EUPHUES SHADOW, THE Battle of the Senses.  
Wherein youthful folly is set down in his right figure, and vain fancies are proved to produce many offences.  
Hereunto is annexed the Deaf man's Dialogue, containing Philamis Athanatos: fit for all sorts to peruse, and the better sort to practise.  
By T. L. Gent.  
LONDON  
Printed by Abel jeffes, for john Busbie, and are to be sold at his shop in Paul's Churchyard, near to the West door of Paul's. 1592.   

To the right Honourable, Robert Ratcliff, Viscount Fitzwaters: Robert green; wisheth increase of honour and virtue.  
EVer desirous (right honourable) to show my affectionate duty to your Lordship, as well for the general report of your virtue universally conceited in the opinion of all men, as for the native place o●… my birth, whereby I am bound to affect your honourable father and you for him above others, in suspense of this dutiful desire, it fortuned that one M. Thomas Lodge, who now is gone to sea with Master Candish, had bestowed some serious labour, in penning of a book called Euphues shadow: and by his last letters gave strait charge, that I should not only have the care for his sake of the impression thereof, but also in his absence to bes●…owe it on some man of Honour, whose worthy virtues might be apatronage to his work, where upon taking advice with myself, I thought none more fit than your Honour, seeing your Lordship's disposition was wholly given to the study of good letters, to be a Maecenas to the well employed labours of the absent Gentleman: may therefore your lordship favourably censure of my good meaning, in presenting your honour with this Pamphlet, and courteously grant acceptance of his works and my good will, his labour hath his end, and my desire in duty rests satisfied, and so humbly praying for your Lordship's health and welfare I take my leave.  
Your honours humbly to command. Rob. Greene.. Norfolciensis.   

To the Gentlemen Readers, Health.  
GEntlemen, after many of mine own labours that you have courteously accepted, I present you with Euphues shadow, in the behalf of my absent friend M. Thomas Lodge, who at his departure to sea upon a long voyage, was willing, as a general farewell to all courteous Gentlemen, to leave this his work to the view, which if you grace with your favours either as his affected meaning, or the worth of the work requires, not only I for him shall rest yours, but what labours his sea studies affords, shall be I dare promise, offered to your sight, to gratify your courtesies, and his pen as himself, every way yours for ever Farewell.  
Yours to command, Rob. Greene..   

Phylautus, to his Sons living at the Court.  
Now my good Sons, that the ripeness of your years makes you ready for fortune, and the place of your present abode, is the Theatre of her tragedies, lest by making a sympathy between Will and Wit, your rashness in youth might breed repentance in age, I have amidst the fatherless cares of your welfare, shapen out Euphues Shadow, by the substance of his first youth, limming out under the figure of Philamis, the fortunes of Euphues, wherein yond shall see, that young men's first wits are like April dews which breed more unwholesome weeds then profitable flowers: Euphues was my friend in his life, and kind to you by his legacy at his death: but he took more pains to write it, than you pleasure to follow it, else had I heard you had b●…ene more mice and less wanton. Sons the Conrt is full of delights, but they be dangerous, there you may cheapen beauty, and buy it to dear, Love there is as busy as a Bee, and co●…ts to make his Hive in every Gentleman's head, but stop you your eyes and your ears, lest while she is making her Honey Combe, you repent and prove a Coxcomb: there be many flatterers, but few friends, much show of virtue, but great practice of vanity, which made Euphues repent the prime of his youth misspent in folly, and virtuously end the winter of his age in Solexedra. Therefore I send you his Shadow, containing the substance of his young desire, read it, and follow it, and then I hope you will say, the shadow of my dead friend, bred you the substance of many honourable virtues. Farewell.  
Phylautus.   

Euphues his Shadow.  
AT such time as Octavius possessed the movarchy of the whole world, and Rome the majesty of all wealth and wisdom: there dwelled at Ravenna (a famous City in Italy) a young Gentleman, who had as great reach in wit as riches, and as many perfections, as possessions, beautiful he was, and this was nature's benefit: rich he was, and that Fortune's bequest, in brief: Nature and Fortune (striving to exceed each other) strained so far, as Fortune could impart no more wealth, nor Nature no more worth. But as the Beast Varius hath a rich skin, but a rank flesh, and the bird Struchio a big body, but weak wings, so Philamis having a ripe wit had a running head, placing his felicity in travail, not in temperance, in seeking foreign countries, not hearing fruitful counsels, for which cause, gathering together much wealth, and neglecting his welfare, forsaking his friends to trust to foreigners, after he had travailed many countries, he entered into Austria: This province (among all other) is pleasant and plentiful, inritched with fruitful mould, and replen●…shed with fortunate men, having every part thereof divided after this proportion: what so is situate betwixt the river of Laite, and the beautiful flood of Anasus was subject to Hungaria, and what so is contained betwixt Anasus, and the river Enno was wont to be under the jurisdiction of 〈◊〉: Enno is a great river, springing from the mountains of Italy, which passing by the populous City of Pasan, entereth into Danubius: Laite is a little river which also with ●…der float yields his watery homage to the mighty 〈◊〉: This country is bounded to the Northward by Bohe●…, and Moravia, to the westward by Bavaria, to the southward, by the mountai●…es of Sticia, and to the eastward, by Hungari●…, and notwithstanding the spacious length, and long spaciousness of the country, yet Danubius (seeming as though he were in moored with the same) with resistless mightiness runneth thorough the midst of the soil in this province, and that pompious city of Passan, did Philamis make his stay, invited thereunto by the salubrity of the air, and the sumpt●…ousnesse of the buildings, finding there both courtly companions to conu●…rse withal, and comely ladies to disport with all, it was wonderful to see, how instead of Philosophy, he subdued fancy, reposing his worldly felicity in prodigality and fashions: but as the hungry sparrow flieth to the full barn, the diligent Bee, to the delightful flower, as the raging Wolf seeks out the richest fold, and the careful Ant the greatest harvest, so Philamis having much money, had many attendants, who with Aristippus could flatt●…r for profit, with Batillus dissemble for substance: yea many there were that carried vermin in their toongues to open secrecy, many that bare 〈◊〉 in their hearts to abuse his 〈◊〉, but the young Raue●…noes having his hand on his halfpenny, had day looks, for acquaint ladies, cunning delays, for crafty deceivers, he had a finger to cover his scar with Alexander: a fair word, to coulont his suspect with Antimachus, yielding such lips, such 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 that as Actaeon was de●…oured by his own Dogs whom he nourished, so credulous manners are ovet thrown by those 〈◊〉 whom they have cherrished, and surely not without occasion was he provident h●…erein: for flatterers are like rich tombs, on which the only name of amity is written: or worse than ravenous Crows, who (as Antisenes was wont to say) do 〈◊〉 feed on dead bodies, wh●…re flatterers corrupt the living 〈◊〉: they are Summer Birds, who endure no storm, 〈◊〉 about young Princes in their glory, flying from them in their disgrace, in brief, like the Partridge they steal others eggs, and with the Bird 〈◊〉 hatch other Chickens, so that the words of Virgil may be applied to their 〈◊〉:  
Sic vos non vobis veller a fertis oves.  
Sic vos non vobis 〈◊〉 atis aves.  
But leaving this, retur●…e we to Philamis, who living in Passan and loving his pleasure, was commended of the most for his pleasant discourse: of the wisest for his ripe wit and knowledge: among the rest, Antenor (a man ●…uergrowne with years, but grave in discourse) knowing that as the horn of Cerastes purgeth venom, the herb Rew prevaileth against the poison of serpents, as Abrotamum 〈◊〉 out thor●…es, & Mirtus healeth deadly maladies, so counsalles mollify youthly courage, giving reason the rain, when will hath the spur: called young Philamis a part, where with fatherly regard and friendly reasons, he thus schooled him. Gentleman, since a man may better persuade by counsel, then dissuade by correction, since discipline reformeth manners, and advice suppress●…th youthly motions, I will though a stranger rather be presumptuous to draw thee ●…rom mischiefs, then in forbearing to show thy maims, I should be an agent in thy misery. Oh Philamis thy behaviour showeth thy bringing up, which if it were l●…sse courtly & more constant, the flatterer should be further of, the friend nearer at hand: thou hast learned to show outward courtesy, but art lame in true courtesy, which rather thanketh the better sort for a just reproof, then commendeth the worse sort for an unde served praise: is not he a poor Vintner (and not so poor as fo●…d) that setteth out a rich ivy bush where there is no wine? Is not he a vain man, who praiseth the person wh●…re there is no virtue ●… Is not he most ignorant, that 〈◊〉 to know all things, yet is ignorant of himself? If thou confess the Vintner fond my Philamis, how more fond art thou, who hast beautified the outward parts with silks, and blemished the inward with great sins, shutting thy 〈◊〉 body in strange colours, but shunning to enrich thy h●…auenlye mind and soul with good counsels, if thou blame 〈◊〉 that commendeth the person, not the virtue: how blam●… 〈◊〉 is Philamis: who choosest the flatterer for thy 〈◊〉, the taunter for thy Table guest: the incontinent for thy 〈◊〉, the inconstant for thy counsavers. If his ignorance be great who presumeth the notice of all things, but knoweth not himself, oh how hapless is Philamis? whose presumption is his imperfection, and who is only miserable in this, that he knoweth not his misery: If thou p●…ce thy felicity in goods, even the felicity thou seek●…st is gale, which is fell my Philamis, if in pomp, oh vain pomp, where the opinion glorieth over his truth, prodigality over frugality, the shadow over his shape, and the imperfections of the flesh, over the perfection of the soul: what art thou (young man) wherein thou art not poor? what hast thou (young man) wherein thou mayst not be rich? thou art fashioned like thy maker, but mortal, thou art wealthy, but mayst want, thou art strong, but mayst be weak, thou art fair, but shalt have furrows, and as the bud perisheth in the flower, so shalt thou finish in thy fullness: what is then thy riches? that of the mind Philamis, which is plentiful, when the body is poor, thou hast a reason to discern error, a will to follow virtue, a soul to contemplate heaven, a thought to imagine happiness. But why wade I so far, where the black Ox hath not trodden on the foot? Why wrist I to teach experience, where the thoughts are peremptory? Thou art here in Passan a stranger, a Lamb among Wolves, a weakling among wicked ones, so that either thou must learn Pithagorus silence, or Socrates fifty years subtlety, yet was Pythagoras taunted holding his peace, and Socrates poisoned for all his science. Hear are they that makes their guts their Genius, their gorge, their God: their perfumes, their perfection: their dalliance, their devotion: either living as though there were no God, or loathing (as if it were not lawful to know God, and among these liveth Philamis: and with these 〈◊〉 Philamis live without folly? To speak liberally Gentleman, but how without lament may I speak it? our Cato's now a days want moderation, our Cicero's conscience: Fools are held rich, because rich: poor, ignorant because poor, a worldly reason, a wretched reason, here our quadrati homines, are become rotundi, wearing so much of the world on their heads, that they forget God in their hearts: there are Ladies, that have masks to cover maims, who are fair by Esculapius syrups, and have been foul by Bacchus' surf●…its: here are Epicures which sergeant fast, when they most feast, carrying the User●…rs decipe in their possessions, and the Apothecary's recipe in their purses: here glozing is glory, and Thraso held for Thesene, in brief, in this country Irix an ordinary beast liveth many years without sickness, and few men are there amongst us, that pass one year without their favour through beastliness, among these ca●…st thou live without looseness? I but thou wilt say, that as the cle●…rest Crystal hath his crack, the fairest day his cloud, the tallest Cedar his worm, the greenest Cicuta his poison, so C●…ttyes cannot be without sins, nor monarchies without mischiefs, many spots in the Leopard maketh the white more purer, so many defaults in any estate make the virtues more famous. Oh that virtue might want his shadow, in seeing all like herself, none loser than he should be: I but Alexander had a finger to cover his scar, I but had Alexander no sc●…rre what need he so use his finger? I but Cicero had eloquence to cover his vain glory, I but had Cicero no vain glory, how sweet were his eloquence. O Philamis who so liveth in Passan, must bear the stone Smaragdus with the Griphon against the stinging of Serpents, carry Garlic to conquer the Leopard, learn of the bird Laurus to fly like an Eagle, and float like a fish he must be fit for all times, and have foresight against all treason, for hear with us men intent much but amend nothing, being singular in sin and simple in science: live therefore with friends, as if thou mayst lack friends, Lions a great city hath been consumed with a light fire, Hemus a huge river hath been dries with a little drought, wealth will fail, and followers will be false, learn therefore to prevent occasions, lest thou be enforced to cry with had I witted:  Heu quam miserum est d. scere servire, ubi sis doctus dominari. 
Let thy attire be co●…e without prodigality thy behaui●…ur courtly without peremptorines, let thy companions hau●… more wit than words, let thy diet savour more of Philosophy the●… superfluity, let thy reason be thine eyes master, thy God the governor of thy reason: so shall thou work according to his will, and will no less than I wish. No sooner had Antenor ended in these terms, but Philamis feeling where his shoe most wrong him, being stung with a Nettle, thought to cure it with this Item. Great Lord and learned Citizen (your estate requireth no more, your study shows no less) as I perceive your c●…unsailes proceed of love, so shall my replies be seasoned with duty, being as well taught to reverence Caesar for his dominions, as Seneca for his disciplines: whereas you condempue me for mistaking courtesy, I am not curious to amend that, since the Cap pleadeth not reconcilement, and a man were better reform himself indeed, then perform more mischief under the colour of duti●…: you have used many reasons to dissuade recklessness, choice figures to disprove fancies, tying vanitic in the gin, attiring ●…rtue with the Garland: whereby you have proved yourself eloquent, myself ignorant: wherein I neither cross you, neither consent with you: knowing that virtue is not discerned without vanity, and contraries being opposed are the sooner perceived: should I not try sour, how should I trust sweet? should I not converse with bad, how should I know good? compare not Heridmi with the Eagle that is a fair bird? join not the Lily with the Rose that is a sweet Flower, allude not the blackness of the P●…rpuse, to the beauty of the Dolphin that is a fair Fish: Oh ●…ather the knowledge of si●…e is a mighty step to virtue? Cato continually living among severe men, became more severe, where if he had borrowed somewhat of the Epicure, he had not been so impatient in his end: Alexander a great Monarch, talked with Diogenes a poor Cynic, whose precepts had he followed in his exploits, he had ●…in more constant, and less incontinent? you condemn youthly company, so did the wolf in his age, who seeing his whelps forward in the spoil, reprehended them for their haste and speedy footmanship: you blame bravery, so did Laertis' who seeing his shoulders unable to bear rich arms, began to discommend Ulysses when he was armed: you mislike love, because you lack power, being loath we should perform that in act, which you daily practice in will. Though you delight with the 〈◊〉 to be solitary, yet give us leave with St●…rla to take out solace. The Agate hath spots and yet precious: the Ermine spots & yet precious, the blue sapphire, hath a white cres●…, and yet precious, only precise thoughts allude all things to their own purpose, and despise most things in that they may not practise any thing, and this thing, and this thing is thei●… principal practice to reprehend, which being seasoned with an envy of others happiness, is very pernicious, you sorrow for the defaults of your citizens, and the corruptions, urging the deserts of our forefathers, to condemn our follies: but shall I ●…nswer with Cleander, they in times past which were not overmuch studious of Philosophy, became most brave and renowmedmen by their actions, and more famous than we be, because they practised virtue indeed, and we in these days only use it in word, by which means they are more happy than 〈◊〉 be. The fish Mirenula hateth the Crocodile, yet both poison: so old men hate the young in that they execute, and themselves cannot enact. It were tedious to measure the sea by a line, to shut the heavens, in a compass, to number the Honey combs of Hibla, to count the savours of Africa, and no less troublesome to allege the reasons, which approve the conversing with ill, and the commodity to know error: the envy of old men is as common as they are crooked, and as they have furrows in their faces, so have they frowardness in their fancies. I must end with Tully (Antenor) and boldly tell you this, that your opin●…on is not only full of lightness, but also fraught with folly. 'tis better to be Ulysses then Ciclopes: Prometheus then Epimetheus: Argus then Cepidus, let me therefore c●…unsaile you good Father, learn more & speak less, grey hair should have graver behaviour, good persuasions, or no speech: for as a moth is soon spied in the sun, a spot in the whitest Lawn, a mole on the fairest face, and ●…ier in the cle●…rest fountain: so ignorance is most apparent in an old man, in that his discourse ought to be most perfect: with this abrupt conclusion Philamis departed his company either loathing to answer the r●…st: or l●…cking judgement to co●…eiue the right: but Authenor who had sounded the ●…reame, and knew the shallow, sailed the Sea, and seen the danger, sorrowing at the y●…ng man's inconstancy, and wondering at his discourtesy repaired to his ●…udy, where he wrote this Item to all yo●…ge Gentlemen.  

anthenor's Item, to all young Gentlemen.  

THe reckless race of youths inconstant course,  
(Which weeping age with sorrowing tears behoulds)  
Their wretched will (their woeful sorrows source)  
Their wanton wits, their errors manifoldes  
Hath reared my muse, whose springs wan care had dried,  
To name them fly the dangers I have tried.   

From Cradle's rock, when childish I had crept,  
And Maylike young, of pleasure 'gan to taste,  
Seeing my fatal course my reason wept,  
Toys were my triumphs, will my worth did waste,  
And in the seas of pleasure whilst I sailed,  
Small were my fruits, and yet my youth was quailed.   

And now 'gan manlike vigour fill wine arm,  
My heart was warmed with courage fit for love:  
Like wanton bird exempt from fowler's charm,  
I soared aloft but looking from above.  
I saw on earth a Fowler heavenly fair,  
That made her nets the trammels of her hair.   

Then lo my pompuous plumes were laid a part,  
Her eyes were loadestars in this worldly way,  
My thoughts her thrall, her prisoner was my heart,  
But for my pains, what payment but delay.  
A lingering life I lived to sorrow sold,  
A foe to wit through follies waxing old.   

When chilly age had seizure of this earth,  
I felt a wound of sorrow in my breast,  
I saw how judgement quite was spoiled by dearth.  
How virtues seeds by errors was suppressed.  
I cast the count, and see what I have gotten:  
Timelost, wits wast, and limbs with surfeits rotten.   

Now see I well that travel is misspent,  
Except in virtue it be well employed,  
What I in love had I in learning spent,  
Oh what a joy had weary age enjoyed?  
Had I foreseen the wasteful course of time,  
I then had made my harvest in my prime.   

But now when feeble footsteps are allied,  
Unto the grave this sinful bodies hold:  
I cannot practise though I have espied.  
The way of worth, the grace exceeding gold.  
What only rests sweet young men that shall follow,  
I know the source and now will teach the shallow.   

Prevent the time the days are full of danger,  
Whilst youthful vigour yields you furtherance,  
Make reason guide, let folly be a stranger,  
Virtue is perfected by art and usance.  
Enritch your minds with skill, for why they must,  
Remain eterne when body is but dust.   

Let not your eyes enfeebled be by sin,  
Cut short presumption for it will aspire:  
Who takes advice, amendment doth begin,  
Sub due your wills, and master your desir●….  
A modest coat, chaste thoughts, and studious arts,  
Adorn the body, mind, and inward parts.   

These lines are lines like Ariadne's clue,  
To lead thee through the Labyrinth of grief:  
Who so thou be that virtue wilt ensue,  
More sweet in sooth then show in true relief,  
Good Countrymen still prone what I have told,  
Lest you repent with me when you are old.    
In this sort Antenor counseled his country meu warning them by his experience to prevent their youthly negligence, but Philamis not perceiving, that the rotten wood which glistereth in the night is grey and dry in the day time: that delights which are fair in show, are foul in substance, that things which are best in appearance are worst in proof, followed his ●…uld course, and defaulted in his youthful inconstancy, thinking that the tide would have no ebb, the time would have no end. Among all such as conversed with him, there was a young Gentleman of the same years, and no less substance, called Philamour, who either for that he agreed in nature with Philamis, or for that necessity would have it so: entered an inviolable league of amity with the brave Ravennois, these couple counited by vows, and united by love, lived together in such manner, that if Philamis sighed, Philamour was sorry, if Philamour was pleasant, Philamis was not pensive: if Phllamis would mourn, Philamour was melancholy: if Philamour passionate for love, Philamis was loves patiented: what Philamis said, Philamour would soothe: what Philamour intended, Philamis ended: so that neither Euryalus was more dear to his Nisus, nor Caesar to Cicero: nor Ephestion to Alexander: nor Lucilius to Seneca, than Phil●…mour to Philamis.  
In this sort passed they their time in Passan, so that there seemed to be one soul in two bodies, one heart in two harboures, neither separated at board, nor severed at bed: but as idle minds have yielding motions, and such as are entangled with liberty, are soon thrauled by love, so Philamour, like the light Feather in the strong wind, the slender skiff in the greatest storm: the weak Willow in the wasteful over ouerflo●…e, tra●…ersing the streets with his fr●…nds, and seeking how to satisfy his fantasse: at last beheld the daughter of Nicrosion a Noble man of that City, w●…●…d no other heir but Harpaste, nor other hope, but hit good ●…ortune: this Lady was beautiful beyond woonder', and more witty than wealthy: her body was adorned with the gifts of nature, (having eyes as fair as the Carbuncle, but more clearer: Cheeks more crimson than the Rose, but sweeter: Lips Cherrieripe: limbs choicely framed,) her mind with stayed judgement: ready thoughts, pleasant conceits, perfect constancy: treasure enough to entangle the eye, riches sufficient to ravish the soul. These perfections had so much power over Philamour, that he took no other comfort but in her company, her eye was his Idol, her words were his Oracles, so that he seemed to confess with Alexis, that love was the infallible mistress of men, killing all former pleasures in them, planting their delight on one only object, which the more a man seethe, the more he seeketh, neither was young Philamis unattainted. (But in contrary sort) for Harpaste beholding his haughty looks, his honourable learning, his brave discourse, his bold demeanour, his Socratical questions, his judicial answers: began to catch hold where there was no handle, to kindle Fuel where there was no Fire, and to begin her love where there was no liking. This entrance made Fortune to manifest troubles, making this her induction to most tyrannical cruelties: for the more Philamour courted Harpaste, the more she contemned him: the more Harpaste laboured to allure Philamis, the more Philamis neglected the love of Harpaste.  
Many were the presents on both sides, many the persuasions, many the privy sighs to import fancy: many the apparent shows of unfeigned favour, if Philamour complained he found no comfort, if Harpaste bemooned her, she fo●…e no medicine. But Fortune which is accustomed with great Art (as Garimbert wrighteth) to take fear from those over whom she most meaneth to tyranise, in midst of Philamis security, showed her greatest severity, for he chanced (oh unfortunate chance) to behold Eurinome the disdainef●…ll, the paragon of comeliness, but the pattern of 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 had a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉, a Circe's 〈◊〉 to enchant, Phillis beauty, but Amarillis pride. Oh too fair 〈◊〉: she was eloquent to 〈◊〉, learned 〈◊〉 contempue, she was wily to 〈◊〉 men wretched, she 〈◊〉 smile to see men sigh (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eurinome) this the aim of his conceit, this the end of his comfort. Amidst the passionate estate of these lovers, Philamour that was first caught in the 〈◊〉, was most of all tormented in his love, confessing with Aristotle, that only beauty's eyes were eloquent, protesting with Plato that love was a sage Poet, and made other 〈◊〉, for his only comfort was to contemplate one Harpaste, and his mind (altogether before time addicted to pleasure) was wholly given over to paint out her praises in Poetry. One especial day among the rest, Harpaste desirous to discover 〈◊〉 discontents, persuaded her father Nicrotion to make a solemn feast: whereunto among the rest, Philamis for love, and Philamour for fashion sake were invited. Thither also repaired Eurimòne the 〈◊〉, bearing a brow of ivory, a breast of Adamant. Great was the assembly on that day, sumptuous the Banquet. These lovers observed Ovid's observations at the Table, making such prittye combats with their longing eyes, that their hearts through impatience were well nigh consumed with passion. The Dinner 〈◊〉, and Table taken up, according to the custom of Austria, the Gentlemen first danced their Courranto, some 〈◊〉 their Temples with wreaths of Mirtill, other with Garlands of Roses, each one presenting their 〈◊〉 with a several Flower: Philamis among the rest, with due reverence gave Eurinome a Marigoulde: Philamour bestowed a 〈◊〉 on Harpaste, hearing their Coronets of 〈◊〉 in their hands: when being desired by the Ladies and Gentlemen to discover the secret of their presents: Philamis being most forward, commanded the Cornets to sound this Barginet, when taking Eurinome by the hand, he began the dance, and tuned his delightful voice, warbling out this Song.  

Philamis 〈◊〉.  

Happy Phoebus in thy flower,  
On thy tears so sweetly feeding:  
When she spieth thy heart bleeding,  
Sorrow doth her heart devour.  
Oh that I might Phoebus be,  
So my Clitia loved me.   

When with glory thou dost rise,  
Forth his fair to show she putteth●…  
When in west thy glory shutteth,  
Clitia shuts, her beauty dies.  
Were my mistress such as she,  
Oh that I might Phoebus be.   

Phoebus' beauty did allure  
His fair flower at first to love him:  
And till time from heaven remove him,  
Clitias glory shall endure.  
Oh that I might Phoebus be,  
So my Clitia loved me.   

Thou that houldest in thy hand,  
Nature's glory, Phoebus' treasure:  
Now observe the self same measure,  
For I burn in self same band.  
Were my mistress such as she,  
Oh that I might Phoebus be.    
This conclusion was shut up with a long look and a 〈◊〉 sigh, when Philamis conducted Eurinome to her place, from whom he received this crabbed courtesy. Sir in that you are to silly to be the Sun, and I nothing so fond to be your flower, 'twere good you sought a more kinder 〈◊〉, for I like no such false hearted Phoebus, with this smiling answer and sorrowful reput●…e, Philamis nipped on the head, rubbed there where it itched not, and drawing himself a part gave himself wholly ●…uer to penstuenesse, whilst Philamour ready to satisfy the expectation of the Ladies, after the Music had sounded his Madrigale, took Harpaste by the hand, and in this manner applied his Song to the melody.  

Philamours Madrigale.  

Ungrateful Greekes when on the sandy shore,  
Wronged by contempt, strong Ajax stoutly stood,  
He sighth, and therewithal  
Since good deserts were wronged, in ireful mood  
He drew his sword, and strait his breast did gore, and fainting down did fall.   

Ye gods he cried (if any gods) he cried,  
Sincecountrie yields towards, not good desert,  
Be you propitious now,  
These lukewarm streams that issue from my heart,  
Since Greekes my right with rigour have entied.  
Bear witness of my vow.   

I vow (oh fruitless vow) that I have served,  
For country's cause, and not for servile gain,  
And yet Laertes son  
Must haught Achilles mangled arms maintain,  
Who never once in combat hath deserved  
As I full oft have done.   

Since therefore Virtue hath no recompense  
Among my Grecian peers, oh gentle mould  
Receive my sacrifice:  
The heavens can tell for Greece my blood was sold,  
The heavens can tell I die for no offence,  
Thus closed his eyes.   

And when the Ghost was ready to departed,  
These later words with tears he forth did power,  
Both gods and earth relieve me:  
His blood the earth transformed into a flower,  
The heavens were moved at the warrior's smart,  
Sweet Nymph believe me.   

Long with Ulysses (but with greater right)  
For more than Pyrrhus' Fathers arms I strive,  
But since repulsed still,  
I living die, nought resteth now alive,  
But joy, but hope, thus still with feeble might,  
I feed upon mine ill.   

The heavens behold how I am firm and true,  
The earth my tears to flowers hath transformed,  
my wound still bleeding flows.  
Without some grace my grief is not reformed,  
Oh were my griefs, wounds, flowers, so fresh in view,  
You than would end my woes.    
Every one in the company was delighted with this ditty, only Harpaste counted all strings out of tune, since her heart strings were out of temper, notwithstanding to show herself courtesy, though somewhat discontented, she answered expectation with action, not speech: vouchsafing him a Basolos manos, for his melody and martyrdom. After all these Bargincts and Madrigales were danced, according to the custom of Austria, the Ladies called for a Basket, wherein every Gentleman and Gentlewoman casting their Gloves, there was election made who should be Kings and Queens, the lots cast: Philamis was appointed King, and Harpaste Queen, who by order ought to prefer some question whereon the company should dispute: and which they should decide, the Ravennois therefore vouchsafing the place, and incited to the performance, began thus, When Midas was made Judge fair Ladies, Apollo had the worst: homely wits cannot decide heavenly doubts, and better were it to give over with ignorance, then to be presumptuo●… in error: but since I have a Cibilla to assist me, who if my words be ridiculous, can answer you with Oracles, I will speak that you may condemn me, to the end she may sprake, and all may commend her. The Lapidary layeth the foil before he setteth the stone: The Dier washeth the cloth before he staineth the colour, the Mason squareth his plot before he layeth his foundation: so am I but the entrance to judgement, she the essence, she the substance I the cipher, having this only happiness to speak with her, which of herself only speaketh well: Harpaste blushed at this praise, taking the commendation most kindly at his hands, from whom she expected most comfort, and suddenly had she yielded him reply, but that Philamis fearing lest the wound should be stung with too many Nettles, began thus. Since I am to propone the question, and you to decide the quarrel, (fair Ladies and brave Gentlemen) let it be this: Whether it be better to deserve and have no friendship, or offend and find favour: A matter incident to the time, and accordant to the persons: and since Eurinome is chiefest in worth, and choicest in wisddme, I will if so my Queen condescend, that she begin the controversy, Harpaste that liked the clause, quickly subscribed: Whereupon after some attention: disdainful Eurinome began thus. Since I am charged by those who may command, and peremptoriness is greater offence than ignorance, I will utter my opinion meo jure, yet conclude all things with reverence, and salva authoritate. The question is not so doubtful as dangerous, for either shall I war●…e against myself, in wresting somewhat, or lay my hand on my heart, and wish I had said nothing: B●…t since I must say something, to observe Decorum. I will with Apelles draw a line to show my level, giving reasons rather of likelihood than opinion, since I meant my words shall be no nets to entangle me, and my desire is to please in speech, to prevent offence, not to perform what I plead, for that is against my conscience: I say, that offence to find favour is a fond course, for that were to catch the moon with a trammell, to charm the hair with a tabor, to couple the Cynic with the Stoic, or the Snail with the Stork, for women are like quails not charmed without a sweet call, like Dolphins not alured but by music, and show of obsernance towards them, is the best means to be sovereigns over them: but once this difference stands upon election, which is best, and the choice is either desert or offence, which are contrary: let us examine the fruits of both, so shall we find the success of favour: desert proceedeth rather of hope and will to please them by service, whom we honour, then to displease: desert hath many branches, duty, service, loyalty, forwardness to exemplify our loves, either by adventure of life, expense of living, endangering our bodies, or endeavouring our wits: contempt or offence, dependeth on detraction, 〈◊〉 consisting on more branches of injustice, than the other hath respect unto equi●…ie. Since therefore to deserve well proceedeth from virtue: to offend, from injustice: here is a deep Dilemma to be discovered, why the one should find favour, the other have no friendship: and how may this be decided but by a woman's reason, who since she borroweth of the 〈◊〉 to many infirmities, may boldly with the blind man take a pillar for her paramour: and determine all controversies at her pleasure, Vulcan deserved well, yet Mars was befreended, and the God of war offended much, yet was fancied most: see here an instance to destroy all propositions, women admit no proportion, they are peremptory, their choice is as their change, and their change as the moon, if any ask why so: the answer is, the Moon doth so: if any hath the power to mend her, we will give them leave to amend us: Thus have I made my spoke, which if you admit in sport, and take as I mean, the wisest shall be incertain of my meaning. Philamour secing how voluntary she sought to obscure her thoughts, shortened her talk by the ●…st, and in this sort leveled at his love: Lady Eurinome I 〈◊〉 you avow much but allow nothing: giving us a taste, but no trial, using the policy of cunning embroiderers who when they have exceeded themselves and other men's conceit, leave somewhat imperfect to colour their own wants, and move admiration in those which cannot follow the work, you neither condemn the one cause, nor commend the other, but I that have a wound by Achilles' sword, must seek my weal by the same. Applying my reasons to that purpose, I may persuade, and to that end she may take pity: which she (said Harpaste) you speak to doubtful? That (she replied) Philamour that examines me in this different: why I examine you Philamour (said she) as your Queen, whose favour exceeds your fortune. But I (replied Philamour) plead pity at Harpastes hand, not as she is a Q●…een: why said she, but being Harpaste she is too bare for such a Lord, but said he Philamour were blessed in having such a Lady. Soft madame replied Philamis, suffer suppliants to offer at your shrine. I will Philamis (said she) so you will hold the candle. Lord said Eurimone how Queens forget themselves and lovers lose themselves, for our king is become a private Gentleman by this plea, and Philamour hath so forgot himself in the entrance, as I fear me he will be to feeble to make an end: Philamour galled with a sharp spur, pricked with a stiff thorn, after a smiling modesty began in this sort to prosecute his pretended discourse. Though it be a common fault (Ladies) yet is it commendable, (the heart to be where the treasure is, the eye to be fixed on that which is most fancied) yet is it an honest 〈◊〉 (at least wise honest in women's opinion) w●…o yield most thanks to their lovers when they are most thoughton, and greatest praise when they are 〈◊〉 played withal, pardon me therefore Eurimone. if I have answered Harpastes doubts, since I am curious, lest she should suspect my duty (〈◊〉 neglect it said Harpaste in secret, yielding that period to his pause) whereupon he thus proceeded.  
It is a certain and practised rule among the Phisitio●…, 〈◊〉 Serpents have least venom in their teeth, because their often chewing avoideth the same, which rudiment is most certain in love, which the more it is exercised with troubles, the more constant it is, and less feigned, and what greater troubles in love then to deserve: the strange rigours, the rude repulses, suffered with content, sustained without contempt, is not this desert? To be rewarded with cruelty for courtesy, to return favours for frumps, praises for displeasures, is not this desert: To esteem all danger's duty, all torments trifles, all penance pleasure, is not this desert: and are not all these troubles: being rewarded with undeserved torment: which though among living men they are counted vain, among loving men are held for virtuous: for as the Peacock hath fairest colours about the crest, the Dove choicest feath●…rs about her neck, so Lovers have deepest sorrows in the heart, which since they suffer to deserve, they account their misfortune's felicity.  
Tully complaining him of all his miseries in exile, annexeth this: At ubi pro aris & socis agitur nullis, ego malorum tempestatibus impellor, and as Tully, so true Lovers, when the cause concerneth love for which they endure, their discontents sort unto delights, and it is unto them felicity to suffer misserie. For as without the mixture of light nothing is clear, and nothing dark but that which hath darkness: as without the aid of fire nothing is hot, nor without the assistance of air could, so without trouble in love there is no triumph, without repulses no pleasures, without sour 〈◊〉 sweet, without danger no desert, which like the pure gold in the hot fire, the bright sapphire in the black foil, the clear Moon in the winter night, the more it is frowned at, the more it is refined: Since than desert is such, and exercised with such sorrows, how unkind are they that regard it not: 〈◊〉 how happy are they that are unregarded? This is the bend of the question, this the benefit of my quarrel: who avow that it is better to deserve and have no favour, then offend and find friendship: for hear the indignity followeth the desert, and they are justly convicted, who value not the force of virtue: and who are they? Truly Ladies yourselves, imitating the Saints in Churches, who smile as well on those that deface them, as they that defy them, resembling the wondrous root 〈◊〉, which being touched, 〈◊〉 out fire, and plucked up procureth death: the more you are praised, the more you repine: the more men screw you, the more you scorn them, resembling the Camamell, which the more it is trodden the more it springeth, and the more you are courted, the more are you coy: to be brief then, as they that walk in the Sun are still accompanied with shadow, so those that follow fancy must weight on sorrow: for as there are no limits in ladies beauty, so are there no limits in their affections, all their works are of supererogation, which we may see to be so, but must not say so. To be brief, I so glory in my deserts, which show the constancy of my mind, that though I have no friendship, yet I rejoice that I deserve friendship. Since the one showeth my devotion, the other her doubleness, the one is my best, the other her brutishness, Philamour spoke this with a vehement sigh, which I suppose he set down for his period. When at last Hirpaste firing her eyes on Philamis, with blushing modesty began thus.  
How likes your Majesty of this Orator? hath he not preached well? Yes Madam said he, and would have pleaded better had he chosen his own pulpit: oh said she quid Graculo cum fidibus? play upon them if he had cunning replied Philamour. Stop the floodgates said Eurimone, we abound in to much folly, all are follies in them madam, answered Philamis, whose best desert is but offences: I but how blessed is he that offends and finds favour said Harpaste? as blessed quoth he as he that angleth without a bait, and catches a bream, why not beauty replied Eurmome pointing at Harpaste: yes beauty if you please said he, pointing at Eurinome. Thus tossed they the discourse too and fro, till at such time as Harpaste was ready to speak her opinion there entered the hall a fair and beautiful Lady, nearly allied to Nicrosion the Lord of that place: attired all in mourn full colours of black ●…ir golden hair scattered along her goodly shoulders, in the o●…e hand she bore a light Taper, in the other a naked Sw●…de: who after she had amazed the whole assembly with her 〈◊〉, having attained silence, began thus.  

The lamentable and pitiful torments of a constant lover, serving a cruel Lady, with the strange and woeful penance and death she endured.  
NOble Princes, and renowned Ladies, could tears discover tragedies, and sighs report sorrows, I would weep more and speak less, and groan with such vehemen●…ie, as you should gre●…ue to behold my heaviness: but since the cause requireth terms not tears, discourse and not sighs (if so you shall vouchsafe me favourable attention) I will open that unto you, which will make the marble heart melt to hear it, and move the 〈◊〉 thoughts to lament my estate, when he under standeth it. I am hapless Claetia you Nobleses, Niece to Nicrosion, allied to Harpaste, wh●…me the pride of Passan for beauty, now the byword of the world for barbarous cruelty. It is not unknown unto you, and too well known by me, how Rabinius was a brave Gentleman of this City, of high reputation among the wisest, of greatest regard among the warriors: he had Caesar's fortune in arms, Cicero's forwardness in arts, having the benefits of nature, accompanied with such bounty of the mind, that his perfection exceeded all report. In brief I may boldly say with Tully, that this man hath not only surmounted the glory of the best deservers of this time, by his virtue, but also all the memories of antiquity by his value: But why praise I him, who perished by me? and why in reporting his excellence, rip I up my own insolence? ah Claetia this is nought else but to rub on the gall, to kick against the prick. The sent of Basil draweth Scorpions unto it, the herb Squilla charmeth Sorceries, Ros Laurel killeth Dogs, and the memory of griefs being renewed, reviveth more sorrows, killeth all joys, and confoundeth all solace. But I must tell my Tragedy, since I mean to enact an other (here making a melancholy pause, she hanged down her head along time: at last be●…ing awaked as it were out of a dream, she in these terms prosecuted her purpose: Alas, whether am I transported your Nobles, who had need, d●…ting Senecios hot troup of staves to put me in remembrance? But you may pardon the imperfection if you please, to hear the passion. This noble Rabinus unhappily beheld me, and more unfortunately loved me, leaving no practice unattempted, no service unperformed, whereby he might manifest his humility, or I be notified by humanity. But as Eleborus healeth some madness, and maketh some more moody: so his submission which might have mortified the hearts of other, and mollified the minds of the floutest, made me more severe: for like the steal hardened by much melting. I grew hard hearted by his many wecpings, carrying in my looks the poison of Sardania, which maketh show of smiling, when there is shrouded greatest severity. Five years and more with importunate suits did he solicit me, haunting continually the place of my habitation, thinking himself happy to kiss the Cowslip whereon his Venus had trodden, forced at last by his importunity, and egged forward by mine own pride, I vouchsafed him the opportunity to discover his affections, where after many lamentable complaints, with little compassion, he at last required this only favour, to kiss my hand, protesting any service to attain to so great felicity: wretched that I was, I wholly inclined to severity, returned him this answer: that at such time as he had achieved three combats in honour of my name, slain three monsters in Libya, and brought me three heads, and finally rid him of life that most troubled my delights, he should enjoy his wish, and show his worth: cruel that I was, over cruel that I was I not only tied him by words, but bound him by oaths: & he more constant then advised, preferring my love before his own life, prosecuted his pretence, neither aggrieved at the impossibility of my demands, nor grut●…hing at the peril of his estate: ●…o be brief. I repaired to my father's grange bounding upon Danubie, he taking his horse, and locked in his arms, wholly intended his determinations. Long and tedious were his journeys: and travailing continually by vn●…racted ways, he took no other comfort then to think on 〈◊〉 oft in his solitary walks, when travel had weakened his 〈◊〉, and trouble wounded his thoughts, he alighted from his 〈◊〉, and turning him into convenient pasture began to renew his pencivenesse, oft when he saw a barren Oak dried up by age deprived of leaves, with many bitter sighs he thus cried out. Oh happy plant that sufferest this waste in thy wain, where I perish in my prime, thou art despoiled of thy leaves, I of my loves, eld hath reft thee of thy pith, envy hath robbed me of my pleasure, thou hast calm after storms, I storms without calm. thou art strong in thy root, though disturbed in thy bows, I stung at the heart root, & despised by beau●…ie, oh happy tree, or hapless man. Oft 〈◊〉 he beheld a sweet spring, he thus sighed, and thus sighing said: fair fireame without disturbance, thou art fruitful in thy waters, I frustrate in my weep, t●…y sun playeth with thee, my sun plagueth me, no winds afflict thee, much wretchedness followeth me: thou Crystal, I I comfortless. Thus applied Rabinius all things according to his own cogitations, feeding only on the roots of the deserts: & staunching his thrust with fountain water, at last after he had passed thorough a thick wood, he entered a shady plot of ground, in midst whereof there was placed a tomb of white marbel, on which sat a knight armed at assay all save his head, who espying Rabinus so mounted and addressed, betook him to his horse? buckled his helm & drew near him, saluting him in this sort. Knight, Lord, traveling prince, or whatsoever, unfortunately hast thou entered this desert, for either must thou combat with me in honour of thy mistress, euē●…o the 〈◊〉, or lose thy right hand, which I must fix on yonder sepulchre. Knight replied Rabinius let me know the cause before we enter controversy, why thou keepest this tomb, why thou requirest the combat, that either I may with reason yield thee my right hand, or else with courage enter conflict. Sir said he, in this tomb lies buried the fairest lady that lived, who renowned thorough Bohemia by her beauty, was sought unto by divers princes among the rest, Charondas a duke of this country, preferred hi●… service, and prosecuted his sinte, making so many courtly 〈◊〉 and sending so many courteous presents, that at last Seruatia consented, ordering her desires every ways to occasion his delights, but he most traitorous Prince smothering deep conspiracies under a smooth countenance: one day under colour of solemnizing the marriage, invited her with me and my two other brothers (her near allies) to his Castle, where after many gracious entertainments, and agreeable triumphs, the night being far spent, he conducted her to her Chamber: the Northern Waineman had already mounted in his course, fixing his steeds between the arms of Aquarius, when every eye was closed, and each Lord silent, Seruatia betook herself to rest, little fearing to be ravished, when suddenly by a trap daore Charondas entered her Cha●…ber, charging her either to take care to satisfy his pleasure, or to finish her life: the poor Lady knowing the Lark was to weak for the Eagle, the Lamb for the Lion, that Astroites stirreth in wine, and sturdy natures are moved by persuasions, with maidenly modesty, and matronlike constancy, she thus reasoned for her liberty.  
Ah Charondas, if honour have more power over thee then dishonesty, if thy vows have been virtuous and not vain, what need these encounters to enforce favour, where thou hast conquered fancy? thine eyes have power like the Fish Stella, they have subdued what they have seen: it only re●… that thou observe mean in thy conquest with Alexander who could forbear his bondwoman till her br●…dall. The Limace stayeth what she toucheth: the Adamant draweth where it neereth, and shall I not touching this hand for my peace, escape my pretended peril: all beasts when they see their dangers, fly them, and flying them befriend themselves. It is but Cato's constancy may make thee a conqueror, and a little forbearance a Lord in felicity. Charondas not able to endute delays, played at fast and lose for a fall, knowing that opportunity was a good plea, and that Venus counted Silemis for an Ass, for his Nestor like sobriety: but Seruatia like the Bull made fierce by seeing red colours, so perceiving the rude cruelty of Charondas, resisted according to her power till at last impatient of her wrong, and he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his will, the Duke forsook hi●… Chamber, and sh●…e 〈◊〉 comfort, when faring like Hecuba rob of her so●…ne 〈◊〉 Priamor bereft of his signory, she seemed rather a sweet stature of ivory without life, than a sacred and living saint quite dishonoured: feign would she had pleaded, that Charondas was not not false: but casting down her looks on the charactor of his looseness: alas she said would he had not, or rather fond lass would I were not, and as the signs of distemperature come before the tempest, so the tears of poor Seruatia, were the comets of her fat all sorrow: and as the viper's teeth are most venomous, when the serpent is most youngest, so this sorrow in the entrance was most severe, her speech was closed up with despite (and that her tongue wanted power to cry revenge, yet her angry blush pretended a revenge, to be short, seeing her honour lost, her lovers lewdness, she loathed to breathe that air wherein she was betrayed, and snatching up his weapon, the witness of his wickedness, which through hast he had left behind, and through horror she was bend to use, she sheathed it in her body, leaving the earth to enjoy the sinful parts, to the end the heavens might partake her celestial pertections. Charondas hearing of this her hapless departure, ashamed at his sin, and lamenting his lust, fled presently, living as it is reported a miserable life in the mountains Lirenei: when the rumour of this outrage, sounded in the ears of us three brethren, her near allies, finding no fit occasion of revenge, yet willing to avow her right, we enclosed her body in this Ma●…ble grave, vowing one of us each day to attend here, till a twelvemonth were expired, resolving to try against all comers, that Seruatia was only fair, only constant, the paragon of chastity, the pattern of constancy. If any gainsay our reasons, and adventure an others right, if he be subdued he looseth his right hand: but if we after three days combat be conquered, lo here ●…he honour reserved him said the Knight, (when drawing a Curtain) he discovered the picture of this Paragon.  
Rabinus r●…uished with her sight, stood a long time amazed, till at last revived with the thought of me most hapless Claetia, he replied thus.  
S●…r the cause of your quarrel is reasonable, and the reward of the conquest honourable: but what if I avow my Mistress more fair, what shall then follow? That thou art fond said the Knight, and unfortunate. Fortune or misfortune answered Rabinus I force not, Claetia I say was more fair, more constant, more famous than Seruatia. If thou like not my sentence, gainesaye me with thy Sword: whereupon without any further discourse, they entered fight: great and dangerous was the combat, till at last Rabinus attained the better, and drawing of the Helmet of him that was conquered, he rather gave him time to breath, than sought to shed his blood. The stcar●…e Bohemian, that saw the strange and admirable bounty of the Austrian, humbling hi●… on his knees, began in this manner.  
Though I have fallen by thy Sword, I have not failed in my desire (courteous Knight) who have encountered a Gentleman, who is as well skilled to conquer by affibilitie, as by force, command me therefore according to the prefixed covenants, and I will verify what thou averrest, in that thou art the victor.  
Knight said Rabinus, it is not revenge that I seek, but renown: nor thy harm, but my honour. If therefore thou confess that my Mistress Claetia is fairer than Seruatia, thou art free: only tied to this, to attend me into Austria, where in her presence, in whom dependeth my delight, thou must confess that in courtesy, which I have achieved by combat. The vanquished quickly condescended to the victor: desiring him in sign of their reconcilement, to sleep with him in his pavilion for that night, the better to be able to perform the combat the next day. Rabinus not able to fo●…et his old grief, yet somewhat satisfied by his re●…ewed glory, easily condescended. Whereupon they both together ●…tered the pavilion, delivering their horses to their attendants, who dillig●…lye trimmed them. Supper was served in with great solemp●…tie, and the two other brothers (in whom remained the pursuit of the Combat) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Table guests at that present, who beholding the 〈◊〉 person of Rabinus, but his discontented 〈◊〉, his broken sighs, a great sickness of nature, began to find his imperfection, without feeling his pulse: whereupon the youngest which was both wise and eloquent, pi●…ng that such prowess should be accompanied with 〈◊〉 began thus.  
Gentle Knight, I wonder, that having won the honour of the field, you are thus solemn after your good success, I fear me this your sickness proceedeth rather of your dangers to come, than your fortunes that are paste. Sir said Rabinus (as if awaked out of a slumber,) it is ill judging by the eye what the heart aileth, or the inwa●…de harms of the mind by the outward habitude of the body, the Crocodile weary when she will ●…uoure, the Sirens smileth when she would betray: the Cat playeth before she persecute, the Lion dallieth ear she devour, Since therefore dispositions are so divers in Beasts, be not you so addicted to censure of men, least triumphing with the Elephant, you be terrified with the Mouse, and like the fell and fiercest Tigar, be afraid and dismayed at a shadow.  
The young Gentleman seeing that Rabinus was discontent, in that he was driven out of his dumps, followed Alexander's policy, who spying the sickness wherewith Apelles was pained and consumed, rather conclud●…d with himself to leave Campaspe, then to lose such a Painter: whereupon, ceasing to urge that whereon he●…●…we that his evyil depended, he kept a loof, observing the same course he pretended, but running more at random. Sir (said he) mistaking is no argument, neither should you think I argued you of 〈◊〉, but honour you for 〈◊〉: only because I see you passionate, where our d●…sire is you shoule be pleasa●…nte. I will ●…yme ●…rowdlye at all sorrows, and perhaps touch yours, thi●…g that ●…s one Nail driveth out another, so one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in you shall overcome an other: all sorts of griefs noble knight have but two workings: the one in the mind, the other in the body, if thy discontent grow by worldly change, thou art fond, for 〈◊〉 is more certain on earth than alteration: if thou grieve at Fortune, thou art blame worthy, where thou mayst conquer her by constancy: she is like the fish Torpedo ●…eing of herself sinful, and driving all those that touch her to sensuality: hast thou lost friends? seek other if one friend: be ashamed thou hast no more: if thy only ●…riend, oh frail man be aggrieved, who in so many worldly tempests and calamities, hadst but one trust and constant anchor: hast thou lost thy wealth? rejoice it hath not lost thee. The fewer pence t●…e lesser p●…rrill, now fortune hath showed her worst. Signify thou thy wisdom. Art thou greeucd: if thy grief be small, suffer it: i●… great, patience can salve it. Art thou poor? it is but thy opinion: use continence, and thou art a conqueror. Thou art hated? if of no descrt, thou art happy: if deservedly, amend thyself. Learn of Euripides, that no mind is so imperfect, which virtue cannot make pure? art thou scorned in love, leave it, it is a Canker in the Rose, a Drone in the hive, a spot in the Crystal, a crase in the ●…uorie, art thou contemned by love? condemn it: Glass is clear in substance, but poisen in taste: the Torquile delighteth the eye of the Fisherman, but benumbeth his hands: the frozen Serpent is full of poison, and the fa●…rest face the falsest heart. Aristides being asked what caused greatest report, the eye (said he) which sucketh more poison than the tongue or heart can enacuate: master the desires of love, and thou art loves master: look on L●…dyes as on fair Sepulchres, which as Diogenes held opi●…ion, the richer they are without, the rottenner they are within. The Geese that p●…sse th●… 〈◊〉 Taurus, carry pibbl●…s in their mouths, lest 〈◊〉 by their cackling, they should be murdered by the 〈◊〉 ●…es: and wilt not thou be more provident than birds who c●…t their imperfection to prevent their perils? Thy Prince d●…uoureth thee? if bad, happy art thou without favour: if good, the sooner reconciled. Thou art banished, why Omne solum vi●…o forti patria, learn of Socrates with the good Sail●…r, so to have all necessary instruments in a readiness, that in fair weather and fowl storms, thou mayst be 〈◊〉 for all changes, since the world consisteth by change: mark what Euripides saith, even as all air is penetrable to the eyes of the Eagle, so all towns & Cities are a valiant man's country: here Epictetus counseled: even as (saith he) it is better in health to be laid on a mean matteris, then to be sickly on a magnificent and rich bed: so is it better to live happily in poor estate, then to be unhappy in prosperity. But leaving these worldly infirmities, let us have recourse to the deserts of the mind, which the more noble it is, the more dangerous are the diseases thereof. Is thy mind weak? strengthen it with good counsels, the best physic is Philosophy, which seeketh no Viaticum: in brief, no trouble of the body, no torment of the mind, tempteth him who entertaineth all chances as if they should have happened, and endureth all crosses with constancy when they happen. Rab●…us hearing his pregnant wit, and pleasant persuasions, discharged some furrows from his forehead, returning this short answer. Sir you have showed your learning, and moved my delight, following the custom of many idle artistes, that can speak well ear they taste the despite, but when they are a little broken with care, they lose their brain and conceit. Cicero in prosperity could talk of constancy, yet in adversity show pusillan●…tie but he that is exercised in mischief, most knoweth the martyrdom, and he that hath the wound, feels more than he that cureth it, is not ●…e a witless Gardner that planteth the sallow on the hill, and the Cedar in the vale, the Pine in the plain, and the Poplar in the mountain? Is not he a worse husbandman, that setteth his vine n●…ere Babylon, or soweth his corn in Mus●…ouie? and of all this is not he most simple, that seeketh torid that by counsel, which is rooted by care: to plant gladness, where springs grief. To apply comforts, where the wounds are uncurable? Oh sir, since you neither con●… what I suffer, nor can deceive my sorrow, the pam●…s so●…nite, the grief so indefinite, suffer me only to view that, w●…ch you cannot redress, and endure that which you cannot d●… upon, and bouchsafe a hearty thanks for your travel, whilst I continually persist in my helpless torment. By this time the night was far spent, and the supper time expired, so that after order was taken for the next days combat, the Gentlemen conveyed Rabinus to his lodging, wh●…re with broken sleeps he beguiled his days forepast travel. No sooner did the sun illuminate our hemisphere, and Aurora in her yellow beauties drive forth her dewy Chariot adorned with Roses, but both the champions arose, and having armed themselves entered the lists, ●…o determine their appointed combat, but Rabinus courage wás so great, and exercise in arms so famous, that he quickly after many wounds, weakened his adversary, and before the sun had fully attained the noonstead, he had brought him under subjection. The third brother impatient of delay, moved with the misfortune of his elders, suddenly armed himself, resolving before the shutting up of the evening, to reduce Rabinus to a hard estate, but he like the sturdle tree, which the more it is shaken with the wind the surer is it fastened in the root, was rather embouldned therewith then abashed, and calling to mind my unfortune name, he so valiantly behaved himself, that ere the third hour was expired, the last champion was his prisoner: whereupon with mild countenance, signifying his mercy, he embraced them, commending their virtue in the honourable enterprise, they had undertaken, enjoining them only that day twelvemonth, to meet him at Passan, where they might be discharged of their vows, and myself assured of his valour, not forgetting to charge them to bring her picture with them: for that night stayed he with them, signifying unto them all the sequel of his love, where at the Gentlemen were so moved, that the youngest of them in vehemency cried out with the P●…et:  

Faemina blanditur laqueos parat arma ministrat,  
Faemina cerberium digua fovere canent.   
No sooner did the bright morning discover itself, and Phoebus disc●…ouding his watery locks, began to leave the dewy bed of the Ocean, ●…ut Rabinus arose, & taking leave of the Knights, departed forward toward his journey, many soils crossed he, and overpassed many cities, seeing with Ulysses, and getting science with Ulysses, as he  Qui mores hominum multorum vidit & urbes. 
But at last with much travel, he ●…tered Libya, this country is more fruitful in sands, then in seeds, in incomodious monsters, then commendable commodities: the people of the country being valiant, but subtle, leading idle lives, but having addle brains: not long had he travailed, feeding upon his ●…uld trouble, but amidst a parched plain, dried up with the furious beams of the frowning sun, he saw an angry Rinocerotes pursuing a tender and young infant, which fled to be undertook, and faintly e●…deuoured to eschew death, which he had already made choice of. The pitiless monster still following his prey, which though he were slow in race, yet was he severe in rigour) had wellnigh overtaken him, when valiant Rabinus couching his Spear in his rest, so forcibly assailed her, that he pierced her body, and left her lifeless. Then dismounting him from his Steed, and awaking the Child from his amazedness, he cut of the head of the horrible monster, conveying the tender infant to his mother, who travailing over the plains with that infant, had forgotten her young son to save her old life. No sooner perceived she the Child delivered from danger, h●…r self from detriment, but humbling her on her knees, she heartily thanked Rabinus for his succours, conveying him to her Castle near at hand, where for that night with royal entertainment, he deluded the time with delights: among other Table talk, Rabinus inquisitive of news, was thus answered to his question.  
Noble Sir, as Libya our Country is full of waste, so wanteth it no wonders, and though our nation be wonderfully addicted to arms and chivalry, yet have we such strange and dangerous attempts hear amongst us, that the boldest warrior either f●…areth or faileth to bring them to ●…rigent. Sir leagues from hence, by mar●…ilous industry of a Magician, the Prince's daughter of this province is kept prisoner, who (in that she condescended not to the love of Farasius, nephew to Hermagoras the cursed enchanter, but suffered him rather to perish, then vouchsafe him pity) is enclosed in a strong tower, situate on the top of a high hill round about which lieth a dark and hideous grove, over shadowed with huge Trees, herein as gardaines of the maid, he hath placed many monsters, who with horrible cries, and fearful howl, drive terror to all the inhabitants: neither is there any so valiant, or else so venturous, who either dare seek her freedom, or subdue their fury. Among the rest Tarpeia poor maid, is most miserable: for living in continual fear, she is hourly affrighted with visions, sometimes with Tigers renting her garments, in the night time with ghosts threatening Tragedies, so that never was there any since nature had power, that deserved less plague, or endureth more punishment: it were vain for me noble signor, to tell all troubles, the tears of her parents, the lament of the Peers, how for her all the Lords are disconsolate, all the land desolate, only I annex this, that who so setteth her at liberty (which cannot be effected without great felicity) may if he please be possessor of her love, and master of her living.  
Rabinus gave diligent attention to the tragical discourse of the Labian, vowing without further, delay to adventure the danger, and either the next day to give Tarpeia her liberty, or lose his own life. The night by this time hath attired the heavens with her sable Curtains, softly pouring her dew upon the drooping eyes of every creature, when Rabinus was conducted to his lodging, where he drowned sorrow in the suds of sweet sleep, and appeased his passions with sweece slumbers: the sun had no sooner on the next morrow, after the maidenly blushes of Aurora, showed forth her shining glory in the East, but Rabinus arose, and calling for his horse and arms, curteous●…ie took his leave of the Lady, craving only a conductor, who might guide him to the Castle. The friendly Lady presently app●…inted him one, commending him to the mercy of the Almighty, who never faileth them that succour such as are in misery: and in this sor●… road he forth, wishing a desired end of her lament, or of his life. At last about noonstead, he beheld the stately fortress, and saw the huge forest, wherein he heard on every side the howling of Wolves, the hissing of Serpents: here sounded the shrill bellowing of Bulls, here the roaring of Lions, so that it was sufficient to amaze any man, to behold and hear the horror and terrible threatenings of these ravenous beasts.  
The guide having conducted him to the entrance of the wood, being wan with fear, suddenly fled: but Rabinus whose meditation was on me unhappy Claetia, set life at nought, despised all dangers, having no other desire but to accomplish my decree. Long had not he travailed in this thick and shadowy plot, but suddenly he heard a great crack of thunder: a misty fog overclowded the whole country: then might he behold in the midst of the desert, and by the means of the lightnings, an old man unchaning two Lions, which both at once seized upon his Shield, plucking it by main force from his arm, then renting his Steed with terrible rigour, they renewed their fight with him, wounding him in sundry places: but he who was awaited with courage, and wondered at for constancy, so valiantly behaved himself that he s●…ew them both: which when the old man perceived, he speedily fled, and Rabinus hastily followed. At last, drawing near the foot of the mountaives, the old man opened a Cave, from whence (after there had been evacuated a vast and huge flame of fire) there issued out a horrible and deformed monster, headed like unto Hydra, whose locks were 〈◊〉 Serpents, in height about nine Cubits, having the back parts of him like a Centaur.  
Rabinus beholding this devilish enemy, was at the first some what astonished: notwithstanding at last recovering courage he boldly encountered him, but the hideous fo●… cast forth such foison of poison, that wheresoever it attainted the armour of the Austrian, it pres●…ntly burst off from his body.  
Rabinus seeing the eminent danger, thought good to use no 〈◊〉, but buckled himself with such boldness to the Monster, that he parted two of his heads from the venomous body. The beast herewith enradged 'gan suddenly to practise revenge, and seized upon Rabinus with such 〈◊〉, that he cast him headlong to the ground: but he who was both 〈◊〉 and hardy, suddenly arose, loading his enemy 〈◊〉 such rude strokes, that at last he severed life from the 〈◊〉 carcase, and perceiving that all the weight of the 〈◊〉 depended on the surprisal of Hermagoras, (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the death of his champion, fled toward the Castle) ●…e speedily pursued him, and (fearing lest he should ente●… the fort before he might apprehend him) he suddenly stroke the enchanters head from his shoulders, when lo the cloudiness was overcast, and with a thundering noise the Castle vanished, and the huge mountain became an humble plain: wherein Rabinus beheld a fair and amiable Lady, who delivered from her affright, humbled herself at his feet, ascribing the bene●…ite of her life to his bounty, and the cause of her happiness to his hardiness. Rabinus who was not untought in courtesy, nor untrained up in entertainment, began in this sort to comfort her. Lady, if my endeavours have prevented your dangers, or my service hath procured your security, I r●…ioyce thereat, since I only live to honour your sex, and desire only to serve them. Whilst in this manner he was following hi●… discourse, the Prince's father approached, who behculding Rabinus w●…th admiration, 〈◊〉 embraced him, publishing in these terms hi●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉, might my words discou●…r my will, or my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 my wants, you should then hear how much I 〈◊〉 you, and perceive how I would reward you, but since I neither may express what I would●… nor perform what I wish, accept what I may, which is this Lady and my livelihood, who 〈◊〉 my 〈◊〉, to depend on you, who have delivered my 〈◊〉 from danger, and restored a desolate father ●…o his daughter. Rabinus no less virtuous than valiant, as well tried in humanity, as trained up in honour, returned him this answer.  
As my unworthiness great prince, deserveth no such grace, so my willingness to do you further service, may exemplify how much I honour you for your offers, as they exceed my deserts to enjoy them: so I beseech your highness better to bestow them, since neither my baseness vouchsafeth me to climb so high, nor my fortunes concenteth I should be so happy: & were it your 〈◊〉 would exceed my demerit, yet my former vows, prevented this virtue: so that I beseech you to employ those graces on your noble Subjects, and suffer me to live in my obscurity.  
The noble Libyan seeing his level, and knowing the Moor by his colour, the Erimme by his spot, the Basilisk by his eye: left oft to incinuate that which he could not entreat, and embracing Tarpeia, demeaned such joy, as all his Nobles doted with joy to see his delights: and now began they to regard the huge body of the monster, the deep wounds, the desperate adventure: and every one in common opinion praised Rabinus prowess, who cutting of the heads of the Lions, and gathering this hideous monsters serpently shape together, after he had made some stay in Libya for a while, with great honour, returned home into Austria. And having finished and effected two of my demands, he earnestly intended the third, but I careless, but not so careless as cruel, and not so cruel as inconstant, feeding on pride, a cock of mine own dunghill, a bird of mine own breeding, hearing of his return, became more rigorous, abusing his 〈◊〉 with severity. O vain course of us Women, who are more coy, when we are most courted: who have our frumps at our finger's ends, our follies written in our foreheads: we are froward when men are forward, 〈◊〉 when they court us: we are like Apes who kill their young with too much foppery, measuring our lovers fortunes by our own follies, we are loves devils to fear men, and Fortune's evils to enfeeble them: we are woe men, because women, feeding them with toying, and foiling them with coying, and are to fine in love, and too foolish to define love: having our scorns linked to our tongues ends, our scuses locked at our apron strings, able to make fools of Philosophers, and idiots of Doctors: oh that we were less, so we were not so lose: or that we had less beauty and more bounty: but knew Ladies what I can acknowledge, and would they see more, and sin less: we should have more bridals than burials, and men would court more and complain less:  Qui flos mane fuit vespere pulvis erit. 
If the fairest bud must be blasted, if the clearest day may be clouded, if the strongest limbs may grow lither, what are we wantoness, who are so ireful to become shrew's when we should be saints, pittifullones, as we are pretty ones, kind Lambs, as we are sweet tambes, gentle lasses, as we are goodly Ladies. But to return the there where I left, and report that which now I lament. Rabinus having no other felicity but my favour, not being able to know whom I most 〈◊〉, but by mine own censure, so wrought with Celidonia my handmaid and attendant, that she so coulerablie inquired of me, that at last I carelessly and cruelly confessed, that only Rabinus was 〈◊〉 whom I hated, and whose death might make me happy. Celidonia understanding my secrets, and corrupted by lucre, certified Rabinus of my 〈◊〉, who seeing cruelty was the reward of his courtesy, began to think which way he might end his misfortune, and publish my infamy: for which cause, the year prefixed being fully expired, he caused a rich Chariot to be made, fra●…ed of black Ebony on the top whereof with curious Imagery, he caused death to be engraven after a triumphant manner: from the back whereof as if it were a 〈◊〉 sprouting out divers branches: thereon issued certain fine and curious bows, at the end whereof he hanged a several sign of 〈◊〉 victories, and the tokens of his virtue: the foot thereof was after the manner of a Chauldron, wherein with cunning Imagery Cupid's triumphs were cut, and with great workmanship cunningly wrought, which being effected in deepest of his melancholy, his three Champions appeared, ready to perform their promise: whom after he had friendly entertained, he so wrought with them, that they vouch safed to draw him in this Chariot the next day, to my father's grange, where only I, Celidonia, and some small retinue of household servants, being informed of his forwardness, expected his coming, when entering the place, only covered with a 〈◊〉, he presented his presents, surrendered his prisoners, enforcing though no mercy, yet admiration in me. At last when I required the third dutie●… (oh duty full of damage, with a stern countenance, and a stout courage) he thus began. O cruel Claetia, oh my recureless discontents, since my damage is thy delight, and my martyrdom thy melody, as thou 〈◊〉 satisfied in two things●… so now surfeit on the third. I have served long with great loyalty, adventuring mine own prejudice to enlarge thy praise, behold the scars of my many wounds, which are the signs of my truth, but the seals of thy tyraunie: behold Rabinus grown old with much grief, given over to too much disgrace, oh tokens of my truth, oh titles of thy tyranny: behold Rabinus who hath made thee famous in his life, and will satisfy thy fancies in his death: see here my third vow performed, behold the death of him thou hatest, the date of all my horror: ah Claetia, 〈◊〉 Claetia, my heart 〈◊〉 shall give thee hearts 〈◊〉, my lives term, shall yield thee 〈◊〉 eternity, and though I please thee not in my life, oh let me pacify thee in my death. ●…erevpon with a sharp Razor, he suddenly cut all his veins, leaving no vain untouched that might protract life, and whilst life and death combated together, and his tongue had liberty of speech to prosecute her lamentable purpose he thus renewed his complaints. Ah Claetia, thy favour is too high prized, that for the kiss of thy hand, cravest the blood of my heart, yet let me kiss it Claetia, that I may spend my last breath on thy least beauty. Oh you Nobleses, now 'gan I bow, but without benefit, my mind was to pity when I had no means: the beholders exclaimed, I cried, and approaching the chariot, sought all means possible to recover his comfort: now bestowed I kisses on his wan cheeks, now employed I wishes to restore his lost life. But ah the fruits of my folly, I pined to see him perish, who perished thorough my peremptorines. But he (oh kind Rabinus, sealing his love with sweet sighs, opening his conceits with amiable kisses, since liberty of speech was reft him, bestowed that was left him, kind looks for my unkind looseness, and when I was most tired with love, he expired his last. The Knights beholding his mishap, fled for horror, leaving me to lament him, whom my pride had lost.  
Lord how comfortless lay I on his course, how embraced I him, whom I had embased, and having killed him with unkindness in love, how gladly would I with kindness have kissed him alive. But oh we weaklings of nature, but too waspish: not so waspish as wretched, nor so wretched as wicked, we melt not in desire, till men merit by death: and are kind when we cannot possess, and cruel when we should pleasure, his worst was passed, my wickedness was apparent. To be brief (for my brevity is now my benefit) who must heryte nothing but mine own shame, I caused his dead body to be conveyed into my Chamber, wherein I enclosed myself, acknowledging and unworthy of comfort, still seeking counsel of the gods how I might satisfy his ghost: till at last this later night, in my deepest sleeps I beheld this vision. Me thought my Rabinus bearing new bloody wounds, stood by my bed side, and suddenly awaking, cried out in this manner. Haste thee Claetia, blood requireth blood, my ghost will be satisfied, when thy life is finished: as thou hast wronged me in the sight of the world, so satisfy me in the presence of many witnesses. This said he vanished, and I arose: where taking the Sword wherewith he was guirded, and this Lamp whereby I was watched, I caused my train of Damsels to draw forth his Coach, and hearing of your solemn assembly this day: I thought good to make you eye witnesses of my penitence: this said, she caused the damsels to draw in the chariot, driving all the assistance into a maze, when extinguishing hit lamp, and casting herself upon the dead body of Rabinus, she pierced her breast with his sword, and finished her life with this answer. Ah kind friend, since I may not satisfy thee with my life, I will sacrifice unto thee in my death. 〈◊〉 Rabinus, though thou art bloodless, yet art thou beautiful, receive sweet friend with the warm vigour of my blood, that with the rivers of thine eyes thou mayst rid me of the rigours of thine enuic. My speech ●…yleth Rabinus, I will follow thee: ladies learn, learncladies by my death to avoid lewdness: by my cross to fly cruelty:   
thus said, she gave up the ghost: & her handmaids drew both him and her out of presence: conveying both the bodies according as Nicrosian commanded into a private chamber, inviting all the assistance to these hapless lovers funerals. Eurinomes heart throbbed to consider on their thraldom: and Harpaste taking Philamis by the hand, asked if the chance were not pitiful? But this novelty and the night parted the whole company: so that Philamis had no means to solicit his mistress, nor Philamour to b●…ay his misery: for every one in steed of opening love, was enforced to take leave: but among all the rest, Harpas●… was most moved, who beholding the hapless death of Claetia, was so discomforted, that no speech can discover the half of her sorrow. Philamour as a body without soul, seeing his mistress without solace, departed to his lodging and fell a languishing: Philamis both comforted him, and sought to content her, and taking pen in hand, presented her with this letter consolatory.  
Philamis to Harpaste.  
MIght I prove as fortunate to confirm thee (my Harpaste) as I am forward to counsel thee, believe me thy affections should not war against fortune, and this accident should not move melancholy, in that all things are mortal. Thou art sorry that Claetia is dead, but remember'st not sh●…e was borne to die, and art sick, for that which happened to her, which will happen to thee and all men, know'st thou not that things suddenly grown great, are soon in the grave? that sprouting ripeness is a sign of speedy rottenness? why then grieveth Harpaste to lose her Claetia, who was too fair beyond expectation, and cruel above conceit, too ruthless in her life, to reckless in her love, thou art sorry she is dead, but why sighest thou not for that she died not better: wer●… thou grieved to see her live badly, and wilt not suffer her to die beast●…e? what is more certain, then that a lose life will have a luckless end, and that those that live in impiety, seldom die with repentance? oh Harpaste, as in all things enough is as good as a feast, so in the d●…cease of our friends, our excess of tears are our surfeits of folly. Thou wilt say that each things according to nature is good, for so said Tully: since then nothing is more natural then to die, why mourneth Harpaste for the loss of Claetia? caused thou recover her by thy tears? that is impossible: if thou canst not, as I am sure thou mayst not, believe me this grief is superfluous, fondness not zealous piety? she was not borne in vain, in that she died, but in that she lived improfitably, she died vnh●…ppily. Oh my Harpaste discharge these furrows, dismiss these follies, death is the port, life the sea of trouble, life the storm, death the security, life the corrisive, death the comfort, death the end of sorrow, life the beginning. Socrates devising among his familiars, news was brought him that his son Sophriniscus was dead, and what followed? he covered not his face with a vail, but confirmed his heart with virtue, and in steed of bewailing him, he said come l●…t us bury him: wilt thou mourn, because thy friend hath out gone thee in thy journey? or for that he hath attained the end for which he lived? oh Harpaste this were mcere ignorance, this is immoderate folly: for, even as they are worse than Idiots, that beat the sun in that it shineth, so are they over simple, that lament th' at for a maim, which is the aim of nature: nature thou sayst hath robbed thee of a Niece, and did she not give her thee? thou hast lost her in her prime, she was to lose to be pyttied, who grieveth to see the Rose blasted in the bud? when he knoweth the Rose is but a days tasting? who grieveth to see that weakened, that was borne to wain? Fabianus saith, that those who lament the dead, are like such as weep because they waxeould, and Philimon that such as are sorry for the deceased, seem to condemn nature, which bringing many things to a prime, must needly have some thing perish. If thou will needly weep Harpaste, for that thy Claetia is to be buried, why waylest thou not in that she was borne? for had she not lived, she had not been so lewd, and had she not been so lewd, she were not to be lamented? and good Lord in dying how much detriment hath she escaped? since death is every man's end, manies remedy, some men's vow, and wretched men's welfare: she hath now no cause to beweep her inconstancy, to wail her loss of friends, to sigh her change of fortune: in brief, in one storm she hath escaped all tempests: for as nothing is more severe in show 〈◊〉 death, so 〈◊〉 nothing more sweet in substance, death setteth the 〈◊〉 at liberty, in despite of his master: death delivereth the Captive from his Chain, the Prisoner from his pen●…ie, the condemned from his dungeon: Death teacheth the exile, to forget his country: Death maketh all things common: in brief, Death leaveth nothing careful: and death is that which C●…aetia hath tasted, and for her death it is that Harpaste lamenteth. Oh ignorant of evil, thou makest hovey gall: thou accountest Antimony, agrimony: the Be an●…, Ba●…ll: the Hearbe-grace, Hemlock, the pleasure, poison: consider Harpaste, and considering counsel thyself, that opinion maketh misery, and that if thou wert not peremptory in thy weeping, th●…u ca●…t yield no proof of wretchedness. Livia lost her son, yet lamented not, for seeing the father was gone before, she knew the son must follow after: then grieve thou not, since Claetia is seized by that which thou must ●…uffer, neither sigh thee for fear the wiser sort accuse thee of envy, who sorrowest in that she hath overgone thee in happiness: in brief Harpaste, die to these toys, and dry by thy tears, strive thee to amend that wherein she lived misgoverned, so shall I rejoice at thy virtue, and then enjoy the fruits of my counsel.  
Thine in all virtue, PHILAMIS,  
Philamis having finished his letter, both signed, sealed it, and sent it away, spending all his other endeavours in meditation of his mistress, and comforting his Philamour, who poor Gentleman tossed in the s●…as of sorrow, like a ship without a helm, grew so wan with weakness, & pale with pensiveness, that every one who beheld him, thought him more fit for his funerals, then meet for his marriage, Philamis who preferred the safety of his friend, before his own solace, in midst of his dumps, assailed him with this advice. How now my Philamour? what wilt thou be so spent with grief, as to be past government, & so given over to moan, that thou wilt forget thou art a man? ●…oderate tears, are like immeasurable showers, which in steed of feeding the plants with forwardness, overflow them with fury: these weeping assuage not, but incite g●…iefe, which with the Aspis pricking but the arm, pierceth the heart: thy disease is not sickness, but want of foresight, neither any favour but fancy: a graft of thine own eyes planting, a grief proceeding from thy own idleness. The Tortoise ●…eping in the sun, is soon surprised: the Mullet strained by the gill is soonest betrayed: in brief your 〈◊〉 bevers are like the trout: fish, caught with tickling, consumed by fancy, because you will be foolish. Fie my Philamour, let reason teach thee, that love is but a sightly sweet, not a substantial, shadowed in the shape of a woman to show her wantonness, painted in the figure of a flying Child, to show his fleeting inconstancy. If thy reason had as great power as it ought, and were thy opinions restrained by good persuasions, thou shalt confess, that time spent in love, is time lost in life: than which (before God) there is nothing more foolish, than which (the more grief) there is not any thing more followed. There is nothing can be virtuous, that endeth in repent: & what then love, is more repent when it is possessed? the joys are no sooner attempted, then ended, & a little kindness makes him who was as hot as a tossed as cool as a clock. But say thou love a Penelope, even in this chaste love thou shalt have some cross, a woman to kill thee with weep, Laertes to trouble thee with his loathed age, Telemachus to try thee with his childish tears, rivals to tempt thy wife, if she willbe wanton, roisters to revel in thy hall: in brief, this one wife is the occasion of many woes: this one Penelope the cause of much prejudice: say she be a Helena, oh thou ●…happy, that must wear Vulcan's badge on thy brow, and bear the seals of her shame, & thy scant foresight. Be●…? Philamour, as there is no shadow without a substance, no Leopard without his spot, no Liz●…d without his stain: no sweet without his sower: so is there no Woman without her fault, no Lady without her imperfections. may be false, say she 〈◊〉 wise, she will be wilful, say she 〈◊〉 an idiot, she is a burden: how so ever she be, she 〈◊〉 choose but be a woman, which from their in fancy follow new-fangledness: say thy wise be fruitful and bring thee infants, even herein mayst thou be infortunate, when loof heirs shall l●…ish out thy heritage: say she he barrame, thou wilt loathe her, what so ever she be, believe me she hath a longing tooth, and a long tongue, two ill neighbours in one body, the one will weaken thy purse if it be still pleased, the other waken thee from thy sleeps, if it be not justly charmed. Believe me it was worthily said of Tully, and not foe worthily as wisely, that it is extreme folly to delight ourselves in those things, in which there is more excessing pleasure, then exceeding profit. The baits of lovers (saith Reuben) the art they use, the snares they set, the 〈◊〉 they show, are not all these fruits of Vanity. It is 〈◊〉 ●…aith 〈◊〉 to behold fair things, but not to be too bold with them, for as Zenophon ●…aith, the fire burneth, and a fair face inflameth: hark what Seneca allegeth, there was never fair woman whose beauty was not accompanied either with cruelty, or whose heart was not thrauled by ingratitude. To be brief my Philamour, since nothing is more cursed, then curious folly, nor any thing more uncomely, then for a man to disclaim liberty, good friend be good to thyself, and leave grief, otherwise in languis●…ing as thou dost, and living thus desolate, thou wilt kill me in being cruel to thyself, and end my days by eternising thy discontents. Philamour finding that as the fire cannot be oppressed, nor the air be endamaged by strokes, so the mind afflicted by love, cannot be drawn from affection, returned 〈◊〉 this answer. Dear friend as no tyrant in Scythia is so cruel as to forbid the miserable to weep: so no man's heart can be so incensed, to draw them from distress, who wholly are devoured in heau●…nesse: hast thou not read of Socrates? who being , by only death said he, for 〈◊〉 dateth ●…ut 〈◊〉 ●…eath, and calamity finisheth with life: Thou art sorry to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sad, and this is kindness, but wert thou settled to 〈◊〉 my s●…ccors, how palpable were thy courtesy. Well said Menander, that he that is sick in body had need of the 〈◊〉, but he that is crucified in spit it, had need of a friend, I have heard thee speak well Philamis, but would have thee do well: thou perceiu●…st I love, thou than perceivest a deep wound Philamis, a lingering passion, but divine in possession: love is like Darius' vine, rich in show, like Architas Dove, cunning in flight, which thou mayst catch with thine eye, but not cast of without thine end, your proud Philosophers for all their precepts, have sacrificed Roses to this Venus, borne a Candle before this Saint, being Lords of their sayings, but not of their senses. Plato commended by Augustine for his heavenly policies, had his paramour, who in his deepest studies, had rather see Archanaesse naked, than discourse upon nature, who being a block in every lechers way in her youth when the crows foot had caught her eye, was Plato's dearest pigsney, and he who before time was famous in many writings, became in his best time in●…amous, being besotted on many wrinkles, Socrates though he were patiented, was entangled by Aspasia: Demosthenes the eloquent, a lover: Leocrates, though a great Philosopher, loved the flesh: Pericles though famous for wit, loved a fair Woman: Aristotle for all his Metaphiskes was love sick, making his happiness of none but Hermia, in brief it is a common rule: these leárned men have the lightest mistresses, & do penance before the world for their peremptorines of wit. O Philamis, if it be possible to charm love, why were these enchanted: if they were touched in their excellence, why should I grieve to be tried in my ignorance? who washeth the Ass' ears, looseth both his Soap and his labour: who endeavoureth impossible things, mispendeth his cost and his candle: in dissuading love. Then sweet friend, thou followest the nature of Hiosciames, which hath a black grain, but a gross fruit, and under shadow of enforcing sleep ●…ereaueth the senses: Make me Caucasus a plain, Danubie dry, Ripheus without snow, drive the Pilate fish from the Shark, the Iron from the Loadstone, then take love from a liberal mind. Oh Philamis, Love is the bond that linketh the heavens, and should I loathe it? Love the sweet that makes the God's insatiate, and should I leave it? But to proceed and prosecute reason.  
Thou condemnest Love, seeking by a few shadows of imperfection to extinguish the sweetness of pleasure. Oh my Philamis, thou canst not have the effect, but the defect followeth, neither the honey in the Bee, but the prick in the bum: believe me, as it is rashness to condemn that which thou canst not determine. So in some things it is better to be deceived, than to distrust. You blame all for one, making all skins fowl, in that some are scared, all bodies without beauty, in that some have blots, attiring all natures in one necessity, as if all 〈◊〉 should be blasted, because some bloom not: all waters should be deadly, in that some endanger: and all women wicked, in that some are wanton. Oh Philamis, though there was a lew●… Phillis, there was a lovely Philacides: and though a lose Lais, yet a loving Iphias.  Parcite paucarum diffundere crime●… in omnes. Spectetur meritis quaeque puella suis. 
Hear Ovid, for he was ominous: Saepe viri fallunt, else jason had used less jest, and Medea possessed more joy: Theseus had deserved more, Ariadne had served less: Demophon had kept his promise, Phyllis scapther penance.  
You judge women by colours, and tie divinity to conceits, where Aristotle never wrote surer Axiom t●…an this, that as when the Rainbow showeth, than there forepasseth a show●…r: So when Ladies show freshest coulo●…s of coustancie, than men do●… most colour: b●…shrow their painting, women own them penance. But to draw nearer to catch occasion by the forelock, and curtal my Philamis in his folly: if nature had done nothing in vain, as the philosopher affirmeth, than the bond wherewith she tieth things cannot be in vain, the harmony of the heavens consisteth on love, yea such force and effect hath love in all things, that the vine embraceth the 〈◊〉, the Iui●… the Oak, seeming to delight in the bark, when the body is dead: in stones the 〈◊〉 loves iron: in metals, gold quicksilver: among mortal which are saints, man would not be besotted with these sweet saints. Prove that Venus have a yellow colour, yet Mars will follow Venus: good men's pleasures, depend not upon bad men's preciseness.  
But to leave long discourse, since words have no power to express true worthiness, (my Philamis) know thou that I love, neither can I discharge me of that thraldom, but by mine own overthrow: It behoveth thee therefore in loving me, to stir up Harpastes love towards me, otherwise, as thou understandest not the least of my jeopardies, so shalt thou behold the last of my joys.  
Philamis, that knew the cloth by the list, the Lion by his claw, and the danger by his discourse, replied thus: Philamour, if thou were counseled by Democritus, more surer were thy comfort: for if thou desirest not much, a little would seem unto thee sufficient, but this thy longing appetite beyond custom, threateneth thee with a danger above conceit, which I see it were better to lament than amend in thee. But since the law of nature tieth me, and the league of amity enjoineth me, I will rather fail myself than lose thy wel●…are. Rise therefore and write, let me be the messenger to present, and the instrument to persuade, whereby thou shalt bring all things to such conformity, that thou mayst be assured of comfort: to sit lingering thus in thy bed, and lament thus against beauty, is rather the means to waste thy life, then win thy love. Philamour in this sort being comforted by his dear friend Philamis, gathered his spirits together, and taking pen in hand began this persuasive letter.  
Philamour the forlorn, to the fair est Harpaste.  
SInce I know that no great thing may be acquired without travail, nor any loving saint without long service, I have wasted many years to win thy love, and spent many services to prevent thy severity. But (oh thou mild in behaviour, and Marble in heart: comely in demeanour, but careless of my duties) as the balm tree shuneth the stress of the Iron, so thy breast shaketh of the sting of amity: and like the reckless patient, the more thou art medicined, the less art thou mortified. Among all the gods in Rome Pity had a temple, either for that she is of great might, or wonderful mercy: then since thou art one of her sex, be one of her saints, requiting my good devotion with some sign of humanity. It is Philamour (H●…rpaste) that desireth thy favour, who hath deserved it, bearing as loyal affection toward thee, as ever any one that attempted thee: neither incite I thee unto lawless lust, but unto loyal love, nor to be my wanton friend, but my wedded ph●…ere: if therefore as thou art the fairest of women, thou wilt not prove fiercer than beasts, deign me love, or deny me life, for among the vast woods the Elephant is amorous, which as Plutarch witnesseth, was as pliant to persuade by signs, as Aristophanes' eloquent to allure by sentences. It is a custom in India among the 〈◊〉, that if any young man be 〈◊〉 with his mistress, he taketh a woollen cloth and 〈◊〉 it in Oil, and touching it with f●…re, coucheth it on his arm, enduring the flame (whilst the cloth be consumed) with such constancy, (wit●…t showing any sign of discontent) that he testifieth his love to be of such force, that it exceedeth all the injuries of Fortune. But I Harpaste, in 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 fire in my flesh, bear the 〈◊〉 in my heart: not for a season ●…ill a cloth be consumed, but during life, till my days be determined: and wilt thou be more tyrant than the Indian Ladies, who are attainted with less trial? oh fair Lady, would God so merciful as f●…ire: oh comely Harpaste, would God so courteous as comely, I have endured long penance, and shall I not at last have peac●…? I have tasted that woe, and shall I not try the weal? But why suspect I, 〈◊〉 I be rejected? the sun hath most force over sweetest waters, the mean plain sooner springeth, than the barren mountain: and women will be wax, if they be well wrought: knowi●…g that it is better to be pliant on earth, then to play with, and lead Apes in hell. Our suit requires not long ceremony, I love Harpa●…e, and either weight the sentence of death, or the acceptance of my duty, if I seem unworthy to deserve, then yield me sentence of my death, which without thy favout will as surely follow me, as I have sincearelye favoured thee.  
Thine most assured, 〈◊〉.  
This Letter watered with many tears, and clos●…d 〈◊〉 with kind kisses, was commended to the 〈◊〉 of ●…mis, who wholly addicted to procure his friend 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 expedition to find out Harpaste, and at such time entered he her father's house, as she had perused a●…d paused on his ●…ast persuasions, who no sooner was certified of his 〈◊〉, but expecting that which he suspected least: she gave h●… 〈◊〉 courteous welcome. Sir Philamis, were we not enforced to straw Flowers for our last burial, we would straw rushes for you, you are such a stranger: but you I fear me, are so much given over to Philosophy, as you forget your friends. Madam replied Philamis, unless you soon leave your strangeness, I believe we shall have more cause to straw flowers, than you to syred Rushes. Harpaste touched at the quick, could forbear no longer: but drawing him a part into a bay window which over looked the Garden, she began thus.  
Why what news Sir Philamis? or what cause of discontent. Oh Harpaste said Philamis, and therewith ga●…e such a sigh, as made her heart sick: here is a secret depending on your sentence, which if you answer not with courtesy, you may hap to lament with Claetia: whereupon he delivered her the letter, who supposing it to be an arrow of his own Quiver, a plea of his own penning, replied thus. Sir I will peruse the text, that I may interpret the mea●…, and if I find no error, your Mastership may hap have kind judgement: whereupon leaving him in a maze, she suddenly locked herself in her closet, where with a trembling hand, and a troubled heart, she broke up the s●…ale and perused the scqueale: but when she perceived the stream ran the wrong way, her Cake was dow, her courage was damp: and in steed of reply, she rend the paper. But when she remembered him who brought the Letter, and considered his 〈◊〉, in that he brought the message, she gathered her wits together, and wrote this reply.  
Harpaste the advised, to Philamour the 〈◊〉.  
_ 〈◊〉 Am as sorry Philamour to think upon thy rudeness, as I am assured thou art careless of my rigour, and as resolute to repulse thee, as thou wert ready to provoke me: fond man, expectest thou that I can respect truth there, where there is no trust? or friendship from him who hath no faith, or si●…ceritye in him, who is a ver●…e Sinon? canst thou be true in the sequel of thy love, who art trothless in the entrance, pleading thou hast served long, where thou hast solicited never, courting me only with Aesop's dish, wherein were more meats of subtlety then to satisfy.  
I tell thee I am not so blind, but I know the 〈◊〉 from the counterfeit, the Damon from the 〈◊〉 the friend from the flatterer. Thou desirest me to love thee, it I wish thy life: believe me Philamour, 'twere better thou wert buried then I betrayed, and that I gathered a garland on thy 〈◊〉, than thou shouldest triumph in my disgrace. Socrates' said, that he meriteth most credit, who is most constant. If therefore thou deserve, or desirest any countenance, be more constant then, and less incont●…ent: I had rather answer, in faith I will not, than I would I had not, and refuse thy friendship then displease my father. Oh Philamour, thy temptations are in force like the stone of arcady, which laid on orye sticks kindleth sire, the which I had rather quench in Hamon, than comfort in Athanians.  
The short is, I cannot love thee, nay more I will not like thee, desiring rather to lead Apes in hell, then marry a crooked Apostle on earth: yet for Philamis sake, I vouchsafe thee this favour, to let thee know he is the ●…fest in my grace, and none but he shall be Lord of my ●…cie: so wishing thee to leave thy persuasions, and learn more patience, I bid thee farewell.  
Harpaste.  
No sooner had she dispatched this pertmptorie reply, but she returned to Philamis, who seeing her coul●…r changed, and her courtesy waxed could, began thus. How now Harpastes, how like you my plea: not so well as your person said she, which if I should set light by, it were a slight matter, in that you are so sly a messenger. Why Madam replied Philamis, have you found any error? I would I had not, said Harpaste, so you had lost your labour: hold take this Libel and carry it to your Lawyer: wherein he shall find I except so much, that I accept nothing. Philamis troubled with this gleek, began in this sort once again to rub upon the gall: Why my Harpaste, I had well hoped that Philamours desert should deserve more pity than impatience: what he deserves said she, he may divine by my sentence, as for yourself, if you have suits of your own, you were best follow them, for believe me his is none suited. I but madame replied Philamis, shall he not be welcome to the burial? Welcome said Harpaste? believe me none better, I had rather weight on his burials then bridals, and so tell him. Herewith all with a disdainful blush, she soddainlye forsook his company, and Philamis departed thence wholly discontent. And as wretched fortune would, he passed by Eurimones door, at such time as in her greatest triumph she sat to show herself, expecting to give some due to some one of her L●…uers: who espying Philamis, suddenly called him unto her girding at him in this sort. Now fares our gallant stranger? what hath not any goodly lasses as yet 〈◊〉 you honour Venus? Yes fair Eurimone (quoth he) I have with the Athenian long time played with Venus' shadow: and were you as forward in favour, as I could deserve in fancy: what then said Eurimone? I would then replied Philamis, play with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 your person: you would hurt 〈◊〉 I fear me said she: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her Madam (quoth Philamis) whereupon fetching 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sigh, he in this sort discovered his fancy. Oh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉 hath granted me a clew to trace loves 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 your goodness vouchsafeth me to speak to 〈◊〉 whom I most serve: I will 〈◊〉 my passions by your patience, which if they may 〈◊〉 you, as they have mated me, believe me, I shall enjoy the fullness of my joy, & you 〈◊〉 my faithfulness and loyalty. Truth it is (〈◊〉) that I love you, and Venus hath passed such judgement on my paint, as it cannot be reversed but by your pity: since therefore my affections are firm, and you fit for fancy: you young, and I youthful: you fair, and I faithful: vouchsafe the opportunity, and salve my impatient sorrow, since cruelty is y● stain of your credit, and pity the greatest of your perfections.  
Eurimone like a cunning fowler, seeing the bird already penned in the snare, began in this sort to play with his feathers. Why Philamis I am sure you are too learned to love, which is a sickness of the mind, a surfeit of idlenessc. Believe nice I know you mock Love, for you cannot mean not love. May it be thought that a man who writes so well, should dote so soone●… Or he who can square out the quadrant, be so far out of square. Alas Philamis, I am too young to be married, and too old to be mocked. I pray you therefore exercise your gibes on other, for my nose loves no jesting.  
Philamis seeing her impatience replied thus. If my sunplicitie should be taken for subtlety, and my devotion for doubleness: believe me Eurimone, I had rather die than speak any thing, and perish ere I would persuade: but since Love (as Garimbert saith) surmounteth the fortress of the spirit, carveth the hard Diamonds, warmeth the cold I sickles that often lie hidden in the breasts of delicate Ladies: I will speak in that hope, and vow that I avow nothing but truth. Plato having long time lead a chaste life, finally in his latter days made his sacrifice to satisfy and appease nature, in that he seemed greatly to have offended her, by his severe chastity: time lost in love is the lame time of our life, and Ladies that loathe when they are wished, are soon left when they would. Ah Eurimone, thou art young, and must be yielding: thou art a saire rose, and must be gathered: a pretty bud, and must be plucked: thou art fit for man's meat, and meet for marriage: which (since in a●…l honourable 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 unto you) repay me not with 〈◊〉 for my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, nor wi●…h 〈◊〉 for my good deserts. Believe me Eurimone, as salt savoureth, so it fretteth: as Salsa parilla drieth, so it decayeth: as linger is sweet in love, so too long linger breeds languishing. Oh seek not thou my grief, lest I prove thee ungrateful: these m●…yst tears trickling from my mournful eyes, since they are my witness●…s in love, crave that thy chaste thoughts may prevent thy wilfulness in love. Eurimone, like the falcon seeing the fowl stoop, began to strike, and the fly entangled, left not to follow him, but gave Philamis this gillop to cool his hot stomach.  
Oh sir, they that go a marrying, run a madding, who are enforced to make those who now would 〈◊〉 their heels, then to be their heads. Philamis, in faith you are too wise to persuade me, and I wise enough to repulse you: it is a principle in Physic, that the knowledge of sickness is to some men t●…e occasion of death: therefore (gentle friend) complain not of this love sickness, lest in stead of bedding you, we bury you, & it were mere pity, when so hot a Gentleman who will carry no coa●…es, must be borne like a coarse: possession they say is in love the strongest point, I will therefore 〈◊〉 my love, though you demand it: and I promise you when I mean next to learn housewifery, you shallbe the last that shall husband me. In this scoffing 〈◊〉 r left she Philamis, who seeing himself forsaken, and his friend forlorn, departed in such discontent to his lodging, that neither imagining how to consort or converse with Philamour, he cast him the reply of Harpaste, resolving ever afterwards to shun the presence of so pestilent a minion: and in this sort entering his chamber he cast him on his bed, spending his time in such languishing laments, that the report thereof must needily move pity.  
Alas (he said) injurious sex, given over to subtlety, who with the veil of honest occasion cover the dishonesty of your spirits, I cannot lament your follies so much, as be discontented with your falsehood: you are pliant when you are not not pursued, and fawn when you are most flattered: Oh viperous brood full of vices, who in your greatest calms like Dolphins threaten storms: they like the Crab are crabbed, the one having a crooked walk, the other a cursed wit: they are as full of despites as the Ermine of spots: they are the foormes of sin, and the fiends of Satan: the gate of the Devil, and the Serpent's venom: their beauties are like burning swords. But whither now Philamis? Shall men condenm them in their wickedness, when they are themselves wretched? What is man but a mind incarnate? a fantasy of time? a beholder of life? a manciple of death? a walker going? a dweller of place? a laborious mind subject to passion, being as subject to be seduced, as women are sub●…ill to seduce? Shall we blame the fire because it burneth us? or ourselves that thrust our fingers in the fire? The potion that poisoneth is not to be blamed, but he that presenteth it: and our defaults are not to be ascribed to them, but our own follies. Thy Idleness Philamis, I there is the nurse of this same, and the seal of thine incontinence: Study is the preseruanue of such unstaidness, where the eye beholding good things is not besotted with evil, and the ear that harboureth science, is stopped to the Siren. Blame not them therefore who are the weaker creatures, but thyself which was so ill counseled. In this manner ceased Philamis to complain, and began to contemplate, resolving with himself wholly to intend the succour of h●…s friend, and otherwise every way to give over fancy.  
During this troubled estate wherein Philamis stormed, Claetia and her lover were buried and richly entombed, to the great sorrow of all the beholders. But leave we these tragedies, and return we to Philamour, who seeing Philamis sudden depart, began to suspect somewhat, and now changed he his colour, and strait ways swelled in choler, making much of the shadow of grief, before he knew the substance: but considering with himself that it is mere vanity to 〈◊〉, before there appear some cause to conde●…e, be opened his letters, and saw the cause of more lament: and whilst he canvased each sentence, and cons●…rued every line, he at last unluckily beheld that doubt decided, which he most 〈◊〉, the love of Harpaste towards Philamis, and hereon grew he into desperate rage, suspecting doubleness in his friend, who detested all falsehood, so that with out any opinion of excuse, he resolved to revenge himself cruelly: whereupon appareling himself, and taking his weapons, he suddenly knocked at Philamis chamber door: who little suspecting hatred from him whom he loved with his heart, was thus insolently assaulted.  
Traitor as thou art, and rival in my love, who hast learned of the Cretan to lie, of thy countrymen to dissemble: did I not measure my dishonour more than I make account of thy life, I would draw thy perjured heart from thy panting breast, who since thou hast robbed me of my Love, canst no way satisfy my revenge but by thy death. If thou therefore be no craven cock, or hast desire to perform as thou canst prate, arm thyself and follow me, otherwise, wh●…re ever I meet thee, I'll teach thee how to mock me: So saying (after he had cast down Harpastes letter) he suddenly fling out of the doors. Philamis grieved in soul to see this alteration, pretended a reply, but it would not be 〈◊〉: whereupon taking his weapons and gathering up the letter, he perused it as he passed on, where he saw Philamours mistaking was the only breach of their amity: notwithstanding stirred up with his incivility, and instigated with contempt, he followed his enemy: hoping by counsel to digest his choler, or decide the difference by combat. Thus parting both of them out of the City, and walking along the banks of Danubius, Philamis knowing with Menander that the envious is enemy to himself, in that his spirit combats continually in contrary passions, having the greater judgement, showed the more moderation, and taking Philamour by th●… 〈◊〉, sought to persuade him: when he altogether given over to his own fury, more enraged than Celius the Senator of whom sully maketh mention (who being angry with one of his servants and bond men, who was always most ●…bseruant and dutiful, full of disdain said unto him: why dost thou not contradict me in some thing, because we may be enemies in all things?) drew his sword, not suffering Philamis to shape defence, & wounding him to the death, fled with all expedition, unscene & unperceived, into the City. Philamis in his fall declared his friendship, and in stead of wishing hi●… prejudice, said, I pardon thee Philamour. See here Gentlemen the effects of fury, which is neither tempered with desert, nor extenuate by advise: Enen as (saith Aristotle) the smoke offending the eyes, hindereth us from seeing those things which are before our feet: so anger assailing the mind and judgement, blemisheth reason. Naucrates a man of great wisdom, was wont to say, that the cholorike men resembled lamps, which the more oil they have, the more they are inflamed: for as the more the one gathers fire, the more the other groweth furious. It is therefore wisdom to temper this violent passion of the mind, which in Caius Caesar had such superiority, that he was incensed against a city, & in Cirus, that he waxed wroth with a river: lest herein we show ourselves bruiter than beasts who are by nature taught to temper their fury, when they have aslaked their hunger, following the lenity of Antigonus, of whom Seneca maketh mention, who rather relieved than grieved his rebellious bondmen, pulling them out of the dirt, not casting them in the dust. Oh how the very fury of Alexander was a blemish to his fortune? and the 〈◊〉 of Scylla a scar in his victories. But let me here by way of digression prosecute this purpose a little further (Gentlemen) for that now a days forbearance is accounted want of forwardness, and moderation, pusillanimity: prescribing by your patience three remedies, whereby the impati●…nt may 〈◊〉, and the willing may be warned. The first is not to be angry: the second, to restrain the same: the third, to advise coun●…ail, and heal the furious infirmities of anger in other men: We shall not be angry if we consider all the errors of anger, and considering them, rightly judge of them. Anger is first of all worse than all vices, where covetousness gathereth, 〈◊〉 destroyeth: anger breedeth grief in the father, divorce to the husband, hate to the magistrate, repulse to him that reacheth at honour: It is worse than l●…t, for that 〈◊〉 his p●…liar pleasure, this rejoiceth in another's harm, it is worse than malignity and envy, for they wish a man unhappy, these make him unfor: ●…ate. In brief, he hath no noble mind, neither is magnanimous indeed, who is broken with injury:  
But to leave this and prosecute our purpose, Philamis being in this sort fallen, l●…y long time amazed weltering in his blood, and awaiting his death, when Clorius a shepherd, who kept the grange of Nicrosion, situate near at hand, seeking out some stray lambs, at last bcheld this lamentable spectacle, when moved by compassion, he with a blood stone which he carried about him stopped the issue, applying such comfortable salves that there was some hope of the Gentleman's succour: Philamis more dead with unkindness, than daunted with his wounds, s●…king to shun the consort of all men, being demanded what he was, shrouded his name, labouring by all means possible to recover such a course of li●…, as might be free from the fury of fortune, or the inconstancy of friends. Whereupon remaining in Niciosions grange with old Clorius, till such time as his wounds were healed, he wrought such privy means by posts that he had some supplies out of his own Country charging his dearest friends to conceal the course of his safety, he sought out the mountains, ●…here buying through the assistance of Clorius a desolate and sweet seat on the top of a pleasant hill, compassed with a fair grove, having a sweet river murmuring alongst it resembling petrarch's seat near Sorga, among the thickest of the mountains of Stiria: he betook himself to his study, earnestly intending natural Magic, wherein in short space he became so ski●…full, that he not only grew famous in Austria, but through all Bohemia, where I will leave him for a while, having recourse to Philamour: who entering his chamber unsuspected, caused a rumour to be spread of Philamis sudden departed out of Passan, seeming to take the unkindness heavily, where in sooth his soul groaned actually to remember his ungraciousness: he changed his youthful colours to ruthful discontent, and in all ●…riumphs called himself the Knight of despair, never may heart imagine what moan he conceived, if in private conference Philamis were named (in that having a few days after searched for him to give him secret sepulture, he was suddenly carried away) often when he was solitary, and had liberty to lament, he watering his wan cheeks with weeping moisture, began in this manner to express his complaints.  
Woe is me, whose anger is the beginning of my folly, & the fall of my fortune, who seeking my Philamis torture, have tormented myself. Even as the rust consumeth the Iron, the moth the cloth, the worm the wood: So envy the worst of all vices, and rage's the direst of all furies, hath re●…te me of my friend, hath ro●…d me of my delights. Oh that with delight and my friend I might lose my life, too small a plague for my over hasty perverseness. Oh fury the surfeit of Fortune, that robbedst Alexander of his Clitus, Dionysius of his Plato, and me of my Philamis. Oh beauty, thou devourer of my delights, and death the possessor of my pleasure, I would I had shunned the one, and slept with the other, or that my heart blood might recover his lost life: but why bewail I his fatal loss, and forget my living torment. Thou lovest (Philamour) but art loathed, oh fruitless comfort for faithful service: Harpaste is too fair to be dispraised, but thou too unkind to be pitied: Philamis died by thy rage, and disdainest thou to die by her rigour? The Marcians live amongst serpents in peace without stinging: the Phelii amongst vipers and not sti●…d: oh fortunate they, who among the h●…rs of nature find grace, where I among the glories o●… nature die for gri●…fe. In this sort passed Philamour his life, seeking all m●…anes to conquer the love of Harpaste, who after many repulses, at last being wearied with s●…tes, 〈◊〉 him this pe●…ce, that unless he could bring the body of 〈◊〉 alive, and make Laite as big as Da●…by for two days, he should never enjoy her favour, or be enter●…ned in her thoughts. Philamour enjoined to these 〈◊〉, thought it never p●…ssible to enjoy her favour, 〈◊〉 conquering his hard fortune with a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, hoping that inundations might effect the one of her requests, and fortune present him with the other, he set forwards: in quest of which his purpose let me leave him, to laugh with you fair ladies, (or at least wise to lament the follies of some fine silly follies among you, who are like vipers in your ●…ings, and for all your ven●…mes, you carry means to ●…ale men's harms) and recount unto you the story of Eurimone, who during the presence of Philamis could pr●… it, & in his absence repent her: for whether it were femeni●… fear, or dissembled ●…ffection, or some such folly or fancy, that haunteth that sweet kind of cattle, no sooner did she hear of Philamis departure, but (suspecting that her coy answer had been the occasion of his concealed depart) she suddenly ●…led the whole house with her fond complaints, renting her hair, and beating her breast, showing such apparent signs of repent, that every man pitied her pensiveness: in brief, the 〈◊〉 of her grief was so great, and her imperfections so many, her body being weak, her mind weaker, that suddenly she fit her wits, continually exclaiming on the name of Philamis, neither did the nobility of her birth, nor the reprehensions of her friends, nor ought else cause her to forbear, but her only thought was on Philamis. In this raging madness continued she for the space of a whole year, at which time, after much penury, and many miseries, she ended her youthful days, and being ri●…hly entombed, was honoured with this Epitaph.  

The Epitaph of Eurimone.  

Hear lies ingraude in prime of tender age,  
Eurimone, too peerless in disdain:  
Whose proud contempt no reason might assuage,  
till love to quite all wronged lovers pain,  
Bereft her ●…ts when as her friend was gone,  
Who now 〈◊〉, tombed in this marble stone.   

Let Ladies learn her lewdness to eschew,  
and whilst they live in freedom of delight:  
To take remorse, and lovers sorrows rue,  
For why contempt is answered with despite,  
Remembering still this sentence sage and old:  
Who will not young, they may not when they would.    
Contrariwise Harpaste with more moderation; kept Philamis in remembrance, governing by'r affections with such a reign, that though inwardly she felt the wound, yet outwardly no one could perceive the scar or show of scathe. Such government had she over her fancies, as Curio had in entertaining temporal fortunes, who being presented by the Samnites with great sums of gold, laughed heartily, returning this constant answer. Go you ambassadors and tell the Samnites that Curio desireth rather to rule them that have possession of gold, then to have gold: and that neither money shall corrupt me, nor dread of mine enemies confound me. So was Harpaste as Curio, moderate, but not with like mean: for as the one fancied not wealth, so the other was fond of love: yet in that Harpaste being a woman coloured so well, she may be compared with Curio for constancy.  
But leaving these in Passan, return we to Philamour: many and emment dangers passed he, being subject to the mercy of the seas, and fury of the wind: now undertook he travel through unknown deserts, fearing left P●…ilamis should live there desolate, oft and many were his complaints exclaiming on Harpastes cruelty, so that sometime he in secret would cry out, unkind, but durst not name Harpaste, fearing the winds, and being jealous of Echo, lest the one by their virtue, the other by her voice, sh●…uld accuse him to his co●…e mistress. Strange were it to rip up his discontented passions, for fear to move Lady's patience, who are never more sweeter than when they smile, and when they are moved none more mournful, resembling the quality of Euphrates, which is never more comely than when it is calm: nor no ways so terrible as when it is troubled, for as the one is tossed with the least wind: so is the other tempted by the least word. In short he arrived in Ravenna, making such inquisitive search after his friend, that the most part who resolved on Philamis death, accused him of folly, and entering his house, which was of no small account, he used the same ceremony which the Indian Princes have in their pillars, who honour the bodies and pictures of their dead parents, for finding the portraiture of Philamis drawn, hanging at his bed chamber, he fell down before it, making such pitiful lamentation, as neither th●… tears of Niobe nor Michaoes' moan, may compare with the half of his melancholy.  
Now embraced he the shadow like Pygmalion's image, pouring such store of tears over the senseless image, that if any gods of compassion had beheld him in that perplexity, assuredly his moan would have moved a sudden miracle, there was no place wherein Philamis was 〈◊〉 to disport wherein he sat not: and never parted he thence without sighing. But seeing no similitude of hope, or appearance of good hap to be found in that city, he speedily departed, seeking Italy over, and enquiring in every Acadamy if happily he might hear of his friend, or else happily encounter him.  
In some countries happily he met with many so named, who happy in tijeyr Christendom and name, were with such ceremony entertained by him, as if he imagned by those friendly offices to invite this absent Philamis to favour him. But when in no Country, nor in no place, he could attain any certain notice of his Philamis residence, he returned into Austria, resolving with himself to forsake the world, wholly discharge him of worldly hopes, and arm himself unto the death.  
For which cause without returning to Passan, he travailed up towards the Mountains, by the very same way wherein he had unhappylye left the wounded body of his 〈◊〉: where conjecturing as 〈◊〉 as he could, the place of the Combat, and loathing the cruelty of fortune, and 〈◊〉 the loss of his friend: he unbridled his steed, and took of the Saddle, hanging them up in a Pine tree●… and with piteous tears 〈◊〉 out in this sort, he discharged the dumb creature.  
Go faithful companion, and help of forlorn ●…mour, & 〈◊〉 out thy pasture, thou hast Danuby to quench thy thirst, and these meadows to yield thee meat, live thou at liberty, though my life be los●…, but of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beast stray far from society, lest 〈◊〉 unhappy sight ●…ee the cause of my speedy search: And when the 〈◊〉 with nimble footing fled out of sight, he thus followed his discourse.  
Happy art thou in flight, that mayst not behold my fall: and now Fortune spit thy venom, spite at 〈◊〉, execute the will of 〈◊〉, and crucify poor Philamour: 〈◊〉 thou blind wanton, all thy detriments are well 〈◊〉, neither will I fly the stripe, though I die by the 〈◊〉. And thou insatiate Venus, behold I forsake Society, and since thy followers are so froward, I will contemplate on them in my discontents, and die for them in these deserts.  
By this time the silver Tapers of the night, over spread the heavenly circumference, and 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coach, 'gan smile on all the attendants of the night. when Philamour wearied with toil, and attainted with 〈◊〉, entered a close 〈◊〉, and in the midst of his meditations fell a sleep.  
No sooner did the day begin to discover, but certain Robbers who were 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 those woods, espying Philamour bravely appointed, gan 〈◊〉 assail him. The young 〈◊〉 d. 〈◊〉 nothing but death, was glad of this occasion: and betaking himself to his weapons, he taught so desperately that 〈◊〉 slew three of them, but being at last over come 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of assailants, he fainted and fell suddenly, having many dangerous gashes in most part of his body. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 deeming the conquest won, and their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of coat 〈◊〉 ●…ls, leaning him no furniture, 〈◊〉 taking with them each 〈◊〉 that could 〈◊〉 found, they left Philamour weltering in his 〈◊〉, who lifting up his heavy eyes, being somewhat awaked from a long sound, and seeing the place all to be de●…d in his blo●…d, tumbled himself as near as possibly he could imagine, in that his feet failed him to the place where 〈◊〉 left his wounded Philamis, when drawing as many 〈◊〉 from his eyes, 〈◊〉 there issued drops of blood from his woun●…es, with fee●… voice he thus concluded his tragedy.  
You are pitiful, ye heavens said he, who envy me not to die; who in life time was continually endangered by disdame, now shall I encounter him whom I slew with cruelty, and content her who delighteth in my dangers, but oh thou cruel, be thou now pacified, for my days are expired: and gentle ghost (if Philamis ghost haunt this desert) let us be at union and embrace: echo at this word, seeing as though she could not content hit self without speaking, returned the last word embrace, which gave such heart to Philamour that fainting through loss of blood, he closed his arms, as of yielding consent, and weighted for death with willing constancte: but fortune who after she hath tripped up the heel, holdeth up by the hand, and cast down to the depth, lifteth up to dignity, altered his expectation, and prevented his death: for Clorius the good shepherd and guide of old Nicrosians grange, who was continuasly accustomed to overpass those grounds, had by fortune that day good occasion to search the grove, in that he had lost a Kid: who following his narrow sea●…ch, encountered this dying body, sprawling and weltering in his own blood: and being moved with fatherly compassion, he staunched the same, and bound up the wounds: bearing gasping Philamour on his back to the grange which was near at hand, where laying him in a warm bed and giving him wholesome broths, he restored him: in such sort (continually plying his wounds with the balm and sweet medicines he most used) that Philamour recovered hope of life, and began oft times to walk, but so disconted every way, as bett●…r had it been for him to have perished, then to have endured such perplexiti●…: often times did Cloreus inquire his name, but he would not confess, he only told him this: that he was a Gentleman, who travailing the country was assayl●…d by theeu●…s, and rob of his substance, for the rest he craved pardon, terming himself the Unfortunate and Unworthy, and having borrowed some poor clothes of the old man, he offered to leave him, promising within two months to make him that recompense, as both should show his nobility, and requite the others good nature. Cloreus at such ti●…e as he took him up, found a Jewel of great value (being s●…auen Diamonds set in gold, after the manner of a heart) fast tied under his right arm, which for want of search scaped the su●… of the robbers, yet had they stripped him into his shirt, which Jewel (when he saw Philamour would needs part from him) he friendly presented him with: which being a gift bestowed on him in times passed by Philamis, Philamour received with such joy, as upon Cloreus earnest entreat he resolved for that day to spend the time with him (for that was the shepherds holiday in that country) great was the glee among the pastoral troops of Shepherds, and Clorius as an ancient, was a chief at the feast, the there came every lover in his best sheeyes Russet, wearing stathe green laces on their straw hats, with a great Nosgaye before like the feather of a fore-horse: gartered they were under the knee, upon their cloth stocks, some white, some gree●…e, s●… party couleured, with great Cruel garters of Val●…, and happy was he that could crossegd lean most lobb●…rlie (lovingly I should say) on his staff, and cast a she●…pes eye on his sweet heart, the young fry of the fold, the p●… maids, s●…d it marvelously, and Sib would 〈◊〉 the bag pipe play nought but heigh ho, my heart is gon●…, so●… she was stung with a nettle or needle, or some such weap●…n, about the waist with a wan●…ion. It grieveth me to ty●… 〈◊〉 with the country lays, or trouble your ears ●…h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 loves, who having tasted of 〈◊〉, are to lil●… to peneive. 〈◊〉 the rest, a mountain 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Celio, a 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 capacity, though a 〈◊〉 of the countr●…, sat ●…rest our des●…late Philamour: and seeing ●…o 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, inquired of Cloreus what cause he h●… of 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into those deserts, with all other circum●…ces, who ●…ing the 〈◊〉 man's imperfecti●…ns who was deaf: resolved him in a loud voice, which was the occasion that Philamour blushed, on whom Celio flxed his eyes with great severity, and at last, after he had made a learned c●…cture, he began (foreseeing where Philaniours shoe wrong him) to board him in this manner.  
Sir if a swain may be bold to discourse with a Sig●…r, and an old man reason with his young master, may it please you to suffer me to inquire your cause of care, who in our public mir●…h are so pensi●…e and melancholy. I have read good si●… of divers, who sought their quiet in the cities, yet have found it in the deserts: where although there be no rich coats, yet may you meet reasonable good counsellors. I know sir you are learned, and your education hath been courtly, so that it cannot be but you have read Ariosto (a discourse fit for dainty cares) and there shall you find, that Medor in the des●…rts found no small cause of mirth. Besides Tassoes Frminia finding no faf●…tie in court, was succoured in a cot. Tully was quiet in his Tusculano, but troubled in Room, he are the peace; & hear the pleasure: if therefore we may merit such grace to know your grief, let an old man hear it, who among all the trials of this world can coniccture somewhat of the ●…ranies of a woman. It was no need to bid Philamour ●…sh, for he was sound bitten, & though he had used no speech, his griefs had been discovered by his sighs; notwithstanding to cover his imperfections as much as he could he replied in this manner (straning his voice on high, that Celio might better hear him.) Father (said he) though the eagle's feather pr●…uaile against thunder, & the leaves of the Lamrell preserve from lightning, though the Ostrich skin drive out ache, yet there are some wounds that ad●… no weal, some diseases that are desperate: among which sort since mine is unrecurable, I grieve to discover it, knowing this, that all the Eloborus of Anticira, all the drugs, of India, all the gold in Ganges, cannot purge one dram of my melancholy, pacify one fit of my fevor, nor buy me one ounce of content? what then profit th' it you to hear that which you cannot help? or me to tell that which makes me tremble to think it. Celio that had already wound him, in this manner ceased not to work on him. When Venus (good sit) was wounded with Cupid's venom, she found a ●…ecipe in his quiver: there is no sore but may be salved, no dead flesh which Sublimatum searcheth not, no body poisoned in Sydmis, but may be cared by Philip's potion: yea the heavens are so favourable in all casualties, that the Coural comforteth against Epilesia, & Alexander's vision betokeneth the care that God hath over every creature, who in his victory against the Brachmani, finding no remedy to to cure his soldiers, who were wounded by the Indian poisoned weapons: nor to cure Ptolomeus his dear page, whilst full of care he took rest in his pavilion, he beheld this strange vision. Him thought he saw a great Dragon hovering over his head, which carried a herb in his throat, which taught him the virtue of the same herb, & the place likewise where it grew, and he awaking, went and found the herb, saved Ptolomey, and relieved his soldiers: the examples are innumerable in this cause: but vouchsafe me the hearing of a history, which though it he short will yield you some solace. There dwelled here in these deserts, more nearly bounding yonder mountains, a young shepherd called Calimander, who fell enamoured with a young nymph of this country named Ruthenia, many country courtesies used he towards her, showing such signs of observance & duty, as had coy Amarillis been so courted, she had long since been contracted with Coridon, but she vain maid, being more fair than fortunate: & more precise than pretty, conceiving pleasure in Calimanders' sufferance, like the peacock, gazing, only on her fair plumes, not her foul feet: supposing what she was, not what she might be: at such time as with great devotion the Shepherd sought her favour, she to try his constancy, or else to defer him from further fancy, enjoined him this impossible matter, to endure a seven years penance in the woods of Saracon, without tasting any sustenance but roots, to swim over Laite seven days every one of these winters in these seven years: and lastly to change all her young Lambs to lusty Heighfors. Calimander (conjecturing her cruelty by these impossibilities) desisted not to accomplish her desires, enduring all this seven years penance with such peremptory resolution, that all the whole country Swains pitied him, and exclaimed on Ruthenias' cruelty, but as time maketh the stiff Oak want pith: the proud steed a poor jade, the lusty young man a thr●…e footed old man, so after long endeavour, and more danger, Calimander was fortunate in persecuting the two least of her commands, but despaired on the last: where upon coming with sorry shepherds about the mountains, and hearing of one Climachus a cunning man, who hath forsaken the world to follow his studies, he imparted his cause of trouble to this scholar, and reported the whole circumstance of Ruthenias' tyranny: who being naturally borne to virtue, and in that he was virtuous; was inclined to pity: sought over his books to work the shepherds benefit, and as science would and his skill sorted out, on the next day when Ruthenia should drive forth her lambs, she found Heifers. Calimander assured by Climachus, and confirmed by the assurance of his friends, gave thanks to the scholar, approved his vows to be accomplished, and Ruthenia had her will, and these wars ended in a wedding, and as the poet saith so say I sir:  And such success will follow happy hope. 
By that time the table was taken up, the tale was done, when Philamis impatient of delay (after he had given a solemn 〈◊〉 for his entertain) desired to talk a part with old 〈◊〉, where discovering every sorrow of his secret, he besought him in way of friendship, to certify him of Climachus a●…ode: (this Climachus was his friendly Philamis, 〈◊〉 (as you ha●…e heard) 〈◊〉 the world, had taken himself to this Cell, where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…heards and gote-heards for recreation sake, and applying his study for to attain knowledge, he became so excellent, that he seemed rather framed to learning, than to love: to matchless knowledge, than to 〈◊〉.) Celio, as courteous as wise, quickly satisfied his request, not only offering himself as companion, but as guide in his journey, whereon Philamour gathered heart, parting from the company with such a pleasant look, that each man esteemed Celio a good surgeon, who could heal his patient of such a passion so ●…ly. Clorius was jocund to see him rejoice: in brief, every one departed from the feast to their folds, whilst Philamour and Celio followed their way.  
At 〈◊〉 the mountains which discovered themselves a far off, presented themselves more near. Laite was heard how along her pleasant banks she prettily murmured, and now beheld Celio the solitary 〈◊〉 of Climachus, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by age more meet to take rest than to endure toil, was glad to behold the end of his ra●…e, and the end of both their travels: oftentimes by the way discoursed they of divers accedentes, and deluded the time with words, lest they should have been tired with their walks. Celio drawing near his own cottage, commended Philamour to good fortune, pomting to the top of the hill, and speaking to Philamour after this manner.  
You know my Courtly friend (said he) that in the ●…pian games the wrestlers suffered 〈◊〉 before they tasted the sweet: and Alexander seeking out the Temple of lupiter was enforced to travail through deserts, ere he 〈◊〉 his desires: so than though thou hast 〈◊〉 pain, 〈◊〉 the pleasure, and hast thee to the top of yond 〈◊〉 where thou shalt meet with 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 th●… 〈◊〉: for myself, were not my 〈◊〉 weak, I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee. But since I know the only n●…me of 〈◊〉 is able to conjure the scholar, use it, commend me 〈◊〉 him out 〈◊〉 a●…sured of success, and so far●…wel. Whereupon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ous congee he entered his cottage.  
Philamour that saw but ●…opes picture, not her person, deferred no ti●…e, but took a thankful leave, and about the 〈◊〉. in of the Evening atta●…ned the top of the mountain. Now heard he the falling streams of Laite which in their rushing made him remember Harpastes rigour: ●…owe beheld he the solitary Cell, and with admiration cried out: 〈◊〉 place of content, the very Court of my Paradise, where liveth my joy, and the sage of science. Every way as he cast his eyes, he beheld fair meads, sweet shades, and living fountains: so that him seemed that Passan was a prison to this solitary place. At last he beheld entering through a thick grove a m●… of try●…e proportion, attired in homely russet: his hair was scattered ou●…r his shoulders, & beard unkempt or uncut, after the manner of ●…hat reckless Philosopher, whom Seneca describeth in his book De vita beata, who●… sooner espied Philamour, but changed his purpose, and sodamly encountered him. But he that had beheld this meeting, might show matchless admiration: For as Cleopatra in hit wain stood am●…zed to see her Anthony weeping: and Arthemesus seeing M●…usolus sack did ●…rfet in sorrow. So fared it with these two couple, but with the o●…e more forcibly: for Philamis knew Philamour, but he knew not Philamis. After long admiration, a secret opinion entered the heart of Philamour, him thought this solitary man should be no stranger, and in looking on th●… H●…rmit, he was so distraught with passion, that he had no li●…erty to speak●…. But Philamis more stayed, in whom Philosophy had wrought an ●…quabilitie of mind, forgetting all injuries, began to 〈◊〉 for company, and breaking off the m●…ditation that detained Philamour he began thus.  
Si●… what seek you? if secure for your grief, dry up your tears: I know what you ●…re Philamour, a G●…ntleman of Passan, you love H●…rpaste, she is too cruel, I know your penance, and weigh each possibility: you come from Celio, and you seek my help, is not all this true Gentleman? Philamonr standing like a statue of stone, as if lately transformed with Medusa, began to admire, and casting him at the feet of Climachus his approved Philamis, he embraced his knees, weeping such store of tears, as was pitiful to behold: Now came into his mind the unkind cruelty towards his friend, and the thought thereof was so forcible, that never looked Hecuba more ruthful in the loss of her Polidoce, than Philamour did in thinking on his Philamis. The wise Ravennois knowing both the cause of his grief, and his hearty repentance, as having foreseen them long before in his private intellectual science, comforted him in this sort.  
Arise Philamour, there was never so great an offence among friends but will have a pardon: thy Philamis liveth, and hath forgiven thee: virtue in him hath overcome all thy disgraces, neither canst thou be so unkind as he is willing to pardon. The infirmities of youth (young G●…ntleman) are many, and hatred once sprung, is more great amongst friends than foreigners. Come enter my hermitage and repose you: you shall have time to weep less shortly, when you have attained your wish.  
Philamour, as if before the Oracle of Delphos, or having received a courtesy from Sibilla o●… Cuma, with humble reverence returned this answer.  
Good sir, and reverend Scholar, could I express what I imagine, or define my joy, as I divine your judgement, I would in good words witness my great thanks. Sooth it is, I am miserable Philamour, the abi●…ct of fortune, the object of Harpastes cruelty: 'tis I (O my seule thou kno●…st I sorrow it) that have injured my friend, wounded my friend, and lost my fr●…nd: whom might I see, to breathe out my repentance in his bosom, to sigh at mine own shame, to find that with my heart bl●…ud, which I have defaulted in by my hairebrayne heedlessenes, I were satisfied in soul, and 〈◊〉 should see I was sorrowful.  
Philamis not able to endure any longer, to see the yo●…g Gentleman so p●…nsiue and passionate, cut off his continued discourse with this short answer.  
Philamour grieve no more, even for Philamis sake art thou welcome: I embrace thee as if I were himself, and will love no less than Philamis. Cast off therefore this dis●…onted heaviness, and frolic it in this solitary seat: for if thou carry belief, which is a help at maw, as the Physician saith to such as will be cured: assure thyself the day is thine, and the danger is past. Hereupon taking Philamour by the hand, this disguised Climachus brought him into his solitary Celestina, where from a fair window he showed him all the valleys, & smilingly beholding Laite, said thus: Hear is some of your penance 〈◊〉, Laite must be beholding to you for an overflow: I believe Harpaste knew she should drive you hither, she enjoined you so happily. Philamour sighed to hear her named, but see a wonder, Philamis altered this sorrow: for taking a book in hand, and turning towards the East, there suddenly fell a thunder-clappe, the heavens were disturbed, and the waters came down with such vehemency from the mountains, that Laite sadainly of a little River, began to exceed Danuby. ●…eere might you see the poor shepherds, leading their flocks to the higher places, and the 〈◊〉 that fled in the plains were driven into the mountains: many streets in Passan were troubled with thi●… inundation, and Harpaste hearing of these waters, with blushing modesty divined in her heart, that she must shortly have a husband.  
All this while Philamour lay looking of the window, weeping for joy, and oftentimes embraced he the bar of the window, as if it had been the dead body of his Harpaste: till suddenly Philamis smiling made him surfeit at another wonder: for enjoining him by no means to move at whatsoever he saw, he caused him to sit down by him, when suddenly there entered two in rich attire, resembling Harpaste and Philamis, the one proffering him kindness, the other courting him with amiable looks: good Lord how feign would Philamour have moved? But fear withheld him, and care of his friends content, yet kneeled he to Philamis, crying o●…t in great agony: Ah dear friend, I have offended. But to draw him from this passion, Philamis practised an other secret: for suddenly they vanished, when as he saw in a mirror which stood opposite against him the whole course of his travels, his dangers, Clorius comfort, and Celios' friendly travel with him: whereon while he meditated, him thought the Tables were spread with great delicates, the music and melody revived his spirits, the eunuchs served him in bowls of Saphir, and his entertainment was so sumptuous, that although he had a good stomach to his meat, yet fed ●…ee only on admiration, till Philamis cheered him after this manner.  
Behold (said he) Gentleman, the one half of your danger past, Laite is increased, your Philamis is living, Harpaste will be kind, now ●…all to feed and welcome: assure yourself that he who found out your friend, will bring him you, eat therefore and rejoice, young men must not fast which are towards marriage.  
Philamour invited thus kindly, fell to his victuals well favouredly, and both of them took the repast more pleasantly, in that the one beheld, and the other hoped to see his friend. At last the tables were taken up, the attendants vanished, and the night being far spent, Climachus conveyed his Philamour into a sumptuous chamber, where he was entertained with such delicates, music, and delights, as the like was neverimagined by Cleopatra for her Anthony. In brief, after long discourse, and Philamours many vows, his secret sighs, his repentant heart's grief, his humble suit to see Philamis, his prayers to enjoy Harpaste, the grave scholar left him fully resolved, promising him the next day so to further his desires, that he should not only enjoy her whom he sought, but see him whom he wished for: and thus with a friendly Adios he left him to his rest.  
No so●…ner did the fair morrow with blushing beauty incite the sun to enter his chariot, & golden Phoebus with radiant beauties guilded the mountain tops with his fiery beams, but Philamis arose: & now 'gan the spark of affection long smothered in cinders to discover itself, the coals became quick fire, & Philamis forgetting all 〈◊〉 defaults, began to revive the image of his Philamour, which absence and vnkindne●… had defaced in his heart: so that he resolved suddenly to seek his discovery. For ●…s many 〈◊〉 showers, and infinite living springs, as the force of many mediterranean fountain, and the fury of raging rivers, altar not the saltness of the sea: Soneyther destruction of bodies, alteration of place, or any casualty of unkindness, can change his affections in whom perfect amity is placed: whereupon attiring himself after his courtly manner, trimming his locks and ●…eard after their accustomed beauty, he provided allthings necessary for the journey, causing a servant to present Philamour with rich ra●…nents, and all other necessaries, who newly awaked, wondered very much at this stra●…ngers courtesy, and the rather in that whatsoever was sent him, the messenger was wont to say that Philamis presented it. At last when Philamis had ordered all things by his Art, and provided horses for their journey, he suddenly entered the chamber of Philamour: who beholding the old countenance, and ancient courtly habit of his friend was ravished with joy, and falling down before the feet of Philamis, he thus expostulated.  
Ah dear friend Philamis, what air hath divided our bodies? or country hath detained my ●…riend? whom I have injuriously wronged, and cannot but unworthily speak unto. Ah gentle heart, thou mirror of virtue, my soul's peace, my minds content, my court●…ous Philamis: behold my tears the testimonies of my sorrows, and accept my vows the tokens of my true devotion, who repent my rashness, and if I may merit reconcilement, promise such affectionate love, as neither time, nor the tyronny of fortune, neither many dangers, nor mortal detriment shall ever alter.  
Philamis not able to endure further delays, casting his arms about the neck of his Philamour, began thus.  
My dear friend, though Venus had a mole, it was no maim: and Alexander a scar, it was no s●…ath: Cicero's wen was no disgrace: and Philip's crooked limb lamed not his fortune. The Rose is not to be contemned for one canker: the Cambric, for one stain: the sword for one flaw: the silk for one fret: neither all friends to be forsaken for one falling out. Alpheus' being fresh, cannot alter the sweet water of Arethusa: neither is Mithridates poisoned with one potion: we esteem our cloth by the wearing, as well as the wool: our wines by the taste, as well as the col●…ur: & our friends as well in their faults, as in their favours. The 〈◊〉 that have fairest gloss, soonest lose their glory: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 minds are soon moved: Though the tailors goose 〈◊〉 the finger, it smootheth the hem: though the Dyer's 〈◊〉 weaken his arm, it washeth the cleth: though unkindness fall among friends, yet kindleth it affection. Wherefore content thee my Philamour, the wrong is remitted: behold now no more disguised Philamour, but thy dear Philamis: behold the wound I received, and assure thee the wrong is forgiven: being left by thee, Clorius relieved me, who saved thy life, sustained me in necessities, since when I have here lived in study in this solitary plac●…, reserved to do thee good, who hast long be galled with grief: Come therefore and haste thee, our horses are in readiness, and I will ride with thee, assuring my Philamour, that ear night Harpaste will she we some courtesy.  
It is unspeakable to declare the many cour●…ngs, the often courtiags the kind pleas, the courteous replies, which past 〈◊〉 Philamis and Philamour. But to be short, they broke their fast and mounted on their horses, beguiling the weary ●…ourney with kind words. No sooner were they entered the City, which was about noon stead, but the rumour was sodai●…ly spread of their arrival: each one rejoiced to behold Philamis, who hearing of the death of 〈◊〉, s●…lingly said thus. Qualis vita, 〈◊〉 it a:  
Amongst the rest Nicrosion being a Gentleman of noble nature, hearing of t●…s good hap, the union of friends, and their happy return, as one always delighted to entertain strangers, invited Phil●…is and his fri●…nd to Supper, making a royal 〈◊〉 to many rich 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the end to receive them with more honour. Amo●…st the test, I doubt not but you think this (Ladies) that 〈◊〉 in his love: but when she thought on the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 alas she said, hath not Philamour des●…rued my love he 〈◊〉 of noble birth, ofliber all nature, a 〈◊〉 well 〈◊〉, and my professed servant.  
Thus as the Diamond which 〈◊〉 not the 〈◊〉, but is mollified in vinegar, like the h●…lme which 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 but is cut with the bone, her affections began to y●…ld: and after some deliberation resolved on his lout. In 〈◊〉 lovely contemplations passed she the time till supper drew on, when suddenly Philamis & Philamour as invited 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the house of Nicrosion, who with great humanity and 〈◊〉 courtesy entertained them both: neither was there any citizen who seemed not highly contented to behold the 〈◊〉 of this friendly couple. Amongst the rest fair 〈◊〉, with blushing modestly demeaned herself so 〈◊〉 as both caused Philamis to rejoice, and Philamour to 〈◊〉 who assisted by the advise of Philamis, whilst the 〈◊〉 was making ready, took Harpaste apart, and with a trembling tongue and troubled countenance courted her after this manner.  
Madame, if faithful thraldom deserve favourable acceptance, and hard adventures happy avails: I doubt not but your heart will be accompanied with favour, as mine hath been occupied in for wardness: and since I have effected your demands, you will not neglect my love. Behold my vows performed, and your requests accomplished: See Laite with raging waters ranging through the valleys, seeming rather a huge Sea, than a little River: behold my Philamis alive, whom you supposed dead, whom Ipresent as apresent to entreat you to take pity.  
Here with Philamis, who still had an eye that way, drew near unto them, and willing to make up the contract, broke off Philamours discourse, & began thus. These were strange ●…owes Harpaste, which show your strictness to revive the dead, & command the waters, which show you are a right woman in your will, who can step over, where you will not ●…umble, and command impossibility when you will not be pliant: but Philamours virtue hath prevented your folly, and 〈◊〉 reason, since you have caused him to make Laite rise, you must now content him with a kind fall. A cipher by itself is nothing●… but joined to one maketh ten: there m●…st be a bond where there hath been a breach, and kindness owed where cruelty hath been showed: reward therefore your true servant good Lady for my sake, who hath endured so much in pursuit of your demands, that it would pity you to fear, and it perplexeth me to report. Harpaste moved with these reasons: like the Marble tamed with many strokes: the gold tried with hot fire, the steel form by many heats, at last relented: and beholding Philamour with a kind look, and taking Philamis by the hand, returned them both this short and sweet answer.  
Things attained with long labour (Gentlemen) at the last breed most delight, and when the trial is past, the truth is more accepted: since therefore Philamour hath endured, I will reward his duty: and for your sake Philamis vouchsafe him such kindness, as my honour regarded, and my father's consent procured, I rest his in all love, and yours to command, who have travailed for him as his friend, and I shall ere long see him the Lord of my favours. Philamis was not a little jocund to see this end: nor Philamour solemn to hear this sentence: to be short, after the feast was finished, and the guests ready to rise, by the consent of both parties, Philamis broke the matter to Nicrosion: who knowing Philamours birth, bringing up, and great riches, hearty condescended: Whereupon in the assembly of the Nobles they were both betrothed, and happily in short space married: at which solemnity Caelio was a bidden guest, and Clorius was highly entertained, and for his many curt●…sies made Lord of the grange, upon the friendly request of Philamis. Long time in great joy lived these lovers, entertaining Philamis in hearty affection, who wholly delighted in his solitary life, and contemning the vanities of the world, having regard to the well ending of his life, and the intending of his study, with hearty affection took his leave of his Philamon●…: the one desired the other to continue company: yet Philamour must not leave his new wife, neither will Philamis be drawn 〈◊〉 contemplation: in brief, after many promises of continual intercourse by letters, they took their friendly farewell: only Philamis in that he knew his friend was too much besotted with the world, and might forget himself soon through security, to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 enormities of his life, he left him in his study this grave admonition, which he termed The deaf man's dialogue, which I have here under inserted, and leave unto your censure.   

Philamis and his Athanatos, containing, the Deaf man's Dialogue.  Philamis. 
GOd morrow father, & well met.  Celio. 
Sir if you like the Kid lay down the price, it is fat and tidie, having tasted the sweet waters of Danuby, & the wholesome herbage of Austria.  Phi. 
Why I salute thee Celio, but cheapen not thy kid?  Ce. 
Oh sir that which I will take at your 〈◊〉 shallbe but half the worth, half a Bohemian crown or no money.  Phi. 
I believe be 〈◊〉, I will speak louder: 〈◊〉 Celio I come not to cheapen thy Kids, but to have thy company, for eld having many evils hath much experience, hearst thou me, or art thou deaf?  Celio. 
I hear you and yet am deaf: deaf if you talk as you did first, quick of hearing if you speak high, as you did last, pardon me good Philamis in my imperfection, it is not of will that I offend, but by reason of 〈◊〉: if therefore thou 〈◊〉 keep thy last key in speaking out, sit thou near me and partake my shade, and prefer what question thou list, and I will 〈◊〉 thee.  Phi. 
I would I had Stentors voice for thee Celio, truly I should then need no straining, but so as 〈◊〉 I may; and so long as you list, I will ●…rye out my words before I lose this company.  Celio. 
I but there is a mean in all things Master, a difference betwixt staring and stark mad: speak therefore so as you may not hurt yourself, and I may hear you what news?  Philamis. 
Hear is a vain world Celio.  Celio. 
Thou tellest me no news Philamis, neither may we mend it till God end it, I ask no tidings of it but of thee: how thou spendest the day here in these mountains? what are thy studies? what thy method?  Philamis. 
I study the Mathematics.  Celio 
Thy study is then superficial, In alieno aedificat Mathematica, it borroweth his principles from an other; by means where of it attaineth to matters of higher perfection, if by itself it comprehended truth, & 〈◊〉 to attain the same, if by itself it could decide and manifest the nature of the whole world, it would profit our minds, & help our memories: but in that it doth not so, dote not on it so.  Phi. 
I wonder Celio you dispraise that so generally, which is so perfect in his parts. I have red Aristotle, who in his Elenches saith, that they who are unready in number, are uncapable of the secrets of nature: beside Augustine a catholic doctor concludeth this. Nemo (saith he) ad divinarum 〈◊〉 rerum cognitionem accedat, insiprius artem numerandi discat. If therefore Arithmetic being but the entrance to the Mathematics be so beneficial, what shall we think of the rest, but as of things exceeding singular.  Ce. 
I condemn them not as unnecessary, but would teach and train thee in studies more necessary: numeration teacheth thee how to count thy sheep, but not how to amend thy sins. Arithmetic schooleth thee to apply thy fingers to avarice, but I would have thee instructed how to draw thy mind from covetousness: the candle is a fair light till thou beholdest the sun, and these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blocks of wit are sweets, till thou perfectly see wisdom.  Phi. 
What think you of Geometry.  Ce. 
Geometry learneth thee how to measure thy fields, but not master thy fancies: what profiteth thee to know an 〈◊〉 of land, & not the anchor of life? It teacheth thee how to observe the ●…tting of thy la●…s: but how much better were it for thee to learn how thou mightest willing lose them? It instructeth thee to know the round from the square, the distances of the Planets: but broughtest thou thy mind in proportion were it not better? Alexander of Macedon began to learn this Science to his sorrow: for finding by dimension how little the world was, and how small a part he possessed, he found himself great in too little. I tell thee Philamis, had Philip's son sought out true science, as he studied this silly secret, he had seemed greater to himself in contemning the world, then in conquering it.  Phi. 
What think you of Music.  Celio. 
It is the darling of lost time: it teacheth thee to know sharp and flat, high and low, Diapente and Diapason: but could it teach thee consonance of the mind, and constancy in counsels, this were better Music, this instructeth thee in unity, but maketh thee not as one. I have read that Zenophantus Harp could move affections, but never master them: these are trifles that ask much toil and yield little treasure.  Phi. 
What think you of Astrology?  Celio. 
The kaye of presumption is Astrology, where men ascribe to the opposition of Planets the cause of alterations, which are only to be applied to God's providence, who is he that dare claim the knowledge of things to come, unless he have the seal of a Prophet? these are vain things young Philamis, and lets in our way, which hinder us from the attainment of true blessedness. Beware therefore, and bind not thyself to the things thou knowest not: but learn thou to seek out such things as thou shouldst know.  Phi. 
And what are they?  Celio. 
Not trifling Philosophy, but true: learn to know thyself how weak thou art: learn to know thy life how wretched: learn to know thy death how certain: thou shalt then find, that all things in this earth are the fruits of error: that heaven is the haven of felicity, death the harbour of worldly misery.  Phi. 
And what is death?  Celio. 
The law of nature, the tribute of the flesh, the remedy of evils, the path either to heavenly felicity or eternal misery.  Phi. 
How is the fruit thereof known.  Celio. 
By the in●…rmities of life.  Phi. 
Why is it possible that life should be in●…rine, which may attain the title of blessedness? or may it be thought there is hea●…nes therein, wherein men have lived so happily? had not Caesar lived where had his fame been, which in the epicures opinion being spent in delight, containeth true felicity.  Ce. 
He had need be an epicure that so speaketh, that only counseleth himself by his sense not by science: he hath a fleshly understanding, which as Paul saith is the enemy of the spirit. I will tell thee what life is, and thereby show thee the commodities of death: life is a pilgrimage Philamis, a shadow of joy, a glass of infirmity, the pathway to death, wherein whilst we travail, the most of us lose time, but prevent it not, and as s●…raungers from our infancy, by many paths we travel to one end, by many functions to one fate, yet is there no estate so certain in life, no stay so steady, that complaineth not his wants ere he come unto his wain, begin in degrees, what thinkest thou of princes lives?  Phi. 
I deem them happy, so they be virtuous.  Celio. 
Thine exception then showeth they may default, and in that they may want, see thou that there is no worldly felicity, true felicity. say princes grow great, they fear the ungracious, if virtuous, they are odious to the wicked: if temperate, they escape not contempt: say zealous, they are held severe: if they wink at faults they are thought reckless: in brief, if they borrow their happiness from life, which lies in the estimate of worldly eye, they are only wretched in being happy in worldly judgement. Dionysius a tyrant let him speak, there is no princely happiness saith he, but in death.  Phi. 
What deemest thou of nobility?  Ce. 
As of the ●…nowes of the body, they are the links of the state, yet have they flatterers to seduce them, ambition to deprive them, desires is corrupt them, in brief they do daily but begin to live, in that they fear to die  Phi. 
What of Lawyers?  Celio. 
They are miserable, for they get with care, they thrive by contention, they are all in the quantity not in quality, you know the predicaments Philamis, I may not preach further, they are good members of a weak body, who if they spend as much s●…uddie in learning God as they do in the lives of the kings, thou would amend some qualities, and leave some quiddities.  Philamis. 
What of Merchants.  Celio. 
They are studious to lose their wealth, and weep when they have lost it, careful to get good, but ready to forget God. It is easier for a Camel to pass through a needle's eye, then for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God: if this be true as it is most true, what is their life? misery: what is their felicit●…e? misery: what is their end? misery. Is it not strange that these men should be miserable livers, yet hate misery, all is vanity saith the wiseman, and Solon's words are true, Ante obitum nemo foelix.  Phi. 
Have they not charity?  Celio. 
Yes charity painted in their walls, not in their hearts, Quilibet quip, every Dog his loaf, though we may be liberal at his funerals.  Phi. 
I see you then make no life but full of languishing, as there is no night without darkness: what deem you of Poets?  Celio. 
To run on the letter they are penniless, studious to make all men learned, and themselves beggars: and whilst they lament all men's want of science, they are supplanted by all men in substance: they wright good tales, and reap much taunts, and are answered with, oh it is a proper man: but never a rag of money.  Philamis. 
And why is that, is it not for their corrupt life?  Celio. 
Seest thou that pad in the straw, truly Philamis thou sayest well: some are excellent, of good capicitie, of great learning, whose paster all pleasance, includeth much wit, and merits much reward, but for the rest I would they might shift more and shif●…t less.  Philam. 
How mean you this shift, me thinks it needs some sifting?  Celio. 
I would they had more shift in shirts, and less shift in subtilti●…: in brief Philamis their lives is miserable, look on every man's way; it is either wickedness or wretchedness.  Phila. 
What think you of the divine?  Celio. 
Why this is Husteron Proteron, the Cart before the horse: this figure was not appointed by Susenbrotus in this place, this is a ●…euerend profession, wherein the infirmities of life are most healed, a happy course in this worldly wilderness, where men's thoughts are thorns to wound their conscience, these seek their benefits in God's book, yet have they their maims in life, their days and years are but misery, for in that they long after a further joy, their comfort is imperfect: leave we to descend to particulars Philamis: the end is, there is no content in earth, but this world is the only pageant of inconstancy, neither hath man any thing whereof he may truly boast, or wherein only he d●…oth excel: if he have gnifts of the body, they are blemished by sickness, they are determined by death, if of the mind, they are weakened by the wantonness of the flesh: descend we in to those particulars which are in ourselves, and rip we up our originals, ground we not upon the benefit of reason the beauty of our soul (where●…y we learn to know God, and discern good from evil) what goods have we that beasts partake not with us? We have health, so have Lions: we are fair, so are Peacocks: we are swift, so are Horses, yea and in all these well nigh are we overcome by unreasonable creatures. Let us now see what is greatest in us: we have boddyes, so have trees, we have forces and voluntary motions, so have beasts and worms: we have voices, but how shriller have Dogs? how sharper, Eagles? how deeper, Bulls? how sweeter and deliver Nightingales, why boast we then of that wherein we are overcome? and is not this misery of life to be by them in these things overcome?  Philamis. 
But by your patience Celio here is confusion grown in this discourse, else are many learned men deceived: I have read in Epictetus, that a life joined with virtue is felicity, so all life by this means cannot be miserable.  Celio. 
I will rid thee of all these doubts, clear thee of all these clouds, confirm thee in all these controversies: There is good in appearance, and good in deed, felicity in shadow, and felicity in substanc●…: the only intermedium of which is death, which killeth the corruption of the one, and furthereth us to the frui●…ion of the other, he only good is God, for he is only good as the Scripture teastifieth: the good in: shelve is this virtuous uniting of life and ●…arning, which taken by itself is a solace, and compared with GOD, is but a shadow, the true felicity is to know God, the feigned is that which was Plato's Idea, Aristotle's summum bonum, the 〈◊〉 Virtus: the Epicures, sensual telicitie: the one the invention of man: the other an inspiration from God. As touching a life led in virtue, if it be taken morrally according to the meaning of the Ethnics, it may be termed felicity, who had not light in the darkness: that door, that vine, we have to illuminate: let us in, and refresh us in our worldly travel: Cicero d●…emed Cato's 〈◊〉 life Virtue, his end happy: so did Seneca, so Caesar his enemy, yet knew we it was misery: his life irreligious, his end desperate. Seneca himself talking gravely in his life time, wrighting constantly of death, and touched somewhat with the thought of immortalitle, made a sickness of a sigh, and in his end showed some over stoic all resolution, but we that have attained the clear day, and are in the sunny light of the Gospel, what shall we term this virtuous life? nought else (my Philamis) but a combat of the flesh with the spirit, our time of temptation, where we war to have victory, and by faith attain the crown of immortality. This is the path, & our flesh the hindrance: D●…ath the haven where wearied we rest us, and being dissolved, attain the direct fullness of our joy: Oh joy without compare, oh little danger, oh great crown, or way to true life. Now seest thou Philamis what thou soughtest, these doubts are decided, and the conclusion that followeth of all this controversy, is that life is miserable every ways, but most miserable to them that live ill, whose hope is dead, whose faith is falsified, who have forsaken the true Shepherd, to follow Satan, betrayed their soul, to serve their bodies, who are become the bondslaves of sin, and the servants of unrighteousness, who serve 〈◊〉, and refuse God, whose portion after death is the bottomless pit, where in steed of laughing they shall lament, instead of solacing they shall sigh, and whilst the righteous shall clap their hands for joy in heaven, they shall fold their arms for sorrow in hell: oh their horror, oh their misery, oh that men can be so perverse, and God so propitious, who calleth all, and will secure sinners, who will ease the heavy laden, comfort the comfortless, give 〈◊〉 even to the murmurers: oh whither am I carried with these contemplations? into what Oceans of delight? wherein I behold as it were in a mirror the indignity of man, & the mercies of God: the miseries of this life, and the fruits of death: of which when I begin to to think (my Philamis) I behold these writhe limbs, as sailors do their bruised bark at the entrance of the haven, rejoicing that I have past my perils to enjoy my paradise. Oh happy death of those (saith Cicero) who being borne mortal, have so well lived as to enjoy eternity. This is the last medicine of all evils (saith Sophocles) & the way that leadeth us to all beatitude (as witnesseth Leonidas.) This bringeth us through the stony way to the pleasant path: this healeth us in all infirmities: to this were we borne, being by nature sent abroad to learn experience, like young sons, to the end we may with judgement entertain happy death as our best heritage.  Phil. 
Why pauseth Celio? or what holdeth thee in suspense?  Ce. 
Oh Philamis, I contemplate the true life: and as travelers by the beauty of the coast conjecture the benefits of the country: so in describing the commodities of death, and weighing the fruit thereof, I gather the happiness of heaven, to which the spirit would fly, were it not hindered by fleshly infirmities.  Phi. 
Leave these contemplations (good Celio) and prosecute your discourse: It were pittle your studies should prevent mine instructions: I pray you let us know why some men, since death is so sweet, account it so sour, and why other men take that for pleasure, which some esteem to be their utter perdition.  Ce. 
Truly Philamis, thou hast propounded a acquaint question, which availeth much to knowledge of death, and causeth the better sort to rejoice thereat, the worse to prepare them in worthiness to receive it. That sort of men which fear death, are they that li●…e in darkness, whose lives are worldly, who consider not the judgements of God, but are like Ox and Mule in whom there is no understanding: these are not touched with 〈◊〉 ●…owledge of God, but are very hypocrites in his church: these proceed from evil to worse, and their practices are often frustrate: these seize upon the widows glean, and persever in their wickedness: these are happy in serving the devil, and hardened against the service of GOD: these are they that think their sins are unseen, and who persevering in their wickedness shall perish: these are they against whom Micah crieth out, whose just condemnation is death: these shall sigh in the day of judgement, whose blindness is more than Cimar●…an, w●…o shall have portion with Sodom: these are they whose company is to be eschewed, who make tears dwell on the widows cheeks, and devour the fatherless & desolate: these are they who in stead of prayers, make purchases, whose indentures are their devotions, whose privy seals be their prayer books: these are they that spend in waist what poor men want, and bestow that on hounds they should give to the hungry, and employ that on bravery, they should vouchsafe the beggar: these are they (as Bernard saith) that are made rich by poor men's farms, whose sin shall be revenged in hell fire: these fear death, because they hope no better life, and fly the grave, in that they are fallen from grace: And this sort of sinners have many swarms of attendants: some more vehement, some more desperate, all damnable: as are they who encounter violent death, after their wicked lives: and such as being adjudged for offence, make the separation of soul and body adesperate laughing game. These are they of whom Ezechiel speaketh, the soul that sinneth shall die. Examples of these sorts of men are infinite, among which Saul may first exemplify, who being rend from his kingdom, reft himself of life. judas who having betrayed his Saviour, hung himself in despair. Brutus who having murdered Caesar, slew himself miserably with his own sword. Carundius Tirius, w●…o having made a Bedlam law, endured a bloody end.  
Oh too many, too marvelous are the examples of such men, who in their desperatenes have made death damnable, and in their dissoluteness fearful. W●…at are they that take pleasure in death? oh blessed men, oh happy pleasure. Such as shine like the Sun in their sincerity, such as ack●…wledge their deliverance from God, such as are f●…ythfull in afflictions, and humble them in persecutions: such as a●…e godly in patience, and patiented in godliness: such as are obedient in duty, and steadfast in doctrine: such as have faith with the leper, confidence with the blinde-men, zeal with the woman of Canaan, acknowledge them ●…infull with the sick of the palsy, proving rather Cornelius, a soldier to believe, than Simon Magus an enchanter to lie: such as look for the promises of God, and thirst after righteousness: such whom the zeal of the lords house swalloweth up: such as suffer for persecution sake: such whose faith is not wavering, and whose vows are in heaven, though the body be on the earth: such as are faithful and not fearful, that trust in ●…od, and mistrust not his promises: such as are persecuted with Paul, and believe with Paul: such as desire to endure for the truth, not to be indurate against the truth: the number is too many to tell them, yet would my numbering might breed more, so that with Mo●…s I might pray, O blot me out of the book of life so they may live; so they may increase, so they may flourish: & these also have followers, who thee they deserve not to sit on the throne with the elders, may wait upon the lamb as their shepherd: for my father's house hath many dwelling places. But let us now consider of death, for he craves construction: there is a diffe●…ence to die with Socrates in innocence, and Ovid in exile: there is a death to die for ever, there is a de●…th to live for ever; the one pertaineth to the nocent, the other to the innocent; the one to the impugner, the other to the penitent; the one to the merciless, the other to the merciful; the one to the blasphemer, the other to the righteous: & among the righteous sort, some may fall to arise; for the righteous sinneth seven times a day: some fall to perish, the examples are manifest, & let the learned dilate them. Among the wicked, some from Saul becometh Paul; another from an Apostle, doth grow to be an ●…oistata: for such as may and will not be, let their sins light on their heads; for the righteous, blessed be the Lord, that hath chosen them into his fold; for such as fall and may rise, I will 〈◊〉 somewhat Philamis, for it is my custom: but I would 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that were all our 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 thou 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 th●…u 〈◊〉 thy fault? 〈◊〉 leave (O mortal man) to persever in thy follies. For 〈◊〉. Augustine saith: As the love of God is the well of virtue: so is the love of the world the well of vices. Come unto me (saith Christ) all such as are laden, & I will ease 〈◊〉. Bernard saith, the perfect servant of Christ loveth nothing but him. If then 〈◊〉 man, thou 〈◊〉 doted on thy riches, reconcile thyself, take thy cross & follow Christ. He that setteth his ●…and to the plough, and looketh 〈◊〉? he that would follow him, and will strait bury his father, he is unworthy of the harvest, unmeet of such a master. Hath the Devil tempted 〈◊〉 lay hold on Christ. Hear Hierome: The power of the Devil is of no force being resisted by a strong faith: And Augustine, who saith: That the Devil can deceive no man, excepthe confidently put his trust in him, 〈◊〉 thou 〈◊〉 through contention with thy brother, amend thyself: Learn of Paul to the Galathians the sixth chap. Let every one (saith he) among you ●…eare the burden of another. ●…eare Tully: There is nothing (saith he) but may be suffered by him that perfectly loveth his neighbour. I have read in the Ecclesiastical history, that Antipater Idumeus, which was Father of Herod the great, in divers battles received divers wounds, bearing such perfect love to the Emperor his master, that he endured them patiently: notwithstanding afterwards being falsely accused before the Emperor, and brought unto him, not relying on his accusers complaints, but guided by his own innocency, he spoke in this sort to his Majesty.  
Mighty Sovereign, I will use no great words for my excuse, but these green wounds, which I have suffered for your love, and adventured in your service, which are evidences of my devotion towards you, and not of any doubleness: let them speak for me and express my love, condemn my accusers, commend my constancy.  
The Emperor being of judgement, received him into grace, and in stead of punishing him, plagued his accusers: a lesson to reconcile friends, and having 〈◊〉 them, 〈◊〉 arm them to die well. For true friendship 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but amongst good men (as Tully 〈◊〉) neither 〈◊〉 a good man that truly trusteth in the ever living God, ever fail of a good end. But leave we offences towards man, and cast we our eyes up to heaven: there sitteth a Saviour, who hath suffered for all our sins, hath been buffeted for our benefit, hath borne the burden to lighten us, hath been cruci●…ed for our comfort, hath had wounds, to heal our weakness, hath suffered shame to subdue our sin, hath sweat blood, to grant us sweet blessings, hath been plagued for our peace, hath groaned to end our grief: his mild hands hath been wounded for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: he hath suffered for us that did sin, in his body which had no sin: who endured that which we deserved: and compare we our 〈◊〉 in offending him, with his righteousness in pardoning us: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 offended him? (as thou canst not but sin in this flesh) lift up thy heart, and be 〈◊〉 sorry, then see how 〈◊〉 calleth from the heavens: I am come to destroy saith he, be thou therefore steadfast. I will lock the penitent man in my 〈◊〉: I will love thee, if thou but lean towards me. Pour my repentance in thy lap my brother, and I will save thee, I have compassion on thee, and will gather thee though a straying lamb, & call thee home though a lost sheep, and kiss thee though a 〈◊〉 son, and pray for thee in that I am thine advocate. Oh unspeakable mercy, who would not cleave to this anchor to leave the world? Who would not be reconciled to this God for a little calamity? who would not be heartily penitent for such a patron'?  Phi. 
Oh divine spirit in a deaf man, good Celio proceed, for thou comfortest my soul.  Ce. 
Trouble me not to conclude Philamis, but hear thou, can the pilot in the storm refuse a good 〈◊〉 can the condemned in his danger contemn his pardon? unless either the 〈◊〉 be desperate, or the other devilish: it is impossible, it is inconvenient, among men it is incredible: how then should we refuse Christ, when he calleth us, who through the narrow seas of death, calleth us to the haven of heaven? who would 〈◊〉 embrace these waves though they embowel them: & kiss 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though they overflow him, and bless this de●…th for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Phil. 
I but Celio, this wealth is a great foe of 〈◊〉, this is a deep thorn (as Gregory 〈◊〉) that 〈◊〉 in all 〈◊〉, to leave rich possessions, kind friends, to dwell in the grave, is not this a grief?  Ce. 
What grief Philamis, what grief can it be? Barnard saith, your 〈◊〉 be bain, for they 〈◊〉 Lordship, and cause 〈◊〉: they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but make payment of fear: And Paul writeth to Timothy, they that will be rich, fall into great temptations, and snares of the Devil, and into divers 〈◊〉 desires, 〈◊〉, and noisome, which bring men to death and perdition: are not these even reasons enough unto reasonable men to forsake wealth? What is a rich man but the flower of the grass? A poor man in his good heart, is better than a gay man with his gold ring: God 〈◊〉 the hungry, and sendeth the rich empty away. The poor widow in Luke was commended above the great rich men: for 〈◊〉 is as great in a poor widows inyte, as in a rich man's Miriade.  
Say thou 〈◊〉 riches, will they not waste? and are they not subject to rust? betrayed by fire? But gather not riches (my son) the wealth that will perish, but that which will endure: all pomp is vain, all pleasure but a shadow, seest thou not them die daily before thine eyes? and wilt thou live to them? They are the foes of men (Philamis) they bring traitors to thy bed, work murders 〈◊〉 father and son, twixt mother and daughter: Oh vanity of vanities, which men call riches. Art thou rich? know that the things which are at fullness must have a fall: wilt thou say unto thyself, come let me rejoice in my possessions, my barns are full, my bags stuffet? 〈◊〉 the sentence sounding in thine ear, Thou fool thy soul shall be taken from thee. Crates the Theban, a man of great fortunes, and a grave Philosopher, threw great substance into the Sea, and said thus: 〈◊〉 you from me ye fruits of 〈◊〉, for 〈◊〉 in detaining you I drown with you. Saint 〈◊〉 allegeth the example of an other 〈◊〉, who 〈◊〉 a great 〈◊〉 of gold with him in his tranaile, and considering in his mind that he could not possess riches and virtue together, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 threw his wealth from 〈◊〉, and said thus: O vain riches 〈◊〉 me, the Gods grant me that I may ever lose you.  
Thus did Ethnics seeking but their chiefest good, and shall not we leave worldly trash, to live with our good 〈◊〉? Who had not rather be a blessed Nathan, than a cursed Nabal? though the wicked live and grow in wealth, it is his forbearance: for what hope hath the Hypocrite (saith Toby) if when 〈◊〉 hath 〈◊〉 up his riches, 〈◊〉 take away his Soul? Chrysostome saith, God giveth benefits both to the worthy and unworthy: thou mayest then be rich in unworthiness, and triumph in thine own wretchedness. Draw near my 〈◊〉 (saith Athanatos) I will make your 〈◊〉 kingly, though you be caitiffs: I govern both the royal Crown, and the humble Cradle. Come unto me (saith Athanatos) I will with drawing one sigh, end all thy sorrows: with one groan end all grief, make your souls fit. I will set you forward.  Phila. 
Here stay good Celio, thou hast long time discoursed here of the benefits of life everlasting, but givest no assurance of the same. Saith not the Philosopher, Post mortem nulla voluptas? how can then this life be eternal wherein there is no pleasure. If it be true that Apollonius Tianeus aledgeth, and the Pythagorists persuade, that the souls have passage from one body to another, me thinks this separation should be rather cause of molest, than mirth to the spirit. Homer besides a great Poet saith, that death is full of horror: satisfy me herein (good Celio) that every way thou mayest say sufficient.  Celio. 
If it be true (Philamis) as Tully testifieth, that there is no nation so 〈◊〉, that standeth not in some religious awe of God, whose seat is the heaven, whose footstool is the earth: If it be undoubted in thee, that Christ his Son is the propitiation for our sins, as each true Christian must confess, thou needs not doubt, the scripture shall satisfy thee: hark what john the Apostle saith of our saviour, nay 〈◊〉 himself speaketh of himself, Jesus said to Thomas I 〈◊〉 the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the 〈◊〉 but by me? wil●… thou have life everlasting? ke●…pe the commandments. Christ hath swallowed up death, that we might be heirs of everlasting life. Christ is the bread of lice: the life eternal is to know God, and Christ whom he hath sent his son. Believest thou God's book? why art thou then besotted? why bringst thou in this blind instance of the Epicurt? Doth not Seneca the grave Philosopher condemn hi●…, proving by assured reasons that there is no felicity but in death? If there be no pleasure after the soul is departed, what becometh of the righteous? deemest thou who hath run his race, hath not his garland? and that he who hath finished his course, hath not his quiet? For Apollonius Tianeus since the Fathers condemn him, commend him not: for as one swallow maketh not a summer, so a few instances subvert not an universal certainty. Eusebius (with other learned) examining the cause of fear, especially in death, reasoneth thus: If there be any evil in death, it is the fear of the same that increaseth it, and if there be no evil, the fear itself is a great evil: fond then is he that feareth death, for that he augmenteth his evil, or rather causeth it himself. Base is the spirit of every man, saith Sabellicus, which feareth death: for fearing it in his own respect, in that he is in soul immortal, he ought not to fear, if he lose his body: for what folly is it to be afraid of that which is at enmity with us? If desire of gain hath made death but a trifle, among the men of no heavenly capacity: If it hath encouraged some to stop a swallowing gulf with the Roman, to die for their master, as the slave of Anthony, what should death be to us, which expect not a momentary, but an immortal glory? nor raised among men, but registered in immortality? The sweetness of death was manifest in the persecutions of the Primitive Church, where infants with great constancy endured much cruelty: sweet is the pain in expectation of the 〈◊〉. Believe me Philamis, there is nothing so accordant ●…o nature as death, and nothing more enemy to the soul, than mortal life, which is a Sea so tempestuous, that none but a constant mind (〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 grace) 〈◊〉 avoid the shipwreck, mark the hard penance of 〈◊〉 is life assigned to our grandsire Adam: Because (saith the Lord) thou hast obeyed the voice of thy wife, and hast 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 whereof I commanded thee, saying. Thou shalt not eat of it, cursed is the earth for thy sake, in sorrow shalt thou eat of it, all the days of thy life: Thorns also and thi●…les shall it bring forth unto thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. 〈◊〉 the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till you return to the earth, etc. 〈◊〉 how job curseth that life which thou commendest. Let the day perish wherein I was borne, and the night when it was said, there is a man child conceived: here have we no continuing city saith Paul to the Hebrews, I am wearied with speaking Philamis, and the sun inclineth to the West. Thus time passeth like a shadow, and life as Barnard saith, consumeth away like a bubble: scorn therefore to be in prison, when thou mayst have liberty: to be a bondman, when thou mayst be fre●…: ●…o ●…e captive in the flesh, when thou mayst live in the spirit; cast of thy old ways, and thy wont vanities, forsake unprofitable studies, and search out the Scriptures, there is the living fountain, the other are muddy puddles: there the truth, the other men's traditions: there the strong anchor, that other but a weak grapple, oh look on God's book, & level at God's blessings, his words are perfection, the others the fruits of earthly opinion: ca●…t of vain loves, and put on the love of virtue: learn of Octavius to be continent, trust nothing that savoureth not to righteousness: believe not every fable, for folly hath many fine shadows: beware flatterers, they are the snares of the innocent: be wary like Esop's Mouse, for there be many cats stirring, who will claw thee where it doth not itch, and catch thee in their gripe, if thou have no good regard: in brief, live thou well, and thou art wealthy. Senecat ather liked learned Senetios' slave Dipaostes, than his oblivious master the Senator: choose thy friends not by their coat but by knowledge, and among all things lose no time, it is thy best treasure: in thy writings ascribe all good things to God, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to thy wit, in thy reading medi●…ate often, it is senica's lesson, Nulla dies 〈◊〉, if thou be passionate, 〈◊〉 thee of thy 〈◊〉: if merry, 〈◊〉 the mean, the humble cot hath quiet, when lofty towers have greatest assaults: finally 〈◊〉 all earthly things in comparison of heavenly joys, where is joy without ceasing, where the saints sing Os●…ma seated about the throne, and the Angels minister to his divine ma●…, who give thee grace to follow my counsel, and grant me constancy in mine end, I am weary Philamis, and these old bones and crused carcase would have rest: farewell, God bless thee, and as thou likest this days labour, come visit me often.  Phi. 
Fatherly are thy words Celio, and thy counsels conformable, which I will lock up in this b●…est, and think on to mine benefit, beseeching God to send many such shepherds, to counsel such as I, who are youthful sinners.  

Philamis to Antenor, to comfort him in his exile.  
SInce there is no remedy (as Euripides saith) more appropriate to men in perplexity, than the exhortation of good & faithful friends, I have taken upon me the liberty if not to please, yet to persuade thee Antenor, who having known worloly affairs, mayst more easily digest afflictions. Thou art grieved in that thou art banished thy country, despised of thy prince, exiled from the court, beguiled of thy contents, as if to a wiseman all countries are not one? and Anacharsis should not as well flourish in Athens, as he was fauour●…d in Sirria: Why my Antenor, all exile is but opinion, and good 〈◊〉 thrive as well in America as in Asia: 〈◊〉 thou not that Liverwort is bitter, and yet healthful? where Basill is sweet and infectious? the wandering travels of Ulysses made him wise, where had he still lived in Greece, he had got less glory: what so is offensive in appearance, is not faulty in proof, neither is misery any thing but thine own opinion, assure thyself that that only is thy country wherein thou livest content, and that to live in Austria disgraced, is 〈◊〉 less than to be an exile in Hungaria, what wilt thou make change 〈◊〉 to thyself, 〈◊〉 it is 〈◊〉 to many? wholecities have changed their seat, 〈◊〉 many 〈◊〉 daily suffer that which hath chanced to thee, the only difference, they wander like banished men in a coloney, thou without company, they not knowing how to quell sorrow, but thou how to conquer it. The Lapidaries choose their stones by sustance and touch, Stelon unless it encounter the Coade is of no proof, & without adversity what knowledge of 〈◊〉. The Pilate knoweth the goodness of his ship in a wrought sea, not in a weak wind: and such as will not bear fortunes touch, are unworthy virtues temper: colours that are not in grain, are soon disgraced, and such as have not tasted changes, cannot boast of constancy: every country (saith Democritus) is free and open to a wise man: and the world is but every valiant man's walk: what is exile but that which may be every man's fortune? if banishment were so bitter, why did Scipio make it voluntary? say thou wantest in exile, so did Scipio maintenants, Regulus mercenaries, and Menenio funeral, I tell thee Antenor calamity is the occasion of virtue, and no grief is long that is great, Anathagoras neither grieved to die a foreigner, neither fainted to perish in poverty since he knew the earth rich enough to give him grave, the world small enough to be his country. But examine we the causes which may move discontents: thou wilt say thy prince's disgrace is the greatest grief, weep not at this cross my Antenor, for thy tears will convict thee, for if thou suffer with out desert, how vain art thou to sorrow at thy virtue? if worthily, assure thyself the absence healeth the half of the wound: seek not thou 〈◊〉 friend to imitate the ignorant physician of whom Cicero speaketh, who in other malidies profess themselves to have art, & in their own infirmities prove themselves asses, thou art driven from the court, happy art thou if thou 〈◊〉 driven the customs thereof from thee, assure thyself thou hast attained suffic●…ent satisfaction, in that thou hast avoided that infection: believe me a wise man ought not to lose himself in vain laments, especially he whom Philosophy hath long time lived withal. What is the balm of Egypt better than that of judea? 〈◊〉 that of judea, sweeter than that of Ind? the prope●…es are one, the sweetness one: if than trees are one, though carried into many places, how vain are men to be changed: that only Caelum mutant non animum: o●… Antenor thou hast gotten much by this grief, thou hast escaped vanity, and virtue clothed in poverty, beginneth now to hail thee, now mayst thou tread fortune under foot, in that she hath done her worst, and triumph like a conqueror, since thou contemnest her wiliness: even as the loss of leaves is small in that the next spring reneweth them, so the want of delights are of no weight, since a reconciled mind doth soon restore them. Beware lest Democritus laugh at thee, and Heraclitus weep for thee: the one to see the passionate, who hast tried the world's inconstancy: the other to think thy brain should be so addle, and thou so aged. But why travail I to teach that which the meanest mind doth imagine: truly Antenor since each storm will have a calm, since in Tigris the minnow hath as great liberty as the Mullet, since the Loate thriveth as well in Tiber as Tanais, and the poorest constant mind in the strangest country: dry thou up thy tears, and shake of these trifles, let the equity of thy cause confirm thy quiet, thy fruitful constancy exceed fortune's contempt, so shalt thou prove thyself well stayed and better studied. Vale.    

Epilogus.  
LAdies and Gentlemen, I have posted Philamis from Passan, to apply his studies in the mountains of Stiria: if his courting hath wrought you any content, I doubt not but his contemplations shall yield good conceit, he hath laid a line for lofty building, and hath vowed himself to great study and labour, it only l●…es in your favourable good like, to make him a forward workman, or to give over in the foundation: the r●…ard he seeks is your acceptance, the fruit you may reap may perhaps prove science: since therefore all that he requireth is but a good word for a great work, vouchsafe him that which lieth in you to bestow, & in him to deserve, & till that time, farewell.  
FINIS.