land , that yeerly profit yeeldes . Within the land sometime ther dwelt a King of noble fame : whose actes wer such , as gaind to him an euerlasting name . Who , when he Cepter long had held and ruled his realme with right : In quiet rest , in spight of foe , and force of friendles might . Did take to wife a noble Dame , of egall Parentage : Of bewty great , of vertues more , and of a youthfull age . By whom he had a Daughter fayre , that ●oyed his aged yeares : And plesure great at length did bring vnto his hoary heares . This child as tune gan passe from her , so bewty doth increase : And as in yeeres she gan to grow so vertues to her prease . Of sh●p● and séemly fauour , she lackt nought that nature could In goodli●st wise bestow of her . or frame in fayrest mould . To this such giftes of heauenly hew , full fraught with courtly grace : And modest mirth , eke gentle mynd ●re●aging royall race . That who excels Ieneuora . ( for so this Lady hight : ) Or who more bewtifull then she , or pleasde more eche sight . For proufe behould how swift report doth brute in forren land : This Princes name , her shape & hew of eche estate is scand . The Kings that ioyne vnto her syre , 〈◊〉 séeke her grace to winne : The Ladies eke that vertues loue , to serue her grace beginne . But see farre of in Italie this Ladies name is blown : And ther her gifts of n●turs art , to all are liuely known . Where at that time two gentlemen of honest family : Italians both by birth and bloud and brothers there did lie . The eldest namd Lurcanio , that speare and sheld desird : The other eke Ariodant , that more to loue aspierd . These two the long had liued at home , and loth● with Idle life : And moued eke with this report , that euery where is rife . Are now agréed to leaue this ease , theyr frendes and natiue soyle : And minde to seke aduentures farre with wery trauels toyle . And therfore first their land they sel , for present paiment tould : And other goods they do conuert , ( for cariage light ) to gould . This don , their busines eke dispatcht and heuy parting past : From wailing friends that wo their wil , they leaue the towne at last . And passe the mountainshie vnknown and seke the desert dales : And scape by guyde the raggy rocks and tread the trodden vales . Thus when theyr werie steps had scapte , a thousand daungers past : And that they néedes must leaue the land , and yeld to sayle and mast . To Neptunes wil they doo commit them selues , and then do pray : The maister for to guide his shippe , to Scottish Realme the way . So said , he kéepes his bidden course , and hath a gale at will : The mariner at case also , his part doth well fulfill . So long these werie trauelers , are tost with sea and winde : That now the long desired port , and wyshed soyle they finde . Then nought there is but hale and pull , the Ancars are out cast : The maister hath his earned hyre , and prayes their life longe last . This don , the brothers aske the way that leadeth to the Court : wheras the noble king of Scottes , doth kéepe his Royall port . Which known , with speede they séeke to sée , and in theyr trauell , they deuise their tale , theyr whole request and chieflye , how they may Get intertainment in the Court , and how Lurcani● : Should spokeman be for both , but sée whilst talking thus they go , The wau●ring vanes of gleming golde , that Phebus cau●ed to shine : App●re , and ●●ard vp walles on hie , that sed theyr gredy eyen . They sée the carued turrets tops , they see the regall place : The fight wherof had forst them run a wery wandring race . Thus are these straungers happely , arriued at the Court , Wheras this péerles Dame abides , of whome ringes this report . There walke they forth with comly grace and enter in the hall , Where after greating , they declare , what chaunce had them befall . To séeke that lande : their names they tel , and eke of whe●ce they are : This tould , one shewes vnto the king of two ariued theare . And woord for woord , as he had hard he tells , and eke there state And comlines he hideth not : Besides he doth dilate . Their friendly gretings , and their tal● this sayde , he kneling staies . The king that pawsing with him selfe , and waying diuers wayes , What harme mought lightly him ensue , if such he should retaine , As vnder cloke of frendship , mought put him and his to payne : I meane as mought spye out the strength of all his region : And eke what corner weakest weare , and easiest to be wonne . And so when ●e in age should thinke , to leade a surest lyfe : They should him force through their dece● to ende his daies in strife . These thoughts , this wise and warie pri●e , doth ponder in his braine Long tyme , and in these doughtfull fitts , he silent doth remaine . Yet mindes he not to let them part , till what they would were knowen : And till the cause of their ariue , were plainely to him showen . Wherfore he doth bid call to him , these straungers twoo in haste : That banisht haue their natiue soile , in his court to be plast . Which message done , these brothers two , as men nothing dismaied : To speake before the Emperour , whom earst they had obeied . Present themselues before the king , wher after silence done : Lurcamo in their two names , thus hath his tale begonne . THat king , that first gaue life to you , increase your happie daies : ( Oh king ) and kéepe your noble court , from force of foes alwayes . Whilest we Italian brothers two , in Italy dyd dwell : And whilste with ease we past the time , as chaunce and t●es beset . Behould report that wandring flies , in euery region : Resound your name and worthines , at last vnto the towne Wher we abode consuming time in drousie idelnes : And spending aye our youthful yeres in irksum quietnes . These childish toies thus lothd ( I say ) these newes agreing eke with vs , that thought ech day a month till we the bands mought breke . Of this long discontented lyfe , we doo forthwith agrée All needfull things at home dispatcht , this court of yours to sée And there if we mought fauor get , and grace likewise obtaine : To serue your highnes faithfully , and loyall to remaine : Til death we minde . This forst hath vs ( O king ) to leaue our port : Our frends , our goods , our kinsmen al to whom we were comfort . In hope to be retaind of you , which is our whole request : Wherin we trust for to performe , that seemes a courtier best . The king that wel had markt his tale his countnaunce and his grace : And saw him feawtred well of lim● and of a warlike face . And praysing long within him selfe , the yongest brothers chere : That sober was presaging truth , forthwith doth banish feare . And biddes these wery trauelers , welcome vnto the place Desired long . And intertaines , them both with friendly grace . Into his court , commaunding them , all falshood to expell : And geues them pencions yerely , wherwith they may liue well . Thus are these glad Italians , new courtiers both become : That seeke eche way to purchase loue as well of all as some . THe king that for disport doth vse , oft times for to pursue : The dreadfull ●ase of gris●ie beastes , so Idle lyfe t' eschue : Comma●nds the hunt prepared be , the morow next by prime : And that eche one appareld be , in armes against that tyme , To waite vpon his highnes then that will on h●nting go : And eke with him the strangers two he doth commaund also . The night is past , and Sopor flies , and in his stéede Aurore Doth shew hir gladsome countenance and for to ioy the more Eche sight , ●r Phebus golden raies , from east beginnes tappeare , then nought ther is within the court , but trud●ing here and there . Sum saddels fit , sum armour scoure sum bridell foming steede : And sum do wheat the stéeled glaiue to giue the Beare his meede . Sum trapers trim , sum couple dogs sum weare in s●eede of steele , A maled coate , with armed sword , to make his enmies reele . The pages trimme theyr lords in haste , the hunt cries lowde away : The steedes are foorth , that stamping fast , on champing bit do play . The werbling note the hunter blowes , the king on courser strydes : The lusty rought of knights make hast , that pri●ing forward glydes . The hunt is vp , the game is founde , eche seekes a diuers waye : The noble rought of Che●alrie , dispersed now doo stray . Some here do méete the tusked bore some findes the Lyberd stout : Some do encounter with the Beare some rouse of Harts a route . Thus dog and man is occupied , him selfe for to defend : And for to gaine a lasting name , doo stu●die strokes foorth send . The king in case hath lost his mates , and in his wandring , hée Findes , out a lothsome Lion coucht that monstrous was to sée . wherto he makes a thundring course with speare well set in rest : the Lyon rampant méetes the staffe , that it to sheuers brest . Then glaiue he drawes like noble knight , and strikes with courage stout : And prickes , and breathes , and strikes again , as one deuoide of double , But all in vayne those strokes are spent his traunchfer , nought doth carue , But either slydes from side to side , or in his hand doth Swar●e . Wher at , he halfe agast doth feare , least he were put to shame : And least his former worthines , should ende with vanquisht name . Wherfore he mightely defends him selfe from Lions clawes , That rasethall attayned to with those his persing pawes . Yet warely warding sith he could nothing preuaile in strength , But ward , & stroke , are bootles spent when down he must at length . Thus as the Lion had the best , and almost won the féelde : Aduenture droue Lurcanio with Speare in hand and shéelde To seek● that place , but when he saw his soueraigne at the wurst , No boote to byd him spurre his stéed● and to the battell thrust . For first he knightly brake his spear● and after drawes his blade , wherwith within a moments space , a large wound he had made , Upon the Lions shoulder bone , that caused him for to knéel● : And then his head he carued of and so made him to r●l● : The king deliuered thus from death , by s●out ●urcanio , With thousand thankes imbrased him in both his armes also . Tyll that his menn● had 〈◊〉 him out , to whom he hidetu nought : But how he nigh confounded was , and how the straun●er fought . In his defence so 〈◊〉 , and with so mightie fo●ce , That after many mortall woundes , he parted head from dorse . Now is report n●w occupied , in blasing martiall ●●ates : Wherwith the court so pressed is , that vp to Skies it beates . And flies to towne both farre and 〈◊〉 : and nowe ascendes againe , And putteth fame to w●rie t●yle , and to an endles payne . But to returne , the king is ho●st , that doth for wer●es : Leaue of the chase , 〈◊〉 homeward all theyr diuers happes e●presse . Thus talking , are these hunters ●●me vnto the Pa●●as gates . Where eche disarmes his werie bone● , and welcomes home his mates . There nought is talkt within the Court , but of the straungers might And how he nobli● saude their liege , and kild his foe in fight . The Ladies doo extoll this act , vp to the cloudie skies : The knightes by heap●s of his great strokes doo diuersiy d●uise . The night renewes his carefull course , ●itanis lodgd in west , All seeke their soft and quiet bed their wery bones to rest . Ariodant ( that longs to see this long desired Dame ) Is also coucht in tumbling bed , where he records her name . A thousand times , & thus consumes halfe Iunos wanny race : And if ●e sl●pe , he dreams strait ways of that most heauenly face . The Cock crowes forth his dawning note : the day starres showes in east , The Nightingale the gladsem tunes sings out with chéerfull brest . The courtiers rise that vse dispor●es , as pleaseth best their will , Some Hanks reclayme , some Coursers ride and some do daunce their fill . Some is ye in reading Histori●s , and se●● in Musikes art , Thus time is spent in comly sports , as pleaseth best their hart . Now is the King at dinner set , there waytes Ariodant , That is the siem●i●st of them all , and one that no●ght doth want . Of natures craft , by whom the King doth send a couerd mease : To Princes faire Ieneuora , that is his lifes increase . This message doth Ariodant , performe in seemliest wies : Who kn●●ling doth the cates present before her crist●ll eyes . The Lady thanks the messenger , and giues him in reward : A costly gem , which he receiues , but nought he doth regard . The gift so much , as that her looke , which is so fixt in hart : That from that time he holds it fast , till lyfe from lims doo part . And she againe ( that marked hath so well his comly face : His shape , his vew , his countnance graue , and eke his semely grace . ) Sayes in her hart this same is he whom I in brest will shrine : Till sisters three with fatall réele my vitall webbe vntwine . Thus Venus child hath tainted two with his sharpe persing dart : And yet vnknowen to both it is , how eche ioyes others hart . Ariodant that clokes ( ● say ) this hote new kindled fire : ( His dutie done ) departs agayne , with gayne of double hire . And makes his wayting very short , and thunnes the tast of meate , And to his chamber hi●ss in hast , to coole his scorching heate : Ther doth he oft record her talke , he sées her similing cheare , He sées those colours angellyke , h● sées her ●listring heare . He viewes ( he thinkes ) those Rubic libb●s that thankt him for his payne , He féeles ( he thinkes ) those azurd vaynes that gaue him that great gayne : But when he sées he is deceiud , a thousand sighes departe , With flouds of teares , and d●adly sobbe● out from his carefull ha●t . And thus begins a long discours of this new t●sted fit , Which as I can I shall declare , thou Pa●ias guide my ●it . From whence proceedes this ●inching payne , and griefes of deadly smart ? Orel● what ●ct hath c●aunged thus ( oh foole ) thy ioyfull hart , That thus thou lothst those pleasant sports , that here in Court are vse , And seekst a drousi● caban touch thy wonted myrth refuse ? Tell what hath made this soden chaunge , bewray these griefes of minde , The pacient , when the wound is gréene ? a salue doth soonest finde . A salue Alas● it is booteles wynd , Its d●ath that must me cure : My wound doth festred lye in hart , and will till life endure . ( Oh foole ) that so wert fed with fame , such toyle to vndertake For her , that nought doth rue thy care , ne sorowes none will make . For thee , and yet shée is the cause , that thus thou doest susteine , These griping griefes of grisly death which will foraye remayne . Oh cr●ell happe and destenie , oh wight vnfortunate , Oh catiue vile , vnhappe thrise , and borne to cruell fate . What ioy did take thy idell brayne , when thou didst sée her face , Thus to be trapt with heapes of griefe in so short time and space . Oh Cokadrill of Uenus shape why hast thou thus beguild ? The wyght , that for thy fame him selfe from nature soile exyld . But how is that knowen vnto her whom blameles I accuse ? Or why should I vnciuill beast that worthie shape abuse ? Whose outward shewe presageth truth , and store of courtesie , As lately by her great reward was showd sufficiently . No , no , it is he that workes my woe , who forceth Kinges to loue , That bl●●dly shotes his peysned dart from stately throne aboue . That Cupide stroke mis●celes ghost full well I know , when I Beheld that goodly countenaunce , with two fast persing eye . Wherfore his dome I must obey , though loue venegall be : And though I spend my youthfull dayes in this vile misery . This dolefull tale , thus ●ould , the teares procéede from swelling eyes : By streames , and now the gréeuous grons increase his wofull cries . Now hope reu●ues his dying limmes , dispayre now driues in death : And now doth feare make sences faile , and stoppe his vitall breath . Thus long he spends a lingring lyfe , and craues a happy day : Or els he wils by gréedy graue , his last fate for to pray . But to speake of Ieneuora . and to recount her ●ittes : And how in closet she doth fare , as one ber●ued of wittes : My pen shuld rather meisture want to write that I intend : Then store of cares for to dilate , that would whole volumes spend . For after she had knowen his name , and how an aliant borne He was , her hart began to coole , as one welny forlorne . And thus with faultring tounge shée sayd , why sekest thou lenger life : That by this ●ct deseruest death , with point of bloudy knife . Oh catiue vyle , and vylest wretch , that liueth vnder skyes : And may not race of Royall bloud , thy foolish mynd suffice ? Nor noble lyne of Scottish soyle wher thou mayst chuse a feare : Thy childish will at full content , but thou must hold him deare . That hath throgh theft exild him selfe or els by murdring hand : Estrangd him from his earlish kin , and now séeks forren lande ? Wilt thou assotted be of him , that like a wandring slaue : Is come vnto thy fathers court , some liuelihood to haue ? What , seekst thou to shame thy selfe , and to abuse thy kinne ? And myndst thou thus to purchase hate , in hope a slaue to winne . A slaue . Oh spitefull sting of hate , for Ladies farre vnfitte : Why doo I thus with poysned words , misuse my praysed wit. Why should I terme him felon eke that is so gratious : Or els of murder him accuse that is so curteous ? Wh● do I liue to call him slaue that is the comliest wight , That euer scapte from natures handes or euer past my sight ? And if that lackt , his brothers déede would show his race right well , Whose worthie rescue of the King doth make his name excell . Therfore as I am Princesse true , I vo●n Ariodant . By him that Skies and Earth did frame● and trees and herbes did plant , Til lise doth leaue my careful corpse to loue thee faithfullie , As euer Lady loued her féere , in spite of vyle aduersitie . She sayd , and down to ground she falles in sound , and drawes no breath Long time , as one that had re●ind her life to wished death . And when she doth reuiue againe , the stilling teares depart Like siluer droppes from drowned ●yes , and gastlie sighes from hart . Thus leaues she Ladies companie , and shunnes eche kind of sport , In stéed wherof , to desert walkes , shée dayly doth resort . Where sundrie thoughts opresse her mind : now feare for to obtayne Like loue of him , for whom she doth , these passions hard susteine : And now the Kings consent she feares , whose hest she must obey , And eke whose mynd is chiefly bent t encrease her slate eche way . These arguments full fraught with doubt are rise within hir brayne , And if she finde one pleasant thought a thousand griefes remayne . Like fittes doo saint Ariodant , that wandring here and there : Can finde no plare to case his paine , nor damp his doughts of feare . Wherfore his blo●d consumes away , his sleshe to boanes doo fade , His colour whan as clod of clay most like a senslesse shade . The youthfull sutes which earst he ware vnworne doo ●ye in chest , And now the black and tawny hew doth please this heauy gest . In fine , these fittes so much annoye his wery irksum life : That now he seekes vnhappie man , to fall on persing knife . Lurcanio , that marks this change , and sees with woo this state : And feares least that he mought be wayle his brothers grief● to late . Spies out at length both tyme , and place , for to discharge his mynde To him , and listing tare required , spends thus his boteles winde . HOw long shall these consuming fittes increase thy brothers g●iefe : From whom ( vnkind ) thou hidst thy cares , th●t seekes for thy reliefe . What meaues ( I say ) these p●ning paines , whence springs these sluddes of care : What feuer fit hath forced thee , thus ruth●ully to fare ? Why speakest thou not ? why stayes thy toung disclose thy long disease . And wylt thou thus with shortning dayes the heauenly ghostes displease ? If sicknes do opresse thy corps , then physicks counsel vse , If fond conceytes of matters past , do forse thee for to muse , And shun the ioyes that here be vsed , then seeke swete musikes art , Which wil ( they say ) all heauy dumps , to ioyfull fittes conuart . Perhaps the apre of this land , thy nature doth dytest : And makes thee thus to féele disease , and taste vnquiet rest . If that it be , no feare of death , tyme wyll weare that away , As earstit did , when in the Sea● this part we learnd to play . But what doth meane this mourning w●eds and loths●me tawnic hew , As though thou hadst thy fredom lost , to serue fond Uenus crewe . If so thou hast , aduise thee well , so choyse be egall plaste , Beware in tyme , shunne froward dame , least wind , and woords be west . By proufe I say ( my brother ) I , this lesson short is trewe . The Faulkner seld is suer of Hauke , till she be close in mewe . Therfore let wittes be guid to déedes , thou warnd mayst learn to lyue , Shun thraldoms yocke thy brother biddes , that doth this councell giue . Ariodant that hard this speache , but reason nought estéemed , With strayned voice thus answer made , as one with care consumd , ( As you haue sayd my brother deare ) a lethsome lyfe I leade , But whence , or wher , or he wit comes t is h●● from me in deede . No qua●taine fit hath freated me , ne fury fond of mynd , Ne change of skyes , but gods aboue , th●●●lage haue iust assingd , For my fore passed dayes in sinne , wherfore let this content , Thy doutfull head , sith iust it is which Ioue himselfe hathsent . Think you these toyes of veneire ● should lodg● within my braine : Or Ladies loue in hope to win , should make me thus sustaine Those s●orching griefes , and pyning paines . and storm● of deadly smart ? No , no , those fittes most ferdest be from my vnskilfull heart . Wherfore , in 〈◊〉 , I thus conclude , as sinne did smart deserue , So Ioue that high and mightie God , from pitie will not swerue . This answer made , ●urcanio d●parts with pleased mind , Now de●ing least but word for word as he had hard to find . Ariodant ( that nought was moued to leaue his wanted woes . For brothers words to whom his loue he hates for to disclose ) Doth still consume a wery lyfe , with endles griping payne , And dayly feare augments his doole least loue be voud in vayne . Besides thinks he , if she should yelde like loue to my desert : And then by loue vnegall we should foresed ●e to part : These eyes should neuer s●e againe the rayes of Titans lyght , But poyson strong , or bathed blade , my desprat death should dight . But yet if she would rue my care , I ●orst not Princely might : For rather then the loue should slacke● we suro would make a flight . And better it is in my conce●t , to liue in pouer●ie With ioye , then in these cancred car●s , to t●st flouddes of prosperitie . For i●ye bryngs health to aged limmes , when cares consume the corse , And ioy doth make l●ng lyfe to men , when couples care deuorse . What profits welth to ●yu● in woe , what gyines possessi●ns great , When heart is ve●t continually with cares of firie heat ? The best and happie state I count in this vnstable lyfe : Is pleasure plast with quietnes . denoyde of stormes of stryfe . Should we then let in hope to finde this wi●h●●●●litie To leaue a Princ●●● Pallas fraught with this ●yle miserie . And is t not better tayle for ●ence with willyng sweat of browe , And laboryng hand to dyg and d●lue . or els to dryu● the plowe : And then when labour finisht is to sit by t●sting fyre : And sing , and why●●le mirely , with gaine of earned hyre ? Then here in court to goe as braue , as rayes of glistryng Sunne : And haue a hart that dayly seekes , his vital breath to shunne ? Besides what shame can turn to vs , to liue in soyle not known : For banisht wights , but laboring soules , to toyle to keepe our owne . Oh that these woords mought once procede from those thy rub●e ●ippes : Whos● countnance , shape , and comlines , hath forst me feele these fittes . For at the least till thou shalt take some pitie of my care : These grie●s , & pangs of wished death my ghost wil neuer spare . Thus makes his faltring tengue an end , and he on tumblyng bed Doth cast his weake and wery lyins , whe● now from troubled ●ead Doth passe , & soft & slumbring ●●cape . and now in dreame appeare , Two ladies dect with robes of gould that purpu● haue do weare : Upon their heads two crowns they had , well set with precious stone , And in their hand Ieneuora , that semd to make great mone . Thus past they foorth with stately steps , and now approch the place Where he doth lye , and thus begins the one with seemly grace . BEhould thine owne , ( Ariodant , ) whome cares of loue do kill , Whose lyfe and death thou skillesse houldst , to saue or els to spill . At length let pitie placed ●e , within thy friendly brest , That she may gaine , & thou not lose , the fruits or wished rest , ( Quod 〈◊〉 ) , and than the other sayd , How long shall freating payne Consume her Rosiat colour that all earthly shapes doth staine . See here vnkynd whilst thou dost sleape , and take thy quiet ease , Ieneuora doth feele for thee the fittes of vi●e disease . Wherfore dispatch , ca● sleape away bryng health to her againe : That since she 〈◊〉 dyd see thy corps , hath felt this pyning paine . These words had scarsly left hir lips when they wear out of sight : And he that care had choked me , and fedde with great delight , To see his Ladie and hi● loue , in presence face to face , And gone againe so sodainly , before he could imbrace Her tender limmes , these sights I say hath forst him to awake : But when he knowes it is a dreame an cut crie he doth make , As though his hart had felt the st●he , of fiers vntimely death , And lyke as if ●o loftie Skies , he 〈◊〉 resing●● his breath . And do●h it not suff●se ( quoth he ) a w●kyng wight to wrong , With h●pes 〈◊〉 undeser●ed p●ynes , and fittes of death among . But 〈◊〉 , and fond alu●●ns two , must help for to augment , My scorching cares that long or this , my life had welnye spent ? O●●row●ing goods and merci●es , that seeke to feede my v●yne , with fond perswa●ions , that my loue is quite with loue againe , These eyes saw my Ieneuora , that s●d to pyne away . Because she ferd to ioy my loue● as Ladies two dyd say● which were the heauenliest creatur● that erst myne eyes dyd see , Bedect with gold , & crowns they had and suer Gods they bee . Oh blessed sight , and ioyful newes , to good for troth I feare : And may it be that thou thus farest for him that houlds the deare . Then fye of care , and farewel couch , reioyce in ioye my hart , For then within my skyn shal lodge ●no more this dayly smart . But why should I thus trust in dreames that fansies be of mynde : And eke vnconstant groundes of troth , as writers haue definde . At least a dreame is contrary , and then to true in déede It is , that lothsome loues dispayre my griping griefes doth feede . Yet Poets say that dreames be true and things to come foreshowes , For profe , they tel a doleful dreame , that Creasides ghost well knows . And wast not tould Andromaka , in vision plaine by night : That Hector shuld the morow next , depart from life by fight ? If Poetes fayle , let Scripture serue , and did not Pharao dreame : What gret increase , & derth likewise should happe vnto this Realme ? And Ioseph saw in slumbring sleape , what honour should befall To him , and how his brothers shefes , before his shefe did fall . These proue the dreame is messenger of good and bad ensue : As warning sent from God aboue these sinfull déedes teschue . Therfore in hope of happie hap , dispayre I do deste : And henceforth bouldly I do intend to séeke some remedie . And if such lotte belotted me , as I may her inioye , No more these cares I do protest , my sences shall annoy . Now is the pacient plai●●er layd , to his long fretted wou●d : And now his wits he cals to him , to helpe with counsell sound . He leaues those careful couches now he séekes to salue his sore , As ●ne that shunnes the furious meates , instruct by Phisickes lore . The desert wal●es which earst he tr●d , are desert now for him : And now remembraunce of his dreame reioyseth in euery limme . In fine his care doth now consist , only for to disclose : His fittes vnto Ieneuora , and his long tasted wors . Wherin so wisely he hath wrought , and playd so well his part : That now by life or els by death , to ease his loden hart . a meanes he findes . VUhen Cupid had with poysned dart , performed his full intent , Upon these sillie louers twoo , and forst them to consent . ( Unknown to both , ) vnto his lore , by mutuall burning loue : He left eche wayling others chaunce , and clymes to skies aboue . But she alas ) whose colour sh●wes , the passions of her mynde : ) Stayes not to wayle her bitter chaunce , with teares and was●ed winde . And still complaynes in secret wise , of this consuming fit : Which for to ease , she cries to death , her hart in hast to slit . The Ladies craue by gentle meanes to know her cause of care : But she ( with skill ) nought more than that detesteth to declare . The night is past with tumbling oft within her wery bed : And seld or neuer doth approche one sleape vnto her head . In stead wherof contrary thoughtes doo occupy her brayne , And then whole floudes of brokish teares depart from eyes amaine . Her moystie pilow she doth leaue long or the day appeare : And rechlesly she deckes her selfe , nought forcing what she weare . Thus clothd , she spends welny the day in temple much deuout . Accompanied with one alone , ( and not with glistring rout . Of Courtlie dames ) this Lady hath in charge her booke to beare , As one that for her parentage the Princes held full deare . This soone espide Ariodant , that long had sought to finde Conuenient place , and time as fit , to vtter out his mynd , Which séene , welcome the time ( he saies ) of me desired long : Wherin I hope to be releast , of this my solom song . For if I may such frendship finde , of her that beares the booke : As ones to wayte in stead of her , for more I do not looke . Then shall my plaint , which written first , and cold in secret wyse : Within the booke , disclose my care , ●t full before her eyes . Wherin shée shall perceiue also , the fittes of my disease : And how my cause to her I yeld , to order as shee please . And if shee be of nature good , Though shée disdayne my name : Yet will shee kepe it secretly , that therby grow no blame . And if shee hate to rue my care , I know the end of all : The worst is , that my desperate corpse on goring knife shall fall . But if she take me to her grace , who liues in better plight : Or who can vaunt of greater blisse , or is●a happier wight ? T●us he concludes and findes out time , and place , and now doth craue : Of her that daylie beares the booke , the cariage for to haue . The morow , when her Ladie doth to chappell take the way : Which frienship showd , shall bind me yours for to remaine alway . ( He said ) . And she that knew no guile , ●e what was his intent , Ercept to get the Princes grace , his wilie head was bent . Which by that means might soone be wonne and then the fruites of gayne : As hopte reward for seruitur , in recompenes of p●yne . As moud with termes of curtesie , doth yeld vnto his will : Who frindly said you haue your ●est your mind I do fulfill . Therfore see that to morow next , about the houre of eyght : You geue attendance in this place , in my steade for to weight . Ariodant with thousand thankes , requites this freindly graunt : And voues for her in all assaies , his power shall not want . Thus part they twoo , the Ladie shée● to Princes grace agayne : Doth hie : And he , in chamber close doth take no litle payne . In writing out at large , the cause of his longe proued woe , And when , and where , and how he did , his li●●rtie forgoe . First how her fame , did force him leaue the ioyes of natiue land : And taught him skale the craggie rock , and ●aile by fearfull sande . Then how by soden sight , her shape did steale from him his hart : Since when , he tels how he hath felt , the paynes of mortall smart . Herein he makes a long discourse , and ends with answere craud , In gentlest wise , that mought haue moued , a hart of stone I graud . This letter made , & sealed with war , he hides in secret wise : And all that night , in steade of sleape , he doth therof deuise . Sometime a lothsome thought , doth bid him leaue his rashe intent : And reason tels him thousand doughtes , his purpose to preuent . Sometime , he feares least rechlesly , she mought his letter lease : Or els bewray it to her Syre , his hory ●ead to please . See here the seede that louers sowe , wherof doth spring the grayne : Of doughtfull blisse , that subiect is , to drought and stormes of rayne . But feare or shame or dought of death , can nought this louer moue : Though silence if he could haue choosd , seemde best for his behoue . And for to moue Ariodant , his wylfull path to shunne : As easie it weare to sée the streame , against the tide to runne . Auroras bo●mes hath banisht night : sir Phebe doth vaunt in East , Whose plesant hew , reioyceth byrds and ioyes both man , and beast . Ariodant forsakes his bed , he feares to come to late : He prayes the happy Mercurie , to send him happy fate . Now is he come vnto the place , where he was warnd to staie : And thinks long till Ieneuora ? to Chappell go to pray . The Princes is at tired now , she calleth for her booke : Wheron she dayly wonted is , in temple for to looke . The Lady doth present her selfe , before his mistres eyes : With booke in hand Ieneuore , in hast to chappell hyes . They passe wheras● Ariodant doth stand in readines : To h●ue the promyse now performd which earst I did expresse . She was as mindefull of her graunt as he of his request : And therwith gaue to him the booke , whic● she in hand hath prest . He folowes our Ieneuora , she backward doth retire : His letter in the booke is cold , as he would best desire . The Princes is come to the pew , wher wonted she doth pray , He humbly yeld to her the booke , and so departes away . But when she saw Ariodant , whom more then life she loud , ( As one amazd ) the blushing bloud , from wonted course is moud : Which driues away the colour pale , which earst was in her face : ( A signe they say of tried truth , and store of giltles grace ) In doughtful plight the Lady kneels if vision she had seene : Or if conceit of idle brayne , the cause therof had bene . The truth it selfe doth hardly lodge , within her doutfull head : Besides the nouelties therof , haue ●ouell fansies bread . In these conceites , she opes the booke the letter is deseride : She languisheth till that th effect therof she hath espide . With rauish brayn she hath purusd . her louers dolefull plaint : And twenty times she doth vnread , how loue did him attaint . She reades ( with ruth ) is termes of grac● and eke her answer craud : His vowed troth , for ay she reades , which in her hart is graud . What shuld I say , the happie newes with auncient woes contend : So diuersly , within her corps , that backward she doth bend . In sound , as one that lenger had no power to fost●r life : Among her vexed limes , ( I say ) there is such mortall stri●e . Thus neuel ioyes haue won the field and banisht woe away : And gasping life & breathing breath , do helpe to part the fray . The banisht bloud retires agayne , the dampishe could is fled , Assured hope confounds dispayre , and conquers drowsie dred . Her sco●ched hart hath mois●ure fosid her scared ioyntes are strong , The burning beate , and Isie could , that troubled her so longe . Are quite exild , and in their steede , the Elements doo rule Indiffrently , and hastie health , beginnes for to recule . Sée here , the wyse Chyrurgion , hath fou●d one sal●e to cure His own disease , and hers , that dyd in woe long tyme indure . Oh happy thryse Ariodant , thy pacient well may far : When as thy letter hath such grace , to banish cares away . For as by pearsi●g looke , eche one , became eahe others thrall : And as by dome of Cupids might , in bondage they did fall : So b● Melp●mens sugred style , new freedom eche possest , He by his letter gaynd that he wuld , an● she that pleased her best . WHen dying fits constraynd by ioy , had lost their chokyng force : And gasping breath , began to rule , in late forsaken corse , When lyuely bloud , which earst forsoke his wanne and swelling heate : Had vanquisht death from euery part , and pulces fast gan beate : Then with two streames of ioyfull teares , the letter bathed is : And twyse ten thousand tymes I thinke , the paper she doth kisse . Now doth she finely close it vp , and puttes it next her brest , Againe vnfoulded now it is , now reades she his request . She came to Temple much deuout , deuotion mo●d hir minde : But to the Gods , this rau●sht dame , in prayers spends small winde . she rather seek●s which way she may ●●haue hir to hir loue : And eke which way , they best may work for both theyr best behoue . She thinkes it sin to deale with him , as some coye Dames doo vse : To feede him with a fayre looke , and after him refuse . She rather minds , ( to case his care ) an answer for to sende : Wherin like cause , like fits and wo , she myndeth shall be pend . but least the gasing eye mought vew the secrets of their mynd : And least theyr lauish letters sent , mought rayse a sclaundrous mynd : S●e doth deuise a secret meanes how he , without suspect May easely those letters find , which are to him direct : And she may haue , at that selfe place the answer of hir friend , And so , eche one may partner be of others faithfull mynde . With these conceits , the burning chayre doth clyme on hiest hea●en , The Clock agreeth with the Sunne , and sayes it is ●leuen . The Lady wayteth by the pewe , and hath three houres large : Her only prayer is to God , that others hah her charge . Thus are her mistres orisons , in order sayd eche one : Her homeward countnance shows how that , her God hath easd her mone . Yet modestly her smiling eyes , with sober looke is clad : She means her mirth with solom chere although not all so sad . Thus hath she left the temples rights , to Court she hies agayne : She tasted there late lot●ed mea●es , she filles with ioy her brayne . The Ladies smile to s●e this chaunge . the King doth heare this newes , His heauie hart doth leape for ioy , he doth no lenger muse . But he ( poore soule ) Ariodant , when he with quaking cheere : And shaking hand , had geu● the booke vnto his La●ydaere : His hastie steps do leaue the pewe , his prayers soone are donne : And secretly in chamber he thus hath his tale begonne . What wants ther now Ariodant ? what is ther now behind ? What hard attempt is yet vndone ? or what is in thy mynd ? Not yet performd , thou mayst atcheue , and bring vnto an ende , Before the greuous gastly grenes , thy wofull hart doth rende . Behould these eyes of myne , haue séene the last of all thy ioye : And this vnhappy head to late , doth wayle thy great annoy . Oh friendles wretch , the heuens agrée , to sée thy fatall fall : And these thy endles dolefull plaints are ioye vnto them all . Els , had thy folly neuer forst thée to attempt this ioye : Which scand , & iudged indifferently , depriues thee of thy ioy . Thinkst thou her noble hart can brook thy grosse vnegall loue : Who for her shape and s●melines , mought match with Gods aboue . Thinkst thou , with pati●̄ce she can vew the foly of thy brayne : Whose passing wisdom , wel approude all earthly wittes doth stayne . Thinkst thou to scape without thy hire , of him that rules the lant ? Thinkst thou thy wandring letter , sound , of all shall not be scand ? Oh witles wretch when stéed is ●c●n● , thou séest what may ensue : But when thou meughst thou couldst n●t tlem a pre●ent harme eschue . Oh more then thryse vnhappy wight , eche open mouth shall sound To Skies thy shame , when thy vile corpse forgot shall lodge in ground . Dispatch therfore , why stayes thy hand to geue thy hart his meede : Whose foolish lust , and fond desire , was causer of this déede . And therwithall he vrew his blade , his desperat part to play : But reason with hir holsome skyll , forst hastie hand to staie . Nay rather yeld thou foole ( quoth she ) to reasons sound aduise : Who greater fits then thou dost féele , can cure with a tryse . Wilt thou with desperate death deserue , the paynes of lasting smart : That mayst with eased mynd a whyle finde salue to heale thy hart ? Perchance thy Ladie doth require , thy loue with loue againe : Why wilt thou then till troth be knowne with dread increase thy payne . Perchance or this her hart hath felt , for thee lyke fittes and care , A●d truth it is , she crased is , and heauely doth fare . And wait not be that Cupide is a iudge indifferent : Who for ta●gment your ioyes the more , doth thus your lymmes torment , But loue , thou saist , vnegall plast is causer of thy care : ( Ah foole ) and hast thou now forgot , how Cupide none will spare . And is not King , and Kayser perst with his artylerie ? and knowst thou not how ( blinded ) he at ventures lettes it flie ? Canst thou alone then suffer shame , ( if shame a man mought call An honest loue , when worlds of men to loue are hound and thrall ? ) Suppose the King might know thy loue , what harme can then insue : Himselfe or this could hardly shunne , the sparkes of Uenus crewe . Wherfore , let thought be fordest , from the bounds of quiet hart : And with aduise what s best to doe , these passions set apart . Thy Ladie is a gentill Dame , her bewtie doth declare : Who for to ease thy gréedie minde , an answere will not spare . Craue once againe the cariage of the booke , thou late didst beare , And in the cariage search the booke , if ought be lodged there : Perchaunce as thou didst first inuent so she will now deuise : And will her answere ther inclose , thy mynde for to suffise . These thoughts , ( as Phebus clears the skie ) from foule infectiue myst : Do ease his mynd , ● banish thought , out from his cloudy brest . In western seas swift Phae●on , doth plunge his gleaming chayre , And in his steed the gliding starres , ●oth compasse loftie ayre . When in his bed Ariodant doth couch his heauy head : In hope to sleape but fanstes newe , doo rule in Sopros stead . The Princes is to closet gone not rekles of her friend , And least her déeds mought be espide , the dore is lockt and pynd . Then takes she paper , pen , and Ink , and thus writes to her own : Take this ( not as an answere sent ) from one to thee vnknown . But let these lines be guide to thée , which way thou mayst attayne , Unto my answer , craued that doth , by Oliue tree remaine . Kepayre therfore Ariodant , to priuie gardayn where : Under the mightie Oliue trée , by me lies hidden there . That thou didst craue , this may suffise , at f●ll thy longing minde : Till more at large , at fitter time , thou shalt my answer finde . ( This done ) she takes an other shet● of paper , which doth serue : To answere to his letter sent , for which he nie doth sterue . Therin she blisseth thryse the tyme when he did tread on ground : Of Scottish Realme , whose like ( quoth she ) in earth can not be found . Therin she blisseth eke him selfe , that would take such great payne : To sée so meane a wight as she , in whom doth not remayne . Halfe that great prayse , which he bestowes , on her vnworthy shape : Which is the worst that euer did , from natures handes escape . Then dolefully she doth lament , his long sustained woe : His pining fittes , vnquiet rest , his cares she rues also . Now is the time , when Uenus first did thrall her to her lore : Declared eke , and care , for care , she doth requi●e , and more . Now doth she , ( like an Oratres ) perswade him to be true : She vows by Ioue to shun the paths , that she wils him eschue . What should I say , she tels the time , she tels the secret place : When either , other person , may without suspect imbrace . Untill which time , she wished him , amendment of his fittes : With thousand ioyes , which to declare , would trouble sore my wittes . Well wery hand and watched eye , seeke now longe shunned rest : As sleape to work thy drousie charme , at hand is ready prest . This night , the glad Ieneuora , of sleape receiueth more : Then in six months and odde ( I think ) she did receiue before . Ariodant ( as Marchant tost with stormes from kenned land : That feares by rock , or swallowing goulfe , his deaths day is at hand ) Dispayring lies , and dreadfull thoughtes oppresse his crased minde : And doughting most that battred barke , so soone good port should finde , Yet as he had concluded , he by breake of day doth ryse : And in dispite of fortune , mindes tachtefe his interpryse . Ieneuora , ( though heauy head , did craue more golden sleape , ) Is not vnmindfull of her charge : ne lenger bedde doth keape . But long before Ariodant , she doth vnknown arise : And with her letter hastely , to priuie garden hies . And as she had deuised earst , within her little scrowle : She hides it by the Oliue trée , vnknown to any soule . That done , to warme an easie bed ( not waking any wight , ) She plies againe , and lieth till Aurora geueth light . Then vp she startes , & decks her self , with costlie robes of gould : Her glistring hear , in sumptuous cal the courtly Dames doo ●ould . Then close in closet she doth put the scrowle into the booke : Which first she made , of purpose , y● her friend theron should looke . That done , she thus commaundes her mayd● if he doth come this day : That last did beare the booke , when I , to chappell went to pray . And craue the booke agayne of you , graune him ( quoth she ) his mynd , The straunger shows a courtiers part it comes from gentill minde . With dutie done , the Lady graunts , vnto her , Ladies will : That in her stead doth wish he had , of wayting full his fill . Ariodant , abideth nowe , in his appointed place : But fearfulnes compels him hyde , his blushing , bashfull face . Till that the Princes past the place , where lurking he did stay : She is scarce gone , when secretly , the Lady he doth pray . Once more in stéede of her to wayte , and cariage for ●o haue : Of paayer booke , she graunts it him , he hath that he did craue . Then secretly the fearfull man , doth prie within the booke : The scrowle he finds , & takes it out , he cannot therin looke . For feruent ioye : he puts it vp , she is now come to pewe : He geues the booke with blushing face , his Lady that doth vewe . Her smiling chere , bids him farwell : his hastie foote doth part : These frendly looks , which after that for euer lodge in hart . This longing louer is aryud , at chamber , now in hast : He opes the scrowle , & word for word , he findes in order plast . As erst I could : he heues his handes , and streacht out armes to skies : His clothes he bathes with gushing teares , that run from swelling eyes . His ioye is in her secretnes , that myndes not to disclose : His preferd loue , as by th appointted place he doth suppose . For though ( quoth he ) the answere be not as my fansie would : Yet by this meanes to show my mynd , no doubt I may be bould . And though she now doth light estéeme , and will not heare my plaint : In tract of time my fittes I trust , her stony hart may taint . For rust in tyme , will canker in the gad of sturdy stéele : And littel worme in tract of tyme , doth make the Oke to reele . In time , by droppes of raynie dew , the fi●ie ●●int doth freat : In time also the beating sea , the ruggie rock doth eate . And may not then in time my sobbes and teares , from drowned eyes : Pearse gentil hart , whose nature is , to rule on wofull cryes ? Besid● if lookes may moue me think my loue she doth requite : I' neede no greater proofe then that wherof I late had sight . For did not colour chaunge in face , when she beheld me fast : First read as any Rose in May , and pale agayne at last ? Some say that these be arguments , of vext , and troubled minde : And sonest séene in louers face : ( as I in writers finde . ) But why doo I thus spend the time , in dought , and doughtfull toyes : When answer seen and once perusd , may ease perhaps annoyes . And ther withall , like gréedy wolfe , nye sterued for his pray : He ●eaues his talke and hastelie to gardin takes the way . Where priuely , at bidden place , he séekes with curious eyes : The answer which his Ladie did , for him of late deuyse . The ioyfull man hath found it out , his labour now is don : He leaues the gardin for that nyght , he doth to lodging runne . Wher carefully , he doth vnfould , the letter clos●●ie seald : And readeth eke by surcumstance , that was by dreame reueald . And ( as I sayd how she extolles , his shape vnto the skyes : And how of her renoumed grace , she basely can deuise . Then how she rewes the scorching fits which he so long hath felt : And then as touching her ill rest how loue with her hath delt . Next that , her wyse perswasion he with leaping hart doth réede : Then fi●ed faith and plighted troath , till death doth craue his méed . Oh happy newes , oh ioyfull liues , oh sentence glad pronounst : That makes h● seke for rauisht wits , that so in cares wast trounst . Come helpe y● Mountain Ladies al , and leaue Pernassus hill : Come help me with your sugred stile my charge for to fulfill . And thou , oh Spring of eloquence , come helpe to guyde my hand : That rudely doth presume to write , in verse but grosly scand : Of ioyes , that had their ginning first of black and lothsome fittes : Come helpe therfore Apollo thou , to wheat my dulled wittes . And help oh knights of Cupid● crew on whom ●ame Uenus smiles : To write of blisse , and more the ioye , that floudes of cares exiles . For your report must make my skill by prou●e I nought can write : Of ioyes , although ( the more my ruth ) of cares I can indight . But sith the listing eare doth wayte , to heare howe he doth fare : That late receiud these gladsome newes such wynde I now will spare . And sith both Musts , Gods , and Men , disdayne to rue my plaint : You must with baser verse , ( my lords ) your learned heads acquaint . Therfore , when hungrie eyes had 〈◊〉 , long tyme on pleasant newes : And gladnes bad his pining corse , s●●h mourning to refuse . With bowed knee , his ioyned handes , to hautie heauen he houldes : And then vnto the mightie Ioue , he thus his mynd vnfouldes . Perpetuall prayse immortall God , ( that all of nought didst frame ) Be dewe to thée , and lasting grace , be geuen vnto thy name : That from the toppe of hiest heauen to déepest vale belowe : Dost ( like a gentell Sauior , ) on me such pitie showe . Whose sinfull deeds , doo dayly moue , thy godly mynde to yre : And purchase eke , ( by iust desert , ) the paynes of dreadfull fyre . Thy goodnes ( Lord ) no ●ong can tell , ne head can well deuise : No p● can paint such worthy prayse , as may thy deede suffise . My hart vnable is to think , t●y goodnes showd to mee : That with thy might , hast socourd one , quite drownd in miserie . For was not I the wofulst wretch , that liued vnder skyes : Consumd with care , nye chockt with sobbes , besprent with teares , and cryes . And now , who liues in greater blisse who now more happier wight , Whose fate doth fortune fauor more , or who in better plight ? Wherfore , if thou ( oh mightie Ioue ) wilt bryng to happie eno , This loue begonne , which in thy law we mind till death to spend : If thou ( I say ) ( as thou dost knowe , the secrets of my hart , Be quite from guyle , & fardest from the sinne that asketh smart : ) Wilt turne our former passions of vile consuming care , To lasting ioye , and perfect blisse , and graunt to vs , the share Of spousals rights , which more then goods , or friends , or life I loue , I vow , by all that earst thou framdst in earth , and heauen aboue , By this my soule I vow , I sweare , I firmly doo protest , To loue● to dread , and serue thée lord whylst lyfe lodge in my brest . This vow he made , and vp he starts , he feeles he thinks no ground : His limmes that earst for weaknes bowd , in strength do now abound . His mynde runnes on Ieneuora , and of hir worthy hew , He giues to hir the chiefest prayse , of all fayre bewties crewe . He thinkes now of the courteous lines , whiche she to him did sende : He reades them till by hart eche worde he knowes , and then doth rende The paper , least by some mishappe , the letter lost and founde : Mought turne to his decaye , and hers , to whome he chiefe is bounde . Now thinkes he of the ioyfull place , whiche she did late inuent : Where he with sight of her his ioye , his minde he mought content . Against which time he deckes himselfe with sutes of ioyfull hewe , And throwes away his mournyng wéedes , he lothes on them to vewe . He now doth vaunt him self , amongst the rout of courtly mates : His gladnes , hath brought hunger to , he seedes on costly cates He is not now on tomblyng bed , nor wandryng nowe alone : He doth not nightly now lament , nor filles the skies with mone : But like a careles youth the daye , in sundrie sportes he spendes , And so the nightes in maskes , and showes , he bringeth to their endes In fine , eche care , that whylom was , to him griefe and annoie : Is nowe become a treble blisse , and twentie fould more ioye . Then if he earst had neuer felt , of woe the cutting fittes , Or if the stormes of ●othsome l●ue had neuer tost his wittes . His brother , ( that was partner long of his vnquiet rest ) Is glad with him , ● driues ●orth with vyle care from carefull brest . His mind , ( that earst was dulled quite ) his lyms , ( that lothed disport ) Is wakt from dreame , and now he is as stiffe as mightie fort . Now wants he nought but mates to stande , the dint of his great speare : Or such as would in open field , against him armeur beare But none there are in Scottish soyle no none that beareth life : ( That knowes his might ) that dare aduance him selfe before his knife . Therfore , in stede of instes on hors , and tourneis done on soote , In forest wyde , the sauage beast , in dennes he séeketh out , Wherby the countrey man doth liue at home in suertie : And keepes therby him selfe , and his , from former ieoperdie . But why do I of profit speake , wher pleasure is my song ? Or what hath Bloudie Mars to doo , amongst Cupi●●s throng ? Why sayst thou pen , to speak of him that armed is with ioy : And prest against fayre Ladies foes , his might for to imploy ? Why tel●● thou not how he hath now disclosed to his loue , ( I● pres●nce ) all his former woes , ( which hard ) forthwith do moue The Cristal drops from smilyng eyes by streames for to discend : She showes like fittes , which forse from hart the broken sighes tassend . Then he with ●oulded armes imbrast her small and semely wast : And she her slender ioynts , about her louers neck hath cast . A thousand tymes he kissed hath her lippes of ros●at hew . As oft she doth vnkisse againe , her friend and louer trew . Now doth his tongue confirme those fittes , which penne did late indight : As how with sighes the day he spent and with lyke teares the night . Then how with hope he was alurd , to sue for wyshed gra●e : and how in dream with goddesse two he saw her heauenly face . The princes hears , this plesant talke and then she did vnfould , What sightes , what shapes , and visions , she in night tyme did behould . With such like talke , the tyme is spent , and now is come the howre : When sugrie presence , they must change for pensife parting sowre . They rue their want , and hate the tyme , that byds them to depart : But néedes they must , though corsie strong , it is for them to start . He geues in signe of loyal loue vnto the Princes grace , A Diamond of passing prise , a ringe that did abace : All Iuels that before that tyme , were seene in Scottish land : Whose gleming stone causd gasing eyes on musing oft to stand . She takes the ring with ioyful hart , she geues to him againe A token , which doth signifie , she faithfull will remaine . With ioyned lips , they say farewell , with pressed hand in hand They vow : that to that place ech day to come no let shall stand . Againe they kisse , and faintly then , mine own adew ( quoth he ) With becked hand , and bowed head , my heart farewell ( quoth she ) Their backward lookes show loth to part , theyr hartes agrée also : That to enioy eche others sight : great wealth they would forgo . Thus are they come , she to the court , among the glistring rout Of chast Dianas nimphes , and he repayres , amongst the stout and sturdy band , of Scottish knights where he doth passe the daye , In decent games , in courtly sportes , and other séemely playe . Sometime with racket he doth tosse the light reboundyng ball , And carfully doth marke the chase : now he his hauke doth call : And now his varbed horse he traynes to passe his swift carear : Or ●ls to gallope round the field , now doth he with his speare , By steadie crurse obteyne the ryng , and now by forsed mighte , He breaks his staffe , ● now he learns his caruyng glayue to byte On forged sheld ( That done ) on foote he runnes a breathyng race , And then returnes to court to wayt , before his Lieges grace : Which he can doo in séemeliest sort , therin he hath such skill : That better then the best he doth , his courtly charge fulfill The dyner don , he filles his eares , with heauenly melodie , And he him selfe on solom lute , can stryke sweete hermonie . And now amongst the Scottishe Dames , ( as though he weare to chuse ) He would discourse of histo●●es , and tell of forein newes . As first the s●ege of worthy Troy , what knightes therin weare sl●yn : And how that Helen was the cause , that Grocians felt such paine . Then how , the chast ●enelope , did leade a widowes lyfe : Til hir Ulix , and Anthenor , did ende the tenne yeares strif● . Next how Cneas , falsly delt , with Dido , Cartha●e Quéene , And how for falsing of her faith , False Creseide fell vncleane . A thousand such this curious knight reports vnto this crew , And all ( god knowes , was to the end his Ladie for to vewe . The Courtiers they delight to heare his passing eloquence , They thank him al , he séeks no more he hath his recompence . He is ( good soule ) a happie man , that by that meanes he may : At pleasure and without suspect , see his Ieneuora , Amongst these iestes , he mindfull is , of secrete méetyng place : He cannot that forget , where he his Lady shall imbrace . There ( as it lighted in his head ) he doth vnloode his brayne , And she , as amours forse her speake , doth yeld the like againe . Their other passions I commit to you that louers be : I cannot think , much lesse to wryte , theyr fittes of iolytie . But many daies these faithfull ones did spend in great delight : And lenger had , if fortune had , not wrought them great dispit : For whilst they two with quiet myndes had driuen away the cloude Of carefulnes , and nou●ht but blisse , within their harts did shrowd , ( I faint to tell ) that Serpent vile , that worketh Princes woe : That treason black , forst them ( alas ) theyr ●reedom to forgoe . Therfore , a dew , without desert , ye Nymphes of Helicon : Possesse your Mount I néed you not let my rude verse alone . T is Sibil she that Profitesse : that knowes , the darksome denne Of Plutos Realm , that must be ayde to guyde my rugged penne . We must amongst the lothsome shades , seeke out Alecto vile : That may with mone , and solome tune , deck this my dolefull style . Thou Ioue graunt that I may finde out , The bough of golden ●ewe : And that the teeth of hellish dogge , I safely may eschewe . And thou ( I say ) that worker art , of this my changed songe : Help with thy Snakie hears to show the sting of treason strong . For thou , thou Witch , thou hellish hagge , thou wrinkled fury fell , Hast forst my pen that painted blisse , of foule mishappe to tell . But sith with scorched limmes he craues , to wpite his cruell fall : Whom fortune late with honour deckt , and reard to noble wall . I will assay to turne my stile , from louers happy life : To frowning fittes , to sobbes , to cryes , to falshod cause of strife : And sith he séekes to haue his fall . a myrrour to the rest : That line , I will begin with him , and let the other rest . THere was amongst the Scottish Lordes , ( whom honour did aduaunce To noble style , ) a mightie Duke , of bloud , although hard chaunce , Oh filthie facte , dispoyld him quite of former dignitie : And forst him leaue his tipe of might , to peruerse miserie . This Prince was Duke of Albany , and Pollinesso hight : And vassall to the Scottish king , a subtill craftie knight . Who well increast in aged yéeres , ( and yet to chuse a feare ) Gan greatly loue Ieneuora , whom he as liue helde deare . And sith he was of noblest birth , of subiectes in the land : He thought thee rather to obtayne , that he did take in hand . Wherfore he is in mynd oft tymes , to moue the King herein : Whose grace once got , he soner thiks the Princes for to win . Againe thinks he , if she should know my mynd is for to craue : Her fathers graunt , before I doo her fauour seeke to haue : The stately dame perhaps wold dain my sute and profred loue : Therfore he minds this way to deale as for his best beh●ue , He seekes ( I say ) to spend the tyme , with her in stately court : To play with her at chesse , or cardes , or other chamber sport . And when he sées she pleasant is , and in her mery vayne : To breake to her such amours , as within his hart remaine . So thought , so don , he wears the day as earst he did deuise : He hath his fill of Ladies lookes , he feades ther with his eyes . But sée the spight that ●●lousi● that prieth euery where , Hath brought him in an ag●nie , and in a soden feare . He sees the straunger of resort , to his reioysing place : He sees his Ladie showes to him a pleasant smiling face . But most of all , and that that most augmentes his ielousie : Is straungers ring , which she doth weare , still gleaming in his eye . Wherwith , dispayring in his mynde of his late hoped gayne : He thinks to spend more time therin is booteles and in vayne . Yet doth affection tell him that his doughtes b● contrarie : The Straunger cometh to the court ( saith he ) of curtesie . And she requireth , like , for like , what if she weare his King ? The stone is rich , and happely , she hath therin liking . Besides , will she bestowe her loue of one a straunger borne : Of mean estate ? when Princes loues she oft hath had in scorne ? Thus hope , and dought doo hould this Duke , he long hath felt what payne : Dispayre doth bring , and eke what toyes , in doughtfull fittes remayne . And when he sawe that wearing tyme , could nothing wast his dought : Inforst by loue and ielous●e , this fetch he hath found out . Firstly , for to acquaint him self , with this Ariodant : That dayly dot● ( as well as he ) to Princes lodging haunt . And then , for to inuite him home , vnto his mancion : Where he concludes to put in vre , this last inuention . That is , to hauke and hunt with him , and passe the time away : In such disportes as he delightes , chiefly to weare the day . In which meane time he wil disclose the secretes of his mynde : To him , as both his owne affaires , and such as are assingde . B● priuie counsell , for the wealth , of all the Scottish lande : And eke what actes the king intends , with spéede to take in hand . Then of his pr●uate déedes to tell , and how he leades his life : And eke with whom he is in leage , and eke with whom in strife . Al these & more then these , this Duke doth mynd for to disclose : To his inuited gest at home , only of this purpose . To haue the straunger yeld agayne , the secrets of his hart : In recompence of that which he , to him did late impart . Amongst which things , he hopes to héer of this suspected loue : And so to be resolud of that , which ielousie did moue . And if it be ( as he suspect ) ( I meane ) that she hath chusde Ariodant vnto her fere , and he hath eke refusde . All other for Ieneuora , then he in friendly wyse , Will beat into the straungers head , what harmes therof may ryse . Or els to perswade him that , his time is spent in vayne : In suing to obtayne her grace , that doth great ●ordes disdayne . And how , that she doth mynd dif●●it , and nought estéemes his loue : As Ladie wilie heades doo oft , the ●ielie soule to proue . With such conceites as these , the Duke doth thinke for to beguile : This careles man , that falshods craft , hath farde●● in exile . And now , from craftie Parlament , he calles his wylie wittes : In mynde , in hast to put in vre this same , to ease his fittes . And finding now Ariodant amongst the courtly crewe : Of Scottish D●mes , the ioyes in har● his Lady for to vewe . He doth acquaint him self with him and with a friendly face : Inuites him to his stately home , and courtly dwelling place . The straunger ( that for courtesie excells the Scottish rout ) ( Whose giltles mind cold not deuis● this treason to search out ) With bowed knée , and humble thanks requites his ientlenes : And shows him self at his commaund as prest in readines . ●he Duke is glad , that thus he hath achevd his interpryse : The straunger ioyes , ● hopes hereby some happy happe may rise . Now both haue left the Regall court , both leaue their Ladies sight : And now amidst the plesaunt fieldes to sport doo both delight . Somtime their running féet● pursue the cry of yelling hounde : Somtime they ioy to smite the dear● or els the hart to woun● . Sometime in arms , they seke the chase of Beare or ●yon fear●● : Or els with sharp and cutting glayue the t●sked Boare to pearce . When day is gon , they welcom night with showes and harmonie : Or els with well squard champions , to force their treasure flie . Amongst these sports & plesant iests the Dukes let not to ●el : What diu●rse●haps haue chaunst to him , and all that ea●st be●ell As well to him , as to the Realme , he telles to him the state : Of all the soyle , and Region : besides he doth ●ilate . What is agreed , by close consent , of all the Scottish peares : And then what lawes are ordained , he heates into his cares . Then how in youth he trapped was , with traynes of Cupides might : ( He tels ) and how vnhappie man , he serude a scornef●ll wight . Since when , ( he saies , ) how he hath lothd such passions to sustaine : The fruit wherof wil not ( quoth he ) halfe counteruayle the payne . Ariodant , with listing eare , markes well this diuerse talke And takes good heede vnto his tale , when lauish tounge doth walke . But from his lippes doo not procéede the secretes of his hart : Ne from his close , and priuie mynd no passed actes depart . He countes it vilanie to tell , that he could well declare : And taught he was from infancie , a walking tongue to spare . Therfore vnto him selfe he kéepes , that lodgeth in his mynde : And stayes his mouth from breathing out his thoughts vnto the wynde . Wherwith the Duke , not well content , but moued much with ire . ( Considring that it fell not out as he did earst desire ) ( With angry cheere ) Unkind ( quoth he ) is this the curtesie That you vnkind Italians , requite for amitie . How can thy greedy eares kéepe● in , such store of secrets tould : Without imparting lyke for lyke , and not for to vnfould . Such iestes as hidden lye in brest , which may content my mynd : And ease perhappes a troubled head , as therby friendes oft finde . This said , & hard , with blushing face , the straunger as dismayde : With fired looke , and sober chere , vnto the Duke thus sayd . I trust my Lord y●ur honour will not to accompt ( quoth he ) Of him that doth remayne as yours , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from falshood free . For we that ●e of Italie , and bor●e in foren lande : Doo b●nk it mearest vanitie , and fond to ●ake in hand . To ●reat of that , that profit smal redoundes to them that heare The same , and most of all , in vay●e , that goulden tyme do●h weare . To hould your honor with such acts , as I my youth did spend In Italie ( my natiue soyle ) to small effect would tende . Sith both the land to you vnknown , the deedes of such purporte : As heard & iudgd , your self would say doo not discerue report And since my wandring féete did leu● the bounds of Italie , No acte hath past from me that hath , deserued memorie . Therfore ( w ● pardon cravd my Lord ) I trust you will estéeme , But well of this my silent tongue , and rightly therof deeme . ( Quoth he ) and then began the Duke no , no , Ariodant , Thy deedes are not so secret done , ●e yet my wittes so scant . But well I can behould the thing , that thou doest shunne to saie : Both how thou hast and louest now , the Prince Ieneuora . Thy oft resort vnto hir court , discloseth thy intent : Thy plesant lookes to her doo show , thy wyll therto is bent . But if thy reckles head had w●yde , my good wyll borne to thee : Thou wuldst not once haue stickt to tell , those secrets vnto mee . Whose sage aduise perhaps mought moue , thy mynde from that intent : Which yelds in fine nought els but sighes , and cares for tyme so spent . Yet sith at first , my fansie had , in thee so good thinking , I will inforce my tounge to speake , against my lustes lyking : Know thou therfore , ( Ariodant ) the Princesse hates th● tour , And scornes that thou should so presume● therto her grace to moue . For though with smyling ●here ●he doth , reward thy curtesie : Yet is her mynde most fardest from , the l●ste● of Uenorie● Beleue well , Ariodant , thy loue is euill imploy●e , For I it is , whom she doth loue , whose hart I haue in ioyde . Long time , of whom I may commaund , what listeth me to craue , And eke obteyne what so I aske , as proued oft I haue . And least thy doughtfull head mought dem vntroth in this my tale : I wyll ( to put thee out of dought ) this enterpryse assaile : That is , to bring the morow next , from my Ieneuora : Thy Dyamond , thy gift to her the rynge ( that men doo say ) In clearnes shames our Scottishe gemmes , wherby , thou mayst perce●ue , How well of thee , and of thy loue , thy Lady doth conceyue . This tale , no soner enterd had into the straungers eare : But therwithal a heape of thoughts , within his minde appeare . Yet least his chaunged countnance mou be wray his secrete care : And least his stayed speach mought show●● how he ny chokt doth fare : with strain●d voyce , & moued minde , he firmly doth denie , Eche point of his accusing tale , and profers for to die , If euer so his mynd was bent , or if he sought to moue At any tyme she Princes grace , with his v●egall loue . And as vnto his oft repayre , vnto her graces Court : Shows nought ( quoth he ) but youthful mynd with Ladies ●or to sport . As courtiers vse , ( of lustie age , ) to weare the time away , In daunce , in talke , in melodie , and other chamber play . But all for nought , Ariodant his tounge & speach doth spend , His vowes are vowed all in vayne , the Duke hates to attende Unto his long excusing tale , and how he doth denie The gift of that rich Diamond , which he did late discrie . Wherfore the Duke in hast depart● , and doth commaund beside , His st●ede for to be● sadled straight , for he post h●st wyll ryde . Thus leaues he poore Ariodant , and he to court doth hie , And ( as he rydes ) he studies how this King he might come by . At last , he doth record , how that there serues the princes grace A Ladie that Dalinda hight , a mayde of Scottish race . Who earst was proferd to the Duke in l●wfull mariage : A ●●em●l● wyght , & Lady fayre , of noble parentage . B●t he , nought forsed then the mayd his hautie hart was bent : With hier match , & greater sums , his wil for to content . To this forsaken Dame , this Duke concludeth forto goe , To craue , by proferd mariage , the Dyamond also . And as he ended had the thoughtes , of this subtill minde : He is ariued at the court , where he doth séeke to finde In secret wyse , this wayting mayde , whome he at last hath founde Disporting her , with Lute alone low set vpon the ground . Her he salutes as tyme did serue and she requites againe His court●●ie , that done , the Duke still mindfull of his payne : Doth craue a word in secreat with the Lady for to haue : And she that least suspects disceite doth graunt that he doth craue . And then the Duke with sober chere , vnlodes his charged mynde Thus , to the li●●ning maid that longs to heare of newes by kynde . To hould thee long mine own ( qd he ) with painted tedious talk , Or els , in glosing eloquence , to strayne my tounge to walke , I séeke n●t n●w , but simply , I the secretes of my hart : As playne , as of a perfect truth , to thee I wyll impart . Thou knowst ( qd he ) not long or this thy faithfull friendes did moue , ( By reason good and great aduise ) me greatly to thy loue : Thou knowst ( I think ) also the cause that forst me not consent : I meane , thy welth , and parentage , could not my mynde content . For I ( as thou doest know right wel ) ( without bost be it spoke ) For noble lyne , and lyuing great , mought match with Royall stocke . But leauyng thus these lofty lettes inforst through hautie mynde : And speakying to affections force , that conquers all by kynde . Know thou , since then recording oft , those vertuous giftes of thyne : And eke thy beutie great , which doth excell before myne eyne : Forgettinge eke , the causes all , of that my former staye : And callyng now vnto my mynde , thy woorthy shape , I saye , I am as ready now to yelde , vnto the friendes desire : As they to gayne my graunt , or this , were wi●●yng to require . And sith , it is vnknown to me , which way thy wyll is bent : And eke for proufe how willingly , thou doest therto consent : If thou wilt not deny me that , which I of thee will craue : which thou at ease maist graunt , I séeke , no greater proufe to haue . That is , when our Ieneuora , in bed doth take her rest : And when the slumbryng sleape doth rule , within her quiet brest : To helpe me to the Dyamond which she esteemes so wel . ( I meane ) the straungers rynge that dooth , in clearnes so excell . If this to doo , thou wilt not let , by knighthoods lore ( I sweare ) To wed thee as my lawfull wife , and I to dye thy feare . He sayd , and endeth so his tale , and she ( when long in muse Had stayde ) in pleasant wise thse woord● or lyke them thus did vse . If this procéede , my Lord ( qd she ) from bounds of spotles mynde , And if your proferd curtesie , agree to noble kinde : If that the secrets of your hart , ●e voyde of bidden guyle : And d●●pe deceit in this your tale , be fardest in exile . Though dutie biddes me staie to graunt , vnto your hastie will : And reason sayes , with honour I cannot your heste fulfill : Yet to perswade your honour , that I prest am to obey : To what so listeth you demaund I will without delay , Inforse my selfe against the grounds , of bounden duties lore : To helpe you to th● Dyamond , or els to die therfore . Tyll then a whyle my Lord ( qd she ) staie you at this selfe place , And I will to Ieneuora , and wayte before her grace , Till that to sleape she geues hir selfe , and then I will againe Repaire to you , with Diamond , if here you will remayne . The Duke agrees to her deuise , and ( with a ioyfull hart : ) Doth yelde to hir a thousand thanks : Dalinda doth depart , and leaues the Duke wel easd of care and now in perfect blisse : Because he hopes the straunger will , dispayre at sight of this . The quiet tyme that nature yeldes , vnto the loden mynd Is come , and now the weary ●ones , a resting place doo finde . Ieneuora , ( when bankettes all , and reuell routes weare done ) Repayres vnto her quiet bedde , and watching crewe doth shunne . Dalinda wai●es on her this night , of purpose to obtaine The Diamond , which nightly did on chamber boorde remayne . Ieneuora no sooner had on pillow coucht her head : But King Dalinda fingerd hath , of Diamond she is spead : And ( duty done ) the slately couch , she leaueth for that night : And to Duke Polinesse then , she guydes her feete aright . Who found in place appointed , she presentes before his eyes . The Iem , & therwithall , these words the spendeth in this wyse . As , to content your doughtfull mind my might I haue imployde : And as in you my honour staies , which earst my self inioyde . So let me finde ( my Lord ) agayne , in gage of willing hart : Like deeds vnto those vowed words , which late from you did part . She sayd , and then , the Duke replies thus to her iust request . Or els ( qd . he ) thou God graunt that no life lodge in my brest . In signe wherof , hold here ( quoth he ) and so they ioyned handes : Let this conclude till fitter time the yoke of wedded bandes . Thus he departs , with promise made before the breake of day : To yeld againe the Dyamond , no let at all should staye . Now is the Duke returned safe , vnto his heauy gest : Who long hath lurkt on weary bed , bereud of former rest . So much this late vnlookt for tale , dismayes his quiet hart : That now well nye he féeles againe , her former woe and smart . The Duke no sooner leaues his stéed but to Ariodant He hies : that seemes to be a sleape , though ease in head is scant . And with a pleasant voyce he sayes , what sluggard how , awake : Thou dreamst to long : from closed eyes the misty sle●pe of shake . With that , the straunger ( as gast ) doth cast his heauy head : Aloft , and start well nye from out , his tost and tomled bed . And therwithal , what newes ( qd he ) who calles me thus in hast : How fares my lord the Duke his grace and then his armes he caste . Out of the bed , in mynde to ryse , but then Duke Polinesse Gan name him self , and thus to him these wordes he did expresse . Let not my hasty call , mo●●st thy head late easd of care : Ne think no harm , in that ( quoth he ) thus bo●ldly I do fare . For as I haue bene grief to thée by breaking of thy sleape : So may I profit bring to thée , if thou good héede wilt keape . Unto this tale , which from the hart of him , that wisheth well : To thée procéedes that found out thy present cares terpell . I trust thou doughtest not ( quoth he ) of this my ●●alous minde : Which since our first acquaintaunce , hath to helpe thée ben inclinde . Since when thou knowst , by long discours● what talke hath past from mée : As touching these affections fo●d , which I conceiud in thee . At which self time , though thou dist scorne , to tell me what I knew : Yet did I friendly promise thée , to helpe thee to eschewe . Those happes , to bring from court with m● thy famous Diamond : Whose match cannot compared be in this our Scottish ground . Therby , that thou moughtst plainly sée , what loue in Ladies lookes : And that in time thou moughst be taught , to shun their hidden ●ookes . To quite my self to thee , therfore , of faithfull promise made : And of my troth vnfa●nd to thée , thy mynd for to perswade . See ●eer 〈◊〉 th●r with showd the King which he in pu●se did beare ) Beleue thy selfe , not me , if that thy Lady houldes the deare . When al was said , & King was showd and Duke had done his fill : For to perswade Ariodant , to brid●ll reckles will . When in a muse the straunger had , a little whyle remaynde : S●t straight vpon his quiet bed , him selfe to speake thus strainde . The curtesie which I haue found in this your graces court : H●th bounde me till my fatall day , ( my Lord ) for to report . Immortall prayses of your grace , to whom I doo account : My 〈◊〉 as farre indected to , as my rude head can count . And s●●h eche way . I see my self , vnable to requite : your least and smalest benefite , ( the more my griefe and spite ) Yet count me as your own ( qd . he ) your vassall to commaund : As one whose life , & goods are yours till death his due demaund . My duty , thus acknowledged , let these replie vnto : your graces tale , which in my mynd I well haue wayd also . I doo record right well , ( my Lord ) the summe of all ( quoth he ) As of the Princes grace , what talke past then twirt you and me . I mindfull am bestdes , what I sp●ke in myne own defence : What oths past eke from me to proue my troth , or you went hence . B●t that culd not suffice your mynd n● change your wrong intent : But needs you would ( the rather to inforce me to consent . To that my giltles conscience lothd ) to court in hast to hy● : To bring from thence , a Diamond , which , then she said , that I. Did geue vnto Ien●uora , therby that I mought see What good account of you she makes , and how ●he deales with me . This was the very talke it self , except I doo forget : The sum of that within mine eares , is ringing still as yet . To which , ●more them I answerd ear● I cannot now replie : B●t as I sayd , so I protest the same not to denie . And as vnto the remnant of your last pronounced tale : This shall suffice , if in your hart , my truth may ought auayle . Know you , ( my Lord ) I do confesse , the Princes scorneth mée : For why , a simple courtier I , and meanest in degrée . Not worthy to be thought vpon , in Princes hauty court : Whose birth vnknown , doth rather séek● with meaner match to sport . And as I doo confesse the one , so firmely I denie : That earst I neuer sawe this gemme , that thus shines in myne eye . Nor neue● gaue the like to her , as I am subiect true : Unto my liege and soueraigne , and owe him seruice due . Thus I conclude , in hope also , as I haue plainly toulde : The hidden secrets of my hart , and as I haue vnfould . Nought els but truth , as you may tri● , in time to come right well : That so you will from doughtfull mynde , such straunge c●nceites expell . The Duke , ( that heares with grief the ende of this late coyned tale● Amazed stands , sith his inte●●● , no better did preuaile . Yet minds he , sith the straunger was to him but as a gest : Not ferder to eramine him , but for to let it rest . Till that at fitter time , he may a better way inuent : For to annoy Ariodant , and eke him selfe content . And , therwithall , would God ( qd he ) I wish for thy behoue : That as thou saist , so tract of time , the truth herein may proue . And parting thence , good night ( qd he ) take now thy quiet rest : And to your grace , god graunt ( qd he ) such ease as likes you best . Thus is Duke Polinesso come , vnto his chamber , where Unto a secrete friend of his he geues the ring , to beare . Unto his friend Dalinda , least , the Diamond shuld be wanting : And so preuent his purpose , and turne to her great vndoing . Post hast , therfore this messenger , is prekt with Diamond To court , who at the last , by happe Dalinda hath out found . To whom , ( with thou●and thankes ) he geues the gleaming gem● agayne : From Polinesso ( mighty Duke ) that doth her friend remayne . Thus leaue I him that ended hath his message in his best wise : And now vnto Ariodant , I will my stile deuise . When Polinesso vttred had , that lurked in his brest : And showed had the Diamond , vnto his heauy gest . When gon he was out of the sight , of poore Ariodant : Who in his new disquiet mynde ould corsies did not want . Then , gins the straunger to record , the ring which he did sée : And fear doth m●ke him think besids that ring the same to bee . Which he did geue Ieneuora , wherfore through euery part : Of his distemperd limmes , procéede an ake , and deadly smart . From head , and hart , doth passe also a could , and lothsome sweat : And temples both , and pulses two , refuse their liuely heate . His heare right vp , his eyes do stare , his t●th he ioyneth fast : M●ch like a man distraught of wits , and holsome reason past . Sometimes , ( for lacke of breath ) he lies ●ereud of liuely sprightes : And in his rage , lyke frantike man , his careful head he smyghtes . And when his fittes be of least force , then with a ●an●ing hart : Unto himselfe in secret wyse , these woords he doth impart . Oh deepe discent , oh hidden guile , oh falshood furie fell , Oh cruell spight , condemned be thy ghost to lothsome hell : That so canst fawn on simple wight with pleasant smilyng chere , And with a hart inuenemed , to kyll that houlds the deare . Oh wretch , I skorne the present ioy and eke thy Princely state : And happy thrise wer these my eyes . to see thy latest fate . Consumed be thy cherefull health , and sicknes scale thy corse : Let sadnes , from eche part of thée , all pleasure quite deuorse . Conuerted he the cristall hewe , to foulest colour vyle : And all diseases rule in thée , when health is in erile . for thou ( oh careles wretch ) hast forst my limmes that lyude in ioy ) To taste the most vnquiet rest , that any can anoye . And as he would haue furder said , from stringes of swelled hart : A deadly grone proceedes , and eke most scorning sobbes depart . And therwithall , oh death ( quoth he ) wreake on my corse thy will , Asunder sheare my vitall thréed : oh Atrapos doo kill . The most vnhappiest creature , that treades on sinfull soyle : And you oh sisters cut the thread , and ease me of this toyle . Thus whilst he waies the brightnes of this goodly Diamond : ( Dispairing wise ) in●ectiue feare doth nye his wittes confound . But when he doth call vnto mynde , what friendly actes haue past , Twixt him and his Ieneuora , he calles his wittes at last . To him , and then , his lauish tounge he ginnes for to reproue : And saies , that nought but tride disceit , should faithfull friendes so moue . And then he gan to dought beside , if that same weare the ring : That earst was his , which Poliness● from court with him did bring . For though report , did blase ( qd he ) my gem to be the best : yet may an other be as good , though secretly it rest . And dayly proufe , doth teach vs eke , where Princes fansie frame : There goes away the victory , and gayne of greatest name . And though it were the ring it self , that I did late enioye : yet till I know more perfect proufe , it shall me not annoy . For how can such assured signes of lasting amitie : Be ioynd with crabbed craftines and with such subtiltie . Did not her letter show to me , a louers true intent ? Did not the passion of her mynde to faithfull lynes consent ? Did she not vow ( with drowned eies ) she lothed filthy ●guyle ? And did she not perswade me eke , to shunne such treason vyle ? Could this proceed from double mynd could heauenly shape inuent : Such termes of truth , & after wards to such disceit consent ? Can she , that since her infancie , was traind in Princely court , ( Wher wisdoms lore , ● prudence skil , is vsed for disport ) Beare in her hart such fayned truth , and vse such subtill witte ? Or els vpon well meaning wight , such spightfull hatred spitte ? Can craftines finde harborow , within so goodly shape ? when nature serude so worthy corpse could truth from her escape ? Can double dealing lodge within so worthy creature ? Who for her passing comelynes gaines lasting lyfe tindure ? No , no , I doo abandon now my former fonde conceit , And eke the sparkes of black dispaire I will extinguishe strayt : For tyll those eyes doo plainely sée , or els those eares doo heare , Disdainful lookes , or scornful woords such fittes shall not me deare . Tyll then , ( though some presuming there be of fained loue ) From chosen choyse , ● harts desire , no passion shall me moue . By this , the blustring blast is blown that so amazd the mynde : And Delus from Orient seas , doth breath a pleasant winde . The darksome clouds are drowned now , that trobled earst the ayre : And hope with beames of ioyful light , turnes stormes , to weth●r fayre . But sleape that doth disdaine to see an other , to possesse ●he ●lace which he by right should kéepe ) ●oth seeke for to redresse . This iniurie , and calles foorth with , his mates in his affayres , That drowsy dreame , & slumber sad , and with his friendly prayers , Doth craue his aide , with forced might , to yelde to him againe : The place which he by right should haue , which others now doo gayne . therwith ould Slumber gan imploy , with careful mynd his might : To conquer Hope or els to dye , himselfe amidst the fight . And with his Ingin he doth scale the fort but meanly mande : And through the wall doth make a way , for to conduct his bande . This seene , poore Hope , ( as vanquisht man ) not able to defende Him from the whyrling dartes , that Sléepe about his cares doth sende : Doth yelde himselfe cendicionally , that next to Slumber , hée Within his batterd castell , may be second in degrée . The conquerour doth graunt here to poore Hope is peakte away : And now doth Dreame amidst the presse , his drowsie part well playe . But Night that is the generall of all this s●●ggish crewe , Gan from the fardest Orient ●●ast , the mornyng playnly vewe . Then ( least he should to long abide ) he seuds the Herault out : ( The Oule ) that with her croked trump cries Retreat to the rout . Wherby , the armie leaues the land , and flittes to Leathian seas : Wher they abide till Night againe , shall yeld them former ease . The cocke ( Auroras messenger ) sends foorth from stretched throte : With fl●ckring wings , & roused lym his cherefull mornings note . Hope heers this sound , & then he know his foe is fledde away : Wherfore within his secret caue , no longer he can stay . But to his former crased fort , with hastie foote he plies : Wher entring in , Ariodant , doth lie before his eyes . Who was one of his souldiers , when that sleape did geue the foyle , And taken eke a prisoner , as he for Hope did toyle . But , by good hay , no harme he had , saue only in his head● A littell scarre , of fond dispayre , that drousie Dreame had made . Him , Hope doth comfort as he can , and with a lustie cheare : No h●rme , ( qd he ) dismay thée not , discharge this filthy feare . Herewith , the séely crased man doth leaue his easie bed : And hath concluded secreatly , ( within his vexed head . ) To leaue the Duke , and to return● vnto the court agayne : Least by his still abiding there , the Duke mought seeke a meane To searc●e of him the truth herein , which , though he loth to showe : yet mought such word● procéed vnwares as therby harme mought grow . Wherfore● when Duke of Albany had left his chambers rest : Ariodant , ( with bowed knée , gan of his grace request . For to depart , his license , an● his fauour for to haue : And he , ( thogh with vnwilling mind ) doth graunt that he doth craue . Thus leaues the straunger Polinesse and he with spéed , to court Doth plie againe for to renewe , his fourmer ioye and spourt . yet can he not ( by any meanes ) the sight of showed ring Forget , though hope with pleasant wordes , good signes of ioye doth bring . By this , he is aryude amongst the crewe of Courtiers stout : That ioye to sée him safe retournde among that lus●y rought . His brother eke Lurcanio , ( inforst by course of kynde ) Doth welcome home Ariodant , with ioyfull pleasant mynde : And of such iestes as happened , since he did leaue the court : Unto his brothers lustinge eares , he makes along report . But he , ( this carefull louer ) that is ny caught with dispayre , Doth somon all his wittes at once , to helpe in this affayre . And sith vpon two fickell pointes , his present state dependes : To take aduise or he beginnes , his wyly head intendes . I Nede not now for to recount , what guyle Duke polynesse Did vse , with Princes Dyamond , tannoy his hidden gesse . Nor how ●e faild ●f his intent , ●e of the diuerse talke , That now from Polinessos lippes , and now from straungers walke . but al you know ( my Lords ) how y● Ariodant did feare , That this was the selfe Dyamond , he gaue his Ladie deare . which fere , so to●t his troubled brain that as a man for●orne , He shuns eche youthfull companie and life he had in scorne . To ease these fittes , two only wayes this carefull louer spies : Wherof , ( as present state did craue ) he gan this to deuise . Firstly , thinks he , if with my pen I causles should accuse : Or els in presence , by complaint , I blameles should abuse . The Princes grace , to whom I must accombt me chiefly ●ound : Whose zelous mynd , ( except I faile ) I faithfull oft haue found . If that I shuld once moue ( I say ) these doughtfull thoughts of myne : Under her grace , by letters sent , or els before her eyne . For to a●cuse her troth , vnknowne , then let vs sée the ende : Hereof , and to what passe , our taunting tale would tend . At first , ( as well she mought in dede ) she should bestow on me , At fond suspecting louers name : and most vntrue to be . That at the sight of euery toye would take occasion : To blame her troth , and eke to liu● in vile suspicion . Then after that , for to withdraw her loue so euell employd : And eke repent that such an one , so long hath it enioyd . Which if these ●ies sh●ld once behold these hands with bloudie knife S●uld take reuenge vpon my tongu● by ridding of my lyfe . And if she gr●unt● ( as vile dispayre perswades me for to deeme ) I mean , that she doth loue this Duk● and euell of me estéeme . If this she say , what then tell me , what s then our remedy● In faith by cor●●es , bane , or cor● , to die in misery . Againe , if to my self I should , these secrets sole impart : Lett es sée if this may change our 〈◊〉 or els our cares conuert . This charge ( qd he ) to make the salue that cures the burning w●und : Tasswage the humors cold , that dot● the patient ●ye confound . As hard i● is ●o ease the wight , with freting furious meat : Whom fe●●rs force continually , to ●●●ning bones doth eate . So hard it is , that silence which augments my misery : Shuld salue the sore , which nothing el● but talke can remedy : For see , as belching poyson broyles , within the panting brest : And scorching heat , conuerts the helth , to most vnqui●t rest . So do the cares of ve●ed mynd , consume the crased hart : Tyll by disclosing of his griefe , he findes to ease his smart . But if ( as this my case doth stand ) bewraying bringeth death : T weare better thus to proue the end then for to wast my breath . They say , that corsy ministred , vnto them poysoned corse : Will coole the fearse contagious he●t and quench the burning force . Why may not then the troubled mind by silent tongue annoy : That health , which silence banisheth , and doth the hart enioy . For if my doubtes be false indéed and she doth loue me still : What then but silence can preuayle , and bridell lauish will . And if she vse me for disport , and scornes my proferd loue : The knowledge of the troth therin , a desperate death doth moue . Wheras , if yet my loue cannot within her hart preuayle : yet silence , truth , and tract of time , hereafter may auayle . Wherfore as reason séemes ●●gr●● vnto a secret hart : So from these lips , those leud conceit● I mynd shall not depart . But , as before the newes I hard , so now amidst the crewe : Of courtly dames , my wonted sport● I will forthwith renewe . This last deuise thus ended hath his argumentes eche one : He listes● no longer to consult , in hast he is forth gone . The Princes court , wher no man is more welcomer then he : As well vnto Ieneuora as to the Ladies frée . And ther , ( like to his wonted guile ) he dayly doth discourse : Of histories : or riddels els he learnes to tel by course . Thus leaue I him that showes a face of perfect blisse and ioye : Though now & then amidst disportes dispayre doth him annoy . And to the Duke I must agayne my solom verse returne : That seeks ( vnhappy man ) eche way , to cause the straunger mourne . THough Polinesso wel had wayde , vnto what small effect : His former fond , and lewd denise , by yll luck was direct . Though he perceiud how contrary eche point therof did proue : And that no sight of gem , ne talke , could ough● the straunger moue . Yet could he not slack lenger time , ( inforst by ielousie ) But néeds he must deuise of newe , some other policie . Wherfore , when that Ariodant was gone vnto the court : He leaues his home , and thether to , in hast be doth , resort : Wher like vnto his former wont , he feedes his doting eye With Princes lookes , & takes therat a great felicitie . And she agayn , ( that knew right wel the skill of curtesie . ) Doth friendly intertaine the Duke into her company . But furdest from her honest hart , ( I dare avowe ) was loue : To him whose grauer yéeres , should shunne such youthfull toyes to moue . This aged amorous syre ( I say ) thus caught in Cupides n●t : Cannot digest this ielousie , which be in straunger set . But rather by the oft repayre , of yonge Ariodant : New coa●s ar put to burning fl●mes , that fire did not want . Therfore when grief had long opprest this careful Duke his mynde : In counsell to Ariodant , he thus doth spend his wynde . If that ( quoth he ) Ariodant , I thought my words would take , More surer ground within thy min● then when I la●●ly spake To thee , of this Ieneuora , I would once more assay , To turn thy youthful head from that that workes thy nown decay . I see with sighes , & mark with mone ( for so doth friendship mo●● ) That nether talke , ne sight of ring can chaunge thée from this loue . I sée , I sée Ariodant , thou hast to good conceit , And dost self wil to much inbras● ● that workes thine own disceit . I sée , how lightly thou regardst , that I tould late to thee : I sée thou scornst my sage aduise and takst me false to be . Els wouldst thou not so sodenlie forget that mought haue taught Thy skilles youth , to shun the bayte that hath thee captiue caught . But sith thus farre I haue assaid to moue thee to beleue : That neither gifts , ne lookes , ne talk can ought thy Lady meue . I will , ( to quite my self of troth faith vnfaind to thee ) Once more attempt a greter charge then thou before didst see . Thou knowst , at court within thrée dayes is kept a solom feast : When eche to honour more to same with brauest geare are drest . Then will the Princes decked bee with ●obes of shining gold : And none so rich as she that day , ne goodlier to behold . If then twixt nin● , and ten at night , thou will repayre with mee : Unto a secret place , when I a signe shall geue to thée . Thy self shalt sée Ieneuora , and me Duke Polinesse Imbrasing eche , and eithers corpse in others armes to presse . So that at sight hereof thou wilt , geue place vnto my loue : And leaue these fickell fantasies that youthfulnesse doth moue . The Duke thus staies his filed tongue , and then Ariodant This answere made vnto his tale , that forst senses want . Shew this● ( my Lord ) & then ( qd he ) I yeld to your desire : As one that is 〈◊〉 ●our commaund , 〈◊〉 what you list require . ●o here my hand : ( qd Polinesse ) I sweare by this my Grace , To show thée what I promised , at ●etted time and place : But as to ease thée of thy griefe , I doo that reason nould : So as t●ou art a gentilman , doo ●ot my tale vnfould . The straunger graunts , & vows therto and thus they two depart : Ariodant to chamber close , and Duke as likes his hart . But when this thrise vnhappy wight this carefull wretched man : Was come vnto his mourning den , he doth begin to scan . Upon this false and forged tale , and despratly doth teare : His trembling flesh , & rendes all that that he that day did weare . His head he smites with bended fist , his feete he stampes on ground , His holow sighes , & groning sobbes , from hart to skies resound . Now groueling on the ground he crawles , and scrapeth with his nayles The earth , and now againe him selfe his hasty hand assailes . Now chokt with grief , he specheles lies as one bereud of breth : And now to ende this furious fittes , he cries thus after death . Oh death ( quoth he ) the ende of cares if euer thou didst graunt Unto a wofull wretches will , that waylings d●th not want . If euer thou didst yelde vnto , a haples mysers hest , Or if vnto the vex●d corse , thou euer yeldest rest : graunt now to me ( vnhappiest slaue ) whose panges of pining payne , Is more then natures kyndly course can brooke or els susteine : A fatall push at last for all , a●d ende oh death this care , Dispatch this lothsome lingryng life geue me this only share , With fatal dart , ( oh gentill death , ) let liuely bloud depart By streames , out of this carcas vile and slyse this trembling hart . Thou dolefull bel ring out at last , my last deperting knil : Or lyuing els close me in graue , my mouth with earth do fill , But vnto her , that causer is of this my mortall strife : Oh death geue crooked aged limmes , with lothsome lingring lyfe . For she it was , that straunged me from pleasant Italy : And forst me like a banisht wight , to lyue in straunge count●●e . She , she , berevd from me my blisse , she brought to me this care , She hath restraynd from me my ioy , and cau●ht me in the snare . Her smiling lookes , her frendly ●tile , and eke her vowed truth : Hath brought me in this misery , alas the more my ruth . Oh hart more hard than Adamant , oh false dissembling tongue , Oh painted face , ( whose worthiness● fame so far of hath ●unge ) False Greseids gain , be thy reward , that art more false then she : And worthier a thousand fould , a Leper for to be , My carefull dead cannot deuise , lyke plagues for thy desert : Ne yet my tongue declare the halfe , of thy deserued smart . When first , these wretched eyes of myue did see that cra●tie corse : And when this head did so beleue , thy lines of faithles force . Would God this hand , had ●earst this hart , with caruing vlaudie knife : Or els that Lions tearing ●awes had rid me of my life . Oh haples wretch Ariodant that by the heauens consent , Mu●t work thyne own vnhappines , through lot ●some loues torment . O● abiect slaue , whose fortune is to fall into her hand : That neither knows her self , ne yet ● a friend doth vnderstand . Thrise happy hadst thou ben , when that to loue thou gauest thy mynde : That nature had closd vp thyne eares , and that thou hadst ben blinde . But oh what gayues this lauish talke ? what profittes wish , and would : When iudge , vpon condemned wight , hath dreadfull sentence tould ? Dispatch therfore , thou dastard slaue , geue ende vnto thy care : Play morderer , with stabbing knife , the vaines a sunder share . What , doest thou ioye in miserie , that fearefull hand doth stay ? Or knowest thou any remedy , to vanquish death away ? Doth any hope remayne as yet to comfort thée with all ? Doth any sparke of blisse appeare , that may to thée befall ? Hast thou not hard thine own decay , and lacks ther ought but fight : And canst thou liue for to behould , that foule and filthy spight ? Thou doughst belike dec●itfulnes , in Polinessos talke ? Who , as his willing hart did wi●h , thou thinkst his tongue did walke . To ease thy heauy mynde therin content I am to stay : But that once séene prepare thy self , for sight of Dismall day . And with a grisly grone he endes , his carefull heauy plaint : And scorching sighes , & deadly sobbes do forse his members faint : And ouercome with griefe of mynd , his wery limmes haue founde A slumbring sleape , wherin he lies , as caught in mortall sound . Thus leaue I this Ariodant , vpon his carefull bed : Amidst a heape of dreadful dreames , that swarme in vexed head . And once agayne vnto this Duke , ( this false periured man ) I must returne to blase againe , his treason as I canne . Therfore when false dissemblyng Duke , had easd his swelled minde : By belching out these carefull newes , and vouched othes , to blynde The more , this true dispairyng wight : he byddes him then a●ewe , And trackes no tyme , ne lettes aught slippe , his purpose to pursue . Wherfore the euen before the feast , D●linda he ought spies : And thus amidst his other talke , this tale he gan deuise . As ioyfull newes as euer came to th●● D●linda earst , Or gladder farre then euer yet , thy l●ft●ng eares haue pearst . I will im●ert to thée my nowne and chiefest faithfull friend ) With whome , the rest of this my lyfe , in wedlocke I will spend . Leaue of therfore , those musing dumps , that trouble so thy minde : And to my happy tale se that , thy open eares be inclinde . Thou long hast séene with griefe ( I know ) what signes of loue haue past , Betwixt thy Ladie mistres , and twixt me thy friend ( at last , ) Thou knowst , how long I suid , and servd , her grace for to obteyne : And eke thou knowst how loyall I , all that time did remayne , Thou knowst ( myne own ) that only was , the chiefest cause that I So slenderly requited thée , and thy great curtesie . But se● , as fonde affections forse , and signes of séemly grace , As bewties beames , assotted me , to serue that froward face : So now ( at last ) that coyeishnes , and her disdainfull mynde , Hath turnd my hart intrapped long , that bewtie so dyd blynde To lothsomnes , and lyke disdayne , and now I am as frée , ( Thank God ) as when indiffrent eye did egally eche sée . Wherfore , in signe of this dispite , and of more careles hart : What in my mynde I haue deuis● , to thee I will impart . Thou knowst ( qd he ) ther is in court a row of houses ould : That wast do lie , vnoccupide , vnable scarse to hould . Them s●lues a loft vpon the ground a place of no repayre : E●cept with dogges , or vermyn vyle or els with fowles of th ayre . Against these rotten walles ther is , ( as thou right well dost know ) Imbossed ought from ioyned frame , a stately bay window . Which is as voyd as is the rest , a lodging fit for none : At that self place , I haue deuisd● that thou thy self alone : About the houre of ten at night shall mete thy Polinesse : Tomorow , dekt with princes roabe● and eke thy self shalt dresse . With glistring ●al● and iuels rich , with those she ware that day : Wher I in scorne of Princes will with thee Dalinda play . And eke imbrase thy worthy corpse , as deare so me as lyfe : Of whom ( as sone as time shal serue ) I mynde to make my wife , This is th effect of my deuise , this is the summe and all : Of that which bringeth libertie , to thee that now art thrall . For here in court thou subiect art , to beck and to obey : Wher next to me in Albany thou chief shalt beare the sway . Therfore if sparke of faithfulnes lodge in thy gentell brest : If euer yet to pleasure me , thy friendship hath ben prest . Fayle not with corded ladder and with Princes braue attire , At that same place and at that time , to yeld to my desire . Said crafty Duke , & therwith stai●s , his false deceitfull tongue : The sting wherof , so seruenly hath our Dalinda stung . And eke that vile ambition , hath so infect the mayde : That presently she yeldeth to , all that before he sayd . Thus hath the Duke , ( as hart would wish ) performd his enterpryse : And finisht hath his false request as he co●ld best deuise : And now vnto his careles couch with ●asd mind he hies : And lieth til the golden globe , doth driue night from his eyes . The irksome shade , that so annoyes the heauy pensiue wight , Forsakes the skies , & morning now hath banisht drous● night . The ioyfull daye doth show his face , the gromes no lenger lye , But to performe his charge , ech one with carefull mynde doth plie . The massie roabes for princes grace from wardrobe are out brought : The borders braue of gouldsmithes craft , with stone and pearle I wrought : The Iu●ler deliuers to the Ladies of the court , with tablet , cheine , & brasl●ttes dekt , with stones of diuerse sorte . with those the careful ladies dresse , Ieneuora that day , That rather séemes of heauenly mould , then of dame natures clay . thus drest , this peereles princes plies for to perfourme hir rights , To chapel , well accompanied with rought of Scottish knights . There all the morning she doth spend as temples hestes require , And prayers sayde , to court againe the Princes doth retire . But what needes longer stay herein , what booteth to report . The dayntie cates , servd in that day , and of the diuerse sort . As well of pleasant ●acchus cups , as Ceres dainty dish : And of the dulcet musickes skill as sweet as care would wish . Sith far from blis my stile is changd this day hath causd that care : That neither head can well deuise ne pen can well declare . Therfore let courtiers ioy in court and geue me leaue a while , To write of hopeles wretches haps , whom treason did beguile . The setted time by Polinesse approcheth on a pace : when straunger shuld behold y● Duk● the Princes to imbrace . Wherfore as one not well assurd of Scottish faithfulnes : Ne certain that the Duke did meane as late he did expresse . Least that ( I say ) in some dark place he had imbusht a crewe : Of traytors to inuyron him , when he this sight should vewe . He comes vnto his brother then , whose might he knew right well , Would succour him assuredly , if any then would mell . whose company he craues that night when he should see him g● : With Polinesse , and that he would bring swoord with him also . Lurcanio , whose lyfe and death , his brother mought commaund With willing mynd consents vnto Ariodants , demaund . Duke Polinesse , not careles of th appointed houre and time : ( which now is come ) when that I shuld performe his filthy cryme . Comes to this most vnhappy man , and biddes him folow fast : If that he list to sée the thing , wherof he tould him last . Ariodant that l●ng had stayd to see the carefull ende : Obeys the Duke , and after them Lurcanio doth wend. To desert houses they are come the Duke hath brought his mate Unto a place direct against the window which of late I tould you of , wher ( Princes lyke ) Dalinda should appeare : before the Duke , dect with those robes their Prince that day did weare . Ariodant thus plaste , the Duke doth bid him cast his eye Upon that window , wher ( quoth he ) thou shalt thy Lady spy . ●urra●o that longs to sée the sequell of this iest : Is come within ten féete wheras Ariodant doth rest . Wher he vnséene may vew likewises that window at his will : Ther secretly the straunger standes , that doughtes some present 〈◊〉 . Duke Polinesse , no sooner leaues the penciue louers place : But t● th appointed window , he directes his féete apase . Wher he had not remayned long , but see , with glistring light Of gould , Dalinda doth appeare lyke angell to the sight . and as the Duke had geuen in charge so she in brauest wyse : with shining robes , with Diamonds set that glem● before the eyes Lyke burning torch in winter night is come into this place : Wher Polinesse like Iud as doth her scorned limmes imbrace . And to the end , the straunger should more perfectly behould : His louing toyes , her kisses eke . and how his armes do fould Her griped wast he doth approch as nere as windowe will geue leaue to him , to straungers sight that he mought vew his fill Therof , & how she ●l●spes her armes about his stretched necke : Whose store of kisses do declare , her mynd voyd of suspect . Lurcani● , whose glasingeyes are not vnoccupied : Upon the window stating stands wher he hath now espied Ieneuora , ( as he did déeme ) because of Iuels bright : And eke the golden roabes did shine so liuely in his sight . But for to know , who so did tosse the Princes rich attyre : Pis staring eyes and greedy looke● by no meanes could aspire . This sight , thus séene , Lurcanio ( accompting brothers health As life , to him , ) in secret wise ( vnknown ) is come by stealth . Wher most vnhappy louer stayes , who seing all this iest : As man distraught , his rapiere he in hastie hand hath prest . And scorning lenger life , hath set the hilts vpon the ground : In minde by falling on the point to carue his fatall wound . And as he did on groning blade his desperate body bend : ( Behold the mercie great of God ) his brother doth defend . His trembling hart from deadly pushe , by hol●ing in his armes His falling brest , and that once done he thus his brothers charmes . What deulish act annoie●h thus thy head bereud of witte : What desperate ioy hath taunted thée what foule and lothsome fitte Hath so beguile thy sences al , that thus ( vnhappy wight ) Thou sekst by this vntimely death thy passions vile to quite . In this the ende of all our toyle ? is this our trauels gayne ? Is lothsome death thy iust desert and is an endles payne A gwardon fit for me , ( thinkst thou ) that leauing natiue soyle : ( Like banish slaue ) sha● liue in court , consumd with cares tourmoyle For losse of thée , whom as my life , thou knowst I hould as deare ? And shall I liue to sée the day , the heauie newes to beare . Unto our carefull pensiue friendes , that by his own consent : Their wre●ched friend Ariodant , his latest dayes hath spent ? O● reckles friend of brothers life , and could thy hart agree : To leaue thy brother destitute , of friend in straunge countrée ? Or if thou hadst no whit esteemd thy faithfull brothers life : Could Ladies falshod force thée run , on point of persing knife ? What sure hath inchanted ( tell ) thy skill in wisedomes lore : What madnes hath intoricate thy pleasant thoughtes so sore . That neither losse or ioyfull lyfe no feare of dampned ghost : Can change my mynd from this intent ( o● wretch of wretches most ) Can bewtie bleare thy wilfull eye and forcy thée for to loue : And cannot sight of ●oule deceit , from amours force thee moue . Can fansie frame that am●●tit by sight of seemely grace : Which present guile , and filthy fact , by no meanes can displace ? And canst thou wreake such sharpe reueng● vpon thy giltles hart : And see her loue that is the gr●und of this thy present smart ? ●oo●e out ( I say ) such vgly thoughtes from bounds or troubled minde : And seke by reasons sweete aduise some holsome salue to finde . If eye did chuse a faithfull friend and fansie did agrée : If hope intiste thy drowned hart● to serue assuredly . Let now to s●er signes of hate , let proufs of lyke disdayne : Lodge scornefulnes in careles hart for loue long vowde in vayne . So shalt thou dryue these dreadfull ●●nges , out from thy panting brest : And to thyne owne Lurcanio , bring lasting ioy and rest . Sayd carefull soule Lurcanio , vnto Ariodant : That hath as many ●ares to heare , as hath the Adamant . So altred hath this sight his wittes and eke his stayd intent : That sage aduise was bootles geuen , the sequell to preuent . Yet lest his brother mought perceiue his changeles will to die : And least by striuing with his force , be mought his purpose spie . Thogh ouercome with mortal ●angs he mute and dombe doth stand : ( In signe of grace , ) he puts his blade into his brothers hand . That don , from that vnhappy place to chamber close they hie : And ( as the time of night did craue ) to bed they both do pl●e . Lurcanio ( in hope his wordes had changd his brothers mynd ) ( Nought doughting of the present i● ) a quiet sleape doth finde . But he , surprisd 〈◊〉 dreadful thought● with visage pale and wanne In stead of sleape , in frantike mind a thousand tymes doth banne . The day which first gaue light to him ●e curseth eke the teate That in his fansie did geue , to him his sucking meate . As oft he bannes his damned eyes , that so could 〈◊〉 their sight : And eke his tongue that sude for grace , of one so false a wight . He curseth now his open eare that so did marke her guyle : And hastie hart that trusted so her lippes so fraught with wile . What shuld I say , both head , & hand , and all he could inuent : In steed of blisse , and wishes good , he doth with curse torment So in this wise eche night is spent and day renues agayne : His wonted course , but night , ne day , can chaunge this louers paine , But still vpon some present death , he gladly doth deuise : As one that only findes that salue , to ease his scorchi●●●i●s . Wherfore to driue sus● on the more from brothers ●rest : He cloaks his care , and ris●th when , Lurcanio leaues his rest . And finding then occasion to leau● his companie : He hies in hast by wilf●ll death to ende his miserie . As stroken hart , whose bleading wound , declares a present death , With reckles feete climmes hill and vale , whilst he hath life and breath : As greadie Beare , that is berevd , ( whilest she do●● raunge for pray ) Of littell whelp , doth howle & roare , and dreadfully doth bray : As Lurtel Doue that is beguild of hoped faithfull mate , In pining wyse mis●●king spendes , hir tyme tyll latest fate : So fares it with Ariodant , this wretch full fraught with woe , Whose trembling feete no soner had left poore Lurcanio : But out vnknown to fields he hies , and raunging here and there , Like frantike man , now runs he fast and now ( as caught wi●h ●eare ) ●e créeping by the ground doth crawl and now ( like one agast ) He staring stands not mouing ioynt and now he vies as fast . But styl v●on this tragedy , vpon his letted part , His heauie mynde , is occupide , and eke his desperat hart . Wherfore , at last approching neare vnto a Riuer déepe : He doth conclude his last deuise , no longer now to sléepe . But calling to a traueler that then past by the waye : With broken s●●bes and faltring tongu● he thus to him doth say . My friend ( qd he ) although vnknown perhaps I am to thee , Yet let me craue thy curtesie , thus much to doo for me : That is , that thou forthwith wilt go , vnto the Scottish court , Wher from me , to Ieneuora , thus much thou shalt report . Through to much sight Ariodant , hath founde vntimely death : And yelded to the greadie streame , his last departing breath , This same is all , this doo forme , let p●●ie moue thy mynde : Sith power wants for to requite , that friendships lore doth byn●e . This said , the cloudie sighes proc●●de from scorched hart by heapes : And therwithal deepe sobs & grones , from gasping throte out leapes . The traueler , agast to heare , these straunge and careful newes , Doth feele his vitall senses fayle and falles in mortall mewse . And coming to him selfe againe in faire and friendly wise , ( Lyke to his skill ) he vttereth what harme therof might rise . As first , his death once bruted foorth , his lyfe is had in scorne , And ther with lasting memorie , with liueles limmes is worne Except report reprochfull blast in euery coast doth sound : How wilfully Ariodant , his desperate course hath dround . Besides the daunger of the soule , he puts into his mynde : And eke the terrour of the payne , that is therfore assingde . B●t care of heauen , or dought of hel , is fardest from his thought : And how the world wold deeme of him he neither careth ought . Wherfore when no perswasion could chaunge his black intent : with drowned eyes , the straunger doth to his request consent . Then from the toppe of craggy rock , he lookes to streame belowe : ● stretching ●ooth his shaking armes . him selfe foorthwith doth throwe ●midst the streame , the foulds his corse and ther withall doth ●inke Unto the ground , & ther remaynes , which causd the stra●nger think That gredi go●lf had chokt his breth and that he had ben dead : Wherfore he hies vnto the court , with minde complet with dread . Ariodant , ( though noble hart , did scorne for to remayne In such distres , and rather chusd by death to ease his payne , ) Yet feeling pangs of lothsome death , which kinde could not indure : He striues againe to get that life , which care did earst procure To banish from his vexed limmes , and vsing lothed might : by force of armes & stretched legges lyfe ther hath won the fight . And death is fled , with whom retires that foule and dreadfull thought : Which carefull wretch Ariodant to deare well me had bought . Thus quite from death , the straunger now doth sommon wits againe , To counsell what is best to doo amidst these stormes of raine . First , pleasure biddes him to repaire again● to lu●●y court , Wher sone thou shalt distroy ( qd he ) these thoughts through pleasant sport . And sith thou art by skill instruct , to shunne false Uenus bayte : Perswade thy selfe , the blynded boy no more for thée will wayte . With that conceit affection , doth seeme for to agree , Although in reasons they be all , and therfore thus saith hée . How knowest thou Lurcanio wil brooke these heauy newes , What griefe of minde shal he indure what torments will he vse ( Thinkst thou ) when he shal heare thy death ) to ryd his lothed life ? The best is thinke by pining dayes , if not by persing knife . And I ( qd vertue ) can not yeld , vnto your ioynt consents : I sée small reason to induse me , to so straunge intents . We say , that man thryse happy is whome others proued ha● me , From fallyng hedlong to such haps , can warne and warely charme . The court was causer of thy care , by court did spryng thy paine : Then let these daungers of the court from court straunge the againe . The wyly byrd can shunne the net which earst enthrald her so : The sely mouse once caught in trap , can shunne the guyle also . But vessels sayd with sower wyne , kepe still their former tast● And that which in the boane is bred , from thence is hardly plast . So hard it is to maister loue which rooted is in hart : But rather by continual sight is growen a greater smart . And as vnto Lurcanio , how he these newes will take : I dought it not but for thy death he great complaint wil make . But for to say , in desperat wise , he will him selfe confound , That s very straunge , ● hard to mak● that in myne eares to sound , He loues thee as a brother ought , ( so nature d●th him moue ) But selfe loue toucheth nearer kind● this tale thou true shalt proue . At first thy death is griefe to him , ●ls kindly force is gone : But as the wearing time doth wa●●e so doth abbridge his mone . wherfore leaue lusty blouds in court let brother morne his fill : Let fading worldly pleasures be , and ●erke than to my skill : Learn thou with remnant of thy daies , the blissed sacred lore , Seke now at last t appease the heu●s whom th●u offendst so sore . So shalt thou learne by lyfe to die , and die to lyue in ioy : So shal not then thy fleshly lustes , thy sin●ull ghost annoy . This sentence was no sooner tould but for to show consent , Eche lymme and ioynt are eased wel and lyppes pronounce , content , The Parlament thus ended is , to vertue stranger yeldes : And running here and there abrode amidst the desert fields : He doth at last a sheapard spie , whome he in friendly wyse Salutes , and after that , he crau●s the sheapard to aduise Him of some holy place , wheras a man mought leade his lyfe In quietnes , and wher he mought abandon worldly strife . Upon this hill ( qd shepard then ) if that thou list to go : Thou shalt ther find an Hermetage an aged man also , That there alone doth passe away his wery aged tyme . In prayers much deuoutly for remi●●e of former cryme . This known , Ariodant doth leaue , the Sheapehard with farewell And mountes on hauty hyll , wheras the Hermite poore doth dwell . And finding him amidst his beades with hartie greatings made : The goodly courtier strayns his spech and thus to him he sayde . That god that form'd the erth & seas and framed man of nought . Increase thy faith , and send thée that which thou so long hast sought ●ood father , though , ( through tender age , ) the frayle vnbridled youth Doth lacke the deepe discretion , to seanne and iudge the truth : And thought the motions of the flesh prouoke t●e fickle brayne To light esteeme the heauenly foode , and honour fancies vayne : Yet ( you doo know ) by turning oft , the true discourses ould Of auncient actes , how God aboue , disdaynd not to vnfoulde His hidden secret mysteries vnto the tender age : When contrarie , he doth dispyse to shew that to the sage . for proufe we néede none other shew then Daniell the childe : Who savd Susanna from the flames and iustice eke did yelne , Unto the aged Iudges two , who fayling their intent : Concluded to condemne to fyre the sily innocent . So Dauid , ( in his infancie , ) inspird with heauenly might : Did conquer stout Goliaghs limmes in open combat fight . which proue not time , but godli giftz sent from the spring of grace : Doo rule within the vertuous , and in his hart take place . That heuenly beck , & fountain cleare hath moysted so my lust : Oh father , that the vanities , ( which late my ghost did rust , ) Are washt clean from my fretted hart , and now I am in mynd : ( It thou wilt graunt ) by more aduise more store of grace to finde . And sith the chast and secret lyfe , abandons fading wealth : And poore and sparing abstinence lettes in the lasting health : Deny me not thy felowship , graunt me thy company : Helpe now to saue a sinfull soul● that eraues a remedy . So shall I bridell foule desire , and thou do seruice great To him , that hath prepard for vs ( I hope ) a heauenly seat . He said , and staid , and Hermit then with bended lookes to skies , With heaued armes , & watrie plants directs his tale this wyse . That faith , which Samuell possest , God graunt thée to enioy : God send thée Samsons strength to help when feeud would thee annoy . As wise as Salomon the wise , as chast as Iacobs sonne : As constant as Abednago : whom , fyrie flames did shunne . Hould here my shaking hand ( qd he ) I do imbrace thy will : Be thou to me a lasting mate , if deeds thy words fulfill . Thus is our lusty courtier made , ( by taking small degree ) An hermit , poore , and learneth now a holy man to be . whom I must leaue amidst his rootes ( in steed● of dainty cates ) And now vnto the traueler , ( that is come to the gates . Of Scot●ish court ) I must retourne , who craues in gentill wise To speake with fayre Ieneuora that careles doth deuise . Of sundry sports amongst her mayd● she is aduertised Of traueler , and sends for him he comes nye chockt with dred . And after humble dutie done , and trembling euery vayne : With hollow voyce , ●is paly lippes he thus to speake did strayne . what newes ( oh Princesse ) I do bring what message I declare : If good , or bad , as t is vnknown , so let thy highnes spare . The skilles m●ssenger , that is by faithfull promise bound : This ruthful message to pronounce , and in thine eares to sound . The same , which wretched cati●e ● , with these myne eyes did see : Which as they are , and as I was comma●nded , take from mee . Through to much sight , Ariodant hath found vntimely dea●h : And yelded to the greedy streame his last departing breath : This he did say , which I haue showd vnto your maiestie : And then he lept into the streame , and died , ( oh ruth to see● ) Now to your skilfull iudgements , I oh Ladies do commit : To show vpon these carefull newes what kinde of cruell fit . Opprest vnhappy Princes ghost , what thoughts of endles payne , what scorching grief , what frose feare within her temples rayne . What flashing blud doth bo●le within her limmes of heauenly mould : What trembling dread doth shake eche ioynt then nipping ise more could . Such tearmes ( I say ) of mynde opprest I leaue vnto thy skill : Oh Phenix byrd , that of like ●oyes for friend hast found thy fill . But sith ( my Lordes ) your doughtfull heade● can hardly deeme such fittes : To ●well in Ladies pleasant heades , I will inforce my wittes . To tell you here the whole discourse of her lamenting case : And eke what pensiue passions loue within her hart did place . This message dark , pronounced thus , the messenger departs : But message he doth leaue behinde : to sauce the Princes smartes . The sound wherof no soner had perst through her listing eare : But after it ●nto her head do folow stormes of feare . Which makes the golden frisled hear● right vp in head to stand : And fury for●● her christall eyes , to burne like fire brand . O●t from her nose & mouth doth pas , a streame of gushing ●loud : And eke like rubie trickling dr●pp●● f●●m bathed eyes do scu● . From gasping throate no breath proceédes , eche limme hath lost his life : Twixt sobbing ●art and dreadfull death , appeares a mortall strife . Her 〈◊〉 ioynte , with senceles corse , doo founder to the ground : In fine , eche péece , eche part , and all are fallen into a sound . But ( Lord ) what sturre the Ladies kéep● what mones the maydes do make : What skréekes , and cries , they send to skies , what carefull paynes they take , For to releaue their mistres deare , whom they did loue so well : Doth passe my wit , and skilles head , in writing plaine to tell . For one with careles hand her tender fingers wring : And she with pinching of her nose doth make the bloud out spring . This matron bends her heauy head , down to her crased brest : And this , her ioyned iawes and téeth , doth force with key to wrest . She cales for Aqua fortis , and Ieneuora she cryes : And she in steed of helping hand , spends teares from drowned eyes For troth no old experimen that dying fittes could cure : No teares , no cries , no dolefull tune , that sorow can procure : But these bewayling Ladies , haue at full attempted , and With willing hart & carefull mynd , assayd and tane in hand . T●rough which attempts , & vsing so her sensles figure fayre : Out from her ●ha●ed mouth doth pa● a slender breathing ayre . And then her setted eyes in head , she heauily doth roule : As thogh she presently would yeld● v●to the heauens her soule . And thus with groning voyce she sayes , oh haples harmefull handes : That would not suffer death to rid my gh●st from carefull bands . Oh careles foes what profittes you , to sée me diyng liue : Wh●t shal you gaine to sée this hand my deadfull stroake to giue . Oh dismall day of my d●●tresse , oh my Ariodant : Nought ●ls but my departing soule , thy flying ghost doth want . which , ( sith thy life was my increase ) thy death shall now inforce : By bloudy hands to yeld to thée , with wounding of my corse . But oh , what ●ight so much annoyd thy comely personage : That vnto thy Ieneuora , thou couldst doo such outrage ? In drowning the which I more deere then friends or life di● h●uld , The sight wherof broght helth to me , when I did it behould . What sight so vile , the vew wherof could maister so thy mynde , That vnto me thy vowed friend thou couldst be so vnkinde ? Did euer signe of foule vntruth , appeare before thy sight ? Did euer deed or word make false that faith that I did plight ? To thée : and which I neuer sought since first I ●ound to lo●● ? Dorst euer yet these lippes of myne , presume for to disclose . ( Till now to late ) our ●ecret loue ? oh speake thou flying ●prite , And ease me of this one conceit , as thou art faithfull knight ) To late , to late . ( a lasse ) I crie , in vayne I wast my breath : But out to soone : to soone , ( a lasse ) I wayle thy cruell death . And shall I liue bereud of fri●nd , shall mourning let in age ? And is t enough with heauy mones , my passio●s to asswage ? No , no , myne owne Ariodant my first approued frend : And eke ●he last with whom I mynd my dayes in loue to spend : Euen as thy liuely feature , inforst me to thy loue : So shall thy death , let in my death , as time right well sh●ll proue . And as she did begin at fi●st , nie chockt with mortall sound : Euen so she endes her heauy plaint , with falling down to ground . Amidst ●●ele stormes of deadly grief and p●ssi●ns ●●oarde with payne : Rep●rt w●th treble sounding voyce his yelling ●●rdaie d●th strayne . And puttes into eche open eare , how that by sel● consent : Amidst the streame Ariodant , his latest dayes hath spent . And now into Lurcanios eares , this heauy newes he blowes : And how , ● when , he drownd him self to him he plainly show●s . wherwith the carefull brother caught , with sting of pearsing death : Resines his warlike force , and falles ther●with downe to the earth . Wher after many griping grones , inforst by grief of mynd : His noble hart hath wonne by force his banisht breathing wynd . But festred lies in hart the care , that troubles euery vayne : And déep in thought is lodgd the cause , of this newe proued payne . The force wherof so calmed hath his flerce coragious hart : That see from eyes long time dryd vp , a floud of teares depart . Which mixed are with heauy sobbes from manlike broyling brest : And compast in with smoking sighes , and flames of great vnrest . All these in dungeon deepe below Alecto fiers espies : Whose nature is , in vexed ha●t pale hatred to deuise . Wherfore ( hir snaky heares wound vp ) she leaues hir lothsome denne And flies vnto the Scottish court : wheras , ●urcanio then Was heaue●y bewayling of his wretched brothers death , To whome ( like aged matron dight , ) she ●pends this diuelish breath . When shall thy childish plaints haue ende ? when shal thy cares be spent ? when shal thy latest sighes be brethed that tende to smal intent ? Oh , false vnto thy brothers ghost , doo womēns mones suffise , To answer that , which for reueng● to thee eche houre cries ? Shal murder thus be suffored ? shall bloudie hands enioye A longer life , is this the loue thou sekst for to imploye On him , that ( whilst he liued on erth ) held thée then lyfe more deare ? Is this a brothers iust rewarde ? dost thou such friendship beare Unto thy most abused friend ? and canst thou liue to see Thy brother dead , his foe alyue● hym sterud , and she styll free ? hath nature formd thee void of witte ? ( oh cruell to thy kinde ) Hath pitie so asso●ed , this thy worthy warlike minde ? That neither brothers amitie , ne lynke of iustice lore , Can moue thee for this foule offence iust iudgement to implore ? Leaue thou these lamentations long , drie vp these childish teares , And spedely sée that thou put into thy souereignes cares : How that the Prince Ieneuora dishonored hath her state : In feeding her dishonest lust with one thou sawest of late , And that of body she is false , see thou defend with force : So shalt thou yelde a iust rewarde , by burning of her corse . This spightfull spight , thus vomited from vgly lothsome pate A snake she pulles which for to moue Lurcanio more to hate . She throwes into his bosome right , wher stinging it remaynes : And poysneth so eche ioynt & limme , and swelles so all his vaynes , That raging , ( like a f●an●ike beast , ) vnto the king he hies : To whome , his dutie finished , this tale he doth deu●se . That fayth ( oh king ) which subiectes bare vnto their soncraigne : That io●● that to their Princely st●te , within their harts remayne . That care which to their high renowne , and honor eke they haue : And last , that great regard they vse , their vertue still to saue : Hath forst my trembling tongue to speake against the l●●t of mynde , and charged my closed lippes to tell , that duties force doth binde . Which newes , though some vnrest do bringe vnto your horie heares , Yet yelding iustice for the same , gaynes life that neuer weares Oh worthy king , and my liege Lord ( though but alyde by vowe ) The noble intertainment , which I haue receiued of you , Commaundes me not to hide a fact , so hemous from your grace , ●hough déede be done by such anon● , as comes of r●yall rare . Whordom ( oh king ) committed by the Prince Ieneuora It is , that so hath moued my tongue and lippes from l●nger staie . which th●se my eyes ( to soone ) haue séene at place and time vnfit : In proufe wherof , ●oo here my gage , I will my lyfe commit Into his hands , that giues the palme vnto the faithful wight , and yeldes the gayne of victorie to him that fights in right . I néede not now declare what thoughte ● oppresse the pensiue king , Ne what ill rest to aged head , these careful newes doo bring : Sith prone it is to testie age to take in fretting wise A small offence , and euery fault is great before their eies . wherfore his present panges I passe , I leaue his heauy hart Wrapt in with web of carefulnes , and gript in graue of smart : And to this kings reply , I will direct my penne againe , Who pausing long from carefull thought● at last he doth refraine , and thus he sayes . LUrcanio , thy seruice good and faithfull vnto me , Doth arg●e in my doughtfull head , thy minde from falshood free : But if my age be not disceiud , if fame doo not beguile My hoping hart , such shameful actes are fardest in exile from hir whom thou hast now accusd whose parents goodly age , Was neuer iustly tay●ted with a deede of such outrage . Wherfore sith doughtfull yet it lies , within our princely minde And sith none but Lurcanio . this foule abuse doth finde We will before our sentence geuen examine this accusd : That hath by whordom ( as thou saist ) our state so much abusd . And least thou deeme mée partiall , I do accept thy gage Condicionly , that thou thy self , this proferd fight shalt wage Against who listeth to mainteine her truth against thy might ( Like to our auncient laws ordeind ) by force of combat fight . And it thou gaine the victory . then she to flames of fire : If vanquist thou , she frée shall liue , thou death shalt haue for hire . Which fight we wil shal be performd vpon the fiftéenth day : Ensuing next , when God ( I trust ) the right with right will pay . So sayd , Lurcanio leaues the King , and to his chamber hies : Wher for his brothers death he doth renewe his wonted cries . But careful king , ( when straunger was departed from his sight : ) ( In minde to trie his truth herein ) doth send a faithfull knight . For carefull Ieneuora whom messenger doth finde : Amidst her maydes lamenting still with head to brest inclind● . To whome his dutie finished , his message he doth show , Thef●e● wherof Ieneuora when perf●●tly doth knowe , ●he wiping cleane her bathed cheke● and trimmeth vp her heare , Doth so repaire vnto the king , though with vnchaunged cheare . To whome , she is no sooner come , but voydance then is made Of eche estate , and then the king with trickling teares thus sayde . They say , that childe thrise cursed is , whose vile and viciou● life , Doth cause the louing parents dye consumde with carefull strife which endles grief , god grant ( qd he ) thy actes force me not proue , But that thy hoped vertues doo , from such conceits me moue . T is so ( qd he ) Ieneuora whylst in our Princely court We weard away our crooked age , lyke to our wonted sort : Before our presence doth appeare , the stout Lurcanio , Who of free will dyd iustifie and threw downe gage also To proue : that thou hast don the déede that hath deserued fyre , I meane that thou hast purchast deth through whordoms foule desire . which déede , him selfe did see he vowd at place an●time vnmeet● And iudgement he did craue also for such offence most fitte . which iudgement I haue stayed yet , to heare what thou canst saye : why dreadful doome of present death , should longer for thee staye . This sayd , the king complete with car● doth staye his choked breath : And feeles the force of mortall ache , and latest pangs of death . But she , whose wretched ghost hath felt the worst of all her smart , With countnance fearse ( disdayning lyfe ) all feare doth set appart , And answers thus vnto the king , my ●ord and soueraigne . Of catiues all she wretch is m●st she feeles most store of payne . whose heauy hap doth rather ●idde the tongue for to confesse Untroth , then by accusing tale to pleade for her redresse . Oh king , of whom this earthly shap● by ●ome I doo enioye , Let not these latest woords of mine , thy Princely mynde annoy : But heare indifferently what cares , thy childe doth now susteyne : That rather seekes to suffer death , then long to taste this payne . My dread , and soueraine Lord and kyng thy skilfull horie heares Know , well , how from the cradell vp vnto the latest yeares : We subiect are to euery sinne , and thrald of natures kinde , By thought , by woord , by déede , and sight vnto the fancies blynde Of worldly cares , and nought there is within our sinfull hart But fancies fond , which reason willes should tast a lasting smart . Such thoughts , such words , such déedes , and fights oh king haue rulde in me : And doo , and will , tyll of the yok● of life my ●imm●s he frée . Amongst which sinfull passions , one 〈◊〉 annoyed my minde , One act ther 〈◊〉 wherin ( oh king ) I greatest griefe doo finde : which sith both time & present stat● byds t●ll vnto your grace , I will disclose , & from my hart all damps of feare displace . wherby I shal driue dought ( I trust ) out from your doughtfull breast , And make you priuie of such hap● as in me lurking reast . Amongst the train of this your court and of your courtiers stout , Amongst the worthy company of all the courtly rought : There was ( your highnes knowes right wel ) one knight Ariodant : In whom that should adorne a man , no gift at all did want . A seemely wight , of spotles faith , although an alien borne : Whose shape with thousand comely gifte● dame nature did adorne . His noblenes , his grace , and shape , enforce my virgins hart : Long time to plunge in goulfs of care and tast of louers smart . He turnd my chast disposed mynde from thoughtes of maydens life : And taught me seke to salue the wound of Cupides fatall knife . But sée ( the heuens I think it would ) that stroke which pearst my brest , Did carue in him a griefly gashe and in his hart did rest . Thimpoisned push , which forced him to feele lyke fittes and payne : And in like storms of troubled mind long time for to remayne . Till that a means he found , which way he mought disclose his loue To me , and eke for to bewray , that Cupides force did moue . Which when I vnderstood , no wight did euer tast like ioye As I ( glad soule ) that banisht then that earst did me annoy . And waying long his vertues great , and eke his good intent : ( Which caused my affection ) at last I did consent . Unto his loue and choosing then him as my dearest frend , I did conclude in wedlocked band , w●●h him my life to spend : But see the fr●tes of this our blisse , see here vnstable state : See , see ( oh King ) the end of all , this our most happy ●ate . Whylst we in linke of loyall loue thus led our restles life : And whylst my careles hart did ioye the chaunge of wonted strife . I know not I , what cruell fact inforst my hartes delight : My frend , myne own Ariodant , to worke this cruell s●ight . On me , amidst the choking streame● ( oh fierse vntimely death ) He drownd him self , & to the waues he did resigne his breath . whose death ( oh hart ) shal work thiwo and ende thy wonted ioye : And force my heauy head to learne , howe life I may destroy . Yet know ( oh Syr ) in all this loue , nought did offend but thought : Nought trespased , but that vnknown to thée ( oh King ) I sought To choose a feare of race vnfit , vnto your Princely state : Whose r●ial ti●e commaunds me choose a farre more firter mate . But if this gayne , by breach of lawe the death of scorching fyre : Then do pron●ū●e the sentence stayd t is death I so desire . Only let this perswade your mynde no eye did euer see : This corpse of myne , with whordoms bl●e , so spotted for to bee . This long discourse of amours past , and eke de●iall made : That neuer cloud of shame could yet her honor iustly shade . She stayd her wery iawes , and ends her heauy panting breath : And wonted wo●s doo force herfall , in sound downe to the earth . The aged King that sees this fitte , nye caught with like disease , with shaking hands her temples rubs and seekes eche way t appease . These choking griefs , but all in vain he rubs and chafes his childe : For death hath nummed euery part , and life is now exilde . Til panting hart with strained might receiues his wonted force : And lets in wholsome breath again● into the senceles corse . which ioyful king ( with hart reuyud ) doth see and driueth feare Away , and strayning then his sprites , he thus the Princes doth cheare . I was or this resolued long of thy vnspotted grace My sweete and deare Ieneuora , wherfore in hart displace . These cankerd cares from tender brest feare not the paynes of death : Let n●t the losse of desprate freend force thee resigne thy breath . For I not only will prouide for sauegard of thy life : But for a ●rend that shall thée please and gard thy hart from strife . And kissing long her rubie lippes and wiping cleane her eyes : He takes her by the christall hand and ceaseth to deuise Of former talke , and then himself , conueies her to her court : Wher , ( he once gone ) she doth renew her wonted carefull sport . But pensiue king doth tract no tyme ne leng●r makes delay : For to prouide a champion , to helpe in this assay . Wherfore with blast of trompets sound it is proclaymed eche whe●e : That who so list in mortall fight his speare and armour beare . Against the stout Lurcanio , and conquere him in fight● Shall haue to wife Ieneuora , and all her Princely right . now with this message pric● the postes the Herhautes trie their steades : He rides to Brutus worthy realme , he takes the way that leades To famouse Fraunce , & he both hi● vnto an other soyl●● In fine , eche one for Princes doth by land and sea t●●rmoyle . But bootles do the Postes proclayme this booty daungerous : For none list venter , for the gayne a deed so perilous . Wherfore complet with cares they doo returne to court agayne : And ther declare the ill successe , of this their message vayne . But see the hap , one of these Postes returning voyd of ayde : Rydes by the Hermitage , wheras Ariodant stayd . And meeting then the Hermit ould , that sought for rootes abroade : ( Their greetings don ) his hed he doth of message then vnloade . And showes vnto the holy syre , howe Prince Ieneuora For lacke of ayde should burned be vpon the second day . Ensuing next , and then be telles how she was first accusde By one , that sayde by whordom vyl● she had her selfe abusde . Thus when they chatted had inough the Poste leaues of his t●lke : And plies to court , and Hermit he vnto his home doth walke . Wher he no sooner i● arivde , but ( like to wonted sort ) These nouels to his holy mate he doth forthwith report . But who had seene the countnaunce then of this Ariodant : And markt how colour went & came and how his vaines did pant . Mo●ght wel haue de●de some present pange had vext his troubled minde : And that by this report , his hart some stra●●ge conceit did finde , For troth , this tale no sooner ●oulde , and hard w●th open care : but ●●oarming thoghts , in rauisht hed doo cluster now a reare . Yet vertue , ielously doth blame . his fickell wauring minde : And constancie condems his thoughts that flie like dust in wynde . But amours old , prouokes his hart● to die in her defence : Record of former amitie , forgettes supposd offence . The diyng spar●s of ●upides coales do now reuiue againe : Her b●utie great and comelines inforseth former pa●ne . His youthfull yeares begin to scorne such pinching miserie : This pining diet makes him loth such ●●ly penurie . Hope doth assure him to winne her true an● faithfull loue : If for her sake , in her defence : he will this battell proue . Now nature , doth forbid him fight against Lurcanio : ( For he it is he knows right well ) that was the Princes so . Loue telles him that his brother hath deserued death by right : In that he hath accused her that is the lampe of light . Thus fansi●s rule within his head , as motion● moue the minde : And changing thoughts do alter still , as reason right doth finde . But to conclude deuotion droups , poore penury is past : youth likes not now to purchase heuen with faint and feeble ●ast . The ciuill fight with brother , he regardes n●owhit at all : His Ioye , his care , his 〈◊〉 , his death , he cares not what befall . Wherfore , as he vnknowen did come vnto the Hermitage : So he departs by stealth , without farewell to father age . And wanders in the fieldes , till that the mantell blacke did hide : The gladsome day and then he ●yes vnto the towne vnsyide . Wher secretly he comes vnto , his well approued host : ( Whose frendship stood him in great stée● when cares annoyd him most . ) To whom when long he had discourst of his aduentures all : He doth disclose what he intends and sayes , ( what so befall ) He will against his brother fight to saue his Ladies life : Or els before her , end his dayes , on point of brothers knife . Wherfore , he willes him to prouide , a complet armour sure : That he the better may , against his brothers force indure . And sturdy speare , & shield as stiffe he willes him to prouide : And barbed steed , both strong & light , that tempest like will glyde . All these he willes him to prepare and all of colour black : For Sables shall bewray ( quoth he ) o● wanted ioyes my wrack . Thus leaue I now the busy hoste , and eke coragious gest : Prepa●ing armour such as may desend the straunger best . And to the court complet with care My pen and I must plie : To tel their dole , their grief , their wo and mones of miserie . The wery Postes are nowe return● vnto the heauy court : Wher euery one his seurall hap doth dolefully report . But when the aged king perceiues , no ayde is to be found : His weake and feeble limmes do fall for sorow to the ground . His counsell eke ( that see the cares of their vnhappy king ) Doo féele welnie his griefe and smart and wéepe , and wayle , and wring Their fingers , & with drowned eyes lament his wretched state : And with a thousand doles & plaints they rew his ruthfull fate . Yet seyng him so sunke in grief , and fearing present death : They seeke to banish diyng panges , by reasons wholesome breath . But sooner mought the mountain moue or sea forsake his tide : Then gnawing fits to want the forcs that through eche part do slide . Of wythord age , and crooked lymmes , and styng so ●eble hart : That ioye is gone , and blisse resingde , care turnes good happe to smart . This is the sely Syers state , the Ladies leade like life : With whome , nought els but teares , & cries , and heauines is ryfe . For when they heare no helpe is founde , to ayde the Lady deare : Eche chamber sounds of solom tunes , and cares bring dreadfull feare , So much , that see in clustring heapes , whylst trembling maydens keepe , And there , whylst with one perfect voyce , they wayle , they wo , and weepe : This fearful soule , doth see ( she thinkes ) the shape of ou●ly sprightes : She heares in rynging care the sounde of clam●●s loud and skrykes . The outmost of the prease , doth feale a pull●ng hand to straine Her slender arme , and shrinkes away , and couldly sweates for payne . Thus feare , thus care , lamenting long , and spring of brackish teares : With drouping dreade , and freating fittes , in hart op●rest appeares , But she , for whome was all this care , that had most cause to wayle , Is voyde of carefulnes for death , ne griefe doth her assayle : Saue death of her Ariodant , that was , th●n corsies bayne More worse : wherfore for present deth the wisheth still in vaine . Ye● bea●es she with aduised mynd● , the Prelates sage aduise : That wils her to forget the world , and wonted ioyes despise . And biddes her call to mind , the blisse that neuer shall haue ende : Wher●o by faith and stedfast troth she shortly shal assend . He byddes her cast the feare of death , from bounds of godly brest : For he can sh●elde her hart ( he s●●●s ) from payne , that bringeth rest . He voucheth sacred scriptures now , to st●blish her beliefe : He tels what ioy the soule receiues , when flesh doth suffer griefe And lastly , he perswades her that she gaines by giltles death , A seate amongst the martyrd saints , that seede on heauenly breath . As Abell doth● whose cruell death the cursed Cayn doth rewe . Who moud with indignation . his natiue brother slew . With these de●out perswasions the Prince is mortifide , Who doth for latest brunt of death with wellyng minde abide . Amongst these passions ●ragicall and actes of en●les care : List now my Lorde● , ●ow Polinesse that wretched Duke doth fare . Whose giltie mind findes littel case , so much doth feare oppresse His traitrous hart , least that Dalind his treason should con●●sse Wherfore , ( for greater suertie of this conc●ald offence ) He doth deuise a cruell crime through mariage cl●kte pretence . That is● for to perswade Dalind the morow next , he will By sacred law of spousals rightes , his promyse vowde fulfill . And her consent once gotten , he deuiseth for to send : Her with two trusty men of his vnto a wood , to th ende . There to bereue from her , her life insteede of wedlockes band : Therby to ease his doughtfull breast that fearfull yet doth stand . But whilst hereof his wits doo muse sée wher Dalinda cummes : Whose hasty pase and heauy cheare his sences throughly nummes . To whom , her reuerence performde , she shows how that the king ●ath geuen vnto the Steward charge that he foorthwith should bring . Unto his presence , all the trayn● of carefull Princes grace : Of purpose to examine them of this accused case . ( I thinke qd she ) wherfore my Lord , I thought conuenient : Upon a matter of such wayght , to know your wise intent . This said , the subtil Duke ( as though he weare to séeke for wittes ) A while with fired eyes on ground on seate he musing sittes . But when he had dissembled long his answere ready made : With smiling chéer , & foulded armes thus vnto her he sayd . I neuer was deceiud ( qd he ) of thy assured troth Mine own , and chiefest faithful frend to whom I would be loth That any yot of feule mishappe , should chaunce or els befall : Or that to any fretting grief , thy frée mynde should be thrall . But doo not thou dismay thy self I will prouide for thée : I will deuise and seeke forthwith for thy best suertie . I haue a house not farre from hence , beyond the mightie wood : Wherto I will thou do repayre , ( if so thou thinkest good . ) By breake of daye the morow next , where thou shalt stay for me , who wil vpon the Princesse death , with spee●e come visit thée . And ther by deede performe the thing that vow did earst protest , By knitting 〈◊〉 the wedlocks knot that I so much request . The ●ot●ng mayde misdoughts no guyl● the soone doth condiscende Unto his tale , and all that night the ●ath in s●crete spende . But she once gon , the Duke sends for two trustie men of his , Whose cur●●d hands with murdred blou● had ben imbrude ere this : To whom when long he had discourst , what faith they ought to beare Unto theyr Lord , and eke what troth within them ought tappeare : He tels what forst him send for them and how it was his wyll : That whylst they roade amydst the wood , they should Dalinda kyll The ruffyns vile , with smal request moude to so foule a déede : Consent vnto their truell Lord● and show them selues agree 〈◊〉 Unto his hest . Who for to moue them more vnto this sinne , with promise great of large reward● he doth them fully winne . By this the pensiue daye is past , and now the mourning shade Of black and fearefull night appeares : and doth eche where inuade . Wherin iudge you what ease they take , that are wrapt in with wo , And coucht in caue of carefulnes , and bathd in bed also : Iudge you the fathers quiet ease , and deeme the daughters rest , Thinke how the goulden sleape doth please the ghost with griefe opprest . And I will tell how night is gone , with countenance darke and sad : Because amydst the restles court so littel ease he had . And he thus gone Aurora showes her chearful visage gray , And after her the blushing Phebe his countnance doth bewray . Who scarce doth clime on lowest steppe , when as the watching mayde , ( Dalinda ) leaues her lothed sleepe , and hasteth ( as afrayde To come to late ) to Polinesse , who puttes her in the guide Of those vngracious Ruffians , that he appoynts to ryde With her , vnto his house exprest , and biddes them tary there ( Dissemblyng wise ) till he doth come to quench the sparkes of feare . ( If any then did ●indell in the rechles maydens minde ) Who hopes for troth , as erst she hard so euery thing to finde . Thus ryde they foorth , and riding I will leaue them for a whyle : And to the carefull court agayne that doth forthwith exile . His drousie domps , I will returne and g●yde my wery hand : And of their last extreamest fittes who list to understand . shall heare the ende . THe wery night hath brought again the dry and dreadfull day : When heauy lookes , & cloudy sighes , a storme of eares bewray . The court hath left his tossed couch , their restles bedde all sh●nne : The ladies haue their persing plaints and dolefull tune begonne . Amidst a w●rld of griefes the king forsakes his bathed bedde : Who for the Prince Ieneuora , a floud of teares hath shedde . But kingly iustice ruling still within his regall mind : Doth t●ll hi● that the day is come which he of late assignde . When either force of victors hand , should fade Lurcanio : Or els in fl●mes I●neuora , her sences should fo●go . These thoughts of iustice force him clek● . the anguish of his hart : Affection lurkes in panting breast , in secreat lodgeth smart . Wherfore in hastie wise he doth commaund vnto the fyre The giltles Princes whose desertes , gayne not so foule a hyre . Whose sentence known , Ieneuora obeyes with pleased minde Who decking her like her estate with lemmes of precious kinde . Like heuenly ghost not earthly wight she teares her chariot straight That couerd is with black , on whom a rought of Ladies waight . whose moorn●g wéeds declare y● care● of their disquiet hartes : And argue to the gasing eye , the proufe of present smartes . Next them , the king his train is past , whose heauy pensiue cheare : Agree with those black solom lutes , which they that day did weare . Then folow● carefull Counselers . and then the aged king In colour like , and after them a world of folke do fling . In this aray , they are aryvd● vpon the dreadfull place : wher Princesse must resigne her lyfe , if that some sparke of grace . Bety●e her not , ther she abydes to tast her latest care : Amidst the gho●●ly Prelates that of heauenly ioyes declare . The kyng scarce set on stately seate but all in complet steele Lurcanio comes vnto the liste , his chalenge to fulfill . Who seene by false Duke Polinesse , that then was Martiall : To guyde the feeld , he doth demaund of him the summe and all . Of that he sought within the listes , to whom Lurcanio : Thus sayd , I am approched here to proue against my so . That by the filthy whordoms crime , which I ( qd he ) did see : Ieneuora deserued hath , here burned for to bee . This sayd , he entres in the lystes and by the relickes there : In proufe of that which earst he said he doth deuoutly sweare . Nought wants but execution now , for that they only stay : Which to performe , Ieneuora ●oncludes without delay . Who first disrobes her selfe of all her Princely braue attire : And only in her kyrtell she , doth mynde to taste the fire . Then prostrate on the ground she falle● , and with a cherefull voyce : She prayes to God , with whom she hopes shortly for to reioyce . But who had seene the waylings then , of all the lookers on : And how ech eye is drowned w●t cars and euery month doth mone . mought wel haue seen the mothers grief for death of loued childe : And fathers plaint for nati●e sonne , whose life feares death exilde . Whilst thus the Princesse prepares her selfe vnto her heauy feast : And whilst ech on lamenting stayes , with ruthfull sighyng breast . Sée wher a Knight stands houering , clad all in armour blacke : And mounted on a barbed stéede with sheeld behind his backe . A mighty speare in hand he helde and swoord gyrt by his side , His visar close before his face , least that he weare discride . The Marshall spyes this Knight vnknown● and as he sayd before , So now he doth demaund also , of him , the cause , wherfore : He is arivd in that aray amydst that worthy presse , To whom Ariodant doth these knightlike wordes expresse : To saue ( qd he ) from fyry flames this false accused wight : Though Scots do feare , I do inten● , to venter life and might : Nought doughting but as giltles she condempned is to die : So this my spear and sword ( I trust ) her truth right well shall trie . The straunger enters thus the liste● wher stoutly he doth sweare : That of that fowle supposed crime Ieneuora is cleare . This don , without a lenger stay , the Heraultes crie to fight : Now do your best , & god him shéel● that drawes his sword in right . Lurcani● leaues now to muse , his speare is coucht in rest : He forward like the winde doth 〈◊〉 with sheld before his brest ? Ariodant , not ignorant with whom he is to fight : Sets forward to with thundring pase and meetes his brother right . ● he spears all crusht do mount aloft eche keepes his saddell sure : Ariodant against his so , doth mightely indure . Then leaue they foming steades , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they draw their shining blades : Wherwith ech one his enemy , with courage stout inuades . He smytes a car●ing blowe vpon , his aduersaries shelde : And he doth send a cantell from , his helmet to the feelde . Lurcanio is nothing nice , of his approued might : Ne yet Ariodant behinde , his almes for to requight . But farre vnegall is the match , Lurcanio seemes to play : When as Ariodant is forst , to ward , or els decay , yet as he can he lendes a blowe , and then he shiftes againe : From dint of brothers stroke , whose forse would well requite his payne . Thus he doth strike , and he the blow receiues vpon his shelde : And he againe , ( the vantage spyde ) a buffet byg doth yelde . Lurcanio thinks of brothers death , and fightes like Lyon fierse : Ariodant , ( his Ladie spied ) both steele and male doth pearse . with bluddy blads thei prick & thrust the ground is dyd● with blou●e Now breath they both , & now againe they rage like Tigers wood In this conflict I must them leaue , eche seeking others ende : And to Dalinda once againe , my pen and I must bende . Who once aryvde within the wood , wher she must yeld her life : In steed of sol●m mariage , on edge of Ruffyns knyfe . They bid her light of from her horse , and with a countnance fie●s : The sum of that they ha● in charge to her they do rehears . which when she knew , from wonted talk her closed lippes refrayne : And feare of death do force her féele the panges of deadly payne . Her careles head , late occupid● with blissed wedlock●s bandes Is comefortles , & now poore wretch as stone in wall she standes . So farre her present thoughts be od , as hope of ●uertie : And now to sure signes of smart and stormes of miserie . But making of necessitie a present vertue , she Decrees as time did serue to make her soule from bondage frée . And kneling then vpon the ground betwixt these ghostly mates : That mynd by caruing of her head to ende ●er latest fates . She prayes vnto the Creator to pardon her offence : And that he would forget her sinne and way her penitence . Then with a streame of tears she rews her Ladies giltles death : For whom , the anguish of her hart . doth choke welny her breath . What should I say , for thousand sins which she did neuer know : ( To length the time ) she praies to God that he will mercy show . but see how in most daungerous tydes oft times doth happen blisse : Sée how in present stroke of death the hart releeued is . whilst thus she prays aduenture droue through search of nearest way : To Scottish court , vpon the place wher she deuout doth pray . The famous knight Raynaldo , who beholding with his eye : betwixt two Ruffians naked swords a Lady prest to die . He spurs his Stéed , & draws his blade and driues vnto them twoo : In mynde to rescue if he could that carefull wight from woo . The tormenters that saw him come dispayring of their might : Forsake the mayd & mount on Steeds and saue them selues by fight . which when Dalinda vews , she thus vnto Raynald gan say : Yet let me craue this curtes●e or thou depart away . ( Oh worthy Knight , ) that is , that thou wilt be my guyde vnto The most vnhapiest Scottish court and most complete with woe . Wher I shal bring the ioyfulst news that euer came to kyng : And tell the gladdest tale that earst , a messenger did bring . Raynaldo grauntes to her desire she is now horst againe : They forward poste , and as they ride she greatly doth complaine . Of false Duke Polinessos guyle she blames his subtill wilte : And for reuenge to god she cries for such offence most fitte . Thus weary time is spent , and now they are within the vewe : of flaming bronds of glistring swords and of the Scottish crewe . Then with a strayne● balowing voice stay how Raynaldo cries : Depart the Knightes , & with the word ●●ne casteth vp his eyes . To see from whence proceeds the voice that ringes so in their eares : And therwithall Raynaldo and Dalinda , do appeare . who passing throgh the mightie prease , at last approche the seate : Of Scottish King , wheras Dalind beginnes for to intreate . Of all the treason which the Duke and she did late deuise , But crying first , staye Polinesse , thus to her tale she plies . Why shuld I lenger stay ( oh wretch ) why should my lippes refrayn From sounding out the perfect troth which hidden , séekes to stayne The giltles Imphe of vertues schoole whose spotlesse troth doth crie For iust reuenge for such offence , to him that rules skie . Oh king let dought of daughters crime , no more dismaye thy mynde . Ne let thy hart to feareful thoughts , for princes be inclinde : For this thryse cursed tongue of myne , shall plainly show to thee : Who did offende , who gaind this fire , from which the prince is frée . And though mine own reproch , I must blase here amidst this presse , Yet gnawing thoughts of gilty minde , inforce me troth confesse . This Duke ( oh king ) this Polinesse this false disceitful Knight And I vnhappiest wretch it was , that gaynd these flames of right . For sée disceit : whilst in the court , I led a rechles race , And whylst amongst the courtly trayne , I servde the princes grace . There came to me this Polinesse , who with a smyling chere , And glosing woords gan long discours● what friendship he did beare To me , and how his whole desire was to obteyne my loue Which for to get with tedious sute , he séekes me long to proue . But see , as forced watch doth make , the sauage Hauke to fist : As strained bitte the Coult vntamd , doth make apt to the lift : So did this Dukes continuall sute enforce me to consent : In hope of lawfull mariage , vnto his false intent . The conquest gaind , he showes him pleas'd , and I , in hope of blisse , Doo finde my selfe not discontent , at thapp● happe of this . This past , and I remayning still within the princesse court : Upon a day Duke Polinesse thus to me gan report . If that I thought my former woords wherof such perfect force , As mought ( qd he ) from wauering minde all damps of dought d●uor●e : I would refraine that now I mynde in presence here declare , And closly in my secrete mynde , such passions I would spare . But déede shal showe the summe ( qd he , ) of my well meaning hart , And eke in woordes my iust intent , to thee I shall impart . Thou knowst ( qd he ) what goulden tyme in seruice I haue spent : In hope to gayne at last for hyre the princesse like assent . Thou partli knowst , my faithful hart and loyall loue to hir : Thou knowest what diuers waies ● vs'd hir friendship for to styre . But only I to wel haue known how euel she did requite My vowed troth , and how my loue , she had in great despite . Which when with griefe I vewd ( qd he ) I sought by reasons skill To maister loue , and by aduise to tame affections will . And thinking that the second nayle , could soone expell the first , I hardly finde this moysture can asswage my former thrust . Thus tost am I with bylowes great of great vnrest ( qd he ) And onely finde by sage aduise , this only ●uertie . I thinke ( qd he ) the heauens it will , that that selfe same attyre Which she did weare , when first I did so much her loue desire . Should quite my former thraled hart , of euell requsted loue : And from thy breast it doughts remayn● dispairing doughts remoue . Wherfore I will , that with those robes , that prince in feast doth wear● Hard by the outwast houses thou Dalinda shalt appeare To me where I in scorne of prince will tosse her princely trayne : And ther refigne the latest fittes , of my long proued payne . With smal request I graunted haue to his so sugred tale : And to th appointed place also , to come I did not fayle . Wher I in robes of princes grace , when sleape the prince possest : With Iu●ls , tablets , cheins , & ringes , did yelde to his request . This same was it , and that was I whome straunger so didisée : The night when feast in court was held● wherof princesse is free . But heare oh king the ende of all , iudge of this traitrous part , Sée how the filed woords agreed , with false disceitfull hart . When giltles thus Lurcanio had accus'd the princesse grace And when for trial of her truth the tyme and setted place . Was known to all , Duke Polinesse still caught I thinke with feare Least that this treason done by vs mought any wayes appeare : And doughting still my secret mynde he sought the only way By former pleasant ●ained woords , ●o worke my last decaye . And feeding then my hungry vayne , with Duches princely state : He mindes to put in practise now , his long pretensed hate . And sending me with Ruffians two , vnto a desert woode : ( In steede of present mariage , ) he seekes to shead my bloud . But see , betwixt their dredful blade● whylst knelyng I dyd pray , And whilst for ende of my last words the tormenters did ●●aye : This Knight , my guide , aryvd vp●n , the place where I should dye : who savd my lyfe and forst my fooes , to leaue theyr armes , and flye . Thus haue you hard oh king ( qd she ) the troth of treason strong● My gained death , his like desert , and your sustayned wrong . The summe of all this cruel crime . disclos'd thus to eche ●are : Reuiues theyr ●ying ●ares that earst were caught with dreadfull feare . But Polinesse that heares theffe●● of all this cruell deede Dis●losed thus , a heape of griefes which in his head doo breede . Yet as he had a countnance earst to woorke his owne de●ayr : So he den●●s all that which now Dalinda did bewray : And proferst therv●on to trie , his troth against his foe In combat fight , and gauntlet he , vnto the ground doth throw As chalenger , which Raynold spies , and doth receiue h●s gage , In mynde without a lenger stay the battell for to wage . And once ●●ayde in euery point , fit for a mortall fight : They mount on Stéeds , and with the speares ecne seekes his foe to spight . Duke Polinesse discharged hath , his spe●re that clymes the skies : But through both breast and backe the spea●● of stout Raynaldo hics . Which when the Duke perceiues , and féeles , the panges of present death : And knowes his life doth fade away through want of gasping breath : He yeldes him selfe as recreant , and dy●ng doth confesse , In circumstance , the treason which Dalinda did expresse . And how inforst throgh ielous minde which he did then suspect , Twixt princesse and Ariodant , he was thert● direct . Then how his last deuise he vsde to moue Ariodant : That only his desired loue the Prince in hart did plant . Which only sight I know ( qd he ) was cause of straungers death And with that woord his sinful soule resingde his wicked breath . Whose carcase was no sooner dead , and life had lost his force : But in the mydst of flashing flames , his wounded senceles corse Entombed was , with ioyful shouts , that God did saue the right , And with deserued punishment , he did the giltie quight . But she , whose fired mynde to die , did loth a lenger lyfe : Augmenteth rather wonted woes then wants hir former strife . Wherfore she is in mynde oftyme● to taste th● force of fyre , For rather that , then lothsome lyfe , she gladly gan requyre . ●he king whose aged head did earst tast ne●er such great ioye To see the princesse giltles tryde , doth wonted cares distroy . Who first calles for Ariodant that fought for Princes grace : Of whom he frendly craues the sight of his desired face . Wherfore his head péece layde asid● , his visage is bewrayde : And then to pens●ue Princes thus , he knéelyng briefly sayd , How here oh thrise renouned prince had falshood brought to ende Thy woorthy race , whose spotles ly●e with saynts may wel contend ? How nere had tresons force preuaild how neare had vile disceit Entrald thy noble giltles hart , with hidden falshods baytes ? But oh how neare had my mistrust , ben cause of thy decaye : whose wretched head to sugred talk● to greatly did obey ? wherfore not only Polinesse , ne this Dalind deserue , A shamefull death , but myser I , whose faithles hart did swerue So farre fr●m duties lore , as gaines an euerlasting paine : And as he would haue ferder sayd , ( through griefe ) his lippes refrayn From farder talke , and sences fayle , and he doth fall to ground : And ther he lies , berevd of breath , and chokt with fainting sound● . But when Ieneuora had vewde long tyme with persing eye : The face of her Ariodant : and plainly eke gan spye . by co●tnance , loke , by shape , & speach the same her fréend to bee : whom greedy stream had forst she feard to die in misery . Oh iudges that can , what fansies then did rule within her mynd : What passing ioy , what happy blisse her crased brayne did finde . For neither head , ne tongue , ne hand can think , can tell , or wryte : The least or smalest percell of her late conceyvde delight . Not she her selfe , can ease the toyle of ioyfull panting hart : whose striuing force extreme delight to traunce doth straight conuert . And there as in a quiet sleape , a whyle she doth remayne : But once reuyvde , her dryry lippes , she thus to speake did strayne . And doth the guyder of my life , the only proppe and stay : Of this my wery limmes , yet lyue ? oh happy thryse I say . Oh blessed fates , and dost thou liue ? and do these eyes behould : Thy wished shape , whose comly lim● these ●rmes so oft haue ●ould . And liues in déed Ariodant , Ieneuoras delight : And was it he that for his frend● so manfully did fight ? Oh soppe of ioye more pleasant farre then wealth of worldly blisse : Oh soueraigne salue , nought cures so well the crased hart as this . Oh welcome thou more deare to me , then goods , then frendes , then life : A gest more gladder to my hart then cares earst caused strife . Thy health doth force me wish y● lif● which fame of thy decay Intised late through heauy lot , to serine in cloddes of clay . Amidst this tale a thousand tymes , they frendly do imbrace : And with their siluer tricki●ng drop● eche bathe others face . She layes her happy head vpon her ioyfull louers brest : And he agayne his body bendes● to yeld his Lady rest . Thus now in words , & now in déedes and now by signes of loue : Ech shows , the ioyned faithfull hartes doth such affections moue . The sight wherof brings youth again vnto the aged King : Whose trembling hart , for very ioye in blisfull breast doth spring . But when this great felicitie , had vanquisht euery care : And when amidst this world of ioye , eche on receivde his share . Then by commaundement trompets sound and oyes loude is cride , Wherfore the rought giue audience , and then the king thus sayd : How farre we are indetted to the heauenly powers deuine : My lords & frends , you haue wel séen this day before your eyne . As both by fatall chaunce , how this vyle treason was bewrayd : As how by knightly prowesse , which Ariodant assayde . Against his natiue brother , he hath savde Ieneuora : From fyry flames , & brought vs health that lookt for last decay . And last , how falshod payed is with death for gaind desert : A myrror good , for such as liue , infect with traytors hart . Wherfore as bounden dutie biddes , first let vs yelde the prayse : To him , that quites the innocent , and payes the false alwayes . And we ( as reasons lore ●oth charge ) will séeke for to requite : Forthwith receiued benefittes , with all our power and might , For as to thou Ariodant , for this thy noble hart : Thy curtesi● , and loyall loue , ●e yelde thee this as part . Of recompence , take thou to wi●● the Prince Ieneuora , and we , for maintnaunce of your state● will soone prouyde a stay . Be thou to her a faithfull feare , and she a louing wyfe : Beare du●ie to thy Lord and King , whilst thou hast breath and life . and sith by thée syr knight vnknown , this treason came to light : We will as best shal please thy hart thy frendship well requite . Lurcanio ●ke , sith brothers death prouokt thee to this ire : Shalt fréely liue , and vse our grace , as thou shalt best desire . For pardon of Ieneuora , small sute I thi●k will serue : Whose gentil mynd from pities lor● as yet did neuer swarue . But as t● thee Dalinda , sith thou soughtst by ●reason vyle : To seeke thy mistres death , we will that thou into exile . For euer shalt be put , and eke to runne a banisht race , Till better hope of truer hart , shall winne thée fauours grace . This sentence sayde , the tossed caps doo cutte the cloudie skie : and eueri mouth , with strained voic● God saue the King doo trie . The louers two , on ground prostrate a thousand thankes impart . Unto theyr Liege and Soueraigne , with most contented hart . But to recount what passions past , betwixt the brothers twayne , would make an other history , and woorke my treble payne . wherfore let this suffise , my Lordes , not one but lyues in ioye , Not one there is amidst the prease , that cares doo now annoy . Amidst which myrth , to court again the King and all returne : And as they ryde , in signe of ioye , eche doth the streates adorne : with tynsell bright , with arras riche and glistring cloth of goulde : And ladies pearch on wyndowes hie the louers to behould . who passe the streates with happy harts , and so ariue on court , wher euery one seekes to augment , his late receiued sport . And wher , vpon a solome daye , appointed by the king , The Princesse and Ariodant , with sacred woords and King : Recey●e the ryght of mariage , as gladde to them as lyfe : who long in blisse did spend their daie● and died deuoydt of stryfe . FINIS .