PERIMEDES The blacksmith, A golden method, how to use the mind in pleasant and profitable exercise: Wherein is contained special principles fit for the highest to imitate, and the meanest to put in practice, how best to spend the weary winter's nights, or the longest summers Evenings, in honest and delightful recreation: Wherein we may learn to avoid idleness and wanton scurrility, which divers appoint as the end of their pastimes. Herein are interlaced three merry and necessary discourses fit for our time: with certain pleasant Histories and tragical tales, which may breed delight to all, and offence to none.  
Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci.  
LONDON Printed by john Wolf, for Edward White. 1588.   

To the Right worship. Geruis Cliffton Esquire, Robert green wisheth increa●e of worship and Virtue.  
NO sooner, Right worshipful, was Alexander come to ripe years, but his father Philip presented him a book and a horse; the one, to signify his delight in letters; the other, his desire to martial endeavours: Pallas had her spear, and her pen; counted as well the patroness of scholars, as of soldiers: And Alexander forenamed, no sooner laid off his helmet, but he took in hand Homer's Iliads; scarce come from handling his weapon with his master Parmenio, but he fell to parley of study with his Tutor Aristotle; counting the profit that he reaped by philosophy, little less than the gains he got by his great conquest. These premises considered, hearing how your worship in the prime of your youth, not only delighted in martial activity, but favoured the study of good letters, as a Maecenas and patron of such virtuous labours, I resolved, if I could not hang at the shrine of Apollo beautiful instruments, yet to deck his altars with ●ay garlands: and if my want hindered me from offering to Minerva great volumes, yet I adventured to strew her temple with lose papers, though my ability was not sufficient to present your worship with any work worth the viewing, yet I presumed as spurred forward by the report of your courtesy, and fame of your virtues, to dedicate this little pamphlet to your worship, containing the tattle between a Smith and his wife, full of diverse precepts interlaced with delightful histories, which if they profit some, and please others, let them return the end of both to your worship, for whom this work was first taken in hand: but howsoever it delights or discontents, so it fit your humour, and pass with your gracious acceptance, I shall hit th● mark I aimed at, and so lest I should shape Hercules' shoe for a child's foot, I commit your worship to the Almighty.  
Your worships to command, Robert Greene..   

To the Gentlemen readers, Health.  
GEntlemen I dare not step awry from my wont method, first to appeal to your favourable courtesies, which ever I have found (howsoever plausible) yet smothered with a milde-silence: the small pamphlets that I have thrust forth how you have regarded them I know not, but that they have been badly rewarded with any ill terms I never found, which makes me the more bold to trouble you, and the more bound to rest yours every way, as ever I have done: I keep my old course, to palter up some thing in Prose, using mine old poesy still, Omne tulit punctum, although lately two Gentlemen Poets, made two mad men of Rome beat it out of their paper bucklers: & had it in derision, for that I could not make my verses jet upon the stage in tragical buskins, every word filling the mouth like the faburden of Bo-Bell, daring God out of heaven with that Atheist Tamburlan, or blaspheming with the mad priest of the soon: but let me rather openly pocket up the Ass at Diogenes hand: then wantonly set out such impious instances of intolerable poetry, such mad and scoffing poets, that have prophetical spirits as bred of Merlin's race, if there be any in England that set the end of scollarisme in an English blank verse, I think ●●ther it is the humour of a novice that tickles them with self-love, or to much frequenting the hot house (to use the German proverb) hath sweat out all the greatest part of their wits, which wastes Gradatim, as the Italians sav Poco à poco. If I speak darkly Gentlemen, and offend with this digression, I crave pardon, in that I but answer in print, what they have offered on the Stage: but leaving these fantastical scholars, as judging him that is not able to make choice of his chaffer, but a peddling chapm●n, at l●st to Perymedes the Black Smith, who sitting in his holi-dai-sute, to enter parley with his wife, smudged up in her best apparel, I present to your favours. If he please, I have my desire, if he but pass I shallbe glad. If neither, I vow to make amends in my Oepharion, which I promise to make you merry with the next term: And thus resting on your wont courtesies, I bid you farewell.  
Yours as ever he hath been, R. Greene..   

Au R. green Gentilhomme, Sonnet.  
EVphues qui a bien connu fils-ais●é d'Eloquence,  
Son propre frere puisné te pourroit reconnoistre  
Par tes beaux escrits, GREEN, tu fais apparoistre  
Que de la docte Soeur tu as pris ta naissance.  
Marot & de-Mornay pour le language Francois:  
Pour l'Espaignol Gueuare, Boccace pour le Toscan:  
Et le gentle Sleidan refait l●Allemand:  
GREEN & Lylli tous deux raffineurs de l●Anglois.  
GREEN a son Marshal monstrant son arte divine,  
Moulé d'vne bell Idée: sa plume essorée  
Vole viste & haute en parolle empennée;  
Son style d'vn beau discourse portant la vraie mine.  
Courage, donc ie-dis, mon amy GREEN, courage,  
Mesprise des chiens, corbeaux & chathuans la rage:  
Et (glorieux) endure leur malignante fury.  
Zoyle arrear, arrear Momus chien enragé,  
Furieux mastin hurlant au croissant argenté,  
A GREEN iamais nuyre sauroit ta calumny.  
I. Eliote.   

Perymedes.  
THere dwelled, as the Annual records of Egypt makes mention, in the City of Memphis, a poor man called Perymedes, whom Fortune envying from his infancy, had so thwarted with contrary constellation, that although he had but his wife and himself to relieve by his manuel labours, yet want had so wrong him by the finger, that oft the greatest cheer they had, was hunger, and their sweetest sauce content: yet Fame willing to supply what fortune had faulted with defect, so rewarded poor Perymedes with the glory of report, that he was not only loved and liked of all his neighbours, but known for his contented poverty through all the Confines of Egypt. The man coveting although he were poor, to be counted virtuous, first eschewed idleness, the moth that sorest and soon infecteth the mind with many mischiefs, and applied himself so to his work, being a Smith, that he thought no victuals to have their taste which were not purchased by his own sweat. Proud he was not, as one whom poverty had checked with to great disgrace, and yet we see that self love hangs in the heart not in the habit, that Plato durst say (Calco fastidium-Diogenis) meaning that the poor Cynic was as insolent in his patched cloak, as Alexander the great in all his royalty. Envy, of all othervites he did eschew, as a canker so pestilent to an honest mind, that it suffereth quiet not so much as to pry into the motions of the heart. Covetous h● was not, as one that sought by his hands thrift to satisfy his own necessity: and if any surplusage were granted by good luck, he slept not sound on saturday at night, till he his wife and his neighbours had merrily and honestly spent it at a homely banquet. He wanted nothing, as one that against all spite of Fortune opposed patience, and against necessity content: And yet Fortune that she might not be thought to injurious, in am of all her other dissavours lent him a wife of his own conditions, whom he loved more than himself, for the poor woman although she was barren and had no children, yet was she of a very pure and perfect complexion, and withal of such good behaviour, first in love and duty to her husband, and then in friendly and familiar conversation with her neighbour's, that she was thought a wife fit for so honest a husband. These two thus beloved of all the inhabitants of Memphis, prescribed themselves such an order of life, as diverse men of great calling, sought to be careful imitators of their method: for suffering no private jars to come within their poor cottage, as a thing most prejudicial to an Economical estate, no sooner had these two past away the day, he at his hammers, and she at the bellows, for boy they had none, but that sitting themselves to supper, they satisfied nature with that their labour did get, and their calling allow, and no sooner had they taken their repast, but to pass the rest of the evening merely they fell to pleasant chat between themselves, sometime discoursing of what came first in their heads, with Pro & contra, as their natural logic would grant them leave, other while with merry tales, honest, and tending to some good end without either lasciousnesse or scurrility, thus ever they passed away the night: and for that the Egyptians, as a great monument kept diverse of their discourses, which some by chance had overheard, and put down as a jewel in their library, I mean as their records do rehearse, to set down in brief two of their nightsprattle, which although homely told, yet being honestand pleasant, I thought they would bread● some conceited delight to the hearers, and therefore thus.  

The first nights discourse.  
NO sooner had Perymedes and his wife Delia, for so was her name, ended their days work, and taken their repast, but sitting safely in their simple cottage by a little fire. Perymedes begun thus solemnly and sadly to enter into a discourse, I can not think wife, but if we measure all our actions with a true proportion, that we have supped as daintily as the proudest in all the City of Memphis, for the end of delicates is but to satisfy nature, which is so partial in her desires, that were not our vicious minds drowned in gluttony, content would seal up her request with a very small pittance, but such is the course of the world now a dai●●, that every man seeks with Philoxenus to have his neck as long as a Crane, that he may with more pleasure swill in the sweet taste of their superfluous dainties. But wife, since I can remember here in Memphis, Psamnetichus our king, was of so sparing a diet, that being demanded by an Ambassador, what Caters he had for his household, made answer, his Cook and his stomach: in seeming by this that his Cook bought no more in the shambles than would satisfy what his stomach desired. But now wife, every mean man must be so curious in his fare, that we are rather to be counted Epicurians then Egyptians, and our Chaldees have more skill in a cup of wine than in a library, which superfluity breedeth both beggary to many, and diseases to all. For so they drown themselves in the bottomless sea of gluttony, as at last they make their bodies a subject for the Physician, thinking that the temperature of their complexions can never be well affected, unless their stomachs be made a very apothecaries shop, by receiving a multitude of simples and drugs, so to settle their wavering constitution: those men that wed themselves to such inordinate excess, find diverse and sundry passions to torment the stomach and all the body, which no sooner pains them, but strait, as experience is a great mistress, they calculate the nature of the disease, and strait ●●ye to purging, to phlebotomy, to fomentations, & such medicinal decretals, according to the interior or exterior nature of the disease, where as perhaps some slender fault is the efficient cause of such a momentany passion, better to be cured by time than physic. But excess in diet (wi●e) breedeth this restless desire, and so many are the diseases incident by our own superfluities, that every one had need to have an Herbal tied at his girdle: well I have heard my father say, that he was but one day sick in all his life time, being then also through over much labour fallen into a fever. And this perfect temperature of the body, did not proceed from the diversities of potions and dainty delicates, but by a true proportion of exercise and diet: which Zeno the Philosopher noted well to be true, who being of a very weak and tender constitution, subject oft to sickness, yet never kept his bed. Being demanded of a Lacedaemonian, what preservatives he did use, Zeno willing to be brief in his answers, showed then a piece of bread & a dish of water, with a strong bow of Steel, meaning by this Enigma to discover unto them, that he razed out his diseases by exercise and fasting, as two especial points necessary for the perfecting of man's health.  
You say truth husband, quoth Delia, for oft have I heard my mother say, that three things are the chiefest delicates, which who so useth, shall live long and happily: Hunger, quiet, and mirth, but to aver your sayings to be true, every one seeks to attain the contrary, which causeth such sudden death & perilous diseases: more perish by gluttony than by the sword, for in stead of hunger men seek to satisfy nature with excess, for quiet, envy at others happiness, presents a stratagem, for mirth melancholy, and covetous humours, how most greedily to gain, thus every one seeks that time and experience proves most prejudicial, but the time hath been, yea Perymedes, and within my remembrance, when the inhabitants of Memphis knew not what riot and ill diet meant, but every man applying himself to frugality, coveted to be thought honest and virtuous, where as now a days the meanest doth desire to be thought proud and sumptuous. While Numa Pompilius banished excess out of Rome, there was no drugs brought to the city from Afri●●: whil● Romulus drunk no wine, excess was not noted amongst his subjects, neither had a Physician any palm● in his dominions, till his successors Caligula, Nero, and the rest assigned Trophies, and Triumphs, for such as best could play the part of Epicures: and because my good Perymedes we be set alone by the fire, (and with this she recht him a friendly Bezo les labros) and none here but ourselves, thou shalt so what long I have kept close in my chest, certain precepts of physic that long since were given by one of the Caldees to Pharaoh the last king of Memphis, of that strename, which for that they were precious, as well for the doctrine as the method, I have kept them as de●e as I did my virginity before I met thee, and with that she hied her to her hutch, where she set out an old piece of parchment, where was written as followeth.  

Certain precepts of household physic, given by Rabbi Bendezzar, one of the Chaldees, to Pharaoh the king of Memphis.  
COnsidering right mighty sovereign, that duty brooketh not exceptions of time, but that the reverent service of an honest mind is tied to his Lord, as carefully in sickness as in health: although want, the enemy to desire, hath not stored my library with Galen, Avicen, nor Hippocrates, yet dutiful affection willing to make supply presented from the garden of my thoughts certain receipts, compounded of sundry simples, which I beseech your highness to apply as shall best stand with your favourable opinion.  
First to present an Aphorism which Avicen grudged to pen down, 
The w●●● the wo●●● payma●●●  as an enemy to that science, receive twenty ounces of merry conceits, pounded in the mortar of a quiet resolution, use this powder in your morning and evening potions, forbearing to much exercise of mind, as prejudicial to the body: Sith the world the paimistresseof virtuous endeavours hath all her coffers filled with forgetful ingratitude.  
And sith sickness desires company, and sundry sorts presents themselves to a solitary man, use a charm so precious as Galen feared to bewray amidst his principles: writ over your chamber door in Silver letters, Neque medicus si mo●●sus: by this spell you shall forbid Melancholy entrance, ●●e sorest enemy to man's health, 
●●lancho●●, the so●● enemy 〈◊〉 man's ●●alth.  whose operations, as th●y are secret, so they are mortal. If this should fail, receive an experiment confirmed with Probatum est. Take the sweet herb called pleasant content, with that make a perfume about your b●d chamber, and where you dine, the savour of this is as sure a repulse to exile melancholy, as the Ostracism was to the noble of Athens.  
Science a mo●ster that waiteth upon Opportunity, presents by her s●l●e to a sick person in sundry shap●s, some breeding profit, 
〈◊〉 description of a consition.  others prejudice to avoid her illusion, note this: when she comes with a plausible speech, her attire black in damask or velvet, a side gown, a large cape, holding in the one hand a glass of goats milk to restore, in the other some secret drug to purge suspect, 
●he marks 〈◊〉 a good ●●hi●ition.  and grant no admittance, unless you see about her three marks: In her forehead the figure of mirth, in her bosom the portraiture of conscience, and the mouth of her purse sealed with the signet of content, marked thus, use her as a friend, and send her away rewarded.  
In that sickness is passionate, and choler the herald of melancholy inflicteth many griefs by overflowing of the gall, to suppress his envious furi●, 
patience a ●●ecious ●●mple.  take an herb of a mild savour, yet very precious called patience, his virtue is restrictive & expulsive, ●nitting conte●t to the mind, and driving out disquiet from the thoughts.  
The ancient Alchemists reposed great trust in their Philosopher's stone, as the most necessary i● well to draw out quintesses for restoratives. But our lat● Physicians have found out a singular mineral, 
●●ope a singular pre●●ruatiue.  called Hope, applin this to your stomach as a sovereign simple against disquiet & fear, two passions incident to many patients.  
Albertus Magnus in h●s secrets, sets down the nature of sundry herbs, some to procure mirth, other sleep, according to their particular virtues, but our late practitioners, have found a root, 
●●arts ease 〈◊〉 defensory against grief.  whose operation comprehendeth all those properties, which they cal● Hearts ease, this apply to your left side both day and night, in sickness and in health, as a defensory against ensuing griefs, a preserver of present quiet, and a medicine general for any passionate disease. Thus right mighty sovereign, though not as a Physician, for that our times and di●ts brook not her ariomes, yet as a poor and dutiful well-willer, I have s●t down son●●●● simples sit for receipts, which if it shall stand with your ●●ghn●sse good liking to apply, I shall rest as ever I have done an earn●st suitor to the almighty, that their operation may take wished effect, as well for recovery, as for preserving your health.  
Rabbi Bendezzar.   
THey had no sooner scanned ever this writing, but Perymedes began to accuse the iniquity of their time, that had made such difference in medicinal precepts, & therefore burst forth into these terms, well wife, thus fares the course of the world, to decline ever to the worst, for when Rabbi Bendezzar set down these principles to Pharaoh, no doubt Epicures had not yet erected any Academy in Egypt, but since his time, excess hath taken such an interest in the minds of men, that his reasons would be counted follies, in that every axiom showeth not the art of an Apothecary, but leaving such to their follies, how happy are we that eat to live, and live not to eat, who count it a banquet to suffice nature with any thing, having our health, when greater potentate's are pai●●● with surfeits. Well husband quoth Delia, seeing we are content with our poverty, and make a virtue of necessity, let us not (nimis altum ●apere) not stretch our strings so high as to meddle with our superiors, but rest quiet at the delight of our own estate, and therefore seeing the night is yet long, and our fire is like to last, and this discourse sufficiently discussed, say husband, 
The husband's 〈◊〉 a law to 〈◊〉 honest wi●e.  how shall we spend the rest of the evening, for what you set down I hold for law. In deed wi●e quoth Perymedes, it is ill meddling further, than the latchet: the For had his ski●● pulled over his ears, for prying into the lions dens: poor men should look no hire th●n their feet, lest in staring at stars they stumble. If others offend and become vicious that are rich, it little booteth us that are poor to reprehend them, for it reapeth often revenge, but the best reward is envy. Clitus, who was a mighty Lord, and friend to Alexander, was slain for his good admonition: Mighty men cannot brook the touch of their ill, and therefore ●i●e we will this night pass away the time in telling some pleasant and merry tale, so shall we beguile the evening wi●h some pleasure, eschew idleness, the wellspring of many mischiefs, and banish vain thoughts, that breed disquiet and discontent, myself will tell one, and thou shalt tell another. Delia by being silent, seemed to consent, and so Perymedes began his tale in this manner.  

Perymedes tale.  
IN the kingdom of tire, while Euribates reigned as sovereign, there governed under him as his lieutenant, one Prestynes a noble man, better beloved for his justice, then favoured by fortune, who having a Lady of no less parentage than virtue, and yet accounted the most honourable Matron in all the East parts, lived peaceably in his province, till Voltarus king of Sydon attempted the invasion of tire, & finding fortune favourable to his desires, made a conquest of the land, killing Euribates, an● leading Prestynes prisoner to Sydon: Which news no sooner came to the cares of his wife Mariana, for so was her name, but fearing the violent hands of the enemy, ●eing big with child, and having an other of two years o● age, showeth a few jewels which she had kept secret in a Cashet, imparked herself in a little frigate, intending her course to Lippary, where her friends dwelled: but fortune who meant to make her a mirror of her inconstancy, as it were entering a league with Neptune, drove her upon the coast of Decapolis, where perforce she was forced to land, not remaining on shore three days, before in the company of an other gentlewoman that was nurse to her son, she was brought to bed of a man child, whom she called Infortunio, distressed thus, she passed away many days till a fair wind might serve to transport her to Lippary, which coming about according to the mariners mind, they caused the Lady to send her two infants a board with their nurse, she herself solitarily walking by the shore till the cockboat came again to fetch her. But the destinies who are impartial in their resolutions, having intended a worse mishap, gave her a sorer mate in this manner: no sooner had they shipped the silly babes, but that a Bark of Coursayres and pirates came by, who seeing this ship not ●●●atly manned for defence, bare towards it, and boarded it, ●●●rying away, both vessel and mariners as a prise, which M●riana seeing, she sent forth shrieks as entreaties to pers●●●● them to return, & most pitiful renting of her hair, made ●●gnes of her sorrows, but in vain, for she got nothing but doleful echoes of her complaints, which struck such a grief into her mind, that she fell down in a sound, till at last coming to herself, finding she was deprived of husband, children, country, friends, yea and left all alone in a desert, surcharged with grief, she sat her down by the shore, and fell into these piteous passions.  
Infortunate Mariana, whom fortune or some contrary fate above fortune hath sought to make a special object of hapless and distressed misery, seest thou not a dismal influence, to inflict a despairing chaos of confused mishaps, art thou not first by the unjust destinies bereft of Prestynis thy husband, exiled thy country, a place as precious as life, separated from thy friends, she sweetest comfort, but now deprived of thy children, 
Friend countr●●deate t● man.  in whose company there did consist the salve for all the forenamed miseries. Ah Mariana, sigh and sob at these sorrows, but what avails showers when the harvest is past, or grief when actions cannot be amended by passions. Now Mariana, dost thou see that Fortune, that fiend and graceless monster, 
The dis●●ton of ●●●●tune.  the double facced daughter of janus, whose pleasure is inconstancy, whose thoughts are variable, whose temples are strewed with roses and nettles, and whose sacrifices savour of most infectious incenses: are not all her gifts perilous, seem they never so precious? doth she enrich thee with treasure, fear that in the other hand she holds poverty, to check thy presumption: doth she advance thee with honour and dignity, know such favours are brittle, and her bravest seats are made of glass: if with friends, alas, she presents amidst their troops feigned affections, and flattery: thus every way her favours are mortal, and the more glistering, the more prejudicial. Too late poor Lady, hast thou tried these premises for truth, thyself an instance of her inconstancy: What then shalt thou do, 
 being thus infortunate: hope thou canst not, sith thy present mishap tells thee, fortune hath resolved thine overthrow: despair then Mariana, despair and die, so shalt thou glut the ruthless destinies with a most baleful Stratagem: since thy husband, thy children, have been the first actors, end thou desperately such a doleful tragedy: let fortune see how thou scorns to be infortunate: fear not death which is the end of sorrow, and beginning of bliss: but to thee Mariana, that lying in distress, yet die happy: let not despair ever enter within thy thoughts, grace not fortune so much in her wilfulness, be patiented, and so spite her with content, for her greatest grief is to see her crosses borne with an indifferent mind. Time, Mariana, is the nurse of hope, and oft thwarteth fortune in her decrees, than there up thyself, and lead here a solitary life in this desert, with such patience, as making a virtue of necessity, then drown all despairing conceits with content. I but alas, my children, my poor babes, scarce known to fortune, before envied by fortune, and with that casting her eye to the Sea, she was so overpressed with sorrow, as she could not utter any word more, but melting into tears, sat a long time in secret and sorrowful meditation, till at last with a deep sigh she groaned forth these words. 
 Hope and patience, and with that she rose, and resolved to live as a savage woman, till death or some better destiny, might mitigate some part of her martyrdom. In this resolution, she went and sought her out a Cave, which she trimmed up, with boughs, making her in steed of her beds of down, a couch of moss, and leaves: her sauce was hunger: her food, the fruits of the earth. And thus she lay there by the space of two or three year, unseen, or unknown of any body. Fortune not brooking her own bitterness, seeing how patiented the Lady was in her miseries, determined to add some relief to her passions, which she brought to pass in this manner. The ●e●pot of Decapolis and his wife, for solace sake, being one day, road on hunting, by chance, in pursuit of a Stag, which they had in chase, lost their way, and happened into that desert where they had not wandered long, but they met Mariana in savage manner, almost naked, her hair of amber colour, hanging down to her feet, her face shrivelled, and parched with the Sun, in so much as thus disguised, and deformed, as well with her ill diet, and the weather, as with her sorrow, she seemed some Satire, borne and bread in that desert. The Despot and his wife, amazed at this sudden sight, stood still, narrowly marking the gesture of Mariana, who was playing with a little Fawn, which she had nursed up, till at last she casting up her eyes, and seeing them there, arose hastily, & was ready to departed, but the Despot, who desired to know what she might be, drawing more nigh, perceived by the lineament of her face, that she had been a woman of good proportion, began to salute her in this manner. Woman, Satire, Nymph, or whatsoever thou be, that linest thus as a savage creature, in the deserts, tell me of courtesy, as to a stranger that pities thy estate, whether thou be bred here, and so naturally wedded to this brutish kind of life: or if some misfortune hath led thee to this extreme mishap, that so either I may marvel at such a strange breed, or else both pity, and seek to relief thy misery. Mariana hearing the Despot speak thus honourably and friendly, made no answer at all, but staring in his face, called to remembrance her former estate, and shamed at her present wretchedness, so that the tears standing in her eyes, the burden of evermuch sorrow made her a long while silent, yet at last coming more near, she made him this answer.  
Courteous stranger, if I overslip either duty or reverence, due to thy calling, think my savage life leads me to such ignorance, 
Ingrat●●tudeo● never 〈◊〉 used.  and therefore the more worthy of pardon, but whatsoever thou be, king or keisar, know this, I am no satire, but a woman distressed, and placed ●ere by the envy of fortune, where time and patience hath learned me to li●e content; for thy pity I return thanks ●s one whom these mother unknown, for the space of a year: in which time, Marcelia the daughter of the Despot, noting the perfection of Procidor, began at the altars of Vesta to offer smoking thoughts at the shrine of Venus. For women's eyes delight in the variety of objects, the maid seeing that the sharpness of his wit (a spark that soonest inflameth desire) was answerable to the shape of his body, and that his mind was adorned with so many sundry go●d qualities: that if his fortune had been equal to his face, his deserts might have made him a Prince, she began so far to enter into the considerations ●f his virtues, that hazarding too rashly into so dangerous a labyrinth, 
●●ue a pe●●us la●●rinth.  she felt her mind begin to alter, and her affections to stoop to such a state as repent she might, but recall she could n●t. But taking these thoughts for passionate joys, that might b● thrust out at pleasure, cursing love that attempted such a change, and blaming the baseness of her mind, that would make such a choice, to avoid the Siren that enchanted her with such deceitful melody, she called to her bedfellow Mariana for a Lute, whereupon war●ling a meri● galliard, 
●●sick mi●●ats not 〈◊〉. , she thought to beguile such unacquainted passions, but fin●ing ●hat music was but to quench the flame with oil, feeling the assaults to be so sharp as her mind was rea●y to yield as vanquished: she began with divers considerations to suppress the frantic affections, calling to mind that Procidor was her father's servant, a man of mean and base parentage, for his birth not to be looked at of the daughter of a Despot, much less to be loved of one of her degree, thinking what a discredit it were to herself, what a grief to her parents, what a sorrow to her friends, yea, what a mighty shame should be guerdon to such a monstrous fault. Blaming fortune, and accursing her own folly, that should be so fond as but once to harbour such a thought, as to stoop so low as to her father's hireling. As thus she was raging against herself, love fea●ed if she dallied long, to lose her Champion, and ther● fear st●pping more nigh, gave her such a fresh wound as pierced hit at the very heart, that she was feign to yield, maugre her former considerations, and forsaking all company, to get her in her closet, where being solemnly set, she burst forth ●nto ●●●se passionate terms.  
Unhappy Marcelia, hath fame hitherto feared to speak ill of thy thoughts, and shall report dare to misconstrue of thine actions, hath Decapolis honoured thee for thy virtues, and shall now all the world wonder at thee for thy vanities, hast thou vows thyself to Vesta, and wilt thou run after Venus? wilt thou be counted a precedent of virginity, and yet subject thyself to unbridled fancy? No Marcelia, there is no sweeter friend than liberty, nor no worse enemy than inconsiderate affection: the thoughts of Ladies, Marcelia, as they are worthy, so ought they to look no lower than honour, Blush then at thy fortunes, thy choice, thy love, sith thy thoughts cannot be contrived without secret shame, nor thy affections uttered without open discredit: far are these fancies, or rather follies, unfit for thy birth. Hast thou not heard Marcelia as an oracle from Apollo, that it is better to perish with high desire, then to live in base thoughts. And yet Procidor is beautiful, a favour fond fool framed to feed the eye, not to fret the heart: he is wise, truth, but poor, and want is an enemy to fancy: Tush, being both beautiful and wise, why should he not be loved, wilt thou so far forget thyself, as to suffer affection to entangle thee with such had conjectures? no, consider how such a match will be most dismal to thy father, most grievous to thy friends, prejudicial to thyself, and most gladsome to thy ●oes, the greatest grief of all, sith the smile of a foe that proceedeth from envy, is worse than the tear● of a friend that cometh of pity. These premises then duly considered, prefer not a Barley corn before a precious jewel: set not a fading content before a perpetual dishonour: suppress thy affections, and cease to lou● him whom thou couldst not love, unless blinded with to much love. As thus she was perplexed with sundry passions, Mariana came to seek her in her closet, whereupon she ceased her complaints, hoping that time would wear out that which fond love and fortune had wrought, but all w●s in 〈◊〉: for so did the remembrance of her late conceived lo●e●●lienate her thoughts from her wont disposition, that sh●●e and dishonour, the greatest preventers of mishap, 
Vnpossi●● to conce●● love.  were no means to dissuade her from her determined affect●●●●● In so much that not possible to hide fire in t●e straw, 〈◊〉 to smother up fancy in youth, she bore such a favourable countenance to Procidor, that not only herself, but the rest of the house marveled at her submiss familiarity. Yet in that she had hitherto trodden her shoe so even, as no step was so much as thought awry, they construed all to the best, and thought her favours toward Procidor proceeded as a reward for his virtues, not from a regard to his beauty. But at last being Venus' scholar, and therefore daring with her to dance in a net, played not so close, but Procidor could judge of colours, and espy of the half what the whole ment, puffed up therefore a little in conceit with the favour of his master's daughter, seeing opportunity laid hi● hairy forehead on his lap, he began somewhat partly to pry into the exquisiteness of her perfection: noting that she was passing beautiful, and young, and that virtue added a grace unto nature, and that being of noble parentage, beauty decked nature with dignity. This interchange considered, so charmed the poor gentleman's affections● that fain he would have made requital of her favours with like courtesy, if her honourable estate had not quatted his presumption with fear: hovering thus between two streams, at last he burst forth into these complaints.  
Dost thou not know poor Procidor, that actions wrought against nature, reap despite, and thoughts above fortune, disdain: that what bird gazeth against the Sun, but the Eagle, becometh blind, and that such as step to dignity, if unfit, fall: that thoughts are to be measured by fortunes, not by desires: how fallens come not by stooping low, but by climbing to high. Shall therefore all fear fo aspire, because some hap to fall? no Procidor, though thou art in rags, yet thou art noble borne, thou art not inferior to Marcelia in birth, though in riches: then dare to attempt, sith she shows thee such manifest favours. Ah novice in love, dost thou count every dimple in the cheek a decree in the heart, every limbs a warrant of love, Venus, fond man, looked on more than the loved, or else she passing amorous: women's smiles are oft more of custom than of courtesy, and passing prodigal they be with their eyes when they are nyggardes in their hearts: for think not fond man that Eagles will catch at flies, Cedars stoop to bra●●les, nor such honourable dames at such homely peasants, no no, think her dis●aine is greater than thy desire, for accounting thee but a slave, and her father's mercenary man, she doth but repay thy labours with affability, therefore cease not only to say, but to think she loves thee.  
Procidor with these pithy persuasions, somewhat appeasing the sparkling flames of love, that already were ●●ndles in his breast, applied himself to his wont labour, suppressing his affections with the due consideration of her honour, and his own mean estate, and counting it frenzy, not fancy, to covet that which the very destinies would deny him to obtain. These two thwarted thus with fear and shame, lingereth forth the time, till at last fortune willing to present in a sweet fig bitter wormwood, found such fit opportunity, that Procidor and Marcelia met at such leisure, that not long after, Marcelia was known to be with child, which news no sooner came to the ears of the Despot, but as a man in raged fury, and revenge, driving reason out of conceipt● he presently caused Procidor to be apprehended, and his daughter Marcelia, resolving that according to the law of the country, they should die. The mother more pitiful, considering the follies of her own youth, began to entreat her husband to spare their lives, and assign what punishment else, though the torture were never so grievous: which by long persuasion, he consented unto, committing them unto strait prison, where they lay in great distress the space of ten weeks, before ever the Despot made any question of their imprisonment. While thus Procidor lay sorrowing, more for the mishap of Marcelia than for his own misfortune: news was brought to Decapolis, that Euribates son had gathered an host, and sought to drive Voltarus out of the Confines of tire, which Procidor hearing, he began thus to meditate with himself. Unhappy Procidor, see how fortune intending thy good the hapless fates seek to frustrate such success, hast thou these fourteen years, gone as a vagabond about the world unknown and despised, hoping for this day, that Euribates son should seek revenge on Voltarus, and art thou now in prison, when opportunity offereth such good fortune, yea and in such a place as nought but death can redeem thee. The jailor overhearing Procidor, asked him what he had to do with the peace or wars of Princes. Ah my good friend (quoth he) when I consider in what estate my father whilom lived in that country, as I have heard, and am able almost to remember, I cannot but groan to see my present ill hap: And who was thy father (quoth the jailor) S●ing, answered Procidor, that time hath s●t the son of Euribates almost in his kingdom, I fear not to discover what I am, my father's name is Prestines, Lieutenant of tire, under Euribates, & my name not Procidor, but Castriot, and I doubt not but if I were there, for my father's sake to reap credit and authority. Without further questioning, the jailor went presently and told the Despot what he had heard, who making small account of the matter, yet presently considered with himself, if it were true, how greatly he should by making such a marriage, avoid the shame like to befall to his daughter, therefore he went & asked of Mariana what her eldest sons name was, who made answer Castriot, & that if he lived, he was about twenty years of age, the Despot suspecting it was he, went secretly to the prison, where examining Procidor of all his life past, found by probable circumstances that he was Prestines son, whereupon he began to recount unto him how he took him into his service, placing him in his favour, than the injury he offered him by infringing his daughter's honour, yet for all this, craving no other amends, but that he would take her to wife, Procidor made answer, what he had done was the faults of his youth, and that he was both sorrowful and repentant, and that he might think it firm love, and not fading fancy that forced him to commit such a fault, he was ready at his pleasure to take Marcelia to his wife. The Despot seeing sparks of his father's courage in his resolutions, embraced him, and sending for his daughter into the same prison, there secretly betrothed each to other, than took them out, and sent them to a grange place of his in the country: within short time they recovered their former complexions greatly impaired by their close imprisonment. In the mean space the Despot providing all things necessary for the marriage, seeing they were returned into the former form, carried his wife, and madame Mariana, to his grange, where by the way he demanded of her, how happy it would be unto her, if he did marry his daughter to her eldest son Castriot. Madame Mariana smiling, told him, it was impossible, sith she thought him dead: being well arrived at his farm, he brought his wife & the Lady into the chamber where the two lovers sat, very richly apparelled, unto whom at large he discovered what had happened. When Mariana knew her son Castriot, noting very well the lineaments of his face, she fell in a sound for joy, but being at last revived, after many and hearty embracings, and joy on all parts, they sat down to dinner: Castriot desiring the Despot that he would send to japhet where was one Lamoraque Governor of the town, that held his younger brother & his nurse, as slaves. This motion was greatly agreeable to the Despot, so that he presently sent a messenger to japhet, and an other to tire, to hear of the estate of Prestines: The messengers making as much speed as wind and weather would permit, arrived fortunately at their desired places, where no s●●ner the one was arrived, but he delivered his embassage to Lamoraque, who musing to hear such news from his brother, the Despot, went to confirm his doubt the more, and subtly examined the nurse, who confessed as before, whereupon to satisfy his brother, and requite the great injury he had proffered to young Infortunio, having but only one daughter of the age of fourteen years, he gave her with a great dowry to the poor Gentleman, and withal shipping himself in a frygot, with his daughter, his son in law, and the nurse, he sailed to Decapolis, at whose arrival great joy being made between Mariana and her two sons, the marriage of the Gentlemen, was sollemnised the next week after, and to increase therein content, news was brought that Euribates son having subdued Voltarus, and recovered his kingdom, he had set Prestines in former place and authority. This news greatly delighting the company: When the marriage feast was ended, the Lady and her two sons, with their wives, taking leave of the Despot, and Lamoraque, sailed to tire, where they were most lovingly entertained by Prestynes.  
Perymedes having ended his tale, his wife Delia, raging against fortune, that was most 〈◊〉 to them that were most honourable, said that poor men were like little shrubs, that by their baseness escaped many blasts, when high and tall Ceadars were shaken with every tempest: concluding therefore, that Mediocria were most firma, seeing her fire was out, and the night somewhat cold, they both hied themselves to bed.    

The second night's discourse.  
THe day was no sooner spent in labour, but the poor Smith and his wife, according to their accustomed manner, after supper would not be idle● but sitting close by the fire, Delia brought out an old pair of Cards, to pass away the time at play, whereupon Perymides taking occasion, began to discourse in this manner● These Cards (wife) may rightly be termed Glucupilica sweet & sour, double faced, bearing in th●ir foreheads pleasures and peace, & in their back●s sorrows ● Stratagems, presenting us with delicates, which in the mouth taste like honey but in the maw more bitter than G●ll, for although we use them for recreation to pass away the time, yet other aim at two ends, Lucre and Covetousness, and yet their gains but loss of time. And the effects of gaming here now a days in Memphis, as they are many, so they are monstrous, as quarrels, murders, blasphemies, swearing, and cousinage, yea the overthrow of houses and families, testifying the infamous nature thereof. Chilon the Lacedaemonian, being sent in embassage to Co●inth, to treat of a league betwixt those two cities, finding the Rulers playing at dice, returned back without once speaking of his commission, saying that he would not Eclipse the glory of the Spartans with so great an ignomy as to join them in society with dice players. Delia hearing her husband envying so much against playing, thinking he did it to check her desire to play at Cards, began thus to defend it.  
And would you have v● husband's so far from recreation in Memphis, as to be stoics or Cyniks, well had I allowed (husband) of your speeches, if they had savoured of any exception, but so strict an invective deserves some Apology, and therefore by your favour husband, thus, I deny not but those effects which you repeated as fruits of gaming, are greatly prejudicial, bo●h to the mind and body, but they proceed not of necessity, as causa sine qua non, but as infections that flow from the abuse, being grown into an extremity. For we see that many things which of themselves are good, by excess grow into the nature of evil, and so of this: for Solomon, whose divine wisdom was without comparison, set down his censure of time, that as there were days of sorrow, so were there hours of mirth, that the mind had as well pastimes to recreate, as serious affairs to fatigate. Cato the most severe Censor that was ever in Rome, amongst all his strait edicts, did not utterly abolish gaming, but allowed the Purpurati to spend certain hours at such pastimes as they thought necessary, saying, that moderate sport was a whetstone to the memory. I have heard the Chaldees say, that the Lydians were the first inventors of Cards and Dice, ●nd other games, and by them preserved a long time the estate of their common wealth, which otherwise should have been ruinated and subjecteth. Perymides hearing his wife to allege such sound reasons for Gamesters, thought to join action with her in this manner.  
You resemble wife those subtle Lawyers, that only allege that clause in their evidence, which best s●rues for the proof of their plea, leaving out all other provisoes that are hurtful in deed, I remember I have heard that the country of Lydia, being oppressed with a great dearth and scarcity of victuals, had almost subverted their estate with famine, but that to resist, and sustain hunger the better, they invented plays and gaming, spending ●uery other day in such sport without any meat, which they continued for the space of twenty and eight years, by that policy preserving their country from a general famine, by sparing so carefully their provision. But wife, the case is altered in us, we are so far from recompensing the fault of so vile an occupation by fasting, that contrariwise, we foster it up with all kind of dissoluteness, gluttony, riot, and superfluity, in so much that we are not ashamed now adays to use this proverb (that a man had better lose than to be idle) but if those lewd Philosophers, which set down this principle, knew their inestimable loss, not of money which they abuse, but of the riches and most precious thing that may be spent, and which can never be recovered: I mean time, they would be ashamed of their doctrine, that to lose is worse than to be idle, because it is joined with so bad an action as of necessity redoundeth to the detriment of himself, or of his neighbour, yea, and oftentimes of both. And yet because the nature of man is not able to abide continual labour, & occasion of business is not always offered, we may with our Chaldees in their Academies follow this precept, that time spent in honest pastime or game, of moderate pleasure, may be set down in the register of happy days, as hours not greatly dissonant from virtuous endeavours, neither, saith Scipio, is gaming blame worthy, if we use it as rest and sleep, after we have ended & dispatched our business. I am glad (quoth Delia) that you allow us any time to play. I am not so strict quoth Perymides, but this discourse wife is far from the purpose, therefore seeing we have yet half the evening to spend, and I have no delight to play at Cards, let me hear thee tell a tale, to requite yesternightes chat: Delia nothing dainty with her husband, taking the tongues in her hand, to keep the fire in reparations, began in this manner.  

Delia her tale.  
IN the isle of Lyppary, there dwelled sometime a Gentleman of good parentage, as descended from worshipful and honest parents, learned by education, as trained up amongst the Philosophers in their academies, virtuous in his actions, as putting in practise those principles which he heard in their schools, as Axioms: generally, well nourtred, in so much that he lived in very good account in the Island. This Gentleman called Alcimides, although favoured thus with sundry good qualities, yet was greatly envied by love and fortune, for his want was such, as his revenues were nothing answerable to his mind, but li●ed poorly, and yet contentedly in mean estate. Fancy seeing fortune frown, to fill up the tragedy, presented him with the sight of a young Gentlewoman, called Constance, who bein● both wise and beautiful: two persuasions sufficient to induce affection, was so narrowly marked of Alcimides, as he thought no object to fit his eye but her person, nor no melody to please his ear, but the sound of her modest and grave communication. Snared thus with the consideration of this young Gentlewoman at the first, he found wa●es to proffer her roses and perfumes, but at the last pills, and hemlock. For the young virgin hearing of the virtuous disposition of Alcimides, and seeing his mind was as well garnished with good qualities, as his body with proportion, used lex talionis, and repaid him love for love, so far as his honesty might desire, & her honour admit: in so much that nothing was wanting in the accomplishment of their thoughts, but her father's consent: who being moved by Alcimides in the matter, flatly denied, and made this objection, that he was to poor to make his daughter any sufficient jointer. Which answer so mazed Alcimides, that in a desperate mood, aquainting certain friends with his purpose. He rigged forth a ship to sea, with full resolution, either to return rich, or to lea●e his lover and himself in the bosom of Neptune. Upon which determination resting, he loosed with his companions from Lyparie, & in manner of mart, made havoc on the Coast of Barbary, so that in short time he became very rich, but insatiate covetise, that like the serpent Hydaspis is ever a thief, so haled him to the hope of more rich purchase, that at last he and all his men were taken by the Sarrasins, and carried away prisoners into Thunnes. The news of this mishap, as report must ever be prattling, came flying to the isle of Lypary, that the ship wherein Alcimides and his Soldiers was embarked, was drowned in the Coast of Barbary: Constance no sooner heard of this cursed Stratagem, but she determined to end these miseries with death, and that in the sea, that she might imitate Alcymides, who was reported to perish in the same Element: to the end therefore, ●ir purpose might the more easily be brought to pass, Constance walking down to the shore, found a little fisher boat ready furnished, with mast, sails & other provision, floating in the the haven. Which Constance espying, taking this for good occasion, she speedily went into the boat, and as well as she coul●: as the women of that Island are most skilful in navigation, haled forth into the main, and there committed herself to the mercy of the wave and winding, thinking by this means to procure soonest her fatal end, sith so many accidents were ready, as death & danger every minute. Passed thus two or three days alongst the Coast, till at last a Southeast wind, drive the ship upon the shore of Barbary. The Bark thus beaten up, there was at that present in the same place a poor woman, who made clean the fishermen's nets, which seeing the ship so roughly arrived, thought the Mariners had been a sleep, to warn them therefore of their landing, she went up the hatches and found none, in so much that seeking further, she found this young Gentlewoman fast a sleep, as one secure and careless of her misfortune, whom the poor fisherwife waking, perceiving by her apparel, that she was a Christian, demanded in the latin tongue of whence she was, and the cause of her so strange embarking. Constance risen as it were from a dream, hearing one speak latin, thought she had been driven back again to Lypary: but casting her eye about, and seeing herself in an unknown Coast, she craved of the woman the name of the country, who told her, she was in Barbary, near a citti● called Su●e. Which greatly grieved Constance, that her death was prolonged, by such a luklesse adventure: so that fearing some dishonour in so barbarous a country might befall her virgin's estate, she sat her down and wept. The poor woman taking pity of her passions, carried her home to her little cottage, and there as well as she might, so comforted the distressed maid, that she told her from point to point, the some of this hapless accident: and grew so far in familiarity, that Constance demanded of her what she was, who made answer, that she was of Trapany, a servant to certain fishers, hir-name Mawdleyne: Constance seeing she was a Christian, and could speak Latin very perfectly, began to entreat her that she would for the love of their religion and faith, tell her what course she had best take, that she remain for a time safe without prejudice either of honour or honesty: Mawdleyne a woman of good and virtuous disposition, told her that there was a Sarrazen widow in the City, of virtuous life and good conscience, whose house was oft a sanctuary for the distressed, there she durst assure herself she might for a time remain, till time and opportunity should better provide for her estate: Constance glad of this news desired Mawdleyne to favour her with the benefit of that service: who willing to pleasure her before two days were pas●, setting all things to her mind in order, went with Constance to the widows house, who having heard before of Mawdleyne of this maid, gave her very good entertainment, & as one pitying her distress, heard her sorrow with tears and remorse: well, Cons●an●e thus placed, being in the company of sundry other maids that wrought néedle-worke, so applied herself to her labour, that not only by her diligence she procured her mistress favour, but by her courtesy, the general love & good liking of all her fellows. Remaining thus quiet, though not satisfied, fortune willing after so sharp a Catastrophe, to induce a comical conclusion, tempered her storm with this pleasant calm: Alcymedes lying thus in prison, having no hope to recover his freedoms, but looking every day to be condemned perpetual slave to the Galleys, news came that a Nobleman of great reputation, dignity & power, had made claim to the kingdom of Thimes, as his own, and meant by the sword to take it from Mar●ucio that th●n presently possessed it: this report coming to the ears of the prisoners, Alc●m●des who knew very well to speak the Barbarian tongue, told his keeper, that might it please him to bring him to the king's presence, he would take such order with his grace, as he should in despite of fortune remain conqueror. The jailor seeing the request was of importance, told it presently to his Highness, who in great haste sent for Alcimide●, who gathering the king and his Nobles together, discovered unto them such a piece of politic service, that they all consented to let Alc●medes have the leading of the vaward, who undertaking the charge, as a man greatly experienced in martial discipline, carried his men in squadrons and troops so artificially, as his warlike skill did greatly encourage the soldiers: having thus set his men in array marching forward to meet the enemy, when the battles were within vow and ready to join: Alcymedes taking the King by the hand, presented him to the face of all his army, and then began to encourage them on this manner:  
I need not worthy Gentlemen and Soldiers of Barbary, seek to encourage you with a long discourse, unless putting Oil in the flame, I should put a spur to a free Horse: your former valiant resolutions manifested in many battles, the honour whereof still glories your name with renown, assures me, were the enemy like the sands of the sea, and M●rs himself opposed against our forces, yet the quarrel good, and our minds armed with invincible fortitude (the virtue that dareth fortune in her face) maugre fates and destinies, you shall, as ever you have done, return with an honourable conquest. And for that the cause toucheth your King, who counteth himself a fellow-partner in your fortunes, see he presents himself as the first man in the battle, and last man in the field, unless death give him a princely quittance of his kingdom: let him be a mirror this day of your magnanimity, let his actions be your precedents, press but as far as your General, & courage Gentlemen, the victory is ours: see how your sorrowful Countrymen, only animated by the rebellious persuasion of a traitor, stands to receive us, whose cowardice scarce dare march a foot to meet us: I see, yea I see, in their very faces, the portraiture of fear, and therefore Gentlemen, God and our Right, and with that he put spurs to his horse, and gave a furious and valiant onset upon the enemy.  
The king ashamed to perform any less than Alcimides had promised, taking a strong lance in his hand, pulling down his Bevier, rushed most furiously upon the enemy: his So●ldiers noting the unlookt-for courage of their King, followed with such a desperate resolution, that the enemy amazed at the valour of Martucio, who like a Lion, massacring whom he met, ran without stop through the troops, they laid down their weapons without any great slaughter. But Martucio forgetting they were his native Countrymen and his subjects still raged, till meeting him that made claim to the crown, in single combat he slew him princely in the field: stayed at last by one of his Lords, who told him the battle was ended by the submission of his subjects, who were ashamed that they had been so forgetful of their allegiance, causing the retreat to be sounded, he peaceably marched on toward Susa, where putting certain of the chief offenders to the sword, he sent the rest home in quiet. The victory ended, the King presently summoned a parliament, where with the consent of all his Commons & Nobility, he proclaimed poor and distressed Alcimides Duke of Tunize, and caused him to ride through the City with a Garland of Bays on his head, and Princely robes, in great and sumptuous magnificence. Being thus advanced, the report thereof came unto the ears of Constance, who now knowing him alive & in great authority, whom long since she held for dead, she conceived such inward joy, that she could not but outwardly commit the sum of her mind to the Gentlewoman with whom s●e dwelled, who pitying her plaints, promised as soon as opportunity would give her leave, to manifest the matter to Alcimides: Constance impatient of delays would not let the old Gentlewoman take no rest, till one morning she went to A●cimides, and told him that a certain Gentlewoman was come from Lippary, who desired to speak with him in secret: Alcimides courteous, as one whom honour had not made proud, thanked the widow for her pains, and went home to her house, where she presented him with the sight of Constance: Alcimedes hearing long before that she was dead, stood amazed at the sudden adventure, but she poor soul whom love stung at the very heart, could not abstain, but blushing, leapt about his neck, bewraying her joy in tears.  
Alcimedes the most joyful man alive for so happy an encounter, after many sweet embracings past, demanded the cause & means how she came into Barba●ie, who recounting the fore-rehearsed discourse, greatly gladded Alcimides for the finding of so trusty and true a friend: Long he stayed not but that he revealed this comical History to the King, who desirous to see the Maid, entertained her with great and princely courtesy, and with all speed to both their contents, solemnized the marriage, which passed, he sent them according to their calling rich home to their friends in Lippary.  
Delia having ended her Tale, Perimedes began to take occasion to talk of the inconstancy of Fortune, who only coveted to be counted variable in all her actions, for, quoth he, I tell thee wife, I have seen in my time many rich men, who lived secure in the abundance of their wealth, driven to such extreme poverty, that their superfluity was ●ot more than their ensuing want, & many baze peasants by her flattery be so hoisted up to the top of her wavering wheel, as they b●e potentates and mighty men of the earth, but her favours are such as they include misfortune, and when she presents the most comical shows, than she intends the most baleful and dismal stratagems, as the instance of Alexander the great may serve for a precedent, who in twelve years making a conquest of the whole world, and so ●●attered by Fortune as he seemed to hold her favours in his own hand amidst his most glee and greatest glory, was ●●wardlye poisoned in Babylon. At this Pe●imedes was ready to enter into a long discourse, his Wife Delia told him the night was far spent, whereupon taking his wives motion for a warning, commanding her to Co●●re l● fen: the poor Smith and his Wife went to Bed.    

The third night's exercise.  
THe next day being a solemn day of sacrifice observed amongst the Egyptians Perimedes shutting up his shop as one that feared to give the least occasion of offence tying his devotion to the Gods, his obedience to his king, his love to his neighbours, and his will to the law, causing his wife to honour the festival Rites with her best raiment, himself jetting in his holiday Cassock went to the temple, where offering up his orisons after the Egyptian manner: the Flamens & rabbins having expounded their laws, the poor Smith and his wife returned home to dinner, where having taken such repast as fitted their diet & was agreeable to their poor preparation: Perimedes to digest his great cheer, with a little ●hat began on this manner: noting to day wife (qu●th he) at the temple, ●ertaine of our great Lords of Egypt whose beds are framed of Arabian bisse, whose houses stuffed within with plate and outwardly decked & adorned with such curious work of porphurine, as nature in them seemeth to be over-laboured with art: Their ports glistering like the palace of the Sun, show to all passengers wonders, to be written in the registers of their memories: But wife, when these great Potentates of the Earth came to discover their inward devotion at their offertory in giving to the Gods, and the poor, I perceived them miserable, & so corrupted in the conceit of their own wealth, that I cried out in my thoughts, these men are poorer than Perimedes: For I tell thee Delia, this have I heard of the ancient Caldees, whose book●s were burned with their beans, that he only is rich, which abandoning all superfluities resteth contented with what Fortune hath favoured him, his estate not pinched with such poverty, but he may live honestly and virtuously: who so resolute in this content maketh not his thoughts and passions subject to the restless desire of gain, Is vere habetur dives, for wife, the mind is the touchstone of content, and holdeth the balance that protortioneth quiet or disquiet to Kings: for Pharaoh our great Prince is not therefore fortunate, for that he is invested with the diadem, for his Crown resteth in the lap of Lachesis, and the destinies may deprive him of his dignity this night: Kings as they have crowns, so they have cares, and in passing unto pleasure, they step upon thorns, and run over a sea of Glass: not therefore rich for that they are kings, unless content with his annual revenues, & satisfied with such limits as are left to the Pharaos': resting thus he is both a king and rich, in that seated amidst the glories of the world, the sundry objects of delights draws not away his eyes, nor as the Sirens with their enchanting melodies, nor gold nor glories can hale him with any pleasing sorceries, from the quiet Castle of Content: thus minded Delia I tell thee I call him rich, and therefore hold myself one of the wealthiest subjects in all Egypt, in that all my desires have rested themselves in a peaceable concord, for my estate I desire to be no higher than a Smith, as thus spitting fortune by my occupation, having my Tongues in my hand as a Sceptre, to rule in my shop, and as Mercury's Caduceus to charm the inconstancy of the vain Goddess: her greatest frown can be ●ut want of a little work, and that I overpass with patience, and if she smile, then begin I to laugh, that Fortune is glad to become friends with a poor Smith: Now for richesse and treasure I have plenty, in that I want none, but count my poverty the very storehouse of abundance.  
Delia hearing her husband thus solemnly deliver such Stoical paradoxes, joined issue with him in the same plea, and began to prosecute the matter in this manner. Indeed husband quoth she, the minds of men are so fired with the restless heat of covetise, as they beat out hotter flames than Enceladus doth from under Aetna, and are like the Serpent Hydaspis, which the more she drinketh, the more she is pinched with thirst, insomuch that they count great gifts little goods, caring not if they may gain, what means they use to get, counting all things honest that are profitable, and thinking gall most sweet, if tempered with gold: these men that have no mean I think most miserable, could they with Nimrod build up Babel, or with Ninus lay the foundation of Babylon: for I tell thee Perymides, it is not the coin but the conscience, not the coffers stuffed with store, but a mind lulled a sleep with pleasing content, that maketh a man rich: for he that defraudeth his neighbour with underminding policies, or circumventeth him with any intricate deceit, exacting unreasonable tasks and customs, wrapping his friends as if in Dedalus Labyrinth, in the quiddities of prejudicial bargains, prying into the state of the common treasury, so to indommage the commonwealth for his own commodity, gaping as Uultures after the testaments of the dead, not ceasing with the Ravens to pray on lifeless carcases: such as these husband, (quoth Delia) are not wealthy in that as miserably they want, but are poor in that they leave no unlawful means to covet. Then quoth Perymedes of these former inferred premises we may conclude, that poorly content is better than richly covetous, which the ancient Romans avered in their censures, for whether shall we estimate the m●ny that king Pyrrhus sent to Fabritius, or else the continency of Fabritius which made denial of the same, being proffered frankly by so great a potentat: and did not the answer of Marcus Curius more glory him & his family with immortal renown, in rejecting the mass of Gold sent him by the Samnites, than all the treasure they brought in such pomp to Rome, was not the liberality of Africanus, who parted his small Farm with his brother Quintus Maximus, registered in Rome as a thing deserving perpetual memory, when the great wealth and possessions of Lucius Paulus perished at his funerales, leaving behind him no monument, but that the Romans did account him poor and miserable. These glorious instances of Roman excellency, prove, that the true richesse consisteth not in the abundance of wealth, but in the perfect habit of Virtue: for richesse is casual and momentary, subject to the frown of Fortune, as brittle as Glass, standing upon a Globe that is never permanent, like to the Trees amongst the Natolians, that being covered with flowers in the morning, are tawny & withered before night, resembling the fruit in the Garden Pesparades, which glistering like gold, touched presently turneth to Ashes: whereas Virtue is not accidental but sets out her Flag of defiance against Fortune, opposing himself against all the conspiring chances of this world: like Aeneas armour not to be pierced with any contrary constellation, so insorted into the minds of men, as neither can perish by Shipwreck, which made Bias escaping from the Sea, boldly and merrily to say in his greatest want: Omnia mea mecum porto: And the son of Anchises carrying his Father on his back through the flames of Troy, looking behind him to say, Animus infractus remanet & virtus inter hosts & ignes viget. Then Wife thou seest they only are rich that covet nothing, that want nothing, but living in content, enrich themselves with Virtue: then Delia let me boldly say (and with that the Smith set his hands by his side) that I am rich as the proudest in all Egypt. But now that I may not be t●● tedious in my discourse, I will to temper mirth with melancholy, and to sing the satires of Horace to the Lute, rehearse thee a pleasant Tale tending somewhat to this effect: and thus the Smith began.  

Perymedes tale.  
HEreby in the confines of Babylon, dwelled a Duke called Grada●so, a man whose many years had by long experience learned, that to trust sundry men, was to seek for an Eel amongst many Scorpions, and therefore 〈◊〉 granting 〈…〉 admitted none into familiarity, unless ●e might sell ●is courtesy for pro●●t, and they buy his saumur with repentance But in private and secret counsa●les, he used no friend but himself, fearing to find that in others, which he found ●anted in his own cankered stomach, so 〈◊〉 to shadow his spiteful practices with glozing colors, as resembling the Pyrite Stone, he burned sorest when he was thought most cold: to trust any he thought was to despise security, and to desire mishap, and therefore known more for his authority then by his manners, he carried his thoughts sealed up with silence, pained with that which he most liked, namely Fearful mistrust. This Gradasso although despited by the Gods and nature, for placing such odious qualities in such an old carcase, yet was he favoured by Fortune in possessing large and sumptuous revenues, and not only advanced with the title of honour and dignities, but also wherein he most joyed, he had one only Child called Melissa: a Lady so furnished with outward shape of body, and inward qualities of the mind, so decked with the gifts of nature, and adorned with sundry exquisite virtues, as Aegy●t did not so much despise her Father for his v●●ious disposition, as they did extol her fame for her virtuous sincerity: for she although to her great grief, seeing into her Father's lawless actions, how with pretenced flattery like to the Hyena he had snared some to their utter mishap, and that under colour of law, with exacted extortion he had oppressed the poor, sought not only as far as she durst, to pull her Father from such inordinate gains, but also secretly made recompense to such as h●r Father unjustly had almost brought to ruin.  
This M●lis●a flourishing thus in happy fame, the old misard her Father casting beyond the Moon, knew by experience, that as the herb Spa●tania no sooner sprowteth above the ground but it blometh, and the eggs of the Lapwing are ●ea●ce hatch●● befor● the young ones can run● so women resembling the Apples of the Tr●e Pala, are scarce ripe before t●ey ●●●●re to be plucked, and their years not able to discern love before they be half ●rowned in love: these considerations moved old Gradasso to prevent had I witted, with taking opportunity by the forehead, & therefore sought out amongst his bordering neighbours a young Gentleman, the son and heir of a Baron, whose revenues as they w●re great, so they adjoined fitly to his possessions: which made the doting Duke to endeavour to buy him a son in law answerable to his own opinion: finding his Daughter therefore in fit time and place, he broke with her in this manner. Thou knowest Melissa (quoth he) how careful I have been since thy mother's death, not only secretly to provide for thy welfare, but openly so to grace thee with exterior favours, as all Egypt have judged me a Father worthy s●ch a Child: and thee for thy obedience deserving what my liberality hath so carefully imparted. In thine nonage I endeavoured to instruct thee in modesty and manners, by such virtues to seem gracious in the eye of every man, now that thou art grown to riper years, and art famous for the method of thy life through all the country, seeing thou art fit for marriage, I have sought thee such an husband, as shall honour thee with his birth, and enrich thee with his possessions, a man though not so exquisitely form by nature, as he may seem a second Paris, yet of such wealth as he may countenance and credit with the abundance of his revenues, and to be brief daughter, it is Rosilius son to the Lord Rosilius lately deceased: after he had named the man, he ceased to hear his daughter's reply. Melissa noting with a secret mislike her father's motion, yet for ●●are durst not oppose herself against his determination, but told him that as she was his Daughter, so she was bound by the law of nature to obey him as her Father, and his will should be to her as a law, which by no means she dared to in●tinge: this answer pleased the old covetous Duke, that with as convenient speed as might be, he broke the matter to Rosilius, who having no more wit than he well could occupy, noting how fair a Lady he should possess, condescended with great thanks to the Duke's motion, and thereupon frequenting the house of Gradasso began after his homely fashion to court the young Lady Melissa, as fit to woe so brave a Gentlewoman, as Pan to be sent from Troy inambassage to Helena: well, these two discords of descanting, to make a concord:  
It fortuned that a Gentleman next neighbour to the duke, had a young son called Bradamant, a man so sufficiently graced with external favours of nature, to beautify his body, and with inward qualities and virtues to advance his mind as he was generally liked and loved of all the country: This young Gentleman passing by the Court of Gradasso, espied Melissa looking out of a window: Bradamant amazed at the sight of such a heavenly creature, stood a long while astonished at her excellent beauty, in so much that Melissa casting her eye aside, espied him, and with that shut the casements: which somewhat daunted the mind of the young Gentleman, to be so suddenly deprived of that object which so greatly pleased his eyes, but taking this her modest discourtesy in good part, he passed forward to take a view of his father's grounds, where as he solemnly & sollitaryly walked, he felt in his mind a sparkling heat of affection, which he took as a toy of youth, rather to be laughed at for the sudden passion, then to be prevented for any ●●suing danger. As thus he rested a little perplexed, but not greatly pained, Cupid that grudged to lose such a novice, having his wings plumed with Time's feathers, lest he might let slip occasion, seeing this young Gentleman at discovert, thought to strike while the Iron was hot, and so drew a boult to the head, and stroke Bradamant at the very heart, which pierced so deep, that no physic could cure: For the fame of melissa's life began to allure him, the report which all Egypt made of her courte●ie, was a chain to entangle his freedom, her honour, birth, parentage, and incomparable beauty, gave such fierce assaults to his perplexed fancy, as no defence of reason was able to withstand those violent impressions.  
Bradamant seeing himself pai●●d with these unacquainted fits, was driven into a●uandary, whether he should valiantly resist the enchanting tunes of Cupid's sorcerers, and so stand to the chance whatsoever the main were, or else yield to the alluring call of beauty, and so spend his youth in seeking and suing for doubtful though desired favours. Tossed a while in these contrary thoughts, and pinched with the consideration of his own estate, he began to think that to fix his fancy upon Melissa was with the young Gri●●o●s to ●●cke against the stars: and with the Wolves to bark against the Moon, seeing the baseness of his birth, and such a rich ●●●●all as Ressilius was● would greatly prejudice his intended l●te. These considerations began somewhat to repress his ●●ting fancies: but Cupid not willing ●● take so slender a repulse, thought strait to race out these despairing thoughts● with the comfortable Conserves of Hope, and to draw Bradamant out of the Labyrinth of distrusting ●ea●e, with the assured possibilities of achieving his enterprise. He therefore began to encourage ●●s Champion with these plausible conjectures, t●a● Me●●●●a was a woman, and therefore to be won, it beautiful, with prawns: ●● co●e, wi●th prayers: if proud, with gifts: if covetous with promises: to conclude, that as there is no stone ●o hard which cannot ●e cut, no Hawk so ●ammage that cannot be manned: no Tiger so fierce w●ich 〈◊〉 ●e tamed: so there is no woman ●o infected with the better 〈◊〉 on of self-will: no●e so spotted with the stain of hellish cruelties nor so wedded unto wilful frowardness, but th●y may be drawn to the ●ure by some of the forenamed practices. Bradamant pricked forward with these pithy persuasions, and yet driven back with the fear of some hapless denial, stood diversly perplexed whether he should with a momentary content sue after loss, or with a long disquiet seek after gain, remaining awhile in these doubts, half frantic wi●h such unaccustomed fits, he fell into these passionate complaints:  
Oh Bradamant how art thou diversly perplexed, driven either to purchase hapless content with fading pleasures, or to gain a happy disquiet with ensuing profits● if thou choose the first, thou art like to repent at the last: if the s●ond, s●r● with Hercule● after painful labours to obtain fame and quiet: the Caspians fearing to be sti●●●d with sweet savours, wear in their bosoms bands of Hemlock: the people Pharusijs doubting to surfeit with drinking the juice of Liquorice, prevent such peril with chewing rhubarb: it is better to be pained with the sting of a Snake, and recover, then be tickled with the venom of Tarantula and die laughing: hard yea hard it is, Bradamant, to ride on Sejanus Horse, for his beauty and then perish, or to gain the Gold of Thalessa with assured mishap: better it is for a time with sorrow to prevent dangers, then to buy fading pleasures with repentance? Why Bradamant, what cause shalt th●u have to repent? Is pain always a companion to pleasure? is danger the handmaid to Lou●? is fancy never painted but treading upon thorns? yes no doubt, as Cupid hath arrows that do pierce● so they make sweet wounds. Ve●us I grant ●a●h a wrinkle in her brow● but two dimples in her ●●eekes●●he frown●s not upon them that sacrifice at Pa●hos: but pains such as despise her Deity Love Bradamant, why dost thou love, yea alas, and therefore unhappy because in love, a passion so unfit for thy young years, as if thou yield to Cupid's allurements, thou shalt have cause either to curse the Des●inies ●or appointing him a God, or accuse the Gods for errating th●e a man: for love whatsoever the luck be is always tempered with loss: if thou win, thy gains shall be like theirs who buy honey mixed with Gall, the sweetness not half so much pleasing the taste, as the bitterness infecteth the stomach: Pa●rhasi●s drawing the counterfeit of love, painteth her tickling Youth on the left side with a Feather, and stinging him on the right with a Scorpion: meaning that they which are sotted with the sorceries of Cupid, reap for a dra● of Go●de a pound of dross, and for a pint of pure oil, a whole ●un of infectious poison, being a fading pleasure mixed with bitter passions, and a misery tempered with a ●ew strive not then against the stream, feed not with the Dear against the wind, sake not to appease Venus with slanders, bu● with sacrifice: Melissa is beautiful and virtuous, to be w●●●e with entreaty, if thou fear not to attempt: what though Grada●●o frown, may not the favour: he s●●fled with hauerite, and therefore must hate: she stirred by Venus, and therefore must love: if Melissa like, pass not, if he lowrey yea 〈◊〉 bo●h your parents mislike, so you two rest in contented quiet. Bradamant had no sooner uttered these words, but he felt his mind half eased with flattering himself thus in his f●llies, so that from doubting if he might love, he fell to devising how to obtain his love: Resting thus diversly passionate: M●●issa of the contrary part began greatly to affect young Bradamant, and though his mean birth, his parentage and living, did dissuade her from liking so base a youth: yet a restless desire, a secret Idea and contemplation of his virtues and beauty, made him think if Gradasso would grant, she could prefer Bradamant before Resillius, so that hindered in a dilemma, she began thus doubtfully to debate with herself: Oh unhappy Milissa, whose mind is pained with unacquainted passions, and whose head is troubled with unequal thoughts: shall thy virgins state be stained with fond desires, or thy young years darkened with Cupid's shadows? 'tis fit for thee Melissa to spend thy youth in labours not in loves, to place solemnly after Vesta, not to gad wanton after Venus: maids must have denial in their mouth and disdain in their hearts, so shall they safely remain free, and securely despise Fancy: Diana is painted kissing Virtue, and spotting Beauty's face with a Pencil: Virgins must delight in ancient counsels, not amorous conceits, lest in smelling upon sweet Violets, they stumble on bitter Rue. Truth Melissa, thou givest good precepts if thou canst follow thine own principle, thou art persuaded by Bradamant to love, but take heed of such baleful allurements, arm thyself against his charming desire, with a chaste disdain, so shalt thou be sure as he which weareth Laurel cannot be 〈…〉 carrieth 〈◊〉 of ● Eagle perish with 〈…〉 shall neither Love 〈…〉 pain 〈◊〉 with hapless 〈◊〉 think this, Brad●●●●● is a man, and therefore inconstant: and as he saith a Lover, and therefore a flatterer, as fickle as the Wolves of Syria which forget their pray ere they be half satisfied, & as dissembling as jupiter, who feedeth Semele for a while with Nectar, 〈◊〉 then killeth her with fire. Sith than Melissa to love is to l●●fe, fear not Venus as a Goddess, but despise her as a ●anton, entreat not Cupid with prayers, but with curses: tell Fancy thou wilt reject his as a vassal, not regard her as a virtue: for Bradamant rail at him as a peasant to low for thy passions: in steed of courtesy, present him with Medea's enchanted Casket: doth Bradamant love Melissa? no he hateth Melissa, he feigneth love to procure thy loss, he flattereth to try thy folly, and if he find thee to fond, he will bring thee a sleep with melody, and then strike of thy head with Mercury. Oh Melissa condemn not Bradamant, without cause, if thou meanest not to love him, delight not to lack him, proffer him not Nettles sith he presents thee with Roses: if he yield the Honey rub not his hive with gall: answer him friendly, though thou strain courtesy to flatter, for sweet promises please more than sour gifts, and pleasant poti●ns are better taken though infectious, then bitter pills though most wholesome: & know this Melissa, that the flame of the hill chimera, is to be quenched with hay, not with water: the mountain in Harpasa to be removed with one's finger, not with the whole strength: and love to be driven out with reason, not to be thrust out with force, least in striving against Venus she play the woman and seek to revenge. Melissa had no sooner uttered these words, but going into her Closet she passed away the time two or three days perplexed: her sweet love Rosilius could not with all his clownish courting, drive her from her dumps, but still all her thoughts and imaginations were fixed on the wit and parsonage of young Bradama●t, so that both the lovers sought by walking in the woods to meet there 〈…〉 within 〈…〉 course that hi● love 〈…〉, repaire● to a groū● 〈◊〉 Melissa presently res 〈…〉 ●he Saint whom in heart she did reverence, stealing secretly amidst the thicket she determined to hear some part of his passions: Bradamant full of melancholy dumps, tuning his Lute, began to warble ●●t this madrigal: 
The Swans whose pens as white as ivory,  
Eclipsing fair Endymion's silver-love:  
Floating like snow down by the banks of Po.  
near tuned their notes like Leda once forlorn:  
With more despairing sorts of madrigales,  
Then I whom wanton love hath with his gad,  
Pricked to the Court of deep and restless thoughts,  
The frolic yoongsters Bacchus liquor mads,  
Run not about the wood of Thes●aly,  
With more enchanted fits of lunacy,  
Then I whom love, whom sweet and bitter love,  
Fires infects with sundry passions,  
Now lost with liking overmuch my love,  
Frozen with fearing, if I step to far:  
Fired with gazing at such glimmering stars,  
As stealing light from Phoebus' brightest rays,  
Sparkles and sets a flame within my breast,  
Rest restless Love, fond baby be content:  
Child hold thy darts within thy quiver close,  
And if thou wilt be roving with thy bow,  
Aim at those hearts that may attend on love,  
Let country swains, and silly swads be still,  
To Court young wag, and wanton there thy fill.   
After that Bradamant had recorded this ditty, he heard a great rushling in the bushes, whereupon desirous to see what it might be, he espied Melissa, at whose sight he stood so amazed, as if with Medusa's head he had been turned to a stone: the Lady as much aghast, having a cousin of hers with her called Angelica, uttered not a word, but the Lovers made mute with love, stood as persons in a trance, till Bradamant discoursing his loves, and making open his privy passions, fell down at her feet, and craved mercy: the Lady as deeply pained as he was passionate, could not conceal fire in the straw: nor dissemble love in her looks, but flatly told him that both the proportions of his body, and the virtues of his mind had made such a conquest in her affections, that were it not the crabbed and covetous disposition of the Duke, she could find in her heart to make him her only paramour, but her father Gradasso had provided her a marriage, whom she durst not refuse, a man able with his wealth to maintain her, with his parentage to credit her, and that his possessions were great gifts to content, and little gods to command, even Vesta herself to leave her virginity, but quoth she, how I rest discontent with the match, I appeal to the Gods and myn● own conscience: Bradamant hearing her so willing to be won, told her that policies in love were not deceits, but wisdom: that to dissemble in affection was to offer Venus her rights, and therefore if her fancy were such as she did protest, it were easy to enjoy the fruition of their loves: Not so, quoth Melissa, for rather had I marry Rosilius, and so wed myself to continual discontent and repentance, then by being lose in my loves, and wanton in my thoughts disobeying my father's command, to disparaged mine honour and become a byword throughout all Egypt, for ladies honours are like white lawns, which soon are stained with every mole: men in their loves have liberties, that soar they never so high nor stoop they never so low, yet their choice is little noted: but women are more glorious objects, and therefore have all men's eyes attentively bend upon them: yet (quoth she) how I mislike of my Father's command, and how malcontent I am, lend me your Lute, and you shall hear my opinion: Bradamant glad that his Mistress would vouchsafe to grace him with a Song, delivered her the instrument, whereupon Melissa being very skilful, warbled out this Dittye: 
Obscure and dark is all the gloomy ●ire,  
The Curtain of the night is overspread:  
The silent Mistress of the lowest sphere,  
Puts on her sable coloured vale and lower.  
Nor Star nor Milkewhite circle of the sky  
Appears where discontent doth hold her lodge.  
She sits shrined in a canopy of Clouds,  
Whose massy darkness mazeth every sense.  
Wan is her looks, her cheeks of Azure hue,  
Her hairs as Gorgon's foul retorting Snakes,  
Envy the Glass wherein the hag doth gaze,  
Restless the clock that chimes her fast a sleep,  
Disquiet thoughts the minutes of her watch,  
Forth from her Cave the fiend full oft doth fly,  
To Kings she goes, and troubles them with Crowns,  
Setting those high aspiring brands on fire,  
That flame from earth unto the seat of jove,  
To such as Midas, men that dote on wealth,  
And rend the bowels of the middle earth  
For come: who gape, as did fair Danae,  
For showers of Gold their discontent in black,  
Throws forth the viols of her restless cares,  
To such as sit at Paphos for relief,  
And offer Venus many solemn vows,  
To such as Hymen in his Saffron rob,  
Hath knit a Gordian knot of passions,  
To these, to all, parting the gloomy air,  
Black discontent doth make hi● bad repair.   
No sooner had Melissa ended this Sonnet, but for fear the two lovers, though most unwilling, parted, determining when occasion would serve, they would meet again: yet was not their meeting so in secret, but old Gradas●o knew of their conference: whereupon he not only blamed his daughter, and in bitter and railing terms misused the father of Bradamant, but sought with all possible speed to dispatch the marriage: Melissa passing the days in melancholy, and the night in passionate dumps, that her nuptials were so nigh though men determine the Gods do dispose, and oft times many things fall out between the Cup and the lip, for the day being appointed, certain tenants, as well Gentlemen as others, that were under the Duke, went to Pharaoh with general complaints of his covetous and barbarous cruelty. Pharaoh whose thoughts aimed at excessive desire of coin, took opportunity by the hand, & thought by these complaints to possess himself of all his possessions and treasure, whereupon he sent for the Duke & Rosilius, and after he had heard the complaints, he banished him, and Rosilius his son in law, with his Daughter Melissa, out of all the confines of Egypt. Gradasso willing to answer to his accusers, could not be suffered by the King to make any reply, but within three day's they must departed, which so daunted the Duke and young Rosilius, that they stood like those men that Perseus turned to stones, and poor Melissa sorrowing at the hard censure of the King, and weeping at the mishap of her Father, cried ●ut against Fortune that was so fickle, and the stars that ●ad so badly dealt in the configuration of their nativity, seeing her sorrow with tears, and her Fortunes with wa●ings: well to be brief, the day came of their departure, the Duke with Rosilius and Melissa were embarked in a little Ship, and so transported into Libya, where wh●n they arrived, the Du●e for that he had small acquaintance or none in the Country, lived obscurely and in poor estate: the clown Rosilius having no qualities of the mind, only at h●m● relying upon his revenues, & now abroad driven to satisfy his thirst with his hands, and to relieve his hunger with applying himself to any servile kind of drudgery: Melissa she got herself into the service of a rich merchant, where with such court●sie she behaved herself, that she was generally liked of all the household: while thus th●se three pilgrims lived in this penance, Bradamant hearing of this strange accident, fell into divers and ●undry perplexed passions● First the fervent affection he bore unto Melissa, told him that Fortune may not part lovers, nor the inconstant constellation of the planets, dissever that which Fan● ye had united with such a band, that the vows of Venus are not to be violated: that love must resemble a circle, whose motion never ceaseth in that round, therefore he was bound by love and duty, to sail after them into Lybia, and there to give what relief he could to these exiles: but to these resolutions came strange and contrary motions: First the forsaking of his Father whom he most reverently honoured: secondly his friends, whom in all duty he did reverence, but that which pained him most, was to leave Egypt his country, which he loved more than his life, in so much that with Ulysses he counted the smoke of Ithaca sweeter than the f●ers of Troy, these considerations drew him from his resolution of departure, so that he stayed for two or three days passionate in Egypt but love that is restless suffered him to take no rest, but in his dreams presented him with the shape of Melissa, and waking, Fancy set so plainly the Idea of her person and perfection before his eyes, that as one tormented with a second hell, neither respecting father, country, nor friends, as soon as wind and weather did serve, rigging a bonny Bark to the Sea, he passed into Lib●a, where he was no sooner arrived, but strait ●ee highed him to the Court, where then Sacrepant the king of that land kept his palace royal, Bradamant living there for a space as a courtier, won such ●auour for his excellent wit and rare qualities, that the king held him as one of his chief gentlemen, and promoted him with great gifts, in so much that who but Bradamant in all the Court of Libya, flowrisht thus in great credit, he sought about to find out the Duke and his daughter, him on a day as he passed down to the sea Cliffs he fou●d gathering of Cockles, professing the state of a Fisherman: with whom, after he had parted a little, he bewrayed what he was, & in what estimation he was with Sacrepant: the Duke glad to see one of his countrymen, and neighbours in so strange a land embraced him, to whom Bradamant briefly discoursed his mind as concerning the imperf●ctions of Rosilius how his wealth only respected, whereof now he was d●pryued, he was a mere pleasant and slave of nature, not able, being exile though noble borne, to show any sparks of honour: seeing then the Duke was tied to extremities he would now marry his daughter, and make her live as her calling deserved in the Court: Gradasso no sooner heard his mind, but he granted to his motion, so that Bradamant breaking the matter to the king Sacrepant with all his Lords seeing the Damsel so fair condescended, and with great pomp solemnized the Nuptials, where Bradamant maintained his wife and his father very richly until Pharaoh dying, the duke Bradamant and his wife Meli●sa with the clownish Lord Rosilius passed home to their former Possessions: Perimedes having told his tale, he burst forth into these speeches: Thou seest Delia how far wit is preferred before wealth, and in what estimation the qualities of the mind are in respect of worldly Possessions: Archimedes having suffered Shipwreck on the Sea being cast on shore all the rest of the passengers sorrowing because their goods were lost, he ●spying certain Geometrical Characters, merrily and cheerfully said vnt● them, Fear not fellow-mates in misfortune, for I see the steps of men, and so passed: but when he was known among them, the Philosophers relieved them all. Lest Perimedes should have gone forward in his discourse, one of his neighbours came in to bear him company, and so he ceased from his prattle.  
If the rest of their discourse happen into my hands, than Gentlemen look for News.     

William Bubb Gentleman, to his friend the Author.  
AFter that friend R●bin you had finished Perymedes, and vouchsafed to commit it to my view, liking the work, ●●d so much the rather, for that you bestowed the Dedication on my very good friend Master Geruis Clifton, whose deserts merit it (and one of more worth) when your labour shall be employed more seriously: the last sheet hanging in the Press, coming into your study, I found in your Desk certain Sonnets, feigned to be written by the Caldees, what time the poor Smith and his wife lived so contentedly, which she having kept as jewels in her Chest, and you as relics in your Chamber, not letting any but your familiars to peruse them, for that you feared to discover your little skill in verse: these Sonnets for that they fit my humour, and will content others, or else my judgement fails, I charge thee by that familiar conversing that hath passed between us, that thou annex them to the end of this Pamphlet, which if you grant, we still rest as we have been, if not, Actum est de amicitia, and so farewell.  
Thine William Bubb.   

The Author.  
BEing Gentlemen thus strictly conjured by mine especial good friend, I dare not but rather hazard my credit on your courtesies then lose for so small a trifle his friendship whom I have ever found as faithful as familiar, and so familiar as can come within the compass of amity: then I humbly entreat, if my verses be harse, or want the grace that Poems should have, that you will overshadow them with your favours, and pardon all, the rather for that I present them upon constraint: if in this your courtesies shall friend me, I will either labour to have better skill in Poetry, or else swear never to write any more, and so I heartily bid you farewell.  
R. G.   

WHen the Caldees ruled in Egypt, as the Gimnosophists did in India, and the Sophi in Greece, they used to endeavour as far as their grave counsels could prevail, to suppress all wanton affections, respecting not the degrees of persons, to whom they delivered their satirical exhortations: it chanced therefore, that Psamnetichus youngest son, addicted to much to wanton desires, and to sot himself in the beauty of women: one of the Caldees having an insight into his lascivious life, persuaded him to desist from such fading pleasures, whose momentary delights did breed lasting reproach and infamy: the young Prince making light account of his words, went into his Study, and writ him an answer Sonnet-wise, to this effect:  
I am but young and may be wanton yet.  

IN Cypress sat fair Venus by a Fou●t,  
Wanton Adonis toying on her knee,  
She kissed the wag, her darling of account,  
The Boy 'gan blush, which when his lover see,  
She smiled and told him love might challenge debt,  
And he was young and might be wanton yet.   

The boy waxed bold fired by fond desire,  
That woe he could, and court her with conceit,  
Reason spied this, and sought to quench the fire  
With cold disdain, but wily Adonis strait  
Cherd up the flame and said good sir what let,  
I am but young and may be wanton yet.   

Reason replied that Beauty was a bane  
To such as feed their fancy with fond love,  
That when sweet youth with lust is overta'en,  
It rues in age, this could not Adonis move,  
For Venus taught him still this rest to set  
That he was young, and might be wanton yet.   

Where Venus strikes with Beauty to the quick,  
It little veils sage reason to reply:  
Few are the cares for such as are love sick  
But love: then though I wanton it awry  
And play the wag: from Adonis this I get,  
I am but young and may be wanton yet.   
After the young Prince had ended his sonnet and given it as it were in derision to the Chaldee, the old man willing to give him a Sop of the same sauce, called together his wits, and refelled his reason thus, after his own method: 

The Siren Venus' nourist in her lap  
Fair Adonis, swearing whiles he was a youth  
He might be wanton: Note his after-hap  
The guerdon that such lawless lust ensueth,  
So long he followed flattering Venus' lore,  
T●ll silly Lad, he perished by a boar.   

Mars in his youth did court this lusty dame  
He won her love, what might his fancy let  
He was but young: at last unto his shame  
Vulcan entrapped them slily in a net,  
And called the Gods to witness as a truth,  
A lechers fault was not excused by youth.   

If crooked Age accounteth youth his spring;  
The Spring, the fairest season of the year,  
Enriched with flowers and sweets, and many a thing  
That fair and gorgeous to the eyes appear:  
It fits that youth the spring of man should be,  
Riched with such flowers as virtue yieldeth thee.    
After that the old Chaldee had penned this Poem, he presented it to the young Prince, but how it took effect I little know, and leave you to suppose: but this I am sure, Delia kept it in her Casket as a Relic: and therefore as I had it I present it.  
This Sonnet had no name prefixed, so that I know● not whose invention it was: but Delia held it more dear than all the rest, so that before she drew it out off her Box she praised it with many protestations: but as the Argument may infer conjecture, it was done by a Lover, whose Mistress was hardhearted: which he dys●●uered Metaphorically and mildly: Thus: 

Fair ●s my love for April in her face,  
H●r lovely breasts September claims his part,  
And Lordly july in her eyes takes place,  
But col●e December dwelleth in her heart:  
Blessed be the months, th●t sets my thoughts on fire,  
Accursed that Month that hindereth my desire.   

Like Phoebus ●ire, so sparkles both her eyes,  
As air perfumed with Amber is her breath:  
Like swelling waves her lovely teats do rise,  
As earth her heart, cold, dateth me to death.  
Ave me poor man that on the earth do live,  
When unkind earth, death and despair doth give.   

In pomp sits Mercy seated in her face,  
Love twixt her breasts his trophies doth imprint.  
Her eyes shines favour, courtesy, and grace:  
But touch her heart, ah that is framed of flint;  
That fore my harvest in the Grass bears grain,  
The rocked will wear, washed with a winter's rai●e.    
This read over, she clapped it into her casket, and brought out an old rusty paper, and with that she smiled on h●er husband's, and spoke to her neighbour ●itting by, I will tell you Gossip (quoth she) as precisely as my husband sits, he hath been a wag, but now age hath plucked out all his Colts teeth: for when he and I made love one to another, he got a learned clerk to write this ditty, subtly contrived as though it 〈◊〉 been between Shepherds, but he meant it of me and him●selfe: Perymedes laughed at this, and so the Sonnet was read thus: 

PHillis kept sheep along the western plains,  
And Coridon did feed his flocks hard by  
This Shepherd was the flower of all the swains,  
That traced the downs of fruitful Thessaly,  
And Phillis that did far her flocks surpass,  
In silver hu● was thought a bonny las●e.   

A Bonny lass acquaint in her Country tire,  
Was lovely Phillis, Coridon swore so:  
Her locks, her looks, did set the swain on fire,  
He left his Lambs, and he began to w●e,  
He looked, he sithi, he courted with a kisse●  
No better could the silly ●wad then this.   

He little knew to paint a tale of Love,  
Shepherds can fancy, but they cannot saye●  
Phillis 'gan smile, and wily thought to prove,  
What uncouth gree●e poor Coridon did pay,  
She asked him how his flocks or he did far,  
Yet pensive thus his sighs did tell his care.   

The Shepherd blushed when Phillis questioned so,  
And swore by Pan it was not for his ●●ocke:  
'tis love fair Phillis breedeth all this woe:  
My thoughts are trapped within thy lovely locks,  
Thine eye hath pierced, thy face hath set on fire.  
Fair Phillis kin●leth Coridon's desire.   

Can Shepherds love, said Phillis to the swain,  
Such saints as Phillis, Coridon replied:  
Men when they lust, can many ●ancies feign,  
Said Phillis: this not Corido● denied:  
That lust had lies, but love quoth he says truth,  
Thy Shepherd loves, than Phillis what ensueth.   

Phillis was wan, she blushed and hung the head,  
The swain stepped to, and cheered her with a kiss,  
With faith, with troth, they struck the matter dead,  
So used they when men thought not amiss:  
This Love begun and ended both in one,  
Phillis was loved, and she liked Corydon.    
And thus Gentlemen at my friends request I have put in print those bad Sonnets, which otherwise I had resolved to have made obscure, like the pictures that Phidius drew in his prentize-hood, which he painted in the night and blotted out in the day: if they pass but with silence, howsoever you smile at them secretly, I care not if they be so ill that you cannot but murmur openly at such trash: I run to the last clause of my friends letter: do this: Aut actum est de amicitia: and so I bid you farewell.  
FINIS.