THE HISTORY OF CALANTHROP AND LUCILLA. CONSPICVOUSLY DEmonstrating the various mutabilities of Fortune in their loves, with every several circumstance of joys and crosses, fortunate exploits, and hazardous adventures, which either of them sustained before they could attain the prosperous event of their wished aims. By JOHN kennedy. Gratis Corycio, mihi nectar Castalis undae, Mnemosynes natae, nocte dedere novem. EDINBURGH Printed by john Wreittoun, and are to be sold at his shop a little beneath the Salt-Trone. 1626. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, TRVELIE NOBLE, MAGNANIMOUS, AND worthy Lord, Sir DONALD MACKAYE, of STRANEVER Knight, Lord Colonel, etc. MY LORD, I Have (reposing in your Lordship's ingenuous nature) assumed the audacity for two respects, to present these my Neophiticall labours unto your Lordship. The first reason moving me so to do, is this: Each generous mind reputes your Lordship to be well affected towards every act or aim (being virtuous) of whatsoever quality. The which report hath much emboldened me (though meanly acquainted) to offer out of the indigency of my illiterate skull, this little mite, assuredly expecting (that since it proceeds of a loving & liberal mind, that your L. will accept thereof (though it be not of such value) even as well as of theirs (who out of the abundant riches of their prudent and learned experiences) do usually throw more talents into the The saurie of your Lordship's praeexcellent and admired worth. The second reason inciting me, is this, That in regard this my Poetical Exordium, is the first perspicuous invention of my stirile brain: and therefore consequently fearing the insufficiency thereof, I esteemed it my best to make choice of your Lordship, as my worthy Maecenas, whose grandour, and great respect, is of sufficient power to palliate all the infirmities of this Pamphlet, yea and to shroud the very same from the impetuous obloquy, and preposterous scandal, of the most calumnious carper, or Satyric Inveigher. Therefore since for your Lordship I did it, and to your Lordship I direct it: then good my Lord vouchsafe to patronise it. By which means I shall prove fortunate in my attempt, & your Lordship (as you are of every worthy one already, much respected) shall also of me be more & more reverenced, & entirely & infinitely affected, as I have special reason, being tied many ways thereto by dutie-bound obligation: of the which I esteem this last none of the least, and shall perpetually acknowledge it so to be, wishing your Lordship (in requital of the same undeserved benefit) the perfect fruition of each terrestrial happiness here, and immortal felicity hence, vowing likewise solemnly (during life) to continue, Your Lordship's dutie-bound and obsequious servant, whom your Lordship may absolutey dispose of, john kennedy. TO EACH READER OF whatsoever quality or condition. Judicious and Courteous Reader, knowing (by many experiences) that those who are most prudent, learned, or capable, are generally ever most favourable and sparing in their censures. I therefore have presumed to commit this Poem to thy view, entreating thee, that though perhaps it do not give thee every way content, and that in respect it is void of ornate or elegant phrase, and not of an Heroic style: and therefore not answerable to thy expectation, nor my desire: yet since it is (though not as I would, yet such as I could) allow me this gains for my pains, that it pass without check. But after the perusing hereof, if thou be so benevolently disposed, (though not to commend the work) yet to approve my aim, I shall for that undeserved favour, ever esteem myself infinitely bound to thy courtesy. But if thou prove towards me an invective Critic, I am enforced to tell thee, that Momists are little or nothing respected. And Zoylus, though through carping at Homerus his works, acquired the name of Homeromastix (which is Homer's scourge) yet was he laughed at for his pains, because he disapproved the work which he could neither amend nor parallel. It likewise was reputed a cynical humour in Photion (though he was Plato his scholar) to carp at every man that wore shoes, because he himself went always barefooted. Likewise let me advise thee, if thou be a Poet, that thou do not, with Theon, satyrickly inveigh at those who are thy betters, because thou thyself comest short of their work, and therefore canst neither merit nor attain the like commendation. Grudge not therefore because that the Poetical talon is not bestowed upon every one alike, but rather endeavour through study (if thou be so virtuously inclined) to extend the Talon thou hast allowed thee. But if thou be illiterate, and yet aim to censure (if thou hadst understanding) this Poem invectively, I will advise thee for thy profit (though I have small reason so to do, in respect of thy malevolentinent) to desist, lest thou give me occasion to say, Ne Suitor ultra crepidam: or, smiling at thy peevish humour, entreat thee to meddle only with such things as come within the compass of thy capacity. Yea, though thou be indifferently well affected, yet if ihou be unlearned, I dare hardly adventure to come within the circuit of thy censure, lest either through misconstruing the subject, or maimedly reading the verse, thou value my labour at too low a rate. But unhappy he (and worthy to be esteemed the Prince of fools) who willingly consents to undergo the censure of those who are both besotted with ignorance, and of a Satiric disposition. Yet expecting the best of every Reader, because I by those, no otherways have deserved, I thus conclude, which every one that is capable must allow, as a Dilemma, that since love ever aims at a correspondency, (notwithstanding of the inequality of persons. For as the old Scottish Adage goeth, Love cannot stand on the one side. So Reader, I whatsoever thou be) according to thy censure of these my labours, rest towards thee affected, even thus, Thine as thou meritest, john kennedy. Philetaeros. In Authorem Encomiasticon. NOn Venerem Coam melius puto pinxit Apelles, Praxitilesve prius Gnidiam de marmore duxit Nec mage dulce melos, Siculo cita vela profundo Detinuit, Kenedo fluit hic quam nectar ab ore, Harmonicisque modis castos describit amores, Suavis huic patriis manans de vitibus humor. Ritè Caledoniis numeris includere versus Gestit, & ad patrios modulos benè verba referre, Nec sinit indecores nostras, magis esse Camenas. Scilicet Aonidum chorus, hunc, super arduae vectum, Per iuga Parnassi, gelidique cacumina Pindi, Castalios gustare lacus, umbrasque subire, Lauriferi nemoris, seeretaque Phocidos antrae Permittit, Comitemque sacri iubet ordinis ire, Inter & illustres nomen meruisse poetas, Quotquot Hyanteos latices hausere Caballi Ergo per hunc, veteri Coaque, Gnidoque relictâ Vecta Caledonias Venus aurea venit ad oras, Barbara nec dici meruit, velut indiga cultus, Lingua Britanna, suo referens sermone libellos. Galterus Bellendinus. Ejusdem aliud. HIc Venerem Venerisque doces Kennede clientes, Ore verecundo verba Britanna loqui, Vlla nec in toto prurit lascivia libro, Non minus est nobis, pagina, vita, proba. Galterus Bellendinus In Kenedum Authorem. GOrdius a Kenedo laxatur nodus amoris, Nexibus haud ruptis ense, sed arte datis, Pingitur alma Venus non sic pinxisset Apelles, Ced cut Naso, splendet amoris Epos. Nil miri expertum quod cantet amator amorem Cura quûm Musas perpete captus amet. R. Fairlaeus. The Map of this Muse. REader I wish thee henceforth to refrain, To read the rupturs of mad O vids brain What canst thou find in all these lines of his But flatring, smile, or a bawdy kiss, Vain wenching, jesting, dallieing, jealousies, Feigned sights, deceats, and Venus' vainities, But view this pamphlet, and thy wit shall find Wise precepts and instructions for thy mind. Sweet peace of thought, the secret joy of heart, Chaste modest love, void of all vicious airt, Rare continence, adorned with virtue's shame, Still loathing love that lechery doth name Lo here are lines of passing pleasant grace, Which modest maids may read but blush of face Those are the first fruits of a brave engine, foretelling what his spirit will prove in time. Then go brief book and Momus seed defy, Be not afraid of Critics base envy, For to thy fame this boldly I relate. No lines of love shall live a longer date. Patrick Mackenzie THE HISTORY OF CALANTHROP AND LUCILLA. ONE Summer's day young Calanthrop sat down In pleasant grove, hard by a crystal brook, A Bay by umbrage, Flora by her gown Gave such content, that great delight he took: For here his smell was pleased, so was his sight, His body safe from Phoebus' scorching light. Zephyrus' motion amongst the fruitful sprigs, Made fall the Cherry, Apple, Prune and Pear: Feathered confederates sat on tender twigs, Ready prepared for to please his ear: These winged Musicians strained their pretty throats, In diverse Ditties warbling forth their notes. In yonder rock sits Niobe immured, Here Philomela begins for to lament, Poenaean Daphne there grows up obscured, Phaeton's sisters likewise do relent, And with their Amber tears through bark and rind, Their loss and brothers fall seem to repine. Look, Adonis' flower, yet of Vermilion dye, Retains the stain received by his blood, The silver tears fell from fair Venus' eye Upon the leaf stand yet, as than they stood, For, seeing how the Boar her love had slain, She weeping kissed, and kissinged weeps again. Narcissus' next, presents it to his view With drooping head, as he in fountain gazed, In sign he drenched, yet is it wet with dew, Without a breach, it's head cannot be raised, Of colour white, small savour doth possess, He foolish fair, his death doth well express▪ Turning by chance, his eye aside he cast, And there perceives a fountain richly framed Of jet-black Marble, snowwhite Alabast, Nature nor workman neither to be blamed: The work was portraits, as I shall descrive, Through liquid motion seemed (though dead) alive. There Mars and Venus might you see ensnared In Vulcan's net, still toiling to getout, Both of them vowing for to be repaired, In taking vengeance on the polt-foot lout, Phoebus peeps in, shame sits on Venus' cheek, In Scarletroabe, Mars strength is now to seek. A statue next, Orpheus doth represent, His harp in hand, Sylvanus doth approach, With Sylvans, Fauns, and Satyrs of intent, To trip and dance the woody Nymphs encroach, The tops of trees reverberate the ground, Who, if they rootless were, would dance a Round. Even as the Ivy doth enfold the Oak, Right so Pygmalion can his Statue close, 'twixt breast and arms, that scarce he leisure took To view it well, for kissinged mouth and nose. It seems on him to smile with comely grace, And still the water makes them move apace. Next, sits Arion on a Dolphin's back, The lightfoot Nercids, tripping on the sand: He plays, the Dolphins tumbling, dancing make, His special aim is to attain the land. 'twixt sea and shore, him toss they to and fro, Though not indeed, by water seem they so. Then greedy Midas, senseless in his suit To Bacchus made, that what he touched in gold, Should quickly turn, his Ass' ears repute, Midst gold half starved, he heavens implores, behold, The response bids go bathe in Pactol's stream, Thy virtue loss, thy former state redeem. See how At'lanta and Hippomenes, By foot-course try most swiftly who can run, Venus' gold apples of Hesperideses, The Lass perceives lie glistering 'gainst the sun. First one, an other, before the third she catch, The Lad prevails, and wins her to his match. As Icar soars with artificial wings, His father cries, Son, keep a lower gate; Oft-times ambition late repentance brings, His waxen plumes, shake loose through Titan's heat. Whilst Dedalus an equal course still craves, The sea his son of flight and breath bereaves. Grim-faced Medusa, next, with Snaky head, Looks all imbrued in Serpents loathsome gore, The vipers seem, by biting, make her bleed, Such is the waterwork I show before. Those that beheld her, turned were to stone, So are they here, save Calanthrop, each one. Paris on Ide, three goddess him before, Stands doubting which of them to give the ball. Pallas bids wit, juno gold, ne'er forlorn, Venus' fair Helen height, and gained all. Gold he rejects, Prudence no whit prevailed, Bewitching beauty so his heart assailed. Last, Venus' son stands hoodwinked, from his bow He shafts forth sends at random through the air, Without respect both whom he hit or how, If he do hit at all, is all his care. None can evite all-conquering Cupid's sting The base-born beggar, nor the royal king. This grove Gargaphiae justly might be called, Save that a Diana doth it not contain, Nor Cadmus' Oye, whose head with horns impaled, For timeless viewing of the chastest train, Precipitate Actaeon of his rutblesse hounds, For Fatal look, received Fatal wounds. Whilst Calanthrop thus gazed, him thought he heard Musics sweet sound arrest his hearing sense, He turns and sees approach, a lovely guard Of Damosels, yet knew not their pretence, His anxious thoughts import a timorous mind, Himself he shrouds an Ivy-bush behind. By this those Nymphs at fountain do arrive, Their instruments they lay apart, and then Who can their Mistress first deroabe, they strive, This takes away her robes, that comes again. Thorough the bush, still Calanthrop doth pry, Their tricks he doth with small content espy. One with a key unlocks the fountain gates, And now the fairest doth the stream embrace, She warms the spring, the spring her heat abates, Her Iv'rie body doth the fountain grace. She joys to bathe, but Calanthrop's afraid, Poor malcontent he to himself thus said. Oh heavens (said he) must I an Actaeon prove, This cursed Diana then is every where: Infort'nate youth, what fatal chance did move Thee at this time unto these woods repair. Remed'lesse grieves, I find are most obscure, What Fates decree, we humans must endure. But oh, if one might possibly require, Or cite those Fates to render their account Before great love, what matter then in fire (If once revenged) in smallest ash be burnt. But woe (ay me) without control they still Dispose of us, we must obey their will. Now there Megaera and Allecto come For to coact my metamorphosis, But stay you Furies, sure I will by some Unusual trick, you disappoint in this. Now with his sword to rob he doth intend Himself of life, which should his life defend. And as the point he presents to his breast, Take courage woeful Calanthrop (said he) This heart of thine where erst did sorrows rest, Now at one thrust shall quickly be made free, And this brave act shall eternize thy name, Who death prefers before a living shame. Mean while that maid, whom he Megaera thought Taking her fellow by the hand, did say, Cousin, by your advice we here are brought, Le's turn in time lest in these woods we stray: Or shall we go and make us pleasant posies, For here's good store of Violets and Roses. This their discourse did suddenly denood Him so of sense, that still he did surmise He dreamed: for such an unexpected good As this, he thought could hardly sympathise With his thrice more than miserable state, Which winds with groans, would through the world regrate By this his blood begins again retire, Yet dare he not allow his eyes their due, But still he looks, and looking doth admire, This happy change he cannot think be true, But to confirm what he before hath seen, Even him beside upon a flourie green, These well-faced Furies who of late dismayed Him now begin again to recomfort, So that his furious enterprise he stayed, And rests content to see them make such sport. For whilst their Lutes, a Base or Tenor sound, Their voice in Alts sweet music do abound. Though that a man through melancholy mad Were so overgo, that he could not abide No company, nor music for to glad His spirits, yet such Musicians would aside Soon banish grief, & by their heavenly voice, The saddest heart that ever was rejoice. Now one of those, belike, of special worth, Herself advances, and her voice doth raise, Her brave intent thus prosecutes she forth, Which was to sing unto her Mistress praise. The rest applaud in hearing her rehearse This Ditty which herself had put in verse. THE DITTY OF A MAID. Majestic juno jealous was, As Io well did find, Her Cowherd Argus' sight surpass All men's, yet was made blind. Through Morpheus' aid, and Syrinx note, Asleep he fell, his charge forgot. Vulcan's fair wife the wanton played With more than Mars, you know, At last the Smith her well repaid For his cornuted blow. The Cent'nell Gallus he neglected, So Mars his master him rejected. Chaste Diana justly may be taxed Of monstrous cruelty, Who for one look so angry waxed As could endure to see. A man used, unhappy wife First horned the man, than took his life. Ioves braine-bred daughter, much adored Of Troyans': made descend From Heavens Palladium, which instored them still, and much defend Their City: yet for all her wit The w●●●● Greek removed it. There's one whose beauty well may be Compared to Ioves Queen, No envy, nor no jealousy Is, or hath, with her been. All mortals may her praise proclaim, LUCILLA is this Lady's name. Venus was fair, yet had a stain, Fair Helen had the same, Into her face a spot some fain: But such hath not this Dame. Lucilla's fair, without disgrace, No enchased spot is in her face. The Huntress chaste, might well admit This Lady of her train, No cruel nor no choleric fit, Doth in her heart remain. She in this gift, her sex exceeds, Chaste are her thoughts, her words, her deeds. If prudent Pallas were on earth, Her equal should she find For solid wit: as for rare birth, Pallas surpassed her kind. Yet had Lucilla Troy protected, No foreign force had them ejected. Each goddess for one quality, You see are still extolled Should then not she, in whom agree all graces, be enrolled In scrolls of fame? since free from fault, Let all the earth her thus exalt. A juno lacking jealousy, A Venus' stainless fair, A Diana without cruelty, For wit a Pallas rare. Luciila's virtues shine as clear, As Phoebus in his highest sphere. HER song thus ended, presently one calls, So they retire their Mistress to attend. This maid who called, whereas the Spring devalles Still stayed since first Lucilla did descend Into the bath, where she hath stayed so long, That they're afraid, her too much bathing wrong At her egress, the statues seem to weep, For woe that fair Lucilla must depart, Which matchless treasure they would gladly keep. Now from their eyes the water drops by art. Likewise the water down her body trilling, As loath to part: last on her feet stands billing. Till that the Air, more subtle element, His place doth claim, which yet the water holds, But now that rain, by Aeols force half spent, Which yet remains, one in a cloth infolds, And so leaves Air, & Water, midst their store, To try whose interest greatest was before. Quoth Neptune, brother Aeolus, I may You justly tax, of breach of brotherhood, Who most enjoys Lucilla night and day, Not so content, with Vesta you collude, Still to prevent her wished approach to me, For Brooks and Springs are mine, as is the Sea. Then Aeole thus, with boisterous voice replied, Neptune, Lucilla's not a fish believe, Nor can with fins, thy weltering waves divide, Nor is she Sea-Nymph, therefore do not grieve She leave thy home, by nature cold and wet, By me she lives, though Vesta's part were set. Neptune replies, Lucilla lives by you? You'll make her then a Salmond fish indeed, For th' Air those fish some say their food allow, And by report they on nought else do feed. But she's no fish, nor fowl, nor bird that sings, For as she gills doth lack, so doth she wings. My mates (quoth Vesta) may not I as well Some interest claim into this lovely lass, Since her, and such, for to sustain I feel Upon my womb the crooked plough oft pass, And soript up, reintegrates with gain To Bacchus' wine, and unto Ceres' grain. Now came Acmonides the Cyclops swift, And them commands in Vulcan's name, leave off Such friv'lous talk, else by some sudden shift, His master would them chastise: him they scoff, And bade him tell his master, they regard No whit his message, far less such reward. For (quoth they) though his region be above Ours placed, yet doth he bear no rule o'er us, And no superior save the mighty jove, Will we acknowledge, also tell him thus, Choler abounds most in a furious beast, But in Lucilla is his interest least. Yet stay (said Vesta) let us not despise His power: for, when foolish Phaeton fell, I got a hot memento, to be wise, Which yet my scorched Lybia can tell. For guiltless I tried then, his fiery force, Choler no reason yields, nor hath remorse. And Aeole likewise you'll confess, I hope, You must give place to Vulcan's thundering clap; Neptune likewise for all his boundless scope. Is not content such in his bosom wrap, For sure the habit of immoderate heat Will watery Tethys to repine excite. Now Vulcan's self into their hearing roars, And terribly midst fiery flames appears, Thorough the clouds he in his chariot soars, At such a sight, the hearts of humans fears. And now 'twixt Aeole and the god of floods, He lights, and leaves his Chariot 'mongst the clouds, My friends (quoth Vulcan) will you play me so? Shall I've no part in fair Lucilla here? In rational, and sensitive you know, And vegitative creatures, still I bear A part with you: why then not so in this? Who count before their Host, they count amiss. But yet you may (perhaps) mistake me much, To domineer in such, I do not use, So then I trust, since that my humour's such, Me as copartner you will not refuse. By nature she participates of all Us four: yet t'one must she be most in thrall. Let's therefore try who hath this rule supreme, Vesta shall be disburdened of this charge, Melancholy in her is not extreme, Nor yet shall he who rules the rivers large. Bear sovereign rule: so let him not contest, For phlegm, in age, itself best manifest. Then Neptune thus spoke in a chafing rage, I hope one Venus Vulcan may suffice, Lucilla's wit, her choler doth assuage, Therefore to him doth not belong this prize, To Air then yield her, as we ought in duty, Since Sanguines only do possess such beauty. Thus then agreed Vulcan for Aetna makes, Aeole doth still 'bove sea or earth abide, For he, you know, a local mansion lacks, Neptune returns, to rule his waters wide: Vesta prepares herself to give account, How far her yearly increase doth amount. But now, to fair Lucilla must I turn, Whom maids, in rich apparel, gladly cloth, She homeward tends, whereat the woods do mourn, Calanthrop likewise, wood and fountain both Bids now farewell, and in Lucilla's quest He goes, which if attained, he thinks him blest. O'er hills and vales, through meads and dales he runs, No steepy mountain may his passage let: At last he sees her, and at first two Suns, Of which the brightest on the earth is set. He thinks he sees, his object him deceives, Again he looks, a woman's face perceives. But such a face, the earth yields not another, For matchless beauty, and behaviour brave: No Naiad, Driad, no nor Cupid's mother, In loveliness, compare with her may have. Nature her made in Venus' mould to sit, Amending now, what she did then omit. LUCILLA HER Description. Even such she was: Her hair's gold wire vn●wynd Resemble right, which carelessly she hung In green silk-lace, with silver wrought, confined Over her shoulders: but her face no tongue Can give the due: her brow is Cupid's throne, Where he, unseen, delights to sit alone. Her eyes like sparkling stars in frosty night, Her nose even such as lovely Leda had, Her particoloured cheeks, graced with delight, Like Lilies mixed, with Rose, in Crimson clad. Her lips sweet Rubie-red, box-like enclose Her pearl-like teeth, till she to smile dispose. Her breasts as white as those two Swans which draw Venus by coach, to Paphos lovely hold, Her hands like hers, Achilles' aeath foresaw, Yet could not brook the touch of water cold, For though she dipped the boy the flood beneath, His heel kept dry, which was in end his death. Her feet like Thetis which none can remark, The print thereof, even where she newly walked, Her pace like Juno's, when in Ida park With Pallas, and the Queen of Love, she talked. In fine, her better Nature never wrought, Her shape can hardly be conceived by thought. THis rare admired sole quintessence of kind, With all her maids, were now come to a place, Hard by the sea, where as they use, they find Their Bark and Boat-men waiting, but their pace Hath been so swift, that through great heat even there They're forced sit down, to breathe and take the air. Now Calanthrop approaches to be brief, For Cupid wounded unawares his heart, He sees their aim, and sees it to his grief, He finds their Bark: this aggravates his smart. Yet at the Boat-men doth he now inquire, If they'll transport him, and receive his hire. Whereto they answer, Good sir, please you hear, This Bark belongs unto the loveliest Dame That this day lives: who now belike is near Unto this place, and we her servants came Her to attend: else willingly we would Receive you sir, if any way we could. My friends (said he) tell me where is your course If so in friendship I entreat you may: For it is like that by a brief discourse You give content, and I be pleased to stay, In curtsy sir, so much will we you show, To yonder land lies opposite we go. There comes the Lady, so if you acquire Her own consent, without reproach we can Yield you content: so lest the time expire, Put forth your suit: for be assured no man Shall you refuse, to trannsport without wage, For you're but one, and yonder comes a Page. This Page delivers him two letters sent By some his friends, which doth import great haste, Yet 'tis too late: for now his heart was lent Elsewhere: for his affections all were placed In fair Lucilla, who her Bark stands by, And now to enter doth herself apply. Whilst Boat-men strive to make their Bark cohere To land: for their fair Ladies greater ease, A maid comes running, with exceeding fear, And to her Lady thus spoke, Madam please, I've seen a man, or Incubus belike, And as she spoke, her breast with hand did strike. Look how a maid confined in narrow way, Amongst steepy rocks, finding a Dragon sleep, How tim'rously she'll stand: yet no delay Her frighted heart can brook, for now to weep Doth nought avail: right so with fear now filled, She ran away, as though she thought be killed. But now the Mar'ners to relate begin Unto Lucilla, how a brave youth sought By them to have transport her Bark within, Take what they pleased for hire, he cared nought, A Gallant brave, a stranger we him think, Lo yonder comes he ' longest the river brink. Now Calanthrop a thousand ways is vexed, Strange cogitations do him so turmoil, He cannot stay, to go he is perplexed, Lest through presumption he receive the foil. But, go he must, how ere she him repute, Love so commands, thus doth he her salute. FAirest on earth, wilt please you to allow Me who's a stranger for to have transport Into your company, I solemnly vow, If you be pleased to grace me in such sort, In your defence, command so when you list, I'll hazard life, and if I die, I'm blest. For know, dear Lady, my adoes are great, Even such wherein consist my bliss or bail, So, if I stay, the Destinies do threat Me with such death, as makes my heart to quail, Even such a death, that whilst I live, I'll dye, And though I death desire, death will me fly. Therefore sweet Nymph, since I have told you plain, Beatify me, by your generous grant, So shall I still your servant true remain, Whereof with credit I may justly vaunt, For such a Mistress hath no mortal wight, 'Gainst Mars himself, I dare maintain by fight. Lucilla, all this while attentively Remarked his speech, and felt she knew not what, A more entire respect then usually She heretofore to any boar, whereat Aggrieved, herself of fondness doth reprove, For she as yet ne'er felt the force of love. Yet this respect she caries to the youth, I hope, anon, shall purchase him his fraught, Now the sweet Organ of her lovely mouth, Utters such words, as might have Merc'rie taught: Which words, from out Loves lethagrie, awake Young Calanthrop: for thus to him she spoke. Such titles sir, I you entreat, reserve As you give me, for some of more desert, For, through self-love, many from honour swerve, As those report in Nature most expert, And if ambition once the heart subdue, Honour, wit, virtue, bid that heart adieu. It may be Sir, that you repute this strange, That undeserved, many will assume Prerogatives: and badly do exchange Virtue with vice, such is ambition's fume: Those late repentance, make their plumes decline, Yet they ne'er strive their hum ours to refine. Let this suffice then, now as to your suit Sir, you shall know, that we use not permit Men in our company, lest through scand'lous bruit Our spotless names in question come, but yet Those Mar'ners you perhaps esteem as men, Yet are they Eunuches, though in number ten. But lest your loss through our default accresse, And we prove guilty of your overthrow, We will for this time, our strict use repress, And for your weal, our hazard undergo, Since you're a stranger, then in charity, We should you aid, if we may lawfully. For this, Calanthrop renders thousand thanks, And on his knee offers her hand to kiss, Which she refused: now each in their own ranks Go board the Bark: but o what joy by this Doth Calanthrop conceive! & now their sail They hoist, for why, they have a prosperous gale. Now, being embarked, Neptune begins to joy That he hath gained which he of late was reft, No wrinkling wave upon his brow t'annoy Them now is seen: no swelling surge is left Upon the Ocean's face, but like to balm The seas appear now, through a pleasant calm. Lucilla now the stranger placed hard by Herself: and seeing he so silent sat, Smiling, began she to inquire him why He looked so sad, or what he cogitate. Whilst he so sat into a silent muse, Whereat ashamed, himself doth thus excuse. MAdam, by nature I'm melancholy, Yet do I think by casual accident, This humour much more is infused in me, Which if I could, I gladly would prevent; But so it is, I'm forced to taste the sour And bittet sap, whilst others smell the flower. For know dear sweet, the Fates do so ordain, Whilst others joy, that I in woe must wail, The blinde-borne Archers shaft, I entertain My heart within: this makes me look so pale, And which is worse, with grief I pine and mourn, She lovelesse lives, mids Cupids flames I burn. And yet in truth, thus far I must confess, I silent grieve, for such I never show To her directly, neither did address Myself to suit such, for I thought I knew Already, that I labour would in vain, And pour forth plaints to one would me disdain, Yet since I see that silence will redound To my great loss, likewise in such a case, It is not requisite, lest I confound Myself, and so my fortunes all intrace In grizely lab'rynth of pale-looking woe, I'll speak in time, heavens aid me thereinto. The Mar'ners all this time were sleeping near, And glad to rest, for they out-waked were. Lucilla's maids applied themselves to hear The Page discourse, no longer time defer Would Calanthrop, but since the time so serves▪ Proceeds: yet trembling fear possessed his nerves. For he was feared the Mar'ners might awake, Or that the maids might to his speech advert, He likewise feared Lucilla fair might take Exception by his words, and so insert His name and hopes in scrolls of pale reject, Yet he resolves, this speech to her direct. THrice fairer than the fairest that doth breath, Ortrampe down Tellus by their harmless foot, More worth to me then life, do not in wrath This as presumption unto me impute, That I, sore lovesick, must thy pity crave, For thou its only must me kill or save. Thou, whose Idea in my heart is fixed So firmly, that no death can it remove, Let thy great beauty be with mercy mixed, Pity is called the ornament of love. Pity those shrowds, disdain would whip with rods, It's pity only, makes us like to gods. Sweet lovely fair, please you remember right, When I of you my transport did obtain, I told you that my stay would mar my spirit, And through transport I should lost joy regain: So true it is, for since you show such grace, You gave me life by looking in your face. For such like matter I ne'er thought upon, As of transport, but glad was to conceal My love, until such time as there was none Hard by, to hear what I to you reveal: For since, sweet love, I saw you in the wood, I still esteemed you my sole earthly good. Even then when you did richly benefit The colding spring, with touch of your fair hide, The fountain bathe within, for to repeat What joy the whole spectators were beside Did then conceive, would scarcely purchase trust, But as for me, appear no way I durst. For whilst I on the fountain statues gazed, You marched so swift with all your lovely bond, That I, by such great beauties much amazed, Into a bush, hard by, myself abscond, And all the while you did the bathe inure, I silent sat with small content I'm sure. 'Cause I Diana absolute esteemed You: for such beauty humans not possess, As you enjoy: so wished I be exeem'd From such like company: lest that such distress Might me befall, as him who wore Heart's horn First on his head, then by his dogs was torn. But when I saw that dangers all were passed, And that you were a humane creature, When you were gone, I followed after fast, Loves fiery faggots so my heart combure, Such bait gave Cupid on a guilded hook, I could not stay till I you overtook. So now, sweet heart, since opportunity Hath made me fortunate, granting me such time, My love t'impart to yourself privately Grant me your favour, that amidst the prime Of my young years, I may more joy conceive, Then Nestor old in all his life did have. In thy sweet self my spotless love's engraft, In thee is placed my joys, and whole content, Let not disdain by his fastidious craft, Frustrate my hopes, nor yet my joys prevent. For Nat'ralists this maxim oft observes, A lovely face grace in the heart conserveses. That Oracle which Delphos did contain, Sometime, I hope, was held in such respect, That many did through great expense and pain, Obtain response, whereon they did erect All their attempts: so Calanthrop now prays, Her answer might 'gree with his hopes always. Look how a man for capital offence, Being arraigned, a jury doth sustain, How pale-faced fear his heart holds in suspense, Till from the judge his sentence he attain Of death or life: even so doth he expect Her answer, which will work the like effect. But now Lucilla for to solve the doubt, Which at this time young Calanthrop surprised, Lifting her eyes, and looking all about, She looked on him, which look might have intys'de The coldest minded Saturnist had breath, To love: and thus her answer did bequeath. GOod Sir, I marvel you should so advance Fond love so far, since wise men him deride Whose power's only foolish hearts t'intrance: Must they not stray, who have a blinded guide. Where Cupid reigns, the sense he deludes soon, Making them see strange visions in the moon. Some do report the Gods did once convene, A Parliament touching prerogatives, Then of Ambition Envy hatched hath been, Cupid and Folly at debate, she drives Him back, scratched out his eyes he might not see, Therefore appointed was his guide to be. Since so it is, good Sir, let me entreat You to renounce such guides as be those two, For though the heart with joy be full replete At first by them, yet in the end comes woe, A prudent mind in virtue exercysde Within Love's limits seldom is comprysde. And as for me, fond Venus and her boy I scorn, and do ' their Deity still detest, To talk of love, I think it but a toy, Lymphatic hearts he only may molest, Let such adore him, and admire his power, The higher is their flight, their fal's the lower. So now she calls her maids, and bids them go Awake the Mar'ners, for she sees the shore Is near hand by them, likewise there is more Billows appear, nor was seen heretofore. The mar'ners rise, they tackle, veer and tie, They gain the land, so Neptune they defy. Her coach is waiting her approach: so now She and her maids incoach themselves with speed, They bid farewell to Calanthrop, and bow Themselves in coach: his grief doth now exceed All men's on earth: yea, it may have compare To those who in the Stygian shades repair. Not Sisyphus, who rolls the restless stone, Nor Ixion, who turns the toilsome wheel, Such grief possess as he: since she is gone, Whose beauteous presence was his safeties seal, Nor Beliles, who midst infernal fire, To fill still emptying buckets, do desire. No nor Prometheus, for his heaven-fire stealth, By vultures torn alive, midst fiery flame, Nor Midas King, whose covetous heart such wealth Required, as thereby lost both sense and frame, No greater grief doth any of those try, Disdain yields heat his harmless heart doth fry. Still starving Tantalus, to quench his thirst, Standing in water, water craves to drink, To pull the flying fruit, he doth insist, The fruit eschew, the waters from him shrink, His babbling tongue justly his pain procured, But Calanthrop is guiltlessly injured. While Calanthrop with grief was thus or'e-swaid His Page suggesteth, that it were the best To give the Mar'ners' coin, who as yet stayed, Belike, expecting some: the which request He soon fulfilled, bidding him give a crown To each of them, whereat the Page did frown. Yet nevertheless he must this charge obey, Therefore he went and called them for to row Their ships boat, which they did without delay, On each of ten a crown he did bestow. They yield him thanks, requesting him in end, Their service to his master recommend. He said he would, then to a wood hard by Directs his course, which way his master went, When he had walked a while, he saw him lie Mongst lofty Pines, famous for high ascent, Calanthrop bids him with what hast he might Some where about provide their Inns that night. As he directs, the Page away doth pass, Yet knew not where this Inns he should provide At last by chance he meets a country Lass, Who show him that the way longest the wood side Was best for him: for by yond flowery spring, he'll find a way to city will him bring. Even this same time doth Calanthrop bewail His hard mishaps the Destiny's decree, Even thus I see such Fortune's favours frail, What gained by month, doth in a moment flee. (O happy I) if I had never proved The sad effects, affection hath moved. So you sweet Cedars, and you high-reared Pines, I you entreat subumbrate me by shade, From mortal eyes, lest spiteful worldlings minds In joy triumph, to see my success bad. No, let the earth alive my corpses inter, Rather than Fortune, thus my joys defer. Whilst Calanthrop through grief bereft of sense, Thus tumbles, tosses, welters here and there, He sees a man, now for his best defence He seeks his sword, yet found he it no where. The man salutes him in this courteous form, Which wrought in him a calm after this storm. GOod gentleman, please you, came there this way Of late some Huntsmen, chase of a Dear? Or did you hear the shrill-mouthed hounds, at bay With fearless Boar, or with the crushing Bear? For from a thicket distant scarce a mile, We roused a Bear, whom we try to exile. This hurtful Bear doth much unlooked for harm, In kill men and women, children weak, His bad embracement raised a sad alarm Into a neighbouring Castle, by a Lake. Lowering he lies 'mongst brambles, briers and bushes, Waiting his prey: which got, he tears and crushes. Misfortune great, a youth some twelve years old, A Cousin to Lucilla (beauteous creature) This proper youth (ay me) less wise than bold, Beloved of all, and of a comely feature, One day would needs himself, by times solace, With horse & hounds to keep the Bear in chase. But he a little from his company singled, The Devilish beast perceiving him alone, Despair with chol'rick fury intermingled Begot in him revenge, so that anon, Running amain, he pulled the youth at under, Then (unresisted) tore his joints asunder. And ever since the Duke with many knights, Try by all means, this cruel beast to kill, Or else expel, but he almost affrights All his pursuers: for his looks do fill Their hearts with fear, that they encounter dare No way, but glad to view the chase a far. But yet the Duke appointed hath a day, And letters sent to all his bordering mates, Them in his aid, requesting to assay Their valorous force, so men of all estates, Are looked for here, 'gainst Tuesday next at morn, To chase the Bear with horse, with hound, with horn. This present day, some gallants brave to try, Which was the place of his foul residence, Came to this forest, and of late went by To yonder grove, disturbed his patience. Rousd the foul monster from his loathsome cave, Like Martialists, to rob his life they crave. And since that I am in those woods acquaint, For long time I thereof have keeper been, They my advice required ere they attaint This enterprise: but now I have not seen Nor heard of them this hour ago and more, And this makes me inquisitive therefore. In truth good friend (quoth Calanthrop) be sure If I had seen such, I would likewise go And try the sport: for it should much allure The hearts of young men, to be baited so, Therefore let me entreat you to repose Yourself beside me, and that tale disclose. Touching the Duke, and that same youth was killed, The fair Lucilla likewise would I know, And where she lives, that so the earth hath filled. With strange reports, for ofttimes many more Than you, have told me of this Lady's favour, But still I thought their speech did amply savour I cannot think her such as they report, Or that her beauty can so far excel All other women's: so I you exhort, Let your relation bear a trustful smell, For truth to heavens with sacred wings doth fly, While heaven and earth abhor still those who lie. Believe me Sir, I'm glad that ye have told Me such good tale, for now I well perceive You do desire that I the truth unfold, The which discourse most truly you shall have: For I shall you acquaint with all the state, So now give ear whilst I the same relate. THE FORESTER HIS RELATION. LOng after that the valorous Greeks had levelled with the ground The stately walls of Ilium, & Priam's race confound, For rapt of Menelaus wife, even then of happy Greece, The Diadem was rightly swayed, the sceptre ruled in peace, By Princes of its Provinces, who all as in one mind Most virtuously for public weal, aptly themselves combynd. This time Thessalia's peaceful reign, made pleasant Tempe smile: Two-topped Pernasse and Helicon, the Muses haunt this while. The spring was wrought by Pegasus the winged horse his have, Those thrice three sisters sacred selves were known about to move The Nymphs with fair disheveled hair, than tripped the flowery meads, The harmless flocks through vales & dales, & mountains safely feeds. The skipping Satyrs midst the groves, longest silver brooks did play, The country maids in rural games to gain the praise essay. Even than did prudent Philagath over Thessalia reign, A man whom Fates and Fortune both, more favoured than a king. For by his birth he honoured was, through royal right descent, Of many Kings of Thessaly, as histories comment. His grandour purchased great respect, his justice made men fear, His clemenciemade him beloved, of all his name did hear. And Nature in succession would him also happy make, In giving him a son which should (when as he pleased forsake) The Sceptre, rule in father's stead, his countries all defend From foreign force, if any to invade the same intent. A comely girl he also had, who as she grew in years, Her beauty then not paralleled, more lovely still appears. Her beauty great, fame blazed abroad, in regions round about, Yea, it I think, was published, almost the world throughout. So from all country's suitors did, to Thessaly resort, Where they themselvee might recreate in each desired sport. But all their aims was to attain, the Lady's wished consent, Yet all in vain, for still they did return most malcontent. Yet at the last, as Fortune would not have her dye a maid, The Duke of rich Calabria himself there soon convayde, And in short time such success had, as he acquired her love In honest form, and so they match, which afterwards did prove To both their goods and hearts content, for in a twelvemonths space She bore to him a gallant girl, which had an Angel's face. This girl was named Lucilla fair, as justly she may be, The fairest Lady, now alive, enriched most plenteously With rarest gifts, and graces good, that mortals do enjoy, The Gods likewise in one assent, still shield her from annoy. But now the Duke her father did, conceive so great delight, In his new match, and laughter fair, he every day or night, Esteemed a year till he returned with this his beauteous prize, Towards his country, for all Greece, his success did despise. So he took leave of Philagath, the King of Thessaly, Then homewards hasted with his wife, and all his company: At home he led a joyful life, sequestrate from all care, Till envious Fortune grieved thereat, enraged through despair, Would make him taste the bitter gall, of her satiric frown, And make him know the sunshine of her favours, were o'erblown. Not fully lived he six years' space, with his beloved wife, When Philagath through sickness great, was thought should lose his life. Those news, I think, bad music sound, into the Duchess ear, Now were her senses all appalled, by sudden palefaced fear. Yet she resolves to visit him, as she in duty should, The Duke doth strive her to dissuade, but yet no way he could. Away she goes for Thessaly, with all her lovely train Of gallant Knights, and Ladies fair, she hastes over hill & plain. Through diligence she doth attain, her wished journey's end, Even as some weary Pilgrim doth, who feeble footsteps spend In superstitious pilgrimage, before some kinsman's death: Right so she hastes, as though she could, preserve her father's breath. But so it is, death doth prevent, too oft what we desire, And our moist nature doth combure, with flames of fatal fire. For ere the Duchess could attain, her loving father's sight, Remorseless Death (unwelcome guest) forced him forgo his sp'right. Then with great shonts she pierced oft the azur'd welkin fair, And clouds with eechoes did resound, her plaints through empty air Yet forced she must have patience, mournings do nought avail, For Death with equal pace, both Prince, & pooreman doth assailc. So she, with grief, her last leave takes, of Thessaly with tears, And her own brother's eldest son, along with her she bears. Home to her own Calabria she & her company go, From their sad hearts the speach-like groans still seemed to utter woe Thorough Epyrus lay their way, where they one night did rest. But, on the morrow, Phoebus' beams them scorchingly oppressed. So that unto a wood they seek, to taste some cooling shade, A forest fair they found hardby, whereof they all were glad. With speedy pace they thither went, but better they had stayed For they had not long sojourned there, when they were all afraid. The Savages those woods did haunt, them furiously assault, The knights again, with murdering swords, sharply correct that fault. In little space those wild men were, forced to a sad retreat, Some killed, some fled, some howlingly, bad successes repeat. The Duchess glad of victory, intends now to depart, Yet ere she go, she must endure, inevitable smart. For as the Knights the Duchess sought, unto her coach to bring, A monstrous Scorpion lurked hard by, her piteously did sting, Then to the hold returns again, a foot-groome it prevent, And with a Sable it divides, so frustrates its intent, The Duchess Surgeon by his balm, and unguents tries his skill, His Teriack nor his Mithridate, cannot the venom kill, His antipoysons have no force, no nor his viper's oil, Do what he can, the venom strong, the Lady's like to spoil. Her grievous pain doth still increase, her wound grows worse & worse No cordial nor no cataplasm, against the sting have force, With sad and woeful hearts her guard, do carry her along, 'Gainst Fates & Fortune they exclaim for this opprobrious wrong, If poisonous heat made her a thirst, or did the heavens ordain, Her present aid, no man can tell, but she could not sustain Such thirst: therefore she called a groom, and bids him go and find Some colding spring, that she might ease her hart, with heat was pynd He goes and finds a purling brook, then quickly turns again, Thereof she drinks, and still she thinks, the lesser grows her pain. Now from her coach she doth dismount, (o admirable thing) The pain and poison both decrease, by drinking of the spring. Her knights and guard go both apart, her Ladies bathe her wound, Through bathing with the healthful spring the Duchess is made sound. With humble & with thankful hearts they praise the gods therefore, Who did so soon mirac'lously, their Lady's health restore. Then to a village boarding near, she and her company went, But e'er they could the same approach, the day was ne'er hand spent. For midst the way they find a man, whose clothes were old & worn, He seemed to be of poor estate, & yet by countrey-borne, The Duchess asked him, how they called this country, & the wood, And how they called the happy spring, that yielded her such good. This country is Epyrus called (quoth he) where we are placed, Hazardfull forests of Epire be those, you lately traced, The brook is called the healthful spring, through Grecia flies its fame, Of each of those (fair Lady know) this is the proper name. Those forests be called hazardfull, cause many one of old And likewise now, strange accidents in them finde manifold. The brook is called the healthful spring, as well it may indeed, 'Gainst poison, venom-ca●kring 〈◊〉, a sovereign tried remede. The man takes leave, they forward went, unto the village right, Next morning on their journey go, how soon the day was light. Then in few days to this her home, the Duchess quickly came, This country her Calabria, it is the very same. What then it was, so is it now, not subject to decay, No foreign force, nor homebred jars, its indwellers dismay. When that the Duchess lived here home, a while with easeful mind And former sorrows all were passed, as loath to prove unkind. She caused skilled Artificers, erect (to her great charge) Of marble black, & Alabast, a fountain high & large. Like to a stately Pyramid, the healthful spring above, Lest any of ingratitude, her justly might reprove. In memory of benefit she once did there receive, Expert Mechanics she caused search, could rightly cut and grave. Through dexterous cunning these adorned the happy healthful fount, With Emblems framed of Alabast, and marble of the mount. Of years, two lustres scarce were spent, after this work was done, When she citations had from death, so had her brother's son. The Duchess did the gods implore, that they the youth would spare And pity him of tender years, and expectation rare. Thessalia's hope, his mother's joy, sole comfort of his Sire, For doubtlessly if now he died, their lives would then expire. As for herself she was resolved, Death's message to obey, And that ne're-yet remitted debt, she's willing to repay. It seemed the gods did grant her suit, the boy did convalesse, But she (sweet Lady) found deaths force, her vital spirit's distress. Then called she for her love, & Lord, whose groans proclaimed his grieves And for her lass Lucilla fair, in whom true beauty lives. Dear Lord & love (quoth she) I find that we must parted be, The loyal love I to thee bear, doth make me loath to dye. Heavens, Fates, & Death, do all decree, my glass of life be run, And Atropos now cuts the thread which Lachesis once spun. So hence I must (o dear sweet love) I pray thee do not weep, For sure my sprite midst highest heavens, the sacred gods will keep. Lucilla dear, thy mother's joy, come to thy dying Dame, As Heavens & Nature thee enriched with beauty's bravest frame, Heavens grant that thou do use it well, to thy immortal praise, Live chastely, yet self-love abhor, pride breeds contempt always. This one thing do I thee entreat, in memory of me, Go thrice a year & view the spring thy mother did supply. When physic, nor no simples could, the venom strong expel, The water of the healthful spring, in power did precel. Therefore three times a year do view, that spring by consuetude, And mother-like (what beasts detests) abhor ingratitude. Thus said, her happy sprite she yields, which to eternal joy Numberless numbers powers divine, invisibly convoy. Her funerals once solemntzed, then doth Lucilla fair, In sable robes of mourning black, with maids so clad, prepare To go and view the healthful spring, and there bewail her loss, And mother's death, whose memories, gives her continual cross. Since she is thus determined, her father likewise send Shadows of men (eunuchs I mean) as guardians her t'attend. Those likewise serve as mariners, to rule her bark by sea, Accompanied by those, and maids, she doth continually Thrice yearly go and view that spring, a day or two they mourn, Their regrates being finished, again they here return. Her father, though he have no son, for to succeed his place, Loves her so well, he will not wed again in any case. Yet though he love her, he overlooks her with a prying eye, Love hatcheth care, which care begets respective jealousy. The jealous Sire of daughters good, doth make her live retyrd, For which himself of strangers is, ridic'lously admyrd. Lucilla, since her mother died, is forced to live apart From company of anyman, which sure must grieve her heart. For save those Eunuches, & those maids, who serve her night & day, And her own Sire, the aged Duke, none else approach her may. Many a Prince, and gallant Knight, do her in marriage crave, But through her father's persuasives, she none at all will have. And for to try to speak herself, it's folly, there's no mean She is so warely looked unto, none can such good attain. This aged Duke, and his fair Lass, dwell near within six mile, Where they in diverse sports delight, to posting time beguile. A castle situate by a lake, in it do they abide, From thence they see both woods & meads, & ships at anchor ride. Even from this Castle of the Dukes, about a fortnight since, In company of other knights, went the Thessalian Prince, Retimes they rise, and wind their hotness, not fearing any foe, Through desert woods, & unknown paths, they all a hunting go. But whilst the rest their horses mount, the Prince his horse refuses, Him to receive, yet would the youth, admit no such excuses. Twice more than thrice the horse would not, permit the Prince him back, Prodigious presage which foreshews the rider's speedy wrack. Hard by the lake there haunts a Bear, a monster for a beast, Who by the space of thirty years, those woods did haunt at least. This beast 'mongst brakes & pricklie thorns, all day still lurking lay, And when dark night black mantle spread, than went to seek his prey. The night preceding he had strayed, abroad to seek his food, His late traced steps (though not by scent) might well be known by blood. There did the hounds, by fatal chance, find out the recent sent. With librall mouths against the clouds, their voice they largely spent This quick approach soon roused the Bear from out his loathed hold, The hounds give challenge, he again, gives them encounter bold. Now huntsmen came, where at the hounds with courage fresh begin A new pursuit, yet none so bold, as once to tooth his skin. The knights with darts the Bear so wound, that void of all remorse This desperate beast (afflicted thus) the young Prince did unhorsed. Their darts are spent, no shot they have, so all their help is vain, Maugre them all, before their eyes, Thessalia's Prince is slain. A steepy rock contains a cave, the Bear long used before, Thither went he (with dog's convoy) of him they saw no more. Huntsmen with sad and sorry hearts, their clothes they all to rend, Home with the corpse they sadly move, this hunting they repent. But when the Duke this object saw (a woeful one indeed) He and Lucilla all the rest, in sorrow did exceed, Helpless is their excessive grief, though natural be their moan, Nature to life can ne'er restore, whom death hath once undone. But yet the Duke makes narrow search to guerdon the offender, And still the Bear for this his pains, bad thanks again doth render. For whom the beast conveens withal, may he prevail with rage, Them makes he smart, without respect, of person, sex, or age. So this abuse hath caused the Duke, still hoping for amends, Him to assist to kill the Bear, entreat his neighbouring friends. And as I show you we expect them next ensuing week. So this is all concerning this, I know, or yet can speak. Yet this I'm sure, some gallants will fearlessly try their strength, And for their loves courageously abbreviate the length Of their strong lance, into the Bear, if they may him convene, Not caring for his crush, or bite, his choler, rage, or spleen. But now me thinks I hear a horn, therefore must I be gone, So, pray you sir, apardon me, for leaving you alone. Farewell my friend, quoth Calanthrop, good success still enjoy, I shall not stay here long alone, for yonder comes my boy, This rare Discourse of yours, hath me afforded such content, That if hereafter we convene, you's think this time well spent. THE Forester thus gone, now comes the Lad, And tells his master that he had prepared An Inn: but (quoth he) I good fortune had, Else 'mongst those woods I doubtless had been snared, A wench I found, which did direct me right, The gainest way unto the City's sight. A stately City it appears to me, A goodly Inn, where you may be well eased, The merriest man that ever I did see, Is that your Host, Sir if you so be pleased. Well grounded walls, high, large, & passing strong The City guard from injury or wrong, Many brave Knights perambulate the street, Who come to hunt, as Citizens report, Some ravenous beast, who badly doth entreat The country people: so that to be short, Each man provides him horse, and hounds, and lance, Against the hunts, his honour to advance. By this discourse now Calanthrop did find That all was true the Forester disclosed, Still doth the Page, according to his mind, Solve all demands his master him proposed. Now came they to the Cities Eastern wall, Found patent gates, such fortune did befall. Then went they to their Inn the ready way, They supped, and then betook them to their rest, Next morning early, by the break of day, Calanthrop called his Page, to him expressed Some part his mind, gives crowns, & bids him go Buy horse and lance, apparel black also. The Page did shortly his desire fulfil, Returned and show him all that he had done, Each thing contented him so to his will, Next morning he intends for to be gone, And view the hunts, the Duke and Knights condign, For hunting sport that day did all assign. When day appeared, each man to palace sought, The Duke t'attend, yet Calanthrop abode Still with his host, till all were gone, then thought He best to go: so to the wood he road, His courteous host did him such favour yield, As to conduct him to the hunting field. But e'er they came, the game was well begun So they retired, expecting the event, Unto a shade, bright Phoebus' beams to shun, Now doth the Bear boldly himself present, He (fearless beast) 'ginnes such encounter give, His tusks and paws both hounds and huntsmen grieve. At this the Knights seem all to be ashamed, To kill the Bear they all at once conspire, But this design is worthy to be blamed, He who intends true honour to acquire, His foe with equal number should assail, Then merits praise, if he do so prevail. Yet notwithstanding of their multitude, The Bear persuades them to a shamed retreat, Many brave Knight he of their arms denude, Which sight did valorous Calanthrop incite, For seeing how each Knight did curtsy strain Who first should try himself, the Bear again. Heroick he, impatient of delay, On his black Courser, from the thicket rushes, The beast enraged, him meets in middle way, In his thick hide the lance in pieces frushes, Yet for all that, mean while the Knight dismounts, The Bear a trick him taught next time he hunts. For ere the Knight could well unsheathe his sword, The Bear him wounds a little on the arm, But now the gallant quickly him afford Due recompense for his intended harm, Flourished his sword aloft, then with a thrust, He minds to punish cruelty unjust. The beast perceives his aim, in this hard case, By shift of body doth the thrust avoid, And for this kindness offers him t'embrace, The Knight could not such demonstrations bide: But sensibly he made the Bear to know Come was the time, he must his life forgo. With o'erthwart stroke bravely the Knight divides The Bears left leg, largely two yards and more Full from the other: Intrals through his sides Fall out amain: now in his bloody gore The beast lies killed by Calanthrops brave hand, Whereat amazed the whole spectators stand. Calanthrop quickly now remounts his Steed, Hastes to the place where he had left his host, The Duke and Knights admire this noble deed, Though none of them thereof may justly boast, Therefore the Duke sends to request the Knight To come receive the honour of the fight. But Calanthrop not willing be cognost, Himself before the message came, absented, Such lovesick thoughts his mind so ever crossed, That smothered groans his hearthad almost rent. Yet forced content he bears most patiently, To City went his Host, his Page, and he. Where we must leave them for a little space, To show you what content the Duke conceived By this day's sport: but yet the great disgrace His Knights had got: justly no pardon craved, Shamed to confess, yet reason them constrained An unknown Knight, not they, the honour gained. Most glad in heart, the Duke hastes to his home, With many Knights, discoursing on this sport, They all yield praise to one, they know not whom, The Bear his death did each of them comfort, Yet envious sp'rites still secret malice Iudge, At stout men's success base minds oft do grudge. For the good Duke to glad his guests withal, When he came home, caused his fair lass be brought To sup with them: to mind he then doth call, The valorous act one knight that day had wrought, Then to Lucilla told in pleasant words, In audience of Knights, Princes, Earls and Lords. How that an unknown Knight the Bear did kill, For after (quoth he) we had roused the beast, The timorous hounds at bay did keep him still, Many were hurt, glad to retire, at least They seemed unwilling any more to try, Wherein the Bear's defence and strength did lie. But while as yet each knight with other strove, Who first should dare him to encounter new, There came a knight from an adjacent grove, His horse, lance, clothes, were of a pale-black hue, The Bear in midway meets him on the plains, As loath to put a stranger to great pains. With an unformall welcome doth him greet, Yet on his breast the lance doth split asunder, But e'er the knight on ground could fix his feet, The Bear got up, though he was once at under, Then ere the knight could half his sword unsheathe, He runs to him belike, to beg his death. Which suit the knight seemed willing to obey, For at one stroke he did the Bear so wound, The grief thereof his body did o'ersway, Fourefeets thereafter set he ne'er on ground, One of his legs the knight quite off did cut, Then in the sheath his noble sword he put. Then on his horse he quickly did return To that same grove, from which of late he came, Thither where we thought he did then sojourn, I sent three Lords for to inquire his name, Desiring him to come where we expected, Him who so had our country's weal protected. But he was gone before they could attain The very grove which we had seen him enter, Not willing to be known, he did preveene, Their coming: yet his life for us did venture. Then since they could not find him any where, We all thought best home to this place repair. Thus, daughter, have you heard the very truth Of our day's sport, directly as it was Acted, by that brave magnanimick youth, Chastised the monster for his vile trespass: He, for our safety, and our public good, Life hazard, honour gained, yet spent his blood. Sir (quoth Lucilla) give me leave to speak, This act, me thinks, precels the labours twell Of that brave worthy martial minded Greek, Who dragged three-headed Cerberus, from hell, He that killed Hector midst the camp of Greece, Or he who gained Ile Colchis golden fleece. When Hercules to fetch his wife did go, Infernal Phasma's made his courage droop, Achilles at advantage struck his foe, Whilst he to rob dead Patroclus did stoop, Medea's magic gained the fleece of gold, For jasons' love she father's thesaure sold. Likewise the Argonauts both last and first Did aid Duke Aesons son in his pursuit, Oeta's foes did bravely him assist, Orithia's sons to aid them prosecute, Wing'd Calais, and Zethes thither flew, In their return the Harpies they subdue. Desire of gain did jason most entice, Necessity, the other two did move, For Herc'les must forgo his enterprise, Else fight the dog, Achilles too must prove Himself a Coward, if he miss the stroke, But no such matter did this knight provoke. No greed of gain, nor yet necessity Did move this gallant enterprise this deed, True honour did his mind most qualify, He likewise saw this country stood in need Of speedy aid, so for our public weal, Unarmed alone, he did the Bear appeal. And, praise to jove, he happy victor proved, Dear father therefore whatsoever he be, Of young and old he ever should be loved, Of rich and poor, of each sex and degree, To him erect then, stately Trophies rare, Who for our safeties would his life not spare. Though all the min'rals earth contains, were swords, And all took life were men to use them well, If Calanthrop, I think, had heard her words, (Being so set on top of Fortune's wheel) He would gain-stand them all in open plain, Though Hydra-like they twofold lived again. But while Lucilla did Calanthrop praise, One Philotomp much to her speech adverts, His name, his naughty humour still betrays, This knight in heart the Lady's words inserts: For fretting Envy, humour monstrous strange, Moved him, was no way wronged, to seek revenge. For Philotomp, that proud ostentive man, Made search to know where the knight did remain, Fully resolved to kill him if he can, Naughty designs are bred in basest brain, So in dark night he went unto the City, With heart bend to revenge, and void of pity. Some say that Philotomp right much affected The fair Lucilla, and this was the cause, He hates the knight, doubting to be rejected, His rival humour could admit no pause, Lucilla's speech he though had savour kind, Towards the knight, which did molest his mind. Now in the City, at the time of rest, Some knave conveyed him to the knight his Inn, So he and six well armed with him, addressed Them to the house: now doth the fight begin, Calanthrop and his boy did well assuage Philotomps' choler, and his unjust rage. Yea Calanthrop alone so far prevailed, His martial page defending still his back, That in short time those seven who him assailed, Through his brave hand were brought to sudden wrack, Four of them killed he, two like Cowards fled, Philotomp captive made, his blood not shed. The Burghers hearing the uproar, convene, And both the parties do incarcerate, But yet in jail not willing to detain Such persons long, lest they extenuate, Their liberty: therefore they now intend, Unto the Duke, to know his will, to send. Their Messenger doth to the Duke dilate The very form of this bad accident, And how the unknown knight his hard estate Was much bewailed, when he to jail was sent. For what he did, was in his own defence, But no man knew knight Philotomps pretence. How soon the Duke had heard him to an end, To horse he went, with many gallant Lord, Each one to hear, their itching ears did lend, What the event should be of this discord, Wishing the Duke might expiate his ire, Each Lord and knight him humbly did desire. But now the Mayor and the Burghers meet The Duke: then to their justice hall convoy Him, with great pomp, alongst their City's street, Each one was glad his presence to enjoy, In each ado, though justice he preferred, The trial he to witnesses referred. In this ado there was no need of such, For Philotomp became so penitent, That he (unto his shame) confessed thus much, (Requesting them to haste his punishment) Against all reason, I sought to confound This knight, which now hath to my shame redound. Well (quoth the Duke) since thou unjustly sought To kill this knight, who never did thee wrong, As he best likes, thou shalt to death be brought And suffer torment short, or painful long. Calanthrop thanked the Duke right humbly, For this his just and absolute decree. But here's the trial of a generous mind, Who having powerfully to dispose Of one who sought to kill him, yet could find In heart, most freely to remit such foes, Brave martial minds ingenuously forgive The penitent, Cowards to death them drive. So now it proved, for Calanthrop remits All the trespass which Philotomp had done, Likewise entreats the Duke, who justice sits, To liberate th'offender to be gone, Yet Philotomp was sworn, that sword nor knife, He should not bear, during his loathed life. Thus then ashamed, he hastes unto a Bark, Commits his body to the sea some space, Bids friends farewell, and then when night grew dark, He went where Tryton rules with forked mace. Thus was he gone, but no man e'er could tell, What fortune afterward to him befell. And now the Duke entreats the unknown knight To take the pains to go with him along Unto his house, and be his guest that night, The which request, more sweet than Siren's song Calanthrop thought: yet seemed he not do so, Most willing he, unwilling seemed to go. Now well he knew, he should be once more blessed By happy view of fair Lucilla's face, And so perhaps, might find time to insist Opport'nately in some convenient place, Renew his suit, and make his love more known, So ripe affections seed where he had sown. Most sure Love's seed is recompense in love, And each one aims for to acquire the same, Each loyal Lover must this aim approve, Lustful desires are ever worthy blame. Calanthrops virtuous thoughts do still aspire Not subject to libidinous desire. But now they came whereas the Duke then dwelled, Then were conducted to the Presence hall, Lethargic love this time Calanthrop felt, Yet wisely he his senses did recall. The Duke well kmowing that this was the knight, Who had so stoutly killed the Bear in fight. Intends all honour possibly to give Unto his worth, as tributary pay, Loves lawless passions do the knight much grieve, Though he for to restrain the same assay, So since the Duke perceives him malcontent, He tries all means this humour to prevent. Therefore he sends for his fair Lass in haste, And all the while he keeps the knight in speech, For he alone was by the Duke's self plac'tt Now comes Lucilla, (top of beauty's reach) The lovesick knight offers to kiss her hand, Yet (courteous she) his offer doth gain-stand. The Duke said, Daughter, this same knight is he That killed the cruel Bear before my face, Defending us from beastly tyranny, Though Philotomp sought time him to disgrace, Yet he most freely his trespass forgave And pardoned him who should no pardon have. But now Lucilla (smiling) began to speak, Believe me Sir, if this knight merit praise, In reason I this claim may also seek, That I as partner honoured be always, For, last time I the healthful spring did see, In my return I brought this knight with me. And is it so, then daughter I request Each time thou goes to view the spring again, To fetch'thy father ever such a guest, As is this knight which now doth here remain, But now the Duke entreats the knight to show If this tale his Lass tells be true, or no. Believe me Sir (quoth Calanthrop) I came From Epire last, amongst a lovely train Of Ladies, whereof I believe this Dame Was chiefest: I desired their help to gain The other shore, a stranger since I was, They me permitted in their Bark to pass. And ever since I lay at yonder Town, Where the malicious knight sought me to kill, Sometimes I viewed the country up and down, Which pleasant progress did content me still, And now I love to my own country go, Therefore good Sir, I pray you let be so. Now went they all to dinner, afterward The Duke, Calanthrop, and Lucilla went Unto a chamber, others were debarred Where they the afternoon discoursing spent, They both entreat the knight his name reveal, Protesting firmly they should it conceal. Likewise the Duke requests Calanthrop stay, Whereto Calanthrop forged some bare excuse, Saying, Good Sir, I needs must go away, And so the Duke was forced to brook refuse: Then bids the Duke his Lass, her credit try, Perhaps the knight will not her suit deny. So went the fair Lucilla to solist One whom himself more happy did esteem, Then those who in Elysium everblist, Obtain ingress, late trailed through Stygian stream, Fortune's inconstant change, men may perceive, Who made Lucilla suiterto her slave. Thus she began, Sir knight, may I entreat You stay with us, during a month, or two, For why, my father thinks you a complete Brave Gentleman: and if that you be so, I hope you'll then obey a Lady's suit, Lest I should justly you ingrate repute. At your request I caused once transport You and your Page both of you, through the sea, Therefore you should concede in such like sort, To this my suit, for in the like degree It should have place, likewise you swore, in right Me to defend, and to become my knight. Which I accept before my father here, If you be constant in your first desire, How now (quoth she) sweet father, pray you bear A part, that we our suit may once acquire? If you'll become my knight Sir, take this ring, You of your promise it will mindful bring. Madam (said he) I will the same receive, For I'm persuaded you will not impose To me, more than in reason you may crave, Therefore I will my service seal enclose Within the limits of your gracious will, Vowing while breath doth last, it to fulfil. Well then (quoth she) the first thing I command, Is, that you stay at court where we abide, Therefore now servant, strive not to withstand My just decree, excuses lay aside. Then next I do demand your proper name, Whereof I hope, you need not to think shame. As to my stay (quoth he) I am content, And therefore willingly I will obey, Likewise (Madam) since it is your intent To know my name, I must it not gainsay, Men call me Tristius, of Cimmerian vale, For dark disdain me ever doth assail. Now comes a knight and tells the supper's dressed, Therefore the Duke seeing his Lords attend, Both to his daughter and her knight expressed, How that the Lords to supper for them send, Yet did the Duke and his fair Lass conceive, Great joy, that they had gained what they would have. But I believe Calanthrop did enjoy As much content as any man alive, For now he doth his best wits all employ To speak his mistress, yet doth wisely strive To hide the same, till time and place do serve, Though he mean while in love was like to starve. To supper went they, after that, to rest, Lucilla by her maids was then conveyed To chamber: but Calanthrop now suppressed His passions great, expecting fortunate aid, When Duke, and Lords, and Knights were all asleep, Sick-thoughts Calanthrop did best company keep. Thus then perplexed, he went out at the gate, Seeking to find some solitary place, Where he might well, unheard or seen, regrate His hard mishaps, and woeful black disgrace, In covered walk, ne'er to the river side, Haid by the garden, him sweet Cedars hide. Ov'rcharged with grief, he begins for to impart His lovesick passions, to each senseless thing, Deepegrounded sighs oppressed his loyal heart, Which moved him to his Lute this Ditty sing, The subject was, how Fortune crossed each man In their love's suit: thus Calanthrop began. CALANTHROP HIS THRENODIE. THE silent night summons each thing to rest, The schrieking Owl (night's Herald) notes her hours, In sable robes, when crystal welkin loures, Each fowl an little bird fly to the their nest, The Hamadriads haste to shady bowers, Each beast oppressed with labour, travel, pain, House, hold, or cave, to rest them in remain. Now dew descends unseen in silver showers, Refreshing scorched plants, flours, grass & grain, Each thing that lives, this season somway please, The weary Phlegon in the night finds ease, Coolding in Tethys' bower his fiery wain, Yet I tormented by a deep disease, In night find neither rest, nor yet relief, Palefaced disdain is cause of all my grief, My frowning Fate I no way can appease, Fortune (ay me) hath made me, to be brief, A gazingstock of discontented woe, And still decrees I shall continue so, Till death exhale my breath by lawless reife. You whistling winds that ev'rywhere do blow, Tell all the world how I am forced to prove The worst of Fortune, in the best of love. Smooth gliding streams that to the Ocean go, Show raging Neptune limited above My restless passions, and heart-killing fears Move me each hour (as tribute) pay him tears. 〈◊〉 blessed Powers above the stars who move, And when you list to us below appears, I you implore to abrogate my smart, Else lend Lucilla her coequal part, For she as yet what love may be, admires, Therefore do wound by sweet remorse, her heart, O Cupid, if I durst, I would demand Why thou permits her thus thy laws gain-stand, I wish thou wouldst but touch her with thy dart, Then should she be subject to thy command, And pity me who daily for her feel Grief, pain, and passions, signs of sorrows seal And thou fair ring oft kissed her fairer hand, (Now drooping sits, and hears what I reveal) Thou by that mean didst much more honour have Then I thy master, who like bliss did crave, Old doting Morpheus is most glad to steal The guerdon which in right I should receive, Possessing her fair body, he doth smile At wenching jove, who strives him to beguile. Why doth not death me soon of breath bereave, Since black disdain affection doth exile, Satyrs & Fauns which haunt those woods among, And dancing Driads witness this my wrong. See how the winds keep silence all this while, To hear the sad rehearsal of my tongue, Sea-guyding Cynthia shames to come in sight, And twinkling stars in clouds obscure their light, Sweet smelling Cedars strait & passing long, Thrice happy I, were this my final night. No, no, I yet must try a weary day, For, to my grief, the Fates my death delay, Lest I by death might ease this woeful spirit. O heavens what have I done, that you assay In my love's quest, each way to give me cross, Though I much fear to call heavens errors gross. Yet this abuse my senses so dismay, I'm sensible of nothing but my loss, Look how Aurora at my woe doth weep, Clear dewy tears from her grey eyes down leep On Flora's coat, where gentle winds them toss. The pleasant brooks a grudging murmur keep, Fair Phoebus now begins to gild the fields, And though his beams to all things comfort yields, Yet since he sees me wrapped in sorrows deep, Musing a maid can see a man so pine, Shamed of my wrong, he now withdraws his shine. CAlanthrop having sung this Threnodie, Sighs strive with tears, and both prevent each word, Tears wet his cheeks, sighs dry them suddenly, His matchless grief, deep grounded groans record, Such woeful passions oft suggest despair, Whose on-wayters be sorrow, shame, and care. Yet jove defend, such like should him befall, Superior powers think it now high time, That Fortune should in prosperous joys install Him whom till now she punished without crime. So, lest perchance he offer might offence Unto himself, by desperate violence. Heavens moved Lucilla his complaint to hear, For such like passions made her to awake With loving heart, and with a listening ear, Loves kingly power made her pity take, For by the consequent one may surmise Herself was subject to the same disease. And yet she did most cunningly proceed, How skilled be women in their coying Art? She well perceived Calanthrop stood in need Of her sweet aid, to ease his lovesick heart, And though she was most willing to extend Relief to him, yet doth the same suspend. Now o'er the walk where Calanthrop then lay, Therestood a gallery on the garden wall, To this same gallery was a privy way From her bedchamber: here she used to call Her maids by one dilating there her will, To those she pleased, whilst all the rest stood still. Unto this gallery went she all alone, For all that night she had received bad rest, Hearing her knight relate with many groan, The various ways his urgent grieves increased. And when Calanthrop had left off to sing, He slept: which time she dropped on him a ring. The happy ring this posy did contain, (Thy chief desire shortly shalt thou acquire) ere he awoke, she went away unseen, Then to a secret walk did she retire, Repenting her that e'er this ring she threw Unto her knight, whereof he nothing knew. Now being alone, she 'ginnes herself to blame, That should give place to such an idle thought As love: even thus, Lucilla now thy shame Apparent is, which thou regardest nought. What (fond Lucilla) wilt thou midst the years Of tender age, subject thyself to fears? For Love's a field of fears, of cares, of pain, Of trouble, sorrow, grief, and ghostly woe, Since so it is, in time it's best restrain Such fruitless folly, and such like forgo, Lest Venus' boy thy gentle heart entrap Making thereof no conquest, but a rapt. And what is he that thou dost thus affect? A stranger, and perchance of such base mind, That having got thy love, will then reject Thee, though at first he seem to be most kind, Neither knows thou his revenues, nor state: Therefore in time rue rather than too late. But now Loves king once touched her heart again, So that she now reputes herself ingrate, Who could permit her lover to remain So long in grief, and might the same abate. For which in heart she vows to make amends, And ere she lose her love, she'll lose her friends. For why she's sure, a knight of so good parts As is her knight, must loyal be in love, Deceit ne'er dwells in noble martial hearts, This maxim skildest Phylosophs approve, His birth likewise is sure equivalent, Else her to suit could ne'er be his intent. Yet she remembers beggar Irus sought The constant love of chaste Penelope, Which he 'mongst Peers of Ithaca dear bought, Endymion loved the Huntress Hecate, Thus love both Prince and poor man doth control, The gainers joy, the loser's still condole. But what though love a beggar did provoke Or yet a shepherd enterprise such aim, And rich and poor be subject to love's stroke, And Cupid with one dart both heale and maim, Like to Achilles' lance, whom it did wound, Itself again, nought else, must make them sound. What then Lucilla? can there be such thing, As ever love such operation had? To make a base-born slave, look like a King, Though love hath power to make one glad or sad, Love in transforms will not prove so unright, To make a Herd, or Beggar seem a Knight. Admetus' flocks nine winters Cynthius kept, And love made jove in golden shower descend In Danae's lap, whilst she (fair Lady) slept, The heat of love those gods made such intent, Love likewise hath made Kings themselves abase, Yet Indigence still stops Preferments place. Since so it is, what then should make thee fear? Yet try if that his love to thee be such That he esteems no love as thine so dear, If it be so, thou ought reward him much, Thus then resolved she called her chiefest maid, Sophona named: and to her thus she said. MY sweet Sophona, greatly need I aid, And none save thou, I think, can serve the turn, For, wit and truth with secrecy conveyed, Must only help me to leave off to mourn. Her lovesick heart now secretly doth bleed, Whereat she pausd, as one shamed to proceed. Which passion wisely Sophona thought good To stop in time, before it should accresse To greater height: for now her mistress blood From face to inward parts had swift regress. Whereby it seemed, that love should be the cause Of her stupidity, and shamefaced pause. Thus therefore spoke she to Lucilla sweet, How now Madam, belike you me mistrust, Else sure you would not spare for to repeat To me your griefs: if I prove false, heavens thrust Me from their bliss: so Madam do notspare To show to me the cause of all your care. Praise to the heavens, I likewise can shut up A secret in the cabin of my heart, Neither can Croesus' worth my mind corrupt, For to reveal the same in any part, Speak what you will, to heavens I here protest Till time you please, it shall not be expressed. But give me leave Madam, what if I guess Your cause of grief? for I did well remark While as you spoke, some passion to suppress, You greatly strove: I doubt it is love's spark, For why, a timorous pause your speech made fail, Rose-red first waxed your face, then ashy-pale. And if Madam, love do your heart possess, Give Cupid place, his deity is supreme, Rather than urge an helpless business, It's folly great to strive against the stream, Then be content, and prove not times abuse, But freely show how I may serve your use. My dear Sophona (quoth Lucilla thou Know'st well that hitherto I ever loved Thee more than all my maids, and shall, I vow, For why to me, as yet, thou ever proved Most faithful, constant, kind, discreet, and wise, Thee secrets to divulge, none can entice. Therefore to thee I'll tell the simple truth, A tale that scarce my heart dare well commit The precious secret thereof to my mouth, Indeed Sophona, thou the mark hast hit, I love (ay me) I love, what shall I do? The pains of love my heart will rend in two. Yet let me tell thee, he's a worthy one, And this last night, I secretly ov'r-heard His plaint, which might have moved a heart of stone To pity him, than went I afterward Alongst the garden gallery: he below Lay fast asleep, so nought at all did know. In this mean time I took from off my hand A pretty ring, and dropped it on his cloak, The posy whereof, if he understand, Of black despair will quench both fire and smoke, But though his plaint at first made me relent, Yet that I threw the ring, I did repent. For why, I thought, I knew not well his worth, And to my friends he likewise was a stranger, Yet love me told, valour (though hid) breaks forth, For me and mine, he put his life in danger, In open field, unarmed, and without fear, Courageously alone he killed the Bear. Disdain says, Honour pushed him thereunto, And what he did, was not for my respect, Love says again, what had he here ado, But for my sake? should I him then reject? Reason suggesteth, once he told me plain, I was his earthly joy, and chiefest gain. For kind Sophona, this same is the knight, That came from Epire in our company, And when we landed here, took his good night, Believe me woman (faith) the same is he That came with us last time we viewed the Spring, This knight I mean, on whom I dropped the ring. And now Sophona I entreat thee try, If that his love to me be so entire As it appears: likewise if thou canst spy Him all alone: I pray thee strive to hear His words, remark his gesture, and his looks, By these thou'le know, if he contentment brooks. Sophona kind, work war'ly I exhort, For long will I look for thy wished return, 'Cause sure I am, thou wilt the truth report, And help to quench the flames my heart doth burn, Madam (quoth she) let me and that alone, No more, farewell Madam, I will begun. SInce she is gone, it were no miss to show What cogitations companied the knight: For when Lucilla him the ring did throw, You know he sleeping was, for why his spirit, Whilst he awoke was vexed with grief extreme, For which in sleep he had a golden dream. He dreamed he was into a lovely wood, Where pretty birds melodiously did sing, Hard by a river, where they also stood, Trees, herbs, and flowers, which pleasantly did spring, All sorts of beasts here walked most fearlessly, Each thing strove here to satiate the eye, In this mean time came Venus and her boy, As he surmysd, betwixt them was a Lass, Whom they conduct without guide, or convoy, Thus, swiftly marched they where Calanthrop was, Venus then called aloud, brave knight awake, And turning to Cupid thus she spoke. Son, long time hath this knight our servant been, And he as yet ne'er had of us reward, Therefore it's time that he should now attain The wished aim which he doth most regard. Say son, shall it be so? Yes mother, yes, He shall anon enjoy his earthly bliss. (Quoth Cupid) knight, since thou adorest our shrine, Richer than Paris shall thy guerdon be, This spotless virgin shall be thy propine, Thrice fairer far than Helen was, is she, In sign that what I speak shall be most true, Receive this ring from her: so now adieu. Calanthrop through this ecstasy awakes, Then blames he Morpheus 'cause he himdeceived, Rousing himself, he drowsy sleep forsakes, And looking round, he quickly now perceived, The very ring, which he thought whilst he dreamed, He had received from her he most esteemed. Dreams are of sundry natures, some reports, Their reasons diverse, diverse their effect, Yet those best known, consist but of three sorts, Of which this first is held in least respect, It's named a dream of office by the wise, When folk in night, dream of day's exercise. The second dream is called natural, 'Cause it proceeds of one's complexion, As phlegmatikes in sleep will dream they fall In rivers deep: Sanguines suggestion Is oft of blood: Choler'ans of the fire, Melancholickes of Devils, which none desire. The dream of Revelation is the last, Which still foreshows a good or bad success, This taught men divination in times past, Thus known, of joy or grief it leaves excess Into the heart, which will not soon remove, This dream is not of nature, but above. Belike Calanthrop did this dream enjoy, When he awoke he was the merriest man, I think, that lived: his heart void of annoy, Doubting was't he, he to the river ran, To view his shadow in the water clear, But whilst he stooped, Dirce unseen drew near. The posy of his ring he oft ov'r-read, Kissing it, sat he on the river's brink, Whilst thus he toyed, Dirce steals up her head, Reft him the ring, then under flood did shrink, And now amazed Calanthrop on the land, Like those beheld Medusa did he stand. Yet cried he Dirce, o sweet Dirce, hear, Now longest the river runs, now doth he stay, Still crying, gentle Dirce, once appear, For thou wast once a woman, Poets say, Then pity me, a humane wretch distressed, Once up she popped, yet to the sea her dressed. His regrates only serve to show his harm, She serpentlike hardened her deafened ear, As when enchanters strive them for to charm, So careless she, to sea hastes without fear, No whit regarding Calanthrops offence, She loves to dive in Neptune's confluence. Sometimes she sporting would approach the shore, Then would Calanthrop strive her to invade, Now would she swim near hand the flood some more, Then sought he by entreats her to persuade, But all in vain, for let him do his best, She kept the ring he held in most request. Now since he saw, he no way could prevail, He vows that he anon shall fisher turn, And empty all the seas of fish and Whale, Else Phaeton-like he seas and earth shall burn, But that's impossible: so now therefore He Neptune, Nereus, Proteus doth implore. Humbly entreats he that they'll him befriend, In causing Dirce him again restore, Or they'll be pleased, the little ring to send With some such like, he vows he'll then adore Their liquid Deity, large and limitless, Belike those Sea-gods pitied his distress. For now anon appears a monster great, Holding the robber firmly by the back, His looks with death the whole spectators threat, He towards land the nearest way doth take, But since he sees Calanthrop, he directs Dirce to go and mend her past defects. Trembling she went, and doth the ring produce, Craving him pardon whom she had offended, Protesting ne'er to do the like abuse, She likewise told him that she once intended To give that ring unto a kinsman near, Which Neptune caused her to its owner bear. Well (quoth Calanthrop) now I see it's sure, Ambition made thee lose thy humane shape, Thy strife against Pallas justly did procure This thy mishap, and though thou death didst scape, Be sure, abides thee yet some greater pain, If thou hereafter use such tricks again. So now farewell, for freely I forgive Thee all my wrong, Neptune still thanks shall have, Who did thee of thy liberty deprive, Until such time as thou was forced to crave Pardon for thy offence against thy will, Else thy deformed attendant would thee kill. Dirce to sea, Calanthrop homewards went, 'Cause that the Duke might chance for him inquire, And finding him that time to be absent, Thereof to know the reason should desire, For this cause did he to his chamber go, So secretly none save his page did know. He bids his page there leave him for a space, If any did inquire for him that day Say he was sick, and see in any case, That none approached him, but he should them stay, For now the passions of loves fiery fume, His loyal heart was likely to consume. Likewise his dream reputes he mere deceit And blames himself that e'er did such believe, Yet when he thinks upon the rings receipt, Those sorrows vanish, which do most him grieve. 'Cause he admires what blessed sprite did bestow So rare a gift to stop his overthrow. With weeping eyes he doth the posy view, His pale-hewd lips the ring do often kiss, Sighing he said (O heavens) may this be true, That fair Lucilla will forthink her miss, And pity wretcht Calanthrop his estate, Would sell his life for her at easy rate? No, no, fond man, be sure it cannot be, For she hath told thyself already, that She much distasted Cupid's deity, And thought those fools that ever did enact Their liberties, within his lawless book, Or in love's mirror sought themselves to look. Therefore there was small hope of his relief, Yet willed his Genius him renew his suit, It might be heavens would some way ease his grief, Seldom brave minds succumb in love's pursuit. And though he died, his ghost should have content, Since for her love death did his breath prevent. Unknown to him, Sophona was hard by, And heard the manner of his whole regrate, You know Lucilla sent her there to try His passions which were tedious to relate, His plaints, Sophona did to stay allure, For sheunseene looked through a door obscure. Thereafter went she to his Page, and told, She much desired to speak with Tristius His master: therefore wild she him unfold So much unto him: likewise show him thus, (Though for the present he be somewhat sick) Lucilla's maid Sophona would him speak. His Page acquaints him that there did attend A Lady fair, Sophona was her name, To speak with him she gladly did intend, Since you are sick Sir, she doth favour claim To visit you: some physic for your ease, Perhaps she brings, will banish your disease. Chief Dame of honour to Lucilla fair Is this Sophona, else am I deceived, Go fetch her quickly, she perchance my care May ease, which of her mistress I received, Heavens grant it so: yet what way can I choose To give her presence, I can not refuse. Now doth Calanthrop Sophona embrace, Their salutations being finished, Unto a window they removed a space, Sighs show his grief is not diminished, Fair Lady (quoth he) to a loyal heart, You may your pleasure now at length impart. Sir Tristius (quoth Sophona) I entreat You be not wroth, I come to visit you, Nor for my words repute me indiscreet, For to my knowledge I most firmly vow, I will not speak the thing may you offend, Proceed (quoth he) fair Lady, heavens defend. I should be wroth at any Lady's words, And namely those who fair Lucilla serve, Since I'm her knight, with reason it accords, I should such duty towards her observe As strive to do her meanest servants good, In dangers lafoy b'rinth though I me intrude. Well then (quoth she) ever since you came here I have perceived you wonderfully sad, The reason hereof I do much admire, Your face declares your heart's in sorrow clad, To see so brave a knight it grieves me much As you, so subject unto sorrow's touch. Therefore I here the gods supreme obtest To witness this my true and kind intent, That since I see your mind is so oppressed, If you'll show me the cause, I shall consent To aid you in each loyal endeavour, With secrecy, and diligence in store. O blessed Sophona, wilt thou say me so? Shall I believe thy Nectar-tasted speech? 'Fore heavens (quoth she) what ever you me show I shall keep secret, and I you beseech If that my pains can stand you in good stead, Show me your mind, and fearlessly proceed. Indeed fair Lady, I will then declare Thee all my grief: Love doth my heart molest, Disdain oft drives me very near despair, Lucilla so bereaves my mind of rest, Her love, her love, oft makes my hart to quail, For why I see no means for to prevail. Nor can I find a time to show my mind Unto herself: so Lady if you do Be pleased to show me such a favour kind, As find a mean how I may speak her to, Of me you shall have such reward allowed, As you shall think your travel well bestowed. Sir (quoth Sophona) you shall understand No gifts can move Sophona to deceive Her loving mistress: but since your demand Is so discreet, and sorrows which you have Are passing great, then be you ruled by me, I'll show you when you may conveniently Speak with my Lady, this advice receive, This very night some Lords will act a mask, In the great hall, so when you speech would have, When they begin, see you for me do ask, Hard by Lucilla you shall have a place, And when you please I shall remove apace. O sweet Sophona, wise is thy advice, Have here this jewel for thy kind assent, As thou hast said, so shall I enterprise, Heavens grant that Fortune thereto give consent, Now to the end I may avoid rebuke, I will be gone for to attend the Duke. Sophona now I think, with merry cheer, Went to her mistress, who did then expect Her wished return, yet not without some fear, Although the message she did much affect, And when Sophona came into her sight, 'twixt hope and fear vexed was Lucilla's spirit. Hope tells her all is well, be not afraid, Take courage for thy comfort quickly comes, Fear says it is not so, which tale dismayed Her so, that grief her senses all benumbs, And ill advisd to try Lucilla's thought, At first Sophona seemed bad news t'have brought. How soon she went to try Calanthrops mind, Lucilla to a chamber did retire, And there herself most secretly confined, Whereat her maids did very much admire. For she in use had ne'er such forms of old, Yet to inquire the reason none so bold. Sophona finds her tumbling on a bed, And making to herself a secret moan, But at Sophona's sight her passions fled, Yet every word's prevented by a groan. Now up she rose, then said with sighing breath, Sophona sweet what news? Is't life or death? Madam (quoth she) I went at your command, To try your knight, his virtue or his vice, My voyage was like theirs who plow the sand, Or those who search for fire beneath the ice. At which Lucilla shrunk right where she stood, Like to a snowball cast into some flood. Which Sophona perceiving, gripped her fast, Cursing the time that e'er she so did jest, Through her complaints Lucilla work at last, Then faintly said, how sweet is death his taste? And still Sophona pitifully cries, Pardon Madam, for what I said is lies. Whereat she faintly heaveth up her head, Saying, O heavens, sweet heavens, where am I now? In heaven, or earth, or am I'mongst the dead, She strives to stand, her feeble sinews bow, Weakened through fear, but yet she at the length, Paced up and down, and so regained some strength. Sophona now craves pardon for the wrong, Which she had done her through her misreport, Lucilla said, Sophona thou art strong Enough, to glad me by a wished support, But here before the gods I thee adjure, That thou thy mistress of the truth assure. By heaven's Madam this is the verity, This day I'm sure you have the worthiest knight That lives, or loves, void of infirmity, I heard his plaints, yet kept me out of sight, Not so content, I went and spoke him fair, Whereby I tried him to a very hair. Blessed gods, what do I hear, what, what, words, what? Sophona sweet, I pray, do but remain, And once repeat that Nectar-speech, even that, Of force sufficient fetch a ghost again From darkest region of infernal shade, To Limbus patrum, where all ghosts be glad. In truth Madam, I pitied his complaint, When in his wail he most plainly show Love's passion made his loyal heart to faint, And when I did his countenance review, The figure of disdain, and black disgrace, Pale discontent had portrait in his face. Lucilla fair, Lucilla did he call, Pity dear sweet, pity thy lovesick slave, For thee who would to death his life enthral, A truer love, shall never woman have, Ay me, aye me, wilt thou not pity him, That for thy love the Stygian lake would swim. When thus I heard him, truth I must confess I could not choose but sigh: Madam, how now? I think you strive us t'imitate, unless You spare those groans, I will the same avow, No Madam, no, believe me if you please, You are the author of his great unease. Now Madam hark me, he did me entreat That I would move you for to give him ear, In some convenient place, for to repeat His plaints, whereby his passions might appear, Therefore Madam, pray be not discontent, At mask this night I willed him be present. Where he shall have a time convenient, Whilst all the rest are exercysd in dance, To tell his grief, as is expedient, To you who may his fortunes best advance. Say Madam, say dear Madam, shalt be so? Sophona mine, I cannot say thee no. It shall indeed, I cannot still refuse To grant my worthy knight some audience, Else justly may he think I him abuse, And that I light esteem his good pretence. But this is worst, small time can we acquire, There to discourse, which both of us desire. Madam (quoth she) can you not then appoint Both time and place where you and he may meet? His loyal love with joy you may anoint, And be yourself copartiner replete. This is the best, so Madam thus conclude, If e'er you mind to taste contentments food. My sweet Sophona, thou art passing wise, In each thing therefore I'll be ruled by thee, Unhappy she such counsel would despise As comes of love, sealed with wise secrecy, The time draws near, therefore let us address Ourselves, and put each thing in readiness. Each hour a day, each moment seems an hour, Unto these lovers, till this day be spent, Delay, of taste, to lovers proves most sour, The time seems tedious which precurres content, Yet, day oncespent, than the great hall within, The trumpets sound before the Mask begin. The Duke with Lords and Knights went to the Hall, Next do the Actors of the Mask provide, Then came Lucilla, with her Ladies all, Sophona still kept by her mistress side, Calanthrop doth salute the Ladies there, Past by as though he sought a place elsewhere. Sophona sees him, therefore doth forsake Her place, went to him as of courtesy, Saying, Come here Sir Knight, though I should lack A place, since you're a stranger, I'll supply, You at this time: he thanks her, she conducted Him to the place as she before instructed. Thus she Calanthrop, by Lucilla set, The rest their rooms were distant a good way, When they began to speak, lest she should let A good occasion: she without delay Removed herself a little from them two, To her Lucilla said, where do you go? Madam (quoth she) no way, I'll stay right here, I do attend the coming of a friend, And to our speech, lest you perhaps give ear, I do remove this happy time to spend, Your knight Madam, I caused to you repair, He in my absence will of you take care. Indeed Sophona I did think no less, For I admired you were become so kind, As give your place with such a willingness, Except you had some other plot in mind, Now there's a jest (quoth she) my life to pledge, Servant, that Sophona attends your Page. Sweet Madam (quoth Calanthrop) glad am I, If I or he can any way her please, Or any of your servants, because why I am your knight, who never shall surcease Both you and yours to serve to my lives end, My servants therefore should the like intend. For my dear love, when first I saw thy face, I vowed my service absolute to thee, Whose excellent beauty, and sweet lovely grace, Can ne'er be darkened by obscurity, O wert thou pitiful, as thou art fair, Then wouldst thou ease those sorrows I declare! Sweet, cruel, fair, is it not now high time To pity me thy captive wretch forlorn? By thee disdained, made captive without crime, Disdain still moves thee, laugh my love to scorn, Pity dear love, ay me, how long? how long? Wilt thou persist in this thy wilful wrong? Oh if thou hadst but only one poor touch, Of that love's passion, and tormenting pain, Then sure thou wouldst be moved to pity much Him, who for thee doth hourly such sustain, The hope whereof, seal in my heart by this, Lend me of thy fair hand, one sweet sweet kiss. Believe me servant, that's a poor request, Faith servant, I much pity thy estate, For thou appear'st to be by love oppressed, Therefore in heart I do thy state regrate, Wishing that thou that humour couldst forbear, Which throbbling sighs demonstrate to my ear. But trust me servant, I thought long ago, Thou shouldst forget this idle humour love, Yet I perceive belike it is not so, Loves wound, some say, doth no way soon remove. With credit therefore may I do thee good, I swear I shall thee from those grieves seclude. Servant persuade thyself of my good will, In any thing with credit I may do, And if thou love me, thou my honour still Must aye regard, this favour I'll thee show. In sign whereof I give thee here my hand, Thou shalt enjoy my presence at demand. So when you do desire to speak with me, Send you your Page unto my trusty maid Sophona: she shall show him secretly When you to me may fittest be convaid. The Maske's at end, for this time must we part, Yet take this secret kiss to ease thy smart. Madam (quoth he) I never can repay This favour, past the value of the earth, Though I could dye for you ten times a day, And (with Deucalion's stones) live without birth, Or Hydra-like revive when I were slain, My blood could never counterpoise my gain. Now comes Sophona, tells them of a match, Betwixt her and the Page, the morn at night, How they had plotted to deceive the watch, Steal forth at gates, by help of Phoebe's light, He runs (quoth she) the water-walke against me, Madam, you and your knight our judges be. Truth (quoth Lucilla) if I could unseen, I would most gladly view that pretty sport, What say you servant, will you then convene? Yes Madam, yes, I will in any sort Be present▪ then (quoth she) take you a care To bring your Page, I'll bring Sophona there. At two a clock in night see you attend, For she and I will come the garden way Thorough the gallery, and the stairs descend, Take heed the watch be unto you no stay, No Madam, we in time for that shall guard, And never yield them thanks for their reward. The Mask now ends, the Duke and Lords them sped Unto their chambers, for to take some sleep, Lucilla and her Ladies go to bed, Though one intent did not them company keep, Her maids did mind of nothing but their rest, But she (sweet Lady) was by love oppressed. She set an hourglass, night's hours to recount, And often cried Sophona dost thou hear? To what a clock doth now the hours amount? Or pray thee tell me what a night dost make? How tedious is the time that doth prolong Lovers content? whose absence proves too strong. The night wore out, so likewise did the morrow, When it grew late, Calanthrop and his boy Went forth at gates, lest that unto his sorrow Their stay might turn, for it would much annoy Him to be frustrate of such sweet solace, Therefore before the time he kept the place. By ten a cloak he did approach the walk, The time apppointed was the hour of two, Now with his Page he secretly doth talk, At last he walked a little way him fro, Where he the sweetest harmony did hear, That ever was presented to the ear. From out the garden gallery came the sound To a base Lute, the treble sang some voice Palinode-like, the subject seemed refound Tribute to Cupid, and therein rejoice. It was Lucilla, whom love did constrain. By this her Palinode her mind t'explain. LUCILLA HER PALINODE. MAny one rashly give, reasonless censures towards love, But those as I believe, his mighty power did never prove, Why should they speak, were ne'er lovesick Of Cupid's power or might, Blind folk should not, judge colours but Give place to those have sight. The time was once I thought, as those vain fools do now surmise And I by all means sought, to move each one his power despise. But foolish I, did not espy That Cupid was a God, Though I was wild, he made me mild Like babes who kiss their rod. It's more than madness great, to rail against affection's King, Be he controlled he'll threat, the gods themselves to ruin bring. Him powers blessed, dare not resist jove, Neptune, nor Apollo, Should then not we, who mortals be, Learn their example follow. Though Danae was kept close, and strictly watched by matron's guard, Her father life must loss, by her first borne for his reward, He knowing that, incarcerate Her, to pevent the same, jove did surmise, gold blinds the wise, And time make Diana tame. Such sure is Venus' boy, dear bought experience makes me know, None can on earth find joy, unless themselves his servants show. Let young and old, let base and bold Let rich and poor obey, For who gainstand, Cupid's command, He works their wrack always. Long since, I must confess, I Venus' deity did detest, And thought it foolishness, in those their hopes so fond placed, I called Love blind, and now I find He wounds without respect, Yea, all alike, his darts do strike, With love or pale reject. But where as I before, transgressed 'gainst Venus' and her son, I vow now to adore, their sacred will till life be done. No bad pretence, but ignorance, Made me their laws forsake, So jewels rare, some fools will spare, And yet a feather take. Love all things overcomes, to Love Lucilla doth give place, Their senses he benumbs, who strive his deity to disgrace. Or seek his foil, or honours spoil, Therefore I thus resolve, In life or death, whilst I do breathe, My love shall ne'er dissolve. CAlanthrop in this song took such delight, He now remained the gladdest man that lived, Her happy words he registrate in spirit Whose force from death to life could have revived The saddest malcontent that lived, or loved, To see how Princely love disdain removed, The time appointed came, Lucilla fair, And wise Sophona, though the night was dark, Came both so softly down the gallery stair, None of her guard them absent did remark, They shut the privy gate themselves behind, Thereafter shortly whom they sought, they find. Madam (quoth Sophona) to this advert, Remember when you speak your knight, this claim, For men in love are cunningly expert, As yet you know not Tristius proper name, Is't possible (quoth she?) Madam, it's true, Then (quoth Lucilla) I'll that suit renew. Now see they other through a lowering light, For envious Cynthia gave unwilling shine, 'Cause why she knew that Cupid's day was night, Lovers convents move chastity repine. Yet told Lucilla Phoebe to her face, Endymion saw her smile with better grace. Thus do they meet, Calanthrop by the arm took fair Lucilla, paicing so along, The night was dark, yet was the season warm, He calls to mind Lucilla's sugared song, Whereby love told him plainly to conclude, Lovers late meetings aims at further good. Therefore he was most loath for to neglect Such good occasion: And so he desired Her, whom on earth his sprite did most affect, Unto a parley: she again required Sophona and his Page to try their game, Of foot-course, which to view she thither came The which they did, the match Sophona gained, For, midst the course the Page through fierceness fell, So they him loser merrily ordained, But yet the Boy their censures did repel, Alleging, that since Fortune gave the cross, They could not justly say his was the loss. Thus merrily discoursed they on the sport, Calanthrop took Lucilla fair apart, Sophona did the Page be pleased exhort, Who seemed to take his loss in evil heart. Whereat he smiling, rounded in her ear, To make them sport he did so sad appear. Sophona and the Page were quickly gone, Towards the utmost end of this same walk, Calanthrop since he found himself alone With his sweet love, he thus began to talk, First craving pardon if he should offend, This speech to her sweet ears he did commend O Bravest frame that ever Nature wrought, Rare quintessence of beauty's honoured frame, Fairer than she to Troy whom Paris brought, Thou who art stain to Cupid's smiling Dame, Poor lowering Cynthia shames her shine to show. Because she sees thy fairer face below. Each gazing eye do homage to thy beauty, The fairest Nymphs as handmaids will thee serve Each heart adores thee, in all sovereign duty. Yet Phoebus' fair midst envy's like to starve, For why, black clouds eclipse his light divine, Thy fairer rays not subject to decline. The sparkling stars much imitate thy eyes, When chilling frost doth clear the azur'd sky, In thee alone true virtue lives and dies, My life and love on thy sweet self rely, Look how the Lizard feeds on humane sight, Right so thy face both yields me life & light. The Salamander lives amidst the fire, Not burnt thereby, nor choked by the fume, So do I live 'midst flames of hot desire, Thy looks my heart do fire, yet not consume. Likewise thy words inchant my listening ear, Like Siren's songs, when ships their rocks drew near. Since thou bewitches, dear sweet use me so, As Circe did of Ithaca the king, When he by sea late-sacked Troy came fro, By magic spells him to her I'll did bring, Yet through love's force, when she her conquest viewed, She yields herself to him she late subdued. But if thou wilt not imitate a witch, Let virtuous Dido thy example be, Who though she was most infinitely rich, Sea-tossed Aeneas kept she company, And though you justly may to me object. That he was false: I'm free of that defect. Therefore sweet love, while as the season fits, Once make me fortunate in my love's attempt, Are they not wise their secrets most commits To senseless things, from fear they're sure exempt, Winds, rivers, trees, herbs, flowers, nor grass can tell What we coact, so let our joys excel. No hindrance have we, if thyself be willing, Come dear sweet love, come seal it with a kiss, Then shall we look like pretty Doves a billing, If thou withdraw thy head, thou robbest my bliss. O let me suck the Nectar from thy lip, Where loves Idaea still delights to skip. Midst fervent passion, he doth softly crush Her whiter hand than snow that's lately blown, He pulls, she holds, this moved a modest blush Possess her face, yet second by a frown, Which so him frighted, that he could not speak, Whereat (she smiling said) and clapped his cheek. SErvant, you men have a deceiving wit, When you your mistress favour would acquire, No sugared sentence do you then omit, Some lying sprite doth so your hearts inspire. For when you seek to foil poor women's fame, Under a love's pretext, serve you not blame? It's said that women when they list can weep, And men in love can when they please look pale, What passions, plaints, grief, groans, and sighs you keep In store for to obscure a feigned tale, Likewise you'll mourn like Crocodiles with tears For aid, while as your false intent appears. With sweetest songs like Mermaid's, you'll inchaunt The chastest ear when nothing else can do it, Blessed are those women who in time dis-haunt Such smooth-tongued Sycophants who move them to it, When plaints, sighs, groans, tears, songs, cannot prevail, By truthless praises you our sex assail. One swears his Nymph is more than Venus' fair, When one would think her Aethyopian borne, Ioves Queen to her most sure hath no compare, Squint, drooping looks, her gesture so adorn. How meek she is, most lovely is her grace, When fie on her, she hath Alecto's face. Now Diana must not be so chaste as she, Though Lais-like she have a loving heart, Pallas I guess, no way so wise may be, For she can skill of Mopsa's hoodwinked art. Penelope so constant none did find, As she whose Thain-like thoughts move with each wind And he'll maintain, she secrets can conceal, Though scarce so well as babes, who late got use Of blabbing tongue, ' who all they hear, reveal, Yet in one thing she merit may excuse, Proud is she not, perhaps against her will, 'Cause to attain the same, she lacketh skill. Her golden hairs (though crow-black) will he gild, Her starlike eyes, look sleepy, yet must glance, Her snowwhite cheeks, an Amber colour yield, Her proper nose, huge great, and crooked perchance, Her Rubie-lips, remain of purple dye, Her pearl-like teeth, like Coral men espy. Her Ivory hands are wrinkled like a frog, Her comely breasts are such as babes forsake, Her heavenly voice sounds like a barking dog, Her breath perfumed, would make a whole head ache. In end, his mistress pardon he exhorts, 'Cause of her worth he sparingly reperts. And if we will not trust you, than you'll swear, The cursed'st oaths that ever mortal heard, By this mean do you banish all our fear, Which to our loss oft turneth afterward, That this is true, servant be you assured, Yet heavens defend that each man were perjured. But come, sweet servant, pray you tell me this, Can there be love where that the truth's concealed? Some special reason may excuse that miss, Madam (quoth he) though love by truth be sealed Yet if a man can yield no reason good. Their mistress justly may their suit exclude. But Madam, I entreat, if that you can, Show me the woman that such wrong hath got, Or what's the name of that disloyal man, That hath his honour stained with such a blot. Servant (quoth she) myself the woman be, And you the man that did the wrong to me. Did I (Madam) did I? yes servant, you, Yet shall it ne'er be publish to your shame, O grieve not servant, till I tell you how, Is not my knight called Tristius to his name? Whereat he blushed, what (quoth she) is't not so? I'll make you then speak true before you go. So if thou love me, presently declare, Thy proper name, and what reason thou had, For to conceal the same, and so to spare The truth: for truth with honour's ever clad. Madam, my life I weigh not to your love, Therefore this is the truth by heavens above. When first to you I did present my suit, (Heavens know my mind to you was ever true) Yet you, a fool or mad man me repute, For why, as then of love you nothing knew. So nought regarding me, you took good night, And left me (God knows) with a grieved spirit. Since for your love I had my country left, My parents, friends, and all my royal state, Your heavenly beauty so of sense bereft Me, that ashamed I cursed my cruel Fate. Likewise I cursed those contrary aspects, In birth bear rule, in life work bad effects. Shamed to return to my own native soil, Because that I was tied eternally Unto your beauty, and had given the spoil, To you of all my former liberty, For this cause in these woods and unknown ways, I Hermit-like resolved to spend my days. Thus then resolved, I to the forest went, A little after I came from your bark, My Page to seek some Inns for me I sent, When he was gone, a grove I did remark, There lay I down, and there bewailed my grief To senseless things, which could yield no relief. Incontinent a man I did perceive, To me he came, and asked if that way There came some huntsmen, I again did crave In any sort he would be pleased to stay, And show me how they called this country where I now remained: at my request even there He told me all that I desired to know, Thereafter went in truth I know not whither, Most glad in heart of that he did me show, I rousd myself, and then my Page came thither, And told me that my Inn he did provide Into a town where many knights abide. Expecting on the hunting of a Bear, Who had the country people much abused, Then for thy sake, my love, and dearest dear, I thought I merit blame if I refused To hazard life, and that if I were slain, My worth unknown perpetual might remain, For this cause I my proper name forsook, That likewise if I perished through disdain, Under the name of Tristius I might brooks Oblivion, which in death was all my gain. This was the reason which did most me move Obscure my name, lest I succumbed in love. But since thou hast commanded me to tell My proper name, I shall the same impart. Dear love, thou know'st the country where the well Once eased thy mother of a poisonous smart, Of rich Epirus, and that healthful Spring, Thy knight and servant Calanthrop is King. Thou therefore who hast long my love enthralled, Since time so serves (dear sweet love) be not coy, With Epire's crown thy head shall be impald, Each earthly pleasure shalt thou there enjoy. I care not for thy father, nor thy friends, So I have thee, let them go crave amends. I'mesure it grieves thee much to be confined Continually in chamber: doth it not? (Ay me) dearesoule, that thou shouldst be so pined And captive made by him who thee begot. Kiss me (sweet love) and I shall make thee free, My Epire ships through sea shall carry thee. My Calanthrop (quoth she) couldst thou acquire My father's grant, it would my mind much ease, Then blameless might I grant thee thy desire. Children should strive their parent's wrath t'appease, Yet I'm afraid, if thou propone such thing, It thy design to hindrance great do bring. High walls are scald when Canons cannot wrong, Import'nate suits in end are often past Continual battery, though the fort be strong, Will force the keepers render at the last, The stone by water's penetrate at length, By often falling rather then by strength. Lucilla so no longer could resist His strong assaults, nor yet could she reject His loyalllove, prescrive then as he list She will obey: for why she doth affect Him so, that both her honour, state and fame He may dispose at pleasure of the same. YET though (quoth she) thou now hast gained the field, I le tell thee one thing (pray thee set thee down) To Tristius, not to Calanthrop, I yield, Lest thou should think the guerdon of a crown Had wrought the match: no, faith I'll this expreeme, Thyself I do more than thy state esteem. By heavens (quoth he) I never other thought, Therefore I here accept thee for my wife, In sign whereof, this ring which ne'er was wrought, By mortal hands, which I esteem as life, I'll give to thee, Diana to Arcas dame It gave, and this way to my hand it came. When as Calisto, one of Diane's train Admitted was, the chaste Queen much did fear The wanton Lass long chaste should scarce remain, Therefore she gave her this ring you have here, Whose virtue will preserve one's chastity So long as she that bears it doth aggree. The chaste ring it is called, you may behold Its name is written on its inmost side, The greatest lecher, furious, strong or bold, That ever lived, though by a maid he bide, Have she this ring, he can do no offence Against her will, to her through violence. Yet wily love did court Diana's maid, Who from her mistress got it for this use, And when love had enjoyed her, as was said, She lost this ring by sloth, or by abuse Into a forest of fair Arcady, When as the god enjoyed her company. Where, out of question, it lay many years, Yet heavens would not have such a jewel lost, Unto an Epirot one night appears It, who was shipwrackt on the Morean coast, Like to a glowworm he perceives it shine, Like Fairy's candle, or some light divine. The passenger, because the night was dark, Was much afraid: for still he did admire What it might be: at last he did remark, That neither bush, nor grass, burned had this fire, Then took he courage, swore he should it see, Found it a ring, and brought the ring to me. When I had got the same, I caused demand, Apollo's Oracle what it portended, The response told, that to the fairest hand The world did yield, this ring should be extended, And that its owner should the virgin wed, And have her home to his right royal bed. Likewise dear love, it told me whose it was, With all the circumstances of the state, And how that it was lost by yond same Lass, The virtue thereof thus it did dilate. Now this is all, of it I know no more, But that it's better placed then of before. In truth (quoth she) this is a strange report, That you have told me here, about this ring, Yet may it purchase truth in every sort, But now me thinks the Lark begins to sing, Yet sweet heart, see thy Page, how he doth fleepe, And good Sophona must him company keep Let us awake them, for we must remove, Clear day compels us for to bid farewell Black clouds, which hid the welkin's face above, Bright Phosphorus makes now, for shame to steal Close out of sight, Aurora's dewy head, Hathdrops dispersed o'er hill, vale, wood and mead. So each thing tells us that its time to part, Lest Phoebus' self us absent do proclaim, Those things composed by Nature, not by Art, Bid us beware of Envies scandalous blame, A virtuous name is much to be esteemed, But if once lost, hardly again redeemed. Dear heart (quoth Calanthrop) we shall not stay, Do only show me when you'll ready be, For presently my Page without delay. Shall from Epirus bring a ship for thee. My Calanthrop (quoth she) when e'er you will, I'll go with you, and your desire fulfil. For though one man might absolutely dispose Of all the earth, and were in suit of me, In my affection thou mightst safe repose, As heavens me bless, such is my love to thee, Though love would suit me with the gods convoy, Calanthrop shall Lucilla sure enjoy. O sentence blest, more blessed yet that tongue Which moved the speech: come, let us them awake Up boy, get up, for thou hast slept too long, Yet first Sophona to her mistressespake, Sweet Madam do you think it time to go? Yes, yes, Sophona, do not you think so? Now servant (quoth Lucilla) stay you here, My maid and I will go a secret way, Towards my chamber, for I greatly fear, Some of my guard us absent find to day. Which heavens defend, I rather choose to dye, Then any should our secret meeting spy. Heavens know (quoth he) Madam that I much more Respect your honour, than my life or blood, So may you well persuaded be therefore, Your smallest grief will me of joy denude. Much more the scandal of your honoured name In my default, would make me still exclaim. Therefore farewell, but o what did I speak, Ambitious tongue, dar'st utter such a word, The thought of farewell makes my heart so sick, That twenty tongues its grief cannot record, Yet thy departure necessare I find, Then go in peace, though much against my mind. When she was gone, Calanthrop presently Went to his Page, and summar'ly directed Him towards Epire to go instantlv, And see that he the fairest ship elected, And brought with him unto that self same land, Where now they were: the boy went at command Unto Epire, and there he did prepare Into the City of Nicopolis, A stately ship, strong, swift, and passing fair, And likewise looked that nothing was amiss, Skilled mariners he got, who would take pain To rule the ship, then hastes he back again. This time Calanthrop better did attend The Duke then ever he before had used, Since his intent was ne'rea wished end No kind of pains, nor travel he refused, Could yield the Duke in any sort delight, Yet minds to serve him with a short good night. Lucilla was not idly exercysde For how soon she had showed her loving Maid Who her knight was, together they devysd Time to eschew, yet women are so afraid In such attempts, that though desire abound, Each weak design their weaker wits confound. For now they think, what if the guard awake When they are gone, and follow after fast, And finding them, with shame should bring them back, The thought hereof makes their afraid hearts aghast, And now anon love courage them affords, To strampe their foes, though all their foes had swords. Thus long time were they much perplexed with thought, Of their escape, Calanthrop being alone, His Page returned, and show him he had brought The ship to shore, and all that he had done, Into a port, Tarento's gulf beside, Your ship (quoth he) and mariners abide. Sweet boy (quoth Calanthrop) thou hast done well To help thy master out of this distress, Go to Sophona, and to her reveal Thy diligence in this our business. Likewise do ask her, when she thinks it meet, That I her mistress to be gone entreat. By chance Sophona now stood by the gate, The Page salutes her, tells to her comfort, He brought a ship, than willed he her dilate What time his master fittest might resort To take them hence, and lib'rate them of thrall, Stay then (quoth she) and quickly that I shall. She swiftly went, returned again and told Him, that the time was best the second night, And willed him to his master such unfold, That Luna's change would then prevent her light, Therefore it's best when that the night is dark, That we (quoth she) ourselves with speed embark. Shortly the Page did to his master show The second night Lucilla had required Him to attend the garden wall below By twelve a clock, for then have they conspired To come away, so Sir, take you choice horses, Then need we not to fear pursuers forces. Calanthrop at the time appointed came Unto the place, where soon he got a view Of his sweet love Lucilla, beauteous Dame, Accomp'nied only by Sophona true, jesting (quoth he) fair Ladies you're too blame, To walk abroad so late, do you not shame? Friend (quoth Lucilla) what do you expect? For robbrie sure, and for no other thing, Indeed I should have been more circumspect, For why you little trunk my maid doth bring, If rightly searched, more worth it will be found Then of good English coin twelve thousand pound. But you to prove a kingly robber now, Belike intent, who take ourselves and all, No, stay my friend, what mind you? how now? how? Is't so indeed? you'll force me then to call For aid: yet rather I'll conceal my state, Then folk should know I were abroad so late. Thus merrily they talked, to horse they went, Then to their ship the ready way they took, Ere they attained the shore the night was spent, The Page by chance did o'er his shoulder look, And there he saw a sight he did not please, Yea it his master likewise did unease. The Duke's whole guard and knights came o'er a plain, On horse and foot where then Lucilla lay, But ere they came, Calanthrop though with pain. Embarked the Ladies, yet was forced to stay Himself on land his Lady to defend, Against all those who her return intend. One railing knight cries, Yield, you villain, you, And render those fair Ladies you have stolen, Else by the sacred gods above I vow, I shall cut off thy head: with rage so swollen Calanthrop was, he could not speak a word, But yet with courage he unsheathes his sword. The knight confronts him, reaching him a blow, Then to his guard returns for his defence, The wound was not so great as was the show, Yet Calanthrop did yield him recompense, Telling him first that he must now forgo His life, the which immediately proved so. The knight thus killed, the rest beset him round, His noble sword now stood him in good stead, Lucilla ever shrunk when he got wound, Each blow he got her tender heart made bleed, Yet 'mongst his foes, he strokes so strong did lend, That each were glad their wages to suspend. Lucilla seeing Calanthrop had killed Great numbers of her native country men, Her heart with pity towards them was filled, Their cries and dying groans so grieved her when Their life expired, that she was forced to cry Thus to Calanthrop when she saw them dye. Stay, stay thy murdering sword, sweet heart (quoth she) And suffer some of those my people live, Not for themselves, yet do for love of me, Their looks and wretched state my heart doth grieve, Spare them, dear love, for they my people be, They do repent that they offended thee. Her gracious words did penetrate his ear, That now his heart with pity did relent, He spares his blows, and doth himself retire, His weary arms, to rest give their consent, Till that he saw some boats go to assail Those in the ship where they might soon prevail. But then he quickly in a boat did leap, Where that three ships-boyes, and two knights abode, The knights he killed, the boys for fear did weep. Yet to his ship where she lay in the road, He made them row, though much against their will, Through fear or force he moved them to it still. First sight he saw when that he went aboard, A mariner before his face lay slain, To him that killed him he did thanks afford, That he thereafter never tasted pain. But when his foes his valour well did note, He was most happy that could gain a boat. For like a mad man went he up and down, Making great numbers welter in their blood, Others for to eschew his sword did drown Themselves for fear into the raging flood, In end the ship he emptied of the rest, Then to Lucilla he himself addressed, She and her maid Sophona her beside, Sat undere ore-lap in a quiet place, Calanthrops Page his master's wounds most wide Bathed and bound up, then with a pleasant grace, To hoist their sails, he Mar'ners did entreat, Thereafter went he to Lucilla sweet. Madam (quoth he) what thought you of this sport We had to day? was't not a goodly game? Sweet love (quoth she) it nothing did comfort Me for to see you exercise the same. For though my father, or my lover gain The victory, I loser must remain. But since that one of you must victor prove, I love my father well I must confess, Yet neither him, nor life, to thee my love I do respect, this much I must express, But ah, my country people are forlorn This day for me, they to their graves are borne. But yet there's one thing that doth grieve me more, As (God knows) I most special reason had, To sit and see thy blood diffused in store, In my default: what marvel I be sad? But come (quoth she) thy wounds I will untie, For I some Balsam thereto must apply. He tells her there's no need, yet still she urged Him to untie them, for (quoth she) I'm sure, It's best your wounds be mundifyed and purged, Though you will not admit no other cure. His Page unties them, Sophona betwixt Them stepped, and feigned as she some unguents mixed. Go hence (quoth she) Sophona let me see Those wounds, else nothing can remove my fears, She views them well, yet with a weeping eye: For she infused in stead of Balsam tears. Madam (quoth he) I very much admire, This Balsam which you use should be so clear. I'm glad (quoth she) sweet heart to see thee so, Thy joyful humour will my tears restrain, This liquid unguent did proceed of woe, She oynts his wounds, and binds them up again, Now came a boy, and told them that right near The I'll of Sason did to them appear. And that the Pilot sent him to inquire If they intended for to view the I'll, For this day you can no way gain Epire, And little Sason is within a mile. Likewise it's best that we a harbour find In time, for now it blows a mighty wind. Then (quoth Calanthrop) to the Island go, If that you fear the tempest will increase, For now I trust we need not fear no foe, If seas and winds desist us to oppress. The boy acquaints the Pilot that he should, Sail towards Sason with what haste he could. Hard by the Island in an harbour brave When Sun was set, they made their anchors fall, To land Lucilla would Calanthrop have, Where they erect Pavilions large and tall, Amidst a wood, and there that night they stayed, For why, the storm the Ladies much dismayed. But on the morn the storm was so decreased, That it was turned to a new extreme For such a calm both Seas and Air possessed Their Ship could no where sail, and they esteem The I'll so pleasant, that they now resolve Themselves some further in the wood t'involve So for their disport, after they had dined, Calanthrop and Lucilla walked along From all the rest, unto a place refined, Where pretty birds by their melodious song Gave such content, that on a little mount They laid them down, hard by a pleasant fount. This hill with Cypress trees was all enclosed, With Myrtle, Bay-tree, and such sort of wood, On blooming boughs the birds their ears rejoiced, Sweet smelling Cypress did their brains much good, Each various object by their several dyes, As trees, herbs, flowers, delighted much their eyes. The pleasant murmur of the crystal spring, Suggests Lucilla that she should desire, Calanthrop to be pleased some ditty sing, The which she did, and doth her suit acquire, For to a Mandore she brought from her tent, He sung this Poem, wishing her content. CALANTHROP HIS PANEGYRICKE. ABove the skies where gods do move, Each several deity honours Love, And entertain the same. Likewise the powers of fire and air, In concord keep their motions rare, Despising hatreds name. The liquid powers of groundless sea A sympathy affect, And earthly powers naturally Sweet amity affect. Day bright Sun, night shine Moon, And stars which twinkling shine, Planets tell, and signs twell Love's Deity is divine. The airy Fowls, and Birds which sing, Through love are moved to welcome spring at his desired return. Apollo and the Muses nine, On Parnasse still without repine, In mutual love sojourn. The fish and monsters of the flood, Through love, their kind supply, Beasts wild and tame find love so good, They love to multiply. The three Fates rule the states Without jar of our life, Graces three, do agree Vnitely without strife. The Fauns and Satyrs of the woods, The Sylvans, Dryads, each concludes To reverence Venus' Boy. Vallonia and the Nymphs of plains, Limoniads which in meads remains A kind of love enjoy. The Oreads which the mountains haunt, love towards other have, The Nymphs which of their beauty vaunt They Venus aid do crave, The Furies and Fairies, Which trip each pleasant green, With Naiads and Nereids, Do all adore Love's Queen. Trees which in thickest woods do grow, And deeps which neither ebb nor flow, to love their kind appear. The flowers which beautify the fields, And virtuous herbs which physic yields, Do fructify each year. Nature makes plants through Sympathy, Affect their mother Earth, And Earth she makes in like degree yearly renew their birth. And floods when you see then By confluence they meet Void of harms, each in arms, Embrace, and other greet. Since sacred gods do Love adore, And each immortal power, therefore Let humans him obey. Since the Calestiall Firmament And every several element Love, reverence night and day, Since Sun and Moon, who yield us light and stars transparent clear, Since the twelve signs, and planets bright, at name of Cupid fear, Fowls and fish, Muses wish Monsters of sea and land, Fates and Graces, with sweet faces, And beasts, Love's Deity stand. Since Gods & Nymphs of woods & meads, Of hills and vales, and those exceeds All other Nymphs in beauty. Since Nymphs of Seas and Rivers too, And Furies, Fairies likewise do To Love confess a duty, Since trees, brooks, rivers, herb & flower, And all which serve man's use, Since all which live, or move, each hour May man to love induce, Should not we, then who be Most subject unto reason, Condescend, to extend Love's power in the season▪ But oh, what reason then have I Whom Gods and men do both envy For my Lucilla fair, To honour Cupid and his dame, And evermore their praise proclaim Where ever I repair, Who have so richly me possessed of the most beauteous creature, That eye hath seen, or tongue expressed, and of most comely feature. In each art, I'll impart Her beauty, Nature's praise, For her sake, I shall make Homage to Love always. THus having sung, he renders to his dear The little Mandore she of late him lent Entreating if his song disliked her ear, To pardon him, for such a bad intent He swore ne'er harboured in his loyal breast, The which to witness, Venus he attest. Sweet servant (quoth she) you do still preveene Me by your curtsy, which I much admire, In right I must, if any wrong had been, Remit it freely, for I did require You for to sing, which since at my request You did: To yield you thanks it is the least. Now waxed it late, Phoebus was gone to rest, And Herds their flocks drove to their wont fold, The singing birds went chirping to their nest, The Owl sat skrieking in an Hollyne old Therefore those lovers now forsook their place, And to their tent they walked a comely pace. When they had new refreshed themselves with food, And each one minded for to go to bed, One came and told the wind was marvelous good, And therefore willed them every thing expede. So loath to let such good occasion slip, Each one went presently aboard the ship. They weigh their anchors, and they hoist their sail, And now they launch forth quickly in the deep, A west northwest yields them a prosperous gale, The ship upon the tops of waves did leap. But on the morrow by the break of day, They saw a sail make towards them right way. Yet they (sweet folk) their course kept without fear, Still towards Epire, as they had intended, Little knew they this was a man of war, And though they had, they could not have defended, He gained the windward, emptied all their sheets, Then with a brasse-peece rudely he them greets. They by no mean were able to resist, Again he shoots, yet never speaks a word, Force must they yield, think of it as they list, His ship then theirs was taller by a board. In end he offers peace if they will render, Which they accept, for each their life did tender. The Pirate boards them, took what he thoughtfit, At last by chance he looks, and doth espy The Paragon of beauty weeping sit, And kind Sophona doing so, her by, Seeing them weep, he nearer doth resort, With good intent the Ladies to comfort. Calanthrop all this while was keeped fast, For he had killed two when they first did enter, Down in the room the Soldiers had him cast, Six did attend him, for they durst not venture To leave him, fearing he himself would kill, Therefore they stayed to know their Captains will. But whilst the captain by the Ladies stood, Earnestly viewing fair Lucilla's face, Her beauty wounds him so, that to conclude, He at his captive'gins to suit for grace, Which she (wise Lady) would not flat refuse, Lest that he might the prisoners abuse. Now came a Sergeant, willed the Captain show What was his will concerning him they kept, For he hath killed your best commanders two, As for the rest, you them to grace accept. Since (quoth Lucilla) of no bad pretence That man those killed, but in his own defence, In this respect (good Captain) I entreat You him to pardon, whatsoever he be. The Captain, since her suit was so discreet, Said to his Sergeant, bring him here to me. And Lady (quoth he) for thy sake he shall Not die I swear, though he had killed them all. Calanthrop to their Captain they present, He pardons him, his love did so abound Towards Lucilla: likewise gave assent That all the rest of captives there were found, Went to their ship, all such as pleased to go, For, save the Ladies, he would keep no more. The Captain's ship was by some blind-rocke bruised, To land they must, before the breach they mend, This voyage all the robbers much confused, Yet since to land they must, they all intent Towards Zacyntus Pirates harbour sure, Whose woody tops, their toppe-masts will obscure. There they amended all their ships defect, But yet the greatest fault they have not seen, The fault was this, the ship did not eiect Those miscreant robbers which she did contain. But thiefs as well as merchants sail the flood Even as the Sun doth shine on bad and good. Calanthrop here dismissed his Epirots, And feigned as though with robbers he took part, Yet he a secret time to them denotes, When they should see him, which rejoiced their heart. They towards Epire, Pirates to the sea, Were quickly gone, glad of their late supplea. And now the Captaine'gins again to suit The fair Lucilla, who did still reject His kindest offers, then by golden fruit He thinks to move her, him for to affect. But since he saw that nothing could allure Her for to love, or his content procure. By force he mindesto give himself content, So he desired to speak with her alone. But now the chastering frustrate his intent, And his assaults the virtue of its stone When he applied his strength, did make him quail, And still he marveld why his strength should fail. Now he esteems Lucilla for a witch For why no persuasives allure her could, Nor yet could gifts, which might her much enrich, Nor could he gain by force the thing he would. Therefore by threats he seeks her to persuade, For this his last repulse had made him mad. Sometimes he had remarked her kindly look Towards Calanthrop: this incensed his ire, Fornever Rival yet could other brook, Though only lust had set their hearts on fire. Therefore if she will not his suit allow, To kill her he doth execrably vow. And lest (quoth he) thou think I do dissemble, I'll first cause kill the knight that's with you here, (Oh how her heart at this sad tale did tremble) That by his death (quoth he) thou death mayst fear, Thus sent he Sergeants waiting on him there, To bid the knight for death himself prepare. No, stay (quoth she) for by the heavens I swear, If you do harm him, you shall ne'er acquire My love: therefore it's best in time forbear Such cursed intent, if ever you aspire To gain my favour: therefore do not grieve Me so; for I behind him will not live. And is it so (quoth he?) I'm for you then, Faith all the earth now shall not save his life, Yea though the world could yield no other men Then now are here, for sure you are his wife. So whilst he lives, my will I'll ne'er effect, But being dead, I may some good expect. By heavens (quoth she) my husband is he not, Yet since you'll kill him, pray you kill me first, That he (sweet soul) by me may be forgot, Shortly dispatch, since for our blood you thirst. No (quoth the Captain) it is my desire, His breath that lets my joy, do first expire. But whilst his wretched intent he prosecuted, The gods (belike) would no way have it so, For by a thundering noise they him refuted, And sudden storm, that each were glad to go, Prepare themselves for death as well as he, The captain feardest of the company. The storm increased, Boreas (it seemed) had sworn To pull up Neptune from his watery Cell, The raging seas on wings of winds were borne, Minding Vulcanus from his reign t'expel, The swelling Surges of the seas profound, Our gallant Captain's courage did confound. For on those seas he Pirate did remain Twelve years before, yet never saw such storm In all his life, nor never shall again, Just heaven's revenge, when men will not reform. Many nights past, yet came this worse day, Which made the Pirates (not in use) to pray. But urged devotion doth not oft prevail, So proved it here, for still a Northern wind Them to the coast of Africa doth hail, And which was worst, no harbour could they find. In end Neptunus bore them on his back, Unto the greater Syrtis, where they wrack. There died the Captain and his cursed mates, And Calanthrops kind Page there also died, If they had time they would revile the Fates, Calanthrop got a board, but now he spied Lucilla by him, fleeting on a wave, So from his board he went, her life to save. A little he could swim, not very well, At last he caught her, set her on his board, Now though he died, he thought he would not feel No pain, since that the heavens did him afford Such happiness, as to preserve her breath, Whose beauteous presence had astonished death. Through fortunate chance they did acquire the land, Hard by the high and woody Cephalas, Which Promontory doth directly stand Where Syrtis doth begin: but or they pass Any where further, they Calanthrops Page Dead do perceive, for now the storm did suage. On sands he lay, (oh how his face looked pale) Lucilla could not choose, but now she wept His master doth his timeless death bewail, Yet when he minds himself had almost slept In Nereus' mansion, he left off to mourn, And to Lucilla did again return. Now since he's dead, they do themselves apply To find Sophona, dead, or else alive, And as they seek amongst the rocks to try For her, they see her ready to arrive, The Fates with happy fortune so her blessed, She came to land upon her mistress chest. They welcomed her, than altogether went And with sad hearts interred Calanthrops boy, When they had done, they all with one consent, Each other toward Cephalas convoy Where they in silence spent that weary night, Longing to see fair Phoebus come in sight. When day appeared, and that the night was past They went to find some village, or some town, For, against their will they kept a two-dayes fast, The weary Ladies by the way sat down To rest themselves: Calanthrop found a boy Who said he would to Tapra them convoy. Riding he was, a spare horse in his hand He held, whereof Calanthrop was most glad, Yet at the boy he humbly did demand For money leave to ride: to which the Lad Gave good attendance, telling him for pay He should them horse to Tapra all the way. Calanthrop gives him coin, the boy alights, And told him likewise that he had some bread, If they were hungry, to refresh their sprights. Likewise some wine, if they thereof had need. The bread and wine Calanthrop from him takes, Thereof for Ladies (noble banquet) makes. When they had done, Calanthrop much admired A barbarous boy to them was so discreet, To know his name therefore he much desired, The which the boy did willingly recite, My name (quoth he) Sir is Philodespot, Likewise by birth I am an Epirot. I'm glad (quoth Calanthrop) for so am I, (At this Lucilla could not choose but smile) But (quoth Calanthrop) pray thee tell me why Thou in Barbaria loves to stay this while? Sir (quoth the boy) our ship was run aground By this late storm, where my sweet master drowned. And now since I a master lack, I go To Tapra, for to try if I can find Some ship, going for Greece, that I may so Transported be, which much will ease my mind. Please thee (quoth Calanthrop) I'll give thee wage, If thou wilt stay with me, and be my page. I am content (quoth he) Sir, if you please, Yet much I long my native soil to see, But yet it will my mind most greatly ease, To serve or be in honest company. So horse those Ladies, I shall be their guide, Behind you one, the other me shall ride. Forwards they journeyed towards Tapra City, But by the way (misfort'nate accident) The vilest tyrant, lecherous, lacking pity, That breathed, or moved beneath the firmament, They met with all, Anxifer was his name, Of Cyrenaica king: yet lacking shame. This shameless tyrant, when that he perceived Such matchless beauty have so slender guard, He and his company bea stlily behaved Themselves, not caring what came afterward. For many wounds they to Calanthrop gave, Thereafter of his Ladies him berave. Two great misfortunes Calanthrop did prove, For first the Ladies were bereft him there, Next, was so wounded, that he scarce could move, But yet the loss of his Lucilla fair, More than his wounds did aggravate his grief Though his kind Page did yield him great relief. For he on horse set him, when they were gone, So, through great labour, they the City gained. But oh! to hear what woeful wailing moan The Ladies made, when as they were constrained To part with Calanthrop, and he so wound, That sight the gladdest heart might have confounded. Calanthrop through his wounds was forced to stay In Tapra City for a week or two, Then towards Epire he without delay And his kind Page, addressed themselves to go, Minding a navy shortly for to bring Towards Corena, and besiege the King. For in Corena did this king abide, This Anxifer, who did Calanthrop wrong, In Cyrenaica hard by the sea side, Corena stands, a City matchless strong, The tyrant to this town the Ladies brought, Where many times he villainies had wrought. Now must we leave Calanthrop in Epire, Levying his forces with what haste he can, And speak of those fair Ladies who were here Kept in Corena by this devilish man. This Anxifer, that monster for a King, Who sought the Ladies to dishonour bring. For when he was (as pity were) returned Unto Corena, he made shut each gate, Toward Lucilla he in lust so burned, That he waxed careless of his own estate, Save only that he loved to be secure, Till time he might his vile content procure. Therefore he to a chamber quickly went, Taking Lucilla with him all alone, Minding for to effectuate his intent, Which he (I think) might easily have done, Had not the virtue of the Ladies ring Him disappointed of his cursed design. But when he saw that strength could not prevail, Nor that he could not purchase her own grant, Another way he minds her to assail, And that was this: Some Sorcerers did haunt Much in that palace, for those hath he sent, And bids them make that Lady be content To bed with him: or else show him a cause Why he could not do what he did intend, Or else he swears that without any pause, Their wretched souls to Pluto he shall send, They him request some space them to allow. To morrow this time (quoth he) else I vow You all shall hang: thus Anxifer dismissed Those graceless Sorc'rers, who in one accord Their master invocate, and so insist Continually, till he sent them this word, Lucilla fair, she keeps Calisto's ring On her left hand, whose virtue lets your King Unto the King the morrow went they all, And told him that a ring was all his stay, On her left hand she keeps it, they it call Calistos ring, (quoth they) therefore assay If you can any way that ring acquire, Then are you sure t'accomplish your desire. Of this the King was glad, gave them reward, Charging them that to none they should impart What they had told him, then without regard Of honour, went he with a merry heart Unto Lucilla's chamber, whose estate No heart so hard, but must the same regrate. She and Sophona bitterly did weep, Yet nothing did the tyrant's heart relent, Why do you thus (quoth he) a mourning keep? Fair Ladies do not so: O be content, For thou whose beauty gave my heart its wound, Upon thy head (quoth he) I'll set my crown, Which if thou wilt not willingly receive, Then shall you both be vylie prostitute To each base villain, and each filthy slave, Then to the death I shall you persecute. Yet ere you die the hangman shall abuse You both, if thou to be my wife refuse. Sir (quoth Sophona) pray let us advise Some little space, which choice of those to take, For who so doth a marriage enterprise, Should well advise before the match they make. So Sir remove, and do appease your wrath, For be you sure, each flesh abhorreth death. The King went to his Sorcerers, and told How that by threats he hoped to attain The Lady's love: and to them doth unfold That for their magic they should still remain With him, and honoured be as men of worth, If their advice good success now brought forth But now Sophona to her mistress said, Madam (quoth she) bewails do nought avail You see with tyrants, and I am afraid That he with beastly fury us assail, If that he see his hopes are each way spent, Therefore it's best you seem to be content For I am sure before the time be long, Calanthrop will see his Lucilla fair, And then most sure he will revengeour wrong, Our losses all he likewise will repair, To wed the tyrant therefore condescend, For sure your ring your honour will defend. Lucilla likewise thought this course the best, Their present shame and danger to prevent, By this the tyrant came, and did request Them now to show him what was their intent, Lucilla told him, much against her mind, She would become his wife, if he were kind. Whereto he swore, that he should so her love, That after-ages should admire the same, And each one should his loyalty approve, And for the wrong he penitent became, Which he had done her: then he caused convene His barbarous nobles for to see his Queen. The very morn must be the wedding day, He longs so much his fair Queen to enjoy, The heat of lust can hardly brook delay, His barbarous Lords to morrow him convoy Unto a Church, where he his Queen did wed, Would see him hanged, ere she with him would bed. In diverse sports they spent the afternoon, ne'er was bridegroom more joyful or more glad, Unto their chamber are they quickly gone, Never was Bride more sorrowful or sad, Yet in her ring she specially reposed, Not knowing that its virtue was disclosed Unto the tyrant, by a devilish art, Else all the world could not have moved her go To keep this tyrant company apart, No fear of death could her have frighted so, As to involve her honour in such danger, To be alone with such a barbarous stranger Now being alone, the King his Queen entreats To come to bed. which suit she doth deny. How so (quoth he) then summarily recites He all her promises, and asks her why She doth refuse, since that she is his wife, To bed with him, as she should all her life? Then lifting her left hand, he feigns to kiss The same, and she no other did expect But treacherously he did her more amiss At unawares: for he without respect Of tears, or cries, pulled from her fairer hand The chaste ring, which she no way could gainstand, So on the bed he fair Lucilla threw, Fully resolved his pleasure to fulfil, He finds that once the Sorc'rers have proved true, And yet he must be frustrate of his will. For why Lucilla did the heavens implore To save her honour though she died therefore. The gods (it seemed) did grant the Lady's suit, For such a shaking did the King possess, That his design he could not prosecute, Just heavens do still such villainy repress, When earthly means the virtuous minded fail, Then sacred Powers by their strength prevail. For though Lucilla could no way resist This tyrant king, heavens pitied her estate, And so those heavenly powers ever blessed, In time gave aid, whilst she her grief relate, For now the tyrant vile began to bleed, And soon thereafter on the floor fell dead. This sight amazed Lucilla's tender spirit, So that she called the guard for to appear Then up they came, for they had watched all night, But when they saw the King was dead, such fear Possessed them, that they scarce could well take hold Of fair Lucilla, who the truth them told. Yet ever thinking she the king had killed, Their wrath and fury did so far abound, That both the Lords and Citizens have wild The guard to putin prison most profound The Lady that this murder did coact, Until such time as she confessed the fact. Her maid begged leave to keep her company, And then the guard to jail did them commit, Lucilla fully is resolved to dye What death they please, ere she thus prisoned sit. But now (sweet Lady) void of all comfort, She to Sophona spoke in this same sort, How now Sophona, had it not been good That in Calabria we as yet had stayed? Then had our friends not spent for us their blood, Nor we thus prisoned, been for death afraid, Just are the heavens who though into their ire, They punish me with flames of sacred fire. Even me who have my father's will repressed, Despising counsel (Nature's kind respect) By which I brought grief to his aged breast, Who me (vile wretch) entirely did affect. Sweet heavens (quoth she) to dye for my offence I'm glad, so death my miss can recompense. But yet, (ay me) Calanthrop my sweet knight. Could I refuse to go away with thee? Since in thyself is placed my whole delight, Likewise thy joys I'm sure are fixed in me, Therefore I vow, that death, or greatest pain I can for thee endure, shall be my gain. Sweet Madam (quoth Sophona) well resolved, Though spiteful Fortune at this time us cross, And us in woe hath guiltlessly involved, Yet if with patience we can brook our loss, We pay her home: for none can more injure Fortune, then patiently their cross endure. And for your knight, though you great grief sustain, Most sure the like him likewise doth annoy, For, till he see Lucilla fair again, I'm sure his heart will never peace enjoy, Our grief's at height, than Madam be content, For, vehemencies are not permanent. Whilst thus they spoke, the jailor did them call, Told them that presently they must compeare Before the judges in the justice hall, So with him went the Ladies, (void of fear) Lucilla to the judges did dilate The simple truth of all the present state. Yet for all that, she was adjudged to dye, And so to jail the Ladies did return, But oh! just heavens, have a disposing eye, Which oft relieve the woeful hearts that mourn, For, now they sent the Lady's aid from sea, Who can & shall their wretched state supplea. The morn, alive midst fire, to yield their breath Were they condemned: this was their punishment The one as accessary to his death, The other as the actor eminent, But yet, Calanthrop lately came ashore, ere they do so, I trust will ask wherefore. For now he sent Philodespot to town, To try if he could with the Ladies meet, The Page knew all the country up and down, Therefore his master doth him now entreat, To try what news he heard, or where the strength Of all the town lay: so the boy at length Went and returned: then to his master show The town was all in arms, and much aghast, So, of the Ladies he could get no view, For they into a Dungeon deep were cast, The King was dead, and every one reports Two Ladies had him killed who were consorts. At this report enraged Calanthrop swears, He will besiege the town: that's not the best (Quoth diverse of his Lords) for it appears Since they're in arms, for war they are addressed, Therefore let us some stratagem invent, Them to ov'rthrow, & frustrate their intent. Sir (quoth a Captain old) I pray you hear, Your Page tells that the execution place Is distant from the town a mile right near, To morrow when they come, in any case, Let us obscure ourselves by the sea side Till they come forth: our forces then divide. Your forces are some eighteen thousand strong, Of beaten Soldiers, well expert in war, Who vow to dye, or else revenge your wrong, To morrow then when Citizens appear, See you attend the place where as they mind To kill the Ladies: some shall stay behind, And go betwixt them and their Citie-gates, By this means shall we stop them to retire, Then let them rail on Fortune and the Fates, And when they cry for mercy, stop your care Till time they yield their City and their lives To you: likewise their children, goods and wives. It's well advised (quoth Calanthrop) therefore I do applaud: our ships are out of sight, It seems the gods do aid us more and more, Blessed be those powers who favour still the right, The morn the Burghers came, who did intend To kill the Ladies, whom the heavens defend. Calanthrop and his forces with great rage, Ov'r-threw the Burghers, who were full of fear, Still was he guided by his loving Page, Each in his Army crying still Epire. Now fled the Burghers for to seek refuge, Unto their City, where they must not judge. For why, Calanthrops forces were betwixt Them and the town, so forced them back again, No where about could one their eyes have fixed, But they should see numbers of Burghers slain, Heavens (quoth Lucilla) what moves all this stir? To kill us two, you need small force concur. At last Sophona gave attentive ear, For why, she marveld what should move them stay, Then presently, she hears men cry Epire, Madam (quoth she) we will not dye to day. With that Calanthrop cries, untie, untie Those Ladies, else by heavens you all shall dye. The which they did, not daring to gain-stand, Calanthrop doth Lucilla fair embrace, And then Sophona: now he gives command All who had captives, to remove a space, Yet see that no man did a Burger kill Till time they knew what was their Princes will. Anon the captives they to him present, He graciously to mercy them received, The captives than their City's keys have sent Unto Calanthrop, seeing he behaved Himself so meekly, sparing all their bloods, To him they rendered City, lands, and goods. Then to the City went he, where his forces Received him and Lucilla joyfully, On foot they stood in arms, for now their horses Were put a part, yet looked to carefully, So Calanthrop and fair Lucilla went Unto the Palace with no mean content. There he directs his Soldiers all in arms To keep their sentries carefully each night, So should they still be ready for alarms, But see how soon that ere the day grew light, Others, in stead of those should cent'nel keep, That those who watched already, might go sleep. When they had supped, and it was time to rest, The Ladies to their chamber he convoyd, Thereafter Morpheus so his eyes possessed, That he in bed, till day, one sleep enjoyed. Then he arose, and willed his Page go see If that the Ladies loved have company. Or if the Ladies sleeping were, or not, Or if they counted all their sorrows past, And if their bypast grief was all forgot, For he with them intended break his fast. The Page went and awake Sophona found, But sweet Lucilla, yet was sleeping sound. Sophona to the Page most softly spoke, Ask what rest that night his master got, Yet through their speech Lucilla did awake, And seeing that it was Philodespot, She called him to her, asked him for his Lord. He told her he was well, and every word Even as before his Lord did him direct. Tell him (quoth she) he banished hath my sorrow, And that I do his presence here expect Whilst thus she spoke, Calanthrop gives good morrow, To her, and to Sophona, for no way His page so stayed, he could endure to stay. Cousin (quoth she) pray who hath sent for you To come into my chamber you're too bold. Madam (quoth he) I cannot help that now If I return not: then in arms he fold His sweet Lucilla, who forgave his miss, And in her bed disdained not him to kiss. As thus they sport, a Lord to him was sent, By all the Princes of the Royal blood, Entreating humbly he would be content To cause inter their king, for it was good, Since he was dead, that he were had to grave, And so his last honour of them receive. The Sepulchre without the City's wall Was built most richly all of Marble stone, Like to an Obeliske: thither went all The Lords, and Burghers, yet with no great moan, The corpses they carry, burial to enjoy, Calanthrop likewise did the corpses convoy. But by the way huge fear all those possessed, Who bore the corpses, the Coffin did so shake, A thundering noise, midst lightning, then expressed Heavens wrath, which made the stoutest heart to quake. So each removed, expecting the event, In end, before their eyes, the Coffin rend. Out of the which there came a fearful beast, Like a Chimaera was this monster wrought, Framed like a Lion, was its head and breast, The body thereof like a Goat was thought, And like a Dragon, was its filthy tail, This beast the whole spectators did assail. And so ran raging wheresoe'er he lists Amongst those frighted people to and fro, Till that brave valorous Calanthrop resists Him, giving him upon the back a blow, Which moved the beast, finding itself to bleed, Unto the Lybian forests run with speed. The beast thus gone, Calanthrop and the rest, (Whose hearts in admiration did abound) Now to inter the corpses they thought it best, But when they came, no corpses was to be found, A scroll they found, the which they did unfold And found those following verses writ in gold. THis metamorphose heavens do right impose On wretched Anxifer, who it deserved, This scroll you read, is sent for to disclose That cause this tyrant still from honour swerved, Who was a king, and so bare rule above Others: yet cherished vice, ne'er would reprove. For this cause to Chimaera is he turned, Whose Lions crest resembles cruelty, And cause in lust (not love) he ever burned, His Goat-like body imports lechery, His Dragon's tail doth evidently show Unlawful actions oft in end bring woe. Therefore let his example teach each one In Rulers places, who conspicuous sit, Beware of tyranny: for still the moan Of poor oppressed people, heavens admit, And justly, when oppressors least expect Pour forth their wrath on those who wrong effect. If much before, each one now more admired, For why they find Lucilla had not killed The king, as they supposed: so they rety'rd Unto the City, where the Princes willed Calanthrop to accept the noble Crown Of Cyrenaica, which should much redound Unto his honour, yet he did refuse, Telling them that he never did such merit, Yet will they not admit of his excuse, For why, they swore, none else should it inherit. In end, into a place most eminent, They crowned Calanthrop with his own consent. Thereafter was Lucilla crowned Queen, To recompense the wrong she had received, Fortune's inconstancy may well be seen, In this: for why, those folks who lately craved To take her life, now as their Queen most fit, In one accord Lucilla they admit. Thus lived Calanthrop and his Ladies here Into Corena for a pretty space, At last Lucilla longed to see Epire, Yet ere Calanthrop moved from that same place, In favours of the nearest of the blood Royal, did of the crown himself denude. So did Lucilla to her endless praise, But yet they ever tendered this respect, That Cyrenaican kings of them always Should hold their crown: and likewise should elect (If that the royal race were dead or gone) Ever their kings, by their advice alone. Those Articles the Princes all have sworn, Likewise they vow, their dearest bloods to spend In his behalf, as if he had been borne Their native king, they vow him to defend. Thus they convoy Calanthrop to the sea, Giving rich gifts to all his company. Now from the coast of Africa they go Towards Epire, with great celerity, Smoothly their ships divide the Ocean so The way they went, cannot discerned be, Sweet Southern winds afford them so good way, Comarus' haven they gained without stay. Then in Nicopolis a day or two They stayed, then went they to Vallonia, Calanthrop now not fearing any foe, Embassdours sent unto Calabria, Entreating that the Duke without delay Would come to Epire against his wedding day Where many Princes of no mean degree, Earls, Lords, and knights, would likewise there expect, And give their presence, each as well as he, honouring the nuptials with a great respect. The Duke tells them, his presence he should give, They thank him humbly, than they take their leave. So to their King Calanthrop they return, Told him their answer, whereof he was glad, Now in Vallonia did the King sojourn, Where'gainst his Nuptials he provided had Each in his court, horse, clothes, and armour brave, And each thing requisite their hearts could crave. Amongst those Courtiers was one gallant knight, He to Calanthrop Cousin-german was, (Likewise the King in him took great delight,) This knight did love Sophona that sweet Lass, Sophona likewise did the knight affect, For why, no wench his carriage could reject. Sophona Aunt was to Lucilla fair, In birth his equal, and such like in love, Therefore the King, the Queen, and all were there, Applaud this match, and willingly approve Their equal choice, so king and Queen consent They wedded be with them, to their content. O what inestimable joy and pleasure These lovers by this promise did conceive! I think they brooked it in the greatest measure Imag'narie that mortal creatures have. Thus they, swift sliding time in pleasure spend, Yetlongingly the nuptial day attend. Now when this day that every one desired So much, was come, and Princes, Earls and Lords Were present, each one whom the King required, Unto them all Calanthrop spoke these words, Yet to Calabria's Prince he did direct His speech in special, unto this effect. MY Princely brethren (quoth he) I entreat You think not hardly I in Arms am clad, Nor that my Queen stands masked: for I'll repeat The reason hereof, which yet makes her sad, Till she be wedded, she'll not show her face, Nor I unarm myself in any case. This is the cause: Of late in Africa By chance I was (O fortunate adventure) When as the King of Cyrenaica A tyrant vile, did many one injure, Heavens struck this tyrant with a lethargy, So that no physic could his grief supply, This Lady you see here, was then his Queen, Yet wedded to him much against her will, He wasfound dead upon the wedding even, So each one thought the Queen the king did kill. Therefore the Queen and this her waiting maid Who likewise must be masked, as I have said, Until she wedded be, imprisoned were, Thereafter were they both adjudged to die Before the counsel would their king inter, This time a boy acquaints me privily, That two the fairest Ladies that did breath, For no offence this day must suffer death. I hearing that, having an Army strong Hard by Corena, for a special use, 'Cause that dead king before had done me wrong I longed for to revenge that old abuse. So I, in spite of his, relieved at length, Those Ladies two, by stratagems & strength. Thereafter homeward I my journey took, Those Ladies needs would bear me company, Since for my sake they Africa forsook, It had in me been great discourtesy, Their kindness to reject in any sort, Wherein I took thereafter great comfort. For when I had with admiration gazed Upon this Lady's beauty stands me next, Her lovely face my spirits so amazed, That ever since my joys in her are fixed, Likewise, because she thinks I saved her life, She is content now to become my wife. Now you the reason may perhaps admire, Why she is pleased be wedded under veil, It is their country fashion (though not here) Those that be widows, ever to bewail Their husband's death, with maids in like attire Till they do wed, their husbands then require Them usually, for to leave off to mourn, Likewise for to cast off their mourning weed, The which they do, and so again return To love the quick, and to forget the dead, This is the cause why those their face obscure, My Princely brethren hereof be you sure. But now you may in reason likewise ask, Why I thus armed desire to wed my Bride, I else have shown you why the Ladies mask Their face: so likewise know, I armed abide, Because the martiallking of Epirus Who wan theirwives by Arms, were wedded thus. This other forme'they ever likewise used, Some foreign Prince their Queen must to them give, Which ancient custom none have yet abused, Nor shall by me: for why, it would me grieve To abrogate such worthy fashions old, Ordained by my ancestors stout and bold. For this cause I most humbly do request You, noble Prince of rich Calabria, Do me the honour before all the rest Of Kings and Lords of famous Grecia, 'Cause you're a foreign Prince, as to bestow This Queen on me, which all the rest allow. Sir (quoth the Duke) if that can can do you good, Your Queen I shall deliver unto you, Therefore it's best you presently conclude To go to Church: for to the gods I vow, I'll honour you in any thing I can, For why, I love each martiall-minded man. The king did yield him thanks, and so they went To Church, whereas the parties all were wed, The Duke knew nothing of the King's intent, When to the armed king his Lass he led, For this same Duke had vowed, during his life, With his consent, his Lass should ne'er be wife The Palace Royal stood amidst the town, When there they came, Calanthrop went apart, And on Lucilla's head he set hiscrowne, Disarmed himself, then with a joyful heart The King, the Queen, Sophona and her Lord Unmasked, or armed, returned with one accord. Before the Princes in the dining hall, The King, the Queen, and Sophona there craved Pardon on knees for their offencesall, Of the Portuguese Duke. When heperceaved His daughter and her maid, likewise her knight Was king of Epire, he with great delight In arms embraced and kissed Lucilla fair, Next her the king, and last her maid likewise, Then he entreats Calanthrop to declare, The pret'rite fortunes of his enterprise, With every several success good or bad, And joys and crosses which in love he had. For (quoth he) I remit all your trespass, And every wrong you towards me have done, Since thus you haveacquired my lovely Lass, I likewise must account you as my son, Therefore be pleased the truth for to relate Most punctually, of all your former state. At his request Calanthrop did express His passedlife, even as the Duke desired, With all the circumstances, more and less, That heretofore he had through love acquired. To his discourse, exult they in assent, And much approve his resolute intent. The nuptials celebrated were with joy, Which did continue for a five-weekes space, In end Lucilla of a goodly Boy Was brought to bed, the wedding more to grace, Which moved her father stay till she amended, Then home he went, as he before intended. So did each Grecian Prince: when all were gone, Calanthrop called Sophona, that sweet maid, She and her husband, by the king alone, After this fort the king unto her said, Lady (quoth he) as yet no recompense Of thy deserts, through my benevolence To thee hath been extended: wherefore now I here to thee and to thy husband give The province of Thesprotia, likewise you May in the City of Pandosia live, Which lands with you and yours shall still remain, And not return unto the crown again. This now Sophona shall be thy reward 'Cause in my love thou ever didst me aid, Thee and thy husband likewise I'll regard Next to my Queen, thus shall thy love be paid, Since thou with us waste partaker in woe, In prosperous state good reason thou be so. They on their knees do thank him reverently, He them embraced, than a Herald called, Before his Queen he causes presently Them in The sprotia's province be installed, Well (quoth the Queen) who serve (I do perceive) A loving master, need their wage not crave. In great content thus lived they many years, Till that there came a messenger and told The Duke was sick, and (quoth he) it appears He shall not live, for he is very old, Therefore it's good you to Calabria go, If you intent to see him die, or no. The King, the Queen, and the young Prince their son Towards Calabria do their journey take, Sophona likewise would with them be gone, Likewise her husband went, for comp'nies' sake, They to Brundisium sail the ready way, For near that town the Duke diseased lay. When they were come, the Duke was marvelous sick, For now his latter end drew very near, Yet seeing them, he strained himself to speak, The which they all desired him to forbear, Only they loved to know his final will, Which all of them were ready to fulfil. He finding that his days were near an end, The little Prince he took into his arm, My child (quoth he) the sacred gods defend Thee still, and save thee every way from harm, My feeble hands shall crown thee, my sweet boy, That ere I die, my seed my crown enjoy. For it will give my dying sprite content To see my offspring in my place succeed, Whilst I yet live: therefore to this intent, I set Calabria's crown upon thy head, And with my crown receive my blessing here Before thy father and thy mother dear. The Prince thus crowned, the dying Duke commends His people unto Calanthrop the King, Then for his whole Nobility he sends Delivering them to him: but now the sting Of death, even than did penetrate his heart, Which forced him say, Farewell, and so depart. Now since the Duke was dead, Calanthrop stayed Only to see the funeral welldone, Which being ended, he no time delayed But to Epirus with his comp'nies gone, Yetdoth his woeful Queen with tears lament Her father's death, which many more repent. Thus was the Crown of Calabrie annexed Unto Epire, which many years endured, Till long time after they Epirots vexed Through their revolt, and many times injured Their Messengers, when they their tribute sought, Which 'twixt the kingdom's great wars after wrought. For, since they saw Calabrians refused To pay their tribute as they ought to do Unto the Epirots, and still abused Each messenger that came Epirus fro, They then resolved to make them know by force Their duty, and thereafter use them worse. To this effect the Epirots did raise An Army great Calabria to invade, Each Prince in Greece to their immortal praise, Did them assist, and likewise did persuade Them for to prosecute what they resolved, Lest they, through stay, themselves in shame involved. Therefore they went with all their Army great, And so rebellious Calabrie assailed, Which frighted folk, with death their Army threat, In end, those Grecian forces so prevailed, That they a Province won, and brooked in peace Long after that, which yet is called Great Greece. Now, lest I from my history digress, I will acquaint you with Calanthrops death, And his fair Queens, whose lives in happiness Both in one day expired, through lack of breath. During Calanthrops days, brave martial man, Nor yet his sons, rebels revolt began. And when Sophona heard of this report, Calanthrop and Lucilla both were dead, Grief on her tender heart seized in such sort, No physic earthly could yield her remead, She folds her arms, and then with fixed eyes Upon her husband, she (sweet Lady) dies. Calanthrops son, Epirus Annals tell, Was first, and father of the Castriots, Whose valorous race still lineally befell For to govern the martial Epirots. George Castriot, Scandarbeg, last king remained, After whose death, the Turks, Epirus gained. FINIS.