AFter it was determined amongst the shepheardesses of Lignon , to go all together within three dayes upon a visit unto the disguised Alexis ; Love , whose custome is to torment those most , who are most devoted unto it , began to make the shepheardesse Astrea sensible of such odd panges of strange impatiencies , that she could not give any good account of reason for them . She found in her selfe such a violent desire of seeing Alexis , because every one reported her so resemblant unto Celadon ; that the prejudicated mind of this sage shepheardesse , was fully resolved to love her before yet she ever saw her ; or rather , this forestalled resolution was a forerunner of a most great and impatient love : so as it may be said , that this new love was implanted in her very Nature , since it produced in her , all the consequences and effects which love useth in the soul of a zealous lover : so as three dayes which were to be expired before they went this long desired visit , seemed unto her three long and tedious yeares : And she would with all her heart have been contented to abate so many yeares of her life , upon condition these three dayes were done , that she might injoy her hop't for contentment : But when Alexis understood by her Brother , that Astrea was to come to see her very shortly , oh how this disguised Dru de started at the newes ? she resented two different Passions at once ; she was highly joyed , to thinke that she was to be blessed with a sight , of her dearly loved shepheardesse , and to talke with her in that disguise : Also she was damped with a pale feare , when she considered that her Mistresse had reason to accuse her of disobedience , & sinning against her positive commands ; a Crime which was death it selfe unto her to commit ; for having untill that time preserved her affections pure and free from all manner of blame , she would much rather chuse death , then suffer it to be stained with the least blur of infidelity or want of respect : but , as all true Lovers use , her thoughts harped more upon the pleasing string of her hopes , then upon that which her feares suggested ; so as she begun to thinke this terme of three dayes a long while too , and to be angry with those that took so long a term .

Leonide who knew all the secrets of her heart , and who seemed to be destined never to enjoy what she desired , but to contribute all her endeavours and industry towards the contentment of another ; had not she , I say , sweetned these tedious dayes by her affability and complaisance , doubtlesse the time had been most irksome unto her . But see what a bad master love is , and how ill does he recompense the paines of those that serve him ; He did injoyn these two Lovers with abundance of mutuall affection unto one another , but as if he were unwilling they should arrive at the sum of contentment , he kept them ignorant of their happinesse , and by this ignorance blasted their contentment . For Celadon being condemned unto perpetuall banishment , he laid the fault upon the change in his shepheardesses affection : And Astrea having seen Celadon throw himselfe into the River of Lignon , she thought , that this shepheards love not being able to endure the cruelty of her command he had chosen death before the insupportable sentence of her anger ; and this consideration cost her abundance of bitter repentance , many a sad sigh , and a very deluge of Teares . This impatiently expected day drawing nigh , and being earnestly desired both by this new Druide , and by the new love of Astrea , both of them not being able to stay so long as till the Sunne was up , they quitted their beds upon the first blush of Aurora . Celadon , as most vigilant , called the Sun sluggard , and conjured Aurora to open the windowes of Heaven quickly , that thereby this happy and long'd for day might receive a beginning . Whilst this restlesse shepheard was in this longing expectation , and condemning the Suns slow motion , day did by degrees enlighten his Chamber ; so as assuming Druids habit , he left the Name of Celadon , and in lieu of it assumed the Notion of Daughter unto Adamas ; happy had he been , could he have left off his Passion as he did his habit ; but Celadons heart was still the same in any disguise , and nothing could work a change in it but death .

Being thus clad in the habit of Alexis , as soon as the doores of the house were open , he walked alone into a little Grove which had the view of the Plaine ; and from whence he could see the whole Course of the delightfull River of Lignon : As soon as ever he cast his eye that way , it presently stopped at the place where Astrea dwelt , and thinking upon the happy dayes which he had spent in that place , when in his own habit he was freely allowed to be with his beloved shepheardesse ; Oh what abundance of sighs did this thought force from him ? He began to recollect into his memory , all the sweet and kind answers which ever she had given him , when being forced by the violence of his love , he begged some assurances of affection from her : Here he reveived the memory of all the traverses and thwartings which Alcipes and Hipolite used ; he did not forget the aversnesse of Alces , nor the anger of their Parents , nor his long travels , nor any subtiltie which love had taught him : Also he punctually remembred Astreas constancy in all difficulties , nor did he forget any circumstance , which might be any argument of her love once unto him . Then presently after considering how the case stood now , and how she had banished him her presence , also looking upon that fatal place where he received that dismall sentence , Yonder ( said he , and pointed to the place with his finger ) yonder 's the place destined to Ravish from me all my joyes , and to be the beginning of all my miseries . But ( said he after a melancholly pause ) is it possible so great affection should ever become such extreame hatred ? Can such firm Constancy admit of any Change ! And can such perfect happinesse be ever turned into such unlook't for disasters . Then standing in a mute posture , admiring the strange difference between his life past , and this present : Nay , nay , ( said he ) never stand wondering at the strangenesse of the alteration ; but rather wonder , that such a change should be , and yet Celadon should live , since he hath lost all that can make life sweet .

Astrea in the mean time , who had not closed an eye all the night , no sooner spied the first blush of Aurora , but she quitted her Bad , dressed her selfe with all possible haste , and went with all diligence to find out her Companions , who being lesse passionate upon the journey then she , had past away the night with lesse inquietude and more rest ; And though in her way thither she espied Silvander in the field of Mercury , lying down under the Pillar , yet least she should lose time , she would not speak unto him , but hasted away towards her Companions , whom she imagined to find sleeping , and whom she intended to hasten . And indeed she did find them all asleep , she awaked them , called them sluggards , and to prompt them unto more hast , pulled the clothes off their beds , and made them wonder at her forwardnesse , but the vehemency of her passion might plead her excuse : Oh Silvander , how much beholding hadst thou been unto this shepheardesse , had she brought thee along with her to be witnesse of this Act , in pulling off the Clothes from them ? Judge what effects such a sight would have caused in thee , since Astrea seeing those beauties in that posture , was ravished with admiration at them , and with a sigh , said , Ah Diana , had you been the third in the Temple , certainly Celadon would have bestowed the Apple upon you . Astrea ( said she unto her ) You are this morning in such a mood , as I must needs suspect your judgement : And as for matter of beauty , I cannot pretend unto it : As I was comming hither ( said Astrea ) I saw one who I am sure is of another opinion ; and had you seen him as I did in the field of Mercury , with folded armes , and eyes lifted up to heaven , you would have better believed what I say . I know ( said Diana ) that you speak of Silvander : but sister , I know again that what he does , is but fained , and upon a wager ; Fictions , replyed Astrea , doe never cause reall passions ; and call me the most ignorant person that lives , if Silvander doe not most passionately love you , and if his affection , treat him as you will , doe not accompany him to his Grave ; for melancholly persons who are slow and long before they do love , when once the flame is kindled , it will never be extinguisht in them . I must confesse sister ( said Diana ) that when this wager first began , I had the same apprehensions . And but because you would needs have it so , I should not have consented unto it , knowing very well how dangerous these fictions are : but since the disease of this shepheard proceeds from the permission which you have obtained for him from me , I am resolved that this shall be the last day he shall have leave to continue his Courtship ; for I will give judgement betweene Phillis and him in the presence of Alexis and Leonide ; the three moneths are determined , and I have deferred it only out of desire that the Nymphs might see the conclusion of the businesse , as she hath the beginning . Astrea being unwilling to displease her , was silent ; but Phillis began , Good sister , said she , doe you think that when your judgement is given , if he doe love you , he will then cease ? I believe ( answered Diana ) that he will not then talke to me as he hath done ; and if he doe love me , the trouble of it will be his own . Oh Diana , replied Phillis ; you are mistaken : for now you may put it off by saying , that what he does is onely to make good his wager ; but when this excuse is taken away , you will be then obliged to receive his language as in good earnest . What you say , replied Diana , is very true ; but let me tell you , that if he give me any language but what is fitting , I shall give him answers as shall keep him from any replies . Upon this Phillis began to laugh ; My deare Companion , said she , we have seen some put on such resolutions , who have been forced to alteration : for tell me , I beseech you , suppose he should continue in his addresses after your charge to the contrary , what then ? would you kill him for his disobedience ? I would not kill him , answered Diana , but I will give him such language as if he did love me , he would feare offending me ; and if he did not love me , let him doe what he will , he will be weary of it quickly . Nay on the contrary , replied Phillis , If he doe not love you , he will not care how much he displeaseth you ; and if he love you , his affection will not let him obey you in any thing which shall crosse his love : for , sister , be assured , that a violent affection may perhaps be thwarted , but never entirely eradicated . Perhaps he will for a time obey your severe commands , but ere long he will cast off all considerations , and like a Torrent which is stopped in its course , will at last overflow its own banks , and all the fields about it : So I say , your forbiddance may for a time be a stoppage unto the stream of his violencies ; but his affection will at last break down all before it , and overflow all your commands that obstruct it , and perhaps with such violence as every one shall see it . If it should so fall out , as you may very well expect it will , what can you doe more , but still renew your first forbiddances ? Perhaps your language will be more sharp , but alas , words are but words , and too weak to give a check unto one that really loves , as I believe Silvander does . Sister ( said Diana faintly ) I never yet met with any such obstinate Lovers which you speak of ; and when I doe , I shall find out a way to be rid from them : Heaven has not made us so miserable , but though they have denyed us strength , yet have they given us prudence enough to preserve our selves .

Thus these faire shepheardesses discoursed while they were dressing themselves ; and when they were ready , they went towards the field of Mercury , where they were all to rendezvous ; then to go unto the Temple of the good Goddesse , and from thence to Alexis . Silvander was before all the rest , finding no contentment , but when he saw Diana . When they came there , this shepheard was singing , and was so rapt up in his own imagination , as though they were very near him , yet he perceived them not . Diana seeing him in this condition ; she knew very well that Astrea and Phillis had spoken truth , and that he prepared himself for a great Combat with her ; who since the death of Philander , had never any spark of good will unto any man but this shepheard but not enduring that Silvander should serve her , being a person altogether unknown she resolved upon extream rigor against the affection of this shepheard ; and perhaps , something against her own inclination . Whilst she was in these thoughts , Phillis who loved Silvander for causing the jealousie of Lycidas to vanish . She pittied him , and turning towards Diana , whispered thus in her eare ; I doe ingeniously confesse , Mistriss , that this shepheard does love you better then I doe , and I am affraid that if you be judge the cause will go against me . Dianas mind being directed another way , she did not reply , but as soon as Silvander had done singing ; How now shepheard , said Phillis unto him , doe you value this company so little , that you will not daign them a look ? Silvander being roused out of his deep thoughts , by this voice , as out of a profound sleep , he started up , and saluted the shepherdesses . I must confesse ( said he ) that Phillis hath obliged me , though perhaps contrary to her intention . Your ingratitude , answered Phillis , is such towards me , as I shall never advise any to oblige you , since you doe so ill acknowledge it ; doe you thanke me thus for advertising you of your duty , and for bringing her unto you whom you say you love ? methinkes common civility should prompt you unto a more handsome acknowledgement then this . Phillis , answered Silvander , you put me in mind of those Cowes , who when they have filled the Paile with milk , doe throw it downe with their foot ; for when you had in some sort obliged me , you cancell the obligation by upbraiding me with it . I must confesse that what you have done does merit acknowledgement , but what acknowledgement is due ? the very same that Diana useth unto her little Dogge Driope , when he hath done any thing which pleaseth her ; and if you aske her , what recompence she gives him , she will tell you , that she onely chocks him under the chin , and strokes him half a dozen times upon the back ; and since you have done no more for me , methinkes you should be content with the same paiment . Astrea and Diana could not chuse but laugh at his merry answer . Upon which Silvander stepped towards her , and offered to stroke her as Diana did her Dogge ; but she pushed him away , and with a frowning look , said unto him . If you use to pay your debts with such money , I believe all your Creditors will cast you off as I doe , since your payment is so bad but , ungrateful person , you cannot deny your Obligation unto me to be great , for changing your melancholly thoughts into a sight of the fair Diana . This Obligation , said he , I must needs confesse to be very great , if it was done intentionally ; but it was done with a quite contrary designe , because all that proceeds from an enemy may well be suspected . What ill designe could I have in it , replyed Phillis ? Perhaps you thought , said he , that the severity of my Mistress would more perplex me then my melancholly thoughts ; or because you know that the more one sees the person loved , the more is love augmented ; you thought there was no speedier way to kill me , then by the sight of this faire shepheardsse . But Phillis , doe not think that I will ever shrink from such a death , since I am sure I cannot avoid it , and since no life can be more desireable then such a death is .

This dispute had lasted longer between this shepheard and shepheardesses , had they not seen a company coming towards them , and very neare ; all with intentions of going together as visitants of Alexis . One of the company , to make the time seem lesse tedious , did sing , and the substance of his song was against an unconstant shepheardesse : Silvander and Diana listned with silent attention unto the words of the Song : the finger was presently known to be Corilas , who being stung with the perfidious tricks of Stella , he could not hide those resentments of hatred which he had conceived against her . That shepheardesse also , after addresses in hopes of regaining him , finding all her endeavours to be in vaine , she also turned her amity into hatred , which was so publiquely known unto every one , as they were commonly called . The Friends Enemies . The shepheardesse did not at that time returne any answer , because Hylas as she began , did silence her with singing out these lines .

At these last words this Company was so neare Astrea and her Companions , that they all saluted each other , and left singing to enquire of each others welfare : Hylas , he applied himselfe unto Silvander ; Oh , my good friend , said he unto him , I see that here is not one in all the company that knows how to love but I for if there was you would not thus trifle away your time , but go presently to the faire Alexis . I believe , answered Phillis , that we shall be there time enough to imploy all your Constancy : No , no , replied Silvander , he has all the reason in the world to make haste , otherwise there would be some danger , lest the end of his love should be before the beginning of our journey . Perhaps you think ( said Hylas ) that you have given me a notable check , in saying , that I doe never love any long , but I take it as one of the greatest commendations you can give me . For good Silvander tell me , Is not he that goes as much ground in an hour , as another does in a whole day , is not he , I say , the best Footman ? and a Mason that builds a House in a moneth , which another will not undertake under a whole yeare , is not he the best Workman ? If you will make your love a Lackey ( said Silvander ) I shall think the faster it goes , the better it is ; But as for your Mason , let me tell you Hylas , that he who makes most haste is not the best workman , but he who does his work the best , does best deserve that name : for most haste makes worse work , and often spoils all . Hylas would have replied , when all the Company began to set forward towards the Temple of the good Goddesse , where Chrysante expected them at Dinner : for that venerable Druid understanding their determination , and being desirous to visit the faire Alexis , she invited them all unto her house , that she might make one of their company : this request , which was honourable unto them , was not denyed , and therefore Silvander left the inconstant Hylas to wait upon Diana , being exceedingly glad of this opportunity of being with her when Paris was not . Had the disguised Alexis looked the right way , she might easily have seen them come from the field of Mercury ; for the Grove where she was , surveyed the place ; but her eyes were so fixed upon the place where Astrea dwelt , that she stood like a statue expressing no signes that she was alive , but onely breathing or rather sighing .

She had longer stood in this musing posture , if Leonide had not diverted her : this Nymph not being able to extinguish her flames of affection towards Celadon , she was so much delighted in the company of Alexis , that she was absent from him as little as possible she could . The wise Adamas having the words of Silvia still fresh in his memory , though he knew well enough what ardent affection that shepheard had unto the faire Astrea , yet did he live in much perplexity , knowing very well that his Neece was not so disfurnished of natures gifts , but that she might in time worke upon a young heart , and make it forget all respects of loyalty and duty .

This consideration was so strong in him , that she would never have permitted this young shepheard to enter his house , under the habit name and motion of his Daughter Alexis , had not the Oracle made a promise unto him , that when Celadon did enjoy his contentment , his age should then be happy ; so as being interested in point of happinesse , he chose rather to take so much paines to watch the actions of them both , then to lose that happinesse which the Heavens had promised . Now because he could not have his eye alwayes upon them , in respect his domestique and publique affaires invited him another way ; he charged Paris to be present with them as much as he could .

This morning when he heard they were both gone out of the house , and that Paris was not with them , he went immediately after them , and followed his Neece so close , as he was in the Grove almost as soone as shee , where Alexis had beene along while entertaining her thoughts : the noise which the Nimphs made as she came caused Celadon to looke that way , and as he turned he spyed the Druide comming , unto whom she bore so much respective reverence , that though she had rather have beene alone entertaining his thoughts of Astrea : yet seeming otherwise , she went to meet him , and bid him good morrow with a countenance of joy more then accustomed ; of which Adamas taking notice , after his morning salute , he told her that her countenance of jollity did presage but a bad conclusion of the day . If it please , good Father , answered Alexis , you shall receive contentment by it ; for as for me , I have no hopes but in death ; and if you did observe me with a merrier countenance then ordinary , it is because I thinke my selfe every day neerer the end of that torment which Fortune hath ordained for mee ; imitating in this , those who are in a long and tedious journey , who when they come to their Inn at night , are pleased to thinke that so much of their paines is lessened ; the Druide returned this cold answer ; My dear Child , those who do live without hope of comfort in their miseries , doe not only offend against the Providence of great Tautates , but also against the prudence of them who have the Guardianship of them . In this occasion therefore I have a double cause of Complaint against you : you have offended both the Gods and Mee , as Druide of the Country , into whose hands the Oracle hath committed you . Father , answered Alexis , I should be extreamly sorry , should I offend either the great Tautates or you ; and for an explanation of my words , give me leave to tell you that my intention was not to doubt either in the Providence of our great Gods , or in your Prudence ; but I doe beleeve it is not the will of the Gods to give me any contentment as long as I live , and that my misfortune is so great as it is beyond all humane Prudence to helpe it . You must know , replyed Adamas ; that the slighting of a benefit received , does often withdraw the hand of the Benefactor , and makes it more slacke in conferring then it was before ; take heed you provoke not the Heavens unto the like for you doe so ill accept of what they have begun to doe for you , as you have reason to feare , that in lieu of happinesse , they will inflict new punishments . Doe you not consider ▪ that when you had mured up your selfe in a Salvage Rocke , the Gods sent Silvander with consolation unto you ? Then , to make their goodnesse more apparent unto you ; did not he cause Astrea her selfe to come unto you ? Did you not see her ; nay , almost hear her , and the Lamentations she made for you ? what better beginnings of happinesse could you possibly hope for then these : I will not instance the visits of Leonide and my selfe , for perhaps they were troublesome unto you ; but I may well mention the goodnesse of the Gods to you , in inspiring mee to bring you unto my house , under the notion and habit of my Daughter Alexis , for doubtlesse it is her whom Astrea comes to see : What more auspitious beginning can you have then this ? Can you imagine , that without the particular aide and assistance of the Gods , this habit and disguise could delude the eyes of so many persons ? All the people of your owne Towne , your friends , your familiars , have seen you , and been deceived ; your owne Brother himselfe is mistaken ; but the favours of Tautates rest not here : for hee inspired Astrea to come and see you : what can you desire more for a prosperous beginning ? Yet I see , such is your ingratitude that still you complain , or at least receive not these benefits with a thankefull heart . Take heed Child , you provoke not a Diety too sarre , least they should withdraw these favours , and give you a just cause of condolement . Father , answered Alexis , I doe most gratefully acknowledge the goodnesse of Tautates , and your indulgent care over mee ; but still I cannot chuse but complaine ; for I am yet like unto a poore afflicted man , who hath a thousand torments at once upon him ; though one or two of those torments be taken away , yet the rest which remaine are enough to move complaint . The Druide was ready to answer when he saw Paris coming towards them , who being clad in his shepherds habit , made it manifest that Love prompted unto the dresse . Leonide also flattering her selfe in an opinion that her beauty needed not to submit unto the beauty of Astrea , she used all her art , and trimmed up her selfe to the best advantage that Alexis seeing her in that dresse , and comparing Astrea with her , the artificiall lustre of the one , might dimme the naturall simplicity of the others beauty . Alexis in her usuall habit seemed to care least for this visit , though she had the most interest , and because she desired not to be knowne by any , shee added nothing to her ordinary dresse ; besides , she knew that her happinesse was to be expected from fortune and not beauty : but however , she appeared so fair in that simple habit without any artifice , that Leonide could not keep her eyes off her .

After some common discourse , Paris who was passionately in love with Diana , to make himselfe more pleasing in her eye , he assumed the habit of a shepherd ; and not being furnished with so much patience as to stay till their coming , he told Adamas , that if it pleased him , he would goe and meet those fair shepherdesses , who were to visit his Sister , and conduct them to the best and neerest way . The Druide knowing what affection he had unto Diana , and not disallowing it for some reasons , which hereafter shall be declared , did commend his designe , hinting unto him that courtesie and civility , of all the vertues did most attract the hearts of people , and that it was the naturall quality of persons well borne . Paris upon this leave went presently towards Lignon , and going down the Hill unto the bridge of Boteresse , he followed the River , taking into a little path upon his right hand , which led him into the Wood , where the empty tombe of Celadon was erected ; and passing on he came unto the Meadow which is before the Temple of Astrea . He had no sooner set foot in it , but he spyed on the other side of it two Horsemen , the one of which was armed ; he had on his right hand a Gantlet , and on the other a Buckler , a Plume of black and white , which waved over the Crupper of his Horse , his Corslet was set with Lions , his Sword Falchion like , which turned up at the end like to a demi-circle , hung by his side in a rich scarfe .

As soon as Paris perceived him , he remembred what hapned unto Diana when Filidas and Filander were slaine , and therefore retreated into the Wood , yet being very desirous to know more of them , he still kept his eye upon them through the thick Wood. He saw that as soone as they were entred into the Meadow and spyed the pleasant Fountaine , which is at the entrance into the Temple ; the Cavelier lighted from his Horse , and the other whom he judged to be his Servant , ran to him , held his stirrop , tooke his Horse , unbridled him , and without any respect unto the place , let him eat upon the sacred Grasse : Meane while the Cavelier went to the Fountaine ; dranke of the water , and washed his hands and face . Paris by his deportment did imagine that his intention was not to offer harme unto any , and this opinion made him so bold as to go neerer him , yet still concealing himselfe in the thicke Wood ; so as he unseen came so neere them , that he could both heare and see all that they said and did : He saw that the Cavalier was both young and faire , though extreame sorrow appeared in his face ; then looking upon his Armes , he thought him to be a Gaule , and that he was in love : for he bore upon his silver Sheild a Tyger feeding upon a Hart , with this Motto . Thou gav'st me death , and I maintaine thy life .

Perhaps he had observed every thing both longer and better , had he not beene prevented by the sighs of this Caveller , who looking fixedly upon the Fountaine , rowsed himselfe as out of a deepe slumber , and lifting up his eyes towards Heaven , he taxed his courage with Pusillanimity , for supporting so many misfortunes ; his words were seconded with many a sigh , and sighs seconded with showers of teares , which trickled downe his cheekes into the Fountaine : Presently after , lying along upon the ground , and letting his arms hang loose , he grew pale , and his complexion changed , so as his servant who kept an eye upon him , seeing him in this condition , he was affraid least he should swoone ; he ran therefore unto him , cast a little water in his face , and recovered him before he lost his knowledge or strength ▪ But hee , opening his eyes , and lifting them faintly up to heaven , made such sad Lamentation , that his servant could not chuse but sigh : which he observing ; what Halladine ( said he ) dost thou sigh ? Sir , said the Servant , I sigh more to see suchan alteration in you , then for the distaster of which you complain : for to be deceived by a woman , to be betrayed by a Rivall , that virtue should procure envy , and that fortune should favour the designes of enemies , is not at all strange , because it is ordinary : But I must needs wonder to see the courage of Damon , which hitherto I believed invincible , and which hath made him esteemed and feared both of friends and enemies , should now shrink at a common accident , which inferiour courages are wont to resist . A thought of revenge , if nothing else , methinkes sir , should move you to preserve your selfe untill you have found out Madonthe , that you might in herpresence call them to an account , who are the causes of your displeasure . For Gods sake sir , consider that a Calumny which is not disproved may well passe for a truth ; and consequently Madonthe had reason to treat you as she did . Paris observed , that at the name of Madonthe , the Cavelier assumed a little vigour , and that looking upon him , he answered with a faint voice ; Ah Halladin , didst thou but know what torments are upon me , thou wouldst say that I doe want courage , since I doe endure them any longer and live . Oh ye Gods , who both see and heare my unjust sorrowes , and my just complaints , either bestow a welcome death upon me , or else take away the memory of so many displeasures from mee . The Gods , said the Servant , doe use to favour those who by their courage and Prudence endeavour to helpe themselves in their misfortunes , and to decline those who losing their heart and courage , have recourse only to prayers and weake tears ; why doe you thinke , did they bestow upon you a soule of a higher generosity then upon others ? doe you thinke it was to make use of it only in prosperity , and not to encounter the gusts of adversity ? Certainely Sir , you ought to shew the effects of it upon all occasions , especially in adversity , to the end that those who ●ee that vertue in you , may praise the Gods for imparting so much perfection unto man , and considering it in you , they may come to the knowledge of the great Giver . Will you offer to abuse the favours and the hopes which every one hath in you ? I have heard some say who knew you in your infancy , that you promised a noble courage even from the very Cradle , and shewed so much generosity of soule , as every one conceived that you would prove an example unto the world of an invincible spirit : will you not Sir answer all their hopes and expectations ? There are some women who thinke it a shame to shrinke at the blowes of Fortune , though their natures be pusillanimous and timerous ; yet being disposed unto vertuous ends they often change their Natures : you Sir are a man : that very word commands you to be couragious : you who are a Cavelier , brought up in Martiall wayes ▪ and hath looked grim death in the face ; you who have acquired great reputation in the greatest dangers : you I say , who are Damon , who never started at any difficulty , now faint at such an accident as this ? Will you offer to die before you doe an act worthy not only of a Cavelier , but of a common man ? Halladine , Halladine , answered the Cavelier , these considerations are good in another season , or in any other man but my selfe : alas , what act can I doe , which will doe me any good , only dying excepted ; for all others are displeasing unto her for whom only I desire to live . Thou knowest that Madonthe is the only aime of all my desires and since all my hopes of her is lost , what can I desire but death ? But Sir , said Halladine , how doe you know that all your hopes of Madonthe are lost ? Thou thy selfe said the Cavelier dost know as much : give me leave to tell you Sir , ( replyed Halladine ) that I doe know how the case stands better then you doe : for Sir when you commanded me to carry your letter and Thersanders Ring unto her , and the Handkerchief full of your blood unto the hellish Leriana , by chance I met with them both together ; and though that divellish wretch who was the cause of all your misery did stand immovable at your message , which I declared from you unto them : yet I observed Madonthe first to grow pale , afterwards to tremble , and lastly when shee heard of your death , and saw the blood , she was surprised with so much sorrow , that had she not beene held , she had sunke downe , so as had I thought you alive , doubtlesse I had brought you very good newes from her . Oh my friend Halladine ( said the Cavelier ) what a weake conclusion dost thou make ? Didst thou but know the nature of women thou wouldst confesse with me , that such alterations in them doe proceed rather from Compassion then Passion : for certainly all women are naturally pittifull , and compassion is an ordinary effect of their weake soules ; so as what thou observest in Madonthe proceeded from the pittifulnesse of her Nature : But , Halladine , it is not pitty or compassion , but passion and love that I doe desire from her , and this thou didst not discover in her soule . Alas Sir , said Halladi●e , unto what a miserable condition are you reduced since you your selfe are the very worst enemy that you have ? I wonder such an accident should worke such an alteration in your judgement . Admit the worst , that Madonthe does not love you ; yet if you desire to overcome her and obtaine her favour , why doe you not goe where she is , but shun all community with mankind , or habitable places ? Since hatred is the higher , ( said the Cavelier ) for seeing the person hated , have I not good reason to shun the sight of Madenthe , because she hates me ? and so being deprived of her whom onely I desire ; all things else that I see are displeasing unto mee , why then shouldest thou thinke it strange , that I should disrellish all others , since I cannot see Madonthe ? Good Sir , said Halladine , what comfort can you expect to finde in Wildernesses , and uncoth savage places ? Death , ( said the Cavelier ) for that is all the comfort I hope for since it is so , said Hallad●ne , is it not better to go and die before Madonthes face , that she may see you die for her , then to languish away your life amongst Rockes and Caves and solitary Woods , where none knowes what you do : Thou sayest well Halladine answered the Cavelier , but thou knowest that Madonthe is fled away with her darling Thersander ; and to enjoy him with more security , keepes close from any finding them : Dost thou thinke that I would not have had recourse unto some desperat act , if I had not had such an intention as thou speakest of ? Upon these words , teares hindered his speech , and pitty moved Halladine unto the same , so as for a while they both stood speechlesse . Paris who listned attentively , hearing Madonthe named , could not at the first imagine it to be her , whom he had seen disguised in the habit of a shepheardesse with Astrea and Diana : But when he heard Thersander named , he made no doubt but that it was she , and therefore he hearkned more attentively , when Halladine began to speak thus ; For my part , sir , said Halladine , were your case mine , I would never die for one who changes me for another , but if the displeasure of it did so far transport me as to resolve upon death , I would first send death to the man , who is the cause of my losse before me , and he should die by no hand but my owne . For beside the sweet of revenge , I would let her who changed me for him , see what a bad choice she had made : I would never suffer him to inherit my happinesse after my death . Therefore I advise you sir , if you be resolved upon death , that first you give Thersander his death , who is the obstacle of your happinesse , and cause of your death . I must confesse ( said the Cava●er ) that in this thou speakest reason ; but Halladine , thou knowest he conceales himselfe , he is afraid of such a designe ; and to prevent it , He , Madonthe , and her Nurse , keep so close , as none knowes where they are . Whilest he was saying so , and whilst Paris was listning with an inquisitive eare , the poore distracted shepheard Adrastes came singing some mad freakes in discomposed meeter , without any order or sense : this miserable lover , since the judgement of the Nimph Leonide given against him in favour of Palemon , did so resent his separation from Doris , that being out of all hopes , his minde was distracted . 'T is true , he had some intervalls in which he would talke pertinently enough , but then presently he would change , and rove a hundred miles from the matter , so as he moved all that knew him unto pitty , and others to laughter ; love being the cause of his distraction , all his follies harped upon that string ; and when his good intervalls were upon him , his complaint was all upon the obduracy of Doris , the injustice of Leonide , the good fortune of Palemon , and his owne misery . These strangers listned unto him , but could hardly understand what he said , since not one word was pertinent unto another : yet he , ravished in his owne fancy , not seeing them , came singing close to them ; and had not the Horses neighed , perhaps he had passed on without a sight of them . The Cavelier hearing him very often intermixe with his roving language , the words Love , Beauty , and Passion , did know what his disease was , he desired to know a little more , and rising up , he spoke thus unto him ▪ Good friend , tell us in what Country we are ? and what is the misery which makes you thus complaine ? Arastes seeing the Cavelier , and his minde running all upon love , did answer him : Sir , she is so infinitely faire , that no mortal can equall her , and Palemon hath ravished her from me . The Cavelier replyed , who is that Palemon ? Palemon , answered the shepheard , is Palemon ; yes , yes , said the stranger , I know that is his name : but what is he , of what quality ? At this question , Adrastes was a little troubled , and looking wildly upon the Cavelier , he answered , Palemon is one whom Adrastes does not love . And Adrastes , said the Cavelier , who is he ▪ Then the shepheard growing more frantique , broke out into extreame laughter , and in conclusion , began to cry , saying , the Nimph has wronged me ; Doris at the beginning cryed , then went away ; and though I called her back , yet she would not so much as look back upon me , was ever any thus used ? The Cavelier was at first amazed at his language , and plainly saw that he was distracted , and thinking love to be the cause , he pittied him ; then turning towards his servant , see , said he , what will be my fortune , if I doe not die : for certainly this shepheard is run mad for love . Love , replyed Adrastes , is as mad as either . For Palemon if he were not , Doris would either have been here , or I where she is . Thus he roved into such odd impertinencies , that Halladine could not forbeare laughing , which the Knight perceiving , Thou dost laugh at this poore shepheard , said he unto Halladine , but does not consider that perhaps thou wilt have the same occasion to laugh at me . At me said the shepheard , why , I am Adrastes , and I would know whether Palemon will live a long time or no. The Cavelier was so troubled with his impertinent speeches , and so unwilling to be diverted from his thoughts , that he commanded his servant to bridle their Horses , and getting up , they went into the wood where Paris was , who was in two or three mindes whether or no he should shew himself , and as a stranger , offer him all possible assistance , as by the Lawes of Hospitality he was obliged : but considering that if he engaged himselfe with this Cavelier , he should lose an occasion of serving Diana : also thinking it better to advertise Madonthe and Thersander of him , he still concealed himselfe upon these considerations .