CICERONIS AMOR. Tully's love. Wherein is discoursed the prime of Cicero's youth, setting out in lively portraitures how young Gentlemen that aim at honour should level the end of their affections, holding the love of country and friends in more esteem than those fading blossoms of beauty, that only feed the curious survey of the eye. A work full of pleasure as following Cicero's vain, who was as conceited in his youth as grave in his age, profitable as containing precepts worthy so famous an Orator.  
Robert green in Artibus magister.  Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci. 
AT LONDON, Printed by Robert Robinson, for Thomas Newman and john Winington. 1589.   

To the right honourable Ferdinando Stanley, Lord Strange, ennobled with all titles that Honour may afford or virtue challenge, Robert green wisheth increase of virtuous and Lordly resolutions.  
THe Tripos (Right Honorable) engraven with ●etur Sapienti, was by the Oracle allotted to Socrates, Achilles' shield maintained with the sword, fell to Ulysses for his wisdom: Pallas had her library, and her lance: and such as read Non ultra, on Hercules pillars, pointed out the Characters with their spears. Proportion the mother of Geometry, and mistress of Arts, commands that Hector have his Honours, Alcides his glories, and that Olympus be never without bright glittering armour, nor green wreathed garlands: as well to grace the soldier, as to glory the Poet. This considered (Right Honourable) having done my endeavour to pen down the loves of Cicero, which Plutarch, and Cornelius Nepos, forgot in their writings: I presumed to present unto your Honour not high written poems, as Maro did to Augustus, but the fruits of well intended thoughts as Calymachus scholar did to Alexander: Thinking nothing rare, nor view-worthy, sufficiently patronaged, unless shrouded under the protection of so honourable a Maecenas. Whatsoever was pleaded in Rostro was not penned by Hortensius, and yet the Senators heard and gave plausible censures. Homer spent verses as well on Irus the beggar, as Eurymachus the wooer. Every sentence cannot Cleanthis lucernam Olere, and yet men will read poems & praise them. Then (Right Honourable) if my work treating of Cicero, seem not fit for Cicero, as eclipsing the beauteous show of his eloquence, with a harsh and unpolished style: yet I crave that your Honour will vouch of it only, for that it is written of Cicero. Ennius' laboured as hard in his rough poesies, as Virgil in high poems: Phidias pencil in his own conceit was as sharp pointed, as Pigmal●ons chase tools: mean wits in their follies, have equal pains with learned Clerks in their fancies. Apollo yielded Oracles as well to poor men for their prayers, as to Princes for their presents: Stars have their lights and hairs their shadows▪ Mean scholars have high thoughts; though low fortunes. Thus persuaded & emboldened (Right Honourable I present this pamphlet of Cicero's loves to your Lordship, resolved upon your courteous acceptance that weighing the mind not the matter, your Honour will say, if not Bucephalus, yet a horse. And in this hope resting, I wish to your Lordship as much health and happiness as your Honour can desire or I imagine.  
Your Lordships humbly devoted. ROBERT GREEN.   

To the gentle Readers health.  
GEntlemen I have written of Tully's love, a work attempted to win your favours, but to discover mine own ignorance, in that coveting to counterfeit Tully's phrase, I have lost myself in unproper words: but hoping as ever I have done of your courtesies, I have like bold bayard put my head out of the stable. If my method be worse than it was wont to be, think that skill in music marred all, For the cliff was so dissonaunt from my note, that we could not clap a concord together by five mark. Chiron the sagittary was but a feigned conceit, and men that bear great shapes, and large shadows, and have no good nor honest minds, are like the portraiture of Hercules drawn upon the sands. If I speak mystically, think 'tis musically, and so desiring that you will take Tully's loves, as pend for your pleasure, I bid you farewell.  
Robert Greene..   

Ad Lectorem Hexasticon.  
In lucem prodit tenebris exuta malignis  
Romulei petulans, vaesanaque flammula Phoebi:  
Rorantem Authori (Lectores) spargite florem,  
Intyba, Narcissos, Latacen, pictique roseti  
Dulces divitias: Illum concingite lauru:  
Emerito solers industria reddat honorem.  
Thomas Watson. Oxon.   

Ad Lectorem de Ciceronis amore, Hexasticon.  

Miraris fortasse legens Ciceronis amorem?  
Desine mirari, qui bene scribit, amat.  
Crimen inesse putas? semel insanivimus omnes,  
Quae faciunt iwenes, condoluere senes.  
Linguam qui laudat Ciceronis, laudet amorem,  
Greni solus honour, sit Ciceronis amor.  
G. B. Cantabrigiensis.   

VArro and Tucca wrote of Maro's verse,  
And Dares dared to tell of Homer's skill,  
Of Ovid's works Latins have made rehearse,  
And Poets have discoursed of pindar's quill,  
Many have writ cosmography of lands,  
And told of Gihen and of Tagus' sands.  
Of Helen's beauty and of Leda's hue,  
The winged fancies of the learned have told,  
But of the proudest Poets old or new,  
Who dared sweet Tully's fancies once unfold,  
As far to high for all that yet hath been:  
Then give the palm and glory unto Greene..  
Thomas Burneby, Esquire.   

Now blooms the blossoms of fair Adon's flower,  
Cupid is stolen from Paphos secret shrine,  
Diana lurks, she and her nymphs do lower,  
Bacchus that tempers sacred Love with wine,  
Ceres and all the gods have made agree,  
That Love is god and there is none but he.  
The Poems wanton Ovid set in verse  
His art of love that banished him from Room,  
Did never such acquaint Amorets rehearse,  
As are deciphred under Tully's doom,  
Whose Roman phrase fetched from Parnassus' hill,  
Says none but Tully in the depth of skill.  
Edward Rainsford, Esquire.    

Tully's love.  
THere dwelled in the City of Rome being metropolitan of the world, famous as well for martial Champions, as delicate for beautiful Ladies; a Consul called Flaminius, made glorious by fortune, as having twice road in the triumphing chariot and worn t●e Laurel wreath, given as a Palm to such as have been happy for many great victories. This consul famous in the common wealth for his martial exploits, Fortune whose conceit rests in extréemes, either too prodigal in her favours, or prejudicial in her frowns, to make this man the miracle of her deity, lent him one only Daughter of such excellent exquisite perfection as Nature in her seemed to wonder at her own works. Her hair was like the shine of Apollo, when shaking his glorious tresses he makes the world beauteous with his brightness. The ivory of her face over dashed with a vermilion die, seemed like the blush that leapt from Endemions' cheeks when Cynthia courts him on the hills of Latmos. So did the proportion of her body answer to the perfection of the mind and the honour of her thoughts so fitted to the glory of her favours, as it rested doubtful whether her outward beauties or inward virtues held the supremacy. In so much that as men flock to Delphos to hear the Oracles of Apollo, so divers resort to Rome to take view of the excellency of Terentia: who once delighted with the sight of her graces set down this as an Axiom, that Pallas the Patroness of Troy for wisdom: or Venus the wonder of Heaven for beauty, might not disgrace the dignities of this gorgeous damosel. Rome swelling with the pride of this matchless Virgin, whose thoughts were more humble than her face beautiful: and yet the Painters of that time feared to attempt her portraiture, as finding the perfection of nature to exceed the proportion of Art, made her the Mistress of their vestals, as one that counted fancy as vn●it for a maid, as Alexauder cowardice for a soldier. Cupid sitting on his mother's knee by the fount of Alcydalion, seeing how Terentia enemy to his amorous Philosophy, set love at so light esteem, and for a charm against his magical enchantments, carried the everburning fire of Vesta in her breast, clasping his mother wanton about the neck he began thus to prattle. Seeing mother we have left the places of our accustomed residence, to avoid the troops of such suitors as only end their loves with their lives, & have stolen to this secret fount here a while to be solitary to wear away the time with some conceited chat, I pray you tell me whereof are women's hearts made? I ask the question mother for that I find the distinction of their fa●cies like the difference of their faces, which as they be distinguished in proportion, so they be altogether unlike in properties. Venus' hearing her son make such a waggish demand, began thus to reply. Some say my boy of the liver of a Chameleon, whose nature is to be changeable in hues, and women as variable in their thoughts. Others of a Pyrit stone, which handled softly is as cold as ice, but pressed between the fingers burneth like fire: they which infer this comparison, say that women brook not favourable persuasions, nor may be won by entreaties, but the ready way to kindle them to Desire is to cross them with Disdain. Some say their hearts are of Marble which being hard yet drops tears against every storm: Some of wax that is soft, admitting every impression, those women have their loves in their looks, which taken in with a gaze is thrust out with a wink: Some of Adamant, they be hard hearted, and yet men say the Lapidaries have tools to pierce them: Others of gold, and they be like Danae that will admit no lover but such as jupiter. To be brief my boy, so many fancies so many fictions, every one censuring of women's hearts as his own experience hath found her froward or favourable. Cupid hearing his mother discourse thus cunningly demanded amongst all these, whereof was terentia's heart of Rome form: At this Venus fetching a deep sigh prosecuted her former premises thus. Well wag for all you play the wanton, hast thou insight so far into thine enemy's thoughts that thou hast coted in thy tables the resolution of Terentia, whom men count more beautiful than myself, and more chaste than Diana? Her heart my boy is framed of the purest Diamond, which as it is hard to entertain love, so it is clean, fit for the receipt of virtue: I tell thee Cupid Terentia makes Desire her drudge, and Disdain her Champion: She honours all the Gods but thee, and admits all recreations but love: She armeth her youth with Contempt of passions, that she may finish her age with Content of patience: The prime of her years are grave that the fruits of her time may be gracious, and she strives to be as full of honour in her life, as full of favours in her looks. To conclude my boy she is Terentia, who seeks with labours to avoid loves, & endeavours to be called as virtuous, as other Ladies amorous. Thus Venus ended with a frown and Cupid began with a smile, she scorning at her honours he studying on revenge. after a little pause the choleric boy burst forth into these terms: And shall Terentia offer perfumes to Vesta and Hemblocke to Venus, shall she mother straw Diana's Lawns with Roses and your Palaces with Nettles? shall she set Desire in rags and Disdain in silks? No, Cupid hath his bolts feathered with the wings of swallows that fly swift, and his arrows headed with strong tempered steel that pierce deep, like to Achilles' lance, that did wound & heal, my shafts mother are of sundry mettles, the strongest of them all will I aim at Terentia, and if my fortune fail me not I will change her songs to sighs and her chaste prayers to amorous passions. And with that leaping from his mother's lap he bent his bow shot an arrow and hit Terentia on the heart, but it was of such proof as the bolt rebounded and broke into a thousand shivers. At this Cupid scorned seeing his dentie counterchect with such constant chastity, & Venus smiled seeing her son in such a rage: which so increased his choler that he discharged all his arrows at random, careless of his aim so he might any ways revenge. Amongst the rest young Lentulus a Roman Cavalier, under whose conduct the consul sent many legions to make war against the Parthians, was one of those infortunate men that Cupid had bruised with his arrows. For having 〈◊〉 a set battle and bought the victory with great l●sse, fresh supplies were sent him from Rome. Lentulus ●●lcoming his new come soldiers, demanded what: 〈◊〉: after they had made report of the state of the com●●● wealth, they (then as a thing miraculous and superna●urall●●is●oursed to him the excellency of Terentia, setting out her glories with such Emphatical descriptions t●●t Lentulus leaning his head on his hand became a willi●● audit●r to such pleasant philosophy. Smiling thus in the oversweete potions that Love had tempered like Circe's to bewitch the wary and warlike Ulysses; he caused his Soldiers with often repetitions of 〈◊〉 beauty to graft in the syenus of his new 〈◊〉 sanci●s. In the day his head was troubled with thoughts of Terentia: in the night conceit presented the visions of Terentia. Where before he laid plots how to cirumvent the Parthians, now he devised how to compass his passions: Love wished him to make light esteem of war, but growing to be careless, he gave his enemy's occasion of encouragement. Being thus perplexed with unacquainted fits, he began thus soldier like to debate with himself. Have not the ancient Romans whose statues and trophies hath filled the world with wonder of their Chivalry made the end of their honours to consist in arms? have they not fetched Fame from the heavens with their swords, and bound her to their fortunes with circumscriptions of blood: have not their lances pierced oblivion to the heart, and their martial deeds registered their names in the Chronicles of memory? and yet Lentulus dost thou make light esteem of war, whose very frowns are honour, and whose favours immortal glories? Blush at thy thoughts that are so base, & weep with Caesar that thou hast not done wonders with Alexander. Thou art elected by the Consuls as a choice man of Rome, as high prized for thy valour, as thy parentage, and yet thy mother was of the great Aemilij: thou art sent against the Parthians, a Nation warrelicke and resolute, either to challenge thy grave with thy sword or carve out their tombs with thy Courtelax. Darest thou then Lentulus amidst those glorious thoughts of a soldier admit the least passion of a lover? shall thy policies too little for the Parthians, be employed in purchasing Terentia? No Lentulus draw thy Falchion, brandish it against Rome, and if Love look but over the walls menace her with thy Martial weapons: and yet Lentulus be not so stoical as to reject such a mighty Deity. Have not the Romans erected a Temple near unto Campus Martius? Are not Knights dubbed to defend Ladies? Make they not their Helms proud with their Mistress favours? Mars hath his amours as he hath his armours: Alexander gloried in his loves as he triumphed in his victories? Great Pompey hath his julia, Caesar his Paramour, Soldiers have loved, and so will I. Having thus discoursed with himself, the hope of his loves drove such an invincible courage into his mind that he passed not many days without giving battle to the Parthians, in which getting a glorious victory, he sent great treasure and many Captives home to Rome, with great intercession to the Senate that he might not winter from his own Country. The Consuls galled to favour him with any reasonable grant, sent Lepidus to take his place, and recalled Lentulus home to the City: The fame of whose high intended thoughts, his conquest enlarged with infinite treasures & rich Captives, made Rome to ring with echoes of his matchless excellency: Insomuch that passing through the streets to the Capitol, there to be invested with the honours due to his victories, multitudes of Romans were placed on Scaffolds to take view of so brave and hardy a Captain, and the gorgeous windows of the City were stuffed with troops of beautiful Ladies tickled with an earnest desire to satisfy their sights with his parsonage. Passing thus in pomp, julius Caesar then being Dictator after the solemn rites & magnificent triumphs were ended bad him home to dinner, where he feasted him with such royalty as might beseem the greatness of the day and the highness of his own thoughts. Thus flew the fame of Lentulus through Rome as the wonder of this time, but all those triumphant dignities could not extirpate the melancholy of this Romans thoughts inserted into his mind by the fond enchantments of love, but as the wounded dear wringeth forth tears, and the Myrtle pierced yieldeth Gum, so Lentulus after this deep impression of love, could afford nought but sighs and sorrows. The gem of terentia's excellency reflected in his mind like an object in a Crystal mirror that amidst his most serious affairs he found the passions of love to be intermeddled. Fortune that had tied her favours in the top of his Crest half persuaded to become constant to this warlike Champion seeing Cupid wrong● him without cause thought with a sovereign Antidote to prevent the further ensuing preiudices of fancy: forcing therefore opportunity to dance attendance upon this her darling, it fell out that Flaminius, the father of Terentia seeing how Lentulus was generally feasted of all the senators in Rome, thought amongst the rest, to welcome home the warrior with a banquet, & therefore meeting him at one Titus Annius Milos house, he solemnly invited him home to dinner. Lentulus' as full of courtesy as courage, after great thanks, promised to be his guest, whereupon Flaminius passing home made provision, & Lentulus stealing to his lodging being solitary, conceived such inward joy at this sweet opportunity, that leaning upon his left hand smiling to himself, he breathed out these words: viz. Such I see well as Mars honours with favours Venus will not cross with frowns: those that conquer in wars shall not perish in loves. Cupid favours his father's followers, & such as Fortune smiles on in battle, she laughs on in fancies. I coveted to bear charge against the Parthians, and the Senate elected me Lord of their Legions: Desire wished me to have a sight of Terentia, and her father interteines me for a guest: I made conquest of mine enemies with the sword, and why may I not win my love with my loyalty: Fear not Lentulus, these concluded comparisons are prodigious, be Augur then to thyself, and calculate thy good fortunes by thy thoughts: Loves and wars craves courage. Fear not man, for thy entreaties are as mighty as her denials can be contrary. As thus he was debating with himself the Clock told him it was time to go visit his Host, so that he made himself as sumptuous as might be, and at the parting from his Chamber-dore he said thus. If Venus (quoth he) thou favour me in my loves, I will become thy vowed servant in my life: I will strew thy Altars with Roses, and set thee up shrines at Paphos: I will bind up my temples with myrtle bows, and for the Martial garland wear a wreath of flowers. I will have Doves nests in my Palaces, and what belongs to thee, shall be some of my delight, only grace me with the favour of Terentia. Ending this his vow he pased forward with his train towards the house of Flaminius, where being arrived the grave Senator entertained him with such magnificence, as Lentulus perceived his welcome by his honours. The board covered and the company ready to sit, Lentulus was placed chief at the table, who all this while having no sight of Terentia, sat as a man nipped on the head, although there were at the table to grace the feast many brave & beautiful Damosels. Sitting thus in a dump he was cheered up by all the company, but at last to set him in his jollity, Terentia was commanded by her father to bring him in a cup of Greekish wine. She that little cared to be seen in open banquets as holding it contrary to the rites of Vesta, durst not yet but with all diligence signify her obedience. Therefore attired in a rich robe of white, spotted with stars of gold; tempering the porphury of her face with a vermilion blush, looking like Diana when she bashed at Actaeon's presence, she came into the hall, where humbly saluting all the company, she delivered the wine to her father. Lentulus' seeing Fame had but blemished her favours in being to partial of her praises, sat so amazed at the beauteous excellency of Terentia, as did the Centaur enamoured of juno. His eye made survey of her beauties who posting them over to the contemplation of his thoughts, so set on fire his heart with her perfections, as his stomach shut up her Orifice, to give his eyes leave to wonder at the serious conceit of nature's cunning: his looks began to sparkle love as did those of Adonis when he pried upon the face of his Paramour, the change of his colour bewrayed his new entertained passions which noted by Terentia half angry at loves folly, she discovered her colour with such ablush as Lentulus letting fall his knife on his trencher said aloud, Non fortuna non Bellum meaning that neither the highest state of fortune nor the fatal intent of war could conquer that heart that her beauty hath made subject. Terentia at this unexpected exclamation abashed and the rest of the company marveled: but Flaminius willing to move some table talk demanded of Lentulus what he meant by this sudden emblem. Lentulus, willing to make flight at the foul and yet not to have a bell at his heel, answered thus. Whilst I lay in legar entrenching the Parthians more hardly with legions of men then with deep raised contermures, my soldiers discovered a castle which once won displaced the strength of the country, seeing the Romans had made me Uicegerente of their forces although the place seemed impregnable being as well defended by nature situate upon a mount, as by prowess stored with men and munition yet prising honour more dear than blood, and country's profit beyond the content of life, I bent certain legions against the castle and following the opinion of Quintus Fabius Maximus sought by delay to drive them to composition. For it was said of him, 
unus homo nobis cunctando restituit rem,  
Non ponebat enim rumores ante salutem,  
Ergo postque magisque viri nunc gloria claret.   
Seeking so to get conquest by famine which would have been prejudicial with the sword, at last seeing their forces greatly weakened I gave assault and entered putting the soldiers to the sword yet willing to save the Lord of the castle for that his valour discovered his thoughts, searching him out I found him in his bed chamber his wife slain and the blade yet varnished with blood grasped in his fist staring me in the face with a ghastly look, that stood amazed at the stratagem he spoke thus. Roman report in the Senate house that where you excel us in policy, we exceed you in resolution, this Lady which thou seest here weltering in her goore is my wife, and for she brooks not second fancies, she craved to end her love with her life: I married her a virgin and honourable, she dies a wife and honest, as famous in Parthia for her virtues, as your Roman Dames for their braveries. We lived without jars, for that the desire of the one was the content of the other, constancy banished jealousy and true love held suspicion at the lances point. Our fortunes Roman thou hast pulled down, with thy prowess war hath made wrack of our safeties, but for our loves this sword shall link them together by death, so that Non fortuna, non bellum. And with that the resolute soldier stabbed himself. Astonished at this peremptory massacre, although all stained with the blood of the Parthians: yet I could not but grieve at the passion of the man, and enter into consideration what that Love should be, that wrought in men's minds such resolved effects: So well liking of his determined death, that I vowed in my thoughts if ever I obtained the favour of some gracious damosel to write in blood with the Parthian, Non fortuna, non bellum. The remembrance (honourable Senators) of this tragedy made me to show myself so passionate. Lentulus' having ended his discourse, the Senators generally praised the resolution of the Parthian, and the Ladies the constancy of his wife, all concluding that no impression could be so deeply inserted into the heart love. Terentia spying the flame by the smoke, smiled to see how covertly Lentulus had cloaked his thoughts, and how in vowing to be constant, he discovered his conceit, so that turning her back she went into her Closet, and there blamed Venus that had wrapped so brave a Champion in her subtleties: not feeling either the parsonage or perfections of Lentulus to stir the stayed continency of her mind. Well the Senators not willing to let this fall to the ground, talked still of the Parthian, and amongst the rest of those honourable guests that were there feasted, Archias the Poet a man of a pleasant disposition, took the tale by the end, and began to prosecute it thus.  
Grave Senators I remember I have heard Hortensus the great Orator say, that in times past the Consuls for recreation would use light & honest pastimes especially mirth at meat, as the fittest minister for digestion, alleging Scipio & Gracchus, who coveted to be as jocund at their banquets, as they were serious in matters of estate. Seeing then (reverend fathers) Lentulus hath entered into the discourse of love, producing the Parthian, who amongst his other singularities, boasted that his fancy had never been stained with jealousy a plague that is greatly now a days predominant in Rome, might it please you to favour us with your gracious consent, we would entreat Lentulus to discourse to us his opinion of jealousy. The Senators granted, and Terentia, being come to give attendance on her father, smiled. Lentulus' casting his eye upon his love, seeing a dimple in her cheek which was to him Cos amoris, made Archias this present answer.  
Had the Thebans appointed Zetus to have discoursed of Music, or they of Thessaly, Menalcas to have described the Court: The principles of the one had been as void of art, as the precepts of the other far from honour: The one being an enemy to Music, the other a swain and a shepherd. So (reverend Senators and honourable Ladies of Rome) Archias, how skilful so ever in Poetry, yet hath failed in his policy, to request him to discourse of jealousy, that never as yet offered incense at the Altars of love. If it had been to make description of a battle, to have discoursed the order of the Phalaux, or any point of Martial discipline, then could I as a soldier have dilated such principles, as warlike Captains register in the field with their sword: But of love whose amorous Deity greth not with Drum and Trumpet, or of jealousy as the shadow of fancy, it fitteth me as little to discourse, as the shoemaker of Apelles portraiture. But if ever Venus shall vouch me that favour to grace me with a special look from my Mistress excellency, and that mine eye be allowed as Paris was to judge of beauties, Archias shall command me as a friend, in the mean time, for Poets and Painters ought to have their conceits feathered with Mercury's plumes: I will desire Archias to supply my ignorance, and to describe the effects of jealousy. The Senators and the rest of the company, hearing how cunningly Lentulus retorted the argument upon Archias, with a resolute consent they enjoined Archias to play the Orator, who being pleasantly disposed began thus.  
The wolves in Syria that bark against the Moon suffer small rest and great hunger. Arrows shot against the stars pierce downward: and the Sirens that ●ought to entrap Ulysses, perished themselves. So gentlemen, I sought to make experience of Lentulus' eloquence, and fortune hath allotted me to discover mine own ignorance, but lest I might be counted either too stoical, or to too full of sel●e conceit: for jealousy, thus.  

Archias discourse of jealousy.  
SUch as have searched into the deepest Aphorisms of Anacreon, or pried into the principles that Ovid set down in his volumes, find Love to be such a pure passion of the mind, as like the Crystal it admitteth no bruise without a crack: It groweth from the union of two minds conceived by the special liking of some excellent good, consisting in exterior beauty, or interior virtues, or the combining of them both in one sole, and singular perfection. This choice of excellency confirmed by election once imprinted in the heart is so precious as the pearls of Cleopatra. The fleece of Colchos, the sands of Tagus are trash, if brought into compare with this divine and metaphysical passion: man having swilled in this nectar of love is so chary that he not only brooketh no corrival of his thoughts, but admitteth no partaker of his favours, and from this fear proceedeth that fury which men call jealousy, being a secret suspicion that others should enjoy that excellency that he hath chosen sole and singular to himself. This noble Romans is that f●end that Pluto sent to check Cupid in his deity, this springing from hell bringeth worse torments to the mind then the stone of Sisyphus, vulture of Titius or wheel of Ixion. This is the canker that fretteth the quiet of the thoughts, the moth that secretly consumeth the life of man, and the poison specially opposed against the perfection of love: after the heart be once infected with jealousy the sleeps are broken, the dreams disquiet slumbers, the thoughts cares, & sorrows, the life woe, & misery, that living he dies, & dying prolongs out his life in passions worse than death. None looketh on his love but suspicion says, this is he that covets to be corrival of my favours: None ●n●ckes at his door, but starting up he thinks them messengers of fancy, none talks but they whisper of affection: if she frown, she hates him and loves others, if she smile it is because she hath had success in her loves, look she frowardly on any man she dissembles, if she favour him with a gracious eye, then as a man straught with frenzy he eryeth out that neither fire in the straw nor love in the women's looks can be concealed, thus doth he live restless and maketh love that of itself is sweet, to be in taste as bitter as gall.  
This discovereth reverent Senators that love being of itself a most excellent passion is only blemished by this soul and disgraced stain of jealousy; as hateful and hurtful to the mind as the Cockatrice to the eye, or hemlock to the taste. The purest chrysolite hath his strikes, the flowers in Sydon as they are precious in the sight so they are pestilent in favour: Love as it is divine with loyalty, so it is hellish with jealousy, wherefore by an ancient Poet were written these verses, 

When Gods had framed the sweet of women's face,  
and locked men's looks within their golden hair:  
That Phoebus blushed to see their matchless grace,  
and heavenly gods on earth did make repair.  
To quip fair Venus' overweening pride  
loves happy thoughts to jealousy were tied.   

Then grew a wrinkle on fair Venus' brow,  
The amber sweet of love was turned to gall:  
Gloomy was heaven: bright Phoebus did avow  
He could be coy and would not love at all,  
Swearing no greater mischief could be wrought  
Then love united to a jealous thought.    
Had not juno been jealous over jupiter, Io had not been turned into a Heifer: if suspicion had not pricked Menelaus, Helena had not stolen away with Paris. Procris had been alive, had she not suspected Shafalus: Then worthy Romans we see what a prejudicial monster groweth from the fearful excess of love that not only shorteneth the life, disquieteth the mind, but oft is the cause of most strange and unnatural massacres. If fortune frown in love we fly to patience: If their happen jars, why lovers braw●es are introductions to delight, If poverty, why they hope upon time thinking that there is vicissitudo omnium rerum, The lowest ebb may have his flow, and the deadest néepe his full tide, if griefs, sorrows, repulse●, unkindness, these Bee but Amantium irae: And therefore Amoris redintegratio: but as the pumice stone 〈◊〉 the paper from spots, and the fire consumeth fla●e so ●●is in●ernall plague of jealousy rooteth & raceth all true love 〈◊〉 the heart, that yielding my censure I conclude with this Poem,  

Vita quae tandem magis est jucunda,  
Vel viris doctis magis expetenda,  
Mente quam pura sociam iugalem,  
Semper amare?  
Vita quae tandem magis est dolenda,  
Vel magis cunctis fugienda, quam quae,  
(Falso suspecta probitate amicae)  
Tollit amorem?  
Nulla eam tollit medicina pestem,  
Murmur, emplastrum vel imago sagae,  
Astra nec curant, magicae nec arts,  
Zelotipiam.    
Archias having thus ended his discourse the Senators greatly praised his description of jealousy, and from that fell to other pleasant talk as occasion offered. Till dinner being ended they arose, and after many thanks and courtesies according to the custom of the Romans, Flaminius to honour Lentulus the more, taking him by the hand carried him into a garden where Terentia sat accompanied with other Virgins of Room: namely, Flavia, Cornelia, and julia, all of such exquisite features, as they seemed to be the choice Paragons of that time. Lentulus' amazed at this gorgeous sight wondered not only at their beauties, but marveled why Flaminius brought him so friendly into their presence. At last the old man burst forth into these words: Lord Lentulus, I measure the thoughts of young gentlemen by the prime of my forepast youth, not being so cynical as with Chremes in Terence to proportion young affections by the cinders of old age, but to think with Menedemus that the spring hath flowers and blossoms, where as winter hath dried branches and tawny leaves: We old men over whom Saturnus is predominant having infused melancholy in our minds, covet either to sit solitary, or that our talk be serious: you that are young whose thoughts aim at delight seek to pass the time in pleasant discourses. Lest therefore the time might be tedious, I have brought you amongst these fair Ladies that you may make experience of loves, as you have done of wars, Mars no sooner puts off his helmet but he salutes Venus: and you come from conquest of the Parthians, see how you can enter combat with passions: and so Lord Lentulus I leave you.  
Lentulus' seeing himself thus environed with these miracles of beauty, casting his eye upon the Goddess whose favourable aspect might be the sum of his fortunes, bashed at the first as Paris did in the vale of Ida, and stood as the foes of Perseus when he uncased the head of Medusa, and turned them to marble pictures, so amazed stood Lentulus at the sight of such divine excellency, till the Ladies seeing this Novice thus in a quandary began to smile, which reviving a kind of amorous choler in the soldiers mind, he began thus to play the Champion.  
Ladies believe me, Love is of more force than wars, and the looks of women pierce deeper than the stroke of Lances, their is no Curtle-axe so keen, but armour of high proof can withstand, but beauty's arrows are so sharp, and the darts that fly from women's eyes so piercing as the corselet tempered by Vulcan for Dido's paramour, holds not out the violence of there stroke. The Gods tremble when Mars shaketh his Lance, but he feareth when Venus casteth a frown. Alexander never took notice of the legions of his enemies, but he stood frighted at the beauty of the Amazon. Then sweet saints of Rome marvel not if I were driven into a maze at the sight of such beauteous creatures whose faces are Venus' weapons, wherewith she checketh the pride of over daring warriors: I cannot (Ladies) court it as your Roman youngsters that tie their wits to their fancies: nor fill your ears with amorous discourses as Cupid's Apprentizes, that spend their time in such loving philosophy: Nor can I feign conceited supposes of affection to prove myself lovesick by Poetry. But as a blunt soldier new come from the wars, I offer myself a devoted servant to your beauties, swearing to defend your honours against all men with the hazard of my blood, and in pawn thereof generally to you all, but specially to one (as love hath his unity) I desire to be entertained as a dutiful servant to the Lady Terentia. Lentulus' having thus boldly boarded these lovely Virgins, the Ladies seeing with what affection he offered his service to Terentia, began to bite the lip, and she to blush who seeing herself touched to the quick made him this answer.  
I know not Lord Lentulus how to answer of love, because as yet I never knew love: ignorant of his forces because never acquainted with his fortunes. Vesta forbids us virgins to name Venus, as they of Ephesus hateful Erostratus. Diana deals not in Paphos, nor suffers she any of her maidens to hunt on Erecynus, lest meeting with Venus' mecocks they skip with Calisto, and so seek after loss. The less you are private to loves passions, the more welcome to our presence: for rather had we still our ears with wars fortunes, then with loves f●llies: and sweeter are the tears that grows from a constant stratagem, than a smile from a comic tale of fancy. For your service Lord Lentu●us, finding myself unworthy, I crave pardon: Nor can we by Vesta's charter admit such servants. But if it please you to be accepted as a worthy Roman and my father's friend, look for such favour as mine honour and virginity can afford.  
Lentulus' hearing the plausible answer of Terentia, although her first insinuation seemed to answer for his purpose, as preferring the lawns of Diana, and fires of Vesta before loves holy temples, yet she concluded so sweetly as might stand with the modesty of her honour: he therefore made thus his reply.  
In that madame we are both novices in love, the simpler are our thoughts, and the nearer should be the sympathy of our affections. doves match ●hen ●hey are young: Syenus are grafted when they are sprigs, the one part not but by death, nor are the other severed but they perish. Soldiers are like virgins, the one striving to live virtuous, the other to die valiant: both enemies to love, while they wait on those which brook not love, I mean war and Vesta: But both must love as having hearts and thoughts, eyes to see beauty, and ears to judge of virtue. I madame while I thought none greater than Mars, was vowed to Mars, but seeing women's wits are worse than weapons, and that their looks pierce deeper than lances, I have resigned over my fortunes at the shrine of war, and mean to make proof of the sweetness of love: Glad that in my first entrance I have the patronage of your gracious favour, armed with the which Mars well may frown, but not conquer. But sir, quoth Terentia, I granted my favour to Lentulus the soldier, not to Lentulus the lover. And so madame quoth he I accept of it, for I am a soldier to do you honour, and a lover despite of myself. Flavia hearing Lentulus, began to reason prettily to the purpose, being a Lady of passing merry disposition, whose wit was as full of wiles as her face of favour, second in the excellency of beauty to the Lady Terentia, thought to sift her soldier in this manner.  
I see well Lord Lentulus, that as women have their favours, so men have their sayings: the one prodigal in graces, the other politic in deceits, being as cunning to dissemble love, as we chary to discharge love. We Roman Ladies thought to have found you a flat soldier, as ignorant in loves as we of fancies: but how closely soever you cover the flame, the fire will be known by the smoke: For your talk so savours of loves principles, as we iudg● you are as cunning in feigning a passion as in figuring a battle, and can assoon deceive a woman with a pen, as slaughter an enemy with a lance. This will make us to take you for a day friend, and what we like in you present to disallow to morrow, swearing if you bring amongst us Venus roses, we will beat you with Vesta's nettles: and therefore if you will be admitted as our soldier, we either forbid you the name of love, or else you shall be out of our favours. Cornelia willing to break a jest with this Champion thwarted Flavia thus. And what of that madame, hath not war taught him patience: he hath passed sharper brunts than women's frowns. But how your level is without aim? If madame Terentia smyly his penny is good silver, ●is her favour that is the load-star of his fortunes, and how can we enter into her thoughts but by conjectures: she full of beauty, and he a proper young gentleman. At this frump the Ladies smiled, and Terentia blushed for anger. But Lentulus seeing such a broad jest, pined on his shoulder willing to make answer for his Mistress, although he was sore put to his trumps as half set at a Non plus, yet he followed his fortunes thus.  
Indeed Ladies think I have patience to bear women's frumps that hath encountered an enemy's blow, but if I could as well answer the one, as quit the other, you should neither carry it to hell, nor to heaven. But to revenge myself as well as I can, thus. First madame to clear my cunning in love, I refer myself to the verdict of your own conscience: who were you but as favourable, as you are frumpish, would soon censure by my talk how deep I am read in loves principles. But women speak by contraries, crying like the lapwing farthest from their nests, and so I take it being checked for overmuch love, when you see I am a novice in love. Or perhaps madame Flavia you would have me love, if it be so I will become more studious to satisfy your wish: but your calling me a day friend that peremptory punishment were passing sharp for one fault to shake me out of service, were it not that for so deep a wound the Lady Cornelia bringeth in a lenitive plaisture alleging my security if I be armed with terentia's favour. Blame me not sweet goddesses if I aim at the fairest, soldiers have eyes that can judge of beauty, though they have not weapons to win beauty: & ears to deem of perfections, though they want tongues to discover passions. The harmony of love, I have heard them say, consists in unities, and nothing is more prejudicial to fancy then plurality either of thoughts or of persons. Amongst many then am I charged but to like of one Mistress: If I make choice of Terentia, and she vouch to grace me with her favour, Cornelia concludes truly, that armed with the imagination of her beauty, I think myself able to brook your frumps, and to withstand the hardy resolution of Mars.  
I marvel then quoth Flavia half in choler (if women's beauty be like Delphicus gladius, of high proof to defend, and of sharp edge to offend) why the Senators choose not out legions of Ladies, that with little cost and great assurance, they may make conquest of the world: but perhaps all soldiers be not of your temper, for they use their weapons and you your looks.  
No madame quoth Lentulus that is not the cause, for were it not that every woman would be a Captain, and strive for supremacy, they had resolved upon this long ago, but fearing a mutiny amongst themselves for superiority: sith every one at home will be counted most wise, & most beautiful, though their wits be mean, and favours less, the Senate are glad to foresee such an inconvenience. The Ladies hearing how cunningly Lentulus had galled madame Flavia on the right side, began all to smile, and she after a blush for very anger began to laugh. Lentulus' glad that he had given her a sop of the same sauce, and paid her her debt in her own coin: Calling to his boy to fetch him a Lute, willing to show his mistress he was not ignorant in music, said he would prove the force of beauty by a sonnet which he heard was made by Orpheus when he fell first in love with Eurydice, tuning therefore his Lute to his voice he sung this ditty.  

Mars in a fury 'gainst loves brightest Queen  
Put on his helm, and took him to his lance:  
On Erecynus mount was Mavors seen,  
And there his ensigns did the God advance.  
And by heavens greatest gates he stoutly swore,  
Venus should die for she had wronged him sore.   

Cupid heard this and he began to cry,  
And wished his mother's absence for a while:  
Peace fool quoth Venus, is it I must die?  
Must it be Mars? with that she coined a smile:  
She trimmed her tresses and did curl her hair,  
And made her face with beauty passing fair.   

A fan of silver feathers in her hand,  
And in a coach of Ebony she went:  
She passed the place where furious Mars did stand,  
And out her looks a lovely smile she sent.  
Then from her brow leapt out so sharp a frown,  
That Mars for fear threw all his armour down.   

He vowed repentance for his rash misdeed,  
Blaming his choler that had caused his woe:  
Venus grew gracious, and with him agreed,  
But charged him not to threaten beauty so.  
For women's looks are such enchanting charms,  
As can subdue the greatest god in arms.   
Lentulus' having sung this ditty, Terentia willing a little to show her wit began thus. I remember Lord Lentulus, I have heard my father say that soldiers were w●●nt to carry favours in their helms, not fancies in their heart: and made choice of their mistress to encourage their thoughts, not to enchant their affections. But I see the ancient honour of the Romans is slipped from prowess to passions, and the men covet to be counted rather amorous wooers, then hardy warriors: gazing Mars in the face with bright armour, but offering Orisons to Venus in secret conceits. This did not Quintus Lucius Cincinnatus, who set it down as Crimen Capital to speak of love in the Army. Nor Scypio Affricanus the great who made laws that no women should be brought prisoners within the Camp, lest love entering peel meal with war might hazard the haughtiness of their hovors: And yet madame quoth Lentulus Cyncinnatus ha● a wife, and Scipio was marrieed. But quoth she it was in their age rather chosen for succours then amorous passions: their youth was wholly spent in wars as enemies to loves, counting fancy as a dishonour to their martial dignities: rightly in deed with a deep insight entering int●●he enormities that grow from following to precisely the court of Venus. For believe me gentleman Poets and Painters err much that ascribe a dei●y to Cupid, and were worthy to bear some grievous punishment for such a new invented heresy, which I will approve with a Sonnet that one of Diana's nymphs made w●en jupiter had faulted with Calypso. And so Terentia taking the Lute in her hand began to warble out this roundelet.  

Fond feigning Poets make of Love a God,  
And leave the Laurel for the myrtle boughs:  
When Cupid is a child not past the rod,  
And fair Diana Daphnis most allows.  
I'll wear the bays and call the wag a boy,  
And think of Love but as a foolish toy.   

Some give him bow and quiver at his back,  
Some make him blind to aim without advise:  
When naked wretch such feathered bolts he lack,  
And sight he hath but cannot wrong the wise.  
For use but labours weapon for defence,  
And Cupid like a Coward flieth thence.   

He is God in Court but cottage calls him child,  
And Vesta's virgins with their holy fires:  
Do cleanse the thoughts that fancy hath defiled,  
And burns the palace of his fond desires.  
With chaste disdain they scorn the foolish god,  
And prove him but a boy not past the rod.   
Terentia having ended her roundelay, as Lentulus was ready to reply, Flaminius came into the Garden with the rest of the senators, whose grave presence broke of their amorous prattle, so that he leaving the Ladies taking his leave friendly of them all, but specially with a pitiful glancing look of Terentia as craving some favour for his farewell, he went to the Senators amongst whom he discoursed long of the manner and custom of the Parthians, 〈◊〉 their resolution in wars, and of such serious matters concerning martial discipline. Passing thus away part of the afternoon, the company at last taking their leaves yielding great thanks to Flaminius for their good chée●e, they parted to their several mansions. Lentulus' s●ipping from the rest of the company and with a gracious courage took his adieu of Terentia and the other of the Ladies, vowing to be theirs ever in any due honourable service, and so staying Terentia by the hand he went home with Titus Annius Milo: where he found Marcus Tullius Cicero, than a youth in Rome about the age of twenty years & very private and familiar with Milo. The fame of this Tully's surpassing eloquence was so bruited abroad in Rome as they counted him the mirror of that time & as in Greece they wondered at Demosthenes for his orations, and the popular people fed their eyes with his sight, so as Tully passed through the streets they cried out, Hic est ille Cicero: saying that as Orpheus with his music made the stones and trees pliant to his melody: so Tully tied the people's cares to his tongue by his eloquence: And that Plato who for his philosophical sentences was called divine, in whose lips bees rested as presaging his future excellency was inferior to Tully in the musical concord of his phrase. Lentulus' noting his perfections although his parentage was base, yet thinking his eloquence might be profitable to his loves, grew to be very familiar with Tully, insomuch that of unacquainted citizens they grew to be dear and private friends, that their thoughts were united with a sure league of amity, and their hearts were receptacles for their mutual passions, so that their most secret affairs were frankly participated without any doubting suspicion. But leaving their familiarity, conversing in Milos house: Let us gentlemen see how Terentia brooked his departure. Cornelius Nepos forgets it in Tully's life, 〈◊〉 if you will believe me it was thus.  
No sooner were the Senators and Lentulus departed from Flaminius' house, but Flavia and the rest of the Ladies took leave of Terentia, who being solitary by herself sitting alone in an arbour of roses, began to ruminate on the Idea of Lentulus' perfection, and to call to mind his several and singular qualities, his parentage, his person, honours, and his great possessions, but all in vain. loves poison was prevented with an antidote, and her thoughts sealed up with an invincible chastity. For after she had long sat: At last with a smile she burst forth into these terms.  
If Venus could not infuse more dismal aspects in other Lady's thoughts then into my mind, they should neither hold her as a goddess, nor honour her temples with presents: Fond are those women that are inquisitive after Astrologers, whether Venus be retrograde or combust in their nativities. Had they but tasted the sweet favour of Vesta's incense, they would abandon her as a planet careless in their nativities: and not trouble the Augurs or Aruspices to censure of their fatal or fortunate fancies. For had they but insight into the sweet life of virgins, how secure they live, if they live virtuous, they would never entangle themselves with the inconstant snares of fancy. Vesta allows us free thoughts, Venus' disquiet passions● at her Altars we have sweet s●éepes, in the others palace broken slumbers. Diana countervails our labours with mirth and quiet, in Cypress we find toil tempered with care and sorrows. Being virgins we have liberty: married we tie ourselves to the variable disposition of a husband, who be he never so excellent in perfection, or exquisite in proportion, we shall find sufficient whereof to gather dislike. Then Terentia, let Lentulus pass with his honours he hath subdued. What though Alexander won the whole world, his glories are but fortunes favours. Account him then only as thou promised, thy father's friend and thine as far as he treats not of wedding and with this upon a sudden she start up, and went to pass away the time amongst company, holding Cupid's deity at disdain, and accounting of love as the Samnites did of gold: which they sent as presents to their enemies, but banished from their own common wealth. But Flavia poor Lady, was not pierced with so easy a passion, for she having more deeply imprinted in her thoughts his honours and virtues, and measuring the man by the height of his fortunes, fell into these bitter complaints.  
With what little proportion doth injurious Love bestow his favours? With how small regard doth blind fortune power out her treasures? Making in all their actions contrarieties. that so they may triumph in inconstancy. Love hath brought Lentulus from the wars to Rome, only to see Terentia. Fortune hath brought Flavia to the house of Flaminius only to love Lentulus, she little regarding him, he lightly respecting me. Thus hath the contrariety of love and fortune made Lentulus unhappy, and me without hope. Ah but Terentia though she seem coy at the first, will be more courteous at the last, when she hath had but a months meditating on the excellency of Lentulus. Then, oh then sigh Flavia, and say oh than will Terentia not reject so honourable a parsonage: When she considers his youth, his beauty, his parentage, his dignities Lentulus no sooner shall woo, but she will be won: This is the conjecture of her hap, & the despair of my hope. And yet it may be that the destinies have appointed their disagree. For stars are sticklers in love, and fates are principal fautors of wedlock. If my prayers may serve ●o Venus, if my incense to Cupid, if my vows to Lucina, if my suit to love. Let their love perish in the bud, and whither in the blossoms. Had I Medea's magic, the drugs of Calypso, the enchantments of Circe's, the skill of Hecate, all these should be employed to break the love of Terentia, and Lentulus. Fond Flavia, to be so frantic in thy passions: suppose Terentia hated Lentulus, can this conclude he will love thee? No, his thoughts are settled, his rest set down, his vows made, his fancy fixed, & all upon the beautiful Terentia: I there Flavia that is the word the galleth to the beautiful Terentia. For of such surpassing beauty is the Lady, that as Cynthia brooks no compare with her glorious brother: so thou must not enter comparison with the daughter of the Senator Flaminius. But what is this to Lentulus. If she be fair, yea as fair as ever was Sulpitia: if she be as coy, and disdainful as Caelia, had he not better love homely Flavia, who will countervail with love, what she wants in beauty, and proportion out in duty, what she defects in dignity. But what of this, love admits no exceptions, he cannot mislike ●ught in Terentia. Doth not present examples yea instances executed in Room aver so much? Is not Anthonio enamoured of the black Egyptian Cleopatra: Doth not Caesar envy him in his loves and covets to be corrival of his fancies. Affection is oft blind and deemeth not rightly, The blackest Ebon is brighter than the whitest ivory: and Venus thought Vulcan at the first a proper stripling. Were Terentia never so coy, Lentulus will count her disdain but chastity: yet Flavia pray then she may live in this mislike, than hast thou yet some cause to hope, otherwise weep thy fill, despair and then die, for sweeter is death then to live and see Lentulus enjoy the love of Terentia. Having at this period breathed awhile ready to go forward in passions, one of her waiting women came in who breaking of her complaints passed away the rest of the day in prattle. Leaving her therefore and her maid at chat, again to Lentulus, who took such inward grief at this new conceited love, that his colour began to wax pale and to discover passions his sighs many and often to bewray his sorrows, his sudden starts in his sleeps, and his musings surcharged with melancholy. These noted by Tully his private friend made him conjecture that somewhat was amiss with Lentulus. Having therefore fit opportunity he began to sift him in this manner.  
The ancient Gréetians sweet Lentulus that set down principles of friendship, account the secret conversing of friends, and their mutual participating either of private sorrows or concealed pleasures, the principal end of such professed amity. Therefore did Theseus choose Pirithous, Orestes Pylades & to that end, or else you wrong me, serves Tully to his Lentulus. If then it be requisite in friendship to abandon suspicious secrecy, I cannot but take it unkindly that Tully is not made partaker of Lentulus' passions. For as the Carbuncle is not hid in the dark, nor the fire shut up in straw, so sorrows cannot so covertly be concealed but the countenance will purtray out the cause by the effects. Think me not then so blind but I can judge of colours, nor so simple but I can deem of affections, what mean these far fetched sighs, broken slumbers, this new delight to be solitary, but that Lentulus feeling a passion that pierceth to the quick, yet seeks to keep it secret from his friend Tully. Know this my good Lentulus that smoke depressed stiffleth more deadly. That the Oven the closer it is dammed up the greater is the heat: and passions the more private the more prejudicial. Stop not then the stream, lest it overflow. Conceal not sorrows lest they overcharge, and prove like wounds, that kept long from the Chirurgeon grow to be incurable ulcers: If it be a Father's frown, an enemies wrong, a friends mishap, reveal it and seek remedy. If Lentulus grieves hath left his honours in Parthia, fear not, Rome will have more wars and Lentulus' new dignities. If the senators have dealt ingratefully: Solamen miseris socios habuisse doloris. The most famous Romans have forerun thee in such hard fortunes. Scipio subdued Africa, what his reward was let our annualles report. If Lentulus misliks aught in Rome, let him abandon Rome, and Tullio will banish himself from his country too with his friend Lentulus. If since thy coming into this storehouse of nature's prodigality, thive eye hath made survey of any gorgeous Damsel, and so my Lentulus be in love although wisdom wills to hide amours even from amity, and to tie fancy in the lowest cell of his heart, yet reveal it to thy friend Tully, and if any way he may ease his Lentulus passions, he vows to salve thy sore, though with the hazard of his own safety. Lentulus' hearing his friend level so near the mark gave a great groan at the name of love, and fetching a deep sigh said Actna gravius Amor. And with that starting from the place where he sat taking Tully by the hand, he began thus.  
Were it my Tully that my passions had any hope of remedy, or that my wound were such as might be cured by counsel, long ere this had Lentulus powered his plaints into the bosom of his friend Cicero: but my sorrows, as they are piercing so I have kept them private, as hoping for no ease and yet delighting in my martyrdom. The bird flieth the snare of the fouler, No sooner doth the woodman bend his bow, but the Dear trips through the lawns: every creature is taught by nature to fear his fall, and yet wretched Lentulus hunteth after his own mishap. So have I described the fury of my passions, as I can not but say it is love that is thus impatient. love my Tully that is such a lord as insinuating his power with favour he keepeth possession by force. Wars have their ends either honours or death, and in battle prowess oft makes constraint of fortune, but in love delay is the unhappy deathsman that holding thee up neither saves nor kills. Since my coming to Rome (my Tully) coveting to converse with beautiful Ladies as before I had done with martial soldiers, amongst many curious Pearls I found one Orient Margarite richer than those which Caesar brought from the western shores of Europe: so long I gazed at the beauty of this precious gem that I found myself galled with such affection, as well repeat I might, but recall I could not: and for thou shalt say she is love worthy. hear how in describing her excellency I have played the Poet.  

Lentulus' description of Terentia in Latin.  
Qualis in aurora splende scit lumine Titan,  
Talis in eximio corpore forma fuit:  
Lumina seu spectes radiantia, sive capillos,  
Lux Ariadne tua & lux tua Phoebe jacet.  
Venustata fuit verbis, spirabat odorem,  
Musica vox, nardus spiritus almus erat:  
Rubea labra, genae rubrae, faciesque decora,  
In qua concertant lilius atque rosa.  
Luxuriant geminae formoso in pectore mammae,  
Circundant niveae candida colla comae:  
Denique talis erat divina Terentia, quails  
Quondam certantes, juno, Minerva, Venus.   

Thus in English.  
BRightsume Apollo in his richest pomp,  
was not like to the trammels of her hair:  
Her eyes like Ariadne's sparkling stars,  
shone from the Ebon Arches of her brows.  
Her face was like the blushing of the east,  
when Titan charged the morning's Sun to rise:  
Her cheeks rich strewed with roses and with white,  
did stain the glory of Anchises love.  
Her silver teats did ebb and flow delight,  
Her neck colummes of polished ivory.  
Her breath was perfumes made of violets,  
And all this heaven was but Terentia.   
NO sooner had Lentulus ended his well written Poem, and concluded his cunning with the name of his mistress, but Tully hearing Terentia was the saint at whose shrine Lentulus offered up his devotion, entering his exordium with a smile he began to be thus pleasaut.  
And is there no fruit will serve your taste but such as grow in the Gardens Hesperides, nor no colour content your eye but such as is stained by the fish Murex. Must your senses be fed with nothing but that is excellent, nor your love have no mean but to aim at the fairest. What Terentia the beauty of Rome? the pride of nature? the wealth of all the favouring graces, whose excellencies are spread through the triple division of the world? I see my Lentulus' soldiers have eyes as they have hands, and thoughts as they have weapons, and that how bluntly so ever brought up in the wars yet they are curious in the choices of their loves. Well, be it Lentulus loves Terentia, an honour to set his fancy on her, but he kept his love secret from Tully a fault to be suspicious of his friend. But why grieves Lentulus? Is not his parentage greater than the house of Flaminius? Is not his honours sufficient to countervail her beauties? Why then is he so impatient in so agreeable a passion? Lentulus' upon this discoursed unto Tully from point to point the success of his loves, how he gave his charge over to Lepidus only that he might have a sight of Terentia, and then recounting what prattle had passed betwixt him and her after dinner: Her coy answers and firmed resolution to remain chaste: craving counsel how he might ease the disquiet of his thoughts: Tully pitying the extreme passion of his friend, devised sundry means how to make him lord of his desires. But after the discourse of sundry plots, it was decreed that Lentulus should write unto Teren-Terentia. Lentulus' despairing of his own style and method, required Tully to write him a letter passionate and full of familiar eloquence, which at his request Cicero contrived after this manner: where by the way gentlemen, I am to crave you to think that Terentia kept the copy secret, so that neither it can be found amongst Lentulus' lose papers, nor in the familiar epistles of Cicero. If the phrase differ from his other excellent form of writing, imagine he sought to cover his style, and in his pen rather to play the blunt soldier, than the curious Orator, neither using those verborum fulmina, that Papyrius objects, nor that sweet and musical cadence of words, which he useth to Atticus, but howsoever or whatsoever, thus it was.  
Lentulus, Terentiae salutem.  
QVod natura in venustatis & formae tuae Idaea formavit (suavissima Terentia) nullo modo silentio praeterire possum: Ne cum nimis cautus amoris ignem celare conarer, incautus tanquam Aetna meipsum consumens, in cineres redigar. Cum inter Parthos versarer, nihil nisi bellum & arma cogitans, a Roma usque formae tuae pulchritudo, morumque integritas à multis saepe nuntiata est. Cuius rei faema ca iucunditate aures meas permulsit, ut (syrenum quasi cantu delectatus) arma abijcere & amorem cogitare coeperim, meque totum in Terentiae potestatem tradere non erubescerem. Divinae autem excellentiae tuae cogitatio, eos mihi pro tempore in bellicis negotijs addidit animos, ut brevi devictis & profligatis Parthis, totam hanc Provinciam Lepido commiserim, quem unum tum honoris, tum fortunae meae participem feci, Parthisque relictis Romam me contuli, ut iucundissimo fructu tum aspectus, tum consuetudinis tuae frui liceat. Formae vero & pulchritudinis tuae dignitas, tanta tamque excellens fuit, ut non modo famam, sed expectationem meam long superarit. unde exquisitam tuam perfectionem oculis contemplans, & singulares animi dotes auribus accipiens, excellentiae tuae Idaeam in imo pectore collocavi meque totum amori, quasi constring endum tradidi. Cum igitur tua unius causa (suavissima Terentia) famam fortunasque & arma proiecerim, verum amantis officium fac praestes, & me non meritis, sed amore fac metiare, ut in amore tu mihi respondens, ego in omni officio tibi satisfaciam. Taceo genus & parents, quos tamen bonos cives & senatores fuisse constat; taceo triumphos, qui quales fuerint Capitolium populusque Romanus locupletissimi sunt testes; de divitijs non glorior, quas t●men mediocres esse constat, sed virtutis vim & amoris constantiam tibi propono, quae nec parvi facienda, nec ingratitudine compensanda sunt. Me igitur fac redames (mea Terentia) & pulchritudini comitatem coniungens, parentibus honorem, a●icis fidem, Lentulo amorem tribuas, ut parentibus gaudio, amicis utilitati, & Lentulo voluptati esse possis. Non disertè, ut Orator, sed peramanter, ut imperator tibi scribo, quod si amorinostro consentire digneris, de patris voluntate nihil est quod dubites: sed si alieno amore non nostro delecteris, d●lores meos & augebo & celabo, & quamcunque in partem te flexeris, tibi tum vitam tranquillam, tum mortem gloriosam, ut fideliss. amator exoptabo. Vale, plus oculis mihi dilecta Terentia, & me tui desiderio iam pene languentem aut ames cito aut oderis semper, vale & rescribe.  
Lentulus' to Terentia health.  
I cannot (sweet sovereign of my thoughts, and chief mirror of our Roman excellency) smother that with silence which nature hath figured in the portraiture of my looks, unless keeping the flame too secret, I should like A●tna consume to cinders. When seated amongst the Parthians having nothing in my thoughts but wars and stratagems, thy beauty was repeated as special news from Room amongst the Legions: The melody seemed so pleasing to mine ears as if the music of the Sirens had enchanted my senses. I ceased from wars to think of love, and from love to dote on the conceit of Terentia. The thoughts of thy excellency doubled such courage in my attempts, that I conquered the Parthians, yielded up my charge to Lepidus, made him partaker of my honours, and fortunes, and came to Room only to see Terentia: whose sight was so beauteous, and so far beyond the report of fame, that mine eyes surveying exquisitely thy perfections, and mine ears censuring of thy wit and virtues both in league conspired to present the Idea of thyself to the contemplation of my heart, which greedily entertaining such rare beauties, hath ever since remained a poor distressed captive. Sith than Terentia, thy Lentulus hath left his fortunes to follow fancy, and hath forsaken the wars to win thy loves, holding thee more dear than country or honour, show thyself a Roman Lady, that striving in mind to be matchless, thou mayest be more prodigal in favours, than I worthy in deserts, and yield me such meed for my love, as Lentulus for his loyalty doth merit. I ●oast not of my parents, they are Citizens & of the Senate with thy father. I speak not of mine honours, the Capitol can witness what shouts passed from the Romans as victors: what tears from the Parthians as vanquished, both these passions growing from the fortunes of Lentulus. My revenues are such as satisfy my desires: But all these are external favours, which though I rehearse yet I brag not off. But the constancy of my love, the loyalty of my thoughts: These Terentia are gifts of the mind, deserving no light esteem, much less to be requited with ingratitude. Consider then (sweet goddess) the sincerity of mine affections: weigh how Lentulus loves, and so use him in love, measure his fortunes by his fancies. As thou art beautiful, so use justice, give every one his due: Honour to the gods, reverence to thy father, faith to thy friend, and Love to Lentulus, and if it please thee to grace me with the title to thy husband Lentulus: for I covet to like honestly, not to love wanton. I writ Terentia as a soldier without eloquence, and as a lover without flattery, if thou satisfy my love with thy favours, I doubt not to seal up thy content with thy fathers and friends agree. If either thou art tied to former loves, or mislikest of mine, I will close up my sorrows with silence. Howsoe●er it shall please thee to return answer: Live with content, and die with honour.  
Terentia's new entertained soldier, Publius Cornelius Lentulus.  
If gentlemen I have not translated Lentulus' letter verbatim word for word, let me in mine own excuse yield these reasons, that neither the familiar phrase of the Romans can brook our harsh cadence of sentences: nor durst I attempt to wrest Tully's eloquence to my rude and barbarous english: fearing either to wrong so worthy an Orator in displacing or rather disgracing his phrase: or in too far presuming purchase your frown, which I have ever in all duty sought to avoid. But howsoever my translation seems wrested, I have kept his. And so to Lentulus, who hearing Tully read the epistle, both conceited the method, and allowed of the manner: Only careful where to get a fit and convenient messenger. Tully at last called to remembrance one Eutrapelus, an especial friend of his, who frequented the house of Flaminius, by him did Lentulus send the letter, and so living in hope of a happy answer, he left Tully in his study, and went to the Capitol. Cicero no sooner was by himself, but calling to mind the description of Terentia: set out with such excellency by Lentulus in his new learned poetry, and weighing how all Room wondered at her beauties: began to feel certain sparks of love kindling in his young desires, which made him blush at his own thoughts, and smile that fancy should lie lurking amongst his library to take him at discovert. But assoon as he remembered that Lentulus was in love with her, the faith to his friend, was a cooling card to his affections: and he quenched those sparks at the first, lest suffered they might grow to a greater flame: yet was he maugre his head forced to say thus much.  
Hast thou lived fortunate, and favoured in Room? hath honour raised thee from a mean cottage to be a companion to the sons of Senators? Do the Consuls make thee for thy learning one of the Pret●xtati? and wilt thou for the hope of foolish beauty stain all thy favours and fortunes with disgrace? Nay rather Tully it will be honour to woo the daughter of so famous a Roman: but shame to thee to take the repulse and be denied. Thinkest thou Terentia will look so low? will Eagles catch at flies? will the wonder of our time, the paragon of our age, allied to the noblest houses in Room, make choice of so base and mean a person? What hast thou to deserve her love, any more than a little babbling eloquence. women's ears are not their touchstones but their eyes: they see and make choice, not hear and fancy. A dram of honour weighs down a pound of wit: and better is it to court with wealthy revenues, then with sweet lines, or fine couched poems. Thou hast nothing left but a poor farm called Cumanum, whose rents quits not the charges of thy studies. But suppose thou couldst win Terentia, suffice she is loved by Lentulus: and therefore from this day name her not in thy mouth, nor wear her in thy thoughts, lest thou violate friendship, which thou ought to prize dearer than life. Thus Tully appeasing his passions went out of his study and willed Eutrapelus to deliver the letter with secrecy: who being one of Tully's chief familiars, went with all speed to the house of Flaminius, where finding the Lady Terentia sitting with Flavia & Cornelia at work, he being homo facetus began merrily to commend their housewifery & after some jests broken betwixt the gentlewomen & him he craved to speak with Terentia about certain serious affairs that greatly imported her father. Whereupon she rising & going with Eutrapelus into her closet he there delivered unto her Lentulus' letter. Terentia abashed at the sight blushed as half angry with Eutrapelus, that he made himself messenger in so vain a matter, yet considering it came from so honourable a parsonage as Lentulus, she vouchsafed it & wished Eutrapelus in the evening to come for an answer. He was no sooner departed, but Terentia unripped the seals and then red the contents, which being contrary to her resolution, she determined to return with a denial. But for that she would make her friends privy to her new loves passions she went smiling in, and showed them the letter. Upon poor Lentulus' plainesong they all began to descant. Cornelia praising terentia's fortunes that was so entirely beloved of so honourable & brave a Gentleman, but Flavia hung the lip and saying little, only asked what a loving answer she would write. I know not how to reply quoth Terentia, he hath written so eloquently and so cunningly. But quoth Flavia I durst pawn my credit it was written by young Tully, that brave Orator: for I have read some of his Epistles, and 'tis both his method and his very phrase. That Tully, quoth Terentia whom I have heard my Father and the Senators so highly commend for his wit, thinking him to exceed either Crassus or Hortensius? and with that sitting down they began to enter into discourse of Tully's excellencies, concluding all that he was as singular amongst the Romans, as ever Demosthenes was amongst the Grecians. At last Terentia remembering herself, took leave for a while of her two friends, and stealing into her closet stepping to the standish she was about to write, but calling to mind the discourse of Tully's perfection, letting fall her pen she fell into a passion. Cupid waiting to spy this vestal at advantage, seeing her half at discovert vulosde a bolt headed with desire, and feathered with conceit, which piercing the tender briest of this young damosel, he made her shrink at the blow, and so breath out this complaint.  
Hast thou Terentia been wondered at in Rome for despising love, and wilt thou now doting girl stumble on desire, shall fancy eclipse all thy former glories▪ shall Vesta lose a virgin, and Venus win a wanton? Wilt thou resemble the buds of an Elder tree, which young are sweet and wholesome, but blomd forth are bitter and prejudicial: think with thyself that Diana's shrubs are more pleasant, than Cupid's bowers, the one harbours chaste thoughts, the other amorous fancies. Truth, but Lucina is a goddess, love is divine, and marriage honourable. Cedars are fair, but in yielding no fruit they purchase the less esteem. To be a virgin is a glorious title, but to live ever so, is to wrong nature in her favours. Well hast thou not then Terentia a noble gentleman of Rome, Lord Lentulus to be thy husband, a man whose youth is filled with honours and whose spring time flourisheth dignities? hath he not triumphed over the Parthians in conquest & bound fortune to his temples with wreaths of victory. Is not his parentage one of the greatest families in Rome? Is he not for beauty like the fair Greeks Paramour? For wisdom like wise Ulysses that Circe's could not enchant? For courage Hector? And of such revenues as may maintain thee with the most gorgeous dames of Italy? But the chief of his graces is he not enamoured of Terentia and sues for her favour. This I confess, Sed deteriora sequor. Love ah that foolish passion which we term love allows nothing excellent but what it likes. It shadowed begarie in Crates. For Hipsycratea thought him rich in that he was virtuous: deformity in Vulcan, for Venus would not believe he had a poult foot. Love hath no lack, and less reason: yet must I love, and whom, ah Tully sweet Tully, from whose mouth flows melody, more enchanting than the Sirens, on whose lips the muses make a new Parnassus, in whose thoughts rest Plato's divine spirits, and in whose head is contained the subtle wit of Aristotle. Is not he as glorious in Rome for his eloquence, as thou for thy beauties? Doth not the Senators wonder at his learning, as at thy perfection? Why should not then both our singularities be linked in the union of Love? why should not Terentia live to Tully, and Tully to Terentia? Ah but he is base, the first of his kin that tasted of honour, I but he is virtuous and famous for his eloquence, graces that countervail the meanness of his parents. I see love hath reasons being out of reason still to argue against reason, therefore without further pro & contra in mine own passions, I will love Tully, & therefore thus to Lentulus. With that taking up her pen she wrote him this answer.  
Terentia to Lentulus' health.  
WHen I red Lord Lentulus thy letters and spied thy loves, I blushed at mine own thoughts, and sorrowed at thy fortunes. I search not the cause of thy love, for it sufficeth to me thou dost love, if it lay in me either to grant thy desire, or satisfy thy passions. Thy reasons are sufficient to move, were it not my vow and my destinies direct my mind to contrary thy affections. Thy honours Lentulus knocks at the closet of my heart, thy victories sue for their lords liberty, thy loyalty enters peel meal with my thoughts and giveth a sore assault to my settled resolution, all these put in their pleas to purchase favour for young Lentulus. But Vesta hard hearted Vesta that makes her virging pliant to her own properties, commands that I shut mine ears against such alluring Sirens. I count myself greatly honoured with the love of so worthy a Roman, and ever will Terentia co●et to prove as thankful as he affectionate; only in love pardon me, for that either I never mean to love, or if I do love, my thoughts were fixed before Lentulus came from Parthia. Wade not there where the ford hath no footing, bark not with the Wolves of Syria against the Moon, look not to clim● Olympus, way not at impossibilities, but pacify that with patience which thou canst not obtain with being passionate. If thou suest to my Father and he grant to conclude a marriage, yet shalt thou want a bride, for I will first die before I violate my resolution. Seek not then by my prejudice to aim at thy own content, which be it every way, yet it shall never be in my love: not that I hate Lentulus, but that my fortunes forbides me to love Lentulus. If thou thinkest these denials be but words of course, and persuadest thyself that women will be first coy and then courteous as the marble that drops of rain do pierce. Thou shalt deeply deceive thyself and highly wrong me, but I challenge thy promise, that howsoever I frustrate thy expectation thou wilt bury thy conceit in silence. In which hope grieving that thy showers came in Autumn, I wish quiet to thy thoughts and an end to thy loves.  
Thine ever but in love Terentia.  
TErentia having thus ended her letter and new begun her loves, the one directed to Lentulus the other devoted to Tully, she went strait to her two friends Cornelia and Flavia showing them the contents of the letter. Cornelia said she was too severe and stoical in sending such a peremptory answer to so brave a gentleman. Flavia overcharged with joy praised the resolution of Terentia, wishing that all maids were of her mind, misliking that which she most loved, thinking by retreating Terentia from the chase, to be mistress of the game herself. Well this letter at last was sealed, and delivered to Eutrapelus, who hying him fast to Tully's lodging found Lentulus and him in secret and serious discourse, and all god wots was about Terentia. Lentulus' having received the letter entering with Tully into his study read the contents. No sooner had he viewed & reviewed over her cruel determination but in a great ecstasy of mind, he cried out (Dulcior est mors quam Amor.) And with that flinging out of his study he fell into bitter and extreme sorrows. Tully grieving at his friends hard fortune sought with plausible persuasions to appease his furious melancholy, wishing him whatsoever Terentia wrote still to think her a woman that would one while thrust out fancy with a finger, and strait entertain love as a friend: that either time or his constancy would make her stoop to the lure of his desires. Thus sought Tully to wrest him from his passions but in vain, for her resolution confirmed with such effectual and persuasive determinations so quatted the conceit of his former hope, that going passing melancholy to his bed, he fell into an extreme fever, which aggravated with the inward anguish of his mind grew to be so dangerous that Asclapo the physician excellent at that time for his faculty, judged the disease ●o be mortal. The Senators hearing of Lentulus' sickness sorrowed, as fearing Room by death should be deprived of such high ensuing hope: his friends f●ocked to his lodging to visit him, who noting, the heat of the ague, and the passions of his mind, his sudden starts, his gash looks, and his abrupt answers, judged the extremity of his sickness had half brought him to a lunacy, all seeking by counsel to cure that which neither counsel nor medicine could mitigate. Frustrate of their expectation they wished his weal and returned with grief. Only Tully whose settled friendship no misfortune could remove, still day and night as a second Esculapius, waited upon this perplexed patient. But as the depth of his passion pierced into the centre of his heart, so the fever increased, that generally Room began to sorrow so brave a warrior should be cut off in the very prime of his fortunes, insomuch that the report of his sickness came to the ears of the three Ladies. Terentia made light account as having her heart hardened with the love of Cicero, but Flavia grew passing passionate, as being touched at the quick with the weak disposition of Lentulus, wishing he might have cure for his malady, so it were not by the means of Terentia: she frequented the temples, offered orisons, made vows and burnt incense to the gods, that they would be favourable to her lover Lentulus, coveting if possible it might be with the prejudice of herself to have profited him: but in vain, Terentia was resolute, and he was resolved: as she was dainty, so to die in despair. Flavia if her modesty might have permitted, would have accompanied with other Ladies gone to his lodging, but the rights of Vesta forbidding such familiar conversing, she rather was restrained by force then withheld by reason. But seeing she could by no means come to his sight, yet to manifest the sincerity of her love, she sent him a letter to this effect.  
Flavia to Lentulus' health.  
IF I could (Lord Lentulus) portray with outward actions, the secrecy of my passions, or force as many tears from mine ●ies as there fly sighs from my heart: The anatomy of my thoughts would discover a disquiet mind, and the source of mine eyes a fountain of bitter laments. But seeing that barrels the fuller they be the less sound they yield: And where the current is deepest there the water is most still: and the mind surcharged with extremes, hath least utterance of grief: I leave you to suppose of my sorrows which I cannot manifest. But know Lord Lentulus, that when the report of your sickness came to the ears of your new entertained friends, Terentia sighed as pitying with a common passion the ill of her countryman, but as one that might not relieve being intercepted with other loves. Cornelia chid, as holding yourself in highest esteem, alleging reasons to her that admitted no reasons, but her own love which is without reason. Myself sorrowed, as wishing desert should have his due, where the honour of the man merits no less: we persuaded in vain, and in seeking to bring Terentia to the bay, we endeavoured to quench fire with swords. Seeing then your thoughts level at a wrong mark, and that no suits can divert her from her froward conceit, in careless extremes use patience, wrestle with love, being wronged by love: yield not to the arrest of Cupid's mace, but as he is young so hold him a boy. Consider as Terentia is fair, so she is cruel: and as she is full of favour, so she is too too unkind. Fly not with Apollo after Daphnis: Dyana hath more nymphs as chaste, and yet not so coy: use love my Lentulus as children do puppies, which while they are pliant and gentle they cherish up with crumbs, but when they wax churlish they beat away with strokes. Think Room is the mistress of the world, and hath many fair dames, if not of such excellency as Terentia yet are they more courteous, and no less virtuous. The curious Herbalists measure not the plants by their colours but by their properties: the Lapidaries make estimate of their stones not by their outward hue, but by the secret virtues. Use then the ancient custom of Esculapius, let lilies whither on the stalk and wear violets in thy hand, the one fair and unsavoury, the other black but of sweet verdure. Let these counsels Lentulus confute thee, apply them not as outward plastures, but as inward potions: which if they profit, none shall be more glad than Flavia, who wisheth if she might in this hard extreme to discover the honour of her thoughts, and the resolution of a friend: if aught rests in me that may pleasure Lentulus, command it of Flavia, as one knowing Lentulus desires are wholly honourable. Thus praying thou mayest have ease in thy passions through end of thy loves: I will offer sacrifice for thy health as she that fears her own prejudice without thy recovery.  
Thine, Flavia of Room.  
No sooner had Flavia ended her letter, but she sealed it and sent it away, and with as much speed as might be, it was conveyed to Lentulus, who reading the superscription, and perceiving it came from a woman, supposing it was sent from Terentia, started up in his bed and rent open the s●ales: when he had read the contents, and saw it came from Flavia, noting the extremity of her love by the plain discovery of her passions: he said to himself.  
Unjust love that settles thy delight in crossing with contraries. Some thou piercest with desire, other with disdain: infusing sundry effects in divers affects. I covet Terentia and she is cruel: Flavia favours thee, and thou art tied to other loves. What rests in these extremes but to curse fancy, that maketh such a confused chaos of her follies. Oppose then reason against affection, and admit not of loves conclusions unless they be approved principles Thy thoughts are devoted to Terentia, and she only vouchsafes thee the verdict of her ears. Thou art more honourable than she, of richer revenues than her dowry can satisfy, having as many deserts as she hath beauties: and yet coy dame as she is, she twits thee with Vesta when God wot Venus is the goddess that heareth her orisons. If thou hast this insight into her thoughts, why wrongs thou thyself with such careless passions? If she be so ●amage let her fl●e and seek for a 〈◊〉 that may prove more gentle: Let her glory like Narcissus in her beauties: Love can chastise if it be but with self love. Use no physic Lentulus but the consideration of her frowardness, Let the drugs of Apollo serve for others not for thee. Thrust out fancy by force, and setting Terentia at light esteem, make choice of Flavia: Though 〈◊〉 be not so beautiful, yet she is second to her in graces, and far beyond her in courtesies. Tie not thyself Lentulus so strictly to a woman's face, beauty is but times flower, that as it is delicate so it s●●e withereth: Like the colours that Phidias drew in his pictures, which showing most glorious to the eye was yet blemished with every breath. Venus was fair and wanton: Helen the miracle of Greece, but ask Troy of her qualities. Ah but Terentia is as chaste as she is bautifull. So is Flavia to, and far more loving. Her birth is of higher descent, her wealth more, her virtues no less: but her love such as may challenge thy affection for debt. Ah but Lentulus yet Terentia her excellency is more than can be shaken off with so slight reasons: and with that he shrunk down into his bed, falling to his old complaints: yet did this letter of Flavia somewhat comfort him, that he found it his best physic. But leaving him in his bed, again to Terentia who felt the disquiet of her mind as restless. For the Senators daily repairing to her father's house, had no other table talk but of the eloquence of Tully, some commending his wit, other his study, some his virtues, but all his special gifts of nature, that they put oil into the flame: and with these praises so set on fire terentia's fancy, as nothing tumbled in her thoughts but the excellency of Cicero: being so impatient as she sought by all means possible to come to his sight, and to feed her eye with that wherewith she had enchanted her ears, finding no ready way to attain the end of her desires, until love that like Mercury is full of shifts and subtlety, devised this plot. Tully being borne in a little village adjoining unto Room called Arpinatum, used often to make his intercourse between the town and the city for his pleasure: Which Terentia having learned out, thought this the fittest means to have a sight of her Cicero. So that one day to take the air accompanied with her two friends Flavia and Cornelia, having but a page to attend upon them, she walked abroad into the fields. Passing thus in merry chat towards Arpinatum, having some glances at the sickness of Lentulus, they had not walked above a mile before Flavia spied Tully coming from Arpinatum to Room. Assoon as she had descried him, and for certainty knew that it was he, yonder quoth she comes that odd man of Room, that excellent Orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, so highly renowned through all our provinces for his eloquence, now shall we hear from Lentulus, for they are the most familiar friends and private companions in Room. Terentia at 〈◊〉 as one wakened out of a dream gave a start, and casting up her eye espied the Paramour of her thoughts, which drive her into such an ecstasy, that surcharged with over much joy she felt an unacquainted trembling in her 〈◊〉. Being thus perplexed Tully drawing nigh, and seeing Terentia accompanied with his friend Flavia, gave 〈◊〉 to opportunity that she had so highly favoured his 〈◊〉 Lentulus, as that he might now plead for his safety. Tully thus encountering those three Roman damosels a●ter a courteous Salve which made Terentia blush, he began thus to board them.  
The place sweet Romans so aptly agreeing to the person, this valley resembling Idas, and Rome Troy, I cannot but bash with Paris at the sight of three such goddesses, whose deity surpassed those which judicially the shepharde surveyed with his eye: Humbly therefore saluting you as Diana's darlings and beauties wonder, seeing so small a train for such excellent personages, although my affairs be serious and of importance, yet please it you to vouch of my service, I will attend on your walks and conduct you safe to Rome. Terentia feeding her eyes on the sweet of Tully's face, and swilling down the nectar of his divine eloquence, staining her cheeks with such a die, as did the fair queen of Cartharge courted by Aeneas, she made him this answer.  
How you make compare Cicero of this valley with the plains of Troy as little skilled in geography or red in Homer's Iliads I leave without reply. For y● goddesses that Paris encountered we are equal with them in nū●er though far inferior to them in beauty. For your service we accept it, and for your wages you shall have gracious looks and hearty thanks. Seeing therefore we are merrily minded, supposing yourself to be the shéepeharde which of us shall be your Venus? Not you madam quoth Tully above all the rest: And why so quoth Terentia? because quoth Tully the least ●lie hath his spleen the smallest ant her gall, no hair so little but he hath his shadow, and no man so mean but he hath his envy: Why then quoth Terentia I will discard you from the office of Paris as a man partial. But I pray thee Cicero wherein should I offend thee having never seen thee before? In this quoth he that Lentulus hath seen you: with that she blushed, and Flavia and Cornelia fell into a great laughter, that Tully had so roughly crossed her over the thumbs. Tully prosecuting his purpose went forward thus. For know madam that Lentulus the richest Trophy that fortune sets up in the Theatre of honour made shipwreck of his liberty for the report of your beauty, leaving the wars and the great hope of his fortunes to have a sight of Terentia, who unkind not like Venus in courtesy, though in favours; have counterpoysde his fancy with mislike, and for the honey of his amorous thoughts have powered him down heaps of bitter and displeasing gall. The cruelty of Cressida never amated so the hardy Troilus as the frown of Terentia hath pierced Lentulus, making so deep a wound as no physic can cure only your sweet self, whose resolutions are so far from the properties of your face, as it seems the gods wronged nature in placing an adamant heart within a crystal coverture. The Ladies hearing Tully so sharp, bit the lip and Terentia grieved: angry she could not be as one that was over the shoes in affection, but thus she cut him off.  
I cannot judge Cicero by your sharp and peremptory invectives upon so small acquaintance, but you profess yourself a Cynic. If your philosophy be such, I will br●●k the blows as well as Alexander, & think nothing ill that is spoken from Diogenes. Howsoever or whatsoever Cynic or stoic, I argue thus against Lentulus, that vows made to Vesta are to be holden inviolated, and resolutions to live a virgin are not to be broken with marriage. Cornelia and Flavia hearing them thus far in by the ears, walked a little aside and left Tully to school Terentia: who maintained her arguments thus. Suppose Tully it were not chaste thoughts but new loves that forced me to this refusal: have not trees their strings & women their fancies and affections? If his autumn showers coming too late cause not his crops to prove, what is that to me? Love consisteth in unity: the heart hath but one string, the heaven one sun, and the Iris one property, and women but one love: and that I tell thee Tully, is placed on one that is as famous for his virtues as Lentulus for his wealth and dignities. And what then can I give, or he rightly challenge? Tully although he conceived in his thoughts that Terentia yielded great reason, yet he would not give over the chase so, but made this reply. Ah but madame have an insight into the depth of his affections, how he aims not at your treasures hoping to be enriched by your great dowry, For Lentulus is of the wealthiest family in Room: but levels at your virtues, the sirens against whom he could not use Ulysses policy. If affections be but a little past, if love hath but drawn one line in your thoughts with his pencil: wrestle with fancy, blot out loves shadows, and help Lentulus: who if you remain so cruel shall be no more Lentulus. If he die for love, how shall the streets swarm with statues of his constancy? If you be known the chief actor of the tragedy, how will the people murmur of your cruelty? Weigh this madame, I speak as a familiar of Lentulus, and no enemy to terentia's honour. If he be a Roman that Terentia loves, let him either be more honourable, more valiant, more affable, more excellent every way than Lentulus, nay more loving then the poor gentleman, or else discard him for a man insufficient either to taste of terentia's beauty, or to be corrival with Lentulus in his loves. Terentia had yielded at this fierce assault, had not love laid an instance before her of her resolution. For the more Tully pleaded for his friend, the more was Terentia enamoured: so that she made him this answer.  
If I knew how to certify Lentulus of this days discourse, he should highly reward you for playing so well the Orator. But I marvel Cicero that being young, and of such eloquence, we hear not of your loves: I fear you reach so high, that you think no maids in Room honourable enough for your paramour. Were I a man and had Tully's grace, and his tongue, I would plead for myself: and use one word for my friend, and two for myself. So madame (quoth he) should men account me a faithless friend, and a flattering lover. But leaving these suppositions madam, how answer you my last reason? With love quoth she and that is without reason, for how might the gentleman to whom I find myself affectionate, think himself wronged if without cause I should be inconstant. Grant I my love to the meanest citizen, a monarch shall not make conquest of my thoughts. Suppose sir it were yourself, and that Terentia loved Tully, could you brook an other to brave you in your affections. I would madame quoth Tully if it were no supposition. And how then quoth Terentia if it were not? Then would I quoth he become Esculapius to Lentulus, and swear his disease should not be incurable, for I would conjure you by the rights of love, by the sacred laws of Venus, and by the affection that were imprinted in your thoughts, to bestow what y●u would impart upon me to my only joy Lord Lentulus. But women cannot make love voluntary. Tush madame what cannot women do for love? Any thing quoth Terentia but change love. Therefore concealing the party that I love, I will say and swear Tully is my love, and so say to Lentulus. With this Terentia blushed, and for very grief that Tully would not see into her thoughts the tears stood in her eyes: which Tully spying, it so pricked him to the heart, that it never after was razed out. To smooth therefore his rough method with a few fine filled phrases, he salved the matter thus. It is madame impossible to drive fire downward, or to make heavy things to mount: Nature will not be wronged, nor love drawn out by constraint, therefore I will leave any more at this time to sue for Lentulus: hoping the consideration of his martyrdom will at length make battery into the bulwark of your breast, & whereas you will swear Tully is your l●ue: you know madame we have in ou● twelve tables a law against perjury, but if you vouch to grace me that title, in all duty I will rest your ever bounden servant. Why then servant quoth she, let us to yonder two Ladies, that for want of a companion are feign to make an amorous knight of my page. Flavia seeing they were half agreed, ●earing Tully by his eloquence had persuaded Terentia, waxed pale and encountered them thus. What news quoth she, doth Lentulus win or lose? Neither madame quoth Tully but his cause hangs still in suspense, the next court day I will end my oration, and then the judge shall give verdict. As they were ready to have gone forward in some pleasant prattle they espied a horseman making towards them with the greatest speed that might be. When he came within ken, Tully knew it to be Lentulus' man, and before he had leisure to do his message, he demanded how his master did: passing sick sir quoth he, and hath sent that you be with him presently. Tully who was touched at the quick with this news, put foot in the stirrup and mounted, yet as one forgetting himself he used these words. Pardon Ladies, if I pass manners and promise, in leaping up without leave, and returning in such post without your company: It is for Lentulus whom you all love, and therefore I hope to rest blameless. Now madam Terentia what shall I say to Lentulus? No more quoth she then what I said to Tully, but how concludes Tully of his last premises? that quoth he, Terentia shall frame the argument, and so with this dark Aenigma he took leave of the Ladies: who after his departure fell in talk of his perfections. Terentia so deeply praising the man that her companions easily perceived her loves, & smiled that in forsaking a flower she light upon a weed. Well tracing still amongst the meadows they chanced into a valley most curiously decked with Flora's delicates, in which were such variety of flowers, that nature seemed there to have planted the storehouse of her prodigality. Adjoining to this valley was a pleasant river and a grove that gave a grace to Cloris excellency: delighted with the situation of this place, as they passed along they met●e a shepherd, who doing reverence to the dames: Terentia demanded of this swain what the name of this pleasant place was. Madam quoth he we shéepehardes here call it the vale of Love, And why so quoth Cornelia? Although madam quoth he my flock hath no guide but my dog, and now in yeaning time the wolves are very busy, yet for that I see you are Senators daughters, and with all passing courteous I will show the reason, and with that leaning on his staff the Ladies sitting down he began thus.  

The Shepherds' tale.  
NOt many years since here in Arpynatum dwelled a shepherdise called Phillis, so famous for her beauty that the Senators sons which you call Pretextati not only came to feed their eyes with her favours but to satisfy their fancies with her loves: in so much that she was courted of many brave Roman Gentlemen. But she that held love at the staffs end, although her parents had left her rich, yet to banish Cupid with labour she vouchsafed to be keeper of her own flocks, fearing the pride of the beauty (if s●e should marry with one of Rome) would prove an enemy to her humble thoughts: Living as chaste as she was inrouled for a Vestal, and quoted by Diana for one of her special followers, her excellency was bruited abroad through all Italy. But she who feared to gaze at stars, for stumbling at stones laid her thoughts low and made choice of her company with country maids, and homely shepehards: yet was her attire rich as divers that traveled this way took her rather for a Nymph the follower of some goddess, than a maid and daughter of a poor swain. While thus she lived lady of the field, there was in the same village one Coridon, son to a simple shéepeharde who as a Mercenary man kept sheep for Vatinius the Senator, that hath a Farm hard by. This Coridon was a man of a perfect perfection his hair hung in tresses and his face was beautiful, wise he was and wanted nothing but wealth to make him the chief of all the shéepehardes, being of equal years almost with Phill●● in some two years elder, he fell extremely in love with Phillis Enamoured was poor Coridon and pensive by his flock sat ruminating of his passions he smothered his love in silence for that he was meanest of the swains and she mistress of us all. He sat and sighed and had none but echo to pity his plaints his flock left their food to see their 〈◊〉 sorrow his pipe ceased, the folks were never ●●re partaker of his melody, and all these thoughts and ●●res for Phillis. She wily and spying this wanton dal●●● in the flame, looked narrowly into the perfection of the man whom she found worthy of love, if his parents had not been too mean and his wealth none at all, suppressing this love with lack● and quenching the fire with the defences she found in Coridon. But Cupid that could not brook such exceptions pitying the passions of the poor sheepharde, pulled forth an envenomed b●ult and pierced Phillis so deep that Coridon began to be master of her thoughts, now she praised his beauty, his behaviour, his wit, his gestures, ●o that nothing was amiss in Coridon. If he pipped, Apollo was not like her Pan, if he sung his voice was without compare, if he told tales they were excellent, if put forth riddles they were witty. Coridon was the shéepehard that Phillis did fancy, and no flocks might graze by hers but those of Coridon. This mistress can love do, who thought he be choisly honoured in Rome, yet he finds some idle time to dally amongst shéepehards. Well at last Coridon spied Phillis looks and got some hope of favour, first he courted with his eyes, and after nature's law fell to prattle with interchange of glances, after from looks to words, which after their homely fashion was very faithfully performed with sighs & tears, such persuasions as shéepehardes use. Long had they not wooed, but Phillis was willing and she was won, that after faith and troth as soon as the shéepehards could come together a feast was made we kept holiday and they were married, and because these lovers made this place the concealer of their passions the shéepehardes for perpetual memory of Phillis and Coridon call this the vale of Love, and in praise thereof we country shéephards' made an Ode, which if it please you to stay I will rehearse. The Ladies passing willing, thus the shepherd 'gan report.  

The Shepherds Ode.  
WAlking in a valley green,  
Spread with Flora summer queen:  
Where she heaping all her graces,  
Niggard seemed in other places.  
Spring it was and here did spring,  
All that nature forth can bring:  
Groves of pleasant trees there grow,  
Which fruit and shadow could bestow.  
Thick leaved boughs small birds cover,  
Till sweet notes themselves discover:  
Tunes for number seemed confounded,  
Whilst their mixtures music sounded.  
Greeing well, yet not agreed,  
That one the other should exceed.  
A sweet stream here silent glides,  
Whose clear water no fish hides.  
Slow it runs which well bewrayed,  
The pleasant shore the current stayed:  
In this stream a rock was planted,  
Where nor art nor nature wanted.  
Each thing so did other grace,  
As all places may give place.  
Only this the place of pleasure,  
Where is heaped nature's treasure.  
Here mine eyes with wonder staid.  
Eyes amazed and mind afraid:  
Ravished with what was beheld,  
From departing were withheld.  
Musing then with sound advise,  
On this earthly paradise:  
Sitting by the river side,  
Lovely Phillis was descried;  
Gold her hair, bright her eyen,  
Like to Phoebus in his shine.  
White her brow, her face was fair,  
Amber breath perfumed the air.  
Rose and Lily both did seek,  
To show their glories on her cheek.  
Love did nestle in her looks,  
Baiting there his sharpest hooks.  
Such a Phillis near was seen,  
More beautiful than loves Queen,  
Doubt it was whose greater grace,  
Phillis beauty or the place.  
Her coat was of scarlet red,  
All in pleates a mantle spread:  
Fringd with gold, a wreath of bows,  
To check the sun from her brows.  
In her hand a shepherds hook,  
In her face Diana's look:  
Her sheep grazed on the plains,  
She had stolen from the swains.  
Under a cool silent shade,  
By the streams she garlands made.  
Thus sat Phillis all alone,  
Missed she was by Coridon  
Chiefest swain of all the rest,  
Lovely Phillis like him best.  
His face was like Phoebus' love,  
His neck white as Venus' Dove,  
A ruddy cheek filled with smiles,  
Such love hath when he beguiles.  
His locks brown, his eyes were grey,  
Like Titan in a summer day.  
A russet jacket sleeves red,  
A blue bonnet on his head:  
A cloak of grey fencst the rain,  
Thus tired was this lovely swain.  
A shepherds hook his dog tide,  
Bag and bottle by his side:  
Such was Paris shepherds say,  
When with Oenone he did play.  
From his flock strayed Coridon,  
Spying Phillis all alone:  
By the stream he Phillis spied,  
Braver then was Flora's pride.  
Down the valley 'gan he track,  
Stole behind his true loves back:  
The sun shone and shadow made,  
Phillis rose and was afraid.  
When she saw hit lover there,  
Smile she did and left her fear:  
Cupid that disdain doth loath,  
With desire struck them both.  
The swain did woo she was nice,  
Following fashion nayed him twice:  
Much ado he kissed her then,  
Maidens blush when they kiss men:  
So did Phillis at that stowre.  
Her face was like the rose flower.  
Last they 'greed for love would so,  
Faith and troth they would no more.  
For shepherds ever held it sin,  
To false the love they lived in.  
The swain gave a girdle red,  
She set garlands on his head.  
Gifts were given they kiss again,  
Both did smile for both were feign.  
Thus was love 'mongst shepherds sold,  
When fancy knew not what was gold:  
They wooed & vowed, & that they keep,  
And go contented to their sheep.   
The end of the shepherds Ode.   
Assoon as the shepherd repeated his Ode, Terentia delighted with the description of the pastoral love for that it touched her passions gave him hearty thanks and so the swain took his leave and departed. Terentia and the rest hereupon growing into the effects of love that keeps no proportion of persons, wandering on talking towards the grove. And for that the sun●e grew hot and was risen to the highest zenith of the heavens, seeking for shelter they went into the grove which was seated hard by the pleasant current, finding out there a place convenient, these three Lady's ●it them down upon the grass, where delighted with the melody of the birds, and the coolness of the shade they fell a sleep. Then lived in Rome Vatinus the Senator which was one of the most wealthy in possessions of any that had been consul in the City, favoured every way by fortune, had he not been thwarted by one grievous & doleful misfortune. For this Vatinius amongst many children had his eldest son as first in birth, so bravest in proportion, of such exquisite lineaments touching the outward shape, as nature seemed to have been curious in her workmanship: but otherwise he was so foolish and of clownish capacity that there was no hope of his future conceit, his name was after his father Vatinius. But for because neither by the diligence of any master, nor the flattery of his friends, correction, or any other industry he could be made capable of learning or civility, using fashions and words from a harsh and gross voice, reresembling rather a bruit beast then a reasonable creature, he was in derision called of every man Fabius the Foole. Vatinius grieving that the gods had offered him this wrong for that the presence of Fabius was the continual source of his sorrows, he commanded that he should go to his Farm, and there live amongst his shepherds. This was no little content to Fabius as one that delighted more in the nature of Clowns and bondslaves then in the courtly behaviour of libertines & gentlemen. Fabius thus being in the country applying himself to all principles of husbandry, one day amongst the rest walked forth with a great bat on his neck to oversee his father's pastures, at last for that the Sun was high and shone hot, he went into the grove then all overclad with leaves, for it was far spring, and feeling a place wherein at pleasure to rest himself, he stumbled by fortune on the fount where Terentia lay a sleep, who when Fabius espied being clad in a rob of Bisse so thin as the whiteness of her skin did appear, having her two companions by her side, he began as one amazed to behold. Leaning therefore on his great bat without uttering one word, he stood in great admiration what she should be, as though he had never seen so brave a creature before. Now entering into his rustical and blunt understanding (where never before could be engraven any impression of honest civility a thought of fancy which made him confess in his gross and material spirits that this maid was the fairest thing that ever could be censured by sight. In this humour he began to descant of her several beauties, praising her hair to be of gold, her forehead of ivory, her lips ●oral, & above all her two breasts which then began to appear like pretty tender buds, in such simple sort so distinguishing of her favours that from a gross clown he became to be a judge of Beauty: especially coveting to see her eyes which heavy sleep had shut up, determining often to have waked her to have contented himself with their sight. But seeing her more fair than any creature that before he had seen, he thought her to be some Goddess. Having thus far knowledge that things divine should be reverenced more than humane, and therefore durst not attempe to wake her, but (although she had a sound and long sleep) took such pleasure in contemplating her perfections that he would by no delay departed. At last after a long space Terentia awaked before any of the rest, lifting up her drowsy eyes she saw before her Fabius leaning upon his staff, whereof being half amazed she asked of him. Fabius, what seekest thou here in this grove? Fabius who as well by his countenance as clemency and for the nobility of his house, as the riches of his father, was generally known of all the Romans, made no answer to Terentia: but seeing her eyes open he began to look steadfastly upon them feeling a pleasing content to issue from those Lamps which sparkle as the very flames of love: insomuch that Terentia seeing him gaze so earnestly fearing the sturdy clown might offer her some violence wakened her companions and starting up said Fabius farewell. To whom Fabius made answer I will go with you. And although Terentia refused as being surprised with great fear of his rustical disposition, yet he would not forsake her till he had brought her to her Father's house, where bluntly leaving the Lady he went home to his Fathers; saying he would not return ani● more into the country. Although it grieved his Father to have his sorrow continually before his eyes, yet wondering what the occasion of this strange motion should mean, he was content to let him remain at home in the City. loves arrows thus piercing into the heart of Fabius whereinto never before any civil thought could enter, made such a Metamorphosis of his mind that not only his Father & friends, but all Room began to wonder at his sudden alteration: for he required to be appareled as the son of a Senator which his father with all diligence performed, then frequenting the most courteous and honest young Gentlemen of the City, especially such as were amorous, he to the great astonishig of all not only learned his letters, but became very studious, grew to have deep insight into philosophy, to be skilful in music, to ride a horse and to be expert in all gentle and manlike activity, to conclude in short space he was one of the bravest young men of Rome.  
Here by the way courteous Ladies and brave gentlemen what shall I say of the transformation of Fabius? only in my opinion this: That the high virtues of the heavens infused into his noble breast were imprisoned by the envious wrath of Fortune within some narrow corner of his heart, whose bands went a sunder by love, as a Lord to mighty for fortune. Cupid the raiser up of sleepy thoughts dispersed those virtues into every part of his mind obscured before with the eclipse of base thoughts. Let us then think of love as of the most purest passion that is inserted into the heart of man. Well, leaving Fabius studious how to excel in all laudable virtues, again to Tully, who arrived in post haste to the lodging of Lentulus and found him passing sick, yet somewhat comforted at the sight of Cicero, as of him that he held most dear in the world. Tully seeing him so ill & full of passions durst not tell him that he had seen Terentia lest her froward answer should augment his misery, concealing therefore his chat that he had with the Lady's, at last Lentulus showed him the letter of Flavia: whereupon they fell to discourse of her beauties and virtues, how she was not much inferior to Terentia in favour, but far beyond her in honours, discoursing so long from point to point that after a vole of broken sighs tempered with some tears he fell a sleep. Tully glade that he took a nap stole softly out of the Chamber, and being by himself calling to mind the words of Terentia began to enter into this combat with himself.  
So pliant are the aspects of the foreappointing stars in some men's nativity as they force fortune maugre her own variable nature to be constant. Amongst all that have been borne in the poor village of Arpinatum, thou mayst Tully say that thy planets have been pleasing, and thy desires favourable, who the son of a poor farmer art in hope to make thy house equal with the most in Room. Measure but thy honour and judge of thy fortunes: thy family base, yet art thou companion with Senators and men of gravest account in the City. Honour treads on thy heel and dignity danceth attendance at thy looks: but love Cicero, that deity, that divine essence that sealeth up content in all estates he stoopeth at thy frown, presents thee wreaths of myrtle that thou mayst enter into Paphos without check. Terentia the wonder of Rome, Nature's Paragon, the refined beauty of the heavens, she that seemeth to glance on the Pretextati: she that makes no account of the miracle of our time, Lord Lentulus: she Cicero commanded by love, yields herself captive to the son of a poor country villager in Arpinatum. Then Tully strew Venus' temple with roses, say there is no fount but Alcydalion: no hill but Erecinus: no bird but the dove: no god but Cupid. Lose not opportunity, take her by the forehead, let not slip occasion, for she glides away like a shadow, nor love, for she hangs at the heels at time. Now Terentia hath put the iron in the fire, strike then while it is hot, pay her down pounds of love for drams of fancy, for in matching with the daughter of a senator, think it presageth thou shalt be a Senator: so shalt thou gain at one time honour, dignity, wealth, and beauty; but with that lose thy faith Tully, thy faith thou hast vowed to Lentulus, who shuts up his secrets in thy heart, and resteth his thoughts on thy bosom. Wilt thou prefer honour before thy friend, or wealth before conscience. Ah Tully if thou be the man that Room woondreth at for thy eloquence, be also the man that they shall canonize for thy virtues. Beauty is but a bavins blaze, wealth is but a fickle favour of fortune, dignity is haunted by envy: but friendship that is the precious treasure that neither time nor fortune can violate. Why but Terentia will never love Lentulus, than Tully hate thou ever Terentia. I am a man and subject unto love as well as Lentulus: So art thou a man and being false to thy friend art unworthy all love. Abandon Tully these vain imaginations, ●ount Terentia foul, deformed, vicious and what not, as long as one spark of love lieth raked up in the cinders of thy thoughts: and as long as Lentulus loves her, hate her for thyself, and ●oue her for Lentulus. Setting down his rest at this period, he went into the chamber to see if Lentulus were awake, but finding him still fast a sleep, he went towards the Capitol, where he met with Flaminius the father of Terentia who demanded very hearty how Lentulus did. Cicero with a deep sigh said passing sick. Whereof quoth Flaminius grows the disease, I heard that Asclapo judgeth his sickness to be mortal. Tully thinking to set all on the dice, not respecting his own love but his faith to his friend, began thus. Grave Senator, I need not rehearse Lentulus' birth, as being a citizen, nor his revenues, his possessions long known to every man, nor his honours ended in victories, for the Parthians are sufficient evidence of his well discharged dignities and valour. Lentulus' graced in the prime of his youth with these favours, hearing of the beauty of a Roman Lady, left the wars and came to Room, where courting his mistress not with wanton poems, but with terms of marriage: he f●und her froward, and his love dashed in the prime. The impression of her beauty graven with too deep a character was too fast rooted in his heart to be thrust out with denial: yet Lentulus to content her, plays like the phoenix, burns in his own perfumes, rather wishing to die then to contrary her resolution. This is the cause that first brought Lentulus to his bed, and this ere long will bring him to his grave. And who may it be quoth Flaminius, of what family, of what beauty, of what degree, that can or dare deny Lord Lentulus? Is he not mighty and may command by force, what he cannot obtain by entreaty? will not the soldiers at his beck rise in arms? Fear not the Consuls themselves to wrong Lentulus? Doth not all Room hang their thoughts at his looks? Ah miserable father that harbours such a daughter, and stubborn housewife that denies so brave a Roman. In friendship Tully tell me who it is. Cicero willing to put a spur to a free horse, and to lose his own content to win his friends quiet, told him flatly it was his daughter Terentia: and for proof he showed him the letters that past betwixt Lentulus and her. Assoon as her father had read the contents, as a man half mad he fell into furious and frantic terms, exclaiming against the headstrong humour of foolish Terentia. After he had breathed out the heat of his choler, he fell to be somewhat appeased, and bad Tully home to supper, promising all should sort according unto Lentulus' mind. With that departing from the Capitol, Tully and he went home to his house, where the Cook being somewhat slack: Flaminius hearing his daughter was all alone in the garden, he wished Tully to try her once again, and to persuade her by all possible means to grant to the request of Lentulus. Upon this Tully went into the garden where finding Terentia sitting solitary in an arbour up to the hard ears in a dump, he wakened her out of her muse thus. Vesta's chief paragon, and Venus new entertained darling, you madam Terentia I mean, that sit in a muse: are you offering orisons to Diana for your chastity, or thanks to Cupid for your loves: or what are you thinking on when you think on nothing? Terentia turning her head and seeing Tully all alone, blushed more than Cynthia did when she wantoned it with her fair faced shepherd, yet welcoming her love with a smile, she took him by the hand and made him this answer.  
Your subtle salutation concluding Vesta and Venus in one Dilemma commands me answer that I was doing my devotion to both, offering prayers for my old thoughts & thanks for my new loves: & scarce had I said gramercy to the goddess, but you must come Cicero to make my thanks prodigious: for my thinking when I thought of nothing it was of men's loves which are lighter than the flame, and sooner faded then a flash of lightning: But I pray you say what wind hath driven you into this coast.  
Marry madame the very sighs that fly from Lentulus' breast grew to so great a storm that I was blown hither to seek shelter for the tempest. You have nothing quoth Terentia but Lentulus in your mouth: I pray you say how fares the gentleman? Ill madame quoth Tully every way, for his diet is bad in that his stomach is nought, and his health is doubtful in that his thoughts are disquiet: and madame it rests in you to save so honourable a gentleman not only from sickness but from sorrow: Aeneas was a straggling Trojan an exile perjured and banished even from the ruins of Troy, yet Dydo the famous Carthage queen made him her paramour. Demophoon a pirate a robber in Greece cast up as shipwreck on the shore, yet interteind by Phillis. Phao a ferryman, a slave, yet favoured by Sappho. Lentulus' the hope of the Romans, more beautiful than Aeneas, more courageous th● Demophoon, more honourable than Phao, more loving than them all, is refused and rejected by Terentia, his neighbour and familiar. Think not Terentia but love as he hath roses so he hath nettles, as he hath perfumes so hath he hemblocke, and holding favours the claspeth revenge, as ready to pierce as to pacific. If you procure Lentulus' death, Cupid hath power to enforce your despair, and to cause your love to be as fickle to you as you are froward to him. Then madam let me be the messenger of life, and from your sweet self carry such conserves to Lentulus as may recover his health and increase your honours. This discourse of Tully did but set terentia's heart more on fire. For hearing the pleasant harmony of her Cicero, she liked of the music as of the Sirens melody, and so entangled herself with many new conceived fancies, insomuch that forgetting whose daughter she was, she burst forth into these terms.  
Did I not Cicero tell thee twixt Arpinatum & Room, y● love hath but one cell wherein to place the Idea of the party loved: wilt thou have me like the Chameleon to have many colours, or like Helena to entertain many loves? I know Lentulus dignities are beyond my degree, that his honours are more than my fortunes, that his love is great, and so I hold him the second in my most secret thoughts: first he cannot be and that he craves. Thou dost wring water out of the flint, fire forth of the dry sands, & immodesty from her that hath ever been honoured for chastily: so that by wastlesse persuasions for thy friend, I am forced to say thou art the friend that Terentia hath chosen amongst all the worthy Romans: Before I saw thee Tully I loved thee, and now I have settled my affection, and thou wrong'st me with discourtesy: but either cease from entreating for Lentulus, or look to see me worse than Lentulus. And with this blushing at her own overmuch loves, she poured forth such abundance of tears, as well might bewray the sincerity of her affections. Tully grieving to see the goddess of his thoughts in this passion answered her, mildly thus. Blame me not Terentia if I plead for Lentulus, seeing his sorrow, and entering into mine own promise. Then friendship is no sweeter jewel, then how can I but labour ere I lose so rich a prize. But seeing Terentia hath vouchsafed of so mean a man as Tully, whose honours only hangs in his studies: love being the strictest league of amity and no such friendship as is marriage: I vow by the Roman gods, ever to be a dutiful servant unto a Terentia: and with my loyalty so to requite her favours, as Room shall more admire my affections then they have wondered at my eloquence: yet with this proviso (my sweet Terentia) that although I prefer thy favours before mine own life, yet if thou canst strive to love Lentulus, which if either the gods, love, fortune, or thyself can bring to pass, I will with mine own prejudice conquer mine own thoughts to satisfy the content of Lentulus. As Terentia was ready to reply, one of her father's servants came to request Cicero to come to supper, who taking his leave of Terentia went in to her father Flaminius, who sitting down to supper, passed away the time in ordinary talk. Their repast being taken, Flaminius calling Tully on the one side, demanded what his daughter's answer was. Peremptory quoth Tully still to hold Lentulus in mislike. Then you shall hear quoth her father what I will say, and so report to Lentulus: so calling for Terentia they three being together, he began thus.  
I know not how Terentia to insinuate my exordium, whether friendly to persuade with a smile, or fatherly to admonish with a frown: thy follies are so great, and my care so tender. Room hath hitherto admired thy virtues, and I have praised thy obedience: thou hast been counted honourable and chaste, wise to eschew wantonness, but never coy to be thought disdainful: and shall now all these grace's end in disgrace? Then Terentia mayest thou repent hereafter, and I power forth present sorrows. I speak thus, for that I hear in the city what maketh me to grieve, and may force thee to blush. They say Terentia is beautiful and proud, witty and overweening, having coy disdain crept into the place of courteous desire: this men say that envy thy follies, and grieve at Lentulus' fortunes. Now daughter thou seest the mark I aim at, and mayest judge of my shot by the level: Lentulus is fallen into a fever, which Asclapo that famous Physician of Patras censures to be mortal. Thy frowardness was the efficient of the disease, and now thou deniest cure of the malady. unadvised girl, that neither weighest of thine own honours, nor his miseries. Lentulus requires Terentia in marriage: let us make compare of the parties, and so examine the cause of thy denials. He is descended from the Lentuli and Aemilij, two houses that ever have been the props of the Roman dignities. His honours are great, as proconsul in his youth against the Parthians: His fortunes mighty, doubled with his conquests and victories: His revenues such as he may with Crassus maintain Legions. If like Venus' darling thou seekest to feed thine eye, his favour is more than his that pleased Cynthia. If thou covetest a soldier, Lentulus in Room is as Hector was in Troy. If a Courtier, who braves it so in Italy? To conclude if Terentia covet to love, there is none so fit to love within the Roman Empire as Lentulus. Whereas Terentia is but the daughter of a mean Senator, her dowry cannot be much, for that her father's wealth is not great: Beautiful she is, and so are many in Room, who are of meaner parentage. Her glories are but fortune's pelf, that flourish in the morning, and fade before night. What then can move Terentia to oppose her self against Lentulus? unless she fatally presageth her own discredit, and the ruin of her father's house. If then daughter thou art child to Flaminius, I charge thee by the strict law of nature, which Philosophers call Regius amor a kingly love, if thou be a maid, by the holy fires of Vesta: if beautiful, by Venus' deity: if a Roman, by thy countries love, that thou love Lentulus: which if thou refuse to perform, thy father shall curse thee, Vesta shall shut thee from her temples, Venus from her favours, and thy country from enjoying the sweet content of honour, and then make thee outcast of all the Roman virgins. More are my reasons to allege, than thy reasons able to contrary: but omitting all and saying he is only Lentulus: Daughter what answer?  
Terentia seeing her father in such a choler, and that he was induced unto it by Cicero's persuasions in a fury began thus frantic. I not deny but Father's challenge love by nature and obedience by duty, and both those sir I hope I have ever performed, if not I rest sorrowful & heartily crave pardon: but in love parents have no privilege. For the liking of the Father is no contract of the daughter. Venus' conclusions grow not of parent's pr●mises, nor can affection be like the fire strooken forth a flint, for love is chosen by the eye and confirmed by the heart, women's thoughts are not the spoils of Mars, nor is the battle of fancy fought with the sword, but with the Senses, & loves arrows are pointed by fate and fortune. Weigh then Terentia, who hath not her loves in her hand but in her heart and thereinto none can make breach, but such a one as the pleasing constellation of the stars have appointed. I not deny the excellency of Lentulus as well in exterior show of honours, wealth, dignities, and proportion, as in interior virtues & perfections of the mind, and that he merits a Lady of far more esteem than Terentia, but I know not what contrary aspect either of the planets in our nativities, or of loves in our thoughts, or of fortune in our resolution ●o like, hath crossed his desire and my fancy, but of all the Roman Gentlemen I cannot my Lord fancy Lentulus. Cressida confessed Troilus was the better knight, & yet the Greek held her lovely in his tent. Sith than affection grows from desire, and desire is tied to destiny, seek not sir to wring water out of the pumex, to couple the Mouse and the Elephant at one stall, to unite those loves that Venus in her Synod house hath expressly counterchecked. For to answer your objection, Terentia cannot force herself to love Lentulus. She thus concluding with a few tears, her father departing from her with a frown, told Tully that not reason was sufficient to induce his daughter to be affectionate, and therefore that he wished Lentulus to appease his passions and to salve such impossibilities with patience, whereupon they after interchange of salutations and common courtesies parted with a friendly farewell. Tully at his home coming revealed unto Lentulus the whole discourse how Flaminius had searched into the depth of terentia's thoughts both with plausible persuasions and enforced reasons, and could find no other conclusion but that she could not love Lentulus. Although this news pierced the very centre of his heart as mortally as if he had been wounded with the sting of Aspis: yet cheering himself a little he sat up and in his own mind having about or two with fancy, he gave her so deep a revie that he held affection at the sword point. But Tully who between friendship and love felt a furious combat, alured with the beauteous perfection of Terentia, and forbidden that favour by the entire amity he had vowed unto Lentulus: entered into so deep a melancholy that not able to master his passions, he fell sick and kept his bed. Lentulus' seeing his Tully thus distressed grieved at his friend's misfortune, and chéered up himself that he might somewhat comfort his Cicero that newly was crossed with a distempered sickness. He sought by physic to search out the nature of the disease, but Asclapo could not deem the cause by the effects, he sought by entreaties to wrest out the occasion of so sudden a sorrow, but in vain, Tully was too secret and silent to make any show of his loves though he bought such secrecy with death. This grieved Lentulus who feeling himself every day to amend, perceived that Cicero daily waxed worse and worse. Lingering thus in inward passions, Terentia that took it discourteously at Tully's hand that he should force her Father to enforce her to love Lentulus, seeing she had only devoted herself as his, howsoever fortune should oppose herself; to ease her mind of some choler that boiled in her secret thoughts she took pen and ink and wrote him a letter to this effect.  
Terentia to Marcus Tullius Cicero health.  
AS my thoughts are secret and my loves extreme, so is unkindness bitter and the more uneasy borne. Thou playest Tully with me, as do the Leopards with there keeper; that ever wrong them most that give them greatest store of fodder. Are these Venus laws to pay honey with Gall, to make rods of nettles for Garlands of Roses, to hate them most that love most. The ingratitude of Tully hath drawn Terentia into this choler, and if I writ sharply blame me not that am used so shrewdly. Before I ever saw thy face I allowed thy favour, & only hearing of thy virtues with mine ear, I registered them up deeply in my heart. Terentia hath been courted of many, yet never made account of any: sundry have sought my loves, but they have returned with loss. Lentulus' the terror of the Parthians, the honour of the Romans and thy friend hath long wood, but what hath he won? only Tully hath obtained that which so many have missed, and yet he deals with Terentia as crabbedly as she used him courteously, do lovers for fishes proffer scorpions, or do they like the serpent sting him which cherisheth him up in his bosom. I seek to favour Tully and he importunate sues for favour for Lentulus. Art thou so deep a philosopher, as to deem friendship above marriage, or faith above fancy, or thy Terentia less than thy Lentulus? If it be so take heed that Terentia too much wronged scorns not both thee and Lentulus. women's thoughts consists oft in extréemes, and they that love most, if abused, hate most deadly, fear this and beware of my frown, as yet there is but one wrinkle in my brow, but if it once prove full of angry sorrows it will be too late to take hold of occasion behind: Thou art forewarned be forearmd and so farewell.  
Thy Terentia if thou wrong not Terentia.  
AFter she had written this Letter she caused it to be conveyed by Eutrapelus to Tully, who reading the contents found not a salve to cure his malady, but that Terentia rubbed the scare a fresh by shaking him up so sharply, yet coveting rather to die with an honourable mind to Lentulus, then with a discredit to enjoy beautiful Terentia, he laid his head on his pillow, and with many sighs bewrayed the depth of his sorrows. Having laid his letter at his bed's head overcharged with many cares poor Tully fell a sleep and so suddenly that Lentulus by the help of Eutrapelus got to have a sight of his letter. Assoon as the Gentleman saw how deeply Terentia was affected to his friend and perceived by the circumstances that he chose rather to die then to falsify his faith, such a secret love towards Tully so pierced the closet of his honourable thoughts that he ●ell to conceit but meanly of Terentia and to wish that his friend Cicero might both recover his health and his love. Now began the fancy of Lentulus to freeze that erst was so great a flame, and he that like the Salamander delighted to live in the fire, began to fear to accedere ad ignem, lest he should Calescere plus quam satis. Now he called to mind the resolution of Terentia tempered with frowardness, and with this he did proportion the virtues of Flavia mixed with courtesy, finding the favour of the one answerable to the beauty of the other. Then the faith of his friend, his sickness and extreme sorrows. These weighed with deep consideration he vowed to seek by all means how to win Terentia wholly for his friend Cicero. In this humour he conveyed the letter under his beds head and rested silent till occasion might offer him opportunity to discover the perfection of his amity. Thus grew Lentulus at one time from his sickness & his love, walking abroad & visiting Flaminius who entertained him in all sumptuous manner. But Lentulus seeing the three Ladies, made no show to Terentia nor scarce glanced a look upon her beauty, but only courted the Lady Flavia, who he found so agreeable and pliant to his suits, that Terentia and Cornelia might easily see how deeply they were linked in the league of affection. Leaving Tully thus sick on his bed and Lentulus in sweet content with Flavia, again to our new transformed Fabius who in this time proved one of the bravest Gentlemen in Rome, and finding a restless passion in his mind for the beauty of Terentia, as having continually before his eye the Idea of her person seeing by her means he was metamorphosed & brought to this perfection making the force of his love privy to his Father Vatinius, he was not only praised for his good choice, but willed to go forward in the optayning of his affections. Whereupon not willing to make a long harvest to a small crop, to prevent as he thought that none should cut the grass from under his feet, he went to terentia's Father and blunt●● craved his daughter in marriage. He knowing him to be of honourable parentage and of rich revenues, seeing she would not condescend unto Lentulus gave him his frank good will if he could creep into his daughter's favour, who taking the advantage of the time went to find out Terentia, who as then was very melancholy sitting with Flavia & Cornelia talking of the sickness of Tully. As they were thus in ●hat, came in Fabius who they straight knew & wondered at his strange alteration, he to show he could as well court it as the bravest young gentleman in Rome, began thus courteously to salute the Ladies.  
Marvel not Ladies if a country swain presume to attempt the presence of such rare excellencies seeing Oenone's shepherd durst with his eye survey the beauty of divine goddesses, and they to show they were as gracious and full of favours gave him the greatest minion that was counted the sweetest Peragon of the world. Earthly creatures you be, fair Romans, but heavenly faces, whose looks lighten divine influence into the thoughts of such as dare to contemplate your affections. I speak this as being the man that from the cart live in the court, thus metamophosed by your supernatural beauties. For which favour I am come in duty to rest a bounden voterie to your sweet selves. Terentia was so pensive for Tully's passions that she would make no answer: but Cornelia whom already Cupid had set on fire with Fabius' feature she returned him this reply.  
I remember Fabius that sitting in the grove by Arpinatum a gentle swain much like yourself, in proportion though not in properties, seeing we were slenderly guarded with a page conducted us home to Rome with his friendly company, if it be yourself, had we as brave a Lady as Helena was and were she in our power to bestow, we would make you master and sole possessor of her beauties so to reward your courtesy. Fabius seeing the mark so fair thought not to lose his shoot, but aims his level thus.  
And for that cause Ladies is Fabius come that his mée● may not want his merit, glad that Venus' dews down such favours, and opportunity such showers of good fortunes to find you all here in so fit a time. For know honourable Romans' that for my gross and rude nature hating the civil behaviour of the city. I was surnamed Fabius: in which obscure life I lived having my senses eclipsed with folly, till the gods grudging at nature's spite, sent you three to be ministers of my happiness. For coming into the grove where you lay all a sleep casting mine eye on the beauty of Terentia: Such a deep impression was figured in my mind, that I felt an unacquainted motion with a mild reverence to think well of her perfection: surveying her singular beauties, I fell so far in love with her excellency, that from the country I came to the city, & how since by her gracious sight I have metamorphosed myself your own ears and the wonder of Rome is best ablè to witness. Then Ladies I count the renewing of my life to come from the feature of Terentia, and that she not as Diana changed me from a man to be a beast, but contrary full of favour hath reduced me from a sensual beast to a perfect reasonable man. How deeply then I ought to be vowed to her whose sight is the wellspring of my happiness, let the greatness of my benefit make manifest. In so much as feeding my thoughts with the contemplation of terentia's beauty, I have been thus transformed, but withal so surprised with her love that as I have gained a second essence by her sweet self, so I have lost myself within the labyrinth of her looks, that I remain her captive while it pleaseth her to grant me liberty. Be then brave Roman Dames, impartial doomers of my suit, whether my deserts crave not Love that thus have been changed for her love. My Parents are Senators, my revenues inferior to none, old Vatitinius glad of my choice, and terentia's father thrice happy if his daughter might like of Vatinius. Now rests it only in terentia's power to make me blessed or infortunate. At this discourse of Fabius, the Ladies were astonished, and Terentia galled to the quick with this demand held her tongue, till Cornelia and Flavia, looking earnestly upon her, asked her what answer she made to Fabius. Such quoth she as I returned to Lentulus, for know sir if either the honour of a Soldier, the dignity of a Roman, the revenues of a Senators son, or the deep impression of fancy might have drawn Terentia to love, I had been ere this the wife & paramour of Lentulus. But not the courage of Hector that won Andromache, nor the wisdom of Ulysses that entangled Calypso, nor the beauty of Priamus son that drew Greece in arms to Troy, these perfections if combined in one man should not move Terentia to listen to the allurements of Venus: not that I make light esteem of Lentulus, or that I hold small account of Fabius, as two chief mirrors of our Roman gentlemen: But that either my vows are resolute to Vesta, or if Cupid hath taken me by the heel, it was before Lentulus came from Parthia, or you from Arpinatum: so that conclude howsoever it is I cannot become affectionate to Fabius. At this reply Fabius stood so amated as if he had been an unwelcome guest at the feast of Perseus, which Cornelia noting, deeply in love with Fabius she told him thus. Nor may you Fabius think much at this repulse sith Lentulus and you are in one predicament, now both become gainers in liberty, that have been losers in love: and either get the willow garland and so mourn for your Lady's frown, or seek a mistress that may show you more favour: For as for Terentia she hath chosen, and none must please her but Orators. If there be Fabius but one Sun that is thought the beauty of heaven, yet there be planets that though not in shine, yet in influence are as virtuous: what there be Ladies I mean of such course die as myself and Flavia, that when Terentia is once married, look for husbands. Fabius hearing Cornelia thus pleasant, noted this quip that none must please her but Orators, which made Terentia blush for anger, and Fabius to make this answer. I know no Orators in Room quoth he whose years are answerable to terentia's thoughts but only Marcus Tullius Cicero, and if it be he, I swear by the fitch that gave him his surname, Terentia shall be mistress of a goodly Cottage in Arpinatum. Terentia hearing Fabius to give Tully the frump answered thus.  
The more his fortune if it be he whose virtues hath made him master of his own desires, for his lands in Arpinatum as they be little, yet shall his lack be counteruaild with his loves: and if he hath not one to enrich him with dowry, yet I may perhaps content him with beauty. And therefore Fabius to take away all suppositions, it is Tully, & none but Tully that shall enjoy Terentia. And quoth Fabius in great choler, nor Tully, nor none besides Tully, but Fabius shall enjoy Terentia. Whereupon departing without taking his farewell, going unto her father and discoursing unto him that Tully was the man that his daughter had chosen for her husband: swearing that his sword ere it were long should end their loves. Although Flaminius were grieved, yet he sought to pacify Fabius, but in vain: for he fling out of the doors in a rage, and went to Milos house to seek Tully. Where breathing out many despiteful threats against the Orator, it came at last to Lentulus' ear. Who now to make manifest the deep affection he bore to Cicero, trooping himself with a crew of the Praetextati, and chief Roman gentlemen that had been soldiers and trained up with him in the wars, he went to seek out Fabius: and found him with certain his companions about the Capitol. Lentulus not brooking the brave of any, as carrying the heart of a Conqueror, singled out Fabius, and after some words they fell to blows: but Fabius' part were the weaker, so that many were wounded, and some slain. Upon this the next day parts were taken, the people began to mutiny, and to fall to intestine and civil jars: that as in the time of Scylla and Marius, so the streets were filled with armed Soldiers. The Senators seeing what bloody stratagems would ensue of this strife if it were not pacified: sent for the Consuls, and charged them to raise up some of the Legions and to bring Lentulus, Tully and Fabius, the next day to the senate house, with Terentia and her father. They obeying their command put this charge in execucution, and so qualifying somewhat the fury of the people, brought these three wooers with Terentia before the whole state of Room. Where being arrived Tully fearful of nature and sick, yet somewhat strengthened with the sight of his mistress, being glad Lentulus was his friend in his loves, after due reverence began thus.  

Tully's Oration to the Senate.  
COnscript Fathers and grave Senators of Room, I was borne in Arpinatum of base parentage, the first of the Cicero's that ever pleaded in Rostro, or bare title in the city. If then advanced by your favours to these fortunes, I should aspire without proportion to climb beyond my degree, let me be the first and last whose presumption shall grow to this prejudice. The temple of janus in Room hath her gates shut, the s●reetes are full of armed men, the stones of the Capitol blusheth at the blood of Romans shed against her walls: and all this mutiny (cry mine adversaries) grows from Tully. Not that Tully was then out of his bed, but that men of poor families lifted up to honour are soon bitten with envy. I appeal grave Senators for my life to your own censures: if ever I have not been more careful to profit my country, then desirous of preferment for my labours. But what then say the people is cause of such broils, Terentia the daughter of Flaminius, that firebrand that set Troy to cinders. Beauty is like to bring Room to confusion: For the greatest houses and families are divided, the Lentuly and Vatinij, and this for Terentia. Let the cause be examined before the Senators, and as they hear so let them doom, Lentulus chosen by the Senate, was sent Captain ever many Legions against the Parthians, where he tied fortune to his thoughts: and by his great victories and conquests set up trophies of Roman chivalry. Returning with glory to Room, having set in his place Lepidus, he was enamonred not only of the beauty but virtues of Terentia: the fame of whose excellency was spread amongst the Parthians. Coveting to match with so honourable a Lady, he courted her, but in vain: not that she disdained Lentulus, but that she had fixed her fancy before she saw Lentulus: and the platform of love is able to receive but one impression. If honours, if conquests, if parentage, if revenues, if courage, if goods of fortune, body, or mind, might have won Terentia, all this was united in young Lentulus: But Love that liketh without exceptions, had overbard her heart with such former fancies, as the passionate suit of Lentulus could have no entrance. His thoughts were extreme, and the disquiet of his mind brought a disease to his body. But when he knew that Terentia loved his friend, he appeased his passions, and rested content with his fortunes. The unconstant goddess whose smiles are overshadowed frowns, not content honour should spring up without envy: sends Terentia to walk abroad towards Arpinatum where then Fabius lived, as famous for his rustic and uncivil life, as now he is wondered at for his brave and courtly behaviour. Spying Terentia he was as Lentulus snared in her beauty, that the Romans to report a miracle said love made him of a clown brave & resolute gentleman. The excellency of Terentia having new polished nature in Fabius, he sues for her favour, but her thoughts that were forepointed with other passions, entreats him to bridle affection and to make a conquest of himself by subduing the force of fancy, seeing her resolution was directed to love none but one, and that was Tully. This word grave Senators and Romans sounding basely in the ears of Fabius, caused him take arms, and Lentulus to defend his friend Cicero, as for him before had lost his love, so he meant to lose his life and withstood him in the face. Thus grew this mutiny not against beauty for it is a chief good of itself, nor against Tully for he is mean and unworthy to be revenged by arms, but against Terentia because she vouchsafed to love Tulllie. This Romans is the cause of this mutiny to suppress which let Tully die, for rather had he pacify this strife by death then see the meanest Roman fall on the sword. The common people at this began to mumur, pleased with the plausible Oration of Tully, which one of the Senators seeing, stood up and said thus. Terentia? Cicero here hath showed reasons why thou shouldst love Lentulus and Fabius, but what reason canst thou infer to love so mean a man as Tully. Terentia blushing made this answer. Before so honourable an audience as these grave Senators and worthy Roman Citizens women's reasons would seem no reasons, especially in love which is without reason, therefore I only yield this reason, I love Cicero not able to ratify my affection with any strong reason, because love is not circumscript within reasons limits, but if it please the Senate to pacify this mutiny, let Terentia leave to live, because she cannot leave to love and only to love Cicero. At this she wept and stained her face with such a pleasing vermilion die, that the people shouted none but Cicero. Whereupon before the Senate Tully and Terentia were betrothed, Lentulus and Fabius made friends, and the one named Lentulus as the Annals make mention married to Flavia, and Fabius wedded to the worthy Cornelia.  
FINIS.