A continuation of Sir Philip Sydney's Arcadia

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 Urania. Written by a young gentlewoman, Meis A.W.
Weamys, Anna, b. ca. 1630.
1651
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A96134
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Thomason E1288_2
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99895824
99895824
153743
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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 Urania. Written by a young gentlewoman, Meis A.W.
Weamys, Anna, b. ca. 1630.
Sidney, Philip, Sir, 1554-1586. Arcadia.
[14], 199, [1] p.
printed by William Bentley, and are to be sold by Thomas Heath, near the Pyazza of the Coven-Garden [sic],
London :
anno Dom. 1651.
Mris A.W. = Anna Weamys.
Leaf [par.]8 is blank.
Annotation on Thomason copy: "Jan. Nou. 7."; between "n" and hyphen in "Coven-Garden" is a "t".
Reproduction of original in the Folger Shakespeare Library.
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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
Ʋrania.
Written by a young Gentlewoman,
Mris A. W.
LONDON, Printed by William Bentley, and are to be
ſold by Thomas Heath, near the Pyazza
of the Coven-Garden.
Anno Dom. 1651.
To the two unparalleld
SISTERS,
and Patterns of Virtue,
The Ladie ANNE PERPOINT, 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 Dedicate
this moſt unworthie Fabrick to
your Honours; eſpecially when I
conſider the poorneſs of my endeavours,
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
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
Mine rva. If any Critical ear, disrealiſh
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 appear
much more delightfull to her Muſidorus:
So wiſheth
Thine and Her ſervant, T. H.
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 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 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 Ʋnited, 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 the Continuation of Sir Philip
Sydney's ARCADIA.
By Miſtreſs A. W.
MƲch 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 me perfect is,
In pitie o'th' loſs, and to repair't, believe
His gallant generous ſpirit, a reprieve
From's ſleeping duſt hath punchas't, Deaths malice
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 ſeam to be,
Not Mars but Mercury's Champion, Zelmane.
And well he may: for doubtleſs ſuch is ſhe,
Perfection givest' Arcadia's Geographie.
Arcadia thus henceforth diſputed is,
Whether Sir Philip's or the Counteſſes.
F. W
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 Poefie,
Which lik
•
Rays of one kind may well aſpire,
If Phoebus pleaſe to a Sydneyan fire.
JAM. HOVVEL.
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 nere 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.
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
Ʋrania.
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
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 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
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 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 ſuperſcription
was to Plaxirtus, brother to
Leonatus King of Paphlagonia; he
without 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; 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
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 discover
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 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 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 examined
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 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
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 releafe
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, congratulated
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 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, 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 de
•
ermined
to ſpend the hour-glaſs of
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 th
•
reſidue which Baſilius appointed t
•
wait on him, he raiſed himſelf upo
•
the beaſt, which gently received him
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
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
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 liſſtenings,
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 Forreigner,
and infinitely longing to hear
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 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.
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
himt brough ſtately Courts, paved
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 fuffer
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 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 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
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.
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.
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 of 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 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
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 incomparable 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
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 a 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 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 a ſtealing 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,
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 skil
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
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
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 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
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 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 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 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 overcome
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 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,
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 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, 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 received
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 ſcribing
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 ſuffer
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
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
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 ballanced
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 Phoebus
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 Clytifon
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 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 Sheperdeſſes
chanted out their praiſes of their
great God Pan. All theſe harmleſs
paſtimes were ordered ſo conveniently,
that he might have a perfect view
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 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 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
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 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 Baſilius cōming 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 Pyrocles
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
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
eternall 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 paſſionate
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 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
fears: for if Amphialus doom be
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 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 earned 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
his proteſtation.
Now I do vow and promiſe before
Cupid, whoſe dart hath ſo cruelly
wounded me, and before Vènus, 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 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
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 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 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 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 clallenge you, replied
Amphialus, for ſearching out new ſorrows
to your ſelf; but pardon me
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 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 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, 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 coming
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
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 accommodations 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 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
fafely 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 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
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 goondeſs in obeying my
requeſt. Here Philoclea ended; and
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
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 ado
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.
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 Intelligence
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
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 Plaxitus,
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 kinſwoman; 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 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 this 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 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 an 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 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 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 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,
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 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 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 ill
fortune, and would not be pacified:
untill Muſidorus came to her and entreated
her to go to her Siſter Pemela,
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 weltering
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 forreſt,
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 withi the ſight
of Pamela, whoſe deluge was ſtayd
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 one 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 you 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 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
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 commited
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, deſires 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 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 Plexirtus 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 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
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 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 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 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 infinitely 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
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 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 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 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 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 accommodation
about their return to Arcadia;
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
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 immediately obeyed her; but
eſteemed beſt of their own miſtreſſes.
Pyrocles liked Philoclea beſt, became
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
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 remēber
you how often you have been
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
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, 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
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 its delightfulneſs; the murmuring
of the waters that flowed from a
Fonntain 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 endeavored 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 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,
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 Weding
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 vouchſafe
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, 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 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 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 tumbled
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 abſence
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
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 her monſtrous vaſt ſums of money,
which ſo affrighted him, that he
clinging his eyes faſt together, was
not able to ſay, Both 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
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 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 brightneſs 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
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 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
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. Beſides
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 whom ſhe deſires to pronounce either
my felicitie, 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 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 perſwaſions
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 looks
of the Princes as they were conferring
together, about what to determin on
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 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 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 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 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 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
ever abhord the thought of Strephons
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
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
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 Phoebus 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 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
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 other
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 unſpeakable
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 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 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 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 beſtowed
it upon you; we will admit
of no addreſſes to recal our judgements,
for that were to accuſe our
ſelves of Infidelitie; but we will not
ſee it put in execution: and S
•
rephon
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 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 he 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 mee to live. But O Cupid! if any
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 with 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 Strephon
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, where
none frequented or trode the pleaſant
graſs, but ſavage Satyrs, and dancing
Fairies, we eſpied a Tree, whoſe flouriſhing
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 love-ſick
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 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; neither
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,
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 Fabrick
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. 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
ſelves to ſilence though not to reſt,
experience had taught us to deſpair
of ſleeping, until Cupids wounds wear
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 believed
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
ſafetie at Antaxius report. Yet when
ſhe remembred her abſence might
extinguiſh Antaxtus 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
curiouſitie 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 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 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, 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 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 whether
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,
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 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 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 I liſtened not to his diſcourſe,
ſung a ſong, the ſubject whereof tended
againſt Love and Women: he encreaſing
in 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
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 foul
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 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,
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 cannot
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,
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 Phyſiognomies
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 foul 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
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 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 mentioned
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 the 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 Tragedie
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 welcomed
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 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
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 being
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 Biſilius 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 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 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
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 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,
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-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 Rèval 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 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,
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.