Phillippes Venus. Wherein is pleasantly discoursed sundry fine and witty Arguments, in a senode of Gods and Goddesses, assembled for the expelling of wanton Venus, from among their sacred society.  
Interlaced with many merry and delightful Questions, and witty answers: Wherein Gentlemen may find matter to purge melanchollye, and pleasant variety to content fancy.  
AT LONDON ¶ Printed for John Perrin, and are to be sold in Paul's Church yard at the sign of the Angel. 1591.   

¶ To the Worshipful Master Henry Prannell, I. M. wisheth health and prosperity.  
Worshipful Sir, it hath been an old and ancient adadge, and that ubique in generality confirmed, namely, that good will may be blamed by some curious carpers, that with Gorgon belch forth their venom against the simple, but to excuse such as mean well, Hope to beat down fear and to overthrow despair, setteth in her foot, to animate the virtuous to persever and go forward in their well doings, confirming the old approved proverb, with this assertion, (though truth may be blamed saith she, yet shall good will in truth be never ashamed: thus in this cause Hope is an instrument sent from the heavens, stoppeth the mouths of monstrous Momus, oppresseth the outrage of Zoilus, and giveth to the honest and good minded, a corsselet of proof to encounter against the ceaseless scandals of the wicked: This hope of your good liking, hath made me bold to acquaint and deliver into your hands this small pamphlet, namely, Phillippes Venus, but to present Apollo with Pan's Oaten Pipe, or Diana with a Distaff, it were a thing ridiculous, but hope pleadeth good will, and saith your wisdom will frankly condescend to cover the defects, that through mine unskilfulness shall herein be coutched. Sinates delivered the Persian King Artaxerxes a handful of fair water, which his sovereign thankfully received, I in respect of his gift, come unto you with a gift far inferior, and yet I assure you my good will striveth to countervail his courtesy, but had I the precious pearls of Patroclus, or the golden Sands of Ganges: I could find in my heart to make you the owner of them, as well as I have chosen you to be the patron of my travail, under whose buckler of defence I have committed my Book to the printers press, but because I will observe decorum, and avoid tediousness, this synod and solemn parliament holden of the Gods and Goddesses in sacred Olympus, shall reveal a plain and simple method, the occasion and effect of Phillips Venus, the which as time and leisure, setting aside your searious affairs, shall permit you, I am fully persuaded you will thoroughly peruse and read: that done, I trust you will give your censure in such sort, that hereafter I may be encouraged to publish some other treatise, which may further delight you. Thus leaving you to the merciful and gracious protection of the almighty, I bid you most heartily farewell.  
Your worships to command Io. M.   

¶ Phillippes Venus.  
WIthin the high and ancient Olympus, high by reason of his virtue, and ancient for antiquity: was there holden a regal and princelike Parliament, by the sacred Synod of all the Gods and Goddesses. The cause of their sitting, was by reason of a great slander raised through the outrageous fullyes of that vain and wanton Venus, whom by a common consent for her fickleness, was banished the compass, circuit, and scope of the stately and orient Heavens.  
She exiled, the Senate was quieted, contentions allayed, and all things well pacified: but as there is no counterfeit without his blemish, no blossom but hath her blast, nor flower without his bran: so to that commodity, was added this discommodity: that her seat being now void of a sovereign, her place of a Princes, and guard of a Goddess: caused Cupid to care, Mars to mourn, but Vulcan to smile: rumours ran throughout the Senate, and privy mutterings heard, in every Session daily bills were exhibited by the Amorous, and the Lover pleaded for his Lady as he would have done for his life: there might you have seen the sad looks of the Ladies, the heavy countenance of many a carped Knight, and like Aesop's frogs so importunate for a Queen, that had not jupiter been in a merry mood, twenty to one it had made him stark mad.  
At the last, (for what will not invocations entreat, and daily prayers obtain) it was decreed by the whole house, that an election should be made to supply the want of a Godde, and satisfy the petitions of the people, and thus it was.  
THere was among the seemly train, attending the Goddess Diana, a Nymph of such passing beauty and singular virtue, that I may doubt whither to commend in her the exterior shape of the body, or interior habit of the mind: her sad countenance or sage counsels: her modesty, gestures, or merry glance, the sharpness of her wit, without wantonness or sweetness of her speech, without wilfulness, the attire of her body was comely, yet not too costly: her ornaments all seemly, yet nothing superfluous: for the most part so singular, that she excelled all other of her ser, in all things so rare, that she seemed rather a Saint, than a subject: and to write without partiality, who ever beheld her, would rather judge her a mate for the greatest God in heaven, than a companion for the mightiest Monarch on earth: more like Phoebus' Sister, than her servant: and better beseeming a Goddess, than the handmaid of a Goddess.  
This Dame was by birth royal, in behaviour courteous, bearing a shape importing her own name Venus, the modesty of her Mistress Diana, pallas wit, and juno's majesty, Lucretia's faith, with Artimesias loyalty: In stature not of the tallest, but indifferent in all proportions, nothing mean but absolute and excellent: so that should I note with my pen the half of her perfections, I should therein err with my pen, and sin in peevishness.  
This seemly Saint or rather gallant Goddess (for what was it her beauty might not promise? and her virtues perform? my Venus' attending the entrance of the Capital, the intervent and coming of her Lady Mistress, was not so happy as wished for, espied of the mighty jupiter, who beholding her bounty, but admiring her beauty: so far excelling the rest her fellow Nymphs in bravery, as the Sun in brightness exceedeth phoebae, or phoebae in bigness the little Boetes, walked up and down as half in a mammering devising some strange shape to entertain his rare Mistress.  
Now adjoining to the entrance of the Capital, was there an outward chamber curiously hung with a stately Arras, wrought with gold and richly beset with Turkasses, sapphires and Diamonds, as best beseemed the majesty of so brave a place, and the presence of so heavenly persons: here before they entered the Capital, which was richly embossed with roofs of beaten gold, and pillarde with jet, round wrought and beautified with Emeralds and Crisocolles, did the Gods make their first obuent, and deck them with robes wherein they sat the day before in the Senate.  
In this place sat all the waiting Nymphs, attending the coming of their Lady Goddesses: and as that time fell out, mistrusting the house would fit longer than their accustomed manner: desputed how to drive the day in some merry method, wherein every one past her censure, till Venus in the midst gave after this manner her sentence.  
Ladies (quoth she) and my fellow Nymphs, to make a long process to little purpose, or to use many words to little worth, were but to pull Hercules' shoe on a Child's foot: to burn one Candle, in seeking another: to exercise our tongues, fill our ears, but deceive our expectations: to talk of war, were too unséemelye for women of Science, not fitting our sex: what then? Love, that in truth best is beseeming Ladies, and sithence we all study which way to pass the time, let us all conclude to use some merry pastime: whereto all agreed, and liked so well of the motion, that without further speech, they made up the match, and said it should be love: Their order was thus, she that cunningly and most comely could court little Ganymede, should be mistress of her fellows, and Lady of Love for that year: and by whom should the trial be, but by the Boy's troth, that being tied to his fancy, might all rest under his favour, and whom Ganymede said I love, to her should fall the lot.  
Now was the Boy at the neither end of the Chamber, whither it were knitting of true loves knots in richeses to try his wits, or making or Puppets to pass the time I wots not: but Venus skipping lightly from her seat, ran hastily to the child, and catching him in her arms, kissing the pretty wag, placed him with the women.  
ganymed whither guessing shrewdly at the matter, or groping subtly (as the wanton well could) at women's minds: why Venus said he, will you ravish me before all this company, or rifle me amid this crew? it becometh not Nymphs of Diane's train, to intermeddle with Pages of jupiters' troop: fire and water agree never in one vessel, it is dangerous to cast flax to fire, Apples to Children, liberty to Lovers, were it not for the place Venus, I would hardly like your practice: Coy elf (quoth Venus) are you so choleric? no Venus, (answered ganymed) take heed you wax not frantic, for women speak not until they be spurred, but put once out of their mean, then are they passed all mean, because you should not fall into a mischief by reason of idleness: I did but whet your wits Venus, to find you exercised, for this age is wicked, subject to many evils, and the house sitteth long, and I witted not how you would spend the day: to court Ganymede, said Cyane, and why so? replied ganymed, to whet your mind or my manners: both answered Venus, for by our controversy shall Ganymede find our conceit, and by thy judgement shall we know Ganymedes wit: if that be all Ladies (said he) begin when you will, Ganymede is with you and for you. Have with you then quoth Cyane, and Ganymede let this exordium be for you.  
Where the late adulteress Venus was wrapped with desire of her fair Adonys, no bird nestled her breast but beauty: when in pride of her deity, she graced Phao with an extraordinary favour: what was the greatest gift but beauty? and what Venus I wots not striving in thy nature Ganymede to excel her Art, hath more than naturally enriched thee with a hue of greater (if greater may be) then excelling beauty: if Venus were with her own works taken, no marvel then if Cyane be with so exceeding a power overtaken: I love Ganymede, sweet Ganymede I love, I love thee, yea thee, a fairer then whom, is not contained in compass of our Sphere, or of greater beauty, no one resteth here in Olympus: if the Gods for a favour of their inferiors to enrich them with any blessing of liberality, grant them love: if our Lady mistress in favour to their Gods, have no greater grant than love: if love made the King of our Capital become little Cupid's captive, drive juno to jealousy: and Cynthia though she seem surely to smile sometime on her well-beloved Endymion: but if Ganymede in my disputation graviled, make any doubt of my device: Mars, Neptune, yea Pluto and wise Apollo himself, shall satisfy him in loves perfections and praises.  
Thus I love Ganymede, yea Ganymede I love, then let not Ganymede repay for love, hate: but carrying beauty in his forehead, harbour Excomesis love in his heart: for beauty long since and love were both conjoined in an endless league of amity: if beautiful, then is Ganymede lovely: and therefore lovely because beautiful, ah witless Cyane, what ambiguity doubtest thou in Ganymedes love, that shineth so orient in pride of his beauty, but admit beauty were not Cyane.  
Yea mary, said Ganymede, here I join with Cyane, for admit no beauty in Ganymede: yet answered Venus (standing by) bereave not Cyane of her beauty Ganymede, for it is her life: nor of life Dorye another Nymph standing by, lest you lose her love: I admit them (concluded) Ganymede, both Cyan beauty and life: because she shall not perish in her love, all this is but a pause said Venus, to bring Cyane to her purpose: yet hardly answered Cyane shall I proceed, if you thus pen me from my purpose: howbeit to make up her medley, forward she goeth in this manner.  
Let not the modesty of thy years sweet Ganymede, frustrate the defart of my praises, but lengthen my life with thy beauty, thou wilt grace my beauty with thy love: unfitting were it, fair jupiters' Page should now become foul ingratitudes Prisoner: I tell thee Ganymede, to forget injuries is not the meanest point of wisdom: to reward defart, the highest type of a true Trophea, whither was Alexander more famed for his victories of the world, or infamous for the slaughter of his faithful Clitus? ingratitude I tell Ganymede hath frustrated mighty Princes of the love of their people, hath decayed Kingdoms, and ruinated the weal of the happiest world: if any ganymed could but discearn what difference there were in remundicating a sweet desert, and practise of a scorning desire: what distinction between a pleasant reply, and a displeasing repulse: greater should be his sweetness exercised in these virtues, than others virtues practising no such sweet.  
He that hath read the Trophies of the Roman triumphs, shall there find in a Princely breast, a princelike bounty: who for the purchase of ease, repaies with reward of life: performing a regal office in a lions nature: well may he be termed a King, that Kingly dealeth with his vassals: showing that in greatest personages, aught to harbour greatest virtues. Sweet mouse, in this let me entreat thee resemble Aesop's mouse, that as he with his teeth released the Lions thraldom, thou with thy tongue untie thy Goddess bondage: ease her thoughts, whose heart fainteth with the burden of thy beauty; and make thy sovereignty rather pleasing by thy liberality, then indurate through thy tyranny: so shalt thou be honoured with thy inferiors, praised by thine equals, and loved of thy superiors: carry with thy lions looks a lions mind: who being King over my thoughts, become princelike in thy deeds.  
And is there among mortal wights a thing of more immortal resemblance than love? divine are his causes which worketh divine effects, and a matter without compare for form, whose incomparable form maketh so rare a matter: were Aristotle here to divine his principio, or Plato to distinguish of his cause: they both would recant their blind oversight, and consorting them with me, commend my brave insight: look about Ganymede, and behold this goodly Theatrum of the heavens, praise the Skies with those glorious Lamps of thine, and overviewe the base earth, and tell me if either far or near, above or below: there be any thing of greater compare than unity.  
Séeste thou not what a heavenly harmony there is of celestial, reunited by great art to uphold a great charge, where nothing is superfluous, each one serveth orderly the other, the Sun imparteth her light to the Moon and Stars, the Moon and Stars with due proportion limiting times and seasons: bodies below governed by powers above: yea, there liveth not one person, but is guided by a Planet: one is crossed with adversity, he hath felt the fury of angry Saturn: another liveth pleasant, fast bound in wedlocks sacred bands: who doubteth whither juno hath showed her his favoritie, some fortunate in enterprises, some I account safe sholded with the majesty of jupiter, other some triumphant in the conquest of their Lady's loves: then erst our Venus flattered in her pride, and this is too manifest a pre-eminence over th'inferiors, to the end they might honour and love their superiors.  
Now let not Ganymede born on the earth, but nursed in the heavens: loved of the Gods for his beauty, but honoured among men for his deity, become unnatural, so goodly graced with all the ornaments of a divine nature: if neither the earth that bread thee can challenge any of her right, yet let the heavens that harbour thee, receive somewhat for their due: then least striving to become more than a God, thou prove less than a man: repugn not heaven and earth, least being an enemy to the one, thou prove odious to the other and less favourable to me, scarce acceptable to thyself: be not so strait laced Ganymede in thy conceit, nor have no self will which engendereth a self woe: carry in thy sweet body a sweet mind: content is greater riches than a Kingdom, and love nothing inferior to life: be as thou seemest, a God for beauty, and seem that thou oughtest, to be more than a God for thy bounty: imitate him, whose commands makes him thy master jupiter, and be not coy to thy mistress: accept the courtings of juno, the one shall enrich thee with great honours, the other honour thee with fortunate matches. Here would Cyane no doubt have continued a long content, had not Ganymede (turning to Venus) interrupted her process with this parlance.  
Believe me Venus, Cyane hath laid on load for her love, and hardly she galleth me for ingratitude: but concearning the beauty she treateth off, I neither yield the conceit, nor consent: but tell me Venus, is not Cyane a merry wench? it is but her custom Ganymede, and nothing strange among us Nymphs said Venus, to be pleasant.  
But tell me Venus (replied ganymed) are all Nymphs thus pleasant? yea, answered Venus, all pleasing Nymphs, of the which number now striveth Cyane to be one: and I allow her contention, if you allow it: Ladies (said the Boy) then must Ganymede needs like it, yet will I reserve a further sentence, till I hear further saying.  
Here Dorys because she saw Cyane interrupted, sitting in a greater muse, burst suddenly into these terms of purpose to raise mirth: Ganymede (said she) women men say, are of their first lovers passing coy, of their last passing curious: fear causing the first, love the latter: whither of these I witted not, Cyane is fallen into, so that if you suspense some censure, you deprive Cyane of her sense.  
Clymen another Nymph standing by, replied upon Dorys in this manner: not of sense, but of conceit: she hath done so superlative well, that I judge her wrapped into a second heaven.  
Cyane hearing them descanting thus on her plain song, to mar their music roused from her muse, and with a stern gesture, such as women use when they are waspish: thought to conclude her tenor in some discording tune, had not the house disagreeing on certain points, suddenly been dismissed, and they compelled by constraint to attend their Lady Goddesses, where I must leave them to their service, myself tied to their secrets: whom because I may not reveal, for that they belong to women, I will rest with Phoebus, and expect Aurora's glad appear.  
BY this had Titan ta'en his resty steeds, and traced them unto his Chariot, when Mercury the swift winged messenger saluteth him from the King of Gods after this manner.  
Fair Phoebus said he, from my Father jove I have to greet thee, and thus it is: he craveth thy presence to sit with him in Parliament: shall, said Apollo, then fair Terra be of her light be refte? not so (answered Hermes) for this day the heavens as erst with sable clouds shall over mantled he: so that thine absence is no miss to men, & yet as acceptable will it prove to the Gods: & to avoid Dame Tellus' distemperature, my Father will dispose a plot that best may fit their profit.  
Short tale to make, it was not long before that all address and betake them to their solemn counsels, whose decrees because they egress my purpose, they must exceed my pen, Qui supranos, nihil ad nos, Stars may be pointed at, but not pulled after: me list not treat of the secrets of Gods, being the mean of all men: nor intermeddle with the heavens, lest with the Typheonis I be overwhelmed in the earth: I had rather sit in the Sun with Irus, then rule the Sun with Phaeton: creep on the earth with the Ant, then soar in the heavens with Icarus: I leave the Capital too high for my capacity, and return to the great Chamber where are sitting my merry company, whom may I smoothly bring to this days end. I shall perform such a task as will glad me for ever.  
Dorys and Clymen have gotten them to a corner of the Chamber, as it should seem to talk of their late nights rest, or early mornings rising: Venus alone in a bay window was busy beholding the fair fruits of Flora, who in great bravery adorned a garden plot prospective in the Chamber lights: Cyane no sooner entered the presence, but she began to descant on the former days parlance, and with the very sight of the place renewed her old passions: Ganymede (his Lord young Ops, now newly entered the Capital, because he would not sit expecting the advent of his adherents) had no sooner recovered the Chamber, but pried for his companions, who that day were to hold the chat: and soothelye to say, had not Ganymede driven Cyane from her dumps, very mellenchollye of mind had brought her to her death: which sad comfort when Ganymede had well viewed, he fell immediately like a pretty wag into his old vain of wantonness: running in all the haste to Cyane, crying arm, arm, arm: Cyane half amazed, skipped suddenly from her seat, and Clymen with Dorys broke off their silent whispering, when Venus at his words began to turn from the window, seeking the author of this sudden alarm, who espying Ganymede encompassed with the company, with her silver voice refoundeth these words, the messengers of her conceit.  
In faith (Sir wag) come you so suddenly crying for arms? no doubt by that all have said, you will shame your art: be it with shame or honour Venus saith he, I will bring it all to end: Nyphe, Hyale, and Ramys, with all the rest of the Nymphs, being at the neither end of the Chamber, and beholding them convocated in a cluster, not unlike their former days order-mused much of the match, and drew something near to understand the matter, the which by divers circumstances having gathered sitting each by her fellow, expecting what would be the greeting: whose presence Ganymede beholding, fearing every one to cast in her verdict, which in his opinion seemed very vain, began with this caveat to give them all the canvas.  
Ladies said he, I being here elected as judge, adjudge on pain of my displeasure, no one Nymph open her lips to speak among this presence, except Dorys, Cyane, Clymen, and Venus, wherewith every Lady repast her laughter, demanding Ganymede to whom he would grant his leave: to Dorys answered Ganymede, wherefore speak Dorys be it but to win the praise. Dorys looking Ganymede steady in the face, beholding his countenance and the rest of her crew, between earnest and jest, shot forth her bolt in this or the like bent.  
Cyane in her yesterdays courtings, grounded her gracious love Ganymede on thy looks, measuring thy bounty, by thy beauty: but of a contrary censure frame I my fancy by thy fame: preferring thy wit before any other worthiness, my reasons in a word are these.  
The chaste Penelope chose not the great Lord of Ithica for his wealth, but his wisdom: nor Andromache, Hector for his valour, but his virtue: so took Sulpedia, Lentulus: and Hypperstria wedded the Philosopher Crates, infinite were examples, should I dwell in their repetition, being extant in wit, and tried by experience: I will not here enter in the discourse of wit, but leave you to suppose it greater than it is by conjecture, then find it less than it ought to be by trial: but this have I heard divers men say, being myself but a woman, that wit bewitcheth, when wealth wearieth: Invention and disposition Rhetoricians tell me, are two divers things by their divers rules, not so hard is the invention in getting, as the disposition in keeping when it is gotten: Kingdoms are easier conquered, then kept: and Lordships sooner purchased than love: one thing is cast away in a moment, that was not composed in a month: Troy was but a day burning, that was ten years conquering: the foolish fisherman that let the Eéele slip through his hand into the water, was not so glad of his taking up, as sorrowful for his sliding down: the gifts of fortune are transitory, tied to no time: the gifts of nature permanent, during in all times.  
I account it here no fault my ganymed to be beautiful, but a commendation to be witty: nor scorn I him that hath wealth, but honour him that is wise: wit will get wealth, but wealth shall never purchase wit: and yet both wit and wealth agree in the bravest sympathy: counsel maketh the meanest comely, but comeliness seldom or never counseleth: and yet comeliness where is good counsel, is a grace that giveth the bravest grace. I remember a Gentleman in my time moving an Italian question to an English Lover, referred him in his choice to the election of three changelings: the first a fair fool, the second a wise wanton, the third a crooked Saint: because of every one he hath discussed so well, I shame to say any thing except I could do better. Hyperchyon never strained his voice after he heard Orpheus play on his Harp: the Black-birde represseth her notes where the Nightingale sound out her lays: I could here recite to Ganymede, the commodities and pleasures reaped by the profit of wit, were not the repetition needless, being already known, and the knowledge manifest, taught by daily experience: what attempteth not wit? what causeth not wit? what offereth not wit? which discovereth the eminence of evils, and is a sovereign medicine to recure their maladies, trieth the secrets of Lady's thoughts, and entereth conqueror into their daintiest hearts. Agamemnon had a kingly grace, but Paris a courtely gesture: Ajax fought hard for Achilles' honours, but Ulysses pleaded better that got away his armour: why preferred Cornelia a poor Miller before a wealthy Miser: and Cyrca a bell to enchant many millions of men to dispel her enchantments, showing herself too much like a woman.  
Shall I tell Ganymede what the famous Epyrote Pyrrhus could do with his wit, and eloquence of Blundus, entitled Roma Triumphanta, do not deceive me, who saith, that this Pyrrhus was so eloquent and wise, that the man with whom once he had spoken, remained so much his, that from that time forward in his absence he took his part, and declared his life in presence: the said Blundus also saith, and Tytus livius affirmeth the same: that as the Romans' were of all things provided (seeing he was of so rare wit and eloquence) for him were they so provided, that no Roman Ambassador conferred in his presence, but by the mediation of a third person, otherwise he would so allure them with his sweet words, that they returned performing matters of little worth.  
And thereupon I conclude that Ganymede being witty, must be beloved of Ladies by constraint, and honoured of duty: So now Cyane affects Ganymede for his beauty, Dorys for his wit thy countenance making a breach (Ganymede) into Cyane's breast, thy wit working wonders in Dorys thoughts, if therefore Ganymede be beloved for his beauty, shall he be hated for his wit? if for his outward shadow, why not then for his outward virtue? for by that time beauty hath cast her Cards with indifferency, she shall want many an ace of wit.  
Here Dorys very earnest to have proceeded to her purpose, was interrupted by Clymen, with this merry process. Your wit Dorys is so good, that if we make you not to pause, you will make us pant: what, what now Dorys? wit whither wilt thou? ganymed to give C●●●●ns clause a close with this verdue, cast in his verdict: Dorys said he in wit, is a Doctor, who to prove me for wit singular, giveth us occasion to think Dorys for wit past compare: I would I were Dorys, so wise to find women's wiles, or my own weakness: then turning no further than led by reason, I need not for want of judgement incur such Lady's rage.  
Venus' perceiving Cyane all this time so mute, who erst was ever wont to be merry, thought by some pretty deceit, to have driven her from her pensive conceit, between mirth and game uttering this gloze: while you treat of wit, others talk of war: you are amid your mirth, but Cyane morns with melancholy: trust me the Lady either feeds on pills, or on displeasure, her taste seemeth so untoothsome: why how now Cyane? I pray you Lady what cheer?  
Cyane was stung with Venus' tale, and though at first she began to stand, yet bethinking herself better, she recovered her strength, & because none should know where the show wrong, but she that wore it, with this pretty gloze played on her game: I have fed Venus (said she) too rife on Dorys reasons, so sweet is her fruit as if she bore forth Figs: hereat Dorys thought to catch Cyane at the nick, requiting her courtesy with this pretty quip: Cyane (answered she) ever carrieth a sweet tooth in her head, and a sweet thought in her heart, beauty breeds no other, love as much.  
Here jupiter having been something earnest in certain causes discussed in the Capatal, suddenly rose from his seat, forsaking the Senate: the rest he commanded to tarry, because he would have further trial, leaving than alone to have a sight of his love: softly therefore descended he the Capital; and unawares stealeth down on the merry knot sitting in the great chamber, who beholding the little Senate of petty Nymphs and Damosels, bitten the lip in conceit, but by your leave changed countenance: for such was Venus' presence, that always moved Ioues patience: yet because his changing should be perceived of none, he entered a withdrawing Chamber by, not perceived of any, calling in all the haste to Ganymede: and the rest of the Nymphs being earnest in their discourse, gave little attendance to jupiters' intercourse, so that he passed by them into the chamber before he was seen or heard of any, but when the Boy had once heard the voice of his Lord, it was no time to will him high over the laps of his Ladies, but as if Aeolus drove him with the blast of his breath: so lightly forsook he his company and his bench.  
jupiter his page no sooner entered his presence, but began in these terms to salute his petty person. Sir wag (said he) you are amid the women when you should attend my will, beholding others braveries, but neglecting my business: I beseech you Sir, what Nymph was she that attended your right hand while I passed by the left.  
ganymed remembering it was Venus, and accordingly, informed his Lord, reporting her to be an attendant on Dyctymia. Venus (answered jupiter) have we been two days seeking Venus in the Capital, you having stolen her out to sport with you in the great Chamber? I thought (said he) her some rare parsonage being adorned with so rare perfections. high you therefore to the Senate, and tell the Gods (for this day) I adjourn the Session: Ganymede as was his Lordings message, hasted him to the Capital to inform them his masters mind: upon the hearing whereof, all the house rose seeking no further reason.  
By this the Debyan God had discharged his fiery courses, betaking him to the bower of his beloved Thetis, it was no time for Nymphs to chat of love, when their Mistress to stop their mouths, had abridged them of their leisure: they moreover poor souls so weary of their late nights overwatching, are so drowned in sleep, that there is not one waking: and for my part I so greatly tender a woman's ease, that rather than I would wake them, I will refuse mine art: a sweet smile kiss of a ladies sléepye lip, I account far greater treasure than a largesse at a mighty emperors hand: rest you therefore (sweet loves) secure, void of troubled thoughts, while I trouble others to conjecture of your sugared minds.  
NOw was it time when Cynthia forsaking her silver Orb, had left the whole Zone unto Apollo's charge giving leave to Zephyrus to provide for Aeolus' passage: the Nymphs now risen attend their Ladies call, and hasten forwards for their mistress quick dispatch: short tale to make, each entered the Capital, earnestly expect the coming of their King: I will here repeat the accidents happened with mighty jupiter, if any can entreat ganymed, I dare warrant my life he shall hear of much pretty sport: the boy and his Lord long ere this are supposed lost, and Gods grant it my fortune to pronounce them happy found.  
Saturnus soon after divers sport with the Paphlogoman youth his Page, now mindeth the Senate, and is entered the presence: whether no sooner come, but narrowly he prieth to have a sight of his new sweet heart Venus: what need I here to note jupiters' love, wherein none are ignorant, acquainted with his life, his close court, glorious glances, and pretty practices: I rather leave them to others, whose studies have made them familiar with his factions, then undertake the charge too chargeable for my fortunes: his truanting from Olympus, when more meeter he had been in the heavens: and metamorphoses of shapes, because he would not be known on earth: all these are better descried by the prying of juno, than the penning of a novice such as I, whose ears have never yet made me privy of such experience, nor whose experience ever attained such privities: but thus suppose, that if ever he loved any, he loved Venus, and Venus more than any: if ever he desired any he desired Venus, and my Venus desired he before any: if ever he metamorphosed himself for any, he metamorphosed himself for Venus, & for Venus was he more strangely metamorphosed than for any: if he feigned himself Aethra to obtain Calisto, now sought he a more maidenly shape than Aethraes to be conversant with my Venus: if in habit of diane he deceived the Nymph Nonacris, what shape sought he then think you to deceive even Phoebe herself? he entertained not so many golden Actions, when he begat the famous Porsey, as he did the golden thoughts at the view of his exceeding Venus.  
I dare not hold him long thus doting on his Goddess, least wanting in the Senate, I incur the hatred of the Gods and exercising Pentheyes contempt: I endure Pentheyes punishment. He passeth on now to parliament expected of his Peers, and my crew are now clustered intending their purpose: Ganymede hasteth Venus to undertake her promised charge, and giveth charge to the Ladies none interrupt Venus' hest. And now being silent, the royal crew of Carthage, the Ilyan stranger greeteth Dydo after this semblance.  
Lycurgus (said Venus) the Lacidimonians law giver, had never lived renowned in Greece, had not his laws observed, maintained the state of Greece, and himself in Greece framed his life correspondent to his laws, the law maker must be no Law breaker: and he that governeth others, is then more wise, when rightly he ordereth himself: infamous is that bird, that perverting the law of nature (as saith the old adage) defileth her own nest: what Pallamides had driven Ulysses from Greece, had not Tellemacus care revealed his Father's curse: and what Ganymede compelled Venus to display her imbecilities, had not Venus own sentence pronounced her repent follies. Pardon me Ladies and Ganymede excuse thy Venus, unwilling though I am to enter these unacquainted actions: the Painter feathereth not the Shaft, ne the Fletcher handleth not the pencil: who setteth the Ass to the Hare, or the Puttock to the Partridge: The stock of Grapegraftors tell me, suiteth not with the science of the Medlar: nor is the stalk of a Thorn natural for the graff of a Pippin: the Gillyflower twice set, groweth double by art, when simply sown, she springeth single by nature: long is it or the Mastie be taught to retrieve the Partridge, or the Hound of the Kitchen, to maintain chase after the Hare.  
I shall but deceive you (sweet Nymphs) that expect matters of strange compare from Venus, when strange it is any matter at all should distill the wits of Venus: if you would Ulysses wit, search Homer's tomes: if Aeneas valiant acts, read learned Maro's Aeneads Galen: shall give his goods, justinian honours, and love who seeks, let him search the ancient house of proud Halyan sulmo.  
But I hear these Ladies say that Venus prescribed an edict, but will you tie me to necessity? then is your law (Ladies) without law, because grounded on necessity: yet hearken fair Nymphs, Venus shall not be coy without a cause: nor having cause, contend to be curious: if you have vouchsafed of courtesy to undertake Venus' motions, Venus for your sake shall strain all her veins, either for an apology, or an apostasy.  
ganymed must be courted say you, and Venus saith Ganymede, and none other must court him: shall I injury Ganymede of his love, or these Ladies of their praises? no, Ganymede shall participate of my love, but to satisfy his list and these Ladies, my reasons be it to yield them their rights.  
Oh how well spoke Cyane, (Ganymede) in praise of thy beauty, and how eloquent Dorys in commendations of thy wit: the first an argument of great force in Lady's minds, the latter a rare spectacie in women's manners: both these so excellent, concluding their arguments, that shame will it be to me in showing my art.  
Shall I like Apelles boy seeking to mend the Nose, mare the Face: or the foolish Fletcher exceeding my bounds, deface the form of my bolt: O how rude shall Venus' reasons seem, among those propositions of Dorys and Cyane, yea Cyane's beauty (Venus will imblasen thy deformetie: and Dorys wit, discover thy follies.  
Yet Nymphs and sweet Ganymede, pardon me, and regard my necessity: if Venus wanton wander it is but for necessity: if she digress, necessity: if she err necessity: whatsoever Venus doth, none doth excuse her, and accuse necessity: but such burden pleaseth these Nymphs to oppose on Venus. Ganymedes beauty I both admire and love, and cannot indeed indifferently praise it, his wit, I reverence and adore: and cannot rightly commend it, all things in Ganymede excelling Venus' skill: and Venus skill too base to undertake Ganymedes bravery, unless some Dorys or Cyane vouchsafe him their censures. But Venus must speak, and what speaketh Venus (Ladies) but your praises? whose wit so rare in defining Ganymede, have edified you, and eternised Ganymede.  
Had Bellerophon left labour after conquest of the Chymery, or left him quiet after conquest of the Solynye: Perseus Palfreye had not been his poison, ne the exercising Pelagus lines prized so dear, as with the loss of Bellerophon's life. Ah me unhappy Venus, that necessity being void of law, should tie me to the performance of a law: and soaring beyond my point, fall to my utter perdition.  
If I love Ganymede, I must praise Ganymede: if I praise Ganymede, then for his perfection must I praise Ganymede: perfecter may Ganymede then beauty can make him, what is then left Venus (unhappy Venus) wherein Ganymede to praise thee, when Dorys and Cyane have in all parts so bravely emblazoned thy praises?  
In all things there is but good, and bad: right, and wrong: little, or great: but bethink thee Venus. Aristotle as said Cyane, treating de principiis, declareth them three: and tully de locis deliberatinis, other three: honestum, utile and possibile: under utile (Ganymede) I contain thy beauty, honestum thy wit: but whither wilt thou wander Venus, for thy possibile? Aristotle saith in his Ethics, that in all things divisible, there is something more, something less, something equal: more or less, what can there be then beauty and wit? or of greater equality?  
But Marcus speaketh of a mediocratie, and that will he have his virtue.  
Well found indeed Venus, thy virtue Ganymede bears away the bell, thy beauty either with the summers Sun is scorched, or the Winter's storm blasted: thy wit, age weakeneth, or sickness preiudiceth: thy virtue (Ganymede) neither the force of Phoebus' parching rays can enter, nor Brumaies foggy moisture attaint: which like the Cedars in Etla never rot, or the Daphnean Laurel never whither: keepeth with the pure civet his sweet favour, and the tried Adamant, his perpetual hardness.  
What maketh men on the earth famous, in their graves glorious, in the heavens immortal? but virtue. This made Caesar a mighty Emperor on earth, honoured for a God in heaven, eternised Scipio for a Saint, and that invincible alsydes worthily woorshiped under title of an heavenly Heroes.  
Glad am I Ganymede although occurrent with these Nymphs, I yet find some argument at the lest something discrepant from these Nymphs wherein I confess I shall but aver your reasons (Ladies) though exercise mine own wits: wit said I, too mean (fair Sisters) to be inserted in your disputations, and too base metal Ganymede, to incorporate with thy divine matter: whose natural proclinitie approveth my disputation unnatural Sophistry: yet Ganymede is my love, nothing less than these my Sisters, though my beauty be inferior, my desire is as great: though my wit be so green, all that I can say is virtue the handmaiden of the Gods, and sole mistress of men: virtue (Ganymede) which beautifieth thy beauty, and covereth thy rare wit to an absolute wisdom, directeth thy course in this life, adopting it to be a further life.  
What, shall I show thee the necessity hereof to th'attaining the summum bonum of Cicero, or the absolute pathway to the felicity of Aristotle: all these are better known by the writings of learned men, than the assertions of an effeminate woman: better taught the ignorant by experience, than the learned by reading: so amply every way, that I cannot with indifferency commend it any way, for if he have known any thing: who can conceal this from Ganymede? if he have read any thing, what is after viewed by Ganymede?  
By this I hope Ganymede conceiving good opinion of my love, will yield me for a favour, one jot of good liking: and though I cannot challenge nothing by desert, yet bestow one favour of Venus of alms: which if ganymed of favour, and these Nymphs of pity shall grant: Venus, will do homage to these Nymphs, and report Ganymede only gracious. but,  
Yea but (said Ganymede) and none but Venus hath hit the butt and the white: Clymen shall keep her reasons close.  
And for that close (said Clymen) I bequeath ganymed content, thanks and prayers to Ganymede, that so prudent hath discharged the disgrace of Clymen.  
No disgrace Clymen, said Ganymede, but a dismission, knowing your sufficiency such, as better can answer learned arguments, and easier argue in greater exercises. As for this task, I think it so fully performed, that attend these Nymphs my sentence: only Venus carries away my censures.  
If any thing in this my judgement more than reason, or less than wit, displease these pleasing Goddesses: I fly no farther for favour then the limits of your fancies, whose urgent opportunity, have offered this thankless opportunity: but sithence you have annexed to my love a lot: making my words oracles, and my saying a sentence: I will with one lip you pronounce Venus my love, striving no farther for mastery, but accept her for mistress: here with so sweet consent possessed these ladies contents, that with full voice they cried all Venus, Venus, Venus.  
Now roused horned Hamon from his Chair of state, and at the name of Venus all the Senate stood, thinking the late exiled aduldresse had approached maugre their deities, to exhybite her appeal: the caster of the fearful lightnings, storms, and thundereth deadly inward sighs, and threats as if Lycaon were to sustain new sentence for his sin: or the earth bread his thundenboltes in revenge of their boldness: the very sight amazed the Senate that saw him carry terror in his brows, a secret silence passed through the house, and jove that storming expected strange news remembreth now Ganymedes exercise, and Venus' name.  
Now hath jupiter peace in his heart, mirth in his countenanre, love in his mind: the Gods smile to see their king so pleasant, and the whole synod as it were sung for joy to behold him so merry: he beckeneth forthwith to the lovely Son Maya, sending him into the great Chamber with this message, that Ganymede should present him with his Venus to quiet his mind, and the others variance.  
The Gods which yet knew not jupiters' mind, looked strangely on jupiters' message: but hearing Iou● treat of a conclusion to their variance, they were all willing to welcome Ganymedes Venus: thus being earnest fixed the eyes of every person: Ganymede after this manner bringeth in his present.  
first entered Hermes with a stately pace, as if he manned Bryseis to her Virgin's bowers: then issued on the gallant Ganymede, a Laurel wreath within one hand, his love fast by the other: then all the Nymphs her fellows within whose hands sweet Olive palms they bear, as if they then attend Dyana to chase, walking along the sweet Thessalyan Plains: or else the Muses travailing Helicon, when they met the adulterous Thracian Fyrew.  
How might I hear depainte Venus praise, or declare the delight taken in her presence, such as have felt the full excess of joy shall decide this doubt, whom I make my judges.  
jupiter commands his Page to declare the order of their pastime: and controlled their vanities, that made such outcry on Venus.  
ganymed describeth his Lord the whole circumstance of their jesting, and said Venus' virtue had merited a judgement, desiring the whole house if he had made a sin, without further pause to revoke his passed sentence.  
What should I write here the wonder of the Gods and Goddesses gathering by Ganymedes talk such hope of Venus' graces: I refer you to the sequel, how regarding her absolute virtues the whole house pronounced a second sentence, redoubling Venus, Venus, V●●●● The ruler of the Welkin secretly triumphs to see his purpose sort of good effect: commanding Latona and his wedded Sister t'advance the Nymph, into the exiles throne, calling for the box of sacred Oil, wherewith he annointes the Lady Queen of love: and having placed the diadem on her head: giveth her three blessings with his holy hand, and as his fingers compassed her temples, so his lips at every bless uttered these tunes, vivat Venus, vivat Venus, vivat Venus.,,  
Now is the house dismissed, the Parliament ended, and for I dare not meddle with the order of Venus' enstalement: I will write you something of their progress from the Parliament, such as the shortness of my wit will suffer, or slenderness of my pen permit.  
TRyton with his Trumpet soundeth a retreat, proceeding in a manner a solemn march: next Mercury, who on his shoulders bore a golden mace enchased with glorious Pearl: then Venus, my Venus on whose right hand did attend fair Ganymede, and love- Cupid led her by the other, whose train the chaste Dyana scorned not to bear: then jove was next with juno in his hand, Apollo then with Pallas arm in arm, Berecynthia, Mars, Neptune, Vulcan and the rest, in seemly order marched two and two: so did the nymphs attendants on the train.  
And I that sitting, mused at this divine and holy train: and when all were gone and passed, arose and departed, and vowed ever to honour Venus.  
FINIS.  
Deficiliaque Pulchra.