UNder the reigne of our great HENRY , the valorous father of our invincible Monarch , there lived in France a young Lord , whose Heroick Noblenesse was more recommended through the glory of his Vertue , than by the antiquity of his Race : Hee was called Cleander ; rich both in the goods of Fortune and Nature ; being no lesse beloved for his Beauty , than feared for his Valour . If hee were valiant , hee was also more wise ; and if hee were wise , hee was also more happy . But his chiefest happinesse was in his marriage : for in his first youth his merits had gained him a wife , one of the fairest that France ever brought forth . The East had never so many Pearles as shee had Beauties , and the morning did blush to behold any thing fairer ; she was called Calista : neither was there any thing wanting but an apt name to expresse her perfections . With this woman did Cleander passe the sweetest life that ever fell into mans imagination ; enjoying a happinesse which cannot bee comprehended but by mindes capable of the glory of such thoughts . The Sunne did never looke upon the earth , but he beheld these two Lovers embracing ; Neither did night ever kindle so many fires in Heaven , as they felt within their soules . Their desires were not like unto those which were drowned in their pleasures ; but contrariwise , their loves were sharpned by enjoying : for the more they did possesse that which they did desire , the more they did desire that which they did possesse .

But darke night followed this bright day , and this cleerenesse was clouded ; yea , even whilst Cleander made the earth envious , and the heavens jealous of the favours hee received from his Mistresse : There was another Knight called Lisander , who in courtesie and valour gave place to none of his yeares , who had beheld Calista's excellent beautie ; with the lightning whereof hee was so amazed , that hee cleane lost the remembrance of himselfe . Hee was now no more that Lisander , whose free and warlike mind was wont to apprehend no disturbance but ambition ; for in stead of breathing forth an honourable desire of glory , hee was so possest with the Idea of this perfection , that it was not possible for him to receive any other thought ; nay , hardly could hee finde a place in all his minde for himselfe . This new guest thus lodged in Lisanders heart , counselled him to see his Lady . Now this Knight was a most absolute Gentleman , and a most acceptable companion , especially among Ladies , of a sweet and courteous conversation , full of attraction , and recommended with so many excellent parts , as well of body as of minde , that it seemed Love had stollen into this man , of purpose ( if it were possible ) to ruine Calista's chastity : for there was appearance , that if shee could love any thing , it must needs be him , who loved nothing but her ; and that if she had not a heart of stone , shee must needs be apprehensive of his torment . But for as much as hee could not well acquaint himselfe with this woman without accosting the husband , he first sought Cleanders friendship ; who held it for an honour , and prevented his suit , recompencing Lisanders feigned , with true affection . He seldome spake but of him , nor ever made any good relation if Lisander were not the subject thereof . Calista her selfe , who saw not but by her husbands eyes , nor judged but by his knowledge , could not choose but honour that , which shee saw Cleander loved ; she being otherwise by Lisander adored with so much respect , that she should have wanted humanity , if shee had been with out discerning thereof .

Behold here a faire beginning for our Lover ; but this is nothing without perseverance : His care was now to make knowne unto her the great passion which hee suffered for her , and to let her know it in such a fashion , that Cleander might not perceive it . Hee was cleare sighted , like a Linx ; and although he were not jealous , yet he was a husband , and unto a wife , whose admirable beauty did deserve to be preserved : If he once did discerne of this love , all was lost , there could be no more friendship nor acquaintance ; and otherwise to resolve to dye in a silent griefe , so neere unto his remedy , hiding his death from her who was the cause thereof , hee could never consent thereto . And indeed it is better never to see that which one loveth , than seeing it , not to dare to expresse ones love ; for the object stirreth up the desire : Neither is there any evill in the world like unto the presence of a forbidden good . Which the Poets the better to expresse , did not represent Tantalus his thirst in a Desert void of waters , but in the middle of waters , not being able to drinke . To prevent then the husbands distrust , and to keepe suspicion from entring into his minde , hee ruled his actions , his words and his lookes in such sort , that in his sight hee never came neere unto the wife , hee never spake unto her , nor ever looked upon her , but as upon a thing indifferent : neither ●oo free , nor too reserved ; fearing lest if hee were too much composed , or not enough , hee might discover his designe in the guiding thereof . He held therefore a meane betweene both ▪ with that dexterity , that there was no gesture nor motion of his , which did not rather seeme naturall than affected . In the meane time , to make that knowne unto one , which hee would have invisible unto the other ; hee every day made matches with Cleander , and other Knights , of Tiltings and other noble Exercises : where the two friends were alwayes of a side , and alwayes vanquishers . In the morning they were together at the Church , after dinner together in their houses , after supper in their gardens , and alwayes Calista is the starre which lightneth the place . Time passing in this manner , Lisander consumes , occasion of speaking unto his love being not offered : It is true , that every day he spake unto her , but not of love , nor of any thing relishing thereof ; so that in every mans eye hee languishingly decayed , of an unknowne passion , in the midst of all the contentments which could be imagined . And although hee intended to dissemble his evill , covering his true griefe with feigned joy , yet did the dying colour of his face discover ( yea , even unto those of small knowledg ) that there was some passion in him , which with much griefe lay at his heart . Cleander is the onely man who doth not perceive it , beleeving that he should wrong his friend in thinking so . Hee discerned plainely how the lively flowers of his face did daily wither , but he thinks that it proceeded from accident , and would have imagined that it sprung from any other than from the true cause . They were then at the Court , in the great city of Paris , which so proudly raiseth her head above all the Cities , almost of the world , when as Cleander said , that Lisanders indisposition proceeded from the unwholesome aire of the City ; wherefore he was resolved to lead him into the countrey . Now he had a house , a dayes journey from Paris , built in a Lake , within the middle of a great Parke called Beauplain : the situation whereof being pleasant beyond expressing , would have rejoiced sorrow it selfe . Thither did he invite Lisander , together with three or foure friends , and Calista also , without whom the feast was of no value , went along with them .

It was then in the Spring , when the earth , more beautifull than at any other time of the yeare , reneweth her countenance , and decketh herselfe in her richest apparell . There Cleander and Calista , continuing unto Lisander their acustomed loving entertainment , made triall , that the country recreations which they gave him , together with all other honest delights , were no better remedies for his languishing , than the pleasures of the city . The exercise of Hunting , which was ordinary with them , could not divert his fantasie : variety of company , wherewith hee was every day visited , did but increase his evill , and gave him occasion to steale out of their companies , to entertaine himselfe alone with his thoughts , which he durst not communicate to any body living . One day , they having made a match to hunt an out-lying Stagge , Calista having stayed at home with a young brother of Cleanders , called Berontus , after some time walked out with her brother in law to see their returne from the hunting : and as she was at the side of a wood in the middle of the Parke , so thicke , that solitarinesse perpetually resides there , in the shadow of an impenetrable leafinesse , she heard a voice , which , in bewailing manner , proceeded from the bottome of this wood . In the beginning she could not understand the complaint , but going somewhat neerer with Berontus , who onely conducted her , she heard these words . Poore Lysander , must thou consume in these woods the miserable remainder of thy youth , and unprofitably lose thy life , both in absence , and unknowne unto her who is the cause thereof ? Must thou needs dye obscurely , without having the contentment to let her see in thy death , the sacrifice which thou offerest unto her of thy life ? O faire Calista , is it possible that such a divinity as yours , should be ignorant of those extreame affections which you stirre in me , and have no feeling of those flames which you so lively kindle in my soule ! Can it be that a cause so faire should be ignorant of so necessary an effect as my love ? O God , suffer not this want of knowledge in her , to be a punishment unto me , for my ingratitude unto Cleander . O Lisander , thou dost violate , together with the law of Hospitality , the most perfect friendship in the world : Neither canst thou hope for pardon in any respect but onely in this , that thou art forced by a beauty which bendeth every thing under the violence of its sweetnesse , and whose excellency not alone lesseneth thy fault , but maketh thee worthy of pardon , and also of merit . By these words they knew not onely the subject of this complaint , which was love : but also the person that made it , who was Lisander ; and her for whom it was made , who was Calista . It is not to be spoken , who was more abashed of Calista or Berontus : for this passion was equally unknowne to them both . But Calista was most ashamed and most grieved , although her innocency was sufficiently witnessed by this complaint . And indeed it was enough to have troubled a very able and wise woman ; for she did not know , whether she ought to entreat her brother in law to hold his peace , or tell her husband , or whether she were best to hide or discover that , which might bee told by his brother , and where there was no lesse danger to conceale it , than scandall to declare it : Neverthelesse dissembling her thought , shee went on , as if she had not heard any word of this discourse . Berontus , who was none of Lisanders bestfriends , jealous of the overmuch love which his brother did beare him , had a faire occasion to divide them : but he , considering that hee should wrong his sister , and not willing to imbroile his brothers heart with so miserable a passion as Jealousie , nor to ruine the affection which he ought unto his wife , in destroying that which he unduly bare unto Lisander ; resolved in himselfe to say nothing : But all these considerations were apart , and in silence , without communicating any word one unto the other . In the end Berontus , seeing that Calista returned without saying a word , spake unto her in this manner : I doe not wonder , Sister , at Lisanders languishing , but I rather wonder at your cruelty , who so ungratefully suffer a Knight of his merit to dye , without taking any care or knowledge of the wounds which your beauty giveth him . Brother , said Calista , you shew as much folly in entertaining me thus with his evill , as he doth in complaining , if it be true that he hath forgotten himselfe so much ; for I am unwilling to heare , either your discourse , or his complaint . But because we may have no more cause of suspition thereof , and that the house may be as well free from suspition as from crime , I doe conjure you to remove away the cause , and to finde some meanes so to drive him away , that I may have no more cause to complaine of the good which ( you say ) he wisheth unto mee . Sister , said Berontus , it is a businesse wherein I cannot serve you to my desire , because if hee should complaine unto my Brother , and he be willing to know the occasion , I must be constrained to utter that which were no way fit for him to know : but if you thinke well to write a Letter , such as your discretion can devise , I will cause it to fall into his hands , as it were by chance , and by this meanes I beleeve , that honouring you as he doth , he will rather willingly banish himselfe from your presence , than trouble the peace both of your house and minde . Calista approved of the advice , and in this resolution ( without being discovered by Lisander ) they went to the house , whither also Cleander instantly returned with a fat Stagge , accompanied with those who had hunted with him . Shortly after came Lisander , who did not know that his complaints had sounded so neer unto his Mistresses eares , and lesse did he thinke that Berontus had heard them . They supped joyfully together , Lisander and Calista discreetly dissembling the divers thoughts wherewith their mindes were troubled ; and when bed-time came , Cleander , Berontus , and almost all the company , brought Lisander unto his chamber , where , after some few words of courtesie , they left him alone with his servants . He , going to the cupboord to take some of his night-cloaths , found upon his Cap a Letter to this purpose .

If Calista were surprised with Lisanders complaint , he was much more astonished at Calista's Letter , which Berontus ( in going last out of the chamber ) had privily let fall upon the table . He could not imagine who had written , or who had brought it : well hee knew , that the complaints which had escaped from him in the wood , were heard , and from thence came the knowledge of his most secret thoughts . O what newes were these to bring rest unto a man opprest with amorous passions ! All night hee did nothing but muse who should give him this advice : That it was Cleander , there was no appearance , because hee had beene all day a hunting , and after his returne hee did not leave his company ; neither was it likely that he would have proceeded in this manner . Hee could not also imagine that it was Calista , because that he did not know that shee had walked abroad with Berontus . Besides , the Letter expressely said , that neither shee nor Cleander knew of it : And that it should be Berontus , hee had already found that he did not love him ; neither did he thinke , if this young man had had such an occasion against him , that hee would have used it so discreetly . To be short , he knew not to whom to returne answer : neverthelesse hee resolved upon his departure , and upon the meanes whereby hee might make Cleander like well of it , as also to speake particularly to Calista . The day appearing , he quickly dispatched one of his Footmen to Fountaine Bleau ( where the King then was ) commanding him to carry some Letters , which hee had written unto his friends , and with all speed to bring him answer . The footman departed with all diligence , and returned the next day with Letters from his friends ; who sent him word , that he must make speed unto the Court , out of some important reasons , which they could not write . During the absence of his man , hee endevoured by all meanes to accost Calista ; which he could not effect possibly : for she prevented him with so much care , and with such premeditated avoydings , that he judged she had knowledge of his designe , and that from thence came the Letter which had given him so much paine , seeing that before nothing was more easie than his accesse unto her . When his man was returned from the Court , hee went unto Cleander , who was then alone in his chamber with his wife ; and having communicated his letters unto him , he entreated him not to take it amisse , if he did deprive himselfe of the happinesse which hee enjoyed in his company , for a small time , which he did assure him , should bee as little a while as hee could , yet would it neverthelesse seeme long unto him , in regard of the contentment and honour which he received in his so deare conversation . Cleander was very sorrie that hee must lose the presence of his friend , and said unto him ; Yet shall it not be so hastily , but that I will importune you to give this day unto mee ; for I have some businesse at the Court , which I will communicate unto you , if you bee not pressed with your owne . Now , as we said Cleander had many other friends with him , whom ( according to his courtesie ) willing to entertain , he left Calista alone in the chamber with Lisander , as if hee had contributed unto his desires . Lisander seeing himselfe alone with her , said , that hee had communicated newes unto Cleander , which he had received from the Court ; but he had others from the deerest person in the world , which he could not utter but unto her alone , entreating her to see them in this little Letter , whose shortnesse was such , that shee could not have the leisure to bee troubled with the reading . And in saying this he presented her the Letter , which she her selfe had written . Calista knowing it , and not being able to keep her countenance ( inflamed with indignation and shame ) from confessing that shee had done it , answered him in this manner : Silence or flight were much profitabler for you Lisander , than either your discourse or stay here . Content your selfe that I have not acquainted Cleander with the wrong which you procure both unto him and unto mee , and that such a one knowes it , as doth onely forbeare to tell him , because hee would not hazzard my honour , with the losse of your life . Madam , answered Lisander , then hee cannot but say , that I love Cleander with as perfect an affection as hee doth me , and that I doe adore you with as much respect and devotion as can be yeelded unto Divinity it selfe ; which is farre from endevouring to wrong either the one or the other . It is true Madam , that if the advantage which the affections of love have over those of friendship , and the priviledge of your beauty ( which is as impossible to bee beheld without being beloved , as it is to come neer the fire without feeling the heat thereof ) have made mee dare to discover it unto trees in the depth of the Forrest ; the violence of my love must be accused , which hath constrained me , and your excellent beauty from whence it hath sprung : And let the worst be , Madam , I cannot be accused for any thing , but for loving the most lovely creature in the world . And if this be the crime which you speake of , I confesse not alone that I have committed it , but , which is more , that I cannot repent me of it . As for my life , Madam , with the losse whereof you threaten mee ; as I will not keepe it but for your service , so I cannot better lose it than for your love . I would ( if it pleased God ) that I had many , and that nothing letted but their losse , to witnesse my affection : But seeing that you are interest , and that I cannot hazzard it , but with your reputation , and in depriving you of the most faithfull slave that ever you captivated ; I had rather barre my selfe from the Soveraigne blisse of my soule , than take from you the least contentment . And for this cause , Madam , I am resolved not to depart from your service for ever , but for some time from your presence , to the end , that adoring you without offending you , I may witnesse no lesse affection than obedience , and that both of them may one day invite your pity , to call backe a poore Exile , who hath banished himselfe from the dearest abode that ever he had , to obey you .

These words , spoken with no lesse love than grace , together with the inevitable charmes of Lisanders conversation , which would have inchanted even rockes , touched the secret places of Calista's affection , which were not marble , nor of any insensible matter , yet such , as with a chaste resolution shee beatbacke all those shafts , which Love , hid in Lisanders eyes , did continually shoot at her heart : wherefore shee thus answered . Lisander , you must know Calista , and beleeve , that if she could give her selfe unto any one , it should be unto you ; but shee cannot doe but what she ought : and if you doe love her truely , as you doe professe , you ought not to hope nor desire any thing , but the will with which shee doth acknowledge alwayes the affection which you beare her ; and were not her honour interest , she would hold your presence as deare as your merit doth oblige her : But for this time I counsell you to follow the resolution of departing , which you have already taken , because that Berontus , walking with me when we heard your complaint , and having learned more than I would that he knew , may do you some evill offices to Cleander . And although hee should say nothing , yet we know not what hee may thinke : he is jealous enough of the love which his brother beares you , and may grow as jealous of me , although I doe not thinke I shall give him cause . Hereafter bee more discreet in your complaints , and thinke , that though woods cannot speake , yet they are not without their Ecchoes , which reside in their centers , and doe alwayes report ( at the least the last word ) what they heare . Upon the uttering of these last words , Cleander and Berontus came into the chamber , which not onely interrupted their discourse , but also put both of them in great doubt that Berontus had conferred with his brother about that whereof they were speaking : but this disquiet lasted not long , because that Cleander taking Lisander apart , and discoursing to him his businesse at Court , let him presently know , that he knew nothing of theirs ; and Berontus ( in the meane time ) speaking with Calista , she told him what operation the scroule had , which was let fall into Lisanders hands , which occasioned the leave he had taken of Cleander and of her selfe , although under a pretext of Letters which were come unto him from Fountaine Bleau : concealing neverthelesse from Berontus that Lisander had spoken unto her of it , or made any demonstration that he knew or doubted that she had written it .

This done , they went to dinner , and afterwards Lisander got to Horse ; having first kindly embraced Cleander and Berontus , and more lovingly kissed the faire Calista , who could not see him depart without sorrow , although small in respect of that which hee carried with him . All the companie remained sad for his departure , except Berontus , who was not otherwise an enemy of his vertue , but envious : for he being a brave Gentleman , & hardy as the sword , thought hee lost of his lustre , when he was compared to Lisanders incomparable valour ; who riding as fast as hee could spurre , without staying all the rest of the day , came upon the beginning of the evening into the entrance of the Forrest of Fountaine Bleau . The knowledge which ( especially in France ) is so frequent of this royall house ( the proudest I thinke , in the world ) shall keepe mee from beautifying this my Story with the description thereof , although it were one of the most glorious ornaments wherewith I could enrich it . It shall suffice onely to say , that our Kings have heretofore built it for the pleasure of hunting , in the middle of the Launds and Forrests , from whence it was called the Deserts of Fountaine Bleau . Lisander then entring into this Forrest , onely with one man on horsebacke , who waited upon him in his chamber , and two Footmen which ranne by him , had not ridden a hundred paces , when he was told by the repor● of seven or eight Harquebushes , and Pistoll-shot , and the cryes of many persons , that there was fighting neere him . He presently spurred his lusty Horse that hee had under him , which carried him suddenly into the middle of tenne or twelve Theeves , who were murdering of a brave Gentleman , having laid two of his men upon the ground , and scattered three or foure others , who had accompanied him : He neverthelesse defended himselfe valiantly with his Sword , having already discharged his Pistoll upon one of the Theeves , wherewith hee lay biting the ground with the Gentlemans two men . Lisander seeing how bravely this Gentleman acquitted himselfe , moved with his owne naturall courage , let flye his Pistoll , and almost in an instant thrust himselfe amongst the rout with his sword and his Horse , every one of which had his effect ; the Pistoll laid one along , with his Horse hee overthrew a second , and with his sword he killed a third , and all in so short a space , that one must have had a quicke discerning , who had not judged it to be one action : His Sword hee had not long used , before the ground was strawed with blood , and dismembred parts of the Robbers , who were sooner killed and vanquished than they could almost thinke that any succour was comn unto the Gentleman ; who also saw himselfe delivered , before hee could thinke of helpe . Lisander after this bloody execution comming neere unto him , saw that hee was a reverent old man , having his head and beard all white ; of whom he demanded how he did after his combat ? Well , answered he , I thanke God , and your good help , unto whom I am redueable for my life : but I am grieved for my men , who are either all lost or dead . For those which are dead ( answered Lisander ) there is no calling of them againe , but for the rest , they cannot be lost so neere the Court , whither I thinke you are going . It is true , said the old Gentleman , that I am going thither , but not to make any stay ; for it is long since my age and the contentment of a free life , which I have accustomed my selfe unto at home , have exempted me from that honourable servitude . But leaving this discourse unto another time , I would faine see if among those which lye for dead , there is none of mine yet alive : Saying this , he alighted , and Lisander also , whose men by this time were comn unto them , and eased them of this labour . They looking amongst them who lay upon the ground , found two of the old mans servants still breathing , although wounded in many parts of their bodies , as well with shot as with swords : They called the other with lowd cryes , which sounding through the Forrest , helped by the silence of the night , and solitarinesse of the place , came unto thei● eares ; who hearing themselves called by their names , and by their Master whom they thought dead , returned to the place where they had left him . Lisander no lesse content with the good service which he had done unto this Knight , than he himselfe was joyfull for the recovery of his servants ; the two first which were found wounded among the dead , were Gentlemen ( as such had rather dye at their Masters feet , than save their lives by shamefull flying ) whom he caused to be lifted upon their horses , setting the others behinde to hold them up , and so they proceeded in their journy toward Fountain Bleau . By the way , which was a good league and more , Lisander intreated this Knight to pardon his curiositie , if it did stretch so farre , as to desire to know the cause of this accident ; at least , if this his request might not seeme too much importunitie . The old man , looking Lisander stedfastly in the face , as much as the darkenesse of the night would give him leave , and thinking him the bravest and best fashioned Gentleman that ever bee beheld , answered him in this manner : Not alone of this accident , whereof I cannot tell you the cause , but also of all my life ( which you have saved , obliging mee thereby to hold it , next after God , of your Sword ) I will give you such an account , that although I cannot satisfie my obligation , I will satisfie ( at least ) your curiosity .

My countrey is Normandy , my house called Bellayre , I am named Dorilas , I have spent the most part of my life in the war●es , and few memorable actions have beene in my time in Christendome , wherein I have not had the honour to bee . I followed the fortune of Monsier du Mayne , in that famous battell of Lepantho , where Don John of Austrige , and the Venetians made the Easterne Sea looke redde with the Turkish blood . A long time after I was with old Monsier de Guise , in that fearefull battell of Anneau , when with a handfull of Volentiers hee defeated many thousands of Reisters , which were come from Roane unto the bankes of Loiere . Afterwards I was with the late Monsier de Mercure , when hee made that great and never-enough celebrated retraict of Cavise , where he retired many leagues in Hungary before a hundred thousand horse , with an army of fifteene thousand men . Finally , willing to retire my selfe , I married a wife in mine own country , whole name is Otranta , who hath borne unto me a sonne , whos● name is Liddian , and a daughter who is called Calista , and not long since married to a Knight of this countrey called Cleander . It is now eight dayes since I departed from my house and my wife , out of a desire which I had to see my children ; one of whom I have seene but once since his comming out of Italy : Now he followes the King ; and the other lives about a dayes journey hence , with the Knight her husband , whom even now I named . This afternoone I departed from Paris , where I have stayed these three dayes , and as I came from thence on this side of Aussone , the theeves set upon me , they having followed me untill I came into this wood , where I had met with my grave , if you had not happily succoured me . Thus briefly you have what I can say of my fortune , and my life . But gentle Knight ( if it please you ) I pray tell mee your name , that I may know unto whom I may give thankes for my preservation ; for it is unreasonable that I should not know him , unto whom of all men in the world I am most obliged ; nor that you should refuse this courtesie unto him , unto whom you have not refused to expose your life for the safety of his . Sir , answered Lisander , I am a poore Souldier , so little knowne in the world , that though I should tell you my name , you would never the better know my person : yet thus much I will say , that I am come out of those parts , whither you are going , and doe know by good intelligence , that those whom you goe to see , are in good health : And I have heard so much good of their merits and vertues , that I account the small service which I have done you , exceeding well employed , although the onely consideration and fame which I have heard published of your valour ( whereof you have made large proofe in this encounter ) doth oblige mee to render you more signall offices , which , with time , I hope to performe : And then , Sir , I will not onely declare unto you my being , but I will let you see that I am in no lesse degree of love unto you , than one of your children .

By this meanes Lisander did thinke that hee should have avoyded the telling of his name unto good Dorilas , who did intreat him with a passion so great , as the refusall of so just a demand did augment his desire . But one of his footmen ( in the meane time ) holding speech with one of Dorilasses , and not knowing that his Master had a designe to hide his name , did nakedly tell , without thinking , whatsoever his Master did endevour to dissemble : yet because they did not understand what their Masters said , nor their Masters what they said , it came not at this time to the old mans knowledge . Shortly after they came unto Fountaine Bleau ; but it was late , and the Court being very great , they could get but two chambers in one house , which Lisander left unto Dorilas and unto his people , going himselfe with his servants unto a friends lodging of his , to Dorilas his great griefe , who did much desire that they might accommodate themselves in one lodging . Let us leave him among his wounded servants , whom he causeth to bee dressed with great diligence , and no lesse danger of their lives : and returne wee unto Lisander , who retiring of himselfe ( as we have said ) to one of his friends called Clarangeus , he was received with all loving entertainment . At supper he told the adventure which had happened to him in the wood , the encounter which Dorilas had with the theeves , the succour which hee gave him ; in briefe , the relation which Dorilas had made of his fortune . And when hee named Lidian , Clarangeus demanded if hee knew him . I have never seene him , said Lisander , but I have heard that he is one of the bravest Gentlemen in the world . One of the bravest you shall see , said Clarangeus , and one of the gentlest : wee have both done our exercise in Benjamins Schoole , whom you know to be one of the vertuousest Gentlemen living of his condition . After that , wee travelled together into Italy , and there have alwayes lived familiarly together : And since our returne , I never met with any man who hath more obliged mee to make account of his friendship ; but I thinke when things are come to their perfection , they cannot continue , returning unto the estate wherein they were at first . I speake this , because of late we have not lived as we were wont , and all for the love of a person , who in my opinion gives neither of us thankes ; and I doe beleeve , that if one of us doe not shortly alter his course , we shall not seeke one another long . I should be sorry it should so happen , said Lisander , for the good which I wish unto you , and in respect of what I have heard of him ; and it were better that you should yeeld your difference to your first friendship , rather than let it passe any further . This cannot be , said Clarangeus , because wee both looke upon one object ; neither are wee men to yeeld that whereunto wee have a desire . If hee had beene embarked before mee , my love should have given place unto his friendship ; but being first in time , and not lesse in merit , I cannot doe it in affection . I told him yesterday what I thought , before my Mistresse : neither doe I know what he thought , but I have seene the time when hee would have understood me . Now this Clarangeus was one of the most accomplished Gentlemen of the Court , and Lidian and he were both suiters unto one Lady , whose fair perfections we will hide under the name of Olinda , and about this occasion had some little quarrell that very day ; whereat Lisander was much grieved , seeing himselfe comn just upon the debate of two friends , the bloudy lawes whereof , in the French honour , obliged him to serve the one or the other of them . And indeed the next morning earely , hardly were they awaked , when a Gentleman , knocking at their lodging doore , asked to speak with Clarangeus , who ( being called up into an outer chamber , and seeing him making of himselfe ready ) told him that he was come from Lidian , who desired to see him in the fields with his sword ; which well he could not tell him yesterday , because he was not willing to offend the respect of a person , whom he adored above all creatures ▪ And that having taken upon him this charge , he had obliged him to receive him into his company , to serve him to some other purpose than as a messenger ; wherefore he would intreat that he would make choice of such a friend , who might serve him in the quality wherein hee served Lidian . Clarangeus , without stay ▪ trouble , or alteration , answered in this manner ; You cannot be more welcome : I am ready to content your friend in the field , as I would have done in his house , if he had sent mee word . For a Second , I have none , neither will I have any ( if it please you ) for I know you to be so brave and so honest a Gentleman , that I will go among all my enemies upon your word . Sir , said Alcidon , who was the bringer of to challenge , and a very valiant Gentleman , you answer as well becomes you , and as I my selfe should do if I were in your place ; but you know that sometimes custome is of more force than duty , and that I should bee blamed to bring you two to fight , and in the meane time I my selfe have mine arms in a scarfe . I know that Seconds are 〈◊〉 their friends equally set together , and not to fight themselves ; but use carrieth it against reason , wee being neither Marshals of France , nor old enough to establish new lawes : the disease must have its course , and particular reason must give place to generall fashion ; wherefore I once againe intreat you to finde a friend , or else suffer me to say , you doe not embrace all the meanes you have to satisfie mee . Lisander , who having heard one aske to speake with Clarangeus so rarely , quickly made himselfe ready , thinking , by the discourse which hee held of Lidian over night at supper , that this messenger came from him ; and having heard the dispute betweene Alcidon and Clarangeus about a Second , entred into the chamber unto them , and bidding them good morrow , asked them what difference there was betweene them , and of he might not end it . Sir , answered Clarangeus , this Gentlemen 〈…〉 upon a promise , which I made unto him the other day , that I should shew him a faire Lady , and I feare shee is not yet stirring . That may very well be , answered Lisander ; but may not I also see her ? No sir , said Clarangeus ▪ Kings and Lovers will have no companions . Sir , said Alcidon unto Lisander , you are not a man to bee refused , if Clarangeus will beleeve mee , and if you are willing , it shall be your fault if she be not shewed you . There shall bee no fault in me , answered Lisander , and to witnesse unto you that I have a desire thereunto , I doe now tell you I doe already know your message , and that if Clarangeus refuseth the offer which you make in the behalfe of your friend , I will accept of it betweene you and mee . Alcidon answered , then are we as I would desire ; and now I hope Clarangeus cannot refuse to give Lidian contentment , seeing that with his will or without it , we shall try it together . Well , answered Clarangeus , let mee then see Lidian , and doe you accommodate your selfe ( to your desire ) with Lisander , although there is no reason , that having no quarrell one with another , you should so rashly precipitate your selves upon your owne armes . Lisander did never undertake a quarrell with more griefe ; not that he did doubt Alcidon , or that he was not willing to serve Clarangeus ; but hee did consider the displeasure which he should doe unto Dorilas , whom hee had so freshly obliged ; unto Cleander , who loved him so dearly , and , which was more than the rest , unto Calista , in assisting a man against her brother : but the French passion ( which in this respect is beastly , and constraineth those who doe detest this pernicious custome , to observe it , and to embrace a false honour in stead of a true ) made him passe over all those considerations . Thus went they towards their combat : Alcidon brings them into a meadow , where Lidian stayed for them upon a good horse , with a sword by his side : there , having all alighted , and put themselves into their shirts , Alcidon and Lisander left Lidian with Clarangeus , and went apart about a hundred paces , where being ready prepared , they ran one at the other , and at the first encounter were both wounded ; Lisander gave him a very great wound in his thigh , which he ran thorow , and he himselfe was wounded in the left arme , so that the one lost the use of his thigh , and the other of his arme : But Alcidon fell downe , unto whom Lisander said , We fight but for our friends , and for our honour , without any particular occasion of hatred to each other , wherefore you having some of my bloud , suffer me , I pray , though unwillingly , to carry away this of yours , and that remaining your friend , I may goe separate those whom a small occasion hath made enemies . This being said , without staying for answer , hee ran unto Lidian and Clarangeus , whose combat had proceeded in this manner ; Lidian had made a thrust unto Clarangeus , which lighted upon his Rapier , and going betweene the barres of the hilts , wounded him in his right hand , but he himselfe was wounded in the left hand , and his Sword , engaged in the hilts of his adversaris , broke in the middle : Then seeing Lisander comming towards him with his sword naked and bloody , and not seeing Alcidon , he did verily thinke that he had killed him , and came now to helpe his friend ; wherefore seeing two such enemies upon his hands at once , and himselfe without a sword ( for whom two had beene too little ) that he was in extremity , it may easily be imagined : yet dissembling his thought , and willing to cover his pressing and manifest danger , as one who had rather lose a thousand lives , than one title of honour ; he cast which way hee might revenge his death , which hee did beleeve to bee inevitable , when Lisander threw himselfe betweene their weapons , and before Clarangeus could have liberty to speake one word , he cryed unto them , Sirs , you are both noble , both bloody , and both friends , without having any advantage one of the other , or if there be any , it is rather due unto fortune than valour , which is equall between you ; I conjure you to give your difference ( which is but small ) unto your ancient friendship which was so great , and unto this blood , which Alcidon and I have shed for your pleasure . How , said Clarangeus ? and shall not Lidian confesse himselfe vanquished , being alone , and without a sword , against us two ? Never vanquished though killed , answered Lidian ; for although you kill mee , yet I will never want courage to dye , though I want armes to defend my selfe . Live then invincible , said Clarangeus , for it shall never bee said that I triumph over you rather by fortune than vertue . Ah , said Lidian , now thou hast vanquished me , in saying I should remain invincible , my life being in thy hand , which thou hast generously spared , when I would not have begged it to have redeemed it from death . In saying this , he flung away the rest of his sword , and ran to embrace sometimes Clarangeus , and sometimes Lisander ( having teares in their eyes out of tender joy , principally Clarangeus , who was more particularly touched with his former affection ) equally thanking them for their courtesie . In the meane time Lisander lost much blood , and Alcidon more , whereby hee was not able to rise ; wherefore all three went unto the place where he fell , and found him more afflicted with griefe that hee could not follow Lisander , than with his wound ; but when he knew the happy successe of their combat , his contentment made him forget the greater part of his griefe .