π1r Joyce Josselyn
her Booke
π1v ¶1r Richard Bridgoman
His Book 16711671
1 stampomitted ¶1v (A. W. Manus) ¶2r

A
Continuation
of
Sir Philip Sydney’s
Arcadia:

Wherein is handled
The Loves of
Amphialus and Helena
Queen of Corinth, Prince
Plangus and Erona.

With the Historie of the Loves of
Old Claius and Young Strephon
to Uranie.

Written by a young Gentle-
woman, Mris A. W.

London,
Printed by William Bentley, and are to be
sold by Thomas Heath, near the Pyazza
of the Coven-Garden.
1651Anno Dom. 1651.

¶2v ¶3r

To the two unparalleld
Sisters,
and Patterns of Virtue,

The Ladie Anne
and,
The Ladie Grace Perpoint,

Daughters to the Right Honourable
the Marquess of
Dorchester
.

If I had not observed that
the greatest humilitie,
reigns in the bosoms of
the Noblest Personages,
I should not presume to Dedi
cate this most unworthie Fabrick to
your Honours; especially when I
consider the poorness of my endeavours,¶3 vours, ¶3v
and admire the Learned Sidney’s
Pastimes; Whereof I beseech
you charitably to believe, that my
ambition was not raised to so high a
pitch, as the Title now manifests it
to be, until I received Commands
from those that cannot be disobeyed.
But however, if your Ladiships will
graciously vouchsafe to peruse such a
confused Theam, I shall harbour the
better opinion of it, and shall acknowledge
my self, as in all Gratefulness,

Your Honours devoted
Servant,

A. W.

The ¶4r

The
Stationer
to the ingenious
Reader.

Marvel not to find Heroick Sidney’s
renowned Fansie pursued
to a close by a Feminine Pen: Rather
admire his prophetical spirit now as
much, as his Heroical before. Lo here
Pigmalion’s breathing statue, Sir
Philip’s fantasie incarnate: both
Pamela’s Majestie, and Philoclea’s
Humilitie exprest to the life, in the person
and style of this Virago. In brief,
no other than the lively Ghost of Sydney,
by a happie transmigration, speaks
through the organs of this inspired
Minerva. If any Critical ear, disrealish¶4 lish ¶4v
the shrilness of the Note; let it
be tuned to Apollo’s Lyre, and the
harmonie will soon be perceived to be
much better; and the ladie appeare
much more delightfull to her Musidorus:
So wisheth

Thine and Her servant,

T. H.

¶5r

On the
Ingenious Continuation
of
Sir Philip Sydney’s
Arcadia;
By Mistress A. W.

No thing doth greater disadvantage
bring

Than by too great commending of
a thing;

Thus Beauty’s injur’d, when the
searching eye

Deceiv’d by others over flatterie:

Finding that less, was magnify’d before,

Thinks there is none, because there is no more.

Art suffers too by this, for too great praise

Withers the greenness of the Poets Bays:

For when mens expectations rise too high,

Ther’s nothing seen or read will satisfie.

This fault is epidemical, do but ore-look

The Stationers Stall, ’tis spoke in ev’ry book:

Where some are so voluminous become

With Prefaces of this kind, as scarce a room

Is left for th’ Authours self. But I can quit

My self of this, till now I never writ:

Nor ¶5v

Nor had I done it now, but that a She

Did tempt my pressing for her companie;

From whence when she’s return’d, pray use her wel,

She’s young, but yet ingeniously will tell

You prettie Stories, and handsomly will set

An end to what great Sydney did beget,

But never perfected, these Embryons she

Doth Mid-wife forth in full maturitie.

Nor is’t, where things are left undone, a sin,

To seek to end what greater ones begin.

Therefore who ere reads their ingenious style,

Not with a Frown compare them, but a Smile.

She does not write for Criticks, for who ere

Loves for to be censorious, forbear.

Then this of both, let nothing else be said.

This Sydney’s self did write, but this a Maid.

H. P. M.

To ¶6r

To the Ingenious Ladie, the
Authour of the Continuation of
Sir Philip Sydney’s
Arcadia.

Fair Authour! though your Sex secure you so,

That all your Dictates will for Classick go:

Yet to be lik’d thus onely, will sound less

Our Approbation, than our Tenderness.

Because the Civil World will judgement spend,

That we are bound in Manhood to commend.

Taking our praises level from that sight

Of what you are, more than from what you write.

Whence Critick-wits this nice pretence will find,

That we our Courtship speak, but not our Mind.

But when they single each respect apart,

Viewing the Virgin there, and here the Art:

Their Prejudice will then to wonder reach,

Not spent on both United, but on Each.

For though the Stars shine in a Beauteous Sphere,

Yet are they not more Stars, for shining there:

But would boast lustre of as great a force,

Though their containing Orbs were dim and course.

F. L.

On ¶6v

On the Continuation of Sir Philip
Sydney’s
Arcadia.
By Mistress A. W.

Mvch of the Terrene Globe conceal’d doth lie,

Cheating the Searchers curious industrie:

Arcadia too, till now, but partly was discri’d;

Sydney her beautie view’d, fell Love-sick and dy’d

Ere he could show the world her perfect state

And glorie, interrupted by his Fate.

Amazement at her Frame did him betray,

In each rare Feature too too long a stay:

Till being, benighted, left imperfect this

Earth’s Paradise, to possess one perfect is,

In pitie o’ th’ loss, and to repair’t, believe

His gallant generous spirit, a reprieve

From’s sleeping dust hath purchas’t, Deaths maline

Defying with a timely Metempsychosis.

He breathes through female Organs, yet retains

His masculine vigour in Heroick strains.

Who hears ’t may some brave Amazon seem to be,

Not Mars but Mercury’s champion, Zelmane.

And well he may: for doubtless such is she,

Perfection gives t’ Arcadia’s Geographie.

Arcadia thus henceforth disputed is,

Whether Sir Philip’s or the Countesses.

F. W.

To ¶7r

To Mistress A. W.
Upon her Additionals to
Sir Philip Sydney’s
Arcadia.

If a Male Soul, by Transmigration, can

Pass to a Female, and Her spirits Man,

Then sure some sparks of Sydney’s soul have flown

Into your breast, which may in time be blown

To flames, for ’tis the course of Enthean fire

To warm by degrees, and brains to inspire,

As Buds to Blossoms, Blossoms turn to Fruit,

So Wits ask time to ripen, and recruit;

But Yours gives Time the start, as all may see

By these smooth strains of early Poesie,

Which like Rays of one kind may well aspire,

If Phœbus please to a Sydneyan fire.

Jam. Howel.

On
¶7v

On the Continuation of Sir Philip
Sydney’s
Arcadia;
By Mistress A. W.

Lay by your Needles Ladies, take the Pen,

The onely difference ’twixt you and Men.

’Tis Tyrannie to keep your Sex in aw,

And make wit suffer by a Salick Law.

Good wine does need no Bush, pure Wit no Beard;

Since all Souls equal are, let all be heard.

That the great World might here decay, the Main,

What in this Coast is lost, in that doth gain:

So when in Sydney’s death Wit ebb’d in Men,

It hath its Spring-tide in a Female Pen.

A single Bough shall other Works approve,

Thine shall be crown’d with all Dodona’s-Grove.

F. Vaughan.

¶8r ¶8v
A1r 1

A
Continuation
of
Sr Philip Sydney’s
Arcadia.

Wherein is handled the
Loves of Amphialus and Helen
Queen of Corinth, Prince Plangus and
Erona: With the Historie of
the Loves of old Claius and
young Strephon to
Urania.

In the time that Basilius
King of Arcadia, with Genecea
his Queen, and his
two renowned daughters,
the Paragons of the World, Pamela
and Philoclea, were retired from the A Court A1v 2
Court to a private lodge amongst the
shepherds, there to refresh themselves
with their pleasant & harmless sports.
In the time that Pyrocles, son and heir
to the good Evarchus King of Macedon,
disguised himself to an Amazonian
Ladie, for the love of his Venus,
the sweet Philoclea. And Musidorus
Prince of Thassalia disrobed himself
of his glorions rayment, and put on
Shepherds weeds, for the sight of the
stately Pamela. And when Cupid
displayed his quivers throughout his
circle, and brought the famousest
Princes in the world to adore his mothers
beautie: Then Prince Plangus,
son to the King of Iberia, at the first
view of Erona, a Queen in Lydia, was
made a Prisoner to her who was a Prisoner.
And he whose resolutions were
altogether fixed on the rare beautie
of Erona, resolved with himself, either
to release his incomparable Jewel out
of a dolefull Prison, or else to loose
his life in the enterprise.

Then A2r 3

Then he became an humble suitor
to Artaxia, Queen of Armenia, under
whose custodie the fair Ladie was, telling
her his life was bound up in Erona’s.
And then would he vow it was
pitie so sweet a creature should pass by
the pleasures of her life in so solitarie
a place. And sometimes he would
pray for her, and then again he would
praise her. But Artaxia would no
ways be perswaded to any compassion:
the more he desired, the more she
denied, which he perceiving, with a
soft voice and deep sigh, he brake out
into these words,

“Great Queen, if my grief and
groans cannot mollifie your heart, nor
the rememberance that once I was
your beloved Kinsman, nor yet the
beautie of Erona can be a sufficient remedie
to cure your anger; yet call to
mind she was your royal Brothers
Mistress; and can you imagin that he
would have endured the thought that A2 Eronas A2v 4
Eronas bloud should so innocently be
shed! no, but assure your self, that
whensoever a drop of it is spilt, out
of his ashes there will rise a Revenger
to root you out of your Kingdom.”

But Artaxia arose out of her throne
with a gracefull Majestie, and did
protest she would be revenged on her
brothers murderers: “for,” said she, “although
my brother did love and honour
Erona too well, yet her hate of
him was the cause of his being slain,
and of his subjects overthrow. And
Prince Plangus, if your affections be
never so extreamly set upon Erona, yet
I am resolved to keep her life in my
power. But because you shall have no
occasion given you, to brand me with
the title of Tyrant Queen, in the word
of a Princess I do promise you, that if
within two years after the day of my
brothers death, you can procure
Prince Pyrocles and Musidorus to accept
of a combat against two others of A3r 5
of my choosing, to obtain the libertie
of Erona; if they overcome those
Knights of my electing, that day shall
Erona be at her own disposal: but if
my Champions manifest their valour
to that height, as to receive the victorie,
the same day Eronas bodie shall
be consumed to ashes, and I shall endeavour
to gratifie their courage.”

Plangus joyfully accepted of this
proposition, since he could obtain
no better. And well he knew the
Princes cared not for their proud
looks, nor feared the glittering of
their swords; yet little did he know
the craftiness of Artaxia. But such
subtile Policie seldom ends with an
happie conclusion.

And now in hopes of a prosperous
journey, he bends his course towards
Greece, there to deliver his message,
upon which his life depended. But he
had not travelled many days, before
he had surprised a Letter, the superscriptionA3 scription A3v 6
was to Plaxirtus, brother to
Leonatus King of Paphlagonia; he
withouth fear or dread, brake it open,
and read it. He had no sooner perused
it over, but that he wished it closed again.
Then cried he out aloud, “Can
it be possible? is Artaxia such a deceitfull
Politician? can her lips utter
that which is so far at distance from
her heart? and can flattering make her
seem the lesse cruel? No sure, her very
name will be hatefull to all Posteritie.”

“See here,” saith he to some of his
servants that were with him, see
here a Letter from Artaxia to Plexirtus,
how she praises him for a treacherous
act, how she condoles with him
for the death of Pyrocles and Musidorus,
the two gloriousest Princes that
ever lived in the world; how she promises
him to end the Tragedie with a
Comedie; she tels him the Gods set
to their help to revenge her brothers death A4r 7
death; and then she acknoledges her
self and her Kingdom his, according
to her proclamation.”

Thus Plangus was breathing out
his griefs, but had not altogether eased
himself, before he was interrupted
by a messenger, who not being accustomed
to complements, came to him,
and certified him that he came from
Armenia, and that he was servant to
that Nobleman, to whom Artaxia and
he reposed so much confidence in, to
intrust Erona to be under his charge;
and that now, contrarie to the Articles
agreed upon between them, Plaxirtus
had brought the news to Artaxia
of the death of Pyrocles and Musidorus,
which had been procured by his contrivance;
and said he, she hath married
him in requital. And by this time
he hath besieged my Lords Castle
where Erona is confined. Then my
Lord having intelligence of it, immediately
sent me after you, to let you under A4v 8
understand that he was not furnished
with conveniences well enough to
hold out long: therefore as you love
Erona, so come with speed to relieve
her. Now I have finished my message,
and I must be gone.”
So with
less reverence than he used when he
came, he hastily went his way. Plangus
being cast into such an astonishment,
that he let him go at his pleasure,
without so much as inquiring after
Eronas welfare. But at length,
he rouzed himself out of his amazement,
and then would have poured
out his soul in complaints, had he not
espied his news-monger galloping almost
out of his sight, then sending his
eyes after him, he made a virtue of
necessitie, and contented themselves
that they were spectatours of the
nimble Nag, which shewed his unwillingness
to rest his foot upon the
ground, before he entered his native
soil. This tempted Plangus to discoverver A5r 9
his fancie, which he did in these
terms, certainly said he,

“There is a charm in Beautie, that
Beast do homage to, and must obey;
that now makes the Nag to trip so
fast away to do Erona service. Shall
I then be worse than a beast? no, although
I cannot pass along with thee;
yet my heart shall always keep before
thee. And dear Erona, though now I
turn my face from thee, yet my deeds
shall always declare to be for thee,
and shall endeavour to clear the
clouds that now obscure thy brightness.”

Thus, between hope and despair, he
mounted his horse, and commanding
his servants to follow him, he resolved
to go into Macedon, to report the news
to Evarchus, of his sons and nephews
death. For he was perswaded, that
Evarchus would not be backward
from bringing to due punishment the
causers of his unspeakable loss. And by A5v 10
by that means he thought he might
handsomly shew his valour, and prove
it upon his Ladies enemies. Yet sometimes
fears would make conspiracies
within him, and almost overwhelm
him, untill he recalled his sences, and
considered, that it was not a daunted
spirit that could serve Erona. Then
setting spurs to his horse, he travelled
in a night and a day without once opening
his lips; silence, in his opinion
being the best companion to a troubled
mind.

But at last he entered into the pleasant
countrey of Arcadia, which was
adorned with stately woods: No cries
were heard there but of the lambs,
and they in sport too sounded their
voices to make their playfellow lambs
answer them again in imitation of the
like. And the abundance of shadie
trees that were there, were so beautifull
with the sweet melodie of birds,
that any one, save love-sick Plangus, might A6r 11
might think it a sufficient harmonie to
draw away their delight from any
other vanitie of the world. Besides,
there were the Shepherds piping to
their prettie Shepherdesses, whilest
they chearfully sang to pleasure them
again. In this sweet place, he sat
himself down, with an intention to rest
his wearied limbs under a branched
tree, whilest his servants refreshed
themselves, & baited their horses, but
no ease could be harboured in his
disquieted heart, his eys being no
sooner closed, but that he imagined
he saw Erona burning in their unmercifull
fire: at which sight he staringly
opened them, and determined with
himself, that since sleep would procure
no comfort to him, other then Tragical
scenes, he would never enjoy any
contentment before he had settled Erona
in her throne in safetie.

He had not been long in this perplexitie,
before he was kindly examinedmined A6v 12
the cause of his sadness. Plangus
hearing the question, and musing
extreamly who it should be that to his
thinking should ask so strange an one,
heaved up his head, which before he
had carelesly held down, and seeing
onely an ancient man attended by his
two Daughters, and hoping he would
be a companion suitable to his disposition,
he courteously answered him,
that it would be but a trouble to him
to understand the occasion of his
grief, “for,” said he, “it will be too melancholly
a storie to rehearse to you,
unless you were in a capacitie to help
me.”

“It is possible I might do you service,
replied the old man; for now you
are in Arcadia, where I am King, and
having retired from my Court to a
private Lodge, which is seated in a
Grove hardby, I with my two daughters,
happening now to walk for recreation
into this pleasant place, and I A7r 13
I perceiving you being a stranger, lying
in such a forlorn posture, I must
confess it was incivilitie in me to disturb
you, but my compassion would
submit to no causalities that could
hinder my desired knowledge. And
now I hope it will be no inconvenience
to you to relate your own Historie
to me.”

But Plangus, with humble reverence
excused his denial, and beseeched
Basilius first to grant him his pardon,
since it was a fault of ignorance,
and not of perversness. And that he
promised himself, that he would chuse
rather to be his Chyrurgian to heal
his wounds, than in the least to marr
or make them.

Basilius would suffer him no longer
to go on with his frivolous civilities,
and telling him they should serve his
turn, made him sit down. Then Plangus
related all circumstances in the
same manner, that afterward the divine Philo- A7v 14
Philoclea sweetly declared to her lover,
the admirable Pyrocles. And believe
me, she told it with more liveliness
and quickness of wit, than Plangus
did himself: For oftentimes his
thought was strayed from his storie,
to sigh, with gazing upon the splendor
of Pamela and Philoclea, for he
conceited that in their beauties he
might see Eronas. But alas poor
Prince! Cupid in that had blinded him,
for although Erona might deserve a
large share of praises, yet the two Sisters
could not be paralelled. But
when he had concluded his passionate
relation, he earnestly craved release
of Basilius: who answered him, that
he governed a quiet and a peaceable
Countrey, and that he should very
unwillingly teach his people the way
of dissention; but yet he would command
a Guard of Arcadians to conduct
him safe into Macedon.

Plangus, in lowly submission, congratulatedgra A8r 15
with Basilius for that favour,
believing that time and entreatie
would amplifie his goodness, according
to his abilitie. Then as he
was appointing a place where the Arcadians
should meet him, his servants
presented themselves to him, and certified
him, that the day was far spent,
and that it would be necessarie for him
to go to the next town, and there to
lodge that night. Plangus, very well
liked of their advice, that he might
have the more freedom to contrive
his best way to act his part he had alreadie
begun to play. Then after they
had ended their sundrie discourses, he
parted from Basilius and the two surpassing
sisters.

Now Eronas beautie had grounded
such an impression in his heart, that
no other thought, but of her perfections,
could enter into his. She was his
Image, her he worshipped, and her he
would for ever magnifie. And untill he A8v 16
he came near the Citie, he busied his
fancie in extolling his Ladie. But
there he was received by the governour
of the Town with as great gallantrie
as could be expected, considering
the short warning Basilius gave
them, there wanting no cost that
might be pleasing either to his eye or
tast. A stately supper being provided,
which was garnished with a royal
banquet, sent from Basilius; and all
was finished in so gorgeous a manner,
that Plangus did assure himself he
was no ordinarie, nor yet unwelcom
Guest. But all the sweet musick with
the plentie of delicates was no more
to Plangus, than the rememberance of
his own misfortune. Yet having a
Princely care not to show himself unthankfull
to the meanest supporter of
his undeserved Festivals, he would
oftentimes praise them for their bountie
to him a stranger, and one that was
no way able to make them the least requital, B1r 17
requital, but they replied, that his acceptance
was as much, and more than
they deserved or expected. Then after
they had a good while parlied together
upon several occasions, the Citizens
returned to their houses, and
Plangus went to his lodging, then
prostrating himself before Cupid for
his happie success in fulfilling of his
own desires, beseeched him to unite
Erona’s affection as firmly to him, as
his was unmoveable to her; and that
both might be so well preserved, that
at length they might enjoy the happie
fruition of real friendship between
him and Erona, at whose name he
ended; and as if he received his life
from thence, he fell into a little slumber,
which continued for so short a
time, that when he awaked, the clouds
were not separated to give way to
the approaching day, that was then
extreamly wisht for by him, who determined
to spend the hour-glass of B his B1v 18
his life in defence of his esteemed
mistress.

By that time he had run over his
thoughts to the end of his intended
enterprises, Phebus spread his beams
over his curtains, which cast so great
a reflection upon him, that though
his eyes were still dissembling sleep
yet the Suns brightness made him
gaze about him, and seeing it so sweet
a morning, he believed it to be an emblem
of his prosperous success. In
this perswasion he arose, and charging
his servants to be in a readiness, he
walked into a Gallerie, where multitudes
stood waiting for his presence,
he kindly saluting them, and repeating
his former speeches of courtesie and
gratitude, he commanded his man to
bring out his Steed; and then taking
his leave of the Arcadians, saving the
residue which Basilius appointed to
wait on him, he raised himself upon
the beast, which gently received him as B2r 19
as willing to bear so loved a burden,
and sprightly ambled along: but
Plangus was forced to hold his bridle,
and teach his Nag his bounds were
no further than his Commission, by
reason of a calling from a young
Shepherd, who speedily running to
Plangus, and in a breathless manner
he certified him that he was sent by
his Lord Basilius to excuse his absence,
the occasion being his retiredness
to so private a place, that with
no conveniencie he could entertain
him there agreeable to his greatness,
nor yet to remove so far so suddenly.

Plangus requested the Shepherd to
return his thanks and obedience to his
Sovereign, and seeing it was a matter
of no greater importance, he would
endure no longer hinderances, but set
spurs to his horse and gallopped away
with all expedition: but not without
some turbulent passages that he was
fain to endure, before he could attain B2 to B2v 20
to his desired haven: yet at last he
arrived under the Dominions of
Evarchus in Macedon, where he was
welcomed by a companie of dolorous
persons, who without entreatie would
participate with him in his sorrows,
but alas! there were few comforters,
all the people seeming like shadows
in regard of the miss they had of their
young Prince, who after he had
brought so many Kings in subjection
under his prowess and valour, should
now himself be lost, none knowing
where or how; but perpetually hearkening
to several relations, which put
them into more fears and doubts every
day than they were in before.

Musidorus wanted not bewailing
neither; for well they knew Pyrocles
life was bound up in his, and that he
loved & respected the Macedonians as
much for Pyrocles sake, as he did the
Thessalians for his own sake, and that
they learned one another virtuous quali- B3r 21
qualities, which were equally distributed
between them; therefore the
whole Kingdom groaned under burthensom
calamities for their witnessed
loss: but by the enterance of
Plangus, who was a stranger to them,
their complaints were turned into
whisperings, and their sighs into listenings,
all being earnest to know
who he was, and the cause of his
Posting from citie to citie towards
the Court. Some would believe the
worst, and then would swear they did
see sadness in his face; others would
perswade themselves, it was his hastie
travelling that made him seem careful
But Plangus not staying to hearken
to their mistrustfull uncertainties, kept
on his former pace, till he was come
within a mile of the Palace, where he
was stopped by one Kalodolus, an ancient
servant belonging to Musidorus,
who hearing of the coming of a Foreigner,
and infinitely longing to hear B3 from B3v 22
from his dear Master, and meeting
Plangus, he fell down at his feet, and
besought him to have commiseration
upon him, and tell him of the safetie
of Musidorus.

This request silenced Plangus for a
while, who could not imagin what
reply to make to him: but having
considered a little better of it, he
brake his silence on this fashion. “Sir,
it grieves me extreamly that I cannot
give you such satisfactorie answer as I
wish I could: however do not afflict
your self, for I dare assure you that he
is happie, being a more glorious
Prince, and far greater than all the
Kingdoms of the World could make
him.”

“Why? is he dead? said Kalodolus,
then all virtue is fled away: but I will
follow thee Musidorus, where ere thou
beest, I will not stay behind.”
Then
snatching out a Rapier from him that
was nearest him, he would have sent his B4r 23
his soul to Pluto, had it not been prevented
by the quick eye of Plangus,
who apprehending his danger, leaped
upon him, and with violence wrung
the Rapier out of his hand, but yet he
would not be pacified for a time, nor
perswaded from practising his intended
mischief, till reason over-swaying
his patience, made him becom a moderator
of his own rashness; for said
he, “What good can my death do to
Musidorus? shall I my self destroy, and
do my Prince the wrong? no, I will
live as long as fortune pleases, and
guid my steps about the world, till I
have found his Tomb, where I will
solemnize such Obsequies as may be
thought worthy to be titled the Funeral
of so worthy a Prince. Then I
will weep my self to tears upon his
grave, to water that illustrious Plant,
that certainly must needs spring up &
flourish; for it is impossible so rare
a thing can be obscured in the earth.”

B4 Here B4v 24

Here Kalodolus speech was stopped
by a floud, that would endure no
longer to be hid within his aged carkass.
And the noble Plangus answered
him with sighs, as if his heart
would break: then they both lookt
so stedfastly in pitie upon one another,
that if a Painter had been present,
he could not take, nor have a
livelier Master-piece of sorrow than
this lover and servant represented,
they being both void of comfort, and
equally afflicted, until Plangus pluckt
up his dead spirits, and adviced Kalodolus
to cease his complaints, and not
to suffer grief to overrun his patience,
for since Musidorus was dead, the
onely service he could do for him,
was to help forward the revenging of
the Actors in his death. And then he
required him to direct him the way to
Evarchus: which command Kalodolus
instantly obeyed. And guiding
him through stately Courts, paved all B5r 25
all with Marble, and compassed in
with Marble pillars, that were adorned
with such goodly proportioned
Statues, that had not Plangus been
employed with matters of consequence,
he would not so regardlesly
have passed by them, without prying
into their Storie; which might perhaps
have been beneficial unto him, to
know the several tricks of warlike
Hercules, as was there curiously engraven
by famous Antiquaries. But
Plangus thoughts were higher flown
than these Portaitures could reach to;
those he valued like shadows in comparison
of his valiant enterprises, that
artificially his invention would lay
before him, as if it were accomplished
alreadie. And in that unsatisfied perswasion
he was brought to Evarchus,
whose sight awakened him from his
fabulous fantasie. And then with a
sad reverence he kneeled down.

But the good King would not sufferfer B5v 26
that, but lifting him up, he entreated
him to use no such ceremonies, but
to discourse that which he earnestly
wisht to know without any delays. So
Plangus being extream willing to fulfill
Evarchus charge, though first to
bring him by degrees to the hearing
of those mournfull tidings, he began
with this Prologue:

“Most gracious Sir, did I not consider
your wisdom in governing your
passions, far surmounting other mens,
I should not so abruptly presume to
be the messenger of such unfortunate
news, as now I am. But since my life
is hazarded in several respects, I know
your goodness will no way persevere
against me, for necessitie hath no rule,
and that is the reason which now inforces
me to manifest that unto you,
which I am loth to utter: But I assure
my self, that your Majestie will
no way despise the sovereign salve
called Patience, that is a present Remedie
for all afflictions.
Know B6r 27 Know then, great King, that the
mirrours of virtue, the famous Pyrocles
your son, and Musidorus your nephew
are treacherously slain by the
bloudie plot of Plaxirtus, false Brother
to Leonatus King of Paphlagonia,
and revealed to me by the surprisal
of a letter of congratulation from
Artaxia Queen of Armenia, under
whose power Erona Queen of Lydia
is a prisoner; and without speedie succour,
she will be put to death in the
cruellest way that can be imagined, by
the same instruments that exposed
her Champions to theirs: But yet
Sir, they have left behind them so
pretious a name, that their adversaries
cannot blemish: and so long as
their better part flourishes on earth,
all the realitie that can be shewed for
the lesser, is to go on couragiously,
and revenge your loss, and to give
Apollo thanks for their leaving so
glorious a memorie behind them. ”
Thus B6v 28

Thus Plangus ended, without further
mentioning Erona, until Evarchus
grief was somewhat digested:
which he did perceive extreamly to
over-sway him, by the changing of
bloud in his face, that perpetually going
and coming, would sometime
wax pale and wan; and then would
flush, as if he threatened to make
Plaxirtus smart for all his villanie.
And in this conflict of sorrow and
anger he continued a great space: but
at last they both yielded to reason,
and Evarchus wisely became the
Judge of the Sessions; for said he,

“It is Justice to bring murderers to
their deserved punishments. And because
you Prince Plangus testifie your
self to be such an affectionate Friend
to my dear Children, shew your self
one in their revenge; you I will entrust
to be the General of my Armie;
prove as valiant now as you have
ever done; let all your aim be at Plax- B7r 29
Plaxirtus; and if possible, convey
him hither alive, that he may die a
publick spectacle of shame and terror
before all the People. And I give
you free libertie to use your power in
the release of that distressed Ladie
you spake of, for certainly their hearts
are infinitely hardened for any mischief:
but for Artaxia, remember
she is a woman, and subject to degrees
of Passion as well as man. But
alas! she desired the destruction of
Pyrocles and Musidorus, and now she
hath rendered her recompence to
Plaxirtus for that abominable deed.
O the thought of that Action reaches
further than my compassion: but I
will resign my power to you, therefore
though you grow Victorious,
yet strengthen your self with discretion,
and let not rashness nor faintheartedness
prevail over you. Now
go on with your intentions, and prosper,
whilst I end my days in solitariness.”

Evar- B7v 30

Evarchus had no sooner done, but
he bowed to the earth, as if he wisht
to be there quickly; and then after he
had signed a Commission for raising
of an Armie, he withdrew into his
chamber, and Plangus waited upon
him to the enterance, and so they
parted; one to temperate melancholly,
the other to Hope intermixt with
cares: for though Plangus was loaded
with troublesom imployments, yet
those he took for refreshments, because
the foundation of them was laid
for Erona’s sake. But Evarchus grieved,
as he had too just cause, to think
that he should never more behold the
joy of his heart again; and so he continued
without the least show of a
contented mind, yet not with a desperate
rage. A large and rare Theme
might be Chronicled of his wisely
governed Passions; but that is too
pregnant a virtue for my dull capacity
to go on with.

There- B8r 31

Therefore surrendering that to
sharp wits, I will onely mention Plangus
happie success that he obtained in
Macedon; for in short time he levied
an Armie, sufficient to conquer all
Armenia, every one being desirous to
revenge their Princes quarrel, and
thought it a preferment to be the
meanest Souldier; then being all in a
readiness, they march away. But Plangus
before he went, sent his Ambassadors
to Delphos, to know the Oracle
his Destinie, and just as he was managing
his Armie, in their march they
returned with this answer;


“That he should be Victorious over his
Enemies, if so be he would be vigilant
in guiding his Forces in a way of deliberation;
and not to venture to shew his
Valour, in over-rash attempts in a Bravado
before his Mistress, which oftentimes
hath been the cause of the Routing
a magnificent Armie: but he must
remember the eyes of all the World were upon B8v 32
upon him as their Defence and Shield,
whose wisdom must preserve them from
their furious enemies.”

This Oracle infinitely comforted
Plangus; and when he had given
thanks to Apollo for his proclaimed
prosperous Fortune, he kept on his
march to Armenia; whom we will
leave for a time.

Now I will discover some Passages
that passed between Amphialus
Nephew to Basileus the King of Arcadia,
and Helena Queen of Corinth,
how that after she had carried him away
in a Lighter from Arcadia, what
bitter complaints she made for him,
untill she had brought him to Corinth,
that would be to pitifull a subject to
stay on; therefore leaving that to several
conjectures, I will onely rehearse
those particulars that united those
rare Persons together to both their
abundant felicitie.

When Helena had conveyed her belo- C1r 33
beloved Amphialus to her renowned
Citie Corinth, and lodged him in the
richest furnished Chamber that could
be devised, yet all she thought too
mean for such an imcomparable Guest:
then she advised with her skilfull
Chyrurgeons how she might have his
wounds healed; and had always an especial
care to see the salves applied
to them her self; and when all was finished,
she passed away the day with
sighs by senceless Amphialus, who lay
so quietly, that for a great time none
could perceive the least motion of
life in him: but at last the Chyrurgeons
avouched they could find warm
bloud strive for life in his (now in all
likelihood) curable wounds. Which
speech of theirs did make Helena wash
her fair face with her tears for joy,
when before it had not touched a
drop of water, from the time that she
found Amphialus in so wofull a condition.
Then began she to discourse C with C1v 34
with him, as if he could mind her what
she said.

“Tell me dear Amphialus,” said she,
“what occasion have I given you to
make you hate me? have I not ever
honoured and loved you far above
my self? O yes! and if I had a thousand
lives to lose, I would venture
them all for your sake. But since that
is an impossible thing, propound to
me the most probable way for me to
purchase you, and I dare undertake
it, be it never so dangerous: But if it
be the Princess Philoclea that lies as a
block in my way, so that I must either
continue where I am, or else
stumble over it and be made quite
hopeless, yet let me counsel you as a
faithfull friend, not to engage your
affections to one that is so negligent
of it, but rather bestow it upon me
that will accept of it. Oh hear me,
and have pitie on me, O Amphialus,
Amphialus!”

Then C2r 35

Then she flung her self down upon
his bed, with a resolution not to stir
before she had discerned some sign of
life in outward appearance. And as
she was earnestly looking upon him,
she espied his eyes astealing open; but
immediately, with a long fetcht sigh,
he closed them up again, as grieving
for their tenderness they could not
gaze upon beautie. But Helena replying
with twentie to his one, went on
with her love-sick speeches.

“Alas poor Prince!” said she, “is it thy
hard fortune to receive thy life again
in sighs? hath such il-favoured spleens
no place to settle in, but in thy noble
breast, which shines in goodness?
Chear up, dear Prince, and let not
thy greatest Foe find cause to tax thee
with the least blemish.”

Longer she would have proceeded
in her bemoaning of Amphialus, had
she not been interrupted by the Chyrurgeons
that were in the chamber, C2 and C2v 36
and hearing her voice, came instantly
to her, and kneeling down, intreated
her to abandon the chamber, for as
much as her presence and complaints
caused disturbance in Amphialus, and
procured nothing but that which was
hurtfull to her own person: and then
they assured her, that if she would
forbear his companie, they could
perfect the cure in half the time, that
otherwise they should be constrained
to be tedious in, by reason that her
sad speeches would ground such an
impression in him in his weakness,
that it would be as much as their skill
could reach unto, to keep his wounds
from growing worser than better.
These perswasions of the Chyrurgeons
had a very great influence over
Helena, and she forsaking her former
passions, guarded her self with a long
Robe of wise considerations, and departed
his chamber without any shew
of fondess, to the admiration of all behold- C3r 37
beholders. Yet she never neglected
the care of Amphialus, but diligently
enquired after his amendment, that
she might know all passages as punctually,
as if she had been with him.
In this golden mean of Patience she
continued so long, till Amphialus had
revived somewhat his decayed spirits,
& the Chyrurgeons had so well overcome
his wounds, that by degrees he
was brought to walk about his chamber;
but always he would be crossing
his Arms, knocking his Breast, and
breathing speeches to himself in so
wofull a manner, as would make the
hardest heart burst into a deluge of
tears. Yet all this time he never examined
by what means he was conveyed
thither, nor any other question
that concerned Helena’s or his own
condition. And so for a great while
he imprisoned himself in such ignorance,
till by the coming of a young
Gentleman, named Clytiphon, son to C3 Ka- C3v 38
Kaleander, a Noble man of Arcadia,
his concealed estate, and all other circumstances
that had happened in Arcadia
from his departure from thence
were declared to Amphialus wonder
and astonishment.

For this Clytifon was sent as an
Ambassadour to Amphialus from his
uncle the King of Arcadia, to congratulate
with him for his recoverie, and
to certifie him of his Cosins deliverance
out of his Castle, by the prowess
of Prince Pyrocles and Musidorus; and
how they disguised themselves for
the love of Pamela and Philoclea, with
all the several attempts that they practised
to obtain their desired enterprise.
(As their bringing Amaxius to
submit to their mercie, Pyrocles having
granted him his life on condition
he would acknowledge it) and finally
to give him notice, that the nuptials
of Pyrocles and Philoclea, with Musidorus
and Pamela were onely deferred for C4r 39
for the time they could hear from
Amphialus. This was the chief of
Clytifons Ambassage, which he carefully
obeyed.

But before he entered into Corinth,
the Citie swelled with rumour, every
one being greedie to know that
which nothing concerned them. But
Clytifon knowing it was not a time of
dalliance, hastened to the Palace,
where he was waited for by Helena,
whose watchfull eyes and attentive
ears could not pass by any suspitious
whisperings, but would always make
strict enquirie of the cause of them.
So now she believing the credible report,
would needs come down her
self, attended with a train of Ladies,
to welcom the Ambassadour to her
Court, when as soon as she perceived
a glimpse of him, she perfectly knew
him to be that noble Clytifon, whom
before she had been beholding to for
his excellent companie. Then whilst C4 she C4v 40
she was shewing her courtesie to him
for his former civilities, he with an
humble reverence, yet supported with
a Garb of Majestie, came to her after
the manner of an Ambassadour, and
presenting mightie high commendations
to her from all the Princes that
resided in Arcadia, she besought him
to accept of such poor entertainment
as her abilitie could make him. Then
leading him into the Presence (it being
in the after-noon) she commanded
a delicate Collation to be set before
him, which was fulfilled so quickly
and so decently, that Clytifon could
not choose but sit and extol their
comely order; and within a while fell
to eating those rarities that Helena
had provided for him; but she would
not be perswaded to tast of any, her
troubled mind was too full of jealousies
and fears, to think of pleasing her
appetite. Sometime she mistrusted
that Basileus had sent for Amphialus to C5r 41
to be tried by the Law for his Mother
Cecropia’s stealing away his
Daughters, that he might have a fair
pretence to take away his life. But
quickly she vanquished that doubt by
another that she imagined to be most
probable, which was, that Philoclea’s
heart might be mollified, and that she
under-hand had made choice of Clytifon
to be her Proxie, in wishing Amphialus
to pursue his former Petition
to Philoclea, that she with the more
modestie might grant him his request.
This fancie of Helena made such a
wound within her breast, that a thousand
of sighs had free passage there,
and in silence she did think out her
complaints; until Clytifon had disordered
the artificial curiosities with
tasting of their goodness, and had sufficed
his natural hunger. Then Helena
taking him aside from the companie
that came to gaze upon him, with
many shews of grief she conjured him, that C5v 42
that if ever he had been real to any
friend, to shew himself one to her,
who vowed faithfulness and secresie:
but yet if it were a matter of such
weightie importance, as he could not
repose so much confidence in her, being
a Princes of another Countrey,
yet she entreated him to certifie her
whether it concerned Amphialus, or
in his her own ruin.

Clytifon had hardly patience to
hear her out, but removed her fears
on this manner: “Chear up great
Queen,”
said he, “those cloudie shadows
of discontent and fears never do good
but hurt, and wrong your Beautie,
that otherwise would be the sweetest,
and the singular Flower that could
be found in the large Garden of the
world. Chear up then and rejoyce at
joyfull tidings: for to the amazement
of all, the two ever blessed
Princes, Pyrocles and Musidorus, are
by many strange accidents found to be C6r 43
be alive, though disguised, within my
Sovereigns Lodges (from being gallant
Souldiers) the one to a woman,
the other to a comely Shepherd,
which was brought to pass by the industrie
of blind Cupid, who takes
pleasure in wounding the best of undaunted
spirits. But yet he hath dealt
so favourable with these incomparable
Persons, that he hath equally
wounded Pamela and Philoclea to
them again: so that now Arcadia
waits onely for the nuptials finishing,
to be made happie in having so glorious
a Prince to reign over them, and
that is delayed onely for the time
that they might hear from my Lord
Amphialus.”

Helena’s joy at the hearing of this
news, was too great for my dull expression,
yet after she had moderated
her excessive mirth, and brought it
within the bounds of reason, she feared
that Amphialus would be so overcomecome C6v 44
with despairing grief, that nothing
but death could end his miserie.
Then fell she at Clytifon’s feet, and
begged of him not to be over-hastie
in declaring his Ambassage to Amphialus,
but to compass him in by degrees
to the hearing of it. This request
of hers Clytifon courteously
promised to perform. And she guiding
him to Amphialus chamber door,
desired him to walk in, and departed.

But Amphialus espying Clytifon,
and leaping upon him, and then lovingly
embracing him, said, “How
doest thou Clytifon? thou lookest as if
thou meanedst to chide me; but spare
your labour, I will do that my self,
nay, and more if Philoclea would command
it, let her desire my heart and
she shall have it, and with mine own
hand Ile pluck it out to give her, yet
think it all too little to excuse my
crime.”
“But she is gratious and noble,”
answered Clytifon, “and will be readier to C7r 45
to forgive, than you can be to begge
your pardon of her.”
“But I will never
presume to aske forgiveness,”
replyed
Amphialus, since I deserve all punishments.”
“Though you do,” said Clytifon,
“yet if you will present your self unto
her in an humble and submissive way,
and cast off your former Suit, I durst
assure you she would not onely grant
your life, but would also receive you
to her favour as her near Kinsman.”
“If
I could think so,”
replied Amphialus,
“I should be highlie contented far above
my deserts or wishes,”
“and” said
Clytifon, “would you be pleased to
hear that she were married to another
or else likelie to be so suddainly?”
“Yes
with all my soul”
answered Amphialus,
“but yet upon condition, that it may be
to her all flourishing happiness. As for
my own particular, that is the least
thing I regard or hope for, onely as
I said before, that the Princess Philoclea
may be endowed with all felicity,ty C7v 46
that will procure to me an uncontrouled
blessedness.”

Then Clytifon asked him if he
would accept of him to be the bearer
of a letter from him to Philoclea?
which he promised carefully to deliver,
if it were such an one as might be
received without scruple. Amphialus
answered he would gladly write to
Philoclea, but it should no way be prejudicial
to him, he intending onely to
manifest his grief for her ill usage in
his Castle; and to let her know how
readie he was to welcom any punishment
she would inflict upon him.
Then after more such speeches passed
between them, Clytifon rehearsed the
truth of his message. Which at first
Amphialus heard with trembling, untill
Clytifon remembered him of his
former discourse, that nothing that
could make Philoclea happie, should
ever make him unhappie. Then rousing
up himself, he wished Clytifon to leave C8r 47
leave him to his privacie, that he
might have the more libertie to endite
a letter worthie of her acceptance;
Clytifon being to carrie it away
the next morning. So he, without
the least contradiction, left Amphialus,
who being alone fell into a passion
(as afterward he confessed) that
had almost made him senseless, untill
time that wears out all things, recaled
his memorie back to him again,
which first discovered it self thus:

“Alas miserable Amphialus! thou
imployest thy self to extol thy Rival,
and meanest to make it thy recreation
to do so always. Now I can remember
the AmaZon Ladie that fought so
gallantly with me in the Arcadian
woods, for the Princess Philoclea’s
Glove; what blows she strook at me,
and with what nimbleness she avoided
mine, when I aimed at her in mine
own defence. I must confess it daunted
me to see a woman rant so over me, C8v 48
me, but yet it made me the more admire
her valour, and brought down
my former loftiness, to wonder at my
timourousness. But since she is discovered
to be the noble Pyrocles, I shall
be so far from hiding that disguised
exploit of his, that I shall blazon it
about the world in triumph, as an honour
for me to be overcome by him;
and it shall never be said, that envie of
my Rival shall make me obscure his
worth, for I shall applaud his wisdom
in making so rare a choice. Nor did
I ever hear of any that could deserve
him better than the divine Philoclea.
Then grieve no more Amphialus, at
thy Ladies happiness, since in hers all
thine consists; but prepare thy self to
obey her commands, be they never so
contrary to thy nature.”

With these resolutions, although
with a shaking hand, he began to write
his letters. But Clytifon, as soon as he
came out of the chamber, was receivedceived D1r 49
by Helena, to whom he related
Amphialus and his whole discourse.
And she being in hope to
make him a fortunate messenger for
her proceeding, used him with all the
courtesie that could be. And then by
her favours she enticed him to her
bait, and made him as much her
humble servant, as he was Amphialus:
For then he had promised to be a
nimble Post to them both: and he
must be conducted to his lodging,
and Helena to her closet.

Where she began too hard a task
for her distracted mind, a letter she
did write unto Philoclea, but that did
no way please her, it was not sufficiently
adorned with Rhetorick for so
rare a Princess. Another she did like
reasonable well, but that was so blured
with her tears, that the best of
eyes could not read it. More she
wrote, and found blemishes in them
all. But at last being tired with scribingD bing D1v 50
so long upon one subject, she resolved
that the next should go what
ere it were, which in earnest proved
the worst of all. But yet because you
shall understand the enditment of it,
it is set down as ensueth. The Superscription
was,

“For the virtuous Princes Philoclea.
Sweet Princess,
Did I not hear in what raptures of
happiness your Divine self is involved,
or could I in the least comprehend
the splendor of your goodness to
spread upon your distressed Cosin Amphialus,
I should willingly resign up all
my claim to felicitie, so that you, of farr
worthier endowments, might enjoy it. But
since it hath pleased the destinies to place
you in the highest firmament of contentment,
that you may with the more ease
behold the calamitie of your Admirer,
let me therefore intreat you to shew your
compassion to him by mildness, and sufferfer D2r 51
his punishment, may be sincere affection
to me; and you will infinitely above
measure oblige your devoted servant,
Helena of Corinth. ”

Often did she peruse this Letter to
find out cavils in it, until sleep would
endure no longer to be resisted, nor
hindered from seizing on so pure a
soul, which she evidenced by letting
her letter fall out of her delicate proportioned
hand that held it: then fell
she into slumbers, and starts would
now and then afright her, but those
she ended with sighs, and fell asleep
again, and then she passed away the
remainder of the night with varietie
of dreams, untill the approching day
roused up her senses, and remembered
her it was high time for Lovers to be
stirring. Then she being always mindfull
of such observations, took her
letter, and making it fortunate with D2 her D2v 52
her prayers, she carried it into the
Presence, where she stayed for Clytifon,
who was receiving his farewel
of Amphialus.

For after Amphialus had finished
his humble suit, as he termed it, and
had endured a tedious night, Clytifon
must needs be sent for to prescribe the
likeliest medicine for a love-sick remedie.
Clytifon could not be asked
an harder question, for he himself
would gladly have taken Physick, had
he been sure of the cure. “Tell me
Clytifon,”
said he, “is there no help for
a troubled mind? no cordial to bring
sleep into these eyes of mine?”
“If you
will submit your actions,”
replied Clytifon,
“to my approbation, I will set
you in a perfect way of quietness,
though it should procure mine own
endless miserie.”
“He deserves no Physician,”
answered Amphialus, “that will
not accept of his advice, when it is so
freely profered him.”
“Know then,” said Cly- D3r 53
Clytifon, “your onely way to obtain
contentment, is to honour, nay, and
love her who so entirely loves and respects
you.”
“O stay there,” cried out
Amphialus, “and do not weigh me
down with clogs of grief, I am balanced
sufficiently alreadie, why do
you with more burdens strive to sink
me? nothing but Philoclea’s commands
I find can enter into my heart,
and they may strike me dead. Flie
then Clytifon, flie as swiftly as Phœbus
can, and make a quick return to let
me know Philoclea’s censure equal to
my deserts.”
With these words he
gave Clytifon his letter, and with a
sad gesture turned away. But Clytifon
without deferring went his way;
though first he received Helena’s, and
with many protestations vowed to
further her undertakings.

And now I will leave these two
lovers in longing expectation of his
return, and will trace along with ClytifonD3 tifon D3v 54
to accompanie him, he being
destitute almost of any comfort, by
reason his affections were so extreamly
engaged to Helena’s beautie, that
nothing but envious death could aswage
it. This caused such a conflict
to arise between Cupid’s discharged
Bowe, and Clytifon’s making his own
wounds to gape with contrarying the
God of loves commands, and hastening
from the Mistress of his desires to
gain her to another: that oftentimes
he was turning back to discover his
intentions to her. But this design he
vanquished by confuting himself.

“It is true said he, I ride apace towards
mine own overthrow; but since
it was her charge, how dare I harbour
a thought of refusing? no it is her gracious
pleasure to vouchsafe me to be
her Messenger, and shall I loose her
esteemed favours, which I infinitly
hazard if I do not manifest my faithfull
endeavours in gaining Amphialus to D4r 55
to be her Husband, but I will choose
to be her loyal Servant, rather than
to her sweet self an importunate Suiter.
And I should account my self
ever happie, could it lie in my power
to further hers; but I am unworthy to
receive such a Title as a poor Instrument
to redeem her Majestie to her
former felicitie: however I will shew
my willingness, by my nimbleness;”
and
then teaching his Steed to give a gallant
caper, he speedily rode away,
and without the least hinderance he
quickly set footing in the Countrey
of Arcadia, where he was welcomed
by Peals of Bels, and Shoutings of
People, with varietie of sports contrived
by young children: besides
the pleasant Shepherds blowed their
pipes, whilest the prettie Shepherdesses
chanted out their praises of their
great God Pan. All these harmless
pastimes were ordered so conveniently,
that he might have a perfect view D4 of D4v 56
of them as he went by: and all was
to declare the joy they conceived
for Clytifon’s safe return, whose stay
they heard was the onely delayance
of the Princes Nuptials. And as he
rode along, the silly Lambs did welcome
him with leaps, whilest the Fox
that lurked in his private corner to
catch them, discovered himself to do
homage unto Clytifon, and by that
means lost his game; yet he chearing
himself up with hopes of a more plentifull
prey hereafter, returned to his
former craft, and received that misfortune
as a just recompence of his
carelesness.

Thus Clytifon’s thoughts were taken
up by sundrie objects, till he had
traced along ground so far as to the
Citie of Matenia: there he might see
Noble Personages glorie with their
imployment, and to esteem themselves
to be regarded were they not
set to work. There he might behold the D5r 57
the Palace richly furnishing, and all
the houses gaudily decking up. There
he might hear of abundance of several
inventions for Masques, & other
curious sights that might be delightfull
to the eye. But Clytifon passed
by all these rare Scenes, they being in
comparison of his fantasie, by him
reputed superfluous.

And now his eye was fixed upon
the Lodge that shadowed the wonders
of the world, and was seated about
two miles distance from Matenia.
Thither with eagerness he goes,
where he was onely saluted by
the diligent servants that directed
him to the grove adjoyning to the
Lodge, where the Princes just before
were walked for recreation. Then as
he went gazing about him, he discerned
Evarchus King of Macedon, who
signified his joy for his Sons and Nephews,
to him, revived lives, by his
lifted up hands and eyes, which with great D5v 58
great devotion he rendered to the
Gods in thankfulness.

For it happened after Plangus departure
from Macedon with an Armie,
Evarchus fearing his love-lines would
give opportunitie for sadness to overcome
his languishing spirit, made a
journey into Arcadia to visit his antient
Friend Basilius. And after many
strange accidents had apparently
been discovered, as the famous Sir
Philip Sydney fully declares, Pyrocles
and Musidorus were found to be alive;
and now he tarried in Arcadia to see
his blessedness compleated in their
Marriages. And in the mean time he
dispatched a messenger to Plangus
to encourage him with those welcom
tidings. And then the good
King confined himself wholy to the
continual praises of the Divine providence
for his unlooked for comfort.
And now straying from the rest of
the Princely companie, he fell to his wont- D6r 59
wonted contemplations, and never
moved from his devout posture, till
Clytifon’s suddain approach into his
sight, made him start, and withall raised
him.

Then Evarchus examined him
how the noble Gentleman Amphialus
did? but Clytifon was so mightily
dashed with his disturbing of Evarchus,
that he let silence be both his
Answer and Pleader for his presumption,
which Evarchus perceiving,
brought him into that solitary Arbor
where Pyrocles in his disguizement
had the priviledge to resort: There
sate Basilius with Genecea his Queen,
and he lovingly condoling with her
for her former sufferings that she was
then a sounding in his attentive ears,
but at Evarchus and Clytifons enterance
they rose up, and graciously
saluting Clytifon, they commanded
him to repeat those Adventures that
had befallen him at Corinth, if they were D6v 60
were remarkable; but Evarchus prevailed
with them to have patience,
that Philoclea, whom it most concerned,
might hear as soon as any; then
they all went to the young Princes,
and found them so well imployed,
that had they not espied them, they
would in pitie have passed by, and
not disturbed them.

Pyrocles and Musidorus being seated
upon a Fountaines brim, where in the
middle Cupids Image was placed, ready
the second time to have wounded
them; but they not minding him, strived
who should with the comeliest
grace, and highest Rhetorick extoll
their Mistresses; whilst the faire Pamela,
with lovely Philoclea tied the
truest Lovers knot in grasse, that ever
yet was tied; and now and then would
pick a Flower to shew their Art, to
tell the vertue of it; in these harmless
pleasures their Parents found
them busied.

Then D7r 61

Then Basilius cōomming to Philoclea,
told her that Cliftion had brought her
news of her servant Amphialus, & she
modestly blushing, replyed, that she
should be glad to hear of her Cosins
health; then Basilius desired them all
to sit down, that they might lend the
better attention to Clytifon; but he
in reverence to his Soveraigne, would
stand, till Basilius lay’d his commands
upon him to the contrarie: then Clytifon
recounted all circumstances saving
that about himself, as I have set
down; and when he had ended, he presented
Philoclea with Helena’s & Amphialus
Letters, which she courteously
received, & when she had broken them
open, she read them, but with such
Crystall streames all the time droping
from her Rosie cheeks, that had
Venus been by, she would have preserved
them in a Glasse to wash her
faice withall, to make her the more
beautifull; and then her Servant Pyroclescles D7v 62
gently wiped them away; but seeing
them yet distil, he was angry, and
shewed it on this manner. “It is a hard
Riddle to me, said he, that a Lover
should write such a regardless Letter,
to grieve and mar that face that he so
much adored.”
He would longer have
chid Amphialus, but that Evarchus
advised him to take the Letter from
his sorrowfull Ladie, which she willingly
resigned unto him; and he read
as followeth.

“ For the Incomparable Princess,
the Princess Philoclea.
Madam, I Am confident, you have heard what
affection I have harboured in my
heart, your (though unknown to me)
most barbarous usage, and that I might
clear mine innocence of such an heinous
crime, with what a Tragical act I heaped
up miserie upon miserie, which hath infinit- D8r 63
infinitly overwhelmed my distracted
soul; and now I onely rest in expectation
of your commands. I beseech you
let it be so pitifull, that it may procure
eternal ease to my extream perplexity;
and nothing can diminish that but
Death by your appointment; and that to
me shall be most welcom; and I shall
account my self happy in obeying your
desires at the last moment, which I vow
to accomplish what ere it be, with chearfulness;
and with this undaunted resolution,
I will ever continue to be,
Your faithfull,
though unworthy Servant,
Amphialus.”

Whilest Pyrocles was reading this,
the sweet Philoclea stopt the remainder
of her tears, till she had taken a
view of Helena’s. Then she entreated
her Pyrocles to read over her Cousin
Amphialus lines to her again. And
she attentively listening to his passionatenate D8v 64
Phrases, the second time she renewed
her weeping deluge: but the
stately Pamela said, her Cosin did
wisely to cast himself into the Power
of her sister, he knew her clemencie,
and considered it was his safest way
to do so, before he set footing in Arcadia.

Then they all perswaded Philoclea
not to grieve for that which she
might remedie, and adviced her to go
and write a letter to Amphialus, and
in it to command him to put in execution
Helena’s demands. She immediatly
arose, and at her rising made
the flowers to hang down their heads
for want of her presence: but her
breath being a sweeter perfume than
the scent of the choicest Flowers,
made her careless of their sorrow; for
she not minding them, went her way;
and Pyrocles, who could be as well
out of his life, as from her company,
followed after her, and would needs wait E1r 65
wait upon her to the lodge; and
there he staid till she had written her
Letter.

Which she had no sooner ended,
and Pyrocles perused, but that ingenious
Clytifon was readie upon his
Horse to receive it, that he might
with speed convey it to Corinth.
So after abundance of commendations
from Philoclea to Helena and Amphialus,
he parted, and without any
remarkable Passage, he quickly attained
to his journeys end: where he
was received between hope and fear
by Helena, who hearing of his return,
withdrew into a private room, and
then sent for him; but as soon as he
was entred into her sight, she cryed
out.

“Good Sir, doe not break my heart
with delayance; is there any possibility
for me to live? if there be none,
O speak, that I may die! and end my
years: for if Amphialus doom be E Death E1v 66
death; I am resolved not to live one
minute after him.”
But Clytifon, as
desirous to give her ease, as she could
be to ask it of him, answered, That
now the joyfull time was near at hand
that Amphialus and she should be united
together, and should flourish with
all happiness that could be imagined.
“I beseech you do not flatter me,” said
Helena, such vain perswasions will do
no good, but make my fall the higher
and so more dangerous.”
“Madam,” replyed
Clytifon, “let me beg the favour
of you to believe me, and if
I have told you any falshood, say I
was never trustie to my Friend, and
you cannot punish me more to my
vexation: but here is a Letter from
my Lord to Amphialus, that will verifie
me of the truth:”
Upon this Helena
was brought to believe that felicitie
to her, that she so long hath
wished for, and caused vermilion Red
to die her cheeks in preparation to receive E2r 67
receive their welcom Guest: and then
her earnestness grew impatient of deferrings,
she longing to prie into Phyloclea’s
letters, therefore sealing up
her lips from further questions, she
directed Clytifon to Amphialus, and
then she left him.

Amphialus in the mean time, whose
bowels yearned for Clytifon’s return,
listened to all whisperings. So then
he seeing the Attendants so busie in
their private discourses, he enquired
whether Clytifon was come? just as
he entered his presence. Then after
due civilities passed between them,
Clytifon delivered up his charge to
Amphialus, who used many ceremonies
before he would presume to
touch it; but when he was better advised,
he joyfully imbraced it, and by
degrees he intruded upon it, for first
he brake the seal, and then he made
this protestation.

“Now I do vow and promise before E2 Cupid, E2v 68
Cupid, whose dart hath so cruelly
wounded me, and before Venus, to
whose beautie I am so much a slave,
never in the least to resist Philoclea’s
lines; but I will shew my dutie to her
by my willingness to obey her pleasure.
And you my Lord Clytifon
with this Noble companie are witnesses
of this my Protestation.”

Thus concluded he his solemn
vow, and then he carefully unfolded
the treasure of his life, with a belief
that every fold drew him nearer than
other to Paradise: and when he read
it, the curiousest eye could not espie
the least motion of discontent to reside
in him; but he rather seemed as a
Conquerour that had suddenly surprised
unlookt-for comfort, which
much conduced to the joy of the beholders.
And when he had fully delighted
his eyes with Philoclea’s gracious
lines, he changed his note from
admiring her perfections, to blazon his E3r 69
his now amorous Phrases of Helena’s
worth; and then the sweet behaviour
of Helena to him in his calamitie extended
to his memorie, which made
him extreamly wonder at the hidden
virtues of Philoclea’s letters, for
working so great a cure in his understanding:
therefore now assuring himself
the Gods had destined Helena to
be his Spouse, in pursuance of their
pleasure, and of his own happiness,
he sent to her in an humble manner to
entreat her companie. Which Message,
poor Queen, she heard as joyfully,
as she could have done, had
Mercury posted from Heaven to bring
her tidings of her transporting thither:
but yet trembling possessed her
delicate bodie, and would not leave
her, before she had presented her self
to Amphialus; who taking her by the
white, yet shaking, hand, gratefully
thanked her for her many favours:
and then telling her he should studie E3 a E3v 70
a requital, besought her to hear the
letter that his Cosin Philoclea had
honoured him with. But Helena answered
with blushes, whilest he read
the letter, thus,

“‘ For her highly-esteemed Cosin, the
Lord Amphialus.

Worthie Cosin,
Might I partake with the Gods in
their interest in you, I would not
be kept in such ignorance and amazement,
as I am at this present; but I
would throughly search what just occasions
I have ever given you, to hazard
your person with such sad apprehensions
of my anger, as I hear without speedie
remedie will deprive you of all future
felicitie. But laying by all that ambitious
thought, in earnest, Cosin, I must
needs tell you, how without comparison
it troubles me, that you should think me
so severe and unnatural, to torment
you with a second death, for that fault, which E4r 71
which you have by so many evident
signs manifested your self to be innocent
of, and if you had been guiltie as you are
not, I should rather choose to mitigate
your crime, than any way to heighten it.
But yet I will not profusely let slip that
advantage, which you have so freely
left to my discretion, but will use it as
an ornament to make you happie, yet not
in way of authoritie, but as a Petitioner
I humbly crave of you not to refuse
Beautie and Honor when it is so virtuously
presented to you by the famous
Queen Helena, whose love-lines surpasses
all others.
Therefore if you esteem of me, prove
it by entirely loving of her, who, I am
sure, will endow you with all such blessings
as may enrich your contentment.
And now with full satisfaction, that
you will grant me my request, I close up
these abrupt lines, and am immoveably,
Your faithfull Cosin and
Servant,
Philoclea.’”
Here E4v 72

Here the sweet Philoclea ended, and
Amphialus with a low congee began
to speak to Helena in this manner:
“Fair Queen, what excuse I shall make
for my long incivilitie to your singular
self, I know not, nor can I imagin
with what confidence to beg of you
the perfecting of these compassionate
lines; therefore for pitie sake accept
of my cast-down eyes for my Soliciters,
and let your goodness plead for
my backwardness in submitting to
that duty of love to you, when the
greatest Princes tremble at your
sight, and worship you as their Image.
Madam, suffer your Answer may be
pitifull, since I acknowledge mine
error.”

“My Lord,” replied Helena, “there is no
cause given here to induce you to renew
your grief, if my yielding my
self to your noble disposal may be
valued as a sufficient satisfactory Argument
to ease you, that hath ever been E5r 73
been my endeavor in all virtuous
ways to compass.”

“The more may be imputed to my
unworthiness,”
answered Amphialus;
“now I am surprized with shame in
having so dull an apprehension, such
a stony heart to refuse so rare a Person
as your divine self; but the Gods
are just, for now the wheel of Fortune
is turned, and if you please to revenge
your wrong upon me the instrument,
you cannot stab me with a sharper
spear, than your denial.”

“Why,” said Helena, “do you force me
to repeat my real affections to you
so often? is it your jealousie of my
constancie? if it be that, with thanks
to my Goddess Diana, I avouch, that
I never harboured the least unchast
thought to scandalize or blemish my
puritie.”

“Now I may challenge you,” replied
Amphialus, “for searching out new sorrows
to your self; but pardon me dear E5v 74
dear Madam, for my rash presumption
with chiding you for one fault,
when I my self am burdened with so
many, and beleeve me, my highest
ambition is to hear your heavenly
voice sound out the Harmonie of
your love within mine ears; and
when you vouchsafe me that, none
can paralel with me in happiness.”

Thus they passed away the day
with these, and afterwards more fond
expressions; and amongst them they
concluded to make a journey into Arcadia,
& for the greater Triumph, to
celebrat their nuptials with the other
renowned Princes, now in the height
of their superfluous complements, the
news of the happy success of Philoclea’s
Letter had so spread about, that
such abundance of the Citie flocked
to the Palace to see Amphialus, that
Helena was forced to command the
Officers, not to let any have admission,
until some important business, they E6r 75
they were to consult upon, might be
accomplished; and then she promised
free Passage to all: This caused every
one to retire to their houses, and Helena
and Amphialus after a while spared
some time to advise with Clytifon
to consider of the probablest way for
them to go into Arcadia; the people
of Corinth being in great expectation
of their solemnizing the wedding
there.

Then Clytifon counselled them on
this manner. “The surest way that I
can think on is, to lay open your real
intentions to the Peers of your
Land, that by degrees, it may be
published to the Vulgar; also declare
that you will not yield to any thing
that may prove to their prejudice; but
if they will not receive that as satisfactory,
but argue that it is a disparagement
for their Country to suffer their
Princess to depart from thence, and
be transported into another, to have her E6v 76
her marriage finished; you may easily
prevent their future dislike of that
particular; since the dishonour of your
Countrey concerns you most; and in
all reason you should have the most
especial care to preserve it; you may
please them with telling them, you
do intend to make your Kingdom famous
by the splendor of those Princes
that now reside in Arcadia; and
then you will solemnize your wedding
with the same points that you use
when you are there: and I am perswaded
their dissentions will be quieted.”

The Counsel of Clytifon was no
way rejected, but very well esteemed
by the Royal lovers, who shewed
their thankfulness by the large
Theams they made of their judgements
to him: and then telling him,
that they must still be more obliged
to him, they entreated him to let his return
to Arcadia be a little sooner than theirs, E7r 77
theirs, to give the Princely family
intelligence of their following after;
because they were yet in their private
lodge, it would not be commodious
for them to come unto them unawares.
Clytifon replied, That none
should do that Service but himself;
then Amphialus told him it was high
time for him to make good his words,
for Queen Helena, and his own intention
was to be at Matenia suddenly;
thus after a few more speeches
passed, Clytifon took his leave, and
dispatched away with all expedition.

In the mean time Helena gallantly
played her game; for at the immediate
time of Clytifon’s departure from
Corinth, she proclaimed free Liberty
for her Subjects access unto her: then
Amphialus and she being arrayed in
glorious Apparel, removed from
their with-drawing Rooms into the
Presence, and there seated themselves
in the Throne: their Nobles cominging E7v 78
to them in their ranks, and kissing
both their hands, rendered in all lowly
manner their joy for their Queens
carefull choice, in making so brave a
Prince their high Lord. Then Helena
declared her mind to them as Clytifon
advised her, which at first startled
them, but she argued in her own defence
so wisely, that she quickly confuted
and pacified those disturbers.
But after them came Knights, Gentlemen,
Citizens, in such abundance,
that they confined the Princess to
their patience for a Week together.
Besides, the Countrey Peasants, and
all sorts of Mechanicks, that with
admiration pressed to gaze upon
them. But when their tedious task
was over, they spent some time in
pleasing their fancies with the contrivance
of stately curiosities, for
the honour of their Nuptials. Amphialus
and Helena concurring so
well together, that nothing was com- E8r 79
commended by the one, but instantly
it was highly approved of and
valued by the other. Which combining
of these, was a rare example
for the under-workmen, they endeavouring
to follow their Superiours
Rule, delighting in these fellows
judgements, did to the lovers joy, unexpectedly
finish their Art.

Then all accomodations being
prepared in a readiness, they departed
from Corinth, their pomp being thus
ordered, Three Chariots drawn by
six horses apiece, came whirling to
the gate, the first was for six Noble
men being of Amphialus his Bedchamber.
That Chariot was lined
with green Figerd-velvet, richly fringed;
signifying the Princes loves. The
Horses were black; to manifest their
mourning for being so long exiled
from their loves. The next Chariot
was lined with white Sattin, embroidered
with gold, that was to witness their E8v 80
their innocencie, their love being virtuous:
in that went six Ladies, attendants
upon Helena. The third and last
was for Helena and Amphialus, that
was lined with blue, embroidered with
Pearls and pretious Stones, the Horses
wore plumes of Feathers; the
Coach-man, Postilian, and six Footmens
liveries were blew, as an Emblem
of their constancie, and embroidered
as the Chariot was. On this
triumphant manner they went to Arcadia,
besides an innumerable companie
of Coaches and Hors-men that
belonged to the Court; which keeping
on a moderate pace, in short time
safely set footing there: and the flying
report, that would not be stoped
for any mans pleasure, quickly
gave notice to the Princes of Helena’s
and Amphialus being come.

But they had before removed to
their Palace, being in perpetual expectation
of their companie: and to shew F1r 81
shew how glad they were to enjoy it,
Musidorus and Pamela, with Pyrocles,
going altogether in a Coach, went
out a good distance from the Citie
to meet them: which they could
hardly compass to do, by reason of
the multitudes that went to see that
magnificent Sight; until they had appointed
Officers to beat a Lane: so
that at last they made a narrow passage.
It was an incomparable Sight
to see Helena and Amphialus greet
Philoclea? what low congies they
made to her, as if she had been their
Goddess! whilest she courteously reverenced
them again. Then Helena
and she stood admiring one anothers
Beautie, till Amphialus had saluted
the other Princes, and yet returned
soon enough to break their silence.
“Ladies,” said he, “there is no occasion
given to stir up sadness in Rebellion
against mirth & happiness, for here we
may see Love coupled together, when F we F1v 82
we have known by experiments it to
have been dispersed by many strange
accidents. And most sweet Princess
Philoclea, by your gracious lines I am
preserved from perpetual miserie, to
enjoy a Crown endowed with all felicitie.
But yet, Madam, all that I
can do or say in requital, is to let you
know that I am and ever shall be, your
humble Servant.”

“I beseech you Cosin,” replied Philoclea,
“do not your self that injurie, to
confess you were thrust forward to
your contentment. And seriously,
when I obtained a sight of this rare
Queen, I was astonished at your former
backwardness. But since Cupid
did play his part so cunningly as to
make you blind, I am extream glad
that I could be an instrument worthie
to recover your decayed eyes and
languishing spirits; and I am beholding
to your goonddness in obeying my
request.”
Here Philoclea ended; and Amphia- F2r 83
Amphialus was furnished with a Replie.

When Musidorus brought in Pamela
to Helena, whom she civily welcomed
to Arcadia; but upon Amphialus
she looked aloft, as not deserving
to be regarded by her. Which Musidorus
perceiving, he secretly perswaded
her to look favourably upon him.
Whose advice was received by her as
a command that she durst not withstand.
So she altering her disdainfulness
into chearfulness, bent her discourse
to Amphialus, that at last they
grew excellent companie for one another,
and so continued; till their
thoughts were taken up with amazement
at sight of Clytifon, who came
hallowing to them; and with signs
pointed to them to hast into their
Chariots. But they not understanding
his meaning, delayed their speed,
till he came nearer, and certified them
that there was a Messenger come F2 from F2v 84
from Plangus to Evarchus, but he
would not be perswaded to deliver
his business, before Musidorus and Pyrocles
were present.

This newes strook Pamela and
Philoclea into an extremity of sadness;
for then Plangus storie was renewed
into their memorie, which
made them suspect it was some envious
errand to separate their affections;
but their beloved Princes used
all perswasions that might comfort
them, and then led them to Amphialus
Chariot, that being the largest,
and in that regard the most convenient;
they being too full of perplexity
to minde matters of State,
went altogether, that they might the
better passe away the time with company.

Then in a distracted manner they
went to Matenea, and quietly passed
through the Streets till they came to
the Palace, where they had much adodo F3r 85
to enter, by reason of the throng
that was there making enquiries after
the Armenian Messenger; yet at last
the Princess obtained entrance; where
Helena and Amphialus were with all
respect welcomed by Basilius and Genecea:
and when many Complements
were consummate, they all went to the
Presence, where Evarchus and the
Messenger were. Then Evarchus
told them there was a business of consequence
to discover, and he wished
them to give audience to it; Then all
noise being appeased; the Messenger
turning to Evarchus, said these
following words.

“Most renowned King; Prince Plangus,
Generall of your forces in Armenia,
hath sent me to recount unto
your Majestie the truth of his proceedings
since his departure from
Macedon; which if your Majestie
please to heare, I shall in a little time
bring it about to his present Condition.F3 on F3v 86
Know then, Gracious Sir, Prince
Plangus had hardlie set footing in the
Armenian Land, before he was surprised
by the unfortunate News of his
Ladie Erona’s being delivered up into
the power of her Tyrannical enemies.
You may imagine what discouragement
this was to him at his
first entrance, to be almost deprived of
his chiefest victory: but yet he hid
his grief, shewing his undaunted spirit
to his Armie; he doubled their
march, and at length overtook the
Forces of the deceitfull Plaxirtus,
and with losse of a few men, he so disordered
them, that he and all his Armie
marched through the middest of
our Adversaries, whilst they like
frighted men stood gazing on us; yet
we not altogether trusting to our
safeties, to their amazement, placed a
a reasonable company in Ambush to
hold them play, if they should venture
to fall on us; and we having Intelligenceintelligence F4r 87
that Plaxirtus himself was
but a mile before us, attended by a
small Guard, because of his Confidence
in his forces that were behind
him, pursued him: & he not doubting
but that we were of his confederacie,
turned back his Horse, and staid that
we might overtake him, thinking
thereby to do us a favour: but Prince
Plangus not having patience to see
him so well pleased, galloped towards
him; which Plaxirtus seeing, and
knowing his own guilt, began to distrust
that then he should receive a
due reward; and then he cryed out,
‘Are we freinds? Are we freinds?’ but
Prince Plangus riding to him, clasped
him about the wast, and gallantly
threw him off his horse, and then answered
him, That he should be always
his freind to do him such courtesies
as they were; which the Guard
hearing, they shewed us that they
were expert in running, though not F4 in F4v 88
in fighting, for in a moment they
were all fled away: then Prince Plangus
having his greatest Adversary at
his feet, and studying the most convenient
way to fulfill your Majesties
desire, to preserve him alive, till he
might be more openly put to death;
just than a Trumpeter came to him
from Artaxia, with a paper in his
hand, which he delivered to Plaxirtus,
wherein Artaxia declared, That
her Cosin Plangus, whom she entertained
civilly in her Court, was risen
in Arms against her, and had brought
Forreigners to invade her Land; and
that he had not onely forgotten her
former kindness to him, but also broken
the laws of Nature, she being his
neer Skinswoman; and not onely with
her, but also with her dear and lawfull
Husband Plaxirtus, whom he had taken
and made a Prisoner; and she further
declared, That whatsoever cruelty
be inflicted upon Plaxirtus, she would F5r 89
would do the like, or worse to Erona.
And if he did not quickly send her a
satisfactorie Answer, she would begin
with Erona first, and make her endure
the greatest torments that she could
possibly, and live.”

This put Prince Plangus into a
world of confused cogitations? for
very unwilling he was to let go unrevenged
the bloudy contriver of these
Princes supposed murder: and if he
did not in some degree yield to that,
then his beloved Lady Erona must suffer
those intollerable tortures. But
when he was in the height of passion,
to think that from a victor he must
become Slave, we might perceive a
Traveller guided to us by some of the
Souldiers. At that sight Prince Plangus
entreated the Trumpeter to stay
till he had known the meaning of the
strangers coming. He was your happy
Messenger, O King, that delivered
the Queen Erona from miserie. He it was F5v 90
was that brought the joyful news of
the safetie of these famous Princes to
perplexed Prince Plangus. And that
so well revived him, that after he had
worshipped Apollo for such an unlookt
for blessing, he chearfully
dispatcht away the Trumpeter with
his answer, that “now the Treacherie
of Plaxirtus was brought to nought,
for Pyrocles and Musidorus were miraculously
preserved, and lived to be
examples of virtue: and if she would
stand to the former Articles, Plaxirtus
should be set at libertie, now the
renowned Princes want your assistance
in defence of the Ladie Erona,
whose life is now in your power; for
by me Plaxirtus and Anaxius challenge
you to answer them in a Combat for
the distressed Queen, and if you prove
victorious over them, the same day
Erona shall be freed from her imprisonment:
but if the contrarie side prevail,
at that time Erona must be put to F6r 91
to death. These are the Articles before
agreed upon, and now the second
time resolved on. If you will hazard
your Persons in the Quarell, the
whole Kingdom of Armenia being in
expectation of your valour, that may
end the differences.”

Thus the Messenger concluded,
and Pyrocles and Musidorus sent him
back to Armenia, with promise of
their speedie following after him. It
would have made a Rock, had it been
by, burst out in tears in reference to
the companie. And had Narcissus
been never ravished with his own
conceited beautie, yet had he been
there, he would have wept into fountains,
to see the best of Princes turmoiled
in waves of affections: And
Fortune deluding them, perswaded
them they were near refreshment,
when they were environed with their
chiefest calamities. Here you might
see Pamela with her Arms wreathed about F6v 92
about Musidorus, as if she intended
there should be her rest, till he had
granted her request, & her cast-down
eyes and weepings that bedewed her
pure cheeks did witness her abundant
sorrow. But at last, wiping them
away, she contested with Musidorus
and her self on this manner:

“Dear Musidorus, do not part from
her to whom you have so often
plighted your faith. If you love me,
as you vow you do, why will you abandon
my presence? oh do not break
my heart with your inconstancie, nor
stain your other virtues with such a
crime, as never can be washt away;
therefore stay, or else confute me
with your reason, and then I shall
hate my passion, and contemn my self,
for valuing my interest in your affections
above the main treasure, so accounted
by the heavenly and earthly
societie, in keeping an honourable and
unblemished reputation; which if you can F7r 93
can do, and yet leave me, I will never
shew my self such a ridiculous lover
as to be your hinderance.”
“My thrice
dearer than my self,”
replied Musidorus,
“do not afflict me with the word Inconstancie;
if I were guiltie, then
might you justly tax me with it. But
far be the thought of infidelitie from
me: and believe me Ladie, Plaxirtus
cannot pierce his sword deeper into
my heart, than these sharp words,
which proceeded from your sweet lips
have done. But for my Combat in
Armenia, that is so necessarie, that
none can decide the Quarrel, unless it
be my Cosin Pyrocles and my self, by
reason of Artaxia & Plaxirtus thirsting
for our lives, they will never suffer
Erona to be released from prison,
before they have vented their malice
upon us, in as great a measure
as their abilitie can give them leave.
And besides, should I refuse, it would
redound so extreamly upon my renown,nown F7v 94
that every one would be readie
to object, that since a Woman prevailed
over me, I am directly cowardized.
And now, dear Ladie, I dare
presume you will rather let me venture
my life in defence of so just a
cause, than to let it go unrevenged to
my deserved infamie.”

Poor Pamela all this while seemed
like one in a trance, not having power
to contradict Musidorus in his pleadings,
nor yet able to submit her yielding
to them; but made her tears and
sighs her advocates, when he with all
perswasions sought to comfort her.
And in the mean time the sweet Philoclea,
who lay grovelling at her Pyrocles
feet, and would not be removed,
expressed her grief in these
mournfull complaints.

“Ah me! said she, that I should be
born under such an unfortunate Planet
of unhappie events that dayly afflict
me! tell me, my Pyrocles the cause F8r 95
cause that makes you so willingly hazard
your person in such dangerous
attempts? if you can tax me with any
errors, to my self unknown, that
might work your displeasure, O tell
me what they are that I may mend,
and studie some easier waw to punish
me than by your intended death. But
if nothing else may reconcile me to
you, yet shew your clemencie, and let
your own blessed hand first end my
miserie.”

Here she stopped, and perceiving
Pyrocles to be in as amazed condition
as she her self was, not knowing what
to do or say to appease her sorrow, she
premeditated, that now or never was
her time to keep him with her in safetie,
and then she suddenly arose from
the ground, and standing a while in
great devotion, at last she cried out;

“Now am I readie to receive thy
harmless Spear into my heart, now
shew thy love & pitie to me quickly, and F8v 96
and preserve me not alive to endure
such terrour as cannot be charmed away,
unless you will promise me the
enjoyment of your companie.”
But
Pyrocles started up, and catching her
in his arms, adviced her not to give
way to sorrow, the hater of Beautie,
to rule over her; nor yet to mistrust
she ever offended him, but that she
was more pretious to him than the
world could be; and that he made no
question but that he should return again
from Armenia to enjoy her with
peace and happiness.

With these and many more such
expressions, he strived to chear her up.
But she still kept on bewailing her illfortune,
and would not be pacified:
untill Musidorus came to her and entreated
her to go to her Sister Peamela,
and to shew her discretion by moderating
her passion, that she might be
a motive to reduce her Sister to follow
her example, who now lay welteringtering G1r 97
in her tears. These tidings perswaded
her to defer her own cares,
that she might in some measure work
a cure in her sister, whom she valued,
next to her Pyrocles, above all the
world. And then she would not delay
the time with bemoaning herself, but
hastily went her way supported by the
two illustrious branches of the forest,
Pyrocles and Musidorus.

But as she went there represented
to her view the two antient Kings,
Evarchus and Basilius walking to and
fro like shadows, and looked as they
would have done, had one come out
of the Grave to warn them to prepare
themselves in short time to come
to them. This doleful sight had like
to have prevailed over her, and made
her fall into a Relapse of passion; but
the rememberance of the task she was
going about suppressed those vapours.
And being come within the sight
of Pamela, whose deluge was stayd G a G1v 98
a little to pause, that it might issue
more freshly and eagerly at Philocleas
presence) whom as soon as she
espied, she perceived her hidden discontent,
and rebuked onein this manner.

“Sister, think not your dissembling
smiles can entise me to follow your
example, for I can as perfectly see
through you into your grieved heart,
as if your were transparent, and know
your pain that now you endeavour
to conceal. Oh! leave these counterfeits,
and you will be a farr more acceptable
comforter unto me.”

Poor Philoclea could no longer
withstand the batteries of Pamela, but
confessed her forced mirth, and then
instead of asswaging, they augmented
one anothers sorrows with such lamentable
moans, that Pyrocles and
Musidorus were forced to give way to
Sighs, till their thoughts were surprised
by the coming of Clytifon, who
brought them word, that the two Kings G2r 99
Kings stayed at the door to speak
with them. Then they softly went out
of the Chamber, and were received
by Basileus and Evarchus, who told
them, that since it stood so much upon
their Honours to endeavour to redeem
that distressed Ladie, they advised
them not to linger in the performance
of it, for nothing was in their
way to cause any delay, and the sooner
they went, the sooner by Apollo’s assistance
they might return: To whose
mercie they recommended them, and
commanded them, that when they
had obtained a prosperous journey,
and had vanquished their enemies,
not to be negligent in sending them
word of it, that they might be sharers
in their joy as well as their sorrow.
Then after both the Kings had made
them happie with their blessings, they
sent them away.

Though first Pyrocles and Musidorus
would needs take a review of their G2 Ladies G2v 100
Ladies Pavilion, but not of their Persons,
out of consideration that it
would but double their affliction: and
then reverencing the carpet on which
they used to tread, they took their
leave of the desolate Chamber, and
did resolve to travel alone. Had not
Kalodolus, Musidoru’s faithful Servant,
made a vow that no occasions should
perswade him to leave his master again;
so that Musidorus, seeing there
was no remedie, yielded to his desires.
Nor could Amphialus noble
heart well brook to stay behind, for
oftentimes he entreated them that
he might go a second for them, or
else a servant to them. But they answered
him that he could not do
them better Service than to accompany
his Cosins, and make much of
them in their absence: then, after they
had accomplished some more Complements,
they parted, Amphialus to
his charge, and the Princes commiteded G3r 101
themselves into the hands of
wavering Fortune. Who having already
shewed them her frowns, would
now pleasure them with her smiles,
which first she discovered by conveying
them safely to Armenia, where
they were wellcomed unanimosly by
all, but especially by Plangus, who
could hardly confine his joy within
the bounds of reason.

But the Princes being mindfull of
his busines, desiresd Plangus to hasten
their Combat, because their Ladies
were in a despairing condition of ever
seeing them again, and they assured
him they did not fear to enter within
the compass of Plaxirtus, so long as it
was by the publick agreement, and
not by secret practices, Plangus certified
them that all things were prepared
for their accommodation, and
that they might, if they pleased, exercise
their valour upon their enemies
the next morning. And that two Scaffolds G3v 102
Scaffolds were erected, the one for
Artaxia, she intending to be a Beholder,
the other for Erona, who is to be
brought thither guarded as a Prisoner,
and in her sight there is a Stake in
readines to consume her, if they be overcome.
This last he uttered in such
mournful expressions, that Pyrocles
and Musidorus vowed to spend their
hearts bloud, but that they would release
& deliver Erona from the power
of Artaxia.

And before they would refresh
themselves with Plangus entertainments,
they dispatched a Trumpeter
to Pleaxirtus and Anaxius to certifie
them, they were come to answer their
challenge, and had set apart the next
morning for that purpose: the Trumpeter
soon returned with this reply,
that the sooner it was, the more advantagious
it would prove to them,
and they would not fail to meet them
at the place and time appointed. Thus they G4r 103
they agreed upon the next morning;
and when the Prince had partaked of
Plangus Supper, they yielded to sleep,
which forsook them not till the promised
time was near at hand.

Early in the morning Plaxirtus and
Anaxius puffed up with Pride; and
not questioning but that they should
be Conquerours, put on their Armour,
and mounting their steeds, galloped
to the List. And Artaxia, thinking to
vent her spleen with gazing at the
overthrow of the Princes, came to the
Scaffold attired in all her costly and
glorious apparel, and with as great
a Train as she would have had, were
she to have been spectator of her
Husbands Coronation, King of Armenia.

Within awhile was Erona brought
guarded by a Band of Souldiers to
her Scaffold, where she might see the
end of her miserie by the Fire, or otherwise
by Pyrocles and Musidorus G4 victorie; G4v 104
victorie: but she, being wearied out of
her life by sundrie afflictions, looked
as gladly upon the fiery Stake, as she
did upon her famous Champions
who were then entered the list, and
waving their swords about their
heads; Pyrocles encountred Anaxius
and Musidorus Plaxirtus. Then entered
they into so fierce a fight, that it
goes beyond my memorie to declare
all the passages thereof: but both
Parties shewed such magnanimity of
Courage, that for a long time none
could discern who should be victors.
Till at length Musidorus gave a fatal
thrust to Plaxirtus, who being before
faint with loss of bloud, fell from his
Steed, and in the fall clasht his Armour
in pieces; and then his Steed, for
joy that he was eased of such a wicked
burden, pranced over his disgraced
master, and not suffering him to die
such an honourable death as by Musidorus
Sword, trampled out his guts, while G5r 105
while Plaxirtus, with curses in his
mouth, ended his hateful life.

Then Pirocles redoubled his blows
so eagerly upon Anaxius, that he
could no longer withstand them, but
gnashing his teeth for anger, he fell
at Pyrocles feet and died. Thus pride
and Treacherie received their just reward.

But then Artaxia’s glory was turned
into mourning, and her rich attire
into, rags as soon as she perceived
Plaxirtus wounded, his bloud gushing
out, his Horse treading on him,
and he himself dying with bitter
groans and frantick speeches, which
he breathed out at his last moment
for fear of further torments: she tare
off her hair, and rent her cloths in so
enraged a manner, that she drew all
eyes from the corps in wonder and
amasement on her. Nor could any
thing regulate her furie, but she violently
run down to the corps, and there G5v 106
there breathed out her complaints.

In which time Plangus called his
Souldiers together, and went up to
the other scaffold to release Erona;
though at first he was forced to make
a way with his sword, the Guard resolving
not to surrender her, till they
had received a further command
from Artaxia: but Plangus made
them repent their strictness, and ask
Erona pardon for it. And after he
was revived with a warm kiss from
her hand, he led her down to Pyrocles
and Musidorus: Who having forgot
the former injuries Artaxia had done
them, courteously perswaded her not
to bemoan him, whose memorie was
reprochfull to all the world, for valuing
his one deceitfulness above virtue;
and then they told her, it would be
more for her renown, to solemnize
for him such obsequies as are seeming
for a Prince, he being of the race,
although he learned not to follow their G6r 107
their example; and then to proclaim
her sorrow for joyning with him in
his mischief. Many more speeches
they used to her, some to abate her
grief, & others to asswage her malice;
but at first she would listen to none;
yet afterwards being better advised,
she sent for two magnificent Hearses,
and before she would suffer Plaxirtus
his corps to be laid in, she pronounced
her resolution on this manner:

“Since it hath pleased Apollo, who
hath the Government of all things
on earth, to suffer Plaxirtus to fall by
your prowess, I do here by this dead
bodie vow to you, to end my life in
Widowhood. And you Cosin Plangus,
whom I have so infintely wronged
with this fair Ladie Erona, to you
I do resign up the Authoritie of my
Kingdom, being, after my decease, the
lawfull Successour. I shall desire onely
a competencie to keep me from famishment:
but if these your valiant Cham- G6v 108
Champions will have you go to Arcadia,
to finish your Marriage there,
in that time I will be your trustie Deputie,
to order your affairs here in
Armenia, until you return from
thence.”
Then she commanded the
corps to be laid in the Hearse, and taking
leave of the Royal companie, she
went along with it.

Now the Princes had time to take
notice of Erona’s sadness. And Plangus,
who had been all this time courting
her to be his Mistress, could obtain
no favour from her, but far-fetcht
sighs, and now and then Chrystal
drops distilling from their fountains.
These apparent signs of her disconsolate
mind, grounded a great deal of
cares in the hearts of the Princes, who
bending all their endeavours to insinuate
Plangus into her affections, they
first sifted her with these Questions;
Whether her being preserved from
the crueltie of Plaxirtus, was the cause of G7r 109
of her discontentment? or whether,
she grieved for her deliverance? and
therefore hated them for fighting in
her defence? These Questions put
Erona into such Quondaries, that she
could not, for a while, determin what
to answer. But at last she pitcht upon
true sinceritie, and freely displayed her
griefs to them, in these terms:

“Do not, I beseech you, plead ignorance
of that which is so palpable.
Have you not heard how they tortured
my Husband Antifalus to death?
why then do you renew it in my memorie?
which might have been prevented
if you, Prince Plangus, had
shewed your realitie to me, as
you protested you would by Policie
set him at liberty, but all
was neglected and Antifalus was
barbarously murdered, and yet you
are not ashamed to presume upon
my weakness, in pretending you
are my Servant, that you may the second G7v 110
second time deceive me.”
Longer she
would have chidden Plangus; but
that he falling down humbly begged
she would have consideration upon
him, and heare him. Then with silence
she admitted him, and he declared,
how that according to his promise
made to her Sacred self, he did
prosecute so faithfully, that he
brought all things to a readiness, and
might have been perfected, but that
the timorous Antifalus discovered
the whole Plot the same night it was
to be put in execution. And this without
any scruple, he would take his
oath was true. Erona considered very
much of this saying of Plangus: and
Pyrocles and Musidorus watching their
opportunity, just as she was replying,
interrupted her, and told her they
were confident she might give credit
to what Plangus had spoken; and if
she durst rely upon their advice, they
would recommend him to her for her G8r 111
her Husband, as soon as the greatest
Monarch in the world. These Princes
seconding Plangus in his excuses,
mitigated Erona’s pensivenes, so that
cheerfully she yielded her self to be
at Pyrocles and Musidorus disposing:
“for,” said she, “I am bound by so many
Obligations to you, that I cannot
suffer my requitall to be a refusall.
Onely I desire that Prince Plangus
may approve the truth of his words
with an Oath, as he himself hath propounded.”
Which he willingly did
upon that condition, and she accepted
of him as her betrothed Husband.
And Cupid by degrees so skillfully
drew her affection to him, that
she was as firmly Planguses, as ever
she was Antifaluses to the abundant
joy of all their friends.

Now Pyrocles and Musidorus imployments
being in every particular
accomplished as well as could be
wished, They remembring the charge of G8v 112
of Evarchus to them; together with
the cares of their sorrowfull Ladies,
they presently sent a Post to Arcadia
to signifie the news of their safety:
but yet there remained the care of
dispatching their Armie into their
native Countrey Macedon. And as
they were conferring which way they
might compass that matter of such
consequence quickly, Kalodolus being
at the counsel put in his verdict,
which was liked very well, and instantly
put in practice; for he having
a special friend in whom he very
much confided, he advised that he
might be trusted to be General in
Plangus room, that they might orderly
go home, and after they were
payd their due, to dismiss them and
let them go to their own Houses.

When all this was performed: they
commanded all conveniences to be
prepared for their own accomodation
about their return to Arcadia; but H1r 113
but for curiosities they would not
stay for them, but limited a day for
their departure. In which time Erona
imployed her inventions about a Present
for Pamela and Philoclea, which
she was verie ambitious of, they being
the mistresses of Musidorus and Pyrocles,
to whom she acknowledged her
self infinitely engaged; and without
delayance, she set all her Maids to
work the Story of their love, from the
fountain to the happy conclusion:
which by her busie fancie she shadowed
so artificially, that when it was
perfected, and she had shewed it to
the Princes, they vowed that had
they not known by experience those
passages to have been gone and past,
they should have believed they were
then in acting in that piece of workmanship.

Now all the work was ended, their
necessaries were in a readiness, fair
and temperate weather bespake their H fuller H1v 114
fuller happiness. All these so well
concurring, enticed the Princes to begin
their journey. And Fortune, dealing
favourably, conducted them safely
and speedily to the Arcadian
Court. Where they were received
with such joy by their Consorts, and
Parents especially, and by all in general,
as it would make two large a
storie to recount all their discourses
with their affectionate expressions
that passed between the Royal lovers.
Passing by all other, give me leave
to tell you, it was a prettie sight to
see the four Ladies, Pamela and
Philoclea, with Helena and Erona, admiring
one anothers perfections, all
of them having the worst opinions
of themselves, and the better of their
neighbours. Therefore to decide the
controversie, Philoclea entreated her
Pyrocles, to make a motion to Musidoru’s,
Plangus, and Amphialus to
spend their judgements upon them; Pyrocles H2r 115
Pyrocles immediately obeyed her; but
esteemed best of their own mistresses.

Pyrocles liked Philoclea best, becameuse
her sparkling eyes, pure complection,
and sweet features were
crowned with such modest courtesie,
that she ravished all her Beholders,
and perswaded them they were in
Paradise, when they were in her heavenly
Angel-like companie, Earth not
affording her fellow.

Musidorus avouched, his fair Pamela
was always clad with such a Majestie,
as bespake her a Queen in spite of the
Destines; yet that Majestie was so
well composed with Humility, that
it seemed but an out case to a more
excellent inward virtue.

Then came Plangu’s turn, who
said that in his judgement, Erona deserved
to be extolled in the highest
measure, for though her splendor was
something darkened by her sadness
and sufferings, yet under that veil her H2 brightness H2v 116
brightness did appear to shoot forth
beams of goodness to every one that
did approch her Presence.

Amphialus was last, who protested
there could not be a lovelier creature
than Helena was, so adorned with all
gifts of Nature, that he verily believed
if she had tempted Adonis, as
Venus did, he could not in the least
have denied her. And he assured himself,
that by the determination of the
Gods, they being in love with her
themselves, Cupid had strook him
blind, that in the mean time they
might pursue their love; but seeing
she was resolved to accept of no other
but him, they for pitie sake
opened his eyes: and now he was amazed
at his former perverseness.
This conceipt of Amphialus made the
Ladies exceeding merrie. Till Evarchus
came to them and spake thus:

“Young Princes, I came now to remēember
you how often you have been by H3r 117
by several accidents, frustrated of your
desired Felicity: you see a little blast
alters your happiness into a world of
sorrows. Therefore harken to my
counsel, whose gray hairs witness my
better experience of the world than
your green years. Do not linger away
the time in Courtship: that is as bad
as to be carelesly rash. Finish therefore
the knot, that no crosses or calamities
can unfinish, without further
deferrings.”

This command of Evarchus, did
not at all displease the four Bridegrooms.
Nothing hindered now but
their agreeing about the day; and that
made no long disputation neither, for
two days following happened to be
Pamela’s Birth-day, and that they
concluded should be the Bridalday.

Now the night before these happy
Nuptials, Erona presented Pamela
and Phyloclea with her rare piece of H3 work H3v 118
work, which they received with
thanks and admiration; and for the
honour of Erona (she being the inventor
of it) they caused it to be hung
up by the Image of Cupid in the Temple,
and after passed the night in quietness.

Early in the morning the Sun shot
forth his glorious beams, and awakened
the lovers. But when they were
up, he hid himself a while within the
waterie clouds, weeping that they
were brighter Suns than he: yet when
they were gaurded with their nuptial
Robes, he dispersed the clouds again,
and cleared his eyes, that he might
with envie gaze upon their lustre;
and the Brides without disdain yielded
their beauties to his perusal. When
the Middle-day had almost run his
course to the After-noon, the four
Bride-grooms imitating one another
in their Apparel, were all in gray
cloth embroydered with gold, richly clad H4r 119
clad, yet not fantastick; in their left
hands they held their swords, but in
their right their Brides.

First went Musidorus leading his
fair Princess Pamela, whose comely
behaviour and sweet sympathie, manifested
her joy, that then Musidorus
and she should be so united to live
and die together. Upon her head she
bare an imperial Diadem, which agreed
comparatively to her stately
mind. Her Garments were cloth of
Tissue, that in a careless fashion hanged
loose about her. And round her
Neck she wore a Chain of Orient
Pearl. Upon her Alabaster shoulders
a blue Scarf was cast, that being
whirled sometimes with the wind, did
seem to blow her to Hymens Temple.
Six virgin Nimphs attired in White
attended on her. The two foremost
perfumed the ayr as they went with
their odiferous sweets; but that was
superfluous, for Pamela’s breath left H4 a H4v 120
a far more fragrant scent than the
artificial curiosities could do; next to
them followed two other Virgins
with Holie-water in their hands,
which they sprinkled as they went, to
purifie all sinfull vapors; but that also
was needless, for no harm durst
come near the Virtuous Pamela,
whose looks could charm even wicked
Fiends: then the two last followed
Pamela, bearing up her train. Thus
was she guarded to the Temple with
her beloved Musidorus; and after them
went Pyrocles and Philoclea, Plangus
and his Erona, and Amphialus with his
Helena, all in the same order as Musidorus
and Pamela: then the Priest united
their hands, and as their hands,
so their hearts together; and the former
crueltie of Fortune was ever after
turned into pitie.

The Temple where these Nuptial
Rites were thus celebrated, was scituate
in a garden, or rather a Paradise for H5r 121
for its delightfulness; the murmuring
of the waters that flowed from a
Fonuntain at first entrance dividing,
themselves into four streams, seeming
to threaten, and yet enticing the
comers to venter further; the Fountains
bedecked with the Images of
Diana and her Maids, the Goddess
figured with an austere countenance,
pointing to the lust-full Venus, whose
Statue at a little distance stood, as she
with lacivious actions endeavoured to
entrap the modest Boy Adonis, but
Hymen on the other side disputes,
those whom his Priests unite, cannot
be stiled Venu’s, but Diana’s. The
perfumed flowers grew so thick in the
direct way to the Temple, that they
served for Carpets to consecrate the
Mortals feet before they approched
into it: the Temple was built of
Marble; the out-sides adorned with
Portratures of the Gods. Fortune was
seated at the frontier of it, which at the H5v 122
the least motion of the beholder, represented
a several gesture. And all
the Gods, in their degrees, sat presidents
to the observers.

The inside was not so uniform as
artificial, it winding into several circles
in the passage to the sacred place;
and all the way were emblems in Marble,
of the calamities of Lovers before
they can be set in Hymens Temple; many
of them representing the Princes
sufferings. The middle of the Temple
is not so gorgeous as decent, where
there met with the Princes, some of
Hymens Officers attired in white robes
trailing on the ground. These presented
the Bride-grooms with Swords
and Ballances, and their Brides with
Lawrel; & when they had here sounded
a sweet harmonie to Hymen, they
went back from the Temple to the
Court.

Where you may conjecture with
what joy they were received by Evarchus,chus H6r 123
Basilius, and Genecia, they all
pouring out their blessings upon them.
Then passed they away the remainder
of the day with all sorts of Musick,
Dancing, and other varieties of mirth.

Whilst a famous Mask was presenting
in the greatest glorie to the view
of the Princes, and an innumerable
companie of noble Personages: Mopsa,
sole heir to Damatas, who was by
Basilius favour, the Princess Pamela’s
Governour, when she resided in the
Lodge, went to Philoclea, and wrying
her neck one way and her mouth another,
she squeazed out these ensuing
words. “Fair Princess, I intend not
to forget the promise you made me,
when I told you a part of a curious
tale, how you assured me your Wedding
Gown, if I would afford to finish
my Storie on that welcom day: but
now the greatest part of the day is run
away, and you are raised so high on
your tip-toes, that you do not vouchsafesafe H6v 124
me to be in your books, but
choose rather to gaze upon these
strange sights, than to remember me
or your Gown.”
The sweet Philoclea
could not forbear blushing to hear
Mopsa reprove her so sharply; but to
make her silent for the present, she renewed
her promise, and Mopsa very
impatiently stayed out the vanishing
of their Scenes; which when Philoclea
perceived, she smilingly led Mopsa by
her hand into the middest of the Royal
companie, where she left her to exercise
her discretion; and withdrawing
at a distance from her, she discovered
to her Paramour Pyrocles, Mopsa’s
ambition, who immediately caused all
noises to be hushed, that he might
with the greater attention hearken to
Mopsa, and observe all her actions
though never so absurd. But Mopsa
vallued not the laughter of her beholders,
her little apprehension had
alreadie seized on Philoclea’s glittering Gown, H7r 125
Gown, and she imagined it hung upon
her mothie Karkass; and in that
firm perswasion she stood looking upon
her self like a Peacock, untill Pyrocles
called to her, which made her
skip, and rub her eyes before she
could discern her self to be yet in her
rustie Feathers. Yet afterwards, playing
with her hands, for the more
grace; she brake forth into these ensuing
words.

“It seemeth best to my liking to rehearse
the first part of my Storie in
brief, that so ye may the better relish
the Latter. There was a King,
(the chiefest man in all his Countrey)
who had a prettie Daughter,
who as she was sitting at a window, a
sprightlie Knight came to her, and
with his dilly Phrases won her to be
his own, and stealing out of her Fathers
Castle, with many honey kisses,
he conjured her not to enquire after
his name, for that the water-Nimphs would H7v 126
would then snatch him from her:
howbeit one time, in a darksom wood,
her teeth were set so on edge, that she
asked, and he presently with a piteous
howling vanished away. Then she, after
she had endured such hardship as
she never had endured in all her lifetime,
went back to one of her Ants,
who gave her a Nutt, charging her
not to open it before she fell into extremitie;
from her, she went to another
Ant, and she gave her another
Nut, counselling her (said Mopsa) in
the same words that her first Ant had
done before her, and so sent her packing:
But she one day being as wearie
as my fathers black horse is, when
he hath rode a good journey on him,
sat her down upon a Mole-hil, and
making huge complaints for her mishaps,
a grisly old woman came to her,
commanding her to open one of the
Nuts; and she considering, that of a
little medling cometh great ease, broke H8r 127
broke it open, for nothing venter, nothing
have, which Proverb she found
wondrous true; for within the shell
she found a paper, which discovered
that her Knight was chained in an
ugly hole under ground in the same
wood where she lost him. But one
Swallow makes no summer; wherefore
she cracked her other Nut, from
whence there flew out gold and silver
in such abundance, that the old
Woman falling down upon her
stumps, scrambled up her lap full,
and yet left the joyfull maid her
load: Need makes the old wife trot;
nay, it made both the old and young
to trot, and to lug away their bags
of money: and when they came to a
lane with twentie several paths, the
old Woman took her leave of the
Kings dainty Daughter, bidding her
lay down the money, and it should
guid her to her Knight: with that
she laid it down, and the money tumbledbled H8v 128
the direct way before her.”

At this passage Mopsa conceiting
that she saw Mammons treasure so
near her, opened her mouth, which
was of a sufficient wideness, and wadled
along as if she had been practizing
to catch flies there: which if she had,
the prisoners might have recreated
their wings within their prison walls,
they were so large. The princely Societie
could not forbear simparing at
Mopsa’s ravishment, and had burst out
into a publick mirth, had they not
been surprized with a better object.

Which at first view appeared to be
the Goddess Flora and her Nymphs,
their addorning imitating hers, but
when they drew near, they discerned
their errors, it being Urania, a fair
Shepherdess, who might be very well
taken for Flora; for although it was
impossible for her to excel the Goddess
in beautie, yet without controlement,
in Pamela’s and Philoclea’s absencesence I1r 129
she might paralel the most transcendent:
on either side of this Urania,
there walked the two Shepherds,
Strephon and Claius, with their
eyes fixed on her in celestial admiration:
their countenances resembled
despair more than hope, and earnestness
more than confidence: these addressed
themselves unto the Princess,
leaving the prettie Sheperdess at a
short distance with her companions,
who in Troops attended her; and prostrating
themselves at their feet, they
burst out into bitter tears.

Musidorus, who was then raised to
the height of temporal blessings, disdained
not to acknowledge them to
have been the Founders of his happiness,
repeating in publick, how they
had preserved him from the dangers
of the Seas: but Claius and Strephon
could not suborn their weepings, but
continued weltring in their tears,
which astonished and strook a sadness I into I1v 130
into the least relenting spirits; all being
ignorant of the Accident, except
Musidorus, who surmized the truth.

Now whilst they expected the issue,
Mopsa laid hold on Philoclea, and
with many a vineger look, besought
her to hear out her Tale: and for fear
she should be deprived of her Gown
without depending on a replie, she
pursued her Storie in these her accustomed
expressions. “Leading her,” said
Mopsa, “to the very Caves mouth
where her Knight vented a thousand
grievous groans, then in her hearing,
she might then joyfully sing, fast
bind, fast find, for there the Witches
bound him, and there his Sweet-heart
found him, where they pleasured one
another with their sugar-kisses; and
after a good while, she unchained him
and then they lovingly set them
down and slept all night in the
Cave, because haste maketh waste
but the next morning, she shewed him I2r 131
him her monstrous vast sums of money,
which so affrighted him, that he
clinging his eyes fast together, was
not able to say, Boh to a Goose hardlie:
yet at last she perswaded him, and
he peeped up, and waxed the merriest
man upon earth when he had got
himself free, and his Mistress again
with such store of Riches: for then
the old woman, that had advised
the Kings Daughter to open her
nuts, and to lay down the money, appeared
to him, and released him of
his Bondage by Witchcraft, for ever
after: wherefore the Knight, and his
own sweet darling went back to the
Kings Court, as jocundly as could
be, and with some of their money
they bought them a brave Coach
and Horses, just such as are in my
fathers stable at home, and in such
pomp they went to the King their
Father, who entertained them bravelie,
pleasing them with delicate I2 sights I2v 132
sights, as Puppet-plaies, and stately
Fairs; and their riches encreased daily,
and they lived gallantly, as long
as they had a jot of breath in their
bodies.”

Thus finished Mopsa her tedious
Tale, which though it was very ridiculous,
yet wanted it not applauses
from all the Auditors: and Philoclea
in requital, presented her with her
Bridal Roabs, telling her, she deserved
larger incouragements to elevate
her wit; and more speeches she used
in Mopsa’s commendation, whose
partial senses were subject to believe
all such rare realities; in which blind
opinion I will leave her;

To return to the disconsolate
Shepherds Claius and Strephon, who
when they had wept their passionate
Fountains drie, they looked about
with adoration upon the prettie Urania,
as the reviver of their languishing
hopes, and Strephon yielding to Claius I3r 133
Claius the preheminence by reason of
his years, he with great reverence to
Basilius with the Bride-grooms and
Brides,

Thus spake; “Dread Soveraign, and
most Illustrious Princes, we beseech
you not to reckon it among the number
of misdemeanors, that we shadow
the brightenss of this Nuptial
day with our clowdie Fortunes, since
our aim is to disperse our envious
mists, and to make it the more glorious
by celebrating a Feast; and
though our triumph cannot amount
to such splendor as the four great
Monarchs doth, whose flourishing
Dominions can onely satisfie their
gladness by their Princes pomp; yet
harbour the belief (pardon me if I
say amiss) that our Bride may equal
yours in Beautie, though not in rich
attire, and in noble virtues, though
not in Courtly accoutrements; her
Soul, the Impartial Diadem of her I3 deli- I3v 134
delicate Bodie, is certainly incomparable
to all other of her sex, though
heavenly. This Mistress of perfections
is Urania the Shepherdess, she
it is that causes my eyes to ebb and
flow, my joynts to tremble at her
looks, and my self to perish at her
frowns; but I will not insist too much
(upon your Highness patience) on this
Subject, her self is an evident witness
of all, and more than I have Charactered:
and Gracious Sirs, as I am
bound by all dutie and Allegiance to
live under the servitude of my Lord
Basilius, as well as under his protection:
so am I not confin’d from gratefulness
to such as will obliege me in
this my prostrate condition, or in any
extremitie; for the Destinies have
allotted such cruel Fates to my
Friend Claius and me, whose entire
affections are never to be severed, that
we both are slaves to Urania’s pierceing
Eyes! Oh we both are vassals to her I4r 135
her devoted graces; yet so much do
we esteem of our unfeigned Friendship
that we will rather abandon all
happiness, than to cause a discontent,
or suspition of our real wishes of one
anothers prosperitie; out of which intention,
we submit to be ruled by the
judgement of you, renowned Bridegrooms,
whose prudence and justice is
not to be swayed by any partialitie; to
you it is that we do humbly petition,
to distinguish which of us two may
best deserve to be admitted into Urania’s
spotless thoughts, as her lawfull
Husband.”

Claius had not ceased his suit so
suddenly, but that Strephon interrupted
him thus abruptly:

“Good Claius, bar the passage of thy
tongue, and grant me libertie to speak
and ease my fierce torment: the reverence
I bear to your age, and my sinceritie
to your person, permitted you
to disburden your fancie first, but not I4 to I4v 136
to deprive me of the same priviledge.
Know then, most excellent Princes,
that this incomparable Urania, (O her
virtues cannot be expressed by humane
creatures! for at the very mentioning
of her name my tongue faltered,
and my self condemns my self for being
too presumptuous, but yet this
once we strive against her powers that
thus possesses me, and will not be perswaded
from telling you that) she is
compounded so artificially, as she cannot
be paralleld nor described; for believe
it, she is above the capacitie of
the most studious Philosopher: and do
not harbour, I beseech you, a prejudicial
opinion of her, under the notion
of her entertaining two lovers at one
instant, since it hath been always contrarie
to her chast disposition, to accept
of the least motion concerning a
married life; and for Platonick Courtiers,
her heavenly modestie is a palpable
witness of her innocencie. Besidessides I5r 137
the many dolorous hours that
my friend Claius and I have passed away,
our onely recreation we enjoyed
being in recounting the careless actions
she used when we declared our
passions, and commending our choice
though she was cruel. But when this
your happie day was prefixed, she shot
forth beams of goodness on us, and
in charitie she concluded, that her intentions
were far from our destructions;
and since now she perceived our
lives were in jeopardie, and we depended
onely upon her reply, she would no
longer keep us in suspence, but was
resolved her Nuptials should be solemnized
on this day, following the
example of the two Royal Sisters
whom she ever adored. And because
she would not be an instrument to disturb
that knot of Friendship between
Claius and me, she referred her choice
to your wisdoms, worthie Sirs, the
excellent Sisters Bride-grooms, you it is I5v 138
is whom she desires to pronounce either
my felicite, or my overthrow.”

Then Strephon, closing his speech
with an innumerable companie of
long-fetcht sighs, departed to his
Goddess Urania, who was environed
by her fellow Shepherdesses, which in
admiration, love, or envie stood gazing
on her; but he pressed through the
thickest of them to do homage to her
sweet self, she looking on him carelesly,
without either respecting or disdaining
him.

But aged Claius had cast himself at
the Princes feet, where he pleaded for
his own felicitie on this manner;

“Consider my ancient years, and in
compassion think how easily grief may
cut off the term of my life; when
youthfull Strephon may baffle with
Love, and Court some other Dame,
Ile finde him one who shal be as pleasing
to his eyes, as Urania is in mine;
unless the fates have raised him to be my I6r 139
my victorious Rival. But alas, O tell
me Strephon! did I ever injure thee,
that thou seekest my untimely death?
Hast not thou ever been in my sight
as a jewel of an unvalued rate? why
dost thou then recompense me so unkindly?
I know thou wilt argue, that
the passion of Love with a Woman,
and with such an one as Urania is, cannot
be contradicted by the nearest relations.
But I pray thee Strephon, cannot
the importunities of me, thy Foster-friend,
regulate, nay asswage thy
passions, to keep me from perishing?”

Now Strephon, when he had revived
his drooping heart, with perusing the
delicate Urania, and fearing that Claius
was supplicating to Pyrocles and
Musidorus for her, he returned back,
happening to come at the minute
when Claius questioned him; to whom
he thus replied: “What the Gods
have appointed, cannot be prevented,
nor quenched by the powerfullest perswasionsswasions I6v 140
of any Mortal: and let that
suffice.”
Claius being so fully answered
to his conjecture, rested silent to hear
his sentence. Strephon, who was of a
more sprightly constitution, recreated
himself sometimes with glosing upon
Urania, and then to observe the lookes
of the Princes as they were conferring
together, about what to determine
concerning them. Besides his Pastoral
songs that he sounded in Urania’s
praise.

But the Princes, who were then in
serious consultation, listened to Basilius,
who advised them in this manner:

“Despise not Claius his complaints
though he be afflicted with the infirmities
of old age; youthfull Strephon
may seem more real and pleasing to
the eye, yet Claius his heart, I am confident,
is the firmest settled; Youth is
wavering, Age is constant; Youth admires
Novelties, Age Antiquities.
Claius hath learned experience by age to I7r 141
to delight Urania with such fancies
as may be suitable to her disposition;
Strephon’s tender years cannot attain
to any knowledge, but as his own Genius
leads him. Wherefore consider
before you denounce your Sentence,
whether Urania may not be Claiu’s
Spouse better than Strephon’s.”

Pyrocles knowing that Basiliu’s aim
was to plead in defence of Dotage,
refrained to make any other reply
than, “What you command Sir, we
must and will obey.”
For as he was
both by Birth and Education a Prince,
so had he not neglected to be instructed
in the dutie of a Subject. Not
that he was forced to acknowledge it
to Basiliu’s as his due, any otherwise
then as his goodness enduced him
to; that he might be a pattern to draw
the Arcadians to follow his example,
they wholly determining to be ruled
that day by Pyrocles and Musidorus,
who after Basiliu’s decease was to be their I7v 142
their successive King. And they were
not ignorant of the intimacie between
his Cosen Pyrocles and him; wherefore
they reverenced and observed
both their actions. But the Princes
Musidorus and Pyrocles, to avoid the
rumours of the People that thronged
about them, to over-hear their
resolution concerning the Shepherds,
retired to an Arbour-walk,
where none but the sweet societie of
Birds attented them: there Pyrocles
ripped open his supposition to Musidorus,
which was to this effect.

“My dear Cosen, said he, for of that
honoured Title my memorie shall never
be frustrated, dost thou not imagin
Basilius guiltiness, when he pleads
for dotage so extreamly? he hath not
unburdened his conscience yet of his
amorousness of me in my Amazons
Metamorphosis: I know it stings
him by the Arguments he supports.
However he may cease his fears of my I8r 143
my discovering his courtship, for I
have always persevered in Allegiance
and dutie to my Father, my King;
nor do I doubt my failing now in
those Principles, since I have you my
worthie Cosen so near me.”
Musidorus
embracing his Cosen, protested that
he harboured the same fancie, and said
he, “the stammering of his words declared
the certainty: but did you not
admire the heavenly behaviour of my
Pamela to day, when she ascended into
the Temple, how her soul seemed
to flie with her body to that sanctified
place, as transported with entering
into so holy an Habitation
which was too sacred for any other
but her self.”
“And” replyed Pyrocles,
“Philoclea might be admitted with her,
whose Humility did seem to guard
her, or else sure she had stumbled; so
lightly did she set her feet upon the
Pavement, lest she should profane
it. And sometimes dropping Agonies did I8v 144
did so surprize her, that she seemed
to contemplate with divine mysterie;
and then to look down upon her
own unworthiness with such humbleness
as made her most into tears,
as it were for soaring above her elements.”
Whilst the Princes were discoursing
in commendations of their
Brides.

Claius in the presence of Basilius
and the remaining Princes, fell down
and fainted. Strephon stood thumping
his breast, and crying, “O Musidorus!
think upon us who succoured you,
and let not a third Rival deprive us
of the incomparable Urania.”
This
unexpected passion of the Shepherd’s,
astonished the senses of all
the beholders: yet none were so stupid
as to neglect their serviceable
care: yea Urania her self, though
just before when Pamela and Philoclea
sent and entreated her company,
she had returned a modest refusal; yet now K1r 145
now perceiving Strephon’s and Claiu’s
distress, she tarried not to hear the
news by Harbingers, but went the
foremost to relieve them: upon distracted
Strephon she smiled, saying,
“Is Fortune thine enemie Strephon?” but
her voice sounded so harmoniously
in his ears, that he disclaimed all sadness,
promising himself the victorie.
She then absented from him, that she
might work as effectual and sudden
a cure upon aged Claius, who gastfully
lay foaming on the ground, yet
that terrible sight was not so obnoxious
to her as to oversway her compassion,
she pinched and pulled him,
endeavouring to restore his life again;
but nothing would recover him, until
she breathed on him with stooping
near him, and pronouncing these
words:

“Unhappie Claius, whose life depends
upon a woman! this once look
up, & speak me blameless. Have not I K ever K1v 146
ever abhord the thought of Strephon
or your ruins? yes sure, I have, & have
dallied with you both, apprehending
eithers danger, if I should forsake
one, and resign my self up to the others
disposal; neither have I regarded
the piping of the Shepherds, nor the
songs of the Shepherdesses: and on
Festival days, when they have elected
me Queen of their Triumphs, I have
excused my self, and retired into solitarie
Groves, where I have spent the
day in musing upon my Lovers desperate
conditions, and studying for
the probablest Antidotes that might
cure their distempers, without blemishing
mine own reputation. But
that was so hard a task, that I could
never accomplish it. Claius age could
not endure such a penaltie as my denial
without miscarriage: and Strephon’s
working brain would not receive
it without practicing a Tragedie
upon himself. Wherefore I made pati- K2r 147
patience my friend, and coyness my
favourite, neither slighting, nor esteeming
their large allusious of my
Beautie and their Passion, which they
oft repeated, until the reports of
the consummating of the Princesses
Nuptials were confirmed. And
then I resolved, that as I abhorred
murder, so I would no longer admit
them into my companie, before the
Priest of Pan hath united me to one
of them, that then I might without
derogating from my honour, by censorious
suspitions, enjoy the societie
of him whom the Princes shall select
to be my wedded Husband. So indifferent
is my choice of these two
constant Friends, and unmoveable
Servants.”

Before Urania had finished these
words, Claius in a rapture of joy, roused
up his drowned spirits. And then
Urania retired back to her fellow
Sheperdesses; but the Princes were K2 so K2v 148
so inquisitive to know what acccident
had brought Claius and Strephon into
such despairing Agonies, that they
would not permit them to tender
their service to Urania at her present
departure, for desire of questioning
them. Strephon made this
quick replie; that “a stranger presumed
to gaze upon Urania;”
and his
feet going as nimblie as his tongue,
he tripped after her, not asking leave
of the concours of People that
thronged about him.

But aged Claius, whose tongue
was livelier than his feet, spake after
this manner:

“My greedie eyes,” said he, “being
dazled with looking too long upon
Urania, who is adorned with as glorious
beams as Phœbus can boast in
his brightest day; I yielded them respite,
giving them leave to take a
view of mortals, clearing their dimness
with their equal light; but there I K3r 149
I did espie an hautie Youth, who scoffingly
stared upon me, seeming to
call me insolent, for striving to purchace
Urania, and conceiting himself
to be worthier of her, he did so amorously
seal his eyes upon her, that
sundry times he made her paint her
cheeks with harmless blushes: and
my jealous fancie comprehending no
other reason, than that as he obtained
free access with his eyes, so he
might with his person; I rendring my
self into the hands of cruel death.”

The Princess could no longer tollerate
Claius in his ungrounded mistrusts,
but interrupted him, by enforming
him that Basilius had sent
for Musidorus and Pyrocles; the Messenger
happening to come at the immediate
time when they were extolling
their Mistresses; but then they
left off that subject till a more convenient
hour, and applied their Answer
to the Intelligencer, promising K3 to K3v 150
to follow speedilie: yet contrarie to
their resolutions, they lingred in
the way, a doalfull voice perswading
them to stand and hearken, which
sounded out these words.

“Faire Titan, why dost thou deride
me with thy smiles, when I do homage
to thy resplendent beams! and
you pleasant Bells, why do ye not
compel your notes to ring me to my
Funeral? for since she is tyrannous,
why should I live to endure her torments?
my Superiors triumph in
their Loves: my Fellow shepherds
can boast of theirs: it is wretched
Philisides, oh it is I that am singularlie
miserable, made so by a beautifull,
yet cruel Mistriss;”
the Princess knew
him to be Philisides the despairing
Shepherd by his sorowfull subject;
and he rising from under an hedge,
discovered himself to be the same:
there the Princess leaving him in a
forlorn posture, hastened to their otherther K4r 151
companie, to execute their Office,
which they had agreed upon as
they went: Claius and Strephon were
amazed at their sight, their fear commanding
them to give way to sorrow,
but their hopes bad them both
to burie sadness in the lake of Oblivion:
in this unsetled condition they
continued not long, the division of
their thoughts being suppressed by
the Sentence which Musidorus uttered
thus.

“An Oration might be acceptable to
the ears of these Auditors, but that
the Evening desires me not to be tedious,
especiallie to these expecting
Lovers: in compassion to you both,
oh Claius and Strephon, I doe heartily
wish there were two Urania’s, and
should be exceeding well content, if
some others were to decide this business,
than my Cosen Pyrocles and my
self, he for my sake being equallie
oblieged with me to you for your unspeakableK4 speakable K4v 152
courtesie to me when I was
a distressed stranger, and incompassed
by the frowns of Fortune; our affections
to you both may be evenly
ballanced, but your activitie cannot
be justlie summoned together: Claiu’s
age manifests a dulness, and Strephon’s
youth his lightsomness; or else your
worthiest exploits, without disputing,
might conquer Urania.”
At this
Claius, as if he had been revived, ventured
to jump, but his heels served
him a trick, teaching him to kiss his
mother Earth, as more suitable to his
ancient years than a young Shepherdess
was: but he vexing at so publick
a disaster, fell in a rage upon Strephon,
who esteemed it more Nobleness
to hold his hands, than to recompence
his blows, Claius holding in
disdain his backwardness, left his eagerness,
and turning to the Princess
with tears in his eyes, he beseeched
them, if it should be his unhappiness to K5r 153
to be deprived of Urania, to grant him
the priviledge of her presence, though
at as great a distance as possibly he
could discern her, Strephon not
knowing the subtiltie of Fortune, and
doubting the worst, desisted not from
craving the like favour: the Princess
mercifully yielded to their requests,
and Musidorus proceeded in his sentence.

“Urania deserves to possess the first
lodgings of the wisest hearts, she is
too pure to be a second; out of
which consideration, we have resolv’d
that you shall both swear by the sacred
Name of Pan, whether you have
ever been defiled with another object,
or have been afflicted with Cupids
dart, though in a virtuous way;
which if you both can protest against,
we will prohibit this invention, and
determin on some other; and if but
one can clear himself, he shall be acknowledged
the fittest Husband for
her.”

Strephon K5v 154

Strephon without scruple offered to
take his Oath; Claius, though he
was enticed by the force of Beautie,
yet his Conscience withdrew him
from perjuring himself, perswading
him to defer the time: the Princess
perceiving his slowness, guessed the
matter, and lest he should be surprized
with the vanities of this world,
they commanded him and Strephon
to convey Urania to the Temple:
Musidorus and Pyrocles, with Pamela
and Philoclea, and the other Royal
Bridegromes and Brides, besides the
resort of shepherds and shepherdesses
attending on them: where being
come, Claius and Strephon ascended
to the Altar, and with great reverence
Strephon professed his Innocence
from Female Creatures, and
withall his chaste affection, which he
constantlie bare to Urania: and Claius
with jealous devotion affirmed that
Urania was a precious Jewel, locked up K6r 155
up in the Treasurie of his heart, which
none could bereave him of, unless
they murdered him, neither spared he
room for any other to abide there, but
her Divine self: yet he could not denie,
but that in his younger days his
indulgent Phantasie had seized upon
a Shepherdess, though not with anie
other entire affection than as her prettie
songs enveigled him; and since
he had wholie abandoned her, and
cleaved to Urania, the severest Justice
could not make that a sufficient
pretence to give away his elected
Spouse.

Thus Claius advocated for himself;
but Pyrocles and Musidorus caused
silence to be made, and then Musidorus
said;

“For as much as you have referred
your selves, before evident Witness,
to the judgement of Prince Pyrocles
and my self; who without any expulsion
to your side, have sincerelie bestowedstowed K6v 156
it upon you; we will admit
of no addresses to recal our judgements,
for that were to accuse ourselves
of Infidelitie; but we will not
see it put in execution: and Strephon
shall enjoy his first Love, the Shepherdess
Urania, and Claius may dwell
in the view of her, to save him from
perishing.”

Strephon, as a man who newly embraced
a life ransomed from the
power of hatefull death, to inhabit a
glorious Paradice, snatched Urania
from out of the hands of amazed
Claius, and in a ravishment ran for
the Priest of Pan, who in the mid’st
of the throng, consumated their Union.
This last Couple wanted not
aplauses, though they were inferior
to the other in dignitie; for Straphons
comeliness, and Urania’s gracefulness
seemed to adorn their harmless roabs:
their becomming Modestie enthral’d
the hearts of their observers, their courtesie K7r 157
courtesie conquered the eyes of their
profession, that beheld in what estimation
they were with the Princes,
and their happiness equalled the
greatest Personages.

But alas, in Strephon’s felicity consists
Claiu’s miserie, his grief being so
infinite, that his passages of tears was
stopped, and a frantick Brain possessed
him more than a Womanish
sorrow, against this life he exclaimed,
Strephon and himself be abhorred,
and endeavouring to set a Period to
his afflictions, he brake out into these
words: “Proud love, who gloriest in
tormenting mortals, this once moderate
thy rage by dispatching me
quickly from under thy Tyrannie; for
in what have I displeased thee, you
cannot signifie, I have so faithfully
served to your crueltie. But now to
gratifie me, you plunder me of my
onely blessing, and yet in derision you
make me to live. But O Cupid! if any pitie K7v 158
pitie or remorse dares harbour in
thee, as thou hast deeply wounded
me, so directly slay me, and I shall
entitle thee mercifull. But if thou
fliest from such a compassionate act,
then Prince Musidorus and Pyrocles,
whose fame is enriched wtih goodness,
replenish it more by my speedy destruction
and make me breathless.
And Shepherds and Shepherdesses,
let not the dreadfull Name of Tragedy
affright you, my Death will be
the obsequies of a Comedy; therefore
if any spleen reign victor in you, revenge
your self upon me that am the
most contemptible wretch.”

This Speech he uttered with such
distracted actions, that terrified
the women and afflicted the men.
But at appointment of the Princes
they conveyed him to some private
habitation, where he had attendants,
who oftentimes prevented him from
mischieving himself. But for Strephonphon K8r 159
and Urania, the Princes solemnly
invited them to their societie for
that evening, where at Pamela’s and
Philoclea’s entreaties, they retiring to
a pleasant summer House, Strephon
rehearsed these passages concerning
Urania, Claius, and himself, on this
manner:

“To recollect Urania’s virtues, or
what surpassing beautie engaged Claius
and me to be her servants, would
be superfluous, since her divine self is
present to merit divine praises from
the dullest spectators. Onely first her
prettie innocence withdrew our eyes
from gazing on the stars, to salute
her heavenly spheres that reflected
upon us as she passed by. For Claius
and I having separated our Flocks
from our neighbouring shepherds into
a fresh and sweet pasture, wehre
none frequented or trode the pleasant
grass, but savage Satyrs, and dancing
Fairies, we espied a Tree, whose flourishingrishing K8v 160
branches seemed to fortifie
themselves against the heat of the
sun, and we enticed by the shadow,
repaired to it: there we lay down,
purposing to trie our skill in describing
the pitifull decorums of the
shepherds that were inchanted by Cupids
quiver, to adore the fair beautie
of Mortals: but the wonderfull Justice
of the highest Powers, taught us
to acknowledge our frailtie, by inflicting
the like punishment upon us:
for as we were reproching their lovesick
infirmities, fair Urania, enduced
by a Sparrow that flew from her
when she had courteously bred it up,
pursued after it, to take it prisoner, her
course bending towards us: but when
she had surprized it, she confined it
to a Paradise, putting it between the
pillows of her Breast, and checking it
no otherwise than with her harmless
kisses, she went away, leaving Claius
and my carkass behind her, but our souls L1r 161
souls cleaved immoveably unto her,
and fixing our eyes upon one another,
as ashamed of our prodigious
censoriousness of our Neighbours, we
suffered not our lips to open, till we
were acquainted with the subject that
did triumph over us; but sounding
our Bell, we secured our Flocks, and
hastened to repose our selves upon our
beds, but our memorie of the most
Divine Urania taught us a more
watchfull lesson than drousiness: her
Image, which was engraven in our fancie,
disdained to be blurred by our
forgetfulness, wherefore the restless
night we passed over with sighs, reviling
the Fates for burying our felicitie
in the depth of adversitie, so hard
and explete did we account it ever to
obtain Urania; and though Claius
and I were one anothers Rivalls, both
aiming at one, yet did it not any way
mittigate our friendship, I applauding
Claius choice, and he mine; neitherL ther L1v 162
did we ignorantly admire our
judgements, but did enquire, and receive
the approbation of a multitude
of Swains, who with abundant devotion
extolled Urania’s worth: yet
Fortune, that favours not the purest
souls, knit her brows, frowning upon
our Goddess Urania, who mildly
strived to wash them away with her
Christal tears: the occasion I heard
her whisper out one time, when she
imagined little, and I resided so near
her, in these sweetly expressed, yet
dollorous words. ”
“Too great a burden for me to bear
oppresses me, Antaxius is too officious
in his love, I wish he were more
calm; my Parents rigor is too too
intollerable, unless my disobedience
had been palpable; I have never offended
them wilfully, no not in this
their desired Match, except they interpret
my silence for a refusal, that
being the onely symptom of my discontent,content L2r 163
nor do I reveal my affection
to any but to thee my sparrow, who
canst not discover it with thy chirping,
and that note of thine is to me
condoling, and chearfull; my
disconsolate Heart not knowing
how to value any other melodious
sounds: but alass my incredulitie of
the divine Providence may justlie reprove
and punish me; yet since I do
humbly acknowledge thy alsufficiencie,
let thy Mercie chastise me, and
deliver me from the thraldom of Antaxius.
Then wiping her bedewed eyes, she
arose, as confident her devout Prayers
had conjured the Gods to pitie
her distress, and beseeching the Deities
to make me their instrument;
call’d after her. ‘Fair Creature, pardon
me if I profane your sacred Title
with a feeble one, since your humilitie
vouchsafes earthly troubles to
perplex you; and believe me, the FabrickL2 brick L2v 164
of this world is built upon divers
motions, it can boast of no firm
foundation; the rarest Beauties in
their age seldom escape advers Billows,
and boysterous winds, and without
relying on a Rock, their perishing
is sure: wherefore, sweet Nimph,
accept of me to be your Rock, and
questionless you shall be preserved
from all tempestuous weathers.’
Urania trusting in no other Power,
than what was celestial, looked up to
the Element, where seeing no heavenlie
Object, she cast her eyes down,
fixing them upon me with such blessedness,
as strook me to the ground,
not being capable of assisting my self;
however I fed upon her voice, which
she displayed in this language.
‘What a presumptuous mortal art
thou to frame thy self to be a God,
that by such a pretence thou mayst
insult over me? For better Powers
cannot support me from furious storms. L3r 165
storms.’
This spoken, she went away,
as loathing the sight of such a blasphemous
serpent, as she thought me
to be. Which I perceiving, and rowsing
my self from out of a transe,
I began to crie, O stay, stay, stay, but
she deaf to my perswasions, hastened
beyond the limits of mine eyes; but
the rebounding of my words sounded
in the ears of the Pastor Claius,
who was with his and my Flock at a
little distance from me. He harkening
to my voice, and discerning me to
wander out of the close, his jealous
brain supposed the reason, & walking
as swiftly as his aged leggs would suffer
him, he found me out, his inquisitiveness
enforcing me not to be
niggardly in my answers, which were
so tedious, that the Sun vanished from
our Horizon, as tired with our unnecessary
speeches, and took his farewel,
highing him to his Eastern home. But
at length Claius and I yielding our L3 selves L3v 166
selves to silence though not to rest,
experience had taught us to despair
of sleeping, until Cupids wounds wearwere
curable. And early in the morning
when the Sheperdesses had driven
their Flocks into the Pastures, we
lingering with ours, that we might see
the place made happie with Urania’s
abiding there, her Enimie Antaxius
the wealthy Heardsman, driven by a
flattering current of his success, approched
near us, not scrupulous in
asking Urania’s harbour: we making
much of our opportunitie directed
him the contrary way from her, to
the Island of Citherea, her Parents
dwelling there, onely they had trusted
her with the Flock on this side
the River, to feed them with a livelier
pasture. But we protested to him,
that in the morning we saw the Grass
to weep for her departure, and the
seas dance with joy that she relyed on
their mildness. Antaxius easily believedved L4r 167
our intilligence, and thanking us
for it, he hastened to overtake her: and
we pleased with our prosperous subtletie,
drove our Flocks to a Pasture
adjoyning to Urania’s, and entreating
Pan to be their Guardian, we left
them to trie Fortunes courtesie.
Urania blushing at our presence, at
mine especially, who had before abruptly
assaulted her, seemed to rebuke
me with it, as in earnest so it
did, my trembling witnessed my guiltiness,
and my tears and sighs my repentance:
my slowness to utterance
allowed Claius a convenient time to
discover his passion to Urania, the
policie used to Antaxius, he forbore
to repeat, until my repentance had
obtained a pardon, and then he related
in what expedition we sent away
her undesired suitor; which at first
vanished the red from her face, her
fears usurping in her tender breast,
lest her Parents should doubt her L4 safetie L4v 168
safetie at Antaxius report. Yet when
she remembred her absence might
extinguish Antaxius lust, her vermilion
came back to mixture, and adorned
her, as detesting to be deprived of
such an Alabaster shelter.
Claius made Poesies in her praise
to please her, dedicating to her service
all his studies. My art in framing
of Garlands, shewing the flowers natural
curiositie in their varietie of
shades, a device that sets them forth
most perfectly I did teach her; oftentimes
presenting her with the choisest
of my Flock, when she would accept
of them; and if Wolves or other ravenous
beasts had happened to lurk
that way, I never left hunting them
till their hands evidenced me their
Conqueror, which I used to lay at
Urania’s feet; other tricks I invented
to be admitted into her societie. ”

Here Strephon stopt: but the
Princes entreated him to go on. which L5r 169
“Which happiness of mine, saith he,
continued not long without interruption.
Antaxius learning that Claius
and I pretended affection to Urania,
he proudly landed at our haven, rudely
carrying her away without resistance.
Her commands, that could not
be disobeyed, ordained the contrary.
Then it was, most gracious Prince
Musidorus that you escaped the seas,
O then it was that Urania floted on
them, and we bitterly bemoaned our
loss. Certainly by the appointment of
the Gods the Ocean waxed so calm,
yet about where she was embarqued,
the waters murmured, and the winds
sweetly whistled, combining their
voices so harmoniously, that she
might really believe, they conspired
to crown her with some unexpected
blessing; as indeed so they: had for
when we had conducted you to my
Lord Kalenders house, we received a
Letter from our adored Goddess. We L5v 704170
We might have been justly taxed of
incredulitie at the first view of it, our
rememberance of her uncivil Carrier
demollishing all hopefull thoughts;
but when we had more believingly
read over and saluted those heavenly
lines, we taking a short farewel of
your Highnes, conformed our pace to
our eagerest disposition, and came to
the Sands against the Island of Citherea;
where not caring for any other
passage but Charon’s Boat, we committed
our selves to heavens protection,
and fixed our eyes upon Urania’s
Island, leaping into the sea,
there we had like to have participated
of Leander’s entertainment, but
our luckie Stars preserved us to better
fortune. The waves growing turbulent,
the winds roared, the skies
thickened, and all tempestuous weather
threatened to combine against
us. My Friend Claiu’s faint limbs I
was glad to support with my tired ones, L6r 171
ones, and we both had perished and
resigned our breaths to the Giver,
but that the storm forced a Bark to
cast Anchor, and harbour in our
Coast, from whence we had not swom
far, though the Billows had thrown
us up and down, as contemning us for
our presumption in pursuing our
loves to Urania, but the companie in
the Bark, weighing our calamities,
and their own too, should they neglect
so charitable an act as endeavouring
to help us, imagining the Gods
would be deaf to their prayers, if
they were careless of ours: they let
their sails flie towards us, & lengthening
the cord of their Cock-boat, they
sent it to us; we skilled in their meaning
laid hold on it, and by degrees we
purchased the in-sides for our security,
they pulling us to the Bark, helped
us in.

Where we were gazed on with astonishment
by all; neither were our eyes L6v 176172
eyes indebted to theirs, so manie of
Urania’s Associats did we espie in the
Bark to look upon; and amongst the
rest there was Antaxius: Oh Claius,
hadst thou been here, thou wouldst
have justified thy paleness, and my
cholerick flushes, that with zeal
strove for Victorie over our haughtie
Rival; who being vexed at the
sight of us, and minding nothing so
much as our fatal ruine, stretched his
voice, which was most hideous, to
condemn us. ‘What monsters are
these,’
said he, ‘that you have had
pitie upon? their Phiysiognomies resemble
ours, but the shape is different;
therefore hurl them overboard,
lest they do drown us with
their Inchantment.’
The gulph of
salt-Water that flew out of our
mouths, and our wett garments that
hung confusedly, with his aggravations
pierced into the stupid senses of
the Companie, who doubted whetherther L7r 173
we were very Claius and Strephon
or no, yet dreaded to question
us: my anger for Antaxius unworthie
affronting us, could not be moderated,
but acting the fierceness of a
Tygar, I fell upon him, and flung
him into the sea, where he deservedlie
tasted of such pleasures, as he had
allotted for us: such is the wisdom
of the higher Powers to recompence
what is due.
The affrighted People fled into
their Cabins, the Pilot and Sailors
forsaking their imployments, hid
themselves under the Decks: but all
this time I never ceased to pray for
Urania’s safeguard, being ignorant of
the chance that brought Antaxius
thither, or where she resided; her letters
signifying onely how much she
wished to see us, our vowed friendship
obliging her in all virtuous ways
to honor us: but having quelled the
courage of the Sailors, the storm asswaging,swaging, L7v 174
we shewed our authoritie,
commanding them to strike their sail
to the Island of Citherea: and giving
a visit to our Prisoners in the Cabins,
we intreated them to suppress all prejudicial
conceit of us, who never intended
to injure them, though we
had revenged our selves upon Antaxius
for scandalizing us, and perswading
them barbarously to murder
us, under the pretence of Sea-
Monsters: nor did we neglect to tell
them how infinitly they would favor
us, in relating what accident had inticed
Antaxius to that Bark, without
his Mistress Urania, who was reported
to be his onely delight.
The young Shepherd Lalus, being
present, interrupted me thus: ‘Urania
disdains to be the Mistress of so base
a fellow, though his importunitie
both to her nearest relations, and to
her divine self, forced her to grant
him the priviledge of Charactering her L8r 175
her perfections in Poetrie, amongst
which he had declared his Lust, shadowing
it with the title of Love,
when he might as well transform a
Dove to a Kite, or a Wolf to a
Lamb, as lust to Love; Urania abhorring
him for it, charged me, who am
bound to obey her charge, to be urgent
with Antaxius to come this voyage
with me. I assaulted him with
the question; he thought it no ways
requisit for his proceedings, but at her
perswasions he ceased to argue: This
Voyage we intended for a chearfull
one, but it hath proved a fatal one to
him, though a fortunate one to Urania;
for she as far excels Antaxius in
deserts, as our Princess Pamela does
Mopsa, Master Dameta’s daughter.’”

At this passage the Princess smiled,
and Strephon blushed at his true, yet
blunt expression: but longing to be
freed from Tautalogizing, his modestie
not suffering him to Court Urania L8v 176
Urania there, he persisted in his rehearsal.

“It afflicted me to reckon; O I could
not reckon the number of Rivals
that waited to frustrate me of my
felicitie, all that ever beheld her, commended
her, few they were that did
not Court her, but most lived in
hopes to enjoy her; however I dissembled
my grief, and congratulated
with Lalus for his courteous relation,
telling him, I had seen that Paragon,
and did as much admire her, as I
could any of her sex, though my delight
consisted chiefly in other recreations,
than to extoll a woman. This
drift of mine enticed him earnestly to
better my opinion, and in his highest
Rhetorick, he laboured to inform me
concerning the Passion of Love, that
though it were mixed with bitterness,
in consideration of some griefs that
follow it, yet seldom it is, but that
the conclusion is happie. I making as though M1r 177
though I listened not to his discourse,
sung a song, the subject whereof tended
against Love and Women: he encreasing
his desires to work my
conversion, determined to bring me
to Urania. I willingly seemed to
yield to his request, Claius wondred
at my disguised heart, yet held his
peace, trusting to my poor discretion.
Now the Sea-men, bringing us
news of our safe arrival in the Ports
of Citherea, we landed, releasing the
Bark; I could hardly confine my
joy within so small a compass as my
heart, when I went upon the ground
where she had trode, and not reveal
it; but I restrained it as much as possibly
I could, slighting his description
of Urania’s worth. But alas my
hopes of the success, my designment
might have, was frustrated; upon so
tottering a climat do we Mortals restless
live, that when we think we have M escaped M1v 178
escaped the dangerousest storms, our
feet stand upon the brims, ready to
be blown down at evry flirt of wind,
to the depth of miserie.
For Urania, my secret Jewel, and
Lalus that reveiled me, was missing,
not to publick Pastorals, nor yet solitarie
Retirements, but by the soul
practises of a Knight named Lacemon,
who violently carried her away from
her sheep, whilst she was complaining
of Claius and my tedious absence;
the reporter of this dolefull News
lay hid under a hedge, the glistering
of rude Lacemon’s Armour advising
him to conceal himself; such was the
cowardliness of the simple Swain.
Lalus would have murdered him,
had not we by force withheld him;
yet I made him feel the stroak of my
Cudgel, to make him repent his folly,
a poor revenge for so hainous a trespass,
yet that disburdened me of a
greater, so subject are we in affliction to M2r 179
to double our error with a crime
more odious: Urania was lost, yet
the memorie of her Name, Virtue or
Beautie could never be expired: neither
did we linger in pursuance of
Lacemon, nor in her search, whose
heavenly soul, as we imagined, must
needs perfume and leave a scent
where it had breathed, which was the
signe that we besought the Sacred
Powers to grant, might be our convoy
to her. Then Lalus departed
from us, choosing his path; Claius
and I would not be separated, if possibly
we could avoid it. I know not
whether this unwillingness to part
with me proceeded from a jealous
humour, his nature being always inclinable
to it; but I am sure, mine
was real, doubting not, but what the
Divine Providence had agreed on,
should be accomplished what ere it
were.
The byest ways, as we conceived, M2 might M2v 180
might be the likeliest to find Urania,
Lacemon having many: his felicitie,
since he had deprived the Land of its
Goddess, and we as deeply ingaged
against him, our presumptuous Rival,
as any other, searched the most suspitious
Corners; but no tidings
could be heard of Urania up the Island,
where we had wandered, except
profane ones; for ask the Swains
that sluggishly sate nodding by some
of their scattered sheep, whose fellows
had been devoured by Wolves,
through the carelesness of their Shepherds,
when we examined them concerning
Urania, whom we described
by her Praiers and tears made to a
Knight accoutred in a Martial habit;
their reply would be so absurd, nay
between sleeping and waking, divers
did affirm they saw her, directing us
to unseemly Mortals, who indeed had
usurped Urania’s Name, though they
came short of her perfections. I cannotnot M3r 181
judge which was victor in me of
Rage and Sorrow; furious I was at
the counterfeit Urania’s, and desperate,
despairing of ever finding the real
one. ”

At this passage Strephon burst out
into floods of tears, which he endeavoured
to conceal, excusing his too
large rehearsal, & desired to break off;
but the Princess earnestness to hear
Urania rescued from the power of Lacemon,
induced him to proceed on
this manner: “My chollerick Passion
I vented upon the stupid men, instructing
them to entitle their Dames
with some meaner Name than Urania,
under penaltie of their lives,
which they dearly valued:”
and then
Claius and I renewed our languishing
travels.

When we had passed through the
publick and remote places of the
Island, meeting with no obstacles in
the way, either by Freinds or Enemies,M3 mies, M3v 182
we crossed the Ocean, landing
at the sands over against the Island,
we continued not there, though we
could not determin where we had best
continue, but a Pilgrims life we resolved
on, unless Uraina’s unexpected
securitie should forbid it; when therefore
we had traced about the Confines
of Arcadia, without any comfortable
reports of her, we rose with
the Sun, to take a longer journey, but
the tiredness of our legs prolonged
the time, and so proved faithfull instruments
to further our felicitie, by
delaying our haste: Upon a bank we
sate down, chasing at the grass for
looking fresh and green in Urania’s
absence; and Claius folding his arms,
and casting his eyes on the ground,
as a fit object for him to view, especially
when he pitched on such a subject
as deserved opposition, as he
then did; uttering these words:

“Seldom it is, but the fairest Physiognomiessiogno- M4r 183
harbour the foulest souls,
all reason proves it so; nay the Gods
abhor partialitie; why then should
they adorn a Creature so richly surpassing
above the rest visibly, and yet
give her a soul answerable? Urania!
O Urania! I will not, no I durst not
say unchaste, though the Summers
mourn not for her exilement, nor the
Birds cease from their various notes,
which comfort we heretofore apprehended
they made to invite Urania to
reside altogether in the Woods; nor
yet the Shepherds refrain from their
pleasant sports; nor do the Shepherdesses
neglect their care of medicining
their tender Lambs, to celebrate
a Day in their bewailings.”

Age we reckon stands at the gate
of Death: yet Claius years was a Target
to defend him from it, otherwise
I should not have thought a replie a
sufficient revenge, which I did in these
terms. “A suspitious head is as great M4 a M4v 184
a torment as I could wish to light upon
Lacemon, besides the unjustness
of it, your uncharitable censures may
too soon redound upon you, when repentance
hath lost its opportunitie to
crave and receive a pardon: expose
not your self to that crime, which never
can be purged away, should it
dammage the reputation of those that
imitate Diana’s qualities in as great a
measure as her Beautie; for if the
Gods have bestowed on them reasonable
souls, why should we pine at
their industrie to make them admirable:”
You argue, that the Summer
keeps its natural course, though Urania
is missing, which is a manifest testimonie
of her virtues, boisterous
and cold weather being a foe to Travelers,
but the warm Sun is delightfull;
and the birds proudly chant their
Tunes, for I am confident, they ravish
her far above the loftie expressions
of Lacemon: neither wonder at the M5r 185
the mirth and imployments of the
Shepherds and Shepherdesses, for the
Virgins are glad to exercise their inventions,
to charm back the belief of
Urania’s loss, so darksom and odious
is it to them, the Shepherds their Paramours
fostering (though with sadness)
their busie fancies.

Claius fixing his eyes on the ground,
as convinced of his error, sought not
to frame an excuse, yet to shew that
Age had not deprived him of his senses;
he thus spake: An odoriferous
scent seems to command me to rest
silent, and to bear the blame without
controulment, and dreadfulness mixed
with hope possess me. O Strephon,
Strephon, faithfully conceal my follie,
I beseech thee.

At this suddain Allarm, I gazed about
me, an happie sight, though an
amazed one approaching near me,
Urania it was, with her arms spread,
and cryes in her mouth, which mentionedoned M5v 186
murder, her hair contemptibly
hung about her, though delicate; and
patience and anger seemed to combat
in her rosie cheeks for the Victorie;
but at last, abundance of
Christal tears became the Arbiter,
which when she had vented; she distributed
to us these words:

“Never was I yet in the Turret of
felicitie, but I have stumbled, and fell
to the pit of adversitie: Antaxius, in
the Island of Citherea lustfully expects
me; and here, if I continue, the
Furie Lacemon will overtake me; O
whither shall I flie for safetie?”
my
pitie would not suffer me to retain her
in ignorance, wherefore I related Antaxius
death: her silence seemed to
condemn me of rashness, for granting
him no time of repentance; but
my excuse was prevented by the ragefull
coming of Lacemon, who with
eyes sparkling, and Armour stained
with bloud, an Emblem of the Tragediedie M6r 187
he had committed, holding in his
right hand a spear, and a shield in his
left, he mustered up to us; we nothing
dreading, but Urania’s trembleing,
with our staves, weak instruments
(as he imagined) to resist him,
made towards him: he disdaining
Claius age, and my youth, exercised
neither vigilance to withstand our
blows, nor strength to repay them: I
vexed at his so slight regard of my
valour, and perswading Claius to retire
to Urania, who willingly yielded
to my counsel; I renewed the incounter,
and with such fierceness,
that Lacemon was forced to stand on
his own defence; his want of experience
might be the cause of his overthrow;
for I am certain I can boast
but of little that caused it, though the
fortune of my blows proved fatal to
him, thrusting him off his horse, and
beating out his brains: his life was
so hatefull, that his death was welcomedcomed M6v 788188
by most, and commiserated
of none: Urania highly commended
my action, too large a recompence
for so poor a desert, yet I thanked
the Gods for giving me such success
as she thought worthie of her acceptance;
and waiting upon her to the
Island of Citherea, by the way she
yielded to our request, gracefully delivering
these words.

“The motions of this world I cannot
comprehend, but with confusion,
so unexpectedly do they surprize me,
Antaxius by Lalus instigations, trusted
to the Seas fidelitie, your compulsion
forcing them to deceive him,
in whose banishment I sent a Letter to
you, wherein I acknowledged your
sincere affection, and by all the ties of
virtuous friendship, conjured you not
to denie me your Counsel or Companie
in my extremitie; and happening
to repose my self upon the Clifts,
my harmless Sparrow I set down at a little M7r 189
little distance from me, learning it to
come at my inducement, the prettie
fool, with shivering wings aspired to
mount towards me; but the Tyger
Lacemon, or Monster, for his disposition
could never pretend to humanitie,
being prepared in a readiness to
commit such a treacherous act, came
from a darksom hole, suitable to his
practises, and seized on me and my
Sparrow for Prisoners, and conveying
us to his provided Boat, we were
sailed over, and by him conducted to
this Countrey of Arcadia, where in a
Cave he hath enclosed me: and perceiving,
that I consorted with my
Bird, and delighted in its Innocencie,
a virtue which he mortally detested,
he unmercifully murdered it, lingeringly
tormenting it to death, whilst
my Sparrow with its dying looks,
seemed to check me, for enduring its
sufferance without resistance: thus he
endeavoured to terrifie me with his cruel- M7v 190
crueltie, but if it were possible, it
made me more enflamed to withstand
his assaults; neither threats, nor intreaties
were wanting to tempt me to
his base desires, but I absolutely refused
him, till necessitie perswaded
me to trie the effect of Policie.
His own reports signifying Phalantus
Helena
, the Queen of Corinths
Brothers defiance to the Arcadian
Knights, his Lance willing to defend
his Mistress Sortesia’s beautie against
other Champions; I counterfeited
earnestness to Lacemon, in exercising
his skill to purchase my glorie: he
puffed up with hopes of future success,
considering it was the first time
that I had imployed him, and so publicklie,
with all expedition, hasted
to the lodge with my Picture, where
by a thrust from off his horse, he was
made to leave my Picture, to reverence
Sortasia’s surpassing one; with a
cloudie soul, he returned to me, I beinging M8r 191
compassed to stay within his
bounds, so manie bars and bolts
frustrating my escape; but by his
muttering I discerned his discontent,
an humour that best suited his condition:
I strictly examined concerning
my Pictures triumph, and his Fortune,
he studying to delude me, replied,
That business of importance
had enforced BisiliusBasillius to defer the
challenge for awhile, out of which
regard, he, by the example of other
Noble Personages, resigned up my
Picture to the custodie of the Governor
of Basilius lodge, and should be
extremelie well pleased, if I would
vouchsafe him my companie into the
fresh aire; few perswasions served to
remove me from that stifling cave,
besides the hopes that I relied upon
of your encountering Lacemon; but
little imagined the Shepherd Lalus
would be the first; kind Lalus! it
was the least of my thoughts of thy so M8v 192
so chearfullie loosing thy life for the
preservation of mine; for when Lacemon
had with boastings, for not being
overcome by any of his subjected
Rivalls, brought me near the confines
of Arcadia, swelling with pride,
his rough Arms rudely striving with
me: then it was that Lalus succoured
me with his own fatal ruine: for
though I was by Lacemon desguised,
by his suggestion, I knowing no other
signe, he discovered me to be Urania:
his desire to rescue me from
Lacemon, extinguished the reprehension
of his own eminent danger, his
courage, though exceeding Lacemons,
yet his strength and shield was far inferior
to him, in the heat of the blows,
before conquest, was decided on either
side; I fled from dreadfull Lacemon,
His speedie pursuance after me,
might be a means to preserve Lalus
life, yet I doubt it, Lacemons bloudie Armour N1r 193
Armour prenominating his wicked
action. But I protest, that I had rather
my skin should imitate Pan’s,
and my complexion Vulcan’s, than
that any one Tragedie should be
committed in its defence.
Fountains running from Urania’s
sparkling eyes, stopped the remainder
of her speech. Lalus being my assured
Rival, mitigated very much my
sorrow for him. However, lest I
should forfeit Urania’s favour, I seemed
sad, yet strived with it, that I
might be a more acceptable instrument
to moderate hers. Neither was
Claius negligent in his love, but with
Rhetorical speeches he sought to win
on her affections; and the Island of
Citharea in awhile flourished with her
adored Goddess. Her Parents in
heavenly raptures welcomed home
their dearest Daughter, keeping her
watchfully under their eyes, and jealous
of our depriving them of her the N second N1v 194
second time, though we had safely
delivered her into their hands. And
Urania her self suspecting our often
resorting to her, might redound to
her prejudice, made excuses to abandon
our companie. But death in a
short time appeared in his visage to
Urania’s Parents, carrying them to
the Elizian fields: she then having the
libertie to dispose of her self, which
she with confinement did, not delighting
in the Pastorals, nor yet in our
societie, until this happie Day was
nominated. And now great Princes,
I humbly beseech you to pardon this
my tedious Relation. ”

The Princes courteously declared
Strephon to be worthiest of Urania,
the particulars of his exploits witnesing
it. Basilius on that day preferring
him in his Court, honouring him
with Knighthood, and both he and
his Ladie Urania lived in great reputation
with all, obtaining love and esteem N2r 195
esteem from the stateliest Cedar to
lowest shrub.

But when Cynthia drew her curtains,
cammanding the Princes to
hide themselves within their Pavilions,
and they retiring to obey her;
just then an unusual voice sounded to
them, and close behind it rushed in
Lalus the Shepherd: anger composed
with reverence beset him, both being
so officious, that reverence environed
Passion within the compasse of civilitie,
and Passion allowed Reverence
to shew a prettie decent behaviour,
though not affected; both dying
cheeks with ruddiness, whilest he applying
his speech to Pyrocles and Musidorus
spake to this purpose:

“Great Princes, I will not presume
to question your Justice, but your
knowledge. It was I that gave Lacemon
his deaths wound. Strephon did
but lessen his torments by quick dispatching
him when he fled from me, N2 pre- N2v 196
pretending Urania was his onely happiness
that he desired to enjoy, and
not my bloud”

The Princes certifying Lalus, that
other arguments enjoyned them to
bestow Urania on Strephon, they left
him, but not so disconsolate for Urania’s
loss, as to keep his eloquence
from courting other Shepherdesses,
in as high a degree as ever he did her.
But aged Claius, having wrestled
with death all the night, not that he
desired to live, but unwilling to leave
off calling on Urania, blessed Urania!
yet in the morning he was overcome,
resigning up his breath with her name
in his mouth. Basilius had him sumptuously
buried, and Musidorus caused
a famous Monument to be built in
his memorie. On the top of it, before
the Sun had fully dried it, there
was found Philisides the despairing
Shepherd dead, yet not by other practices
than a deep melancholly that over N3r 197
over-pressed his heart: these lines
were engraven on a stone that lay by
him. “Judge not uncharitably; but believe
the expression of a dying man;
No poysonous draught have I tasted of,
nor any self-murdering instruments
have I used to shorten my miserable
life: for by the authoritie of the Gods,
the time of my end was concealed from
all but my self. I am sure it came not
unwished for, for why should I live to
be despised of her, whom above all the
world I honoured? I will forbear to
name her, because my Rival shall not
triumph in my death, nor yet condemn
me for coveting so rare a Person. My
ambition is to have the tears of the Arcadian
Beauties shed at my Funeral, &
sprinkled; on my Hearss; and when my
bodie is so magnificently embalmed, let
it be interred with Claius two Lovers,
both finishing their lives for their Mistresses
sakes, his is publickly known to
be Urania, my Breast is the Cabinet where N3v 198
where mine is fixed, and if you rip that
open, you will find it; though perhaps
not so perfect as I could wish it were, the
Cabinet melting into tears for its unkindness.
And now farewel all the
world; and I beseech the Divine Powers
to bind Cupids hands from wounding,
unless he have a certain salve to cure
them.”

Thus died Philisides; his Will being
faithfully performed by the Princes
and the beauteous Princesses, with
Urania and other prettie Shepherdesses,
needing no imprecations faithfully
bemoan his death, burying him
with plentie of tears.

Thus were there Nuptials finished
with sadness. But before the solemnities
were quite over, there came more
Princes that had partaken of the benefit
of Musidorus and Pyrocle’s valour,
with Presents of gratitude for
their Brides, Pamela and Philoclea.
Then after all Ceremonies accomplished,plished N4r 199
they retired severally to their
flourishing Kingdoms of Thessalia
and Macedon, and Armenia, with Corinth,
where they increased in riches,
and were fruitfull in their renowned
Families. And when they had sufficiently
participated of the pleasures
of this world, they resigned their
Crowns to their lawfull Successours,
and ended their days in Peace and
Quietness.

Finis.

N4v