Piers Plainnes seauen yeres prentiship by H.C.

PIERS PLAINNES seuen yeres Prentiship .

THE Sunne no sooner entred Gemini , but Natures plentie and Earths pride , gaue the husbandman hope of gainefull Haruest , and the shepheard assurance of happie increase ; the first cherished with the liuely Spring of his deade sowne séede : The seconde cheared by the liuing presence of his late yeande Lambes .

In that months prime , Menalcas ( no meane shepheard of Thessalie ) sate in a grone of Pines vnder the principall trée , pensiue inough , though not pining either for loue or losse : His seruaunt ( among other swaines ) was the meane while vnfolding his shéep , the neighbring grounds to Tempe was their pasture , euen Tempe the pleasure of Thessalie , and Paradice of Greece .

To Menalcas thus solitary , one day when the Sun had newly dried vp the Mornings balmy moysture , came a kinde companion of his , Coridon it was , no shephearde , but a plough-swaine : no lesse wealthy than the Heardsman , their credits equal , their wits not different : viewing the shepheards heauinesse , the husbandman thus said .

I muse not a little Menalcas , nowe when euery creature takes delight in company , you shoulde desire this solitude : Did snow couer the mountains , or swelling flouds ouercharge the valleyes : Did ysicles dangle downe the dew laps of your Heard , or diseases inuade your flocks , somewhat it were you should be thus sorrowfull : But séeing on the hills your Goats brouse on swéete smelling Thyme , in the dales your shéepe chew no lesse delightfull grasse : those teaching their Kids to skip the hollowe places of the crag , these wantoning with their Lambes amonge the flowers of the meades : fields abounding with Floraes beauty , flouds not ouerchargde with Phoebes plenty : all yéelding you good , your selfe excéeding each neighboring shepheard in goods : woonder it is , euery of them froliking , you should alone sit thus disconsolate . Want which gréeues you I knowe it is not , that my last reason hath refuted : Wealth that lifts you vp , I am sure it cannot bee , that familiar conuersation hath refelled : for as yee are not poore , so were ye neuer proud : that you hate any deadly , your woonted mildnes forbids me to suppose , that you loue Lycoris alone , your vowes and her vertue , ( beside your seauen yeares marriage ) assures mee : so that séeing neither from loue , nor hate , nor wealth , nor want in my conceit , these passions of solitarines are sprung , let Corydon your olde acquaintance intreat yee to vnfold your griefs , which if it be not in my power wholly to redresse , I will indeuour to procure some remedy , if either countenance , counsell , or coyne can giue ayde . Disclose it therefore Menalcas , I am prepard to heare , and will be as ready to adusse .

Kindely offered Corydon , replyed Menalcas : and well hast thou gest mee frée from euery incommodity before named , and shalt be immediatly resolud whence now my meditation arises : being free from sorrowe I protest , yet full of suspect , I trust causeles : but when thou hearest it , as thou shalt like , so counsaile me .

A two daies since , when last Lycoris and I visited thée and thy Palma , in our return home we entertaind a new seruant , plaine in condition for any thing I can gesse , of body strong , of wit prompt , of spéech not altogether rude , but excéeding Satyrical : his bringing vp I know not , thence arises my doubt , séeing last weeke Damon , last yeare Lycostes ( both my neighhors , and thy familliars ) had by entertaignement of straglers strange misfortunes . Coulde thy affaires Corydon permit thée so much leysure , I would require thy company to conferre with him : About this time hath hee vnfolded his shéepe , and thus haue I answered thy suspect : what I doubted thou knowest , assist mee to be of this doubt resolude if thou maist .

To this Corydon easily consented , Menalcas rose , they left the Groue and entred the plaine , where Piers Plainnes ( for so was Menalcas mans name ) hauing set his shéepe to féede , founde himselfe no little worke with platting wheate strawe for a summer bonnet , to to beare off the violence of the Sunnes beames : while his fingers went , his tonge lay not still , but thus to his shéepe and himselfe he sung :

Feede on my flocke securely , Your shepheard watcheth surely ; Runne about my little Lambs , Skipp and wanton with your Dams : Your louing Heard with care will tend yee . Sport on faire flocke at pleasure , Nip Vestaes flouring treasure ; I my selfe will duely harke , When my watchfull Dogg doth barke : From Woolfe and Foxe wee will defende yee .

As he was going on , he spied his Master and Corydon at hand : wherewith leauing his song , he attended Corydons words that first saluted him in this sort : God morrow friend , well worthy the name of a shepheard , if thy seruice bee answerable to thy song . If it bee not said Piers , I doo but imitate the most , that whatsoeuer they say , liue as they list .

Of them what thinkst thou said Corydon ? As they doo of themselues replyed Piers , and you suspect of mée : I gesse them to be hypocrites , which they knowe true , you doubt to be an eye-seruant , wherein ye déeme vntruely . Thou art very plaine with mee quoth Corydon . I cannot choose saide Piers , for I am plaine by name and nature . Thou art too blunt quoth Menalcas , he is my honest friend , and kinde familiar . Master said Piers , how long hath he béene your familiar ? This twenty winters answered Menalcas . And hath hee euer since quoth Piers béene your assured friend ? He hath said the other . Happy is Piers then to happen in such a seruice , for in Thrace and Creete haue I seuen yeares béene a prentice , howemany Masters in that time I haue serued , it were a story to tell , and were it worth the telling I would describe it in a Story : but in al that time could I neuer be acquainted with any man so happie , that had a true friend of tenne dayes standing . Menalcas and Corydon hearing him so pleasantly offer , what they onely required , willed him to deliuer as hée thought best , the places of his seruice , the persons hée serude with , and manner of his vsage : He as ready to performe as they to demaunde , craude pardon to sit because the taske was long , which they willingly graunted . Then in an artificiall seate formde out of a fresh budding thorne , sate they all thrée downe , and Piers hauing the preheminence of the middle place , beganne as followech .

Hylenus now the second time gouerneth in Thrace : whose fortunes , his Childrens , and Aeliana the Cretan Quéens ( ouring my seuen yeres seruice ) I wil handle , that you may know both what I haue béene , and what the world is .

Hylenus had two sonnes , Celinus and Aemilius , and one daughter , named Rhodope : the Daughters birth-day was her Mothers deaths-day , by the treacherous complot of a Persian Hand-maid , that of priuate grudge poysoned the new deliuered Quéene : and being apprehended , denide not the fact , for which shee suffered a deserued death .

The sonnes were borne twinnes , about thrée yeres elder than their sister , Celinus so like Aemilius in constitution of bodie , and so vnlike in disposition of mind , that it bred admiration in all that knew their bringing vp : Aemilius being no lesse loued for his vertue , than Celinus hated for his vice .

In the Court ( and in no meane account ) swayed a Noble man , named Celydon : one of his mens men was my master , a master to his master so seruiceable , as no slaue could be more submisse . Celydon had the charge of Hylenus Name , hauing likewise charge of a Castle on the mouth of Hebrus , to defend the entrie from forren inuasion . Popular hee was and liberall , of King and people well beloued .

The remisse dealing of Celinus drew from him his fathers heart , who by publike Edict proclaimed Aemilius his heir apparant . Celydon vnder whose smoothe looks ambitions fire lay couered , thinking to take the fittest of opportunities , presently vpon this Edict sent for Celinus , and in priuate demaunds how he tooke so publike an iniurie ? Who minding more the fulfilling of his lust than anie regall dignitie : made answere , it was no wrong to him to liue at libertie . But with many reasons Celydon reprouing his remissenes , laying open the glorie of estate , the power to will anye thing vncontrould , and such like : Celinus began a little to giue eare , protesting he would be Aemilius priest if his father immediately reuokd not the Edict . To calme this furie , yet kindle a more vnnaturall flame , Celydon thus slily practisde .

It is in vaine ( saith he ) to purpose the ruine of Celinus alone , sith your father ( vtterly forgetting the follies of his owne youth , excéeding yours by infinite degrées ) hath absolutely dispossest you of all claime to the Kingdom , naming your sister next in succession if Aemilius die : if both he and she depart islulesse , he hath bequeathed the Kingdome to the election of the State . To this his will haue all assented , and I durst not ( béeing alone , denie to giue consent : but how much against my will , shall well appeare by this that followes . To morrow intends the King priuatly to disport with me at my Castle builded on the banke of Hebrus , Aemilius and Rhodope with some small traine shall beare him companie : when they are there , wold your Lordship consent , Celydon would set the crowne of Thrace vpon your head , before the Sunne were twice set .

Would I consent ( saith Celinus ) ? Why Celydon , what will I not doo ? Shall we there murder Hylenus , no more of me meriting the name of father , béeing so vnnaturall : Shall we strangle Aemilius my vsurping brother : commit Rhodope to the mercie of some rude mercenarie , that may crop the flower of her beautie , or drag her Polixena-like to sacrifice ? What will not Celinus attempt that Celydon can set downe to reuenge an iniurie so notorious .

Then said Celydon , let your Highnes sée this performd , Gather together against morning the desperatest associates you can consort your selfe withall , rush violently into the Pallace , breake open the Treasurie , seaze on the diademe and kingly ornaments , while I make sure Hylenus , Aemilius and Rhodope : for neuer shall Prince of Thrace of his birth-right be dispossest , while Celidon hath power to lift a sword .

With millions of thankes , and protestation of as manie rewards , Celinus embraces Celydon , giuing him the name of father , patrone and protector , promising the whole Realm shal be at his direction , and thus this plot of conspiracie confirmd , Celinus and Celydon part . Thus went the matters of State : now to our houshold affaires , and yet no houshold affaires neither , for my master kept no house : but be it house or chamber , thus it was .

Being at my choyce of masters , of sundrie ages & occupations : I that had in my childhood bin experienst in trades , and found in few of them plaine dealing , desperate to doo among them anie good , they had so small delight in goodnes , I left Gods blessing for the warme sunne : and wondring what braue life it was to bee a Courtier , I bound my selfe for seuen yere with one Thrasilio , as smooth a tongud Gentleman , as euer Terences Gnatho was a Parasite . At my first entertainment , hee told me hée was a retainer to Lord Celydon , whose verie name in all the Countrey was highly reuerenced : but the truth was as I afore said , he retayned to Flauius a wastfull Gentleman , belonging to Celidon : by attending on whose trencher , hee got bare maintenance for himselfe and me .

This Flauius vsde him as a Iester : for if loud lyars be iesters , he was the excellentst I euer knewe . Hee was acquainted with none but Kings and great Captaines of Armies , on whom he had bestowed infinite summes of money toward their expences : for he was so well séene in the Philosophers stene , that gold was to him as drosse . In set Emperiall battells , on horsebacke and on foote , he had serud some thirtie times , and alwaies on his part attended victorie : his wardrop & iewels were without number . These were his brags notoriouslie noted in Court and Citie . Yet trust mée I take it he had some skill in Alchymie , for hee helpt Flauius to connext much faire liuing into fine gold : for his valor , a purer coward knew I neuer , and for hys wealth , he hourely marched in the midst of it . In his diet he was verie sparing , because he had small store of spare money to buy meate : and had not the scullerie at the Court béen my best ambrie . I must either haue left my master , or lost my life . With this Braggart had I scarce béen two yeres , when the conspiracie of Celinus and Celydon began .

The night before it brake foorth , Flauius sent word to my master to prouide his weapons , for next day should be a desperate fray , Flauius being a yongster of Celinus consort . But he that had séene the pitifull plight my master was in , when these tidings of fighting came , might well haue gest his valour by his visage : yet he bragd it out , saying the palenes of his colour came from the anger of his heart , and swore the quaking of hys ioynts onely presaged his impatience . All that night had I the office of an Armorer , but with his daily wearing rapier had I most adoo , for it was almost two howers ere I could draw it : how well he vsde it when he had it , you shall heare when time serues . Let vs now returne to Celydon .

Night the darke shrowd of euerie euill , had giuen courage to his desperate abhord consorts : who béeing placed in the way , & resolued to performe this insuing stratageme , Celydon with spéede postes to conduct the vnmisdéeming King and his innocent Children to the place appoynted for the perfection of his desperate intent : while Celinus scattered troupes await in the Citie their time .

That morning , no sooner did the Forrest Clearkes chaunt forth their variable noates , but Hylenus , Aemilius and Rhodope , slenderly accompanied , trustely relying on Celydon , set forward to his Castle : and riding through an edge of Hemus , on sodaine were violently assailed , their followers slaine , themselues surprized , the intention by Celydons owne mouth vttred , death sharpe and hastie for them prepared . Hylenus at this sodaine conspiracie amazed , séeing the traitreus butchers prouided for Aemilius and Rhodopes slaughter , thus for a time stayed them from their desperate and diuelish resolution .

Celydon ( said he ) the manie fauours Hylenus hath bestowed on thée and thy fathers house ( were I silent ) would plead my sorrow for this sinne of thine , beeing so much the greater , by reason of my excéeding loue to thée . Beeing in thy infancie lest fatherlesse , I of thy prince became thy fatherly protector : and in the increasing of thy yeares of a priuate man I haue made shée a Prince , and Protectour of the chéefest strength of Thrace : and hast thou thus ( false Celydon ) requited all my good ? But thou colourest thy vile treason , with Celinus charge : why ( Celydon ) when was he sworn thy King ? what Nobles ( with thée ) haue giuen theyr oathes to him ? His leaud life , and manners lasciuious , ( by thée most of anie other noated , and misliked ) drew me to frustrate him of all hope to inherite . And is he now become thy King ? wilt thou by him be so sodainly commanded ? No , no Celydon , celinus onely is thy shadowe , thou the intruder , hee thy instrument . Why delayest thou false conspirer , seaze on me , & commit both these sinnes in one , Licaon-like murder thy guest , so sinne against the Gods of hospitalitie , traitorlike stab thy king , and expect the fit reward of trecherie : but spare these innocents , least earth no longer beare thy vile impietie .

Celydon ( vending his browes ) ruthlesly commanded Aemilius and Rhodope to be strangled , giuing no other reply to Hylenus : who séeing reproofe of no power to preuaile , humbled his heroicke heart , and prostrating himselfe before Celydon , cryed out .

Stay , stay , O let me once more speake to thée , before thou lop off two such braunches from my wythered trunke . If not my kindnes , dignitie , and charge : yet let my age , humblenesse , and teares , intreate thée to shew pitie . Be not more ruthlesse than things senslesse : drops of raine pierce rockie marble , let my showers of teares enter thy stonie heart . In this Wood Tereus rauisht and wrongd Philomele , he & his sonne did perish for her onely rape : if in this Wood thou kill these innocents , thinkest thou to escape for so great an outrage : he was a king thou but a subiect , his State sure , thine vnsetled . I sweare to thée by the immortal powers , and my children with like vow shall confirme my oath , if thou exile vs together , or seuerall , so thou preserue our liues , we will obscure our States , and neuer returne to Thrace , except recalled by thée , Celinus , or both .

Celydon at this relenting , knowing how religiously Hylenus euer regarded an oath , gaue charge they should foorthwith be conuayed to Sea in thrée seuerall ships , and landed where the fortune of the wind should first driue them : which courtesie ( though it included small kindnesse ) all thrée accepted of him verie gratefully .

They being dispatcht to sea , Celydon poasted to the Citie : where Celinus against his comming , had thus played his pageant .

Scarce were the King and his Companie departed two miles from the Citie , when Celinus ( hauing gathered together a multitude of desperate vnthrifts ) seased violently on the ancient Nobles , slew some , forced other to flie : and possessing himselfe of the Regall ornaments , proclaimed himselfe King , and Celydon Protector of the Realme .

The Citizens shut vp their houses , the better sort hidde their heads , onely the leaud and riotous Liuers flocked in bands , crying out , Long liue Celinus King of Thrace .

To this vpshot came Celydon with a companie of approoued souldiers : and looking strangely at that Celinus had done , pacified the tumult with milde perswasions : and appoynted the fourth day following a time of hearing , when as Celinus should either answere , or yéelde reason for that hee had attempted : still making faire weather to the people , that Hylenus was onely withdrawen for feare of treason , not vttring the effectiue working of their trecherie : for had the Kings miserie béen knowne , the multitude could not haue béen appeasd .

In the beginning of this broyle , Flauius had sent for Thrasilio my master : who hearing the Onset giuen , leasurely armed himselfe , and by then the tumult was appeasd , marching in stately equipage with hys two hand sword on his shoulder , his rapier on one side his pistoll on the other , mounted the scaffolde ( among other squaring cutters ) where Celinus in viewe of all the people sate royally inuested in his Regall state and dignitie .

Among other things , it is not to be omitted , how like a tall squire I attended my master , with an old Morian on my head , and a iauelin in my hand , which he a thousand times swore was the same leading staffe that Alexander vsde in his last battell against Darius : & like inough it was of great antiquitie : for canker and rust had consumde both substance and beautie .

Ill weapond though we were , welcome wee were , and among our fellow Caualiers had the Bien venuto : for there euerie cobler was a captaine , and he that had but a bat on his necke , thought himselfe a commander . O had you séene the miserie in those few houres of Insurrection , with what violence the giddie headed people were carried to ill , how easely disswaded from their alleagance , how willingly missed , no man scarcely knowing which part to take , the multitude were diuided into so manie parts : you might haue thought such happie , which had perished by one mans sword , and not liued the torment of so manie slaughterers : for in that broyle there perished sixe thousand persons , sonne , father and kindred , each by other murdred , and mangled with manie wounds .

As I earst said , with Celydons faire spéech the people were satisfied . Euerie man withdrew him home , my master and I waiting at an inch on Flauius for reward of our daies seruice and our supper : where my masters iests scarcely past currant , the companie were so busied about that bold attempt of Celinus , being in such disgrace , the easie shutting vp of the matter by Celydon , the absence of the King , and such other accidents .

That night it was my destinie to be deliuered from the seruice of Thrasilio that base Braggadoche : for wearied with my bluntnes ( that could neither sooth his leaudnes nor smoothe his lying ) he began to indent for some crownes with Flauius to sell my time . What mooud him to affect mee I knowe not well : this afterward he said caused it , that he saw me plaine , & among many soothers , he néeded one reprouer to acquaint him with their seuerall infirmities . In briefe , he bought my yeares , and I was rid from the bondage both of a foole and a flatterer , beeing my first master in Court , farre worse than euer anie I had in the Countrey : he was euer begging , still beggarly , prying , complaining , soothing , swearing , bold to accuse , fearefull to continue accusations : in fine he was as all flatterers are , the very tennis ball of them he soothed , to tosse and bandie with at pleasure .

Of him to speake more I haue no pleasure : to sorrowfull Hylenus and his two children will I returne , seuered in thrée sundry Barkes , mindefull of all their vowes , mournefull at their infortunate aduenture : to imagine their seuerall passions passeth poore Piers his conceit , the course of the story onely will I continue : One winde breathed on each ships shrowdes wherein these infortunate Princes sailed : Before Crete they all anchored , where the Masters of either vessell compassionating their sorrows , to shew some kindnes thus deuised . Vnknowne to either of them they were all in Crete landed , Hylenus himselfe vpon a plaine sand , the Continent of the I le next neighboring was a pleasant forrest : Aemilius was set on shore at Hydrutum , a Castle frontering the sea : and poore Rhodope solde for a bonde woman to an aged fisherman vppon the Coast : This done , they loosed toward Thrace againe to attend Celidon their ambitious Lord .

In Crete at this time was Soueraigne , the vertuous and famous virgin Aeliana , feared and loued not only in the Mediterranean Regions , but in the vtmost East admired . The managing of the Commonwealths affaires were committed by her authoritie to Rhegius her naturall Vnckle : A man for bountie , vertue , and magnanimity , vnequalled with any neighboring Prince . But as in earth there is no perfection without some impediment , no beauty without her blemish , rust fretting the purest stéele , cancker the finest siluer : So this Noble man ( otherwise for vertue admirable ) had giuen the rayne to one vice , which violently hastned the disquiet of the Realme , and drue him headlong to his destruction : and this was it , incestuously he loued vertuous Aenliana , drawen by the admirable woonder of her beauty , yet durst not vtter his affection , he was so daunted with remembrance of hir excelling vertue . Now would he begin to write his pasons , imitating Phaedra when she affirmed , Dicere quae puduit , scribere iussit Amor . then rend those liues , as open scandals to his honour : Sometimes he intended to attempt by force , but that by reason of her Gard he feared : another while he practised to assay by charmes , but those meanes old example had prooued vaine : For if neither Medea , circes , no not Apollo himselfe , were able by incantations , hearbes , or spels , to inforce liking where there was no loue , in vaine hee gest his indeuours that way imployed .

Now lastly he determines sometime while shee is a hunting , ( in which game Aeliana principally delighted ) by some false cry to traine her from her traine , and then in disguise of a sauage seaze on her , and so satisfie his long desired lust and returne vnsuspected to Court . Resoulde on this , the very day of Hylenus and his childrens landing , he had intreated the Quéene to a house of pleasure of his in the Forrest , assuring her hee had lodgde so Princelike game , as should bee highly to her Highnes contentment .

Aeliana easily consented , and Diana-like shee furnisheth her selfe for that daies sport , on her head she wore a Coronet of orientall Peatle , on it a chaplet of variable flowers perfuming the Ayre with their diuers odors , thence carelesly descended her amber coloured haire , with which the winde wantoning nowe sometime vncouered her frocke of white tissue , anone suffred the same to lye hidde , which then séemed like cleare Isis when Titan descending , casts his golden beames on her siluer coloured streames : her Buskins were richly wrought like the Dolphins spangled Cabazines , her Quiuer was of Vnicornes horne , her Darts of yuorie , in one hand shee helde a Boare speare , the other guided her Barbary Iennet , proud by nature , but nowe more proude , in that he carried Natures fairest worke , the Easterne worlds chiefe woonder . O what oyle added these faire ornaments to wretched Rhegius kindled fire , euery minute hee countes a yeare , till they be in the wood , till he possesse his will : But for all his hast , heere fell an accident , that caused some time of more protraction .

On a sodaine from the Forrest edge issued an olde man , his snowy heard couering his breast , his face reuerend , yet repleate with apparant signes of sorrowe , his eyes swolne with teares but lately shed , his countenance cast downe as one disconsolate . On him aboue all other Aeliana cast a gratious eye , and causing him to be called néere , askt if hee were a Cretan or a stranger in that Countrey : I was said he great Princesse , sometime a Samothracian , but now of no Countrey , beeing wrongfully expeld my owne : In Crete and all Countreys a stranger I am to all good fortune , the mappe of discontent , and slaue of misery .

Be not discouraged Father , said Aeliana , the goods of Fortune are as her self fickle , of their happines no man can glory till his ende : It is our vertues that in despite of Fortune will make vs fortunate . Time now will not giue me leaue to make long questioning , but if in Court thou wilt content thée to leade a quiete and contented life , I will immediately prouide for thy ease and safety : If not , bethinke thée spéedily of any other course , and commaunde Aeliana , that vnder the Gods commaundeth Crete : Deny me thou shalt not one of these , for in reuerence of thy Age I will doo thée some good , therefore aske whatsoeuer thou wilt , and it shall be graunted .

To this Hylenus ( for it was hee ) replied : By this thy charitie , sacred and swéet Empresse , thou meritest a greater name than either by thy beauty , wisedome , or iustice , though for all and either of these thou art through Europe and Asia famoused : And if old Saganes in this distresse should refuse grace offred from one of so high dignitie , hee were vnworthy to possesse any good : Pleaseth it therefore your Highnesse to appoint mee some solitary mansion , where I may meditate on my follies past , and quietly begge heauens fauour to bee powrde on you my Patronesse , I shall be farre happier than euer I was in Court , where I haue too long conuerst .

Aeliana , condiscended to his sute , and sent him presently to a solitary Lodge néere Hydrutum , commanding order to bee taken for his daily prouision . This déede of charity dispatcht , Aeliana , Rhegius , and all their traine enter the Forrest , some choose the Stagge , some the Boare , others the Beare , all as their occasion fitted at first sight of game . They that were appointed for rousing the game , hauing done their dilligence , the woods ecchoed with cry of houndes , sounding of horns , and hallowing of hunters . Rhegius was prouided of his sauage sute , and still kept Aeliana company till she had lost all other company , hauing a wilde Boare in chase , which he perceiuing , and knowing hir eagernes in pursute , followed so long till hee sawe the wrathfull Boare returne and mortally wounde her Stéede , so that Aeliana was forst to leaue him , and with her darts and speare , to offend him , and defend her selfe . While thus the Quéene stroue for victory , the Boare for life , raging , fretting , foming , whetting his tuskes on euery trée : Rhegius bestird him to play the counterfet sauage , and the incestuous adulterer : fitted in all points , his face discoloured , his head with shaggy haire couered , his body cloathed in a mossy sute , his weapon being a yong Oake , he slily paced to the place where faire Aeliana fiercely contended against this orped and ouergrowne swine . There did he vnnaturally beholde his néece , and vndutifully refuse to ayde his Princesse , néere hand surprised by a mertall and merciles enemy . Her darts were all spent , yet not vainly spent : But as her obiect enemy was no lesse fierce than the Erimanthian Boare , so her fortune was more lucky than the maids , that among so many valiant hunters drewe first the blood of that beast , which Meleager too soone for himselfe and his Vnckles slewe . For Aeliana had firmed thrée dartes in her aduersary , one most annoying him in the groyne , which when hée offred to drawe foorth the Princesse with the poynt of her Boare speare ( being nowe her last refuge ) in the same place made a farre wyder wound : which following with heroicke courage , she buried halfe her staffe i● the body of the beast , who beating his wrathfull hea●● against the vnder earth , distained it with fome & blood , and finally gaue Aeliana the glory of the conquest : who sounded the fall , that her followers might heare , giuing heauens glory for her protection , and treading on that heade which lately assailed her with instrumentes of death and terror .

Shee had scarce breathed in this new ioy , but fresh feare presented it selfe : For on a sodaine rushed forth this counterfet sauage , whose first sight the more affrighted her , for that shee was vtterly weaponlesse to make defence : yet when she saw no violence offred by the wilde man , but signs of duty , and manifest showes to conduct her forth of the Forrest , shee offred to drawe foorth her speare from the body of the deade Boare , which he espying , roughly laid hold of it himselfe .

The Quéene thinking the sauage had before time bin chased with such staues , smiled at his feare and let him kéepe the same , and being of vndaunted courage , went boldly whether he led her , being into the thickest of the wood . There was a spring shaded with trées , and circled with marble , in which artificially were seates framde , naturally furnished with hearbs and flowers : To this spring brought the sauage the Quéene , and eft soones casting himself therein , offered by signes to teach her to doo the like , but when he sawe she made no semblance of perceiuing him , he roughly begins to disrobe her royall body , and menacing her with sterne lookes mingled with some strokes , he first puls of her Bugle , which shee had twice sounded , and casting her roughly on the earth , makes open his vile intent to her no little terror . Aeliana thus distrest , cried to heauen for helpe , often called for her followers , oftner on Diana , but most she cried on her Vnkle , inuocating his helpe , that sauagely attempted hir hurt .

We left Aemilius landed at Hydrutum , who inquiring toward the Court , was certified of that royal hunting in the Forrest : who desirous to sée the Countreys fashion , got to the woode side with other of the people that went to haue a sight of Aeliana their Princesse . The time being long that the people attended , Aemilius walked alone into the woode , meditating on the treacherie of Celinus & Celidon , the wrong his aged father himself & Rhodope suffred , inuocating reuenge of heauens , & humbly desiring the destinies to fauour them in méeting either with other before their deaths : Being in this contemplation , hee was vnawares so far in the wood , that which way to returne hee knewe not . The better part of the day he strayed vp & downe , oft times a far off hearing the noyse of hunters , but nere them he had no power to come . Faint he was both with trauell & hunger , beside his sorrowe made him heauy . On the ground he durst not sléepe , lest some sauage beast should seaze on him , therefore he climed a trée , in whose toppe when he thought to rest , he scant had closed eyes when he easily heard a small bugle twice sound very nere the place : & listning again where it should be , he in a while after heard the lamentable shréekes of Aeliana , wherewith descending the trée , he passed through the thickest of the couert , stil folowing the voice , till he came where Aeliana with striuing breathles , with wéeping sightles , with crying voyceles , and sorrowe senseles , lay at the mercy of an inhuman sauage , who shameles of sin , relentles at her intreats , & secure by reason of the place , was now ready to discouer that hidden beauty , which had so long béene desired by his beast-like appetite .

Aemilius no sooner set eye on this shame-forgetting Monster , but he cryed out , Villaine attempt not to defloure the Nymph , but looke to defend thy selfe for thy barbarous assailement . Both Rhegius & Aeliana . wer at this sodaine voice seuerally passioned , he with feare , she with hope , he starts to his weighty staffe , shee lifts vp her weeping eyes , he furiously assails Aemilius , she féeble , yet feruently impetrates heauens aid for his defence . Aemilius shunning sundry fierce blowes of Rhegius , wounded him with his sword so déep in the arme , that not able to hold his club , & fearing to be discouered , he flung the trée from him with violence , the fury wher of while Aemilius sought to shun , Rhegius giuing a great cry , betook him to his féet : The wood being thick , the sight of him was soone lost , & being doubtful what other company hee had at hande , he left him to comfort the Quéen : who reuiued as it wer from a dedly trance , gazed on Aemilius , imagining him no mortal creature , but some celestiall power descended in her defence : he on the other side admired the excellence of her beauty , & by her Coronet of golde that lay not far off , he thought hir no meane personage : which instantly desiring to know she immediately resolude him off : and inquiring of his estate and name , he reported himselfe to be atraueller , borne in Italie , his name he changed not .

With such like parle , they come to the place where the Boare lay slaine , where Aeliana discoursed the manner of his death , which Aemilius heard with no small woonder .

Piers saide Corydon , now thou hast ridde vs of this feare , & set Aeliana frée , I would wish thée to remember thy selfe , what of thy selfe thou promisedst : Thou hast yet tolde but of one Master , and thy newe entertaignement with another . Reach hither thy bottle that wee may drinke round , I am sure thou must néedes bee dry with talking , when I am so a thirst with hearing .

I but said Piers will ye remember me where I leaue in Crete , els shall you finde me too obliuious .

I warrant thée said Menalcas , let that bee Corydons charge , mine to put thée in minde where thou leftst in Thrace . celydon appointed the people within thrée daies to hear Celinus publikely : they wer thus pacified , & thou entertaind with Flauius the wastful gentleman .

True , true , quoth Piers , now wil I procéed with that . During the thrée daies , the people were feasted , the Theaters were fild , Celydon and Celinus rid through the stréets , mony was cast in euery corner , the straight laws of Hylenus for execution of iustice repealed , & liberty proclaimed to the people . At the thrée daies ende , the people were assembled , there Celydon in an Oration opened how sorrowful Hylenus was that he had attempted to disinherit Celinus his son , & howe in satisfaction , he had giuen him then liberty to take the possession therof , betaking himself to solitary life , and committing Aemilius & Rhodope to Celinus gouernement , & that it was Hylenus pleasure to haue them accept Celinus for their king , & himself his Protector , vnder whom they should liue in that liberty , as for the thrée daies before they had done : if not , & that they would againe inforce the olde king to receiue his estate , they should bee as of late , subiect to those strict lawes by Celinus abrogated .

Then was the choyce put foorth : and such desire had they to liue at libertie , that all the multitude with one voyce cryed out , Liue long Celinus King of Thrace , & honored be Celydon the King and Realmes Protector .

This maygame thus past , Celidon swaied Thrace , celinus had the kings name , he the state : for that which Celinus coueted more than anie Kingdom , was to liue in licentious plesure , which now vncontrouled he gréedely followed : Celydon giuing him the reyne , in hope to raign himselfe when Celinus had ouer-run himself .

But in this frolicke Common-wealth , who flaunted it if Flauius were not fine ? and if he farde well , I must néedes say hee was no niggard to let others fast . My selfe was then mate with my olde master . Mate said I ? nay I was quarter master with my new : for what I misliked I had libertie to reprooue , marry thys was one good helpe , it should be mended at leasure .

Besides me ( among other néedlesse seruaunts ) my master kept a Baylie , as sure a card as euer man trusted . He perswaded my master to be a non-resident on his lands , and a remainer at the Court : noting what he should spare in hous-kéeping , seruants and such like . He ( easely induced to follow still the worst ) courted it so long , and sparde it so fast , that the tenaunts , woont to be forborne sometime a whole yere , now were forst to pay their yeres rent afore hand . Well , how euer they sighd to part with it and swet to get it , my master and his merie companions swild it in and swore it out , til the cat able to yéeld no more than her skin , we were faine to follow a new course .

Our honest Bailie ( liuing Lord-like on my Masters liuing ) found meanes to borrowe for him of a freend some foure thousand poundes woorth of ware , vppon plaine pawne of all his Euidences : and withall thys kindnes he receiued , he paid not a penie interest more than was allowable , and the money should be returned by two thousand a yere , each halfe yere a paiment , onely a little consideration to the Broker : who was a pretiepale faced squire , halfe brother to our Baylie , that some two moneths before had set vp a shop in the Cities suburbes , of olde shooes , stockings , and swords , the totall summe of his standing scarce worth sixe shillings eight pence .

This brogging Broker and broking Baily brought my master acquainted with the merchant forsooth ( for so they called him ) that had these commodities to sell . Hee was a man of meane stature , with a sulphurous face richly beset , his eyes sanguine , his breath strong , his gate stately : for he would scarcely haue gone his owne length in an hower he was so well timbered beneath .

To this money merchant we come , ( for other merchandise vsed he none , but such as his Broker on a sodaine tooke vp , to thrust into their hands that had néed of money ) sitting he was with a yong woman by hys side : his daughter she was , faire inough though hir father were ill fauoured , and proud inough I am sure she was , as I after prooued .

At our first entrance we were entertained by the Broker , next saluted by hir , lastly by him , that after a score of rotten coughes , found leasure to bidde vs welcome . The matter was well knowen , the daughter was to deliuer her fathers minde , being to this effect : That he was verie sorie so worshipfull a Gentleman should want his helpe , and he not able to furnish him to his contentment wyth readie money : and so shutting it vp in few words , the Scriuener was sent for , my master past ouer his Déedes , and thought himselfe verie highly beholding to the Baylie , that had holpe him away with his lands . On the lenders Daughter hee bestowed a carcanet of golde , crauing with her to bee more acquainted .

She that had often been the painted flie to angle for such trouts , gaue him kinde words , and offered hartie welcome , her father confirmd her spéech , and the yong nouice my master was by his Baylie and the Broker perswaded to get her for his wife , beeing her Fathers onely heire , a beauteous Gentlewoman , and so forth . That verie day the principall of our ware was solde , some eight hundred pounds of monie made , and then my master was no small fellow agen : we had maskes reuels , and costly deuices , to frolike with his frends , & court mistres Vrsula ( for so was the Vsurers daughter named ) . Besides , Celinus was not then of my master altogether vnmindfull , but bestowed vpon him an Office of Customage , to sée to the transporting of forbidden commodities : which he likewise tourned into Angels , and to Petrusio his Baylie made sodaine sale of it .

While this money lasted , my master neuer minded the remnant of his ware , till the first daye of paiment drew on , and by that time the most part of it was welnigh worth nothing . Our figs ( for we had some ) were readie to runne about the fraile , our silkes had lost colour , yet had we by silkes small losse , for we had small store , our pins were rustie , the tags of our laces cankered , all our pedlerie ware being in a pitifull plight . On our negligence the Broker layde all the fault , hee could not vtter it ( as by all his honestie he protested ) to halfe so much as the tenth partes profite : and now to bolster vp Flauius prodigalitie , Piers Plainnes must be a Packman .

Should I spend time to tell my trauels from faire to faire , my manie short meales , my shorter markets , my care to get , my willingnes to saue , my weekly account to my master , his slender reckoning at the quarter , you would thinke I went about to praise my selfe , and therefore I let it passe .

But how euer my market went , as it came he spent i● , so that at the extreamest day , of a thousand pounds he had scarce ten to pay . Faire words of the father he had , fairer of the daughter : but all was nothing , when paiment failed , Flauius was as sure iandlesse , as monilesse . Celinus was sude vnto , but he spent so fast , that now his treasurie was drawen drie : and Celydon by degrées grswing greater than hée , curbd him from that wast which he was wont to vse .

My master séeing such cold comfort , sued to Vlpians daughter to stand his frend , but shee was deafe on that side , she could not , nay she would not for al his intreatye , pitie one so wastfull . I was sent to Petrusio the old Bailie & new Customer : where I had good words my selfe , and praise for my honest care of him , that for himselfe tooke no care : offer to serue him if I wold , but for my master , no poynt pennie could be got .

With this wofull newes returning backe , Flauius exclaimd against ingratitude , curst euerie cause of hys prodigalitie , cryde out on Fortune , and accusde her sicklenes . Comfort him I could not , bee pacified hee would not : to tel him of his passed riot , was but to aggrauate his gréefe : to put him in hope of after good , was past hope , for he had no meanes left for reléefe : only a few vaine sutes of apparell , with which I was sent to the Brokers , that scarce serued to satisfie a monthes bare commons .

All pawnd and morgagde , I perswaded my master to trust to his pen , and bereme some Lawiers Clearke : that was too base , hee swore no small oathes , hee could neither beg nor worke , and longer want he would not . Such aduice as I could I gaue him , but all auailed not : for the Broker he sent , and selling him all his odde furniture , onely furnished himselfe with weapons , and to the wide world he would .

The Broker mindfull of my paines when I was a chapman , earnestly desired him to part with my yeres : of which he intending neuer to make profit , easely consented .

A new Master , a new , for thus Piers Plainnes hath parted with Prodigalitie , and meanes to learne thrift of Brokerie : a shrewd fall , from a Courtly waiter to be a Brokers booke-kéeper . Well , what remedie ? necessitie they say hath no law : and so it séemd by mée , for my néede droue mee to liue without lawe , if I had said with an outlaw , I had kept within compasse : for besides my master , a number of his mysterie , did not onely deale vnconscionably without law , but were indéed verie outlawes , banquerupts , what call ye them , or Brokers still let vs call them , for a fitter name I haue not for them .

I saw Menalcas smile euen now , when I cald Brocage a mysterie : the terme was not much a misse , for there are more mysts vsed therein , than in anie Trade beside . They couer their craft with charitie , pietie , pitie , neighborhood , frendship , equitie , and what not that good is , although in it there be no one poynt of goodnes . But to the purpose , I proued a quick searcher into this mysterie , and made my master misse manie of his gréedie prayes .

Being set to his Book , and séeing the manner of his Bills , I had no other charge but to deale plainly . O t is a iuel to vse plain dealing among men of that trade . To note the deceit I saw there , as changing of pawns , letting other mens garments out to hyre , receiuing of goods by night closely , by day secretly , were a world to tell , and hardly to bee thought , there should bee in the world people liuing by pilfrie so publikely , and scape vnpunished . Came they with anie thing woorth money , why they were welcome men : welcome , I & encouraged to come againe , with promise of such secrete conueyance , as no suspition should arise .

Once a day we likely had some poore wretches curse or other , for pawnes abuse , or forfets vn●●●●ly taken : one notable condition had my good master , among manie bad , and that was this , he pitied poore fellowes destitute of bayle , hee was cheefe pillar to the knights of the post for common bayle and euidence , a notable honest mate in those matters : he would haue suted a thred bare slaue in a frocke of damaske , his welted gowne , a seald ring on his thumbe , and euerie appendix able to make a bankrupt both of welth and honestie seeme like a Burgesse of twelue yeares standing . Neuer was Feates the Iugler like the iugling Broker my master , for he had legions of Familiars to commaund . What craft would ye haue that he had not ? Wanted ye good fellowes to goe among Merchaunts and Gentlemen of account , that ( for their pleasures ) frequented game ? Why he was excellent . Not so few as a dozen Dice-makers had he at his reuersion , that he would furnish in diuers fashions : some in the long stocke & little ruffe like Brabanters , some with standing capes and slyced bréeches like Danes , some with their beards cut Alla Turquesa , theit hose hanging loose ( like an emptie gut ) after the Portugall manner , others Italionate in talk , others in all behauiours Courtlike , striuing to imitate the French .

All these instructed by him , and strengthned by olde Vlpian , essence of Vsurie it selfe , would haue seuered themselues into sundrie companies : and where euer they fell , they made manie light purses and heauye hearts : they had their barres , their flats , their fulmers , their hy-men , their low-men , themselues playing euen the hang-men among those men , whose idle time and hard misfortune made them their lucklesse companions .

Lackt ye a smooth tungd hypocrite to intrap young Gentlemen newly come from the Vniuersitie ? Hee was for ye . Hee had a swarme of ●ye companions , that shuld haue béen attyred secundum formam , and not a word out of their mouths but pure Priscian . Were they merrie , were they sad , were they wise , were they wanton , he would be sure to fit their humors : and for I could not sweare , forsweare , lye deceiue , and cog , I lost my seruice in manner and forme folowing , and exalted my master to a high degrée , as shall appeare by the sequele .

The communitie of the bad indures neuer any long time : so betwéene my broking master , and Vlpian the Vsurer it fortuned , that he ( like an ill Crowe , hauing hatcht a worse egge ) compacted with a notable vnthrift the debter of Vlpian , to cousen the Vsurer of foure thousand crownes , due vpon bonds , by what extortion I know not raisd , but sure I am approoued at that time a true debt .

This Ruffler was arrested , first by my masters diligent paines , and at last released by his double dealing practise . For the youth beeing moneyed , ( the onely meane to compasse matters aboue meane ) gaue a hundred crownes to my master to procure him bayle . His odde shauers were so well knowen before the Iudge , that hardly in a matter of such import was he perswaded of their acceptance : therefore was he very earnest to put me in a sute of satten , compasse my necke with a chaine of golde , and giue mee a name I neuer knewe . being indéed the name of a worshipfull Gentleman : and with another confederate of the forenamed stamp , attyred and trimmed as a Merchant of good worth , we two forsooth must set a good face on it , and be this Vnthrifts bayle .

I desirde them to vncase me again , protesting I was vtterly out of league with the pillorie : and whether they would or no I dischargde my selfe of that deceyuing charge .

But all was one with them , my refusall damped not their deceiptfull : and damned resolutions : for they were within an houre of another fitted : scape-thrift s●apde out of prison , Vlpian followd the sute , the Gentleman and Merchant ( whose names the craftye hyrelings had vsed ) by my masters euidence were in law conuicted . Which iniurie comming to my eare , I plainly vttered , discouered the shifters , the innocent were releast , the periurde Broker and his forsworne companions promoted to the pillorie , their eares pared off , their heads crownd with paper , condemnd besides to restitution and imprisonment , their goods solde at open outcrie before all the people that openly cried out against their bad life and diuelish practises . Then scattered all those ill got goods abroad , that by collusion hée had raked together : there was not an old boot left ( gotten by brocage ) but it was solde to answere for his periurie and cousenage : nay my yeres were sold to satisfie old Vlpian , that commended my plaine dealing in opening his deceipt , to whom he had so manie waies béen a déere frend .

And now Piers hauing parted with Flatterie , Prodigalitie and Brokerie , is worshipfully entertained with Vsurie . A seruice of good credite I assure ye , yet such was my destinie , that thinking to hold God by the hand , I tooke the diuell by the héele : & where before I euer serud one master , I was now made slaue vnto a mistres and a master , as farre different in nature as in yeares , he so miserable , that he could scarcely affoorde himselfe a meales meate : shee on the other side so delicate , that her curious taste could with no common diet be contented : small birds in precious gellyes concocted were hir ordinarie fare , Partridge was too grose , marie of a Pheasant ( if intreated ) shee would sometimes féede .

Of her , him , and my selfe Plura sequuntur : but in this psace lay a straw , all being scant worth a straw , and passing our estates , deale we with State matters . I remember wee left Aeliana rescude from the sauage : her Rescuer and she returnd to her traine , her Vnckle sought and not yet founde , Hylenus in a Hermitage , Rhodope with a Fisher-man , whom we meddle not with till it be my desteny to be her fellow prentice : Celinus and his conspiring associate are equall Rulers in Thrace .

The Cretan Quéene , hauing recouered fight of Rhegius her Vnckle ( who after long search for , at last came with his arme wounded ) caused him spéedily to be drest , and then discoursed her daungers , her rescue by Aemilius , and euery such perticular , willing her Vnkle to doe Aemilius all due honour for a seruice so excellent . As he was commaunded , he gaue him kind entertainement , though his thoughts farre differed from his words , enuying him as well for deliuerie of Aeliana from his hands , as the fresh wounds he then felt , giuen him by Aemilius : But he hid his hate with a smooth looke , making semblance of honourable vsage , and so toward the Court they ride . Aeliana noting the séemelines of Aemilius beeing mounted , and remembring his valour on foote , entertained newe fires in her vntainted thoughtes which neither moysture nor charmes nor prayers had power to quench : Aemilius on the other side , noting the beauty of the Princesse , her valour , vnwoonted in her sexe : her affabilitie not common in personages of such Estate , made fuell of his heart for the selfe same fier that inflamed her . Rhegius burning in wrath and lust , serued for a trouble betwéene these twaine : and hauing giuen raynes to his desires , séeing his last intention tooke no effect , determined to be as desperate in his sute as he was dissolute in his desire : And thus these thrée seuerally passioned , helde on their iourney with small conference , till comming to the Court where a sumptuous feast was prouided , Aeliana before she intended any pleasure , either priuate or publike , in the presence of hir Nobles , gaue Aemilius the order of Knighthode , with offer of entertaignement into her seruice , if hee pleased to remaine in Crete : Which for a time ●e v●wed .

Their with 〈…〉 sounds of musique the Pallace resounded and the tables were furnished with Princely seruice : to describe the feasts and bankets , were but to present ye with Tantalus foode , making show of that you féele no substance , inough to famish one that were fasting , or cause a full stomacke to surfet . Well suppose it such as beseemes a Princes State , the most table talke being of Aeliana hir Combate with the Boare , hir danger by the Sauage , and Aemilius fortunate rescue . Of Aemilius , Aeliana neuer heard inough . Supper ended , Maskes , playes , and other pastimes passed , the Princesse in hir priuate Closet , thus complaines of loue and praiseth Fortune .

Aeliana what newe fires are these kindled in thy bosome ? What sodaine changes , what vnwoonted passions ? Hast thou thus long offered oliue boughs to Pallas , and wilt thou nowe present Venus with myrtle branches ? Hast thou followed Diana ouer the Launds with exercise , and wilt thou prooue the follower of hir aduersary by idlenes ? No Aeliana , extinguish these fond loues with minds labour , and nip thy affections in the bloome , that they may neuer bee of power to budde .

I but Aeliana it is Aemilius thou likest , louely as Adonis , couragious as Peleus , vertuous ( if the ey be the mindes true glasse ) as Admetus , then why should not Aeliana desire to be his Venus , delight to be his Thetis , and die to doo him good as did Alceste ? Tush Aeliana , bridle these affections , remember thy estate and his staylesse course : suppose hee had infinite more perfections than possibly thou canst yet perceiue : yet hee is a stranger , to thee vnknowne , and as one ounce of Antimonium , corrupteth a vessell of the purest wine , so one defect may dimme the glory of all other his perfections : Aeneas was wise , Iason valiant ; Demophoon louely , but thrée infortunate Queenes of Carthage , Thessaly , and Thrace , sounde them as thou maist doo this , bereauers of their Honours , deceiuers of their hopes , and betrayers of their liues : But Aen●ilius is young , and hath not yet learned to deceiue ▪ But hée is an Italian Aeliana , who sucke pollicie from the feate and learne beeing little ones to loue . Fie on this oyle that doth increase my fire . Aeliana loueth Aemilius woone by his desart , and cannot ende this affection but by hir owne death .

But what will Rhegius and the Nobles of Crete say ? that Aeliana shoulde so forget hir selfe , to affect a stranger , his parentage vnknown , vnacquainted with his behauiour , perhaps for some crime banished ?

Why if they shoulde , am not I sole Soueraigne of Crete , able to make him Lord of the free-borne , allye him to my kindred , and wype out the blemish of any conceited crime .

But if they oppose themselues what then ? Bannishing Aemilius from Crete , from Aelianaes company ? Well may they bannish him from Crete , but woulde he vouchsafe of Aelianaes company , him would she follow to the vtmost India , to the burning Zone , to the frozen Pole , to the depth of death .

But what if hee prooue Theseus , and leaue thée as Ariadne in some vnhaunted desert ? Away with th●se fond doubts , Aemilius is not so obdurate , hee that in a a desert deliuered me from death , will neuer in a desert leaue mee desolate : The aforenamed forsakers neuer made show of affect but in wordes onely , this discouered his affection first by workes .

Fie Aeliana , what madding passion possesseth thée ? Suppose he were constant , Noble , and a Cretan , that thy Péeres and people loude him as thy selfe : what reason hast thou of his affection to bee perswaded ? Perchaunce thou imaginest , séeing thy beauty hath caused the Rhodian Gouernour , the Kings of Sicilie and Cyprus to sollicite thée of loue , Aemilius will be easily intangled or in regard of thy Princely seate , thinke himselfe happy to be thy kingly husband : No fond Princesse , the middle earth Iles séeme not so rich to Aemilius , for true vertue holdeth Kingdomes contemptible . Well , how euer loue deale tyrant-like , I will honour Fortune , that left not Aeliana in distresse , but sent Aemilius to be my deliuerer : Of whose loue were I assured , than were I more than fortunate .

With such speeches passed Aeliana ouer her passion , resoluing to loue or not to liue .

Aemilius likewise being solitary , thus participated his sorrowe to the silent night : Blacke shrowde of griefe ( sayth he ) the Outlawes day , Nurse of silence , secure shadow for the fearefull , let me acquaint thy stilnes with my hearts sting , being otherwise so haples as I haue no friend els , in whose bosome I may vnloade my griefe . Froward change onely to me , in ill changing forward , hindrer of my rest , bereauer of my hopes , when wilt thou leaue to obserue truth in my torment , and falshood in my felicitie ? If my euill starres vrge these euents , swéete Night bee thou intreated neuer to giue place to day , till my vnlucky lights be pourd as gelly on the earth . Poore Aemilius , exilde from Thrace , in Crete captitude , my brother forcing the one , beauty constraining the other : By the first thou wert seperated from thy father and sister , by the last bereft of thy woonted senses . Winde , seas , saylers , conspirators of my sorrow , that haue brought Aemilius to this haplesharbor , where hee beholdes with desperate soules the felicitie of Angels , and is desperate of the fruition .

Aeliana center of all my ioy , diuinest beauties essence , light of my soule , my liues load-starre , how miserable am I to sée thée placed in so high a spheare , my selfe deiected in so lowe a clyme : Thou most happy , I most haples , I a slaue , thou a soueraigne .

Why exclaimst thou Aemillus thus against Fortune and Desteny ? It is loue that makes thy case desperate : that robber of rest , bereauer of sense , hee hath conspired in thy extreamity to make thy misery more than extreame . What foole painted thee blinde , that art thus sharpe sighted , able to wound concealed harts ? or rather what foole am I that confirme thée not blinde both of sense and sight , séeing thou séekst to vnite harts so farre different ? So dealtst thou with thy mother , with Sapho , with Cornelia : But some comfort were it knewe I thou hadst assailed Aeliana so . Immortall powers why doate I so ? Shée that hath refused all the Princes in the Ilands of the middle earth , can I thinke loue hath any such power to enforce hir to fancie mée . It is vnlikely , for thee Diana like leades loue fettered , and placing him as her vassaile where she please , darts from her eyes his fire . But comfort thy selfe Aemilius , she hath vouchsafed to be thy Princely Mistris , namde thée her Knight , enioind thée seruice in hir Court : these presumptions of farther fauour . I , that rises from hir Princely bounty to requite thy trauell in hir rescue , no colour of hope that as a louer shee will regard thée : but as shee hath beautified thy poore estate with rich ornaments and Honorable tytles , so for thy ouerdaring she wil cause thy Plumes to be puld , and thou maist appear naked like Aesops Crow .

Therefore Aemilius be circumspect , thou art here a stranger , and on thy behauiour will each eye be fixt . Follow a while thy fortunes , if destenies haue ordained thee happines , nowe hope the best , if markt thée to miserie , ineuitable are their doomes , and better thou wert to dye where thou louest , than liue where thou art loathed .

This while Rhegius tooke small rest , but was sundry waies perplexed in his minde , sometimes blaming his vnlawfull lust , another while exclaiming against his euill lucke : sometimes intreating heauens to giue him power to desist his sute , againe impetrating ayde of hell to persist in his enterprise .

The last determination and the worst continued longest , and furnishing himselfe with sundry examples of most vnnaturall and prepostereus loues , he left his chamber , and euen when day beganne to chase nights cloudes from hindering the morninges beauty , Rhegius vnder colour of most vrgent and serious affaires , came towarde Aelianaes Chamber , that then was singing a Dittie whilst thrée of hir Ladies with rare musique both of voyce and Instrument , kept true time with their Empresse , Carroling an vndersong at each stanzoes ende .

Rhegius rauished with this Angelique Harmonie , staide at the Chamber doore to heare the remaine of Aelianaes Dittie , for euen then all their voyces were like a Quiere of Nightingales chanting on this foote :

Quickly striue the Boy to binde , Feare him not for hee is blinde : If hee get loose hee showes no pittie .

Aeliana then beganne the last Stanzo alone ( as shée had done all the rest ) in this sort .

Trust not his wanton teares , lest they beguile yee : Trust not his childish sight , he breatheth slilie . Trust not his tutch , his feeling may defile yee , Trust nothing that hee doth , the Wagge is wilie . If you suffer him to prate , You will rue it ouer late : Beware of him for hee is wittie . Quickly striue the Boy to binde , Feare him not for hee is blinde : If hee get loose hee showes no pittie .

With this the musique ceast , and Aeliana was about to discourse somewhat of that subiect whereon her song was grounded ; when sodainely Rhegius desired to enter the Chamber , whether when hee was admitted , hee certified the Quéene that hee had serious affaires to conferre with her of , whereupon shee commaunded hir Ladies to auoyde : Attending when hir Vnckle would beginne to speake , who thrée times offered , and thrée times was stroken silent , standing as it were in a traunce : vntill Aeliana had thus reuiued him .

Déere Vnckle , on whose weale consistes the welfare of our Person : and by whose wisedome our Estate is warely guided , tell me ( for I long to knowe ) what great important cause concerning the State or other affaires , vrgeth this early approach , and sodaine alteration .

Why are ye thus silent , your looks deiected , your face bloodles ? Are there confederacies towarde of forren Princes , or conspiracies of home-bred Traytors ? Haue the Gods showen intentions of wrath by some prodigious signe , or haue our Priests opened any insuing euills by vnluckie Augurie : If either of the first , let power bee gathered to preuent , if any of the last , doubt not by prayer wee shall preuaile : Onely let your Honour showe the cause , and our dilligence shall indeuour for some good course .

Rhegius reuiued by her swéete voyce , beganne to gather his spirites together , when shame companion of sinne tainted his pale cheekes with vermillion colour . Offring to speake hee sighd , and windy sighes giuing way to words , hee mingled his stormy speech with showres of teares , that fell not fruitles , but enforst from Aeliana such compassion , that when againe shee woulde haue vrgde him to procéede , the vttrance of hir wordes were stopped with the aboundant water that fell from hir eyes , vntill Rhegius thus brake foorth .

Cease Princely Cousin these sadde teares , and sorrowe not for my lament , no way by griefe able to be lessened . Onely cleare this heauen of beauty , and let no dimme clowds of discontent obseure that brightnes , wherein consortes no small portion of the diuine essence , and abides the chiefe part of my earthly being . Aeliana , Cretes Empresse , Goddesse of my hart , if euer Rhegius merited of thée kinde fauour for his faithfull seruice , grant him one boone easie for thée to grant , which grant will giue thy wretched Vnckle life , thy deniall marke him for the sonne of death .

Woonder not faire Quéene to sée my countenance thus often chaunged , for nowe pale feare benummeth my féeble heart , anone redde shame tainteth my blushing chéekes : Lastly , Loue forces me thus to answere . Beasts entrailes haue shown our Priests no vnluckie signe , the heauens no prodigies , the Cretans are not rebellious , neither are the neighbring Kingdomes enuious : onely Rhegius inward soule is staind with conceipt of sinne , his thoughts prodigious , his hart rebellious , his minde enuious . Of which enuie , rebellion , preposterous and impure sinne , Loue is onely originall : whose fires haue kindled contrarie thoughts in wretched Rhegius , such as himselfe shames to vtter , such as I see your Highnes blush to conceiue .

Herewith Aeliana stepped backe , and Phoebe-like ( when Cadmus nephew behold her naked in the fountaine ) shee frownd on Rhegius , who taking her by the hand , intreated her a while to heare patiently , what Loue compeld him vtter .

Cease , cease said Aeliana , let not the glorie of thy worthie gouernment , be dimd with this lustfull & incestuous practise . Thy change of passion assures me this is not done to trie me : but too-too surely I perceiue by thy troubled lookes , thou hast giuen libertie to vnbrideled appetite : which on thy alleageaunce I charge thée to desist , or I will exterminate thy lawles loue , by vntimely death .

At the name of death , Rhegius smiled , and saide , that is the period indéed of my lament . More haplesse is this life to me than anie death can be Curst be those lawes that binde men from that which Nature denyeth not to beasts . The lightfoote Roe is conuersaunt with his Damme , the Birde billeth with those of the same neast , the Dolphin wantonneth with fish of the same spawne : but men haue imposed burthens on men which neither they themselues , nor their fathers before them could kéepe . Myrrha loued hir father , Byblis hir brother : this in the worlds eye was preposterous , to Nature not abhorring , to loue agréeing : why shoulde not Loue and Nature then commaund Lawe , séeing from them Law onely holdes hir chéefe positions . Suppose it were not thus , but these bounds of Law , were from pure Loue , and vnspotted Nature deriued : what then ? Affection blindly iudgeth , and will neyther bee by reason restrained , nor by extremitie bridled . Your Highnes threatens me with death : heere is my naked breast , make me blessed by that doome , I beséech you . Pierce this bosome , and let foorth my conspiring spirit : pull out these lasciuious eyes , betrayers of my yéelded heart : and sacrifice my lust-burning bodie , before the altare of your diuine beautie : other restraint for Rhegius or rest for your Excellence can none be found , my passions are so ouer-daring fond .

Aeliana pitying his extreames , and séeing that her sharpe deniall made him almost desperate , shee tooke him vp from the ground ( whereon he knéeled ) and thus comforted him .

Noble Vnckle , séeing outragious lust hath clowded the precious vertues of your minde : and that I sée yee so giuen ouer to your loose desires , that you neglect regard of honour , and feare of death , séeking to violate chastitie , whose royaltie you should defend : that I may giue some ease to your gréefe , ( standing with the pleasure of the heauens , our dignitie , and your account ) I first pardon what in these cases hath passed , and vowe my selfe euer readie to minister you Princely comfort . My selfe will daylie visite you , walke with ye , conferre with ye , reason against your vnreasonable loue , perswade yee to honourable thoughts , disswade yee from these dissolute determinations .

If you be sicke , I will be your Phisition : if faynt your comforter : if froward ( as at this time ye séeme ) your counseller : onely learne by degrées to cutbe these humours , that ( suffered ) will with a head-long furie obscure the former brightnes of your vertues , and subuert our estate .

Time will change ( I doubt not ) your dissolute intent , and make you ( as of old ) resolute in dooing well . Come swéete Vnckle , be comforted , and in all things that modestie will permit , Aeliana that is borne thy Souereigne , will endeuour herselfe to bee thy Handmaid .

Rhegius ( ouercome with these swéete spéeches ) began to be more ashamed of his loose attempt , than hee was before earnest to prosecute it : but soone that motion fayled , and he returning to his vomit , tooke aduantage of the Princes offer , and intended if he once seazd on her againe , not to be preuented , resoluing that vi si non verbis she should be wonne .

But he couered his hatefull intention with a smoothed brow , awayting his time till he could drawe the innocent Princesse within his power . And so with infinite thankes , promising to endeuour himselfe to bridle his passions , and crauing pardon for his vndecent presumption , they parted , she to her meditation of Aemilius perfections , hee to practise some plot for their destructions .

All this while we haue forgot the old King , liuing in his solitarie cell , whose proportion of rest to him was more pleasing in that solitude , than in the frequent companies at his Court . And because we will not disturb his contemplation , we only cursorily passe by , for that we are forst to poast by , and séeke for passage ouer into Thrace , where all things ( like an vnmundified vlcer ) festred inwardly , though outwardly there appeared a cloaked shaddow and painted show of ciuill and honest gouernment .

Celinus onely attends lasciuious companie , Celydon intends to appropriate to himselfe the dignitie and become seale Souereigne , awayting onely opportunitie to effect in act what he had long conceiud , euen the last scene of Celinus Tragedie .

While thus the one priuely practised to win , the other publiquely endeuoured to lose , euerie mans feare foretold insuing mischiefe . And as the Ocean ceaseth not to boyle against a tempest , till high billowes make rough smooth waters : so the disturbed imaginations of mens brains , produced variable mutterings : some vttering their feares , others their affectation : euerie one like a Sphinx deliuering his opinion doubtfullye , fearfull least some Oedipus would expound it too plainly .

During the time the Court and Common-wealth were thus troubled , I trust ye thinke not Piers Plainnes so ill a husband to be idle : for in my masters house we kept the essence of the one , and image of the other . For as in the Court were two Kings , so had wee two commaunders : videlicet Vlpian my miserable master , and Vrsula my lasciuious mistres . Wonder not to heare , that riot should kéepe house with wretchednes : for such is the pleasure of the heauens , that one iniquitie should consume another , commonly ill-getting fathers hauing loose spending children , verifiing the olde approoued prouerbe , Male partae male dilibuntur . If when I serud Flatterie my soule were afflicted to hear his foothing lyes : when Prodigalitie , my hart gréeued to sée his lasciuious waste : when Brokerie , my eyes mourned to be witnes to extreame extortion : here had I occasion all at once of eyes mouing , harts gréeuing , and soules affliction . O miserable condition of couetous parents , and desperate resolution of riotous children : the first wearying out it selfe immoderately to get : the last tyring out it selfe with insatiate desire to spend . But why digresse I ▪ The Swines declining bounds me in a limit : for with the day intend I to end my discourse . Vlpian my master ( whose sparing lyfe not Niggardize herselfe can well expresse ) albeit he vsed Vrsula his daughter as a propertie to inthrall yong Gentlemen , as hee had earst done Flauius : yet would grudge at anie money he parted with to maintaine her in fit estate , either for diet or apparell to entertain such , as in hope to bee heires of Vlpians treasure , dailye repaired to their destruction . She on the other side , I must néedes say , ( as such kinde creatures be ) was kind harted inough , and when she could haue met wyth his coffers , she was no lesse lauish of his bags , than loose of her behauiour . For her part , shee was a right Anabaptist , all things were with her , and shee with euerie one in common .

When first she thus attempted by pilfrie to breake into his ill purchase , and hee espied the decrease of hys beloued crownes : Furie it selfe was not so furious . Me hee tormented to acknowledge my selfe an accessarie , and for her part ( I le be her witnes ) she was handled as a principall . For when at my handes nothing could bee gotten , ( because I was ignorant of all ) hee tooke vpon him to disple his Daughter , and neuer left scourging till she plaid one part of a true penitenciary , and made open confession , marrie restitution she could not otherwise make , but with promise to cousen for him as manie Gentlemen as she might . For want of other securitie , he was glad to take her word for a bond , and so for a month or two the case was wondrously altred , for while her woundes were healing , wee kept a long Lent . To describe our diet , were inough to fill all the Countrie with a dearth : with remembraunce thereof , Famine it self hath seazed on me , and except I here féed I can procéed no farther .

Pitie it were ( quoth Corydon ) thou shouldest now faint . Menalcas , reach hether thy scrip , my bag is emptie : heres wine inough , and there s a part of a roasted kid , either of power to reuiue thy fainting spirites , and refresh thy tyred senses . Menalcas drinke to him , and proue a better master than this vlpian , of whose seruice thy seruant now intreates . Here Piers said Menalcas drinke well , and after thy refreshing , goe forward .

I marry quoth Piers , the Sailer and Souldier are happie , that in the quiet hauen or other secure harbour may discourse the escaped daungers on sea and in field : therefore ( with a full stomacke ) I will ( as merely as I may ) describe the daylie proportion of our hungrie face .

The day no sooner appeared , but Piers poasted to the Poticaries for oyntment to recouer Vrsulas sore skin to the wonted soundnes : and by then I returned , olde Vlpian my master was readie to rise , and read a lecture of thrift to me and her : other breakfast had wee none . At dinner my allowaunce was two Anchoues , shéere water my drinke : and at night drie ryce ( or rather rye bread ) my best repast : my master pretending a solemn Fast , till Vrsula were recouered , without whose helth he assured me our commons must néedes faile , for that she was the common vpholder of the house : for praier indéede we had no Iniunction , yet made he daylie exeerable Orizons honouring gold as the chéefest good , and one day it was my chance to heare the ground of his deuotion .

Béeing entred his studie , and opening his coffers , he vttered the intention of his soule in these tearmes . O gold , adored gold , my soules chéefe soueraigne , my liues best Genius , for whom the néedy vassaile toyles , the Souldier fightes , the Scholler studieth , howe doth thy diuine essence comfort my troubled spirite , against whose opulencie the enuious beggers of the earth repine . O bee thou resident with me in spite of all their rage : for where thou art there enuy cannot hurt . Close vp my senses from all other thoughts than of thy exelence : A little Grammer learning I haue , and were it no more than to holde thée fast it were sufficient : for what account are Schollers made of , or Friendes or Gods , without golden Oratorie , giuing frendship , or all-yéelding Deitie .

Then my religion , frend , Art , all I haue , to thée I sacrifice my selfe : without whose presence I am not my selfe : in thée alone remaines Beatitude , without thée know I no blessednes .

These and the like were my Masters daylie innocations , his exercise was turning ouer money , and searching euerie corner of the house least some thinge wer hid . During Vrsulas sicknes , or rather sorenes we had no great resort , but vpon her recouerie wee had open proclimation for dayes of Iubile . She like a gratious Childe remembring her late gréefe , in stéede of sorrowe for her Fathers wrong , practisde of her owne iniurie to be wreakt : & mee she makes the instrument of her reuenge being altogether ignorant of hir course ; My old Master Flauius driuen to the extreamest exigent of want she sends me too , protesting she would in some measure onely reléeue his néed , not accquainting me with any other intent . To be bréefe they met , and thus conspirde , that Flauius should to Celinus , and accuse her Father for clipping of gold , which according to the law of Thrace was hie treason , her onely desire was to bee the happie possessor of his possessions and goods , of all which she would put Flauius in possession by her marriage . The first parte of her deuice tooke effect , Flauius accused Vlpian , our house was searcht , the clippings found , his iudgment followed , and Vlpians execution was not farre behinde , whereto with notable acclamation of the people he was brought . In stéede of penitence hee died desperate hauing liued detestablie , cursing his daughter execrablie , and blessing the beholders with his goutie héeles , deliuered himselfe ouer to the hangmans mercie . Here ends the tragedie of true Auarice , a worde or two of Vrsula and Flauius .

Contrarie to their expectation , the goods of Vlpian were seazd on to Celinus vse , and she nakedly tourned forth as the betraier of her father : whom ( in distresse ) Flauius refusde , the Court scorned , the Citie iested at . Being ioly brought vp , she could no way indeuour her selfe to helpe her selfe , and so in fine miserably died . My selfe ( as a moueable ) was solde , and Flauius quondam Baylie the Customer became my master .

A bodie would think I had béen where deceit inough before had béen : but to this all my passed life was sanctimonie . In euerie other place I saw deceipt , & shund it : but here I was a daily deceiuer , & could scarce sée it . Well , ere I goe forward with what I there did , let vs sée what hapned at Court .

Celydon ( as I before said ) onely awaited occasion to quarrell with Celinus , and now vppon partition of olde Vlpians goods , the long hid fier brake into flame . Celinus had the goods in possession , and because they were of great worth was loath to leaue them . Celydon ( on the other side ) pretended to haue them deliuered into the Common Treasurie : but that was by Celinus to the publique officers denied . Whereupon Celydon armed himselfe , and with a multitude of souldiers beset the Pallaice and Counsell-house : whereinto entring , he thus inueighed against Celinus .

Lords of Thrace , dismay not that Celydon enters armed amongst these reuerend Senators : for no slight cause hath hethertoo vrged me , but the preseruation of your ancient Honors , and the good of this wealpublike . I know it is not vnknowen to all of you , with what zealous care I haue laboured to vphold this misgouerned estate , of which Celinus hath endeuoured to work the downfall . If I should be silent , your selues are to me testimonies , hauing giuen me more honor , than either I deserue or expect .

But neyther may my cares nor your endeuours preuaile , so long as this vnbrideled Gentleman Celinus is suffered to ouerrule what we determine . Should I but vrge a secrete long from your knowledge concealed , howe euer by your wisedomes suspected , I should giue you more occasion to detest his vnnaturall euill , than yet you haue had to inueigh against his vnbrideled life , wherein what ill hath not béene prosecuted , that corruption could inuent , or wickednes enact . I meane the trecherous exile of our Lord Hylenus and his children , whose vertues by how much they were greatly to our auaile , Celinus vices are to be held more vile : séeing the vertuous father by the vicious sonne , the harmles brother and sister by their hatefull and hurtfull brother , are banished we knowe not whether , or murdred we know not howe ? But here it may bee to my selfe it will bee obiected , that long since Celinus had for vsurping béen punished , had not Celydon supported him . I graunt graue fathers this is true , whereby it may be , some will inferre , I was a principall in this conspiracie . But that part I deny . For vtterly without my knowledge was our King and his children exiled , Celinus backt with riotous companies , the people tumultuously gathred on heapes , when fearefull of ciuill muteny , I yéelded to the times as likewise you all did , and swore to vphold Celinus lest in the contention the whole people shoulde haue perished . Nowe that wee are of power , requisit it is to reuenge royall Hylenus wrongs , our owne wrongs , the peoples iniuries : séeing he hath not onely expulsed his father from his estate , but in a manner ruined the whole State . For which of your wiues or daughters are priuiledged from his lust ? who of you are owners of your owne wealth , but subiect to his lasciuious deuastation ? Now is the time , and here is the effect of the prescription drawne . Bee not abasht graue fathers , Nero , Phalaris , diuers Kings and Emperours , haue for misgouernement not onely béene deposed but also put to death : they beeing true Princes , Celinus an vsurper . He is now carowsing among his riotous Caualiers , or wantoning with his Concubines , if you will shew your selues worthy the name of Thracians , of Senators , of men , subscribe to this prescription , my bands of armed souldiers are ready to execute the vsurper : if you delay , my selfe will take vpon me the glory of this action to your perpetuall reproofe , and immortall indignities . When hee had thus spoken , with a frowning countenance hee awayted their answere : Who séeing into the drift of Celydon , and noting the power he had at that time , suppressed the fulnes of their conceite , and consented to subscribe to the prescription .

Whereto they had no sooner signed , but Celydon with his power went into the market place , and there in the publique iudgement seate accused Celinus of the foresaid crimes , exasperating against him all malitious indignities done vnto his father , his brother , and sister , and all other his misdemeanors : Wherewith he drew forth the prescription signed with the Senates handes , and demaunded of them if they woulde giue their voyce .

The people confusedly cryed out , let Celinus the traytor be drawen forth to death : Then ran the multitude hedlongly to Celinus Pallace , who being taken at vnawares , made head against them with such power as he had , but being a troup of loose persons , for no other attended his traine , hee and they were soone discomfited .

The Assistaunts were in a manner numberlesse , theyr cryes confused and tumultuous , so that Celinus could neither speake to make excuse , nor had power to make resist .

Wherefore withdrawing himselfe hee escaped thorough a vault into the wood ioyning to the Pallace , who was no sooner mist , but his followers yéelded to the mercie of Celydon , who caused diuers to bee tormented , to confesse where Celinus was : what was become of him there coulde not any tell , so the moates were dragde , thinking hee had desperately cast himselfe in , and then the secrete vaultes were founde , but Celinus could not be found , neither shall yee heare anie more of him , till it bee my owne good hap to finde him .

Returne to Celydon , who with the furious multitude vtterly raced the pallace of Celinus , and without pittie cruelly murdered and inhumanely massacred his concubine sand associates , among whom fell both Thrasilio and Flauius : the one for an vnthrift , the other for a fletterer that had not their fellowes in all Thrace .

While in this manner Celydon insulted ouer Celinus miserable estate , and breathed threatenings against all his other vntaken Fauourites , proclayming high méede to anie one that brought Celinus either quicke or dead , and threatning sharpe death , and confiscation of goods , to euerie one that succoured him : the Senatours by aduise of an eloquent Oratour , and reuerent Counseller named Licostenes , had thus decréed , that séeing Celydon was culpable of selfe treason with Celinus , as soone as his handes of Souldiers were dissolued , he should bee publiquely executed in such manner as for Celinus himselfe ordained , and that they would presently dispatch messengers to all neighbryng Nations , if happely they might heare of Hylenus and his children .

This they determined with all possible spéede to effect , while Celydon ( nothing of their intent suspecting ) left not the ruinating of Celinus Pallayce , and tormenting his seruants , till nightes darknesse denied them meanes to execute farther their mallice .

But Celydon thinking himselfe nothing safe till Celinus wer surprised , dischargde not as yet his bands of soldiers , but sent speedy messengers to lay the Ports about Hebrus , and companies to search the forrest of Hemus and the waies to the next Prouinces adioyning : but especially the Ports hee suspected , and to the Hauen where my Master was Customer , at once came Proclamation and commission , that who so euer harbored Celinus shoulde immediately as traytors bee executed , and he that brought him foorth should receiue a thousand Crownes . Celinus destiny was such to happen to that Port , and for that he presumed he had some interest in my Master , as well for helping him to ●he Office , as also for smoothering many of his offences , in transporting forbidden commodities : and séeing wee are here , touch the faults we wil a litle that my Master the Customer vsed , and let slip the matter a while of Celinus handling . First , in the first part of this discourse you vnderstood he was Flauius Baily , a deceiuer of his Master , and now is Baily for the King , and dooth his best to vndoo the Countrey . Hee was a Vsurer , a Broker , a Farmer , and what not in that place : Corne , leather , mettall , any forbidden commodities , might passe if he were paid , spices vngarbled , letters close packed , fugitiues , outlawes , any thing , powder , ordinance , artillery , so they paide him priuy custome . A sort of bankerupt Brokers wer his retainers , that at the landing of any merchant stranger , confedered either to commende others credite , thereby to take into their handes their whole commodities : And when daies of payment comes , the merchant hath no other helpe of them , but we are sory , and would haue sworne their credits had béene such and such . When like deceiuing cousoners they share quarters , and my Master for countenancing their knaueries had his halfe part . Among other deceites , for transporting of vittels , this plaine guile hee suffered , when ves●●ls were bound foorth , thrée times more than due proportion hee let passe , vnder colour to serue the voyage : but without hee were paid nothing could passe , and then they might passe and repasse without controll . What though the garbler cryed out , his vailes were wasted , the Commons the corne was transported , euery one of wrong , so he had the right he lookt for , all was well : for in all these wrongs Celinus was his supporter . Now came the time of triall , whether the ill seruant wold proue true to his bad master . Celinus ( in the dead of night ) gets to our house , tells my master his estate , and requires to be transported . He was no sooner entred , but the towne was priuily raisd : yet Petrusio vsed great protestations for his assurance . Celinus ( notwithstanding their manye oathes ) liked not his lookes , and in the end by priuie whisprings , and rustling of armed men without , was sure of his deceit : but remembring Petrusio to be notably couetous , he thus dallyed with him .

Petrusio , how I haue preferd thée thou knowst , and how thou louest me I am assured : yet that I may make thee more beholding , I will vtter one secrete ere I take shipping , that shall bind thée to me aboue all other kindnesses . How euer I haue séemed to liue secure , yet against this expected daye of my downefall haue I not béen altogether improuident , but secretely haue hidd●n two hundred thousand crownes : one half I make thée master of , the other I intreate thée ( as thou hast found me louing ) to conuay me when I shall write to thée from anie forren coast . Doo this Petrusio , and be now more enriched , and if againe Fortune fauour me , looke to bee most fortunate . Vnworthie am I ( quoth Petrusio ) to obtaine this fauor , and as I proue to your Highnes faithfull , let my fortunes bee succesfull : onely resolue your seruant where the treasure is . First said Celinus bring me to Ship , I am els in this case resolued to bee euer silent . Petrusio not willing to loose this pray , pretended to goe cléere the Key , and leauing him , went to the Officers , assuring them the prisner was safe , & for speciall matter concerning the State , must bee carried secretly aboord a Barke , that anchored before the Harbor : to bring him thether himself vndertooke the charge , and appointed a hundred well armed to goe before vnto the Barke , giuing them a watch-woord when they should apprehend Celinus : the rest of the People to auoyd tumult he discharged . They counting him the forman of the parish , brake vp the Watch , and obeyed his words : and Petrusio returning to Celinus , brought him to a Cocke boate , and me he appointed for the waterman .

But here the case begins to alter . Wee were no sooner in the midst of the Riuer , but Celinus taking my master by the throate , vsed these terames . Petrusio , I know thée for a villaine , and am assured of thy notable intention to betray me . What thou hast , my gift hath holpe thée too , thy goods are mine borrowed , thy life to my seruice vowed : yet for all this , my misgiuing heart compels me to mistrust thy constancie . Vse no words , for they are false like thy faultie life : no oathes , for they are more deceiuing than thy wordes : no teares , for they haue learned trecherie of either : only in death will I beleeue thée : and with that giuing him a mortal wound , he heaude him ouer boord , and stept to me saying , Pesant exclaime not , for if thou doo thy life is lost , and with this miserable wretch thou shalt in death consort . Be firme to me , and as I am a Gentleman , I wil preserue thy life , and vse thée well .

I that was acquainted with Petrusioes trecherie , pitying his youth , remembring his royall progenie , & in plaine tearmes fearing my owne tragedie , quicklie resolud to prouide for his escape , and embracing certain danger to auoyd present feare , we put out into the déepest of the maine , yet not so secretly but they in the Barke espied vs , and setting out their owne and other vessells boates to bring vs vnder their lée , had surely taken vs , had not the Guider of the Windes ( furthering our flight ) let loose their ragefull breathings , that scattred the Men of warre , whose boates pursued vs : the billowes prowdly mounting their vpper deckes , made them more carefull to attend their owne safetie , than intend our pursute . And if they in vessels of great burden were distressed , we then that had onely a boate could not but be greatly endangered .

Let vs shift with the storme awhile , and sée what sorted that night to Celydon .

Licosthenes ( before named ) hauing assembled al the chiefe Senators , sent for the Praetor of the Citie & hys Brethren : before whom he laid open the whole treasons of Celydon . As , that raised from meane estate to high dignitie by Hylenus their lawfull Souereign , he had consented to so great a treason , as the exile of him , Aemilius his Heire , and Rhodope their beauteous Princesse . In this he vrged reasons to proue Celydon principall : first the remisse life of Celinus ( an argument in him of small ambition ) by Celydon soothed in ill , by his counsell disinherited , then to this vnnaturall ●reson animated , and now at last either brought to desperate flight , or assured confusion . To this he added , the remembrance of those Citizens slaine the first day of the conspiracie , the feasting of the multitude for thrée daies following , the light passing ouer of Hylenus absence & his children , the abusing of Celinus youth , his owne ambition to be sole Protector , concluding with the barbarous murder of Celinus seruants . This he laid open with such effectiue woordes , mingling his spéech with teares , and filling their harts with terror , aswell by old example of Vsurpers tyrannies , as present instance of late performed Tragedies , that the Magistrates with one voice desired him not onely to aduise what should be done : but also to lead them , and what hee enioyned they would performe .

Licosthenes then caused foure thousand to be armed , and with them went to the Pallace , where Celydon all fearlesse of that accident , was plotting which of the Senators first to murder after Celinus death : hauing sent the greatest number of his souldiers towards Petruosis house , wherein he heard he was kept prisoner . Licosthenes causing the Companies to bee placed on each side of the stréete leading to the Pallace gate , was by the Captain of Celydons Gard demanded a reason for his armed approach ? Who answered , it was onely to defend the Pallace and Treasurie : séeing a number of the Commons ( by some turbulent person stirred vp ) were gathered in the Market place , and would by no reasons bee allayed , till Celinus were deliuered them : wishing him to informe Celydon , that his Princelye presence was the only meane to allay the people , being gracious in their eyes : and therefore had he armed the better sort of citizens to be his strong gard , if he vouchsafed in person to prouide for the Cities safetie . Celydon hearing of this , hasted toward the Market place , of all other least fearing Licosthenes : who by the way arrested him of high treason , to which resisting , a smal sairmish began : which with Celydons death soone ended , who suppressed with many wounds , breathd forth his aspiring spirite from his blood-defiled trunke .

Much adoo there was next morning to allay mutenies , but by the diligence of the Magistrates the People were appeased : and messengers were dispatched to euerie neighboring Kingdome , to enquire of Hylenus or his children : and the sea-bankes were all about the coast searched for the bodie of Celinus , whome of certaintie they thought the storme had wracked .

It is long since I was in Crete , but when we come there , we will ende there . In the meane time , I will forward with the storme , wherein the Prince Celinus and I wer miserably distrest : for some while the mounting waues heavd vs to the clouds , another while sunk vs to the depth , which euerie moment wee accounted should be our sepulcher . Beside this sea-storme , heauens windows were opened , powring another sea vppon our heads : our oares were borne ouer boord , and we poore wretches ( like condemned persons in the Sergeants hands ) hurried whether violence it selfe would driue vs. Our chiefest powers were imployed , either to hold other fast , least the mercilesse waters shuld haue washt vs from the boate . And while we lay thus infolded , I yéelding my selfe to death , he lamenting his desperate life : I was not a little comforted , that these miseries made him remember his mischieuous courses , and séeke reconciliation with God , being vtterly hopeles to enioy anie more the companie of men .

Nothing violent can bee permanent . This storme ere morning ceased , and some ease was giuen to our afflictions : the cloudie vapors were chased to the South , and the gray Morning blushingly saluted the Sunne , whose orient beames wantonned on the quiet waters . But these pleasures little comforted vs , who fainting with extreame labor , had no meanes to obtaine foode . He that had heard the penitent Prince exclaime on Celydons perswasion to that vnnaturall treason , ask pardon of his wronged father , iniurde brother , harmlesse sister : would haue relented into teares , in compassionating his gréefe .

Thrée nights and two daies we huld along the Mediterrane sea , oarelesse , foodlesse , and strengthlesse . About the mid-watch of the last night , a storme more furious than the first assailed vs , driuing our smal boate against a rocke , where splitting in sunder our wetherbeaten bodies were with the parted sides of the boate seperated . My happie chance was such , euen when my vitall powers were past all sense , to bee preserued by a fisherman , with whom Rhodope the Thracian Princesse ( calling her selfe Serena ) dwelt , of him and all the neighbors derely beloued . At his house ( with warme broaths and other helpes ) my benummed limbs found féeling of life : Serena more carefully attending me for that I was of Thrace , whose turmoyled estate when she heard of , teares fell from hir eyes : but when I discoursed my wretched parting with Celinus , shee sunke to the ground . The Fisherman , his wife , my selfe with much adoo recouered hir , who weakely lifting vp hir head , cryed , A haples brother , haue heauens so little pittie of thy life , that they permitted not thy penitent soule to be reconciled to thy exiled father ? With that the Fisherman askt if shée were daughter to a king ? No said shée , but I was a handmaid to that haples Princes , and Celinus often woulde in Courtlike discourses account me for his sister . The Fisherman replied that to Aeliana shee shoulde bee presented , if she were of so high a byrth . But Serena on hir knées besought shee might liue still in that meane estate , wherein as she had béene duetifull to him and hir , so she would continue : And further besought they woulde giue entertainement to hir sea-wrackt countriman . Both hir requests were granted , and I in a small boate was set to fish in the riuer , on which riuer about two miles from the sea , Rhegius had a sumptuous Castle , for pleasure and strength vnmatcheable in all Crete . And since we are in Crete : let vs sée how the affaires goe there . Rhegius vnable to quench his vnnaturall lust to Aeliana his kinswoman and soueraigne : grew enuiously impatient at Aemilius fauour , for Aeliana the Quéene graced him with all honors , and he by his demeanor obtained the frendship of each Courtier .

A wicked Counsellour seruant to Rhegius , soother of his lust-burning loue , was one day drawen by Rhegius abroade , to whom in a groue not far from the sea , in a thicket seldome frequented , Rhegius discouered his grefe , and desired his aduise . There leaue we him a while , and sée what shift Celinus made to get the shore : being immediately after the splitting of the Boate cast into the hollowe of a rocke , in which by degrées ascending , he obtained the top of the crag , and the tyde going out continued there til morning , whose light gaue him no small comfort , for that he soone discouered the shore : being a thicke wood within two furlongs of the rocks discent . Faint though hee were , the sight of land gaue him vigor , what Coast it was he knew not , but intended to try , and casting himself into the calme water ( for betwéene the woode and the rocke there was a good lée , in short space he attained the shoare , entered the Wood , and finding certaine wilde fruit , refresht therewith his fainting lims . And tooke some small rest vppon the ground , hauing had no sléepe in thrée daies before . Hée was but newly awaked , when Rhegius with his wicked counseller were hard at hand conferring about the practise touching Aemilius and Aeliana : His seruant thus aduising ; Aemilius said he , is this day a hunting néere your Castle , and as I vnderstand , intendeth in your absence to sée the beautye thereof . There your Honorable custome giueth entertaignment as well to straungers as frée-borne Cretans , and thither if you please will I poast , inuite him all night to stay , assure him and his company , the Quéene within two daies will be there , and hath commanded him there to abide hir Graces comming : which graunted , in his bedde I will either murther him , or commit him prisoner ( since I know your Honorable nature hateth murder ) into the déepe vault of your Castle , where hee shall be kept till the Quéene bee woon to yéeld to your intent . Her Grace you shall inuite to the same Castle , and in the dead of night enter hir chamber , be resolute , let not hir teares intreate ye , feare not we will attende ye , if once you senze on hir , suffer hir not to escape , for though maydenly bashfulnes cause hir to be ouer-coy , yet once entred she will euer yeelde . I , this is somewhat saide Rhegius , murder Aemi●ius I will not , but gladly would I remooue him , therefore his inthralment I consent vnto : For Aeliana my kinswoman , my soueraign , my soules chiefe health , faine would I vse her forceably , whome faire meanes cannot intreate , but that my feare to offend is almost equall to my loue . Ah tell me should she exclaime , in what case then were Rhegius ? dishonored , pointed at , not only held a traytor , but estéemed incestuous ? My Lord said Dolon , ( for so was hée named ) be not precise , if euer ye intend to effect the perfect fulnes of your affection . To you more than her is Crete beholding : she being lawfull heire hath onelie the title of Quéene , you hold the Souereignitie : and would she not consent , I would compell her . If your affections bee setled as you say , you must vse force : if not , you may resolue otherwise as you please . Then as thou hast said ( quoth Rhegius ) let vs conclude : my ouer-mastred reason hath no reason to resist thy aduice . Herewith they heard a heauie groane sent by Celinus , that now knew himselfe in Crete by the name of Aeliana , and had hope to finde his Brother when hee heard mention of Aemilius . With his sigh , Rhegius & Dolon looked backe , and sawe him faintly sitting vnder a Palme trée , neere the place they stood , and demaunded what he was ? I am quoth he a miserable man , late sea-wrackt on this shore , pined welnere with famine , gréeued to talke , yet destrous to aduise one of you , that of his owne nature séemeth not ill inclinde , to shun the perswasions of the other : for by like counsell & self conspiracie , a●● I cast downe from Princely dignitie vnto this extremitie .

Hadst thou said Dolon béen Monarch of the earth , yet thus shouldst thou perish for playing the eauesdropper : and therewith doubling wound on wound , left hym with his out-stretcht limmes all senseles on the earth . Rhegius reprooued his bloodines , yet slightly past it , & leauing him without sepulcher , set forward with their detestable resolution .

Dolon at Rhegius Castle finds Aemilius , intertains him , stayes him , betrayes him , and in a déepe dungeon imprisons him , where day equalled the night in darkenes , only a small glimmering through a cranny in the wall descended . Aemilius that knew no reson for this wrong , doubtlesse of Aelianaes fauor , assured of Rhegius honorable thoughts , could not but complaine in that disconsolate place . Often he remembers his Father , meanes his sister , blames his brother , exclaymes on destinie , that had reserued him to such distresse .

This night it was my hap to be placing wéeles in sundrie places of the riuer , and from a small loope hole to whose barre I fastned my boate , I heard the wofull accents of his sorrowfull voyce , and at my returne certified Serena of the accident : who with me deuised , that next night I should take a number of canes , that being hollow and ioynted , I might from my mouth question him , and he to the hollow of my eare returne answere . By which meanes being ascertained it was hée , I furnisht me with a long ladder of roapes , and engines to loosen the stone for his escape , which the third night wée effected .

I suppose you thinke there was some ioy when hys sister and he met : thrée daies he there continued couertly , intending to heare the vulgar report about his absence , all which time hardly scrud them for conference .

We left Celinus mortally wounded in the Wood : whom olde Hylenus ( as hee was walking to gather hearbes ) found : who powring balme into his wounds and pretious wine into his mouth , began a little ●o returne red blood to his ashie-coloured chéekes , and some weake moouing to his benumbed limmes . At length he opened the heauie windowes of his dimmed eyes , and staring Hylenus in the face , with a féeble voyce thus questiond him : O what art thou that recalst from death , the sonne of all mischaunce and miserie ? Why should thy age be pittifull to my yong yeares , that haue to kingly age béen cruell , and on Princely youth shewed no compassion ? Hylenus better marking this discoloured man , knew him at these words to bee Celinus : wherewith abundance of teares dewed his siluer hair , and true compassion toucht his princely heart : indeuoring both to recure him , and knowe what accident had brought him into that place and plight ? Celinus as he was lead to the Hermitage , vttered the conspiracie betwéene Rhegius and Dolon , referring his owne wretchednesse till hee were more refresht . As soone as Hylenus had dressed Celinus wounds , and giuen him precious restoratiues , with what spéed he might hee went to the Court , and to the Quéene vttred the whole conspiracie of Rhegius . Who obseruing his importunate loue , the Sauages assailment , the absence of Aemilius , and withall that next day she was inuited to hir vnkles Castle , called a Counsell , before whom the Hermit againe opened the whole plot : whereat Rhegius confounded , confessed the fault . The Castle was sercht , but Aemilius could not be found : wherupon Rhegius & Dolon wer condemned of traitrous conspiracie & murder , the third day following appointed for their execution . Aemilius hearing of this tooke Rhodope , my master , and my proper selfe with him , appointing to bee at Court against the day of execution . Hylenus the daye before had brought thether his reconciled Sonne , who opened before the Quéene and States Rhegius vnwillingnes , and Dolons often tempting him : yet nothing could alter Aelianaes iudgement , till Amilius leading Rhodope by the hand , shewed himselfe aliue . His only sight pleaded her Vnckles pardon : and Rhodopes first view sodainly changed Rhegius lawles affections . Short tale to make ( for now the Sunne is setled in the West ) Dolon was sent to bannishment , Celinus and Rhegius were to either Souereigne reconciled , Aemilius by marriage with Aeliana was crowned King of Crete , Rhodope giuen to Rhegius , the Fisher-man & my selfe richly rewarded . While feasts and triumphs continued in Crete , messengers were sent into Thrace , whence sundrie Nobles came to attend Hylenus in his returne : where being ioyfully receiued , Licosthenes was honored with Celydons offices , and Celinus proclaimed heir apparant . My selfe might in either Court haue serued , but for my plaine condition I found them too curious : therefore hetherward I bent my course , intending to liue Menalcas man if he accept it , or kéepe my owne Heard , when I can get it .

Godamercie Piers ( said Corydon ) for thy good ende . The Euening Starre is vp , and ruddie Thetis welcommeth the Sunne . After long troubles I like thy desire of rest : for in a shepheards life is both repose & recreation . I quoth Menalcas , Young DAPHNIS hath giuen his verdict of The Shepheards Content : duely praising it , as it meriteth . My bleating Lambes ( said Piers ) tell me it is time to folde , my Dogge hath brought my Heard into a head : you that haue hindred me all day helpe me a little at night , that I may in this kinde hereafter the willinger await your will . Hereto they both yéelded : and Corydon supping that Night with Menalcas , enioyned him to bring Piers to theyr Plough-mans Holidaye . Where what happened , if Piers Plainnes please , shall peraduenture be published .

FINIS .