MODERATUS, The most delectable & famous History of the BLACK Knight:  

THe famous City of Florence besieged by the warlike Goths, and ransacked: PERDURATUS the noble Governor thereof with the fair FLAMINIA his loving spouse, and their young son MODERATUS escape the hands of the cruel soldiers: their adventures in the wilderness of Apennineses: and Duke DEVASCO his courteous entertainment unto them in Albigena.  
Chap. 1.  
AFter that the bloodsucking surdes of the warlike and victorious Goths, had (with wreckful revenge) finished their long siege to the mighty city of Florence, the very flower and beauty of all Hetruria: the valiant Perduratus, than Lord and Governor thereof, accompanied with his sorrowful wife Flaminia and his young son Moderatus, pressed in despite of the merciless foes unto the fields thereunto adjacent. And albeit the beautiful Phoebus had (for very pity) hidden his bright and shining countenance, under the dark veil of Dame Nox her cloudy mantel, yet the scorching flames of fired buildings, like a bright and Sunny day, so directed their course through that ruinous and vastefull carcase (sometimes) of a well-fortified City, that it assured them more danger to their persons, in discovering their present escapes, than the benefit thereof being effected, could promise them comfort.  
Perduratus, his distressed and loving spouse Flaminia and innocent Moderatus, by the time Aurora was ready to welcome her best beloved Titan, showing forth her blushing countenance with a kind of modest shamefastness so to be discovered, having escaped the danger of their wrathful enemies, sorrowfully parting with their careful country: yet rather rejoicing so to be sorrowful, (having avoided so imminent a prejudice) then to become Slaves and Uassalles to those cruel and barbarous people. And when they had thus past the bounds of Hetruria, they traveled with greater ease and less care, yet very pensive to be exempt of such cares, and so to be eased, as counting them happy that had valiantly sold their lives in defence of their country and common wealth, who breathing their last, (having their speares-point in their enemies bosom) lived honourably, and died valiantly: whose lives were as full of virtues as their deaths were of valour. Afflicted thus with triple griefs, that he lived after so many worthy and resolute men, he wandered certain days in the deserts of Liguria, yet nothing dismayed with these land Alarms of cruel Fortune, setting her at defiance with Bias, as knowing her mutable weakness to be unable to rob him of his patience, which was a strong tower against her bitter frowns. For even as a dwarf standing upon the battlements of the highest Tower, is but of a small stature: and a Giant in the depth of a dungeon, is of a huge bigness: So a wise man, in what change soever of Fortune, is ever the same. Thus not greatly weighing his own misfortunes, being so well experienced in worldly accidents, that he knew the highest type of dignity (sometimes) to be the first step to a perduring misery: but nevertheless marvelous sorrowful and heavy, for his faithful spouse and loving infant, who unacquainted with such hard travels, and not so animated by nature as he, to sustain the weltering waves of such desperate accidents, were now become very weak and feeble, greatly distressed for want of relief: and their distress procuring his unmeasurable woe, his woe their despair, their despair his provident care to provide for their safety, supposing it a greater policy to dissemble his own grief, thereby to mollify the extremity of their violent passions, then by any further relation of his miseries, to aggravate the same. Therefore as the shellfish Echinus, perceiving a tempest at hand, doth balist and load himself with the sands, to avoid the danger of the storm: so he purposed not only to arm himself with patience, to abide the brunt of this shower: but also with the precepts of philosophy to exhort them to the same: assaying, aswell with his eloquence, to win them from desperation (whereby to lighten the burden of their miserable calamities) as earl● with his invincible and strong arm, he had saved them from destruction, maugre the wrathful and bloody foes.  
The mount Apenninus (which now they had recovered) being thus filled with the Echoes of their dolorous complaints, metaphysically as it seemed, (moved thereunto with a kind of pity) repeated again their sorrows in such wise, that the sound thereof redoubling in the air, could have resolved a tyrant his stony breast to compassion, and a heart made of flint, unto tears. These mirrors of patiented and confident minds, though off-castes of Fortune, having worn out many days wrapped in this intricate labyrinth, wishing rather for death to determine their hard destinies, then for any longer time to live to increase their infortunate miseries. janus double faced daughter now cloyed with their calamities, began to flatter them a little, turning her late frowns unto smiles, her storms unto calms, clearing her cloudy countenance with a fresh preparative of some better success, & covering the furrows of her angry forehead, with a smooth promise of some present relief. For thus it fell out: the noble Florentine, seeing no other refuge left, armed himself with the best weapons he had, and leaving his wife & child at a point to famish for hunger in a very pleasant grove in the wilderness of Apenninus near the Tuscan sea, he posted up & down the Forest to seek some victuals, to relent and assuage the greedy desire of their perishing and hungry jaws: and in the end wearied with travel, and missing of his purpose, calling to memory the multitude of his misfortunes, he began with doleful complaints to breath into the air, the sum of all his miseries.  
Not far hence, the great City Albigena stood in the very nook between the Tuscan sea and this Forest, wherein the noble Duke Devasco (who was Prince and Governor over this country of Liguria) seated his Princely habitation, a man very virtuous and endued with great wealth, being no less a Croesus then a Numa, who at this time together with certain of his nobles were a hunting in this forest, where the afflicted Perduratus lay thus wrapped in his immoderate passions: and this noble Duke being now in hot pursuit of his game, & singled from all his train, hearing a very pitiful noise, drew near the place, where this perplexed Perduratus began to renew his former complaints, in this manner.  
As wretched and unfortunate Perduratus, the very Map of all misery, and a perfect mirror of Fortune's merciless mutability: the dying shape of life, and the living shadow of death. Oh cruel Sisters, why do you spare him life, who, in possessing the same, endures ten times more torment than death itself? and in being deprived thereof, should enjoy life: if it may be called a life, to be rid of a multitude of miserable calamities, and ever-increasing torments? Oh wasteful and destroyed Florence (sometimes my dear country) which, with these eyes in a small moment of time, I have seen both gallantly flourishing, and also desperately perishing: lament the loss of thy faithful Lord, and repeat, O ye wracked walls thereof to our posterities, the valiant and constant resolution of thy late happy, but now most miserable Governor: who, had he not respected with tender care, the loss of his loving spouse and dear child, would rather with his dearest blood have kept Obiit to the happy ghosts of his slaughtered friends, then by avoiding the danger of death, prolong his own Martyrdom. Ah, but while I bewail thus my hard Fortunes, my distressed charge expecting my relief, are so pinched with penury, that there is scant any hope left of their recovery: wherefore, it is high time I make great haste, to lend them some succour: and therewithal hastening his uncertain and wandering steps to seek some adventures, he was intercepted of the renowned Duke of Albigena, who all this while (unknown unto him) gave very attentive ear to all his dolorous complaints, whose heart being melted with pity, for pure compassion of their miseries, drew nearer the afflicted Florentine, and with very kind and gentle speeches, ministered a comfortable confection to his queasy and half spent stomach, promising relief to repair his wrack, and inquiring for his wife and child whereby to lend them some succour also.  
Perplexed Perduratus starting up with these sudden speeches, like a man awaking from a fearful dream, perceiving his complaints to be overheard, and his misery understood, having well noted the comfortable and tender speeches of Devalco, greatly admiring the rare courtesy of the noble Duke, his heroical heart swelling with inflamed grief, sent up such gusts of unquenchable heat, that it died his cheeks with fair vermilion, trembling like the fearful do, after long pursuit having escaped the snatching jaws of the yealping hounds: yet perceiving himself to be now free from danger, and in good hope of relief, he plucked up his half spent heart, being lately entertained with new recovered hope: and then with humble and low reverence he returned him this salutation.  
O worthy and renowned viceroy, the very lantern of true and perfect nobility, for that the Title of Honour is always underpropped with compassion and bounty: is it possible that any human creature is permitted to know and relieve my adversity? or am I in a dream, supposing with my frivolous wishes the shadow to be a substance? can any hope be left to a man so infortunate? or shall I perish, notwithstanding this comfort? O ye heavens that erst did repine at my prosperity, and with your frowning revenge have brought me to this low Ebb, have you at last (wearied with my restless mishaps) pitied my martyrdom, and vouchsafed to send some intermission to my griefs? or else minded to aggravate my pain, have intruded this fallible illusion to my sight, to feed me with a little vain hope? but nevertheless howsoever I be deluded by the injurious destinies, vouchsafe (O noble Knight) to let me know, to whom I shall offer and attribute the honour of so rare and worthy a courtesy, whose virtuous mind is replenished with so great a commiseration of my wretched estate: and also lest in not knowing thee, I should omit some of the duty that belonged to thy person: and if my ignorance already hath procured a defect, I am in good hope my submission shall merit a pardon. And to satisfy your desire of beholding that lamentable spectacle, and perfect map of all calamity, (I mean my wife and child, I will no longer prolong your pleasure therein, nor defer the good opportunity offered to secure those perishing innocents, in whose health and safety doth consist my welfare.  
Devasco made it not coy to tell him who he was, and to assure him of his friendly comfort: whereupon Perduratus lifting up his hands and eyes to the heavens, devoutly thanked the gods, that had so happily brought him unto this place, to be relieved by so gentle and kind a Friend, whose virtuous and bountiful disposition, was not obscure in any one corner of all Italy. Thus his Orisons being ended, and humble thanks returned to the noble Duke, he hastened to find his wife and child again, and being followed of the noble Devasco, in the end he came to the grove where he had left them, by the sound of Flamineas voice, who, to comfort her child, at a point to famish for want of food, in stead of toothsome meat, she dandled him on her knee, and to lull him asleep, she warbled out this mournful ensuing ditty:  

WHat Fortune so fell doth foster my fall,  
what heaps of grief do grow:  
The hope of my stay, is causer I say,  
to aggravate my woe.  
Sing lullaby, lully, lullaby,  
sing lulla, lull, lully.   

Lullaby, lully to rest thee, sweet child,  
with sleep dear child rest thee:  
It doubles my pain, I still do complain,  
if thou be reft from me.  
Sing lullaby, lully, lullaby,  
sing lulla lull lully.   

Sith fate is so fell, we can not possess,  
the soil which us did rear:  
Haste Atropos, haste, my twist for to waste,  
to end tormenting fear.  
Sing lullaby, lully, lullaby,  
sing lulla, lull, lully.   

Thy danger, sweet Infant, makes me to moon,  
and living thus, to die:  
If so it be priest from thy dying breast,  
my vital breath shall fly.  
Sing lullaby, lully, lullaby,  
sing lulla, lull, lully.   
Flaminea breathed out this Madrigale with such mournful melody, that the very dead blocks and senseless trees could not choose but be moved with ruth, the worthy Ligurian Prince therewith feeling in his breast palpable appearance of unaccustomed grief, rushed through a very thick grove, that detained them from the sight of that distressed Lady: and having taken a curious survey of this Semi-goddesse, he supposed her more than human, albeit her beauty was very much impaired with her tormenting agony: her little child was by this lulled asleep, his Amber-curled locks partly hiding his beautiful visage so shined (when as Phoebus delighted with his lively beauty stole a look thereof, through the green boughs of that pleasant thicket) that it dazzled the eyes of the beholders with reflecting beams from this glorious object. Devasco astonished with the sight of their superficial beauties, remained in such a trance, as if with Perseus' shield he had been turned into a stone.  
And while the Duke thus confused in mind, beheld this rare spectacle, and wonderful stratagem of Fortune, (not able for very pure compassion, to refrain himself from shedding abundance of tears) Perduratus applied himself to acquaint Flaminea with the bountiful promise of this royal Prince, to repair the downfall of their sliding estate, the excellency of whose virtuous and bountiful mind, he highly commended, and stirred her with thanks to remunerate the same: who driven to an ecstasy for joy of this unexpected hope, duty compelling her to obey her husband's will, & reason instructing her to requite liberal promises with thankful words: & deeds, with diligent endeavour to counterpoise the same with the like, though ability wanted to make any other satisfaction, wherefore she addressed her speech unto him in this manner.  
O worthy Prince, that on the afflicted and poor remain of Florence dost vouchsafe to show such tender mercy and compassion, that otherwise were left destitute and comfortless of all relief: though no one of all our stock (whose fames, through the malice of Fortune, is hereafter for ever like to be committed to the book of oblivion, being now brought from wealthy and rich Citizens, either to their graves: or living, to be poor and banished abjects) be ever able to make any recompense, for this your incomparable kindness extended unto us, yet the Almighty powers (if there be any reward of pity, and regard of justice amongst them) will, I doubt not, gratify so noble a deed. O my virtuous and bountiful Lord, fortunate are the parents that brought forth such a fruitful crop: happy is that Climate under the which so rare a wight hath his being: and ten times more happy the soil governed and ruled by such a merciful and loving Prince, whose lively fame shall be a mirror to our posterities, of worthy exploits and honourable virtues. The Duke admiring no less at her wisdom, then erst he had done at her beauty, was very much disquieted, when he weighed the hard Fortune of such worthy persons, whose despair to recomfort he thus intendeth.  
Infortunate Florentines, (if such rare personages, being the ornaments of all virtuous disposition, may be called infortunate, how soever maligned by Fortune, and brought to the highest flood of sorrow, and lowest ebb of joy) comfort yourselves, in that you have already tasted the greatest extremity of Fortune's malice, which will be a pleasure unto you, to repeat amongst your friends another day: wherefore, say with Aeneas, Olim haec meminisse iwabit: for what sweetness is in prosperity to a man that never hath tasted adversity, or what joy can be pleasing to him that never knew any sorrow? consider this, and shake off your heaviness: you shall be heartily welcome to the best entertainment I can afford: for I have tasted myself of some, though not so great calamities, & have learned by proof of mine own pain, to commiserate the extremities of others misfortunes. Your lack shall be relieved, and your want supplied: banish despair, and pluck up your hearts: for now we will make haste to meet my company, who are scattered with hunting in this forest, that we may return to my palace, to refresh your wearied travels. Wherewith Devasco concluded his speech, and sorrow being banished, they were joyful and glad on all hands: the noble Prince, for that so good an opportunity was offered him to entertain such worthy (though distressed) guests, having the Laws of Hospitality in so great estimation, that he held it to be the greatest point of honourable virtues, to relieve the needy and distressed, of what degree soever: much rather those, who were the lively mirrors of noble minds. And on the other side, the afflicted Florentines rejoicing in their good hap, having lighted upon so sovereign a salve to their bleeding sores. And having deliberated upon the matter so far that they were ready for that time to departed, the Duke's train having miss their Lord, had sought him very narrowly, and now espying him in the company of strangers, and drawing towards the evening, they offered their service, according unto their duty, unto him, whereupon they all returned to Albigena, taking with them the distressed Florentines: the Duke commanding all his subjects, to use them with no less courtesy, then if they had been their own natural countrymen: and commending in special unto the Duchess, the Lady Flaminia, and her young son Moderatus: whom the virtuous Verosa, for so the Duchess was called, cherished very lovingly, much delighting to toy with this pretty little wanton, having also in good regard the modest and civil conversation of the Lady Flaminia his mother, and therefore made her Tutrix to her own only daughter, the beautiful young Florida: and the Duke also, having found the Counsel of Perduratus to be both grave and wise, replenished as well with politic and civil invention, as peremptory and stout resolution, called him to be high Steward of his Province very shortly, wherein he so well behaved himself, that he was greatly honoured for his clemency, feared for his authority, and generally favoured and loved of all.   

The Lady FLAMINIA delivered of a fair daughter, whom the Duchess DEVASCO christened, and named VEROSA: FLORIDA, the beautiful daughter of the Duke, educated by the virtuous FLAMINEA, prospereth therein.  
Chap. 2.  
ANd to increase the good hap of these new revived Florentines, dissembling Fortune enriched them with a goodly daughter, which the Duchess christened, and called after her own name, who was the flower of beauty, and the very pride of Nature, in whom she had showed the whole excellency of her skill. The parents rejoicing in the Infant that was so lovely and amiable, brought her up with great care and diligence, omitting no travel or charges that might bring her to any perfection of knowledge, or instruction of virtuous living: in so much, that as she grew in years, so she increased in virtue and knowledge, that the excellent bounty of her mind, was nothing inferior to the rare beauty of her body. Moderatus by this time being well grown in years, instructed both in Philosophy, and Martial discipline, so far excelled all of his time therein, as Phoebus entering into the Crancke, and ascending in his fiery chariot to the highest Sphere, surpasseth in brightness the least ranging Star in the firmament: for to recreate himself from his book, he bestowed his time in exercising feats of Arms, and wearied therewith, returned to his study again.  
Now leave we these jolly Imps, thus flourishing under their parents conduct, and let us see how well the fair Florida the Duke's daughter, goeth forwards under the government of the virtuous Flaminia, who being now past the years of correction, and therefore minding somewhat to follow the humour of her high and lofty mind, (being an insolent Naturaliste) thinking with the ripeness of her years to shake off a Pupils bondage, began to pick her peacocks plumes, and to feather her thoughts with the wings of aspiring desire: for whereas before (by the direction of her virtuous tutrix) she was continually busied in some good exercise, now being come to years of discretion, it was allowed unto her to be her own guide, whose chiefest care was then, to learn to court it with the stateliest, to deck and attire her body with the bravest, & to advance herself in behaviour with the proudest: and where Nature was halting in perfection, she furnished it with art: and where art was defective, she braved it with a countenance full of Majesty: so that throughout all the Duke's Court, her beck was a command to be obeyed: her look, a Law to be fulfilled: and her words, an Oracle to be observed: yet politicly using such reverence to her Parents, who so well liked and allowed of her doings, that they construed all to the best. And so others, either not daring the contrary, or else by reason of the good opinion they had of the Duke's virtue, followed him in outward show of opinion touching his daughter, in so much that she was spoken of throughout all the country, and the confines thereof, that the meanest shepherds in all those borders, had nothing so rife in their mouths, as the beauty of Florida, and continually with their Pastoral music sung Roundelays of her praises.   

PRISCUS (the son and heir apparent of LOTHUS King of Aemulia) upon the fame and report of the surpassing beauty of the Lady FLORIDA, privily conveying himself in disguised sort from his father's Court, became attendant to noble Devascp: The rare friendship between him and MODERATUS, and his success in his amours with FLORIDA.  
Chap. 3.  
AT this time reigned in Aemulia the mighty Lothus, a King of high renown, whose puissance was greatly feared of all his neighbour Princes, and especially of the Prince of Liguria, the confines whereof, bordering upon his kingdom of Aemulia, he had often sacked and spoiled: & therefore great enmity and hatred remained between them. This Lothus had a son and heir apparent, whose name was Priscus, a man very virtuous & wise, who greatly abhorring his father's tirrannies, had more mind to walk the pleasant groves in the field, to hear the musical birds displaying their sweet notes of heavenly harmony, then to flatter and fawn in the Court, and lend his ears to the enchanting sorceries of poisoned sycophants, the fruit of whose sweet speeches, is in operation more bitter than gall. And being thus devoted, one day amongst many other times, attired in the habit of a homely swain, he posted to the plains, & there frequented himself amongst the shepherds of his country, of purpose to delight himself with their rude manners, & rustical phrase of speaking, where he chanced to light on a strange shepherd, lately come from the downs of Liguria, and now had seated himself amongst these Country swains: who sitting with the rest of his companions under a broad Beech tree, the hanging boughs whereof shadowed and shrouded them from the great heat of the Sun, feasted themselves with such homely cates, as the stock of their poor flocks afforded them. Priscus espying them close at their victuals, thought no better time to offer himself unto their society, then at this present: wherefore, he stepped unto them, and saluted them after the best manner he could: & being taken for one of their fraternity, he was willed to sit down amongst them, which willingly he did, and to cloak his determination, he counterfeited homely behaviours as well as he could, taking part of their simple repast, which being ended, they all fell a singing of catches and Roundelays, some breathing forth Madrigals of love, to feel the humour of their sweet hearts, who were there also handsomely tucked up in their holiday petticoats and grey freeze rugs: for that day they used to solemnize their feasts, in honour of the rural god Pan. And therefore with all reverence they applied themselves for the time to their pastimes: and one began to sing, and the rest followed him in order, till his turn came, that was lately there arrived from the Ligurian downs, who also omitted not his time: for, quoth he, to satisfy your expectations, I will sing you a song, made by a Courtier of Duke Devascos' train, in the praise of the fair Florida his daughter: whereupon he played upon a flute he had, and chanted out this ensuing ditty:  
CAliope assist my quill,  
With Sisters three lend me the skill,  
Your aid I crave, I want the same,  
For to describe this peerless Dame:  
Who is the flower of beauties train,  
Which Nature made herself to stain,  
Her azure veins on forehead hie,  
Do shine so bright as Crystal sky,  
Her Amber hairs with wires of gold,  
Trimmed in good order to behold.  
Her eyes beneath her brows do shine,  
Which do entrap the gazer's eyen.  
Her Visage shows like Roses clear,  
Where red on white seems to appear.  
Her nose so comely set between,  
Where excellency may well be seen.  
Her cherry lips so soft and sweet,  
Her teeth within so white and meet.  
Her dimpled chin so round and bright,  
Might well entice a mortfied wight,  
Her neck the pillar of this Peer,  
With skin so white, and veins so clear,  
Upholds a wonder to the eye,  
Excelling nature's purity.  
Her Arms, two branches of the vine,  
Where nothing else but beauty shine.  
Her shoulders been the root, I trow,  
Whereof these branches fine do grow.  
Two bosses shine in silver breast,  
Nothing inferior to the rest.  
They be the hills which do invite,  
Gay Venus' darlings to delight.  
On either side is finely dight,  
Like armored scales shining bright.  
Two rows of Ribs so even and just,  
That when one moves, the other must.  
Next unto this, the Waste so small,  
Beneath her stately breast doth fall,  
That with a span might there be found,  
The compass of her middle round.  
Beneath the hill, fair Adon's hill,  
Whereof in Ida he did swill.  
The pleasure sweet of loves desire,  
Too rare to be a mould of mire.  
Next unto this the sum of all,  
Which as I ought, I dare not call.  
A seal of Virgin wax at hand,  
Without impression there doth stand:  
Then thighs so fine, and smooth as jet,  
Between the which a way is set,  
Of either side as soft as down,  
The ready path to high renown.  
Her knee so knitting leg and thigh,  
Like Scalap-shell of Azure sky,  
Doth double beauty join we see,  
Which Venus moves to jealousy.  
The Kaulfe even rising just between,  
The gartering place and small is seen,  
As pointed Diamond Ankle bright,  
Like drops of dew on Roses white.  
Her press so soft with foot so fine,  
That where she goeth scant grass do twine.  
Thus have I framed her parts in kind,  
And yet the chief is left behind.  
Which last I left, though it be least,  
Yet for memorial to the rest.  
Her hand is it, her hand in sight,  
The glistering glass of beauty bright.  
Her lily hands each looker pains,  
Embroidered with azure veins,  
By art such works did never pass,  
Unless her hand a sample was.  
Her pebble fingers long and small,  
Tipte with ivory beauties call,  
Shined so bright as Titan's rays,  
My pen wants skill to paint her praise,  
The beauty of this peerless piece,  
Surpasseth far the Queen of Greece,  
Whose countenace and Majesty,  
Doth rule the stern above the sky.  
Yet courteous, modest with distain,  
That every rolling eye doth pain.  
Her lofty thoughts and high desire,  
Are never moved with fancy's fire.  
Who so hath seen, let him repent,  
Who never her viewed, may well prevent.  
For hope deceives each one that proves,  
In such a soil to plant their loves.  
THus the shepherd ended his song, whereat the young Prince was very much perplexed, hearing this Saint so much commended: the report of whose beauty had before this time made a great breach in his mind, being unable to resist the rebellious alarms of fire-burning love: and boiling in fervency of desire, with such conceits, as his new thoughts presented unto him, continually meditating with himself how to compass the sum of his desire: which was wholly to bestow his time in the service of this Semi-goddesse, to obtain the which, (by reason of the enmity between the King his Father and Devasco) seemed unto him a labour so endless, as with Dedalus to search out the bottom of the Labyrinth, or to roll the stone with Sisyphus: wherefore he was so quatted in his former determination, that Venus had lost one champion, had not the fiery God so boiled his senses in the furnace of fancy, that he was perforce constrained to yield unto affection. And breathing thus he fed himself with hope that opprtunitie would be a good plea in this suit, soothing his own vain and foolish humour, with such frivolous circumstances, and fond devices of his new troubled brain, that he weighed the danger (though never so desperate) but small: and the enterprise (though never so great) but mean, to have once a sight of this rare Saint, counting it a life to die in the demand of such a jewel, and an honour to bestow the flower of his youth in the service of such a peerless Paragon: Wherefore, resting upon this conclusive Period, first, he breathed forth many scalding sighs for sacrifice unto Venus: and many bitter tears for offerings unto Cupid, to be Mediators to further his new entertained fancies, and therewithal taking his leave of all the boun companions, and gentle swains, leaving them to their pastimes, he bequeathed himself to his passions: for in his return from the plains to his Father's Palace (making no great haste to come where he might be known, before it should be late in the evening, lest he should be descried in those homely attires) he began to toss in his brain many odd shifts to effect his purpose, the fervency of his affection ministering unto him a thousand devices to put this matter in practice, no one thought which fancy presented seemied hard unto him, though all in a manner unpossible. In the end after that he had long deliberated upon this matter, he purposed in disguised manner to give his attendance upon the Duke her Father, and so by that means to espy opportunity to reveal his mind unto her: which very shortly he brought to pass, by the help of a Florentine, a very near kinsman to Perduratus, who willing to pleasure his young Lord and Master, (requesting his furtherance, and opening himself unto him, as assured of secrecy at his hands, whose faith had afforded him a thousand pledges of faithful and true dealing) did write his letters with Priscus to his cousin Perduratus, desiring him to place that noble Gentleman in the Duke's service, to whom and his friends, he, in courtesy, held himself much bound. Byndon, for so the Florentine was called, having finished his letters, delivered them to his young Master, and wished him bone fortune in his affairs. Whereupon Priscus feigning some other occasion of absence to the King his father, departed himself with one alone Page cowards Albigena, (for there the Court of Devasco Prince of Liguria was) to put his purpose in practice, thinking every minute a month, and every hour a year, till he came to his journeys end, verifying this only Adage, Cupienti caeleritas mora est. In this sort his thoughts building Castles in the air, at last, he arrived at Albigena, where delivering his letters of commendations to the Prince his high Steward, he had very good entertainment of him, & made him the best welcome his late revived Fortune could afford. And very shortly placed him in the Duke's service: for Priscus was such a one, whose own person might warrant him so much favour, being a man as rare in his qualities, as excellent in his parsonage, whose countenance was adorned with the beauty of youth, and his behaviour furnished with the gravity of age, so that very thankful was this proffer to the Duke, who always had in estimation and regard all such toward youths. This being finished, Perduratus minding to show himself every way bountiful to young Priscus, to remunerate some part of his kinsman his received good turns, called unto him his son Moderatus, (who was in good credit in the Court, and generally well-beloved, for his affability and gentleness) commanding him to be acquainted with Priscus, and withal not to omit any occasion that might procure his good, declaring the kindness he had showed unto his Uncle Byndon, to induce him faithfully to do the same.  
Moderatus, of duty obedient to his Father's command, and of Nature passing gentle, Nurture having also instructed him to be Patron unto Strangers, especially to such as had in the highest degree merited the same, endeavoured not only to entertain Priscus with common courtesy, but also to unite himself in friendship with him (if the sequel of his life proved so virtuous, as it seemed in outward appearance) and great reason he had so to do: for that they were both Strangers, much of the same age, the constitution of their bodies were alike, and the disposition of their minds without difference. So, as nothing is to be respected in amity and friendship, more than equality: even so could none more fitly be joined in amity and friendship (by reason of the sympathy of their natures) than this couple, who so much resembled each other in proportion and condition, that scant could the one be known from the other. Thus both these fair buds flourishing in the beautiful prime of their years, having in some reasonable quantity of time, sufficiently experienced each others virtuous disposition, grew so familiar in speech and conversation, that the consent of the one was a constraint to the other: if Priscus smiled, Moderatus rejoiced: if Moderatus lowered, Priscus laughed not: in so much that they were never found different in opinion or action: for one chamber was common unto them both, one bed served them both, they both ever used one board, they had but one purse indifferent between them: and last of all, their several and distinct bodies had but one mind: either of them with their affable and courteous demeanour, endeavouring to gain the good will of the people: and both of them in a very short space did in the highest degree of good liking obtain the same.  
Priscus all this while applying himself very diligently in the service of his mistress, no where seeming pleasant, but in her presence, her looks having fettered him in the prison of fancy: fortune brought him to such a Labyrinth, that his thoughts were like janus pictures, that presented both peace and war: his mind not unlike to Venus' Anvil, whereon is forged both fear and hope: the sight of his beloved, something easing the intolerable weariness of his mind: who, with her rolling looks, sometimes lending him an amorous glance, (more of an use which she had taken, then of any favour unto him) brought the poor Gentleman to such a fools paradise, that he measured her manners after his own mind, and construed all to the best: thinking, that as she was Venus overmatch in beauty, so she might be Pallas superior in virtue: yet the Majesty of her countenance, furnished with coy disdain, brought him to a great doubt of the success of this enterprise: nevertheless, he could not dissuade himself from the same: for as Ovid said, 
Nitimur in vetitum semper, cupimúsque negata.   
Thus Priscus applying himself in his aptest habit to please his Mistress, counting that no conquest which might be easily won, and deeming the enterprise but base, which had not in it some danger, beholding with the fish Mugra the bare hook, swallowed up his own bane, and with the Hearts of Calabria, fed on Dictanum, knowing it to be deadly poison: for albeit that he did perfectly ken the peril, yet he was so blinded with affection, that he could not avoid the prejudice. He was sober and wise, yet all that was too slender a defence against the piercing beams of beauty, which had so benumbed his spirits, that he seemed rather to be a ghost, than a living creature: and no marvel, though his wisdom could not withstand such a sweet encounter: for even as the fleetest fish swalloweth the delicatest bait, and the highest soaring Hawk is soon reclaimed to the lure: so the sharpest wit hath his wanton will, which very often is inueagled with the poisoned sights of alluring vanities. And albeit he endeavoured all that ever he could to cover his passions with a merry countenance (lest any of the Duke's Court espying his fervency, might aim at his affection, and so prevent his purpose,) yet he could not hide a pad in straw, nor so closely cover his flame, but that Moderatus well perceived that there was some fire, where so great a smoke appeared: not a little marveling, that his friend concealed his grief from him, carrying a more jealous eye over him then before, to the end to discover the cause of his passions, that (according to the duty of a friend) he might minister a medicine, to cure the Melancholy malady of his friends may contented mind.  
In this sort Priscus a very long time hovered between hope and despair, fortune offering him no opportunity (nor yet daring, though she had) to make his griefs known unto Florida, the which albeit it pierced him to the quick, and strained every string of his heart to the highest note of sorrow, yet he dissembled the same, in hope that the storm could not last so long, but that in the end it must needs present a calm: thus embracing the shadow of pleasure, and fruit of vanity, he thought the weather very good for his harvest, if Phoebus graced him with the light of his countenance, although the clouds having unlocked the closet of their moisture, powered forth abundance of rain. Wily Venus now seeing her Champion thus patiented, yet almost tired, feared lest any longer delay would be such a cooling card to his queasy stomach, that he would for ever despise and abjure Love, and all his Laws, wherefore resolved to frame a plat to procure his vain hope, which she brought to pass in this order.  
Priscus, coveting nothing so much as to be alone and in solitary places, whereby to feed his melancholy humour with frivolous and vain thoughts, in a fair grey morning walked forth to the common garden, adjoining to the Palace, in the utter part whereof, there was an entrance to go unto a privy Orchard, wherein sprung a very pleasant spring, the delectable murmur of whose Crystalline stream, falling over the pebble stones, made such musical harmony, that it might have delighted a very sorrowful man, and the whole platt covered with the pleasant shades of mighty Cedars, Pineapple trees, green bay trees, sine Cherry trees, the sweet Briar, and the stalks of Roses growing plentifully in the end of every Alley, and on the side of every bank, the ground chequered all over with choice of finest flowers, as Violets, and Camamell: the one, the more it is chafed, the better sent it will yield: and the other, the more it is trodden, the thicker and finer it will grow. There was also the Daisy, Primrose, cowslip, and the rest, every flower having his secret operation to procure delight: and every tree and plant growing in such order, that there you might behold the curious workmanship of Nature, most lively portrayed and set forth: for the flowers did yield a very pleasant and sweet sent to comfort the brain, and the tender grass a soft pillow to ease the wearied body, the mighty and braunch-spreading trees affording shade to keep off the parching beams of fiery Phoebus, the musical birds (not omitting their parts to set out this earthly Paradise) accorded their notes with such dainty harmony and sweetness, that it might have lulled asleep the most wakeful and watching Argus in the world: the fine order observed, with so artificial a proportion, in framing of this platt, so ravished the mind of sorrowful Priscus, (having espied the same as he ascended a step or two, to see by a horologe, that was set up upon a pillar in a corner of the Garden, what a clock it was) with desire of solacing himself in this place, that he stood a long while devising with himself, how to compass an entrance thereto, (wherein to power forth his passionate complaints, supposing it to be the Bower of pity, the sweetness thereof inducing him to believe, that mercy lay lurking under every flower) in the end, seeing there was no other remedy left, he skipped from the pillar where the horrologe was, over a very high wall of brick, unto this privy orchard, having his Lute with him which he brought of purpose to solace himself with: where being come, he curiously surveyed over that pleasant platt, not a little wondering at the fine order of the trees, which grew, situated diamondwise, keeping so good a decorum in their growth, that one leaf was not seen to outgrow another: and being wearied in tracing up and down amongst the pleasant groves, he rested himself in a fine Arbour, seated in a close thicket, near that murmuring fountain, where he began to power forth his complaints in this manner.  
Oh infortunate Priscus, whose Prime of youth is loaded with more sorrows than years: what peevish Planet was predominate over thy Nativity: or what contrary oppositions the heavens seemed to power forth at the time of thy birth? hath Cupid bewitched thee? or Venus framed thee a fool in fancies forge? or which is more, the bare report of fading beauty so besotted thy senses, and made such a Metamorphosis of thee, that from a Prince of Aemulia, thou art become a vassal and hireling to the Lord of Liguria, a man nothing superior to thyself, and thy father's mortal foe. And what hath procured this: if love fond Priscus, which, as thou knowest, is but a blaze like to a Bavine, and therefore unworthy to be lodged in Priscus: if beauty, that only is the fading show of vanity, much like the apples of Tantalus, that are precious in the eye, and dust when they come to the handling, therefore not fit to be seated in the mind of Priscus: if Florida, ah fair Florida, how can I leave this sweet note? if (I say) Florida hath procured this? thou art not ignorant how her countenance is full of majesty, replenished with high disdain, not contented to be wooed, much less to be wived by the stateliest Lord of all Liguria: how then shall I hope, who am her father's hireling, to obtain her favour? no Priscus, no, thou strivest against the stream, and feedest with the Deer against the wind, and thy labour is altogether frustrate: wherefore cease this fond folly, and go not about with a dram of pleasure to purchase an ounce of sorrow, lest in seeking to gain Florida, thou mayest happily lose thy life: for thou sailest between Silla and Charybdis, where in seeking to avoid one danger, thou mayest easily fall into another: because, concealing thy birth, thou art unlike to speed with Florida: and in revealing the same, thou art in an imminent danger of thy life. Ah, but fond Priscus where art thou carried with these vain and foolish imaginations: dost thou not venture thy life for love, whose hests the gods themselves were subject unto? therefore not to be resisted by thee. And what further, dost thou not hazard thy person for beauty? a thing divine, which the stoutest champions in the world did honour with obedience, and obey with reverence, therefore to be had in admiration of Priscus, rather than to be disobeyed. And last, dost thou not enter into this Labyrinth of mishaps, instimulated by the love and beauty of Florida, who although she be full of Majesty and coyness, yet her countenance is tempered with modest gravity, and virtuous behaviour. And what though she will not be wooed by any Ligurian Courtier, that doth not argue that she will die a maid: for it is not because she will not love, but for that she seethe none worthy her love. And notwithstanding that Priscus is her Father's hireling, yet he is a Prince, and Florida no doubt will like and love him the better, when she understandeth that he hath thus embased himself for her sake. Ah, but Priscus, Florida is wise, and will follow her Father's counsel, and then no hope left for thee. She is fair, and therefore thou oughtest to fear her the more: even as the Bees do the tree Alpina, which deem so beautiful a thing can not be without some hidden mischief. Tush, he that will not handle a knife to cut his meat, because another did cut his finger with it: or dare not come near the fire to warm himself, because it burned one, shall go to bed with cold feet, and an empty belly: and therefore fear not to prove thy fate, seeing that thou camest so far to try thy fortune. Florida is beautiful, and therefore pitiful: she is virtuous, and therefore will reward thy constancy: let thy whole mind aim at Florida, only Florida, no, none but Florida.  
Priscus hereupon breathing, made a long period, so that wearied with these his mournful complaints, having slept very little the night before, he was with the sweet harmony of the birds, and pleasant murmur of the spring, brought to a slumber. By this time (Florida, who always used this place, to recreate herself alone till dinner time) issued out of her Closet, through a Postern door, to this privy Orchard, and so coming to the fountain side, began to spread her golden hairs, that shined like Titan's rays, over her shoulders, and to dip her Lillie-white feet in that murmuring stream, uncovering her body unto that place, which for modesty's sake is wout to be nameless. And as she was thus sitting in a seat, carved out of the fine marble, almost ready with Narcissus to embrace her own shadow, so much she delighted in viewing herself in the clear water, Priscus affright with some strange vision suddenly awaked, and calling to memory where he was, with the vehemency of his late passions, he took his Lute in his hand, the sound whereof, at the first touch, Florida hard, much marveling what it might mean, supposing no man to be so bold to enter unto that place, without her knowledge: yet quietly remaining as before, to understand the sequel thereof, Priscus by this having tuned his instrument, began with musical and sweet harmony to warble forth this ensuing Ditty.  

WHen lordly Titan in his chiefest pride,  
Overspread Aurora's blushing countenance,  
And Triton on his grayish steeds did ride,  
In calmed Seas, on waves the Nayades dance.  
No dusky vapour covered the welkin cleared,  
Phoebus (discovering ay the heavens) appeared.   

Here jupiter presented no escape,  
Then watched by Argus hundredth waking eyes,  
The Sirens than transformed no man's shape,  
Nor to entrap laid forth their watching spies,  
And Proteus in his wont shape remained,  
For Nature would that nothing should be stained.   

Princes than walked abroad for their delight,  
Courtiers attend upon their prince's train,  
Of tempests Seamen were not then affright,  
The husbandman did hardly ply his gain.  
Dame Flora eke did cover the earth with green,  
Procuring hope most lively to be seen.   

Minerva then the Chaos did unfold,  
Of these so far unordered terrene things,  
That in good order you might all behold,  
Trussed in a farthel under Fortune's wings.  
Well may I cry alack and well away,  
That Fortune frail did bear so great a sway.   

It was the rustic God's festival day,  
When shepherds acquaint do frolic with their mates,  
With stones black that time well mark I may,  
For then begun all my disaster fates.  
Then with a smile fell fate did cover a fraud,  
To perfect which, Beauty made Fame her bawd.   

Fame careful then for to perform her charge,  
Sounding due praise, redoubled in mine ear,  
Venus' overmatch, she blazed then at large,  
Which struck my body in a quivering fear.  
This rare report being heard, I wish to see,  
If earthly Wights afforded such a she.   

I came, I saw, now Caesar's fate I want,  
For to overcome: wherein I may despair,  
Her stately looks my hoped hap doth scant,  
And day by day doth still my joys impair,  
For that my mind lieth in her princely bower,  
Whose beauty doth excel loves paramour.   

A living mind in dying corpses I have,  
My body here, my mind with her doth stay,  
A speedy death, if her I lose, I crave,  
Whose sweet consent is even that blissful Boy,  
Which only is the harbour of my rest,  
In whose high thoughts I wish to build my nest.   

Thou glistering Phoebus, hide thy shining face,  
If ever thou viewst the beauty of this Dame,  
Her brightsome hue will sure thy lights disgrace,  
The rarest wight by her may blush for shame,  
Whose glorious looks do still present a jar,  
Twixt fire and water there lieth peace and war.   

O would I might (but what thereon may fall,  
I know not well) once compass her goodwill:  
Or that I had not (now too late I call  
The thing far passed) her known my joys to spill.  
Then had I lived and led a quiet life,  
Where now I pine with pure tormenting strife.   

Sure shall desert there merit but disdain,  
Where high desire doth lodge in lofty thought,  
Seeing Love and Fate do still conspire my pain,  
Void of all hope, I count my toil for nought.  
Yet naythlesse hope for to obtain thy love,  
Not fearing aye the thing thou never didst prove.   
ANd therewithal starting up from the Arbour where he sat, to recreate himself with walking: he presently espied Florida bathing herself in the well: the sight of which glorious object so benumbed his senses, that he remained in a trembling fear, having discovered so great a privity: lest, as Actaeon (for such like offence) was of Diana turned into a Stag, whose own whelps hunted him to the death: so he, for so great and unadvised an oversight, should be transformed to some new shape, his continual passions being the devouring hounds, which should persecute him to destruction. So long remained Priscus in this trance, that Florida had recovered her feet, and like juno with her pompous train, pacing so majestically towards him, that she did put the poor Gentleman into a great admiration of her lofty and Princely demeanour, and being come unto him, she began thus to reprehend him for his boldness, in presuming to enter unto that place, that was only for her recreation.  
What Priscus? whether was it folly or presumption that moved thee thus unadvisedly to intrude thyself unto this place, without my knowledge, forbidden to all but Florida, and licensed to none but Florida. Why hast thou been so bold, to offer thyself to so great a secrecy? dost thou not know how Actaeon was handled, for discovering the secrets of Diana? and why oughtest thou to hope for better Fortune than he? thy descent is less, and thy offence as great, it may be, because I favoured thee, for the show of virtue that was in thee, that wresting my meaning to another text, serving thine own purpose, thou hast thus presumed to try my patience: well, now I see that the richest Sepulchre hath but rotten bones within, and a fine scabbard sometimes a rusty blade: and dissembling hypocrites, fair and smooth countenances, but rough and deceitful hearts, much like the herb Phanaces, that hath a sweet bud and a bitter fruit, or the Baths of Calicut, that be as clear as Padus, and as pestlient as Orme: so thou, covering thy malicious mind with counterfeiting modesty, and thy Wolves paunch with a lambs skin, staying only for opportunity to put in execution some mischievous determination. Wherefore, fond Novice, depart hence with shame: for with great shame mayest thou departed, that hast committed so immodest a fact: whereupon Florida, being in a great rage, would have departed, had not Priscus (now stirred up with this sharp reprehension) stayed her passage with this reply.  
Sweet and gentle Mistress, if either my ignorance (by reason of my late coming to your father's Court) might privilege my offence, having unwittingly, though willingly, committed the same: or the acknowledging of my fault (with a submission, ready to receive any punishment that you would censure or adjudge me unto) pacify your late conceived displeasure towards me: the one daeth manifestly appear to excuse my crime: for the other, I prostrate myself in your presence, and wholly refer me to your grace, as one wishing rather to die, then to displease you, and desiring no longer to live, than it may stand with your gracious pleasure to grant me liberty: for be it spoken without dissimulation, in your hands lieth the sentence of my life or death, and gladlier would I die by your doom, then live one minute to procure your discontent: wherefore I humbly beseech you, that it might rest with your liking, dear Lady, to licente me to reveal unto you, the dolorous and secret anguish of my tormenting heart, which lieth drowned in the den of despair, without your sweet consent, to ease the same: for as water stopped, maketh the greater deluge: & sire suppressed, bursteth into a more vehement flame: so my griefs concealed, breed such a sharp corrisive in my heart, that without your sweet consent give care to my passions, I am unlike ever to be rid of my pain. Florida well perceiving by this, upon what string Priscus harped, she did cut him off in the midst of his tale, thus:  
Why how now Priscus, hath the gloriousness of the place made such a metamorphosis of you, that it bereaved you of your senses, and driven you unto a frenzy? or some other vain humour hammered in your head so high a determination? take heed, lest with the people Hyperborei, you gaze so long upon the sun, till you become blind, or soothing yourself in the sweetness of your folly, you resemble the Leopards that feed on Margeram, knowing it to be their own bane. What, fond Priscus, dost thou eye Florida? can nothing content thee but the beauty of Florida? hath thy presumption grown upon my gentleness towards thee, desiring always to be noted rather modest courteous, then over-curious unto Strangers? or hast thou noted so much lightness in me, that might warrant thee any hope to obtain my good will: No, I trow, Florida is not so lavish of her honour, nor yet so base minded, as to look upon her Father's hireling. What you rude Princocks, deem you any thing in yourself worthy of Floridas love: or wants any perfection in Florida, to deserve the favour and liking of the mightiest Prince under the Sun? wherefore content thyself Priscus, with this, that Florida allows of thee, as her Father's vassal, and likes of thee as a diligent servant, and favours thee after her wont courtesy, as thou art a Stranger: and for thy offence, because thou pleadest both ignorance in committing the crime, and also submission for amends: either of which might for this time satisfy Florida, so that this may be a warning, that hereafter you enter not so unadvisedly to any such unlawful attempts.   

Priscus moan, after Florida gave him the repulse: his Madrigale, and secret complaint, which MODERATUS his friend overheard. MODERATUS exhortation and comfort unto him. PRISCUS discovering of himself, his Parents, and country to MODERATUS, which before this time he concealed, and MODERATUS promiss to effect his desired amours.  
Chap. 4.  
PRiscus, albeit this sharp answer had driven him almost to the wall, yet like a stout soldier, he did not mean to forsake the fort for one heavy skirmish, being such a one, as was not to seek for answer, the readiness of whose wit, always assured his plea to be good and sufficient in Venus' Court: and thus, as he was ready to speak further for himself, there entered in at the Postern door one of Floridas gentlewomen, which she perceiving, fling away from him, and returned to the Court again with her waiting maid that came for her to dinner, leaving the poor Gentleman in such a quandary with this repulse, at his first entering unto the game, that he lacked but little to prove a Haggard. And now seeing the Mistress of his thoughts had thus given him the slip, with a flea in his ear, he secretly conveyed himself unto his chamber. And by reason it was now dinner time, he had very good opportunity to repair there unknown to any, where when he came, breathing forth a number of scalding sighs, he cast himself upon his bed, and after he had there tossed himself a while, being uncapable of any rest, he took his Lute in his hand, to see, if with music he could moderate his melancholy, and mollify some of his heavy passions: and so, like the swan at the point of death, he very dolefully chanted over this Cansong.  

WHen Phosphorus declining West her track,  
Commanding Nox her charge to take in hand  
And for to spread abroad her curtain black,  
By Nature's course to cover both sea and land:  
Then at her beck a cloudy vale in stepped,  
And terrene things quite from our sight hath swept   

By this had Phoebus clearly made escape,  
And Vesperus his action did assoyne,  
Of Thetis' Queen then cloyed with the rape,  
With Lucina in coiture doth join:  
From whom he clearly received away his light,  
Lest she should blush, being seen in such a plight.   

Lucina then her budding horns did stretch,  
And borrowing of her Lover light, appears,  
When Morpheus presented to me poor wretch,  
A sight, which still my dulled senses cheers:  
Ah cheers: a woeful cheer: woe worth the time,  
That makes me thus to spend my golden prime.   

What fancy moved, folly did put in ure,  
And Queen Desire did strait appoint the game,  
Which once begun, no hope could help procure,  
Before I lose, to give it over were shame:  
Although Despair doth say that I shall gain,  
Nought for my toil, but heaps of cruel pain.   

Cupid then smiled such Client to possess,  
And thanked Morpheus that procured the same,  
Venus misliked I should rest in distress,  
Lest after I would ay renounce her game,  
She fitted me, with opportunity  
To speak: alas I spoke: all would not be.   

All would not be, what then? ah doleful chance,  
Have all the Fates confederated my fall?  
Yes, yes: too soon I did my Bark out lance,  
And eke commit my sail to winds a thrall:  
Wherefore row back thy barge to native port.  
In earnest end, what thou begun in sport.   

That thou begun in sport: a heavy sport,  
Which is the worker of thy great annoy,  
Thou canst not long endure in such a sort,  
Exempt from hope of any earthly joy:  
Unless the Saint, that wrought this deep distress,  
pities thy pangs; and do thy pains redress.   

Thy pains redress, if not forthwith, too late,  
For Phebe thrice her wasted horns renewed,  
Since I was forced by spiteful frowning fate,  
To come and seek the sight I lately viewed,  
Which view my pains, so destiny assigned,  
For at her hands no hope of grace I find.   

No hope of grace I find, woo me therefore,  
Without whose grace my life can not endure,  
Oh that I were not as I was of yore,  
Free from the scathe which doth my harm assure,  
Then would I keep my finger from the fire,  
And quite renounce the Laws of fond desire.   

Offond desire the Law, oh lawless Law,  
Which doth extremes combine and join in wrong,  
And ministereth pills, which will not from the maw,  
This from the eye, not from desert is sprung,  
A fickle judge for to discern the right,  
Which blinded is with force of beauty's might.   

The force of beauty's might: a powerful might,  
Which can compel the proudest to obey,  
Whose mere report hath brought me to this plight,  
Devoid of hope: for sorrow bears the sway.  
Wherefore as Fame me forced this pain to prove,  
There I began, and there will end my love.   
Herewithal Priscus ended his song, his music prevailing no more to moderate his melancholy, than oil to quench the flame: and therefore in a very frantic mood, he threw away his lute, & began afresh to toss himself upon his bed, resting as weary in his body, as he was afflicted in his mind: and thus perplexed in his disquiet passions, tormenting himself with his ceaseless complaints, his friend Moderatus, by chance overhearing his secret passions, pushed open the door, and entered the chamber: whereat Priscus start up, looking so pale, as if he had been new risen from his grave, his swelling heart, removed from her natural place, was now ascended to the strait passage between the body and the head, and there kept the same so close, that he (for want of breath) was unable to utter any one word: whereupon Moderatus, his heart bleeding for very grief of his friends distress, began thus mildly to reprehend him, both for that he had concealed his fancies from him, and also because he did suffer himself to be so overmastered with follies.  
My dear Priscus, if the faithful league of true friendship, knit up between us, had not sufficiently authorized, nay rather commanded me (to prevent your further harm) to be thus bold with you, I would scant have presumed to interrupt your muses with my presence at this time: for having long sithence perceived in you some alteration and disquietness of mind, wrought by the effect of some strange passion, I could not choose but be very sorry, in that I perceived you to be unwilling to disclose the same unto me: who to discharge the office and duty of a friend, was by the law of friendship bound, not only to counsel you the best I could to comfort your misfortunes, but also to be copartner of your pain, to qualify the rigour of your extreme passions: wherefore I can not sufficiently admire, that you would entertain any unto friendship, whom, either you deemed not worthy of your secrets, or else (for fear to be disclosed) durst not commit the trust thereof unto: without that the occasion of your grief depended upon an unlawful act. And therefore doubted, lest that I would not yield my consent thereunto, because it should be rather my part to dehort you from the same, than any wise to further you therein. What Priscus, if as the Swallows, nestling in houses, yet mistrust the inhabitants thereof, so you, conversing my society, durst not acquaint me with your secrets: you should have done, as they do in trying of vessels, whereinto they power water, not wine: in like manner, you might have tried my fidelity in some frivolous matter, that if I had chanced not to be close, there had been no danger of spilling any good liquor. But I tell you Priscus, friendship is like honey, that is sweet and pleasant in taste to the sound, but sharp and purging in operation, to him that is infected with a canker, and therefore finding in you this weakness, that is more pertinent to feminine servility, then to manly fortitude: I can not choose but endeavour myself to comprehend the nature of the honey, whereby to purge you of the corrupt humours, that have already weakened your nature: for now I find the old Adage true, that the minnow, that is ever nibbling at the bait, is at last hanged on the hook: and the fly so long dallies with the flame, that she is in the end consumed therein: wherefore dear friend, leave these fond cogitations, & let not the flilie baits of alluring vanities so entangle you in the net of folly, that in the end you may have cause to say, that you have bought repentance at an unreasonable rate: at leastwise, if it be so strongly rooted in you, that reason can not easily shake it away, conceal not the same from me, lest in so doing, the cure would not prove so effectual, wanting the true knowledge of the cause of the disease.  
Priscus, now seeing that it was no time to dissemble with his friend, knowing it impossible to cover the smoke, that was already burst into a flame, unlocked the closet of his thoughts, and discovered himself unto him in this manner. Sweet Moderatus, I wonder not a little, that you would thus fraudulently (by overhearing my complaints) endeavour to compass my secrets, whereas you might have been assured (though that the revealing thereof had both impaired my substance, & prejudiced my person) that you could no sooner have requested the knowledge thereof, but that most willingly I would have imparted the same unto you. And in that I have so long concealed it, it was to my most vehement and great grief: for fire suppressed, burneth more vehement, & water stopped, bursteth out with a greater force: so that the few brands, whereat I lately warmed my fancy, is now grown to so great a fire, that it hath almost burned up, and consumed unto cinders my poor flectible heart. And assure yourself Moderatus, I was not so suspicious as to misdeem of your fidelity, whose faithful dealing had assured me many ways of your loyalty: and therefore needed no further trial, being persuaded that I had laid my foundation upon a sure rock. Yet nevertheless, as you have very fitly compared friendship to honey, so I find your friendly admonitions, to be so bitter and biting, that the very name thereof, hath almost overcharged my queasy stomach: for the counsel, howsoever wholesome, is never plausible, when it feedeth not the humour of the counseled. And for my malady, I am unlike to be purged thereof, without that the worker of my prejudice minister a remedy, no more than Telephus could be cured of the wound, he received of fierce Achilles' lance, before a plaster of the rust thereof was put thereunto, to salve the same: and to leave off all ambiguities, I am so infected with the venom of the Tarantula, that I am almost consumed in the suds of mine own pleasure. Wherefore, dear friend, seek not (in hope of my recovery) to minister any thing unto me, which can work no other effect, but only the diminishing of that little ease and rest I have: but rather suffer thy unfortunate Priscus to die: yea die Priscus, and why livest thou to procure thine own torment, an exile to thy country, a heartsore to thy friends, and a vassal to thy enemies, resting thus metamorphosed in perpetual danger of thine own person: nay, but where wander I, pardon me, good Moderatus, in that I have thus fantastically breathed forth my dreaming agonies: for herein shall you rather find a senseless truth, than a sensible tale: and albeit hope forbiddeth me to put any confidence in her, by revealing my passions: nevertheless, both to disburden somewhat my thrauled mind, and also to make amends for the fault already committed, in concealing the secrets of my breast thus long from you: attend the whole circumstance of this my Tragical discourse, and with the conclusion thereof, a violent expulsion of my vital breath, from this careful and distressed carcase, if no hope be left of relieving my wearied agonies.  
Had I providently pondered that worthy sentence of the famous and renowned Philosopher Thales Miletius, who, being by one of his friends demanded, how much difference there was between a Lie and Truth answered, as much as there is between thine ear and thine eye: meaning thereby, that those things are not ever true, which by common report are spread abroad. For as Maro saith of Fame, Mobilitate viget, viresque acquirit eundo, so passing through the mouths of many, every one adding a little thereunto, it is in the end grown to an intolerable error: howbeit the Philosopher admonisheth us to believe those things for truths, which we see with our eyes, and not to be credulous of those things which are blazed by common report. Had I advisedly weighed this notable saying of Thales, the bare report (bore I may well call it, the crop being not worth the seed) of Floridas beauty, had not moved me, being inconsiderate of my state and person, thus fond from a Prince of Aemulia, to become a vassal and a slave to the Governor of Liguria, no better man than myself, and my Father's mortal enemy: wherein, like an obstinate and untoward youth, I laid reason in water to steep, being too salt for my taste, and followed unbridled affection, which was pleasant and toothsome in the mouth, though poisoned venom in the maw. And my Parents, which afforded me coin and liberty in my youth, to work mine own prejudice, will be sorry to see me want both wealth and wisdom in mine age. O fond Priscus, why dost thou inveigh against thyself? it is an ill bird that defileth his own nest and it were thy part rather to amend what is amiss, then to aggravate thy offence by revealing thy absurd fantasies, making thereby thy name more odious, but nothing helping to bring thee to a better form of living. Oh, but unto what an heresy am I fallen? wherein should I reform myself? have I not sustained all this perplexity, being thereunto enjoined by beauty, which is a thing divine, and which the gods themselves obeyed. What, is not this the same, that Solomon with his wisdom could not resist: Hercules with his strength could not withstand: and Alexander, with other mighty monarchs of the world, with all their forces and power could not subdue? what then, should I think myself wiser than Solomon? stronger than Hercules? or mightier than Alexander? No, no, Priscus, beauty commanded thee, and therefore thou must obey, and wherefore Priscus, since thou must obey, summon thy senses to a parley, and arm thyself with courage, to go through with so notable a victory, and be not dismayed, to have one repulse at a woman's hands: for women's three nays be but one yea: resolve thyself once more to plead for thyself, & to abide the censure of thy dearest mistress, whether it include life or death. Now then, sweet Moderatus, that I may lay open unto your understanding this most strange and rare stratagem, know that thine unfortunate, but ever constant friend, is the same Priscus, son and heir apparent to the mighty Lothus King of Aemulia, who undertook this new shape for the love of fair Florida, fair, but yet cruel Florida, whose sharp cutting answers, even this day, (had I not manfully withstood the violent attempts of hot burning love) had been sufficient to give me my death's wound: for her bitter and contemptible reprehensions, ministered rather oil than water to my flame, and fervent love, rather than could disdain unto my fancy: lo, here behold the figure and shape of him, that lately thirsting for honour, had more confidence in a spears point; then in a scholars pen: the one, threatening bluntly his foe with revenge: the other, flattering his friend with a few fine cowthed words, shrouding his malice under the habit of friendship: then a sturdy Morglay fitting his humour, rather than a silly wall-washing paltry pencil: and the managing of a good horse in the fields, more pleasing unto him, than the courting of a fair Lady in a chamber. But now altogether vanquished and overcome by Love, a bondslave of blind Cupid, and from a professed Soldier of warlike Mars, become a vowed servant of wanton Venus, a sweet Labyrinth, wherein being entered, a man may sooner lose himself, then find reason of himself: wherefore gentle and assured friend Moderatus, leave off all persuasions, sith they be but corrisives to eat up old sores, and no lenitives to assuage new swellings, and sharp razors to cut and lance old festered ulcers, and ill-cured scars, which procure triple pain, but seldom or never bring ease to the Patient.  
Here sighing sobs stopping the passage of his speech, the fire of his true affection inflaming his heart, and his inflamed heart dissolved into uncessant tears, he languished, burning in love, and bathed in grief, reposing all his confidence in Moderatus his faithful and loving advice, the gates of reason and understanding quite denying any passage unto such impossibilities, and therefore wallowing in continual storms of fresh employed griefs, he was altogether dead in spirit, though little moving of life appeared in his body, until truehearted Moderatus awaked him out of his dump, in this manner.  
Oh my good, though infortunate friend, Priscus, how falleth it out, that you have this long time concealed this your secret flame from your friend, and thus obscured the bright beams, not only of your birth and honour, but also of your wisdom and virtue, which so shined in your life and conversation, that it dazzled the eyes of the beholders, ravished the senses of the hearers, and stroke into admiration all such as heard but the report thereof, now eclipsed with such a cloud of dishonour, as to descend from a mighty Prince, to the base office of a servant, and which is more servile, to embase yourself thus for the love of a woman, and not only to sooth yourself in these follies, but also to exclude the counsel & comfort of a trusty friend, which would have been partaker of all your miseries. But as it seemed, you made still a doubt of mine undoubted fidelity, supposing that as the herb Ambubeia, doth close at the going down of the Sun, and spread abroad at the rising thereof again: so I should be a friend in Sunshine prosperity, and not in the dark cloud of extremity: but not so sweet friend, the operation consists in the matter, not in form: and surely, if I omitted any thing that belonged to the office of a friend, it was ignorantly done, and not willingly, or of set purpose: for I utterly detest and abhor those flattering and feigned friends, who, resembling the Amber stone, burn outwardly, and freeze inwardly: or the bark of the Myrtle tree in Armenia, which is as hot as fire in taste, and as cold as ice in operation. And rather, with the herb Amaranthus, which beginneth to flourish in the winter, when all other herbs do decay: so I in the winter of your extremities, purpose to show myself, not only a friend, but a bright Sun through the thickest and darkest cloud, being then assured that you do love me, if you repose any trust and confidence in mine actions: wherefore, sith the alarms of love have made such a breach in your mind, your greatest policy were to study to be master again of the fort, which you have (with so great a detriment) already lost: and to compass the same, you ought like a good and careful Captain, endeavour to remove the siege, than might you boldly affirm with Cicero, that Sublata causa tollitur effectus, which although at the first it should seem difficult and almost impossible, yet having resolutely determined the same, you should find therein great ease, and daily would your forces increase, and your enemy's strength diminish: and albeit the taste thereof would like Aloyes seem bitter in the mouth, yet the operation would no doubt prove medicinable & veri wholesome in the maw. And if having swallowed the bait, there be no other remedy, but to yield yourself to the mercy of the fisher, rather than so, do as the fish Alopex marina, who, perceiving the hook to be fastened in his belly, biteth off the line above the tackling, and so escapeth. What, remember you not the precepts of Phocas unto Lovers, who said, they should proceed in their amours, as the Crab in going, whose pace is ever backwards, that though love have force like the Adamant, to draw the tender hearts of young Novices, yet they should be sprinkled with goats blood, that resisteth the operation, and if you have not the virtue to be chaste, carry about you the herb Lupinar, or the Topaz stone, which cooleth desire. Weigh advisedly, what great calamities and overthrows have happened in former ages, not only to the person infected therewith, but also to whole Provinces and Countries, by reason of the over-raging flames of Love, then shall you see how Troy and Athens, the one being the Metropolitan and most sumptuous City of all Asia, the other, the renowned fountain, and sacred wellspring of art and learning throughout all Greece, which therefore was called the Muse's habitation, were utterly overthrown and quite consumed, for the wanton and libidinous desire borne only to one woman. Infinite more examples I could produce, but that I think this sufficient, to make a considerate wise man forsake the most beautiful and enticing Lays, and the coyest and most curious Florida that ever was. Now having touched some generalities bounding upon reason, of great effect to dissuade you from this dangerous Labyrinth, yet let us go nearer to the matter and speak particularly: is it not Florida that you aim at? whose disdainful and coy countenance, fenced with the hateful trench of ambition and pride, doth put to silence the bravest Lords of all Italy, fearing to speak, where they have so little hope to speed: and will you then, while you continue the habit of a hireling, and remain as you seem unto her, an attendant of her Fathers, attempt to crave the same? which the flower of all the gallants in the world durst not once make motion for: I persuade me in so doing, you are void of all hope. If then you make your state known unto her, how can she find in her heart to affect her father's mortal enemy: and how can you hope to remain in safety, your life lying in the mercy and power of your deadly foe. And as Moderatus would have gone forwards in his persuasions, Priscus, who could scarce suffer him to come to a Pertod, his ardent desire nothing diminishing by these dissuasions of Moderatus, but rather like the small current stopped, increasing more and more in such sort, that from a male contented man, he grew almost lunatic, and then like a desperate forlorn burst forth in these terms.  
Oh good Moderatus, if thou hast no other salve for my sore, nor canst afford me any other comfort, suffer me by death to end this wretched life, or if thou dislikest therewith, cease to cloy me with such prescriptions, the very name whereof torments me more than a thousand deaths together.  
And whereas you allege of the overthrow of Athens and Troy, proceeding from the love of a woman, true it is, but Theseus and Paris justly made their friends their foes, by the rape of Helen, who was the wife of another man, seducing her to infringe her faith and honesty to her loyal husband, and therefore deservedly plagued for the same: but I do endeavour by my virtuous and chaste love, borne to Florida, to make my mortal enemies my dearest friends: and I go about to seek nothing, but that (of right) which should be mine own. For if he, which should buy a thing dearest, should best deserve to have it, I am sure, you would judge me worthy of Florida, who, not only am thus tormented in mind for her sake, but also am daily in continual danger of my person: wherefore, sweet friend, if thou lovest my life, help me to the possession of that most rare jewel, I mean Florida, whose presence is the preservation of my life, and without the which my carcase is but a den of dolours, and my life hateful and loathsome unto me.  
With this Priscus concluded, (very grief stopping the passage of his voice) so that tears standing in his eyes, his words chocking in his throat, he sent forth great gusts of scalding and heavy sighs, and withal distilled from his eyes, (eyes the often messengers of his griefs) great floods of salt and brinish tears.  
Moderatus seeing him so impatiently to bear his careless calamities, was very sorry, and comforted him all that ever he could, promising his endeavour to effect his desires, who accepted thereof with thanks, and having by this spent a good quantity of time in debating of these matters, they left the chamber and went abroad, to see if good fortue would offer them any opportunity to put in practise their determinate purpose.   

Florida falleth in love with Moderatus, her secret meditation upon the same. VEROSA intercepteth her in her secret passions: both leave the desolate chamber of FLORIDA. They fall in company of CORNELIUS the Duke's son, PRISCUS, MODERATUS and PANDARINA a Gentlewoman of the house of Devaloyes. PRISCUS and PANDARINA'S disputation of Love: FLORIDAS censure thereof. The Gentlemen by lotteries choose them three Ladies, which should be their mistresses for that year. Their Music and censure of Love in Poems. FLORIDAS opinion upon the same: their dancing▪ MODERATUS entreaty for his friend PRISCUS to FLORIDA, her denial, and offering of favour to himself His further persuasion for his friend, and her sudden departure in great anger. Their resolution to conclude that days exercise to sup together. PRISCUS departure thereupon. Their repair to Florida's chamber, where they took repast.  
Chap. 5.  
Now Gentlemen, here you may behold a perfect Map of loves manifold miseries: Priscus tormenteth himself with the racking and restless remembrance of the fair Florida, being wounded with the golden dart of that little and wanton wag, who, as he is blind without sight, is self-willed without Reason: always endeavouring to creep into the Conceits of the ripest and readiest minds, taking the greater glory and pride in his victories and conquests, by so much as they are gotten over the mightier Potentates and nobler Personages: thus minding that his Knights should not obtain any pleasure without some smack of pain, meaning thereby to try their constancy, thinking him not worthy of a good Booty, that would give over the pursuit for one sharp skirmidge. And albeit that Florida despised Priscus, languishing in love, by reason of his mean estate and birth, as she took it, yet that mighty god (though blind) Cupid, determining to revenge the quarrel of his Champion, that had lost the victory, ceased not daily to devise means, to make her taste of that sharp sweet, and pleasing evil, that so oft is wont, not only to torment, but also to overwhelm and vanquish poor perplexed Lovers, with his investigable force of fervent and boiling heat. And in the end finding her solitary, he painted before the eyes of her remembrance, the worthiness of Moderatus, with his martial prowess, rare virtues, and singular excellency, in so much that daily wading in the deep floods of fancy, moved with the aspect of his comely parsonage, which cited her to yield to affection, she, which erst scorned the summons of mighty Cupid, and disdained the crew of wanton Venus, holding in derision their tears, and carelessly smiling at their scalding sighs, which were enamoured with beauty, is now forced (feeling herself wounded with the sharp pricks of fervent desire) to offer up incense at the shrine of Venus, craving pardon for her so long rebellion against the omnipotency of so mighty a King. And thus continuing a certain time in these and such like cogitations, employing her new desired friend to some service in her own presence, whereby to glut herself with the view of so rare an object, the eyes alone doing the office of the hands & tongue, as trusty secretaries, and faithful messengers of the effects of the mind. Florida thus flowing in the tempestuous seas of longing appetites, guided by a master, which delighteth in the shipwreck of them he carrieth, and vanquished with an immoderate rage of love, the effects whereof making her forgetful of her honour, wholly overcome with this new entertained passion, being very melancholic, and having separated herself from company, she began thus to complain.  
Ah Florida, how miserable and infortunate art thou, that the Gods have endued thee with beauty, that should be prejudicial to thy honour, and creating thee only daughter to so mighty a Prince, thou shouldest become an eyesore and a blemish to all thy stock and kindred, by thine own lascivious and wanton lust. Hast thou rejected the suit of the bravest Courtiers in all Spain? and now not only contented with thy Father's vassal, but also canst not live without that brat, that thine own Parents have brought up of nothing? in having of thy wish, thou losest both thine honour, and dost obscure and blemish the house thou camest off, which once overshadowed with the vail of vice, will bear the scar thereof during life. From whence cometh this new alteration, and passions unacquainted? what rebellious desires be these, that do poised and weigh thy thoughts, to hammer in thy brain such thirstlesse and vain imaginations? ah Florida, what hapless misery dost thou find in this free prison? where pleasure hath no place, till the friendly foes have disquieted thy life with a million of painful travails: now is the time for thee, to resist the hot skirmishes and fresh assaults of that tyrant Love, before that he hath had quiet possession within thy mind: for being suffered to enter by little and little, he will wax so strong, that in a short time, he will be like to dispossess thee of that little interest thou hast in thyself: and then, as the moth in the garment, and Locust in the corn, it consumeth his host, and departeth away, without any reckoning for the trespass he hath committed. Then Florida consider, what may they deem of thee, that erst had in admiration thy virtues, and reputed thee for a second Diana? but the vilest hypocrite of the world, that would overshadow thy lascivious appetites to wanton venery, with a feigned show of counterfeit gravity: and that there wanted in them nothing but sufficient audacity, to recover the ransack of thy person, and spayle of thine honour. Wherefore leave off this foul folly, that thus doth despoil thee of thy desired health and contented rest, and endeavour to forget him that is the causer thereof. At which words she yielded forth a number of scalding sighs, and paused a little thereupon, but again recovering her voice, she began thus:  
Ah forget him Florida, how far do I forget myself, that seek to root out his memory from my heart, that already hath taken possession therein, in whose consent or denial resteth altogether the state of my life and honour. Ah Moderatus, Moderatus, the flower and mirror of all martial prowess, and the lively lantern of perfect nobility, beauty, and virtue, if we estimate the judgement of that learned Laureate, who said, 
Non Pater aut Mater reddunt tibi nobilitatem:  
Moribus & vita nobilitatur homo.   
Oh sweet Moderatus, and therefore sweet, because, Moderatus, it is thou alone that livest in me, of whom my mind only conceiveth his hope, and the heart his nourishment. Alas, that thy worthiness should be the overthrow of mine honour, and thy perfection the imperfection of my life. But what, Florida, he that feareth every bush, will never be a good woodes-man: and he that will not venture, when beauty and virtue commandeth, (which, though by hard fortune they be little obscured, yet like the gold in the fire, will in the end appear most rich and glorious,) may well come in my ave, but shall never come in my Creed: therefore I refer the sequel hereof unto the destinies, to be arbiters in the cause, & rest resolved to win or lose Moderatus, betid life or death: for his personable and valorous disposition hath given my heart the wound, and his virtue and bounty must salve the same. Ah, but fond Florida, Moderatus is too wise to come to the fist by the lure: for he will suppose thy call to be but counterfeit, and thyself a woman, whose property is to be won with a nut, and lost with the shell, and therefore will reject thy suit, and despise thy offers, setting his rest upon this old Adage, Soon ripe, soon rotten: the hottest love is soon forgotten: No, no Florida, fear not, Moderatus is won already: for he that is so diligent and willing to attend thee as a servant, will not dislike to be preferred to the state of a husband. Wherefore burn not up daylight, and sleep not long in doubt, for delay breeds danger, follow the counsel of Ovid, who said, Cum mora non tuta est, subdere calcar equo. Upon this merry pin, Florida was about to departed out of her chamber, to see if good fortune would offer her any convenient opportunity to put in practise her determinate purpose, when Verosa, the fair daughter of Perduratus, and sister to Moderatus, entered the chamber, who missing her Lady Florida, and understanding that she was alone in her chamber, marveled the cause of her solitariness, being long before more melancholy than she used to be. Whereupon to countenance the matter, she dissembled the passions of her inward grief, feigning herself sick, demanding of Verosa what stir there was in Court: who, well knowing the nature of her disease, and that mirth is a great purger of Melancholy humour, thought it best to be pleasant with her, and thus answered: Madame, very little: for your absence thus long, my Lady, hath caused all to be hushed, not one as much as calling for a pair of cards to play a set at Maw, but every one making his looking glass in his fellows face, standing like painted Images, having nothing to do, without that with Dominianus, they would catch flies, because they want one to instruct them in their Lessons: for our Ligurian Gentlemen, are in a manner more nice and bashful than we women, and want rather a spur then a bridle: and therefore, Madam, I do think, if you would show a pleasant countenance amongst them, they would, like the Ants, when the Sun entereth into Aries, cheerfully creep out of their corners, wherein so long they remained for dead.  
Florida, smiling at this her pleasant answer, believing faithfully that Verosa suspected her disease, and therefore to avoid suspicion, she coined this reply.  
I am glad, Verosa, that you are so jocund, and surely it seemeth by your talk, that you met with a Champion, that either proved a Dastard upon the first encounter, whose cowardice surreth up this mirth in you, or else having played the part of a valiant Captain, and entered with courage the fort lately besieged, you are glad to be won by such a worthy warrior: but howsoever, I know you list not to make me privy, neither do I greatly covet to know, because my little skill in that art, would haply make me give a wrong censure in the cause: but if you come as a friend to invite me, to see some of your pastimes abroad, I am well contented to accept of your bidding, and to view the end, if there be any act in playing, wherein, if you be an Actrix, I shall rejoice to see your good grace in playing the counterfeit, and after, I will tell you my mind, whether you be fit for the stage in a Comedy, or a Tragedy.  
Verosa was not so gross, but that she perceived, that her Mistress pleasantness was but to dissemble her inward passions, and albeit her face was full of smiles, yet her heart was full of sorrows, therefore smiling at her conceited vain, she thought it not best to urge her any further upon that text, but thus replied again: Madam, sickness and health be accidents, to the which all living creatures be subject, yet after such sort, subject, that both can not Domineer all at one time, therefore me thinketh that it is very strange, that contraries should concur in you upon such a sudden: for pleasant disposition is the Calendar of a well tempered body and then, either your sickness was but feigned, or your mirth now but dissembled. Yet howsoever, I see it is your pleasure to make a stolen of me, and to frame me your Instrument, to argue of what you like best: and I am well pleased it should be so, rather than you should want of your will. And therefore let us go see, whether there be any act in preparing, if not, in playing abroad: agreed upon this point, they left the solitary chamber of desolate Florida, and passing through a gallery going towards the chamber of presence, they might see the young prince Cornelius standing in●a bay window, which bounded upon a very fair garden, and in his company Priscus, Moderatus, and another young gentlewoman, which was of the house of Devaloyes, called Pandarina, a very gay Dame she was, and noted above all the Ladies and Gentlewomen in Court, for her ripe wit, and ready answers in all pleasant discourses. Now was she in some earnest disputation with Priscus, whereat Cornelius and Moderatus laughed a good to see them so heated, crossing each other with pleasant and conceited quips. Florida perceiving them to be at it indeed, stood still, & smiling said to Verosa, we have so long communed of comedy, till at last by good hap we met with an act in playing: therefore let us draw near the sport, lest the best part be passed before we come: thus Florida, with more desire to make a looking glass of the amiable countenance of her best beloved Moderatus, then for any mind she had to hear their discourses, approached to this merry company, whereupon Pandarina, glancing aside, happened to espy them first, & said, well, my lords, I see now, God hath so well provided for me, knowing me too weak for one of you, much more for three, that all in good time, he hath brought here my Lady Florida, and mistress Verosa, with whose aid I doubt not, but to make my party good against you all. Priscus, hearing the Lady and Mistress of his thoughts named, stood as mute, as if with Perseus' shield he had been turned into a stone: and I doubt not, if Pandarina had then followed the chase hard, and taken the benefit of her good Fortune, but she might easily have overcome Priscus at that instant. But she rather desirous to make Florida acquainted with the matter, took no heed to his countenance, which was very pace, fear having banished all the blood from his visage, which Moderatus well noted, and lest his friend should be taken tardy, being driven to a non plus, (if he had been enjoined to answer any demand) he interrupted Pandarina in her speeches, and craved leave to make report of their controversy, which being obtained, he stood so long in opening the matter, till Priscus had taken breath, and somewhat recovered himself: for in this sort Moderatus addressed his speech to Florida.  
Madame, you came in very good season to secure a distressed Gentlewoman, who being so hardy and valiant, as it seemeth by this bold enterprise, in attempting alone to encounter with three, who think themselves to be no cowards at arms) it were great pity she should miscarry, being charged with an overnumber. But for my Lord Cornelius and myself, Mistress Pandarina alone shall be the judge, if we played not fair, suffering her without interruption (except it were a little laughing, which we could not forbear, to see their eagerness in the cause) to combat it out with her first champion, but she might hardly have trusted us (to you I confess) if Priscus had lost the victory. And sith you are come in such good opportunity, you have ransomed a worthy warrior with your only presence: for I think no man here so hardy, as to enterprise the defence of this quarrel, if you took the contrary part. But nevertheless, sith it is mistress Pandarinas pleasure, that you should be acquainted with the question, thus it was, or so much in effect.  
As my Lord Cornelius, master Priscus, and myself stood here in this window, viewing through these casements the fair prospect of this delightful and pleasant garden, wondering at the excellency of Nature, the efficient of so goodly a thing, welcoming in our thoughts the flourishing Lady of Spring, that lately was arrrived from the boisterous storms of sturdy Hiems: delighted thus to see her spread abroad her ensign, so trimly garnished with littely green, we hearty wished to march under so worthy colours, which be the tokens and badges of hope, (hope the only refuge of amorous conceited Gentlemen) as I say, we stood thus in a Dilemma, as it were viewing these fair flourishing flowers, which yielded forth not only a sweet and odoriferous sent, after a pleasant April shower, but also a rare and glorious sight, when Phoebus, having past the Equinoctial, pierceth the breast of choleric Aries with his shining beams, beginning to dry up the silver dew from the gentle Gillyflower, and sweet Roses, that it so ravished our minds with contemplation thereof, that, I think, had not mistress Pandarina awaked us of this sweet and delightful vision, we had (at leastwise wished in desire to have) united our earthly bodies, with our minds, that be of lighter substance and celestial, to the ever-beholding of that heavenly and divine spectacle, and there withal have become humble petitioners to the Architector of that great engine, that we might become attenders on the daughter of Inachus, whom jupiter, after that he had committed an escape with, placed a star in the heavens, to save her from the wrath of juno. Pandarina, seeing us thus to stand, as stood Niobe, after the issue of Latona had revenged himself upon her children, approaching nearer unto us, she interrupted our Muses with this parley.  
My Lords, it seemeth that you are either very lazy, or loosely given, if you have neither hawk on fist abroad to procure your delight, nor Lady in Court, under whose favour to shroud yourselves, from these uncouth and melancholy passions: for me thinketh, it ill fitteth young Gentlemen to be thus like Anchorites, still in contemplation, altogether exempt from venery, and Chivalry, which be the two principal recreations for heroical minds, both which, do so detest the idle livers, that as the Bees hunt the Drones from their hive, as unfit members of their common wealth: so Mars, never accepteth for his soldier, nor Venus for her servant, any one that knoweth not how to find himself occupied, either with warlike exercise, or amorous dalliance: wherefore pluck up your spirits, for time lost can not be had again, you may see the finest flower is but a day, and your time can not be very long, let no base thoughts overcome your Princely minds, and if Cupid be your Sovereign, and that the destiny have decreed, that he shall frown upon you, yet bear valorous and resolute minds, and with Hannibal despise Fortune, then shall you triumph over her with courage, that so overcroweth you, being thus given over to idleness.  
My Lord Cornelius awaked with this hot skirmidge, out of his pleasant meditation, answered her thus: Gentle Pandarina, I pray you, when you play with your little dogs, for than you are not idle, to whom do you bequeath your service, to Mars or Venus? whereat we all fell to such a laughter, that we made mistress Pandarina very angry: and because my Lord proceeded no further in this argument, which I think, was with that one word fully finished, M. Priscus being a good tennise-player, took it at a rebound, & then went forward with it, thus: I marvel very much, mistress Pandarina, that one of so good a judgement as you be, should be so far overshot in a matter so pertinent to your sex, as the service of so honourable a Lady as Venus is, to conclude, that because we were idle, therefore we were not in love, when as only in being idle, we bequeath ourselves wholly thereunto, being then in contemplation of the high mysteries of so great a Deity, imprinting in our thoughts the Idea of our mistress lively countenance, and revolving in our minds the happy success of our desired amours, where as otherwise, being as you would have us occupied, albeit in parling with our best beloved, yet do not we love so fervently: for that than our eyes is occupied with that office, which being absent and solitary, our minds & hearts do execute: therefore the fruitful effects of love, being either in the eyes or heart, I refer to your own judgement, in which of these two parts of the body true love doth consist. If in the eyes or tongue, as it seemeth you would have it, I confess I am in an error: but if otherwise, true love lieth in the heart, as it doth indeed, then in being solitary, the mind is most occupied, and so the person exempt from labours, or idle, (as you term it) is always most in love. And if all this is not able to persuade you to believe a truth, yet reject not Ovid's principle, who being Master of that Art, censured thus of idleness: 
Ocia si tollas, periêre Cupidinis arcus,  
Contemptaeque jacent, & sine luce faces.   
Pandarina could scarce suffer him to come to a Colon, much less to a Period, but fretting with great anger, did roundly cut him off in the midst of his tale, replying again so effectually to the matter, that I think, if her cause had been good, she would have overflowed us all: what her speeches were, I can not remember, both for that my memory is very short, & also because the substance of the cause grounded upon an art, whereof I am altogether ignorant: thus Madam, you have heard the cause of contention, in such rude manner as I could best deliver it. And I dare be bold to speak thus much in the behalf of Priscus, that for his part, he will refer the judgement of this debate unto your Ladyship, albeit Nature doth bind you to be partial therein, in respect his adversary and you be of the same sex.  
Moderatus having thus finished his speeches, I refer to your judgements, amorous gentlemen, who have well experienced the passions of languishing lovers, whether Florida was not in an ecstasy for joy to hear him, that she loved as her own soul, thus clerkly discyphering of the qualities and nature of Love.: hoping that he could not be so perfect in the art, but that experience had taught him his principles, and that probatum est had been his guide, directing his compass by so good a level, being assured also, that if ever he had tasted of the rind of the tree, he would reach at the fruit. And therefore hoped that she should not need to be the plaintiff in this suit, wherein being a defendant, she meant to suffer a recovery before he could have time to be non suit in his action. And you must imagine gentlemen, that Priscus was not idle all this while: for albeit his tongue walked not, yet his mind never eeased from thinking, his heart from panting, his eyes only executing the office of the tongue, so that I think no part of Floridas body was unuiewed and looked over a million of times, presenting every look with a sigh, and every sigh ministering a thousand doubtful Dilemmas, what the sequel of his attempted enterprise would prove, so that thus bathing himself in a sea of confused thoughts, between hope and despair he rested speechless for the time to attend the conclusion of their begun talk. Cornelius, Pandarina and Verosa were not at this time altogether a sleep: for Cornelius had an eye to the gallant beauty of young Verosa, who in respect thereof, was matchless, and almost of an incomparable excellency, her virtuous and modest conversations being ornaments to deck the rest with a most gracious favour, that this young. Saint endued with all these qualities, wanted her peer in all the Duke's Court. Pandarina, narrowly surveying as well the goodly parsonage of Priscus, as also his gentle disposition, and ready sharp wit commixed with modest gravity, had a great combat in her mind between Love and Disdain, hammering in her brain a million of foolish fantasies, to be resolved on the sequel thereof. Thus while Moderatus was occupied in speaking openly, the rest were not exempt from secret and private thoughts. Verosa only excepted, who spent the time only in giving attentive ear to their talk, being altogether either ignorant or careless of the fantastical humours of dreaming lovers. And after that Moderatus had concluded his begun speeches, Florida sweetly smiling, descanted somewhat upon the matter, allowing the venturous courage of Pandarina, not disallowing the subtle reasonings of Priscus, referring the equity of the cause to them that had better skill in the art, than herself. And having thus spent some part of time in reasoning pro & contra, at last they agreed between themselves, to pass the rest of the time in some merry exercise, to recreate their minds withal. Cornelius' brake silence thus: because we be three men, and you so many women, we will, either of us by lot, see which of you will happen to be each of our Ladies, and as it then falleth, so shall it continue for this year: that is, the woman shall call the man servant, and the man shall call the woman Lady and Mistress. And when they had all consented to this, the three Gentlemen separated themselves from the rest of the company, and Cornelius chose to himself for a feigned name, (to take his chance in this lottery) Troilus: and Priscus named himself Hector, and Moderatus took to name Ulysses: and so returning again to the company, they discovered their borrowed names: and then Verosa, because she was youngest, was appointed to have the first choice, who having heard their names, she said thus unto them. My Lord Cornelius, and the rest of the gentlemen, you have chosen names worthy yourselves: the first, being the flower of all Knighthood in the world: the second, a perfect mirror of a true and faithful Lover: and the third, the true lantern of all Civil policy: and for wisdom, Mercury's own sweet sucking Babe. Wherefore, myself being young, the youngest best agreeth with my years: and so I choose for my servant, (sith it is your own pleasures so to term yourselves) Troilus. Cornelius, who had taken that name, said then, Lady and Mistress, you must kiss me for earnest, or else the bargain is not bound: whereupon, after a little modest bashfulness, that part was finished. And then Florida, who was assented to have the second place, began thus: Ulysses by his wit and policy, did more benefit the Grecians in their ten years siege to the City of Troy, than Achilles with all his manhood, and help of his Myrmidones, and I had rather that my servant should keep himself out of the danger, as Ulysses: and though using his tongue oftener than his Target. yet doing more good therewith, than others the stoutest warriors did with their shields and lances. And were I assured of my chance in this my choice, I would say with the daughter of Icarus, Penelope coniux semper Vlyssis ero: and therefore let my Servant be Ulysses. And when herewith she had concluded, Moderatus with good grace said thus: Madam, your hap was the worse to make so bad a choice, but sith it was your lot, if it be your pleasure to assent thereunto, let me kiss your royal hand in token of your entertainment: to which demand she willingly assented, being glad of her chance, and well pleased with her choice, though modesty forbade her publicly to discover the same. Then quoth Pandarina, (allotted last to make choice, because she was eldest) you have so politicly used the matter, that I could not take my fortune, in choosing myself which should be my servant, but I am contented, sith it was my chance to light upon one, without any industry of mine own, to give him the best entertainment I can. And I am glad I have met with one so valiant as Hector: for when all shifts fail, he will not stick to combat for his Mistress: and I will assure you, my Lady Florida, if you had heard his politic and subtle reasonings ere-whiles, you would have judged him to be a second Ulysses: but howsoever politic or valiant, or though neither, it is now no time to refuse what fell to my lot. Then quoth Priscus, let your servant have his earnest penny, and then you may be right assured, he will not stick either to speak for combat for his Mistress, with all the wit and strength he hath: whereupon having bound the bargain with a kind Congee, that act was concluded. And I suppose none to be displeased with his chance, without that Priscus remained discontented for that he had not obtained Florida for his Lady and Mistress, in whose hands lay the sentence of his life or death, but nevertheless he was well satisfied, his friend having that room which he desired himself, hoping now that Moderatus upon this new accident, should have a more convenient opportunity, to open the matter at large unto Florida in his behalf, and by that means he might the rather obtain some comfort in his proceed. These gay Courtiers being at this time all amorte, not a word uttered by any, each one hammering in his brain a thousand devices for their new entertained passions, in the end Priscus very faintly, for needs must he be fainty that was fired with such a brand, quaking like the aspen leaf for fear of offending, yet animated with martial courage to attempt, thinking it too great a cowardice not to dare to speak, at last broke silence, thus: Noble Prince, fair Lady, with all you the rest that be of this company, the privilege of my pardon claimed and had, for my presumption in offering (without leave) to make any motion before them, that I ought and do obey with reverence, sith that we have hitherto bestowed all this afternoon in honest recreations, which hath somewhat refreshed our minds with the exercise thereof, yet as the Hyperborei, which be of the strongest sight, in the end are become blind in beholding the brightness of the sun, though at the first sight they were able to endure the same: so we, without some change of exercise, will soon weary ourselves. And therefore to change our diets from these winter nights exercise, wherewith we have already begun, to such as shall be fit these fair summer days, & so to end this days merriment with music might very well agree with the quality of the company, and condition of the time: and for that my Lady Floridas chamber wanteth not store of instruments, me thinketh, by her leave, that to be a fit place to solemnize the same: whereunto they all agreed, and being come to the place, all set in order, it was agreed that every one should sing a song with his own Instrument, and that the Puny should begin first, and so to succeed orderly according to the priority of their ages, so that by this sentence Verosa must begin, and the text must be amorous, or else the sermon can not be currant, who having brought into concord a fair pair of Uirginals, which was hard at hand, she solemnly chanted this ensuing Cansong.  

VER OSAES' song.  

ANd must the Puny that learned Gammut scant,  
Muse upon Crotchets trebled oft and oft?  
Or who of Art the perfect grounds doth want,  
To judge thereof, shall he then climb aloft?  
No, no: of truth his cunning proves but vain,  
And so herein shall I such merit gain.   

But seeing your dooms is a command to speak,  
I will not stick, (yet blame me not therefore,  
If I do err) for that my skill is weak,  
So that of right the blame is yours the more,  
Appointing her of colours judge to be,  
Who being so blind, can therein nothing see,   

For Cupid's craft, ever fronted with a smile,  
Hath never pierced my panting virgins breast,  
For I abhor the caitiffs crafty wile,  
Wherewith the lovers fond are ever oppressed.  
I wish my friends never for to prove such fate,  
Lest unto them repentance cometh too late.   

For to repeat the lovers dreaming thoughts,  
If skill to me had taught the ready way,  
How with loves frown they seem like dampened ghosts,  
Were toiled too much, and eke would make you say,  
That I a foe were to humanity,  
Therefore with this, I crave excused to be,    
Verosa having made an end of her song, made low obeisance to them all, and so returned to her former place again. And Cornelius, because his turn was next, called for his Lute, and before he began, thus he spoke: Mistress, how falleth it out, that so fair a Gentlewoman of your time, should be thus given, I fear me, you will be a Nun, if you rest in this opinion a while: take heed, your error is great, and if you repent not in time, your penance will be the greater, or else your time in purgatory must be double: for I know well, Cupid is too mighty to be thus scorned of you, who doth not use to pardon wilful offences: and surely, Mistress, if you continue in this obstinacy, I am sorry that I have met with one so blinded with heresy.  
Verosa, blushing with modest shamefastness, said, pardon me my Lord, in that I have spoken my mind, as by your commandment and the rest of the company, I was appointed, and surely I think, what I have spoken to be rather an error than an heresy, if it be any offence at all: but though it were neither, and that all I spoke should be an undoubted truth, yet would I recant therein, rather than lose so honourable a Servant: And sith you have thus like a ghostly father given me a spiritual counsel, you have heard my confession, and I am ready to perform any penance, that you will enjoin upon me for my sins: By this, Cornelius Lute being come, the company requested that a good concord of his instrument might perfect that conformity which was in his Mistress: whereat Cornelius, being nothing displeased, having tuned his Lute, warbled out this ensuing Ditty.  

CONELIUS song.  

WHo aims at honours worthy name,  
And coveteth renowned fame,  
In no wise can thereto aspire,  
Without the aid of Queen desire.  
Oh mighty Cupid, Venus' boy,  
Accept of mine unfeigned joy.   

She sits triumphant in her seat,  
And foes with furious looks doth threat,  
Which do blaspheme with words unmild;  
Against herself and bonny child.  
Oh mighty Cupid, Venus' boy,  
Accept of mine unfeigned joy.   

A child, whose force and mighty hand,  
The great God Mars could not withstand,  
That burneth like a lamp of sire,  
In fleeing thoughts winged with desire.  
Oh mighty Cupid, etc.   

Whose shining beams doth plainly show,  
The ready way for them I trow,  
For to aspire to dignity,  
If loyal Lovers they will be.  
Oh mighty Cupid, etc.   

Lo, here behold the honours due,  
To amorous hearts that will be true,  
But who dislodgeth from his bower,  
Shall soon perceive his rod is sour.  
O mighty Cupid, etc.   

And that he may with force confound,  
Each living wight that goeth on ground,  
All you that do this God despise,  
Fly from his reach if you be wise.  
O mighty Cupid, etc.   

But he that mean'th not to disdain,  
For pleasures sake to take some pain,  
join with the rest that amorous be,  
And to his Court to gain your fee.  
Oh mighty Cupid, Venus' boy,  
Accept of mine unfeigned joy,    
COrnelius having warbled out this Ditty, with a smiling countenance, bade them all be merry: and Florida, whose course was next, called for an Instrument, and in the mean time spoke thus to Cornelius, My Lord, you have pleaded so cunningly for your great Master Cupid, that sure you deserve a double fee: and no marvel, for as it is said, Animo volenti nihil est difficile, and lest we should spend so much time in reasoning, that we should want day to finish our begun exercise, I beseech Clio to be mine aid, and therewithal having stretched the strings of her Instrument to the highest note, she sweetly chirped out this Ode.  

FLORIDA'S song,  
LAtely when Aurora drew  
Curtain, which was dark of hew,  
Which unspread showed light,  
That covered was by Lady night:  
And blushingly discovered ay,  
Her loves bed wherein she lay,  
Then Titan lordly-n his seat,  
Dried up moisture with his heat,  
And chased hath the veil dark,  
Of racking clouds for his park:  
Fishes swam in silver stream,  
And I unripped seam by seam.  
Circumstance of nature's mould,  
Which rare seemed to behold.  
Gazing thus with eyes of mind,  
There I could nothing find,  
Which pleased not curious eye,  
And therewithal I 'gan to spy:  
Narcissus that was so fair,  
With his golden locks of hair,  
Which of late had scorned all,  
That were bend to Cupid's call,  
Viewing there the water clear,  
Where his beauty did appear,  
He thought it had another been,  
Whose like before he never had seen.  
Thinking to embrace a shade,  
(That of a substance scorn had made)  
He consumed in loves desire;  
Of such force is Cupid's Ire,  
That prepares the bed of woes,  
To all such as be his foes,  
And to entrap, he snares doth lay,  
Such as do him disobey.  
When I saw his doom so dire,  
To such as despised his fire:  
At his flame I thought to warm,  
Lest I catched the greater harm.  
Then in haste I came away,  
Like aspyne leaf quaking ay,  
For fear of the mighty God,  
That all threatened with his rod,  
That ever would disloyal be,  
To his Mother's progeny,  
His judgement pronounced was,  
With such terror, that alas,  
I hear it sound in mine ear,  
Moving body to pale fear,  
Lest I should incur his Ire,  
Which might yield me chief desire.   
FLorida having warbled over this Ode very demurely, sat silent, and Moderatus, who was to follow, having his Lute ready for the purpose, first boarded his Lady and Mistress with this preamble: Sappho was never more poetical in her Muses, nor cunning in her musical Instruments, than you, Madam, proved yourself by this so rare demonstration of an excellent Poet, and exquisite Musician. And albeit that it is a greater discommendation than praise, to be commended of an ill Orator, yet pardon me, for that I do my good will, and truth never deserveth blame: and therewithal not staying for any reply, he began with a slow and soft voice, to measure over this Cansong.  

Moderatus song.  

WHen golden Titan did the Ram forsake,  
And warmed the Bull with force of greater heat,  
Then forth I walked the pleasant air to take,  
Glad when I heard the silly Lambs to bleat.  
Pleased to behold the storms of winter's ire,  
(With quiet calm) at last for to expire.   

As thus I mused under the silent shade,  
The chirping birds chattering their harmony,  
Pleasant slumber my senses did invade,  
And then I heard a voice that loud did cry,  
Woe worth the time that I did yield consent,  
To lawless Love, which now I do repent.   

The golden shaft that pierced my panting breast,  
Came from the quiver hanged at blind Cupid's side,  
Which hath so full bereaved me of rest,  
And therewithal again he loudly cried,  
Woe worth the time that I did yield consent,  
To lawless Love, which now I do repent.   

Phoebus' reflecting beams from polished glass,  
Yields not more lively shows than doth her face,  
That is the cause of this my harm, alas,  
Well may I say, being hopeless in her grace,  
Woe worth the time that I did yield consent,  
To lawless Love, which now I do repent.   

Whereat I waked, but nothing could I view,  
Which made me think a vision it should be,  
And strait I rose to see what would ensue,  
And then a novel strange appeared to me,  
A frozen man being in a fiery flame,  
Another fried in frost, (woe worth the same.)   

Afore I could the meaning understand,  
This strange Aenigma vanished quite away,  
Whereat amazed much I then did stand,  
Thinking that woeful wight did lately say,  
woe worth the time that I did yield consent,  
To lawless Love which now I do repent.    
PAndarina being ready to take her turn in this musical pastime, would not seem to let Moderatus skill in Music and Poetry uncensured, and therefore thus she said: Master Moderatus, you began so poetical, persisted so musical, and ended so sophistical, that it is hard to judge, whether you be a soldier of Mars, or a servant of Venus, but if I be a good interpreter of dreams, Morpheus favoured you highly, in giving you so gentle a warning, showing before your face a plain demonstration of the danger, before you undertook the charge: and it is always thought, that altogether, or for the most part, one dreameth of that thing, which he had most in memory before he slept, whereby it plainly appeareth, that the same which you spoke in the person of another, was altogether appropriated unto yourself: but if you say, it is not an opponents part to distinguish a question proposed, pardon me good sir, your dark description thereof made me thus much to descant, to see if I did conceive your meaning, before we should proceed any further.  
Moderatus a little moved with Pandarinas construction of his song, was about to reply, but Florida perceiving the alteration of his colour to grow of choler, believing that this dark & obscure narration of his mind touching love, was only to blind the rest, least they should conceive his mind towards her, being very glad, thinking that he was only moved, when his scar was touched, played the moderator in disputations between them, saying, Concludat iniuria finis, I pray you let us not stay all day in arguing, lest it should be a mean to hinder our music, and therewithal took Moderatus by the hand, and said, Pacify yourself gentle Sir, (for Mistress Pandarinas censure is but one Doctor's opinion) and reserve what you had to speak now to a further disputation of all these matters, and so willing Pandarina to proceed in her charge, she sat silent, and Pandarina betook her to the Uirginals, and having tuned it to her mind, she began to sing thus:  

WHen Flora flourished in her prime,  
bedecked with gallant green:  
Had overspread the subtle soil,  
most lively to be seen.   

No wit could choose but wonder much,  
to see such gallant Dame,  
Attired so gay with Majesty,  
belonging to the same.   

She traced abroad with pompous pace,  
and troops of royal train,  
Both male and female followed her,  
the Prince and Country-swaine.   

Each one so placed in his degree,  
as best did fit his state,  
Some pleased with his happy chance,  
some cursed his frowning fate.   

Before her went, but dare I speak,  
what there I did behold:  
A Princely youth, a mighty King,  
a God both stout and bold.   

His amber looks so gaily twined  
like crisped wires of gold,  
His beauty so ravished my wits,  
I can it not unfold.   

In one hand he did bear a bow,  
the other carried fire:  
Which would consume the stubborn sort,  
that served not Queen desire.   

And at his side a quiver did hang,  
wherein was arrows twain:  
The one with gold full finely tipped,  
that Lovers use to pain.   

The other leaden headed was,  
which makes disdain in heart:  
Who so is towched with this, of Love  
shall never feel the smart.   

He wings did bear, in token that  
who did his favour require:  
That he should bear aspiring mind,  
and winged with high desire.   

But last, which doth not pain me least,  
the world to him was dark:  
He could not see to give to each,  
according to desert.   

Thus marched Flora in her pomp,  
chief Actrix of the game,  
And ministered matter to the rest,  
delighting in the same.   

She is the fruit of pleasant Ver,  
most lively to be seen:  
Which glads the hearts of youthful wights,  
and beautifies the green.   

She matter yields to Cupid's mates,  
for to effect their joy:  
And he delights within her bower,  
her company to enjoy.   

This unity between these twain,  
did boil the fervent mind,  
And made each living thing to cleave  
by Nature to his kind.   

The God of Love did fancy force,  
and Flora fruit did yield,  
Convenient to effect the same,  
twixt pleasant groves in field.   

Wherefore by heaps the Amorous troops,  
resorted to the place:  
And followed still this Princely crew,  
their pleasures to embrace.   

Whose Majesty when I beheld;  
and stately countenance,  
Not Mars in field seemed so stout,  
with warlike bloody lance.   

For presently he vaunced himself,  
unto a stately throne,  
More gorgeously than ever was wrought,  
in timber or in stone.   

It was embossed with bordering bows,  
and branched with knots of green,  
No wight by art could frame the like,  
but flourishing Flora Queen.   

About this seat where Cupid sat,  
the chirping birds did sing,  
And his Venerean Clients eke,  
a doleful knell did ring.   

Some merrily did laugh and sport,  
possessing hearts desire.  
And others cried for equity,  
being scorched with his fire.   

This Chaos of confused sport,  
did make me much to muse,  
If that I should this God adore,  
or so to do refuse.   

As thus I stood, not yet resolved  
what course therein to take,  
I had a summons to his Court,  
my fealty to make.   

Then did I seek to wrest by force,  
his will for to withstand,  
All that I could, I strived: yet was  
to weak my fainting hand.   

Lo I which erst their follies blamed,  
am now perforce constrained,  
To yield obeisance at his bar,  
which late the same disdained.   

Wherefore I burn, and so must all  
that dallieth with the flame,  
Even as the Fly turning about,  
is perished in the same.   
Mistress Pandarina (quoth Priscus, whose turn was next) I being once almost a sworn foe to Cupid and his Laws, your most rare and excellent discourse hath now altogether reclaimed me from mine error, and wholly recanting mine heresy, with no less than a sorrowful and penitent heart, hoping a just absolution to follow so open and frank a confession: and therewithal having tuned his instrument to his mind, he solemnly descanted upon this ensuing Ditty.  

PRISCUS song.  

WHen Titan 'gan the Crancke for to ascend,  
And touched the point ecliptic in the sky,  
Each thing on earth did then himself defend:  
Even from his parching beams, that did well-nigh  
Consume all things, (with violent force of heat,)  
That walked abroad in this terrestrial seat.   

Princes did keep within their princely bowers,  
With bows of green their chambers hanged were.  
Wherein they dallied with their paramours:  
The winds lay silent in their concave sphere.  
All sought that night (at pleasure) take their ease,  
Of raging heat the fury to appease.   

The silly swains (woe `s me, the silly swayves)  
Under a Pine in silent shade did rest,  
Ah rest, which restless still my poor heart pains,  
Wherewith even now my carcase is oppressed:  
Unwitting then their secrets I overheard,  
To what I did not taking good regard.   

It was the great God Pan's festival day,  
When shepherds acquaint do plod it with their kind,  
Of rustic pipes they made a consort gay,  
To honour Pan each sport they called to mind:  
Thus they did banquet with their music rude,  
When to the same myself I did intrude.   

Where when I did intrude, my heart I pawned,  
For floating fame did fill mine ears with praise,  
Of Venus' peer, whose beck is a command,  
And then desire that is a spur always  
(So fortune would) did prick my wounded mind,  
(But in her sight) that no where ease I find.   

A combat strait within myself arose,  
Of that I should yield unto Queen desire,  
Knowing that fame is partial as she goes,  
So I might fall in seeking to aspire,  
Then Lady Love said that I must obey,  
Which sentence past, I durst not make delay,   

Fortune thus framed the plot to mine annoy,  
Fame blew the coals to kindle my desire,  
Love did command I should no rest enjoy,  
Till I were cleansed in Cupid's purging fire,  
Thus I do range to seek a remedy,  
And though I live, yet living daily die.   

Seing Fame of beauty's pride could me enforce,  
What marvel is it if beauty itself could move?  
But oh that beauty had not some remorse,  
To yield me due, that fervently do love,  
Or at the least to pity mine estate,  
And not for love to yield me deadly hate.   

The God is blind that works this mystery,  
And doth not work according to desert,  
But yet I yield me to his Majesty,  
In hope at last he will regard my smart.  
In the mean time I banish quite despair,  
Expecting him my wrack for to repair.   

Repair if that he will, long may he reign,  
Triumphing wise to govern both Gods and men,  
If otherwise I can not grief refrain,  
But must seek out a dark and doleful den,  
In deserts wild to end my dismal days,  
And Hermyte-like on roots to live always.    
WHen Priscus with a deep sigh (being now come to a perfect Period) had concluded his song, Florida, having searched all her wits, to devise means to have some private conference with Moderatus, after a competent time of silence each expecting other to speak, said, Be blithe, Gentlemen, and if, as it seems, you have cloyed yourselves with music that it hath caused a surfeit, having in such sundry forms used our tongues, to refresh and recreate ourselves, me thinks it could not be amiss, to digest some of our fulsome stomachs, a little while to use our feet, lest for want of exercise, they should wax more stiff, and we forget our measures: but it is no marvel if we do commit measures to oblivion, being thus long in conference about a thing that is without measure: for I do think, that there is no Arithmetician so perfect, that can number it: no Geometrician so cunning, that can measure it: no Mathematician so excellent, that can proportion it: no Rhetorician so eloquent, that can describe it: no Poet so conceited, that can invent a reason thereof: no Astronomer so singular, that can judge of it: And to conclude, no Courtier so fine, that can exquisitely countenance it. Wherefore, Gentlemen and friends, all we have yielded our censures thereof, and the wisest Philosopher could do no more, without a Metaphysical mean to understand more than Nature ever taught, or the Gods themselves had the gift to do: thus to be brief, in my opinion you have done all well, having diversely yielded your judgements thereof, the thing itself being of nature so diverse. And therefore I think it convenient, that (seeing we have for the most part spent this day in pleasant recreations) that we should end the same with some exercise, that would bring us to some natural heat after this cold confection, and tosome appetites to our supper again, after our surfeit in amorous discourses. And therewithal, the company with silence seeming to agree, Florida called for music, which being ready, she willed her brother Cornelius, and his Mistress to lead the rest: for as they had their turn first in other exercise, so likewise to begin with this, and she and her servant would censure of their good skill in Carpet trade, and afterwards yield their cunning therein, to their judgements. So presently they fell all adauncing, saving Florida, and Moderatus, who withdrew themselves to a bay window, where Moderatus thought it not best to slip so good an opportunity, once to break a staff in his friend's behalf, and so after a long preamble, (she attentively giving ear thereunto, supposing it had been for himself) imparted unto her, upon a firm and sure promise of secrecy, the whole circumstance of his friends cause, his birth, Country, and friends, his travail past, and the continuance of his present care, the worthiness of the man, and the fervency of his love: omitting nothing, which he thought might induce her to affect and fancy him. But hereupon Florida perceiving his drift, could scant suffer him so long a Period: for that very angrily and with bending brows, she commanded him to proceed no further in that suit: and, quoth she, if my friendly countenance hath made you so peevish, as to abuse my curcesie so much, I will (albeit much unwilling) pluck away from you the favour of a friendly affection, which peradventure might have kindled in me some fancy towards you, if you had taken in hand that office for yourself, which so earnestly you prosecute for another. Whereupon Moderatus excusing himself with his own unworthiness, nevertheless commending the desert of his friend, and urging for him all that he could, was by Florida absolutely commanded to silence, and no more to speak for Priscus, nor to presume to enter her presence, if he seemed to disdain of her friendly courtesy so frankly offered him. And therewithal not staying for a further reply, fling away in great choler, without any manner of salutation to the rest of the company: whereupon they all dissolved, not a little admiring the cause of Floridas so sudden departure. Moderatus, to avoid suspicion, affirmed that Florida was not well at ease, all seemed to hold themselves satisfied with this excuse, poor Priscus only excepted, whose heart was welnie sundered for very grief, misdeeming the very true occasion of that accident, yet dissembling his pain as much as he could, with a merry countenance in outward semblance passed over the matter for that time, till he might find opportunity to confer with his friend therein.  
Gentlemen, here may you plainly behold a very actual Stratagem of a confused Metamorphosis, wherein Cupid showeth the force of his power: for first, he so inflamed Priscus with the love of Florida, (their Parents being mortal foes,) that he came from his Father's kingdom, a Country far adjacent, to Liguria to do her service, this instimulation proceeding only upon bare report of her rare beauty, blazed by a silly shepherd in a song at a rural feast, and pastoral sport observed by a sort of Country swains and shepherds in honour of their God Pan, and therefore might rather seem a fabulous fiction, than any demonstration of truth, (whose credulity therein to fallible fame, may be an wholesome admonition for you to avoid the like, being so erroneous, as Cicero verifieth, saying, Credulitas enim error est magis quam culpa.) and the more to wrap this young novice in a Labyrinth of his own fond conceits, he so favoured his froward affection, that causing him to forget the danger of being continually in the hands of his father's mortal enemy, he brought him from a Prince of Aemulia, to be a vassal and servitor in her Father's Court, whereby to obtain the sight of her, whom he loved more dear than he did his own life. The young Gentleman, who had never been a long waiter in Lady Venus' Court, measuring the affection of Florida after his own fervent fancy, thought every smile a favour, and every look the Calendar of true love: much like the Swallows, that think every Sunshine to be a fair Summer's day, such is the desired contrariety of this blind god, that he maketh the beloved little to esteem the faithful and unfeigned zeal of the passionate, and tormenting lover, that daily offered his humble service for the pleasing of his Lady, which taketh no effect, but rather breedeth contempt and disdain in her scornful and proud mind, a too too unkind reward to so loving a friend. In like manner this Cyprian boy delighting in nothing but extremities, contrariwise so inflamed the mind of the young Lady with the love of Moderatus, that not only her affection to him was match-able to Priscus fancy towards her, but also did exceed her patiented in love towards him, who being not yet moved with the violent passions of servant desire, did little regard the same, though contrary to Decorum in feminine sex, she by her own mouth had given him to understand thereof. So much he delighteth in changeable novelties, that he holdeth not that plea for currant in his Court, which is not like Proteus, that receiveth every shape, or to the Polip that is apt for every impression, or to the Chameleon, that turneth itself into the likeness of every object: how dangerous is it then to warm at his fire, the heat whereof not only withereth the body, but also wearieth the mind, which, like the vemme of a Tarantula, devoureth a man laughing: a pleasing evil, which unawares bringeth us to confusion. Well, had Priscus but remembered that a woman's eye draweth like the Adamant, and prevideth like the Basilisk, be would not have come so far to seek his own bane: but truth it is, Love is senseless and lawless, and therefore he that is subject thereto obeyeth no reason: for needs must he trot, whom the Devil driveth, as the old Adage is, otherwise Priscus had never so blinded himself with self-will, who now hath full experience (having with repentance bought the same) in the miserable life of unfortunate Lovers, whose only stay is but a rotten staff: for now feeling the bitter pangs of his tormenting passions to surcharge him with sorrow and grief, he trembled to think of the answer he should receive of his assured friend Moderatus, and therefore as one in despair of his own life, he feigned an excuse of some urgent and weighty business to be done with all expedition, which called him (as he said) very much against his will to the dispatch thereof. The rest of the company having concluded to sup together, whereby, with a cup of pure wine, to drive down all their pastimes and sports, (seeing as he feigned such necessary business and affairs drew him from their company) they would stay his friend Moderatus as a pledge of his return, in hope afore the feast were ended, he would repair to ransom him. Whereupon Priscus departed, and they all together seeing the company bore without Florida, determined first to visit her, and then if her distemperature were not overmuch, they would entreat her to be their guest, and bear them company that night: which accordingly they performed, and came all together to her chamber, where she being very melancholy, and having a flea in her ear, had cast herself upon her bed, and by this had breathed forth, not only a number of grievous groans and scalding sighs, but also many hard and sharp invectives against Moderatus, that so discourteously has refused her gentle offer: and therefore her former choler something qualified, Florida, at their coming to the chamber, awaked out of her dumps, (being very high minded, and therefore would not be perceived to mourn for any thing, stepped up upon a sudden, and said unto them: now gentle friends, you have played the good woodesmen, that having wounded the Dear, you followed his track so well, that you came to his den, where he was ready to breathe his last & for surely, in good earnest be it spoken, I was so wearied with this days exercise, that my pillow was my best Physician: and therewithal spying Moderatus present, and Priscus away, she thought all was well, and that Moderatus had recanted in his error, & Priscus become non-sute in his action. And therefore upon their entreaty, to have her company to sup, she willingly assented to go with them: and being all come to the place appointed, supper was ready, and they fell roundly to their victuals: for their exercise that day had brought them to good appetites. And repast being done, after a little prattle, being all desirous of rest, they took leave each of other, & so departed.   

Moderatus great sorrow, that his faithful endeavour could not take place with FLORIDA for the preferment of his friend. His determination to leave DEVASCOS' Court, and his letter to FLORIDA to signify the same.  
Chap. 6.  
MOderatus, who (all this while was very sore disquieted in mind, his thoughts wandering at it were between Scylla and Charybdis) could by no means devise how to rid himself out of the intricate Labyrinth he was in: first, the loyal league of friendship between him and Priscus, moving him to great pity, in that his faithful endeavour could not take effect to satisfy the desire of his dearest friend: and again, being very pensive, for that reason and honesty commanded him to refuse the courteous and gentle offer of the fair Florida: but to be brief, love and virtue being at great wars in his mind, Love hammering in his head a thousand reasons to move him to fancy Florida, and assuring him of a sufficient mean to retain his friendship still with Priscus: Virtue on the other side, forbidding him to violate his faith unto his friend, lest in so doing he should become hateful unto the world, and his name grow odious amongst men: in the end virtue having gotten the superiority, (for by nature he was much inclined thereto) he bethought with himself how he might best further his friend in his Amours, knowing very well that to dissuade him from his purpose, was with the Assyrian wolves to bark against the stars, and when he had tossed divers and sundry devices in his head concerning the same, none seeming currant, but all impossible, if he remained where Florida might have knowledge of him: for now he judged that his presence was the greatest let to hinder Priscus determinate purpose, and therefore he determined to remove that block, and so resolved unawares to any, presently to avoid the Duke's Court, thinking that when Florida miss him, she would be glad to entertain Priscus: for that women, having once feathered their thoughts with fancy, would do no less than still aim at affection: and he knew very well, there was no fairer mark for her in all her father's Court, than Priscus, and thus he concluded with himself the next morning to departed from Albigena. On this determination he went home to his father's lodging, thinking it not the wisest course to go to his friend Priscus chamber in the Court, lest if he were priest to reveal unto him the verity of the matter, it might breed in him such a despair, that his pretended policy would serve for small purpose: who being come to his father's gate, it was so far passed of the night, that all were in bed: nevertheless he repaired to the chamber window of a servant of his Fathers, whom he loved very faithfully, and called him to open the gate for him, who incontinently so did, and showed him a chamber to take his rest, whereupon he spoke to Baleto, (for so his Father's man was called, being assured of his fidelity, which very often had yielded unto him many sure pledges of truth) how that he was to departed from the Duke's Court upon some serious business, which required a present dispatch, to the executing whereof, he must be furnished with a pilgrims weed, & therefore gave him in charge, by morning to provide such furniture as belonged thereunto: and therewithal delivered him Crowns sufficient to buy the same, promising also to reward him well for his labour, and so Baleto hied him about his business, and Moderatus betook him to his ease, who all this night took but small rest, beating his brains sometimes about the course of his travel, otherwhiles calling to memory how grievously his parents would take his absence, with divers other occurrents which happened to come to his mind: and lastly resolved upon this point, that if he truly discharged the part of a friend, he did not care how his travel prospered, how his parents should be grieved, nor how he should be thought of by his friend. And so peremptorily determining to departed suddenly, he took pen, ink, and paper, and devised these ensuing lines to be sent to Florida.  
TO FAIR FLORIDA, PERFECT health and prosperous happiness.  
THat which very often I have read in antiquities, I find now plainly verified in you: which is, that Love swimmeth in a woman's eye, but never diveth into her heart: fancy is the lodestar that ruleth her affection, and desert is either never respected, or slenderly considered, it is presently in oblivion. Well, now I perceive that the finest velvet hath his brack, the fairest Rose his prickle, and the rarest beauty a disdainful and coy resolution, which doth more blemish an honourable mind, than the most excellent hue of beauty doth garnish and adorn the body: for as it is said, If thou be fair, thou oughtest diligently to endeavour thyself, that thy virtuous life be aequivalent to those good parts which thy Creator bestowed upon thee: but if fowl, thou oughtest so much the more to endeavour thyself to excel in virtue, as thou art others inferior in beauty. Wherefore, Madam, unnatural were it for you, being furnished with such heavenly and divine beauty, to have your heart to hardened in the forge of cruelty, as not to relieve the ceaseless torments of your faithful Lover, and my distressed friend, who counting all danger a joy, all grief a grace, all pain a pastime, and weighing all torments as a treasure, so the same were sustained in your service, or undertaken at your commandment: and to be brief, had you any way regarded a loyal and loving heart, founded upon an unfeigned and virtuous resolution, so long could you not have withheld your eye of pity from him, that so often, yea, even within your view languished with such pure tormenting pain and grief, that his only hope of release was, to have his dismal days ended by the piercing and deadly dart of death. Happily you will say, that I pronounce a sharp sentence against mine own self, and judge me as arrogant in denying your most courteous offer, as you were unkind in not granting my request. True it is, if either the force of lawless love, or the over-liberal courtesy (far above my desert) of a royal and beautiful Lady, had been (of a virtuous and honest mind) more to be respected and regarded, than the sacred league and inviolable bond of true and faithful friendship, which united Priscus mind and mine together, much more had I overjoyed myself to deny your request, and to refuse the thing I most of all desired: but seeing the Imperial laws of sacred society did will and command the contrary, I think therein that I have done but my duty: wherefore know fair Florida, that sith your doom was so dire, as absolutely to forbid me your presence, without I undertook so much for myself, as I did then prosecute for my friend, rather than I would falsify my faith, I mean (though to my no small grief) to fulfil the tenor of your sentence, by absenting myself not only from your presence, but also from your father's Court, & faithfully bequeath myself to a pilgrims life, to assay if by my penance I may release my friend from his martyrdom. Wherefore receive this my last adieu, and credit me, the refusing of your gentle offer proceeded of a firm zeal towards my friend, & not of a coy disdain towards you: assuring you, but to prejudice Priscus, I am every way at your command: & so intending not to return again, till either Florida hateth Moderatus, or loveth priscus. I beseech you, if ever you affected me, you attribute the same unto him as his due, who as Cicero said, est quasi alter idem, and therefore may justly challenge all that were due unto me. I am so acquaint in my pilgrim's habit, that I forget the reverence due to so royal a lady. Wherefore I pray for pardon, & wish you (if the prayer of a pilgrim may take effect) to commend me to Priscus. And thus, with tears in mine eyes, & grief in my heart, I commend you to your pleasure, and bequeath myself to my travel.  
Yours, every way, but to prejudice Priscus, DON MODERATUS.   

Moderatus departure from Albigena. Priscus intercepting of MODERATUS letters to FLORIDA & perusal of the same. His grief for the loss of his friend, which drive him to a dangerous fever: MODERATUS letter sealed again, and delivered to FLORIDA. Her meditation upon the same: the altering of her resolution, and affecting of PRISCUS. The Ladies and gentlemen's visiting of PRISCUS being sick. CORNELIUS censure upon Beauty and Bounty.  
Chap. 7.  
MOderatus having finished this letter, repaired to the chamber of Baleto, to see how things were in a readiness, (thinking it long till he were departed from Albigena) and to deal with him for the conveying of the letter to Florida, where by chance he found Priscus page, who had been forth so late the night before, that for fear to disquiet his Master, he had taken up his lodging there, (as often he used to do) whereupon Moderatus did consider with himself, that he would be a very fit messenger for that purpose, and therefore he took him the letter closely sealed, and wished him with convenient speed to deliver the same unto his sister Verosa, wishing her in his name to deliver it over to Florida, according to the direction thereof: Further desiring the page not to make it known to any that he had seen him, and the rather to have him to accomplish his request, he clapped him in the fist with a brace of angels, and told him that he was to go upon some serious business, which he would not have any to understand thereof. And thus having schooled the Page what he had to do, he bade him hearty farewell, and returned to his own chamber again, where he found Baleto ready with all things that he lacked for his journey, wherewith he presently furnished himself, and having left order with him to excuse his absence to his Parents, and for the doing of his business which he left unperfect, he rewarded him well for his labour, and so departed with Aurora's first blush, that he might not be descried of any, passing through gardens and vineyards (a way very secret) till he came to the forest, where we will leave him as yet not fully determined, which way from thence to bend the course of his travel. And now return to Priscus, who all the night before had taken very little rest: for that no disquietness may be compared to the grief of mind, wherewith he was continually vexed, and now much more than ever before, supposing that Floridas sudden departure was a Calendar of his ensuing calamities: for having his barge tossed amids the weltering waves of Fortune's ever-changing surges, Floridas looks only guided the stern, so that for every wrinkle in her brow, and frown in her face, he was in danger of present shipwreck. The absence of his friend Moderatus also greatly troubled him, both for that he longed to understand his success with Florida, and also much marveled, why he came not to bed unto him the night before, as his manner was: and as thus he studied upon these and such other contingents, his Page came in: whereupon he addressed himself to be stirring, and the Page busy helping to make ready his Master, the letter sent by him to be delivered to Florida, fell from his bosom, the which Priscus presently espying, demanded what it was: the Page loath (by reason of the charge given him by Moderatus) to confess the truth, feigned some excuse, (what upon a sudden came to his head) but nevertheless Priscus, by the endorsement thereof, perceived it to be his friend Moderatus hand-writing, and that the direction was to Florida, which sight made him very blank, but better remembering himself, he straightly examined his Page how he came by the same letter, and what he had in charge to do therewith, who seeing his Master in some choler, thought it now no time to dally with him, and thereupon presently confessed the truth. Priscus now marveling what was become of his friend, being great with child till he might view the contents of his letter, in the end after long study, he bethought him of the print of Moderatus signet, which he had in ivory, and therefore might well open the same without knowledge, whereupon presently unripping the seal, he perused his friends lines to Florida, wherein perceiving the fidelity of Moderatus, and the great cruelty of Florida, he grew very melancholy and passionate for his friend, in so much that he began to quake like the Aspen leaf, falling therewith upon a sudden to a very dangerous fever, which forced him not only to keep his chamber, but also to embrace his pillow: but nevertheless sealed the letter anew, and commanded his Page to do therewith as his friend Moderatus had given him in charge, which the Page accordingly performed, but the letter being come to Floridas hand, and understanding the same to come from Moderatus, she was the gladdest woman in the world, thinking it had been a recantation of his former folly, and therefore presently opened the same, and read over his lines, viewing and reviewing every word in particular: the agony of this sudden sight tormenting her so much, that she was scant able to keep her countenance, whilst she feigned some business to send away Verosa, which delivered the same letter unto her; who being gone, she secretly conveyed herself to her closet, and began thus to meditate upon the matter.  
Ah Florida, what meaneth this alteration? and whereof proceedeth these unwonted passions? hast thou been courted of so many brave and gallant Gentlemen? sued unto and sought by so many worthy Personages, and service offered unto thee by so many noble Lords: all which thou heldest in disdain, scorning Cupid's Alarms, and condemning for superstition Aphrodites Orisons: and now like the Beetle (having nesteled in the Sun all day, is contented with a Cowsharde for shelter at night,) art, not only forced to be the foremost soldier to march, when Cupid soundeth his trumpet, and both to deck Venus' shrine at Paphos with flowers, and to offer incense at her Altar for sacrifice: but also overcome with base and servile thoughts, art (contrary to the quality of thy sex) driven to offer the favour of thy affection to thy vassal, yea, an upstart, not known whence he came, only by thy Father's bounty preserved from famishing, and from a beggar advanced to dignity, and he thus unkindly to reward thy courtesy with so slender a regard of thy friendly offers. O unjust Fortune, that workest these strange stratagems, and procurest thus my prejudice: but truth it is, thou hast as many frowns as smiles, who fawning like the Tiger when he meaneth most harm: and showing forth a sour and frowning countenance, doth prognosticate fair weather at hand: for after a great storm, followeth a pleasant calm. But what Florida, is it possible that Moderatus is gone? or writeth thus unto thee to try thy patience? no, Moderatus is too wise to jest in these matters, gone he is too sure. O unkind churl, that thus repayest my love with hate, and requitest my ardent desire with peremptory and cold disdain, resembling the Cedar, which is most fair in sight, but yet bringeth no fruit: or the Nightingale, that hath a most sweet voice, but rank flesh: so thou, seeming as simple as a Dove in outward semblance, yet in mind as cruel as a fury, or a ravening lion. What now, Florida? wade not too far in these invectives, before thou considerest the cause aright: for a rash judgement doth but seldom savour of justice: Moderatus sued unto thee for his friend, and thou wouldst have him convert the same for himself: glad he would have been so to do, but that his amity with Priscus did forbid him to falsify his faith unto his friend: so that he had rather (though to his great grief) refuse thy offer, and forsake his most loving and careful Parents, and all his dear friends, than he would be found disloyal and treacherous in his friendship: oh rare and wonderful great faith, and worthy to be had in great estimation amongst all men, whom the force of love could not move, the displeasure of a Princess could not fear, the loss of kind and natural Parents could not crack, nor the hardness and danger of a Pilgrims life, (which every moment is subject to the storm of wayward destiny) could bend: then Florida, seeing that Moderatus preferred his friends welfare before his own, and that he chose rather to prejudice his own person, than any way to hinder Priscus: and desired in his last farewell, that thou wouldst suppose him to be present in the habit of his friend: for that they had but one mind to their two distinct bodies. Think then of the worthiness of Priscus, who loveth thee as his own life, and hath sustained such hard penance for thy sake, that more thou couldst not wish thine enemy, & less had been too much for one that loved so faithfully: & now entertain him with some comfort at his entreaty, whom thou so tenderly didst love: but what, Florida, wilt thou so soon yield to fond affection, as to love thy Father's mortal foe? hast thou none to fancy, but the son of Lothus King of Aemulia, that so often hath vexed thy father and his subjects? and haply under colour of professing love unto thee, pretendeth some treason unto thy father, seeking rather to draw some of his subjects from their allegiance, then to match with his daughter in marriage. Ah, but where rovest thou fond Florida, thou dost measure his inward intention by thy suspicious cogitation, and is it not a Maxim in the Civil law, that suspicion is no proof, where it is said, Factum consistit in externo & corporali actu, animus in tacito & incorporali intellectu, unde in animi effectus non potest cadere facti evidentia: & thou deemest Priscus to cirumvent treason, who not only assureth truth in his words, but also manifesteth the same in action: for if he had thought to surprise thy father with treachery, he would not have suffered himself to be discovered unto thee. And what though his father and mine were and are still foes, might we not nevertheless be friends? yea, and our friendship be an occasion of amity between our Parents? seeing their hate is not deadly, but grown of unkindness, and some ostentation and desire of superiority. And by this match both Provinces might be united together, that it might not only preserve the lives of a number of their subjects, but also arm themselves with such strength, that no stormy blast of sinister Fortune might shake the foundation of any of them both. Love then Florida, for the worthiness of the man willeth thee so to do: his birth and Parentage are sufficient pledges of honourable patrimony, and his parsonage and behaviour are lively portraitures and perfect Maps of true Nobility: his merit is far above thy desert, and his faithful heart (tried with the touchstone of truth) excellethall: so that I think nothing wanting in him, that might be wished for in an honourable Gentleman, or a loyal lover. Hear fetching a deep sigh, Florida made a very long Period: Cupid now having found her as a wanton playing the trewand, had whipped her with nettles to requite all her former coyness, and therefore she began to forget her dearest Moderatus, and to imprint in her thoughts the lively Idea of Priscus perfect shape, verifying the old Adage, 
Qui procul ab oculis, procul est a lumine cordis.  Thus making a virtue of necessity, having none other at this time worthy entertaining, she resolved to frame her countenance so mildly towards Priscus, that (if heretofore she had given him a cooling card for his hot desire, which might drive him to despair) now hope might give him comfort, that opportunity would be a good plea to further his action: devising with herself by what means she might best give Priscus to understand of her new conceived affection, who being in this solemn meditation, came in some of her gentlewomen, with whom she passed the time away, remaining in a kind of longing desire, till good fortune should bring them once together: Priscus all this while kept his bed, his ague being so extreme, that the report thereof was publicly known, and the absence of Moderatus understood, which caused great heaviness throughout all the Duke's Court in general: for that he was very courteous and bountiful unto all, and therefore greatly beloved of all: his Parents and friends greatly grieved therewith, especially because they knew not the cause of his departure, nor where to send in quest of him. The Duke and the Duchess took it also very heavily, for that they entirely loved Moderatus for his Gentlemanly qualities, virtuous conditions, sober life, and diligent service. Thus a good space was his departure greatly bewailed throughout the whole City of Albigena, all comforting Priscus, supposing the loss of his friend to be the cause of his disease, the which Moderatus Parents noted in him presently: for being very often with him, sometimes he would rave, and be as it were frantic, and then he never ceased to call upon his friend Moderatus, the which being understood, they took very great care of him, and gave in charge to Verosa tenderly to look unto him, and to cherish him in his sickness, which the Physicians held dangerous, though not mortal. Verosa for her brother's sake, that was his friend, (his own courteous and gentle behaviour deserving no less) willingly assented so to do, in performance of her Parents command, and of good will unto him: and amongst other times, Florida and Pandarina once did bear her company: for that both of them indeed could have been contented to have comforted him in the best sort they could, although in outward show they dissembled: who being come to the Patient's chamber, they found him very sick, yet at the latter end of his fit, which made them offer themselves a while to keep him chat, to beguile the tediousness of the time. Priscus faint as he was, very hearty gave them thanks, who espying Florida, (being very near his bed, and taking him by the wrist to feel his pulse, and ask him whether the day of his Crisis was past) was almost in a sound to behold her, that had thus wrought all his prejudice: the which Florida perceiving, gave him very comfortable words, and cherished him very tenderly, and bade him take heart, for that a valiant mind is never known but in extremity, as the pure gold in the furnace. Priscus well noted her words, which somewhat did lighten his heart, albeit he much marveled, from whence this sudden kindness had proceeded, after so cruel a sentence pronounced against him, holding it for authentical, that naturally fire and water could not agree in one substance, nor yet love and hate so to concur in one person, that so suddenly the one should expulse the either: experience having taught him, that the lowest shrub groweth not to his full height in a moment, that flax will not burn at the sight of the fire, and that Floridas deadly hatred could not so soon be converted to love and affection: yet he called to mind how the tallest blade of Spattania groweth to his full height in an instant, that the hard stone Calcire, which can be bruised with no metal, is resolved into liquor with the heat of the Sun, and that a woman's heart is like wax, which is apt for every impression, and therefore (forgetting that Ovid said, Spes dea sed fallax) he now builded afresh upon hope, and judged all to the best. Whereupon Florida perceiving his colour something to mend, his pulses moderately to move, and he somewhat to rouse himself in bed, told him how his Mistress Pandarina came to visit him, who presently took Floridas tale by the end, excusing herself, in that she had not oftener comforted him in his sickness, alleging till then, that she was ignorant thereof: interchanged courtesy to and fro past between them. Priscus now prettily well recovered, and very jocund, as it were, with the gentlewomen, Cornelius the Duke's son, with other Courtiers his companions and friends, came to visit Priscus, who said that he was glad to see him so well: then quoth Priscus, I pray you thank the Gentlewomen, whose presence hath made me to forget my passionate ague: well, quoth Cornelius, sith (Gentlewomen) you have begun to be pleasing to Priscus, I would you would so continue, and we would give you our assistance therein, and I do think some discourse to beguile the time would do well, to recreate his mind a little, which is greatly wearied with the violent passions of his long sickness. Then quoth Pandarina, seeing you do appoint the pastime, you will give us leave to make choice of the matter: if you be opponent, (quoth Cornelius) on God's name purpose your question, and you shall see, though we be old trewandes, that we have not forgotten all our sophistry. No, quoth Florida, we must not hold the diseased patient with such long ambages, which will clean tire him, and so augment his grief, but rather with some short discourse to make him sharp and hungry, and not to cloy him with too much, to procure surfeit. Hereunto they all agreed, and that Florida should appoint the text, and then all they to draw cuts, who should discourse thereupon. Then (quoth Florida) let the proposition be: Whether outward Beauty, or inward Bounty deserveth most praise, or is of greatest force to procure love. The theme being given, it fell to Cornelius lot to be the Orator, who was of a very sharp and quick wit, and withal, very desirous to show his cunning before Verosa, whom he had so viewed with the eye of fancy, that the respect of his honour could not hinder him from entering a plea in Venus' court: & framing himself to the performance of his charge, lending an amorous glance to Verosa, which she presently noting, died her cheeks with such vermilion taint, that Aurora blushing at the sight of unacquainted Phaeton, seemed not so glorious of hue: and so proceeded to his matter thus. Well, gentle friends, you may see how unjust the fates be in their favours, & the destinies in their dooms, always laying the greatest burden on him that is least able, working all things by extremities, keeping a mean in nothing but being out of measure, always spurring that horse which had most need of a bridle: nor contented with any thing but impossibilities, taking delight to have us seek to reach above Ela, when scant we can attain unto Solfa: for if they had not been injurious in their constellations, they had not amongst so many (far better skilled than myself) have allotted me (which for the most part am ignorant in O●ids principles) to make a distinction in love between Beauty and Bounty, a matter too high for my mean capacity: but nevertheless, seeing Fortune hath decreed it to be so, and that you do expect the same, I will neither contrary her in her absolute commands, nor deceive you in your wished expectation, conditionally you take in good part, what upon the sudden my simple skill may afford: thus not doubting but the gentlewomen will either quite fall asleep, or else play with their little dogs, when first they shall hear my rude method, I will to the matter, lest I should shape Hercules' shoe for a child's foot, and so be justly rather condemned for my folly, then indifferently thought of for my curiosity.  
First therefore, because the principal matter in this case to be considered, is love: we must know both the nature and seat thereof, before we can proportion our compass to level at our desire: the which, as some Philosophers have deciphered, is but a secret inspiration of the soul, inducing a man to affect and fancy such things, as nature hath metaphysically engraffed in the mind to delight thereof: for otherwise we should not see some one to fancy the beauty of the body, another the virtue of the mind, another to fancy for riches sake, though never beautiful nor wise: thus as love proceedeth by these, and by manifold and sundry other ways and means, so I think every one to affect most of all those qualities in another, wherewith they are themselves furnished: for as the Raven and the Ape think their young ones fairest, so every one naturally valueth his own gifts and qualities most singular and of greatest estimation, so much they are blinded with the love thereof. Semblably in my opinion, true and perfect love can not be but between equales, at least wise in disposition and consent of mind, according as the Proverb is, Similis gaudet simili, so that the nature of the person entertaineth the consent to fancy, and the ratifying of affection. Moreover, love might be well compared to the shadow upon a Horologe, or to the grass upon the earth: for the one, you may perceive it to have moved, and the other to have grown, but you can not see and discern the one moving, nor the other growing: so of love, well may you feel the smart being once snared therewith, and so secretly doth he take possession in the mind, that better you may perceive him to have entered, then take him with the manner: for first it swimmeth in the eye, and then secretly stealeth into the heart, being of nature so subtle, that perfectly to decipher the nature thereof, is a thing metaphysical and above nature. The reasons therefore that should induce us to love, should be things like itself, that is, rare, singular, and perfect, and as it is a thing heavenly and divine: so in human creatures, we should fancy and affect those gifts which are seated in the mind, which is immortal and heavenly, & not in the body, which is brittle and transitory: Beauty is a gift much to be commended, but Bounty is a virtue more to be respected: Beauty pleaseth the eye for a moment, which like the days in April begin with a Sunshine, and end with a shower: but Bounty is an ornament of the mind, which, like the Camomile, the more it is trodden the thicker and better it groweth: or to the pomander, that yieldeth the sweetest sent, when it is most of all chafed. Yet nevertheless, was it not the Beauty of Helen that moved Paris so to fancy her, that he could not live without her? was it not likewise the comeliness of Aeneas parsonage, that caused Dido to love him so much, that she killed herself by reason of his absence? and was it not also the Beauty of Cresed, which made Troilus so to languish for her, that he was at the point of death? Infinite more examples I could produce, where Beauty alone without the help of Bounty, have inueagled the beholders thereof unadvisedly to entertain fancy: for as there is nothing more pleasing and precious to the eye, so there is nothing more brittle and fading, being but a pleasant bait to entrap the mind, which well might be compared to a bavens' blaze, the which as it is violent, can not be permanent: or to the apples in Arabia, which begin to rot before they be half ripe. Wherefore, by how much the mind doth excel, and is of greater estimate than the body, by so much is the virtue of the one to be preferred before the beauty of the other, which made Diogenes to say to a beautiful youth, much beloved for his fair complexion, O fond young man, why dost thou not study to convert the lovers of thy body, to be lovers of thy mind. Aristotle being demanded, how happened it that we held communication longer, and more willing with a beautiful body than another, answered, that blind persons used so to do: for that they perceive not the brittleness of the beauty, but the form and grace of the colour. Aristotle in another place calleth beauty, the spur of fame. Diogenes said it to be a great gift of nature: Socrates, the violence of a short time: Plato, the prerogative of nature, which happeneth but to a few: Theophrastus termeth it a silent fraud, which persuadeth without words: Theocritus, a glistering misery, which is pleasant to the sight, but the cause of many inconveniences: Carneades, a kingdom without governor, for that the beautiful command what they will, without compulsion or force. Thus you may see the opinion of diverse philosophers touching beauty, which nevertheless I will assure you, is of great force to procure love, and that made Cineas the philosopher to say, that the gods themselves in framing thereof, went beyond their skill: for that the maker was subject to the thing made: and true it is, for what made jupiter to transform himself into the likeness of a Swan to beguile Leda, and into a Bull to ravish Europa: what transformed Neptune unto a horse, and Mercury unto a Goat, but beauty? what meoved Apollo to be in love with Daphne? what caused Bacchus to favour Gnosida, but beauty? well then, if beauty was of such force to stir the minds of the Gaddes to affection, what marvel is it, if mortal wights and human creatures had not the power, for to withstand the sharp assaults of his piercing beams: for who so looks upon the Sun, if he be not Eagle eyed, becometh stone blind, and he that gazeth on beauty, unless his heart be as hard as Adamant, will presently be inueagled therewith. So that as I think, beauty induceth the mind to affection, and bounty bindeth up the match with the consent of the heart: Beauty winneth, and Bounty conserveth, but either of them by itself, though for a small time it might procure liking, yet in the end it would grow to loathing: wherefore, that love that should be founded upon beauty alone without virtue, would with that glorious hew and fading gloss vanish away: for what love should remain, when the thing beloved were lost? again, the love grounded upon bounty without beauty, although for a season it might be conserved with the habit of virtue, yet in the end would it grow loathsome, much like a feast stored with plenty of fine eats and dainty dishes, and all these served in unclean vessels, the place of repast being also a dungeon full of stentch and filthiness: finally, Beauty might well be compared to the wick of a candle, and Bounty to the tallow: for the wick by itself being lighted, is but a flash, and will presently out again: and the tallow put in the fire, will make a flame, yet quench immediately: but the tallow and the wick wrought together, will ever hold light while the substance doth last. Thus you may see that Beauty by itself is fading, Bounty by itself is unpleasant, and so neither without other durable: wherefore I think both very requisite to obtain and preserve love. Thus to be brief, my conclusion is that Beauty is a rare gift, but Bounty a singular virtue: Beauty for a small time garnisheth the body, but Bounty perpetually adorneth the mind. Wherefore as Acops an herb not fair to the sight, nor pleasant to the smell, yet of a singular and secret virtue, is much preferred before the glorious, yet infectious Aconitum: so Bounty, though in never so hard a complexion, being of such a precious operation, is to be preferred before the royal apparition of Beauty, which is but fading and momentary: but this I allow, that Bounty and virtue, by how much as it is in the more beautiful complexion, by so much it is the more commendable. And therefore to conclude. I say, that Beauty increaseth fancy, and Bounty nourisheth affection, but both joined together be both rare and singular, which may procure the most wavering Cresed and dissembling Aeneas to be faithful and constant.   

Cornelius and Verosas secret fancies: Floridas promise of favour to PRISCV'S. VEROSAS meditation upon the sequel of her amours. CORNELIUS conference with her, and her ratifying of affection.  
Chap. 8.  
HEre Cornelius finished his discourse, and all allowed of his censure, chiefly Verosa, who having curiously surveyed in her mind the exquisite perfection of young Cornelius, she seemed now to like of love, as the Hyperborei do of liquorice, wherewith at night they alloy their thirst, having in the morning spurned it with their feet: yet for that hitherto her breast had not yielded to the stroke of the hammer, wherewith Cupid did use to forge fancy upon the anduill of desire, she manfully resisted the fresh alarms of encroaching affection, her mean birth and hard fortune disabling her, nay rather putting her out of all hope that Cornelius meant to seek her in the way of matrimony: thus striving with her new passions, and dissembling her new conceived love in outward appearance, she made no semblance of alteration.  
The sick Gentleman ready to faint for weariness, Florida standing close by his bed side, (all the rest of the company being in conference something further off) she gave him very comfortable words, assuring him when he would be able to walk abroad, she would reward him with the due hire of all his deserved travails: praying him to satisfy himself with those few words, till opportunity would offer them more convenient time for the same: for, quoth she, I have suspicious heads in my company, and therefore can not do as I would, but in the mean time, take this for a pledge of my affection, and so giving him a sweet kiss upon his cold lips, with interchanged glances, they bade each other adieu, and the rest of the company in like sort taking their leave of the sickly Patient, departs, Cornelius, as they were all stirring to go forth, had opportunity to deliver to Verosas hands a skrowle, wherein he had painted out the fervency of his fancy unto her, which he carried about him for that purpose: whereupon Verosa began to feel her heart warmed, with a secret and privy flame that lay wrapped in her bosom, which secret mystery contained in the amorous poem delivered her by Cornelius, the contents whereof she greatly longed to survey: and therefore secretly slipped away from all the company, and conveyed herself to her chamber, where locking herself fast within, lest she should be interrupted of any, she began to peruse his lines, which were as hereafter followeth, or to like effect.  

THe fluent stream that leads a swelling tide,  
When Aquilon the raging waves doth rear,  
Bounce not more oft upon their banks so wide,  
That with their force the stony rocks do tear.  
Then panting doth my heart her prison walls,  
jump oft against, and jumping sudden falls.   

The little current stealing through the vale,  
Being stopped in course above her bank doth swell:  
So stealing love suppressed, doth make me pale,  
For why, in thought I feel a present hell.  
Thou mayst direct the stream her course to keep,  
And free my heart that lieth in prison deep.   

The little shrubs in downs stir not at all,  
And mean men's thoughts are seldom sauced with care,  
When mighty Cedars shaked with winds do fall,  
And noble minds on chances hard do far.  
Love looks not low on Idiots rusty rags,  
Nor cares not much for merchants wealthy bags.   

But Love (as ivy clasps the tree) takes hold,  
On virtue, which is seated in the mind,  
And eke on Beauty pleasant to behold,  
Never hoping for a better hap to find,  
Then for to yield when heart on hope is pawned,  
And to obey when honour doth command.   

Your beauty sweet did clasp my tender breast,  
My heart is pawned your hest for to fulfil,  
Love in my secret thought hath built his nest,  
Honour commands I must perform his will:  
Wherefore within your orient beauty fair,  
Doth wholly rest my wrack for to repair.   
AFter that she had perused this fancy, she felt her heat to increase, and herself altogether overcome with the cunning sleights of Aphrodites little wanton, that secretly had now stolen into her mind, and bended the same to stoop to affection: for being young and tender, she was apt for any form or impression. And thus feeling her mind boiling in the furnace of fervency, she began to consider more advisedly of the matter, supposing Cornelius but according to the manner of youth, to lust after her beauty, and not to mean any truth or honesty, knowing well, that under the fairest flowers did often lie the most deadliest poison, and that the Panther hath a noisome breath, though a painted skin. Even so the fairest speeches many times did contain the greatest fraud and deceit: one while she called to mind her mean estate and his high calling, which was such a cooling card to her hot ague, that she was void of hope to find any thing but dissimulation in him: another while, weighing how unlikely her hope was to take effect, though Cornelius had for his part meant all things faithfully and truly, being right assured the Duke his father would never assent thereunto. And finally she considered, what great discommodity it was to sustain the yoke of marriage: and the great ease, quietness of mind, and due merit of a single and sole life, preferring the quiet state of the most simple and poorest virgin, before the rich robes, dainty dishes, sumptuous buildings, and all the ambitious ostentation of the stateliest matron in the world. And when she had breathed a little upon this Period, she began again to peruse Cornelius' fancy, making a full point at every word, and at every point a sigh interlaced with some brinish tears, that like orient pearls trilled over the roset of her cheeks, finding it impossible to resist the batteries of love, she verifieth Horace sayings, Lectus genialis in aula est, nil ait esse melius nil prius coelibe vita si non est jurat bene solis esse maritis: & therewithal issued forth thorough a little by gallery unto the common garden, whereby both to refresh herself with the air, & also taking delight in beholding some thing abroad, where being come, the first object that presented himself to her sight was Cornelius, who all alone (being very melancholy) walked of purpose right under her chamber window, to see if he might take a view of his dearest mistress. Verosa and Cornelius with the sudden sight of each other were driven unto such an ecstasy, that for a while, the eyes only in stead of their tongues delivered the message of the mind: but at the last Cornelius remembering himself to be a man, and therefore more animated by nature than she, began his proposition thus:  
Sweet mistress, think it not strange to see me thus long silent, for that with the sudden view of your presence I was so metamorphosed, that I had been like (with Actaeon) to be transformed unto some new shape: and if I fail in delivering my mind, it is the faintness of my passion that procureth the same, being as fearful to displease, as I am fervent and desirous to attempt: it is said, that love doth make men Orators, but it seemeth unto me otherwise, for that (in my opinion) the sight of the object which a man so much desireth, robbeth him of the sense of the mind: and this is it, that made Mars to be mute, when he wrung Venus by the hand. Wherefore, sweet Verosa, think the fervency of my fancy to supply the lack I have in uttering the same. I could with long ambages discourse of my love, but seeing in many words lieth mistrust, & that the truth is bare, & needeth no glorious shows to garnish itself: let this suffice, Cornelius loveth Verosa, & his heart can fancy none but Verosa.  
Albeit that this pleased Verosa very well, yet stood she in great doubt, lest this his protestation was but a feigned gloze to cover his fraudulent intention, and not a settled loyalty grounded upon any faithful resolution: yet notwithstanding thinking it no policy to drive him away with repulse: lest by her coyness she should procure her own discontent, and being in this mind between fear and hope, she framed him this answer. Honourable servant, (if the lawmaker do not himself break the law, I may without offence so call you) although I am a maiden, and therefore of no great capacity, & also Verosa, whose innocent simplicity can not search forth the intricate quiddities of sophistry, yet am I not so void of all understanding, as to swallow the hook because it hath a painted bait, and to sup poison because it is tempered with honey: for they which do think every look to be love, every smile to be a favour, & every word which the amorous lover speaketh, to be an oracle, shall no doubt for every dram they receive of sweet content (while thus they blind themselves with self-conceit) reap whole tons of sorrowful mishaps, blaming their own credulity, & cursing the poisoned enticements of alluring vanity, who having forgotten Cicero's principle. Deliberandum est diu quod statuendum est semel, run headlong to do that in haste, which afterwards they may have just cause to repent at leisure. O my L. Cornelius, are not men's tongues resembled to Mercury's pipe, which could enchant Argus with his hundred eyes, & be as prejudicial unto us silly maids as the sorcering cups of Circe's, whose taste though sweet, yet the operation is pestilent and monstrous. Wherefore when such music is played, we had need to stop our ears, lest the melody thereof would animate us to folly, and so by suspecting little and trusting much, we should wholly cast ourselves away: yet pardon me, Cornelius, in that I do suspect, for thereby I do fear, but not condemn. You would make me believe that Cornelius is in love with Verosa, he is a Prince of great renown, she a mean and exiled Gentlewoman, whose base fortunes maketh her ashamed to enter parley with Cornelius: he an heir of great patrimony, & she allotted to a poor and simple dowry. Can love be shrouded under the habit of contrarieties? will the Eagle nestle with the Owl? or the Lion harbour in the same den with the wolf? or can there be any sympathy of affection between a royal Prince and a homely and simple maid? And how can I believe, that (when fortune hath allotted such difference between our degrees) our thoughts could be united in love, sith in the knitting of affection, Aurum est causa sine qua non: for love without wealth is like the Cedar tree without fruit, or fire without fuel: suppose than you fancy my beauty, wherewith you will be shortly so glutted, that taking a surfeit thereon, you will vomit it up with repentance, and so that which erst seemed most pleasant and delectable, will become odious and loathsome, especially to such as love with every look, who like the Pirte stone freeze inwardly, when they seem outwardly to burn, and like the serpentine powder that will quickly take fire, but presently be quenched, verifying the Proverb, Soon ripe soon rotten. Cornelius, to cut her off from this invective, thought it fit to join issue with her, then to let her proceed any further therein, began thus.  
It were very absurd, Verosa, of particular instances to infer a conclusion general: what though some did like for profit sake, and doth it therefore argue, that all should tie their affections to wealth and riches? are Venus' shrines to be furnished with coin, or her deity to be adored with a loyal and loving heart? is Cupid to be feed with gold, or to be obeyed in his absolute command with constancy? think you Verosa, that Cornelius the son of renowned Devasco, will harbour such base thoughts and servile conceits? as to prise substance more than honour, and to measure his amours by fading pelf, not by lasting virtue? no, no Verosa, think not so, but rather believe this Maxim to be true, that in love there is no laeke: for it brooketh no exception of want: and where affection is General of the field, there always either Plenty pitcheth his pavilion, or Content so tempereth lack with reason, that the defect of the one is furnished with the virtue of the other. Why then, what doubt, sweet Verosa, if of my constancy, suspect not before you have cause: for I will assure you, no straggling Aeneas shall prove me fleeting, nor any false jason conclude me fraudulent: what though the Pirte stone burn outwardly and freeze inwardly, that argueth not my heart to be of that operation: and albeit the Serpentine powder (as you say) will presently kindle, and quickly out again, yet the Salamander's stone once set on sire will never be quenched: and of this make bold, Verosa, that no disaster Fortune shall drive me to make a shipwreck of my affection, nor yet the bitter frowns of hard adversity cause me to alter fancy: wherefore, dear Mistress, yield me not chaff for pure corn, dross for tried metal, and to conclude, repay not my ardent and loyal love with cold and coy disdain: for believe me, and let this word conclude all, I love Verosa, and I hate my life if I be not loved again of Verosa: with this conclusion, Cornelius sealing his Plea with a deep sigh, expected answer, and Verosa supposing that his passion proceeded of pure love, and not of wanton lust, desirous to drive him out of doubt with assurance of her fidelity, briefly returned him this answer.  
Ah Cornelius, the juice of Selandine is sweet, but it fretteth deadly, and your words be pleasant but they might pretend a prejudice: yet nevertheless, I am neither so faint hearted as not to dare to believe, nor yet so curious to mistrust, but that I may promise to love Cornelius, and also faithfully perform the same, so it be without disparagement of mine honour, which is the only jewel I have in this my declining estate. Wherefore, sweet Cornelius, sith that now you are Master of the fortress you so lately besieged, use your victory with such clemency, that you reap not thereby defame, nor I repentance: wherewith he wrung her hand, and she blushed, and presently both banishing fear, lovingly embraced, and sealed up the covenant with a lease of sweet kisses.   

Priscus amendment: his conference with Florida: their amorous Poems, and FLORIDAS kind entertainment unto him.  
Chap 9  
ANd as thus they swimmed in the seas of their sweet content, the young Lord Devaloyes entered the garden, which broke up the conference of these new Lovers, lest there might be conceived any suspicions of their affections, and so Verosa returned in great haste the same way she came, giving (with a glance) such a kind farewell to Cornelius, that with Apollo he would have pursued Daphne flying, had it not been to discover himself and his fancies to his cousin Devaloyes, whose presence prevented the same. Cornelius was very glad to have brought his purpose to so good an end, referring the sequel of further conference till opportunity would give him leave. And so leaving them in the sympathy of their pleasing desires, I will return to Priscus, who all this while lay sick of his ague, the extremity whereof had brought him very low, yet he daily mended since the comfortable preparative he had received at Floridas hands, the only surgeon that could cure his malady: reason being so blinded with fancy, that he had wholly forgotten, that his affection to Florida had procured the loss of his friend, and finding her looks as attractive as jet, he perceived himself too weak to withstand the force thereof, so that yielding to the necessity of his passion, he continued certain days not thoroughly recovered, though well amended, in which time the Gentlewomen, and the Lords of great account came daily to comfort him, which was a good mean to wear away that wearisome disease, which in the end being clean shaked away, fortune offered him very convenient opportunity, to appoint a meeting to have secret conference with Florida, which was appointed to be the next morning in that artificial paradise, I mean that Privy garden, wherein first he had discovered his affection unto her: and Priscus having obtained a grant of that which was his chiefest desire, took small rest this night, meditating upon the success of his fortunes the next day: and by that Phoebus appeared in the East, he quickly hied him to the place of meeting, and there missing of Florida, because it was so timely he sat down in a fine harbour, where with the musical harmony of the birds, the pleasant murmur of a Crystalline spring that there was, together with the weariness of his body, (being so long exempt from any rest) lulled him asleep, in which time Florida mindful of her promise, repaired thither also, who sitting by that sweet Helicon to drive away thoughts, melodiously warbled out this ensuing Ditty.  

THe vain delights that please the curious eye,  
By proof I find to turn unto their pain,  
Such objects rare do dark the sense: for why,  
The beams thereof reflecting, pierce again  
With double force the faithful lovers breast,  
Until by stealth it robs his quiet rest.   

The pinching pain that doth torment the mind,  
Is more increased by glancing of the eye,  
Which can no where a quiet harbour find,  
But in the heart, such is his urgent might.  
The virtue then of a light rolling look,  
Under a bait doth hide a hideous hook.   

Like jet attractive, and like piercing steel,  
The heaviest things unto itself it draws,  
Nothing so hard, but yields: wherefore I feel  
My heart is drawn unto his proscript Laws,  
And pierced eke by force of subtle sight,  
Wherefore I yield unto his lawless might.   

His might hath captive ta'en my pensive heart,  
His might hath made my haughty breast to bend,  
His might hath turned my jesting unto smart,  
His might enforced me scalding sighs to send  
From scorched breast, where careful thoughts enjoy  
Hope of nought else, but living in annoy.   

When brutish beasts do chew their cuddes in shade,  
Nought do they care for barren winter's food,  
Who knew but shallow fords, fears not to wade:  
Even so each lover in his merry mood,  
(When fortune smiles and holds him in her lap)  
Thinks not this calm doth breed an after-clappe.   
FLorida having thus finished her Ditty, Priscus awaked with the sound thereof, would do no less then pay her her debt in the same coin, whereupon he descanted this ensuing fancy.  

IF weary sleepless rest  
In nights do argue care,  
And days with dole oppressed  
To them that lovers are:  
Then watchful cares that with my colour grew,  
To heat extreme shall prove me lover true.   

Me lover true, than truth  
Deserveth trust I trow,  
Which motive is too ruth  
In such as grace doth grow.  
No pity then without desert I crave:  
For what I bought I merited to have.   

To have what faith may reap,  
And loyal love obtain,  
I ought to have like cheap,  
As I do sell again.  
With loyalty I purchase all my love,  
God grant again that others faithful prove.   

If faithful others prove,  
I prise my pain for nought,  
If tried truth may move,  
I have the thing I sought.  
If neither may take place, I pine with woe,  
Dye had I liefer, then live and living so.   
PRiiscus with this note finished his song, and presently hied him to the place where Florida was: where saluting her after the best manner he could, she gave him very friendly entertainment, Priscus of a long time could not frame himself to speak to Florida, till she did (as it were) glaciem secare, taking occasion first to show him his friend Moderatus letter unto her: the which albeit he had seen it before, yet perusing the contents, he took very heavily the loss of so dear a friend, which Florida perceiving, began to shake him out of his dump thus:  
Why how now, Priscus, what meaneth these sighing sobs, which may rather breed your harm then any hope of relief, take heed least in complaining before you have cause, (fortune offended with your unjust accusation) a just occasion of repentance may follow. And if these straying passions proceed of my gentleness unto you, I am sorry to have been so over-liberal of mine honour, in entertaining you with such kindness: if your grief be for your friend, than reason doubtless may well satisfy a reasonable man to be reform in such an error: for ought you more to regard a little travel which your friend endureth in foreign and strange countries, (where he gaineth more honour by the title and name of a traveler, besides knowledge and experience, which be two so rare and special jewels, than would many thousand times countervail the labour or danger of his pilgrimage) than the love of Florida, which once you seemed to prise of greater value than your own life. Sure I must think if you do so, that either you did then counterfeit, or now dissemble, either of which are two too base qualities for an honourable mind. And Moderatus, no doubt, will return hither again, when he may understand that all goeth well with you, which daily he may hear wheresoever he is commorant, being inquisitive (as you may assure yourself he is) of the state of my father's Court, and then your joy will be double, his wished presence repaying with usury your late penance for his absence.  
With these comfortable speeches Priscus was very much eased, and having well considered the whole circumstance of Floridas speech, which to his judgement proceeded of a hearty zeal, from the melodious harmony of her sugared voice, the influence whereof had so ravished his mind, that for a long space he could not utter one word, till in the end being half awaked out of his new trance, he embraced Florida so lovingly, as though he had been ready to departed out of this world, and eftsoons watered his cheeks with a new tide of flowing tears, (proceeding from the unspeakable joy of his over-ardent desire, having now obtained a grant to satisfy his expectation) and also yielded unto her abundance of thanks for this her kind compassion, in relieving his infortunate and miserable estate: wherefore he vowed ever to remain her true servant at all times, ready to recompense the same: with this and such like amorous prattle, they protracted the time till dinner, about what time, for fear to be discovered there together, (lest once being suspected, some watching Argus, decyted by the jealousy of some new juno, might hinder the same) having united themselves in the sympathy of their loves, with faithful promises and sweet embracings, they took their leave each of other with interchanged glances, and so departed, Florida to her chamber, and Priscus to the Court, where his welcome was not slender, that being his first flight after his so long and dangerous sickness.   

Moderatus travail in the forest, sore pinched with hunger. His passing through Vmbria: his travail in the forest of Esina: his complaint being driven to great penury: his coming to the hermits Cell, and their conference. The hermits narration of the imprisonment of King LOTHUS daughter MODESTA, and the surmised occasion thereof. MODERATUS determination to undertake the combat for her, and his mystical finding of Armour and horse, for that purpose.  
Chap. 10.  
THus leaving Priscus to bathe himself in the pleasant stream of sweet content, being now master of his desire, let us again return to Moderatus, whom we left in the Forest, ready to bend the course of his pilgrimage which way destiny did direct him, having many days travailed in the deserts of that country, wherein no adventure happened worthy memory, but that he was put very often in great danger of his life with wild beasts, hunger and thirst also troubling him very sore, having no other food, than such wild fruits which the Forest did yield unto him.  
In this sort, with very small rest he passed through the wilderness of Liguria, and entered the plentiful and fruitful Country of Picenum, which was a very pleasant and delectable soil, and replenished with many fair Cities and Towns, wherein he well refreshed himself with victuals and lodging, understanding of the inhabitants of that place, that he was not passed threescore leagues from Spoletum a City in Vmbria, where the famous King Lothus, Prince of that country, held his Court: wherefore he determined before all other things to visit the same, both to survey the manner and order thereof, and also to visit his uncle Byndon which attended in the King's Court, from whom he had heard no news by word or writing, since Priscus (his faithful and assured friend) brought salutations from him to Devascos' Court: on this determination he set forwards towards Spoletum, & found very easy ways and plain passages till he had past the river Esis in Vmbria, where he was to pass through the great Forest of Esina wherein he traveled certain days very readily, finding fair paths and plain broad ways, till being come further into the forest, the remembrance of his old griefs made such a fresh wound in his mind, that the pangs thereof brought him clean out of his way, howbeit he wandered many days in those deserts, neither finding way to get out, nor place to take any rest in, till at length being overwearyed with labours, and overcome with faintness for want of food, the heat of the day being also very extreme, he sought out a cold shade somewhat to ease his wearied limbs, and having (for that purpose) stepped a little to the thickest of the woods, he espied a fair Beech tree growing upon a fine green bank, dame Flora having chequered the ground with curious knots of sundry flowers, bounding upon a fair fountain, the beauty whereof seemed so glorious, that he supposed it to be the bower, which Venus had prepared to dally with her loving Adonis, wherein (although he was now very pensive) he took marvelous great delight, upon the which he stretched his weary limbs, and began to meditate with himself of his fortunes in this manner.  
Ah Moderatus, how infortunate art thou, that the fates have loaded thee with more cares than years, and with more misery than thy tender age could well sustain? menacing thee daily with a dismal end, thy chief hope resting in death to extinguish thy pinching penury: being assured of nothing, but that the date of thy life shall be replenished with extreme wants, fortune not contented with thy mean mishap in that thou art an exile to the country, and from a free libertine of Florence brought thee to be a hireling to Devasco: but also infusing into thy mind a rash and unadvised resolution, to undertake a voluntary exile from thy Parents and friends, the weight of which rash attempt, now thou feelest so heavy, that thou art like to pay the charge thereof with no less than the price of thine own life: but what then, fond Moderatus, dost thou fear death? or art thou such a coward, as to be dismayed at every puff of adverse fortune? shall she triumph in the conquest of thy mind? and laugh, beholding thee to take thy misery so impatient, when as otherwise in brooking all things with content, thou dost countercheck her pride with patience, which is the sharpest encounter that can be given to her insolency: fear not then, Moderatus, (for thou must die but once) and willingly yield thy life a sacrifice to perfect so rare a faith, and let the same be a mirror to the world to express thy approved fidelity, so shall thy name be eternised in the book of memory, and thy pure friendship be a precedent of faithful hearts, and also the lodestar to guide all virtuous minds to that happy and honourable bower of modest and chaste loyalty. Ah, but alas, I fear not to die, but I tremble at the manner of my death, might I but encounter with my lance some stout warrior, and so perish in his hands, it would never grieve me: for as the Italian proverb is, Morire nel-la guarro, eletto del honore: but thus to famish with hunger, yea, and withal in deserts unknown, where no sooner then my breath forsakes my panting breast, but the umbles of monstrous and ravening wild beasts will be my grave, and so the son of renowned Perduratus will be thrown to the well of Oblivion: for that no Act of his worthy memory remaineth extant after his decease: seeing then to die so desperately is the mark of a brutish faintheart, fly sloth, pluck up thy heart, and wander yet somewhat in these deserts to seek some adventures, to see if good fortune will present thee with a calm after so bitter and sharp a storm. In this mood Moderatus very faintly rose up, and entered further into the woods, where (by good hap) upon a sudden he espied out of a Rock hard by, a little smoke to issue out at a narrow hole, which was the only entrance unto the same: whereat he made good semblance, supposing that some kind of people inhabited there, and not minding to delay the time, and burn up daylight in frivolous cogitations, he boldly entered the same, the going in was very dark, but being come somewhat further therein, a little more light appeared, proceeding from a hole which was in the side of the Cave towards the East, which made it something more lightsome: by this light he descried a good old man, sitting in a seat digged out of the hard Rock, his hoary hoary hairs (being messengers of the winter of his age) seemed to cover a treasury of experience, being a perfect Idea of a penitent and mortified mind: for he sat there in a surcoat of Grace, leaning his head on his hand, and his elbow on his knee, breathing forth scalding sighs, and shedding abundance of tears, earnestly beholding the earth under his feet, as though he expected that the same would presently gape, and open her devouring jaws to receive him therein. Thus like a man in a trance he rested a pretty while, till in the end shaking off these melancholy passions, with a more pleasant countenance, and smile, as it were, at some secret conceit, he chanced to cast up his eyes, and beholding a stranger to enter unto the closet of his secrets without his licence, be so fiercely bended his brows, that the fury of his countenance discovered he had been a man of no mean thoughts. Moderatus all this while being in a brown study, viewing the strange manner both of the hermits lodging, and also of his passionate behaviour under so grave a countenance, had forgotten as much as to salute this good old Father: who seeing this rude and inhuman intrusion, shaked him out of his memento with this sharp reprehension.  
My friend, if thou mayst not rather be termed a private enemy, that thus by intruding thyself unto my secrets, hast increased my grief, & brought thyself in suspicion of a guilty conscience: my friend, I say, what chance hath brought thee here unto this my poor lodging, to discover the penitent and passionate perplexities of my withered and decaying years: if purposely have understood of my residence in this place, thou camest to rejoice at my misery, evil mayest thou thrive in so wicked a determination: but if a Pilgrim and a traveler, that by chance didst discover this my secret and poor Cell, return as thou camest, thy offence (proceeding of no malice) is already pardoned. Moderatus herewith awaking out of some secret imagination he was in concerning the strangeness of the place, & manner of the person, acknowledging his error, replied unto him thus.  
Good Father, pardon this my rashness, and assure your self it was done rather of ignorance then of malice, and proceeding rather of extreme want, being almost famished with penury, then of any private determination to undermined your secrets, or yet any special desire to be acquainted with your misery, the which, as I do understand, doth much vex you but nothing at all pleasure me: and now to purge myself of this committed crime, you shall understand that I am a poor travailing pilgrim, a mere stranger in this country, & therefore unacquainted with these difficult passages, through so dangerous and unpassable a wilderness, which is the occasion that I wander in this forest, this four or five days without any manner of food to sustain my body, and to satisfy nature, which hath brought me so low, & made me so feeble, that except some remorse be taken of my extreme penury, I am like thus brutishly to perish for lack of sustenance: wherefore good reverend father, I heartily desire you, (if a strangers penitent submission may take place) to pardon my willing, though not witting offence. And if the omnipotent Creator of all things, hath dewed down any pity or compassion amidst these wild deserts, let me obtain some succour at your hands.  
The gray-headed old father, with tears in his eyes and grief in his heart, as one that had sufficiently experienced the trial of such hard fortunes, greatly pitying the lamentable case of so goodly a young man, being now fully satisfied upon his protestation, that there was but good meaning in the unexpected presence of Moderatus, he held himself contented therewith, & assured Moderatus that for such homely sustenance, as the Celestina of a poor hermit could afford, he was heartily welcome, for, quoth he, this my poor lodge is not replenished with any store of dainty dishes nor fine cates, yet fully furnished both with such viands as may suffice nature, & also with peremptory & resolute content: neither do I delight in such drugs as may procure appetite, but rather contented with a few roots, & such other wild fruits as this forest doth yield, only to satisfy and preserve nature: thus my friend, hast thou heard how well I am stored, & lest thou shouldest think that I dissemble with thee, come hither, thine eyes shallbe a witness of the truth, & thy stomach shall prove how it can digest hard fare, as penitent persons diet themselves withal. By this, he had brought Moderatus to the storehouse where all his provision was, there he feasted him with the best refreshing his friendly and gentle host could (for the time) provide for him, which being done, Moderatus loaded the old Hermit with heaps of thanks, and then, quoth he unto him, (being desirous of news) I hearty desire you, reverend father, to let me understand how far it hence to Spoletum, and whether Lothus prince of these countries keepeth his Court there, or where else. And further, what news in the Court, or what late accidents hath there happened worthy of remembrance: to pass away the time, vouchsafe to gratify this my request.  
Well had this good old Hermit skill of courtesy, nature having dealt very frankly with him, in giving him a courteous disposition: & nurture joined with travel and experience had allied him to good manners, so that he judged all courteous and friendly demands, to be answered with like courtesy, and therefore he returned this answer.  
My son, very glad I would be to pleasure thee any way I could: for, believe me, when I heard of thy misfortunes, it pitied me to see thy extreme necessities, & surely I judged fortune either blind (as the poet's fame her to be) or a very niggard in disposing of her favours, that would load one of so few years & gentle disposition, with such a ponderous burden, and not rather advance him to the highest note of a quiet and happy life: and surely, had I not myself experienced part both of her favours and frowns, and that so inconstant and mutable, that she well witnessed her footstool to be round and a rolling stone which is ever fleeting: I would with vehemency exclaimed against her for this her hard sentence, and very sorry I am, that I can not thoroughly satisfy thy demand, being altogether a stranger both to the Country and inhabitants thereof: for that my native soil is in great Britain, and therein having spent the prime of my years in frivolous and youthful fantasies, became in mine age a penitent Pilgrim, to make satisfaction for my former follies, and thus far I came, where viewing a place so solitary and convenient to wear out the rest of my days in devotarie Orisons and Prayers, I bequeathed myself now in the winter of mine years, (having shaken hands with all pleasure) to punish my body with hard and austere discipline, thereby to make satisfaction for the great multitude of my former trespasses: thus thou mayst perceive, how that very little I can satisfy thy request: but for news, because thou art so desirous thereof, I will tell thee a very doleful tale, that one passing by this way, declared unto me, which now lately happened in King Lothus Court, and I think as yet it is not fully finished: and thus it is.  
The fair Lady Modesta, daughter to the King, was of malice by County Delamure accused of fornication, with a Florentine named Byndon, a Gentleman very much beloved: yet because he was a stranger, the bloody minded Delamure could not so boldly forge such treachery, and commit such merciless massacre against any, as towards him: this accusation proceeded not of any enmity between him and Byndon, but of mere malice to virtuous Modesta, in whose life and conversation (as it is credibly reported) there is lively portrayed out a perfect Map of modest chastity, and virtuous humanity: wherefore the hardest heart would be dissolved into tears, for pure compassion of such cruelty. Then quoth Moderatus, how know you that she is innocent, and if this proceedeth but of your conjecture, you may very well be in a wrong box: for women be wily cattle, and sometimes under the habit of counterfeit gravity, they hide a most unchaste and wanton desire, and so blind and deceive the simple and plain meaning man in his conjectures, and indeed I tell you, I much marvel that one of your years and experience, should without some special knowledge judge so well of the Feminine gender, without that it was your fortune never in all your life to have dealings with any, or that the Planets were in such favourable aspects at the time of your birth, that they assured you of truth where you committed any trust. And as Moderatus was about to proceed further in this matter, the old Hermit did cut him off with this reply.  
My son, thou art much to blame to judge so hard of women, or to think me so credulous: for as the one is not always bad, so in the other I would not be lightly carried either to like or mislike, without reason should induce me thereunto: and therefore, omitting the case in general touching all women, I will speak in particular of this matter, assuring you that all which I speak, grew upon a probable reason, being informed of the truth by one of the parties privy to the conspiracy: so now mark, and you shall hear the discourse thereof.  
County Delamure, being a gallant and brave Courtier, fell in love with the Lady Modesta, whose beauty and conversation moved him to extreme heat, that he might truly say, 
Sed scio quisquis amat uritur igne gravi:  And being in this extremity of passion, he prosecuted his love unto her very earnestly, by all ways and means that possibly he could, which nevertheless grew to small effect: for that Modesta was not yet resolved to entertain or fancy any, and if she had, hardly could she have been contented to like of him, because he was so peremptory, that it seemed he rather expected for it by command, than endeavoured to merit it by desert. Wherefore the chaste Modesta suspected his fancy to be but feigned, proceeding rather of lust, then of any pure and unspotted love, and therefore gave him an absolute answer, no further to prosecute his suit unto her: and in the end (driven thereunto by importunity) she gave him strait warning not to try her patience any further, nor to disquiet himself with her denials: for if he did (if none other mean could take effect) she said, that she would acquaint the King her father therewith, and then haply he should repeat him but too late.  
County Delamure taking this repulse very grievously, with great rancour and malice in his mind, never, ceased to invent and devise means to defame Modesta, and thus at last he brought it to pass. First, he compacted with one of Modestas Gentlewomen, which was near about her called Ambideza, and having corrupted her partly with gifts, partly with promise of marriage, to keep his counsel and to further his enterprise, interchangeable oaths for performance of either of their promises passed between them: Delamure having the plat ready in his head, said unto her thus, then (my sweet Ambideza) must thou in thy Mistress name repair to Byndon the Florentine, who, as I think, is somewhat favoured of her, and tell him, that thy Mistress willeth him soon this evening, to repair to her chamber when they are at supper, and that thou wilt be there ready to let him in, where he shall stay till thy mistress come unto him, to commune of some special matters, she would have none privy but them both: that done, if he cometh, (as I am sure he will) watch for him there, and bring him to the little closet hard by her chamber, where leave him, and give me some watchword of his being there, and then may I have opportunity, to requite an evil turn he hath done against me. Ambideza well contented to do any thing, were it never so far from reason and conscience, to gain so honourable a husband, promised to satisfy his will, which accordingly she did. And Byndon, unwitting what banquet was prepared for him, faithfully giving credit to the messenger, knowing her of some trust with her Mistress, repaired at the time appointed, through a strange gallery he well knew, to Modestas chamber, where Ambideza watched his coming, and brought him to that little Closet, from the which there was an entrance both to Modestas chamber, and also to the gallery, through the which Byndon had thither repaired, and having shut him in, she presently gave the watchword to County Delamure, who being very glad, that his purpose was brought to so good a pass, made one or two of his vassals and bondflaves privy of his pretence, whom he had well advanced for such a purpose: and when he had well schooled them, what they had to say when the matter should come in question, he watched the time of Modestas going to prayer, which always she used to do by herself alone, an hour or two before bed time: and when he had espied her to forsake the presence, and all alone to departed, he thought it his fittest time to work his mischievous intent, and so together with those that he had dealt with therein, he secretly came to Modestas chamber, who having made herself ready to prayer, was opening the closet door, where Byndon was, (God knoweth, ignorant that any body was within) County Delamure unseen of her was hard at her heel, and assoon as she had opened the door of the closet, entered in with her, and presently Bindon, who was within, seeing more than Modesta to enter the chamber, suspected presently some treason, & sought in all haste to convey himself at the back door which entered to the gallery, there had the County appointed one of his men to watch, & had given him instructions, if Byndon sought that way to escape, that he would presently thrust him in with his rapier, which accordingly took effect, and so very villainously was Byndon murdered by his direction: to colour which devilish practice, and to the full consuming of his wicked intent, he repaired forthwith to the King, and informed him that he, and some others passing through a strange gallery in his highness Court, had discovered a great crime committed in his royal Palace, which was no less than the deflowering of his own natural daughter, and showed him further the manner of the apprehension, and how Byndon being the offendor would have made escape, so that his man to save his own life, was forced to kill him: for that Byndon was so earnest to get away and had so priest upon him, that he could not otherwise remedy the same.  
The King hearing what Delamure said, so changed colour, that he seemed rather a ghost then a living creature, being at the first over-credulous, induced so to think, because Byndon was in such a place, the secrecy whereof was of sufficient authority to forbid any the entrance thereunto, but to such as Modesta specially licenced, grief & anger striving for superiority, in great rage & without examining any further of the matter, very unnaturally did command his daughter to be imprisoned: who finding the malice of her adversary to have overcome her innocency, submitted herself, according to the necessity of the time, to the stormy blasts of double faced fortune: yet not ceasing to exclaim against such villainous and bloody murder, executed upon guiltless Byndon, whose innocent blood cried to the heavens for revenge of so great a treachery: which just and pitiful complaint increased the jealousy of suspicion against her, whose clear conscience weighed not of any unjust disparagement, so that in answering this false accusation, she showed so resolute a determination, that argued a valorous and noble mind in one of the female sex, which had been sufficient arguments to repulse this scandalous and false accution, if the credit of her accuser had not been of such great estimation: yet nevertheless she was admitted to have her champion, so that any, or as many as would come within three months, should be licensed out of what Country so ever he come, to undertake the defence of Modestas good name, impeached by that tyrannous County: and in default of accomplishment thereof, Modesta should according to the law, suffer the pains of death. This sentence pronounced, she was carried again to the same prison she was in before, where she remaineth this forty days without any hope of enlargement: the mightiness of Delamures countenance, and his valiant exploits as well at home as in foreign countries, doth so terrify aswell denizens as strangers, that hitherto none durst presume to commit his person and honour to so great a danger, as to offer him the combat, yea though never so confident of the equity of the cause. Ambideza, seeing the matter to come to this predicament, determined to convey herself secretly out of the way, now but too late remembering that many love treason, but none love the Traitor: making no other reckoning, but that Delamure made her an instrument, to bring to pass his bloody and inhuman revenge against her mistress, and then haply he might work some means to cut her off, for fear his treason should come to light: feeling also some remorse in her conscience of this bloody practice, which thorough her means was like to prove a doleful tragedy: here my son, quoth the Hermit, you hear the truth of the cause, for that Ambideza bequeathing herself to a Pilgrims life, thereby to endure some penance for her grievous offence, happened to light on this my Cell: and because, as it seemed unto her, I was a religious man, in the way of devotion she confessed the same unto me.  
Moderatus giving attentive ear unto all this discourse, was moved with great commiseration of Modestas infortunate misery, taking the murdering of Byndon his uncle very heavily: yet like a brave minded warrior, resolving rather to revenge an injury committed, then to mourn for the loss of his friend, meant to take opportunity by the foot, and either to free Modesta from the imminent danger she was in, or else to offer his carcase as a sacrifice, to finish the obsequies of his beloved kinsman, and innocent Modesta: and therefore made great moan to the Hermit, for horse and armour to attempt this combat, making no doubt but shortly to qualify the arrogancy of that bloodsucking traitor. The Hermit noting the honourable resolution of his mind, judged him to be a man of some great bounty. And thereupon calling to memory, how that walking to take the benefit of the air, he had espied hanging upon a Pine tree fine black armour, and therefore now he brought Moderatus where the same was, who beholding the same, espied this poesy engraven in the bark of the tree in Italian letters, and to this effect  
None may this sharp and cutting sword uncase,  
But to redeem the daughter of a King:  
Nor any Knight this Armour bright unlace,  
Nor of his virtue brag in any thing:  
But he therewith that shall a Tiger tame,  
For to defend a princely virgin's name.  
WHen he had well perused over the Poesy, and told the Hermit the meaning, who had small skill in the Italian tongue, he assayed to take down the armour, yet failed in effecting his desire, for that all his strength was too weak to dissolve that enchantment: who, perceiving some mystery to be therein, proved another way to recover the same, and therefore he quickly gripped the handle of the sword, which without any great difficulty he unsheathed, and then finding all other means insufficient to enjoy so great a jewel, with the fine cutting sword he squared the enchanted bands, which fixed the Armour to the Pine, wherewith the same fell to the ground, at the fall whereof very great and fearful noise was heard all thereabouts: also a thick mist and darkness so covered them, that they could scant see one another, great lights & flashings of fire amid this darkness appeared. Thus very miraculous and fearful with great thunder & earthquake this enchantment was dissolved, & by that light appeared again, the Pine-tree, whereupon the enchanted armour hanged, was missing, and in the place where it had been appeared a very fair horse well & richly furnished, which moved them to very great admiration. Nevertheless Moderatus was very glad thereof, having recovered such a goodly stead, & so sure & strong armour, having now an assured confidence in the success of this enterprise: by this the day was far spent, & it drew towards night, & therefore the old Hermit very courteously offered Moderatus such simple lodging as his poor Tell could afford, who willingly accepted thereof, and so both returned again to the hermits poor lodge, and time of repast being not yet come, the good old father to drive away the time, began thus to parley with Moderatus.   

The Hermit's exhortation to Moderatus, and encouragement towards this enterprise His departure from the forest of Esina His arrival to king LOTHUS Court under the name of the black Knight. His combat with County Delamure the false accuser of innocent MODESTA, and his victory.  
Chap. 11.  
MY son, now mayst thou see how fickle and transitory the state of mortal men are, never satisfied in making sufficient ostentation of their glories, Dum flaveat velis aura secunda, who giving their barks a full sail, are very often in the midst of a very pleasant calm, overwhelmed with a most cruel storm, who in stead of a happy and quiet harbour, meet with a fearful and dangerous shipwreck. Well also mayst thou see, that in danger, which is the extremest of all extremes, some escape this great peril with planks, boards, rafters, and other such like engines and instruments which good fortune yieldeth unto them at the time of their extreme need: other being of greater fear & less valour, do like bruit beasts desperately perish, their hearts failing any way to shift for the safeguard of their own lives: such is the disposition of nature, that she hath framed some bold & venturous, others cowards & fearful, trembling at every wind, and ready to yield at every puff of adverse fortune: who like the shellfish when the Moon waxeth do increase, and in the wain thereof diminish: so they depending upon fortune, one while are mighty & puffed up with ambition & pride: another while being cross in their determinations are miserable, & stuffed up with servile care and fear, even as Ramunsia (which is termed to be the goddess of vengeance) doth alter and change her copy: for as the river Nilus is alleged of some writers to bring famine into Egypt, when either it overflowed eighteen cubits, or rise not so high as twelve: so in like manner fortune being over-prosperous, or too much malignant, doth blind and detect the good motions of the mind, either with extreme grief or inexcessive joy, both which derogate from virtue so much as by the same they do arrogate unto vice: weigh this with thyself advisedly, that mortal creatures continually sail between Scylla and Charybdis, where seeking to avoid one danger they fall into another: for if they covet to be valiant & famous in the world, they must hazard many perils, & sustain many great labours: be not then dismayed though fortune sometimes frown, for she doth it of purpose, whereby her favours afterward may seem more pleasant: thou intendest to encounter with strong & mighty enemy, much feared for his magnanimity & dexterity at arms, yet hast thou a good cause to hope of victory, for the equity of the quarrel, the defending of innocent blood, the revenge of a cruel & tyrannous murder, be (I think) sufficient motives to animate the veriest coward to be desperate: well, I do know (gentle friend) that this my exhortation is but to heap Athos upon Aetna, or to power water into the sea, for thy disposition carrieth with itself sufficient warrantise of thy valiant & resolute determination, & therefore committing the sequel hereof to fortune, I wish thee a happy success therein.  
The hermit having thus concluded, meaning to conceal no commodities (which his poor cabin did afford) from Moderatus, brought him to an inner room being very beautifully furnished with pictures and tables of sundry sorts, which greatly he delighted to behold, & amongst them, one seemed much to excel & surpass the rest in beauty, wherein was lively portrayed out many histories, over the which there was written in great Roman letters this sentence, Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. Moderatus was very inquisitive of the hermit to know the meaning of the histories contained in that table: whereupon fetching a deep sigh, casting his fight upon the table, he replied thus. It is, quoth he, a table containing true discourses acted and evented in my country of great Britain, which for the zeal I bore to the parties it doth represent, and for a remembrance of mine own misery I have brought with me: rest thee contented with thus much knowledge thereof at this time, for that to discourse thereof at large, requireth longer time then at this time we may conveniently enjoy, so great a necessity summoning you to offer yourself in the defence of innocency, which opportunity being neglected, your travail might come too late, either to enlarge Modestas desert, or finish your own desire. And therefore relinquish that request for this time, and when again you happen to travel this way, (which I wish and expect may be shortly with some good news, and happy end to these new begun tragedies) I will city all the whole discourse thereof unto you, fully to satisfy your longing desire, in the mean time you want not wherewith to employ yourself in, and now for that it is requisite that you be stirring the next morning, we will refresh ourselves with such poor cates, as many Hermitage will yield unto us.  
Well, repast being ended, they walked together to take the benefit of the air, yet they stayed little abroad, for that the weightiness of Moderatus charge gave him gentle summons to take his rest, and to make his helmet his pillow for that night, which accordingly (having reverently saluted his gentle host) he did: and all this night could Moderatus take no natural rest, so that no sooner had Aurora put off her mourning mantle of darkness, and discovered her blushing countenance, but that he (with a kind of longing desire to be doing with his new implements) had forsaken the poor cowtch he lay in all night, and busying himself very diligently to set himself in a readiness, the hermits assistance was not wanting, who seeing Moderatus so well fitted and furnished with horse and armour, noting in him an honourable and bountiful disposition, who managed his horse with such good grace, that the old Hermit (who in his days had been as much beholding to Mars for courage, as to Pallas for wisdom) conceived that he was one alone worthy of so honourable an enterprise as that was, which he went about: and so commending him to his fortunes, and himself to his Orisons, he left Moderatus making some haste to recover Spoletum, who in short time arrived at a little village about half a league distant from the same, there he began to be inquisitive of news from the Court, where he was told that the contagiousness of the time afforded none other, than the very worst news that ever Aemulia possessed, which was the imprisonment of the King's daughter upon Delamures accusation, which all seemed greatly to pity, accusing the County of too too great cruelty. Here did he also learn of one County Pallamount, which inhabited in this village, who was Modestas uncle, unto whom he repaired, praying his advise, and showing his whole intent unto him, Pallamount returned many kind thanks unto him for his good will, albeit that the great prowess of Delamure did forbid him as much as once to hope of any good speed therein: yet accepting his frank offer, being the only comfort left for the safeguard of Modestas credit, yea her life also depending thereupon: for that was the very last day of respite. And therefore accompanied of Pallamount and some few of his followers, Moderatus calling himself by the name of the black Knight, repaired to the King's Court, where being come, the scaffold and all things was prepared for the execution of the King's daughter, and Delamure remained mounted and armed in the field, to see if any competitor durst withstand his averrement. The black Knight being within view of all, thought it not best to protract the time any longer, and therefore stepped forth, stirring his goodly steed with good grace, till he came before the presence of the King, and then lifting up the beaver of his helmet, and bowing himself with reverence to his Majesty, he saluted him in this manner.  
Worthy and victorious Prince, the great fame of thy high renown is so dispersed abroad in the world, that any accident which might pertain to thy noble Person or the state of thy Subjects, can not be obscure in strange and foreign countries, much less amongst thy neighbour Princes, or within thine own territories and Dominions, which hath made Modesta, yea virtuous Modestas pitiful and lamentable case better known abroad in foreign lands, then in thy kingdom or in thy Court, yea or to thine own person: if there were no other reason to induce thee to relinquish this jealousy, thou hast conceived of thy daughter, her virtuous life and honourable conversation so well known, yea aswell abroad as at home, and in foreign Countries more than in her own native soil, (so that her modesty was a mirror to all Aemulia, or to speak more truly a lantern to all the gravest matrons in the world) might have been sufficient shelters to excuse a slender offence, much rather a manifest and apparent innocency: wherefore I being (as all true Knights ought to be) bound by the oath of Knighthood, to relieve the distressed and defend the innocent, and having (I hope) by good hap, knowledge of the false accusation of thy daughter, (false it must be, unless my fancy deceiveth me, and needs must I fancy her, in whom such royal apparition of virtue appeareth) by the treacherous murderer Delamure, whose bloody grooms corrupted with avarice, have villainously martyred and murdered guiltless and innocent Byndon, whose blood crieth unto the Gods for revenge, and whose death I hope to quite with the cruel traitors life that despoiled him of his. And to that end (shrouding myself under the habit of thy safe conduct, heretofore by thy highness proclamation granted to any that would attempt the Combat in defence of thy daughter) I am hither arrived with hazard of my life, and price of my blood to deliver Modesta from her imminent danger: wherefore I crave thy highness royal pardon for this mine enterprise, and then I doubt not by the power of the Gods, but this day in all your presence to bring her wicked accusers to confusion.  
Here the black Knight ended his speech, and the King in words and countenance allowed his pretence, much marveling at his great boldness, that durst utter so hard speeches against the County Delamure, whose very name was so much feared: wherefore he judged him a man of no mean thoughts nor base birth, that carried so honourable and valiant a resolution. County Delamure being not far off, overheard all that he spoke unto the King, which moved him to choler and anger, that like a ravening Tiger he would presently have fallen to blows, had he not been commanded to the contrary by the judges of the lists: whereupon he stayed, and so with great insolency he took up the black Knight with such vehemency of speech, that it seemed rather to proceed of a mad and wild frenzy, then of any valiant and resolute magnanimity. The black Knight replied very little, smiling rather at his folly, then studying how to make an answer to his arrogancy, and so not taking any great heed to any further speech of Delamure, he stirred his horse before the seat of Modesta, and demanded her allowance of him to defend her innocency, who willingly gave her consent thereunto: yet notwithstanding that he was presently answered his demand, beauty now made him forget himself: for so long stood he at gaze on Modesta, till the County Delamure shaked him out of his dump after this manner.  
Now fainthearted coward, dost thou forecast by Astronomy, or calculate by the course of the heavens, what shall fall of this thy foolish and rash enterprise. No, no, I tell thee, it is too late so to do: for no submission shall now serve thy turn, neither shall all the friends thou hast be able to redeem thee from my hands: wherefore make thee ready and defend thyself, for longer shalt thou not pause upon the matter. The black Knight not a little moved with his so great insolency, first with a glance discovered his new entertained affection to his Mistress, and then casting down the beaver of his helm, he turned his horse about with great dexterity, the agility of his body very well agreeing with the readiness of his horse: and Delamure in like sort was ready to the combat, whereupon their pages brought them spears, Perio served the black knight, for so he was called, that County Pallamount commanded to give attendance upon him. And now both the combatants being ready, the trumpeters sounded, and then having taken their full compass, they so spurred their light and strong horses, that they ran together like the wind, and presently they met in the midst of the race with such a strong encounter, that the splinters of their mighty spears whistling and making a noise in the air, did drive the beholders to wonderful great admiration: more spears were brought unto them, among which they made choice of the best and strongest they could find. County Delamure, having by this tried the great strength of his adversary, thought it not best to dally with him, lest in trifling away the time, he might purchase dishonour, and blemish his credit, in that a strange and an unknown Knight should hold battle there so long with him: and on the other side, the black Knight remembering that he had in hand the murderer of his dear kinsman, and the false accuser of Priscus sister (his dearest friend living) redoubling his force in such sort, that he thought it no conquest if his adversary held out any long time. Thus on either side being stirred with great indignation and choler, they pricked their furious steads to run with great swiftness, and the black Knight so well behaved himself in this meeting, that he burst his spear in small shivers, and gave Delamure so strong an encounter, that both horse and man fell to the ground, himself also feeling the great force of his mighty adversary: for that he had received such a counterbuff of Delamure upon his visor, that he was quite out of all remembrance, and fell down upon the saddle bow, his horse carrying him all about the field as dead: Delamure received small damage by this encounter, but only the disgrace of his fall wherein his horse shoulder was broken, which was very good hap to the black Knight: for if Delamure had had his horse to follow him when he was in this trance, he had quickly ended the battle, and albeit he was afoot, and his body corpulent, he made so great haste to follow him, that he came within reach of him, and as he was ready to handfast a blow upon to finish that labour, the black Knight recovered himself, and perceiving that he was so disgraced before the Prince of Aemulia, where he well hoped to gain honour, not knowing of the fall of his adversary, he turned his horse with great fury, where espying Delamure, and on foot so nigh him, with a trice he lighted from his horse, and drew out his sword, which was one of the best that ever had been forged of steel: for that it had been wrought by wisdom and art) and so the County did the like: then began the battle very bloody and stout, either endeavouring with all his force to endamage his foe. The good Lady Modesta now somewhat recovered of a trance, (although she was yet doubtful of the success of the battle) wherein she had fallen in this great danger of her champion, whose death had been a small judgement of her life. In this sort they continued the space of a good hour, without any advantage perceived of any side, to the great wonder of all the beholders, who judged it impossible for any human strength to sustain so long and hard a travel: all greatly admiring at the great bounty of the black Knight, for that as it grew further in the day, the heat of his choler being kindled, his force and strength also increased, and his adversary was perceived to become more slow and fainty, yet for his credit sake he encouraged himself, and redoubled his blows with such force, that he had greatly endangered the black Knight, had it not been for the goodness of his armour, which no weapon could pierce: yet the blows lighting upon his armour as thick as upon an anduill in a Smiths' forge, greatly bruised his body, the blood issuing out at his Beaver, and in many other places through the joints of his armour, the which the black Knight perceiving, and seeing that it grew late, thought it not his best course so to trifle the time, and no good done, lest a new day must be taken and to end the fame, and so his labour but then begin: and thus resolved at this time, (as it is said) to win the spurs or lose the horse, he took his sword in both his hands, and lent Delamure such a mighty blow upon the visor of his helmet, that he brought him quite out of his remembrance, and doubling the same with more force, afore he recovered out of his trance, he overthrew him to the ground, and then laid his foot upon his breast, and unlaced his helmet to see if there were any hope of life in him, and perceiving by the moving of his carcase that he was not yet dead, in a little space he brought him to himself again, and thereupon the black Knight began to discourse with him thus:  
Now treacherous murderer, and false accuser of innocency, thou mayst see, the just reward of falsehood and treason is to receive a defamed death for so vicious a life, or rather a perpetual torment, for so villainous an intent. Now thy life is in my hands, and in me lieth either to give thee that which thou hast not deserved, that is, to departed hence with thy head: or else in executing of justice, to present the same to the innocent Modesta, which is too slender a recompense for so great a villainy. And assuredly, in case thou do not here publicly confess the truth, to avoid the jealousy which might be conceived of Modestas honour, upon my Knighthood I will even execute the very uttermost extremity, that honour and arms will allow to be done against thee.   

County Delamures confession of his intended treason to towards MODESTA, and the cause thereof. The King's joy of her delivery. The black Knight his sudden departure from the King's Court: his letter he sent to MODESTA, being greatly in love with her. The general sorrow in the Court, for the absence of the black Knight. MODESTAS receipt of his letter, and her returning of answer thereof by the same messenger, & her great affection unto him. The black knights travel in the forest Esina: his madrigals.  
Chap. 12.  
COunty Delamure being now at the door of death, partly in hope to have his life pardoned, and partly for discharge of conscience, the burden whereof was very heavy to his mind, disclosed the whole circumstance, the manner of his drift, and the reason which induced him so to do, particularly as before is recited by the Hermit, to the great admiration of all them that heard it, how such outrageous villainy could be harboured in any human heart: who having from point to point thoroughly discoursed thereof: great was the joy that was made in general, for the clearing of Modesta from that false accusation, but specially her aged and careful father the King, who was much ravished in mind with that unexpected good hap, that for a long time he thought he had been transported into a new world.  
In this mean time Modesta with all her train of Ladies and Gentlewomen were not meanly glad, hope having clean banished away fear, yet fear but newly defaced with hope, in so much that the virtue of the one rooting out the infection of the other, caused such a sudden alteration in her body, that her wan and pale countenance was converted to a very fair and beautiful complexion, and to be brief, so lovely and amiable she was, that the people had been like to have run into an heresy, in derogating the dignity and honour due unto the Queen of Love, and arrogating the same unto her as a new Venus, more worthy than the old goddess, supposing that by her there might be borne a young Cupid, in whom the want of the former (who was blind) might be supplied: who being full furnished with all his senses, would (no doubt) be more gentle and less cruel. Great reason they had to have this opinion of her, for that in majesty she excelled juno, in beauty Helen, in modesty Diana, in wisdom and policy Cassandra, so that hereafter none meant to go a pilgrimage to Citharea, nor yet to adorn Aphrodite her shrine at Paphos with flowers, where now might be found only the dead cinders, where old sacrifices had been, but no sign of fresh fires and new burnt offerings. Venus' perceiving the people in such an heresy, in making an earthly creature copartner of her Deity, began to be very angry, devising with herself how she might utterly subvert and bring in oblivion the great fame of this new Goddess, in the end perceiving no way to compass the same, but only in extinguishing the very cause itself: and as all desperate causes require desperate remedies, so upon the sudden Venus be thought her of a drift to requite this injury, which was thus. First, she solicited her dear darling Cupid to undertake the revenge of his mother's wrong, showing him that there was no mean to effect the same, but only to insinuate her with the love of this new Champion, wherewith she was already something moved, and being once skortched therewith, no doubt their purpose would take good effect: for that the black Knight meant presently to departed to the Forest of Esina, to bring (according to his promise) tidings to the Hermit, of his good success in his late achieved enterprise, and then his sudden departure would be so great a grief to her heart, that in a short space her languishing love would so alter her heavenly hue, (for the absence of lovers breedeth such a corrosive unto the mind, that it impaireth the beauty of the body) that the multitude would now think it but a blaze, which vanisheth away with every blast: and by this mean convert the heat and fervency of their desires, honouring her now as a Goddess) to a loathsome and cold disdain, than (despising her as an abject) in the mean time while Venus schooled her little wanton wag, to work a revenge against the virtuous and fair Modesta, the black knight having obtained the victory, thought it would be more honourable if he used it with clemency: and now after that County Delamure had confessed all the matter, and circumstance thereof, the black Knight lifted up the beaver of his helm, (whose countenance garnished with the excellency of beauty, his long travel having added a singular grace to his lovely and amiable complexion) offering with great reverence to the virtuous Modesta, the disposing of County Delamures life or death: for hers was the wrong, and in her hand should the sword of justice now remain, therefore he hearty requested her to pronounce the sentence against him. Modesta ravished as well with joy of her sudden delivery, as also with delight in beholding the beauty of him, that now had taken fast root in her mind, refused to accept of the black Knights offer, excusing herself with a kind of care, least in being a judge in her own cause, she might run into the ignominy of the popular speeches: and so either be condemned of folly, for saving his life that sought her death, or otherwise be accounted cruel, in not pardoning upon the offenders submission: for that it is a great inhumanity to deny compassion to a man in misery. Upon these reasons she desired the black Knight to hold her excused, giving him innumerable thanks, aswell for her safe delivery by his valour and bounty, as also for this his courteous offer, which to satisfy his mind, she would willingly have accepted of, but fear of disparragement to her honour commanding her to the contrary. Yet the black Knight who was wholly resolved not to take her denial, very earnestly entreated her again to satisfy his request herein, which he would account a full recompense for all his travels. Then Modesta finding herself already overcome with his strange and rare courtesy, and desirous to make a kind of emulation thereof, in granting him any reasonable request, and therefore having deliberated upon the matter, and considering that a life full of infamy should be a greater torment to a valiant mind, than a death full of martyrdom, pronounced a sentence of banishment against Delamure. Hereupon all was finished, and the clamour of the people was so exceeding great and wonderful, that the black Knight intending secretly to steal away from thence, to perform his promise with the old Hermit, who was his good host in the wild forest of Esina, with an intent nevertheless to return in some unknown sort, to knowledge his obeisance to the fair Modesta, unto whom his heart was prisoner: on this determination having conveyed himself out of the press of people, and now being part in his way towards the Forest, Perio overtook him, who had eyed him so narrowly, that presently perceiving him to departed, followed him with all the speed he could. The black Knight perceiving so convenient a messenger, and one he had also bound unto him in some sort, with friendly rewards in recompense of his service, he alighted from his horse, and stepped into a house in a little village hard by, willing Perio to walk his horse till he returned again, and there calling for pen, Ink and paper, he devised this fancy.  

THe Ocean seas for every calm present  
A thousand storms: so hourly doth my mind,  
While that I do excogitate the event  
Of things, wherein great mystery I find.  
With pain I prove a triple damage loss,  
Sith Fate my heart in waves of grief doth toss.   

The wonder late I saw, wherein I thought  
A strange and rare effect for to contain,  
Was, when I viewed your face, which in me wrought  
Such deep desire ever yours for to remain.  
That when I find that hope forbids to prove,  
To seek redress, I languish for your love.   

But froward Fate too cruel dealt with me,  
To ruminate unto mine ears your fame:  
Yet glad thereby that you redeemed be,  
Though I do pine when thoughts present your name.  
In that I can not still possess the sight  
Of your sweet self, that sole may me delight.   
THe black Knight having finished this Poem, he closed it up, and sent it by Perio to Modesta, wishing him further to signify unto her, that he traveled to the Forest of Esina to lead a hermits life, until that he might either hope of her favour to return again, or despair thereof, to bequeath himself perpetually to devotion: and after he had thus instructed Perio what he should do, and had well rewarded him to make him the more willing to effect the same, he hastened him towards the Forest, and Perio (although more willing to follow his new Master,) returned to the Court, where he found a great tumult, the King being very inquisitive of the black Knight, which could not be heard of, the which when it came to the Lady Modestas ears, she was very much grieved and disquieted, for that she was now out of hope ever to have any sight of him that she so entirely beloved: and as she was in this meditation came in Perio, who having reverently saluted her, presented her with that skrowle from the black Knight, which when she had perused, she was very well pleased, hoping he would not be long absent, (being sick) from the Physician which could cure his disease: yet she questioned with Perio about him, who upon her demand, delivered her his message by word of mouth: whose entire and faithful affection choosing rather to wander in unknown deserts in great misery, then to stay in her father's Court to reveal his fancy unto her, for fear of offending her which he loved so entirely, her love towards him began to increase, so that in the end unable to conceal the extreme heat of her passions, she confessed unto Perio how greatly she affected him, earnestly entreating him to take the pains to return again in quest of the black Knight, and she would well reward him for his travel. Perio well pleased with these news, willingly offered himself at her command especially therein: for that he desired nothing so much, as to show himself willing, though not able to pleasure the black Knight, so bountiful he had been unto him. Well, Modesta perceiving the willing mind of Perio to carry her message, presently framed a letter, and having sealed the same, she delivered it to Perio, as being assured of his fidelity, whom she had often tried to be faithful, requesting him with all speed to find out the black Knight,, and to deliver the same unto him. Perio presently departed, whom we will leave preparing himself for his journey to go in quest of the black Knight, which we left traveling in great haste towards the hermits Cell in the Forest of Esina, who having at the last recovered the Forest, began to think of his forepast dangerous adventures, and the remembrance of his dearest Modesta, now penetrating his mind with fresh wounds, which brought him to a great agony tormenting him the more, because he had been but seldom acquainted with such strange motions, being in a great rage with himself, that his mind should be overcome with such effeminate passions, so that he thus striving to suppress the fire, (which was yet but a spark) it rather increased and waxed more and more, that in the end it did burst forth into a vehement and outrageous flame, which so aggravated his cares, that if he had endured the torture of Perillus Bull, he could not have been more mangled in his mind, nor by any means racked to a higher note of sorrow and grief, remembering how unpossible it was for him to enjoy that virtuous and rare Paragon, whose favour he tendered more than his own life. And being thus metamorphosed from a free man to a thrawled captive, from a professed soldier of warlike Mars, to a vowed servant of wanton Venus, taking no heed to his way, (these busy cogitations boiling so within his brain, that almost the sense of understanding was quite perished in him) in so much that in this fury, his horse carried him far out of his way, before he came to himself again. In this sort the black Knight, (for so we will call him yet) wandered these wild deserts for ten or twelve days, till in the end wearied with his day labours, and his small nights rest, espying a fair fountain with fine green banks, round about diapered with the pride of Vesta's choice flowers, and covered with the shade of a tall Beech tree, Zephyrus tenderly breathing forth soft and cool wind, which made a pleasant murmur amongst the parched leaves of that pleasant harbour, and extinguished part of Phoebus' extreme heat, here he went and bathed himself in the fountain, and afterwards reposed his weary limbs upon the tender grass, which was very pleasing unto him, but notwithstanding his wont passions still disquieting him, that he could take no rest, whereupon he warbled out this ensuing Ditty, according with the notes of the musical birds, that sweetly chattered upon the hangings over that clear and Crystalline spring.  

HOw can I sing, and have no joy in heart,  
In heart no joy, a heavy doleful jest,  
A jest, God wot: that still procures my smart,  
A cruel smart that breedeth mine unrest.  
Shall I then sing, and can not jest nor joy,  
Nay rather weep thus living in annoy.   

Why should I weep, or heavy lot bewail?  
Why should I sob, and sigh with sobbing care?  
For herein tears, sighs, nor sobs can prevail,  
But hope may help to rid me from this snare.  
The valiant mind condemns such trifling toys,  
Though cruel love bereave his wished joys.   

O baleful joy rejoicing in the sight  
Of beauty's flower, a flower like Cockatrice.  
Whose view doth pierce the man of greatest might,  
And doth subvert the reason of the wise.  
Such was the sight that did inthrawle my sight,  
Such was the spite that wrought me deep despite.   

Have I then pawned my credit to this end?  
Have I my life in balance put therefore,  
Her life to save and credit to defend,  
And brought my life to thraldom for evermore.  
And may not hope this courtesy to have,  
Even at her hands, her champion's life to save.   

Despair not man, thou hast not tried her truth,  
Doubt not before that she an answer give,  
Seek first for favour, women be full of ruth,  
Though she deny, let no denial grieve.  
Women will say, and will unsay again,  
And oft refuse the thing they would obtain.    

The black Knight's dream: His delivering of a young man pursued by a Dragon, whom he found to be the messenger that he had sent to MODESTA, and received a letter from her again His return with the messenger back to the king's court. The report of a great triumph there, which was likewise to be performed at Florence, and the Victor to be rewarded with the King's daughter. Perduratus restored to his honour and living in Florence again. The giant Bergamo his victori in Aemulia, and his setting forward towards Florence with MODESTA in a triumphant chariot. The black Knight his combat with him in the forest of Mountalto, and his victory.  
Chap. 13.  
BY this Morpheus had befriended him with a pleasant slumber, yet the mind working still, fed itself so long upon the bone, that he left no marrow therein, whereby so small moisture was left within his body to work upon, that it could not entertain and feed the ordinary intercourse of descending humours, which executed a friendly office within his body, to disfraught the mind of cares, and to nursle it up for the time in the bed of rest and ease. Thus having but a weary sleep, as he was neither sleeping nor yet well waking, he heard a pitiful outcry, and a great ruffling amongst the trees, whereat he awaked and buckled on his helmet, and by that he had recovered his feet, and rushed a little into the thicket to learn the cause of the outcry, he might see a monstrous Dragon pursuing a handsome young man, and being ready to cease upon him, the valiant black Knight unsheathed his fine cutting sword, (being now within reach of that ugly fiend) and parted the fire-spitting head from that monstrous and devilish carcase, and when his conquest was thus ended, he called the young man unto him, who was yet scarce come unto himself, being so late in so great a peril, and therefore could not speak one word, till the black Knight having narrowly marked him, and knowing that he was the Page by whom he had sent his letter to Modesta, spoke thus unto him. My good Perio, (for so the Page was called) what wind brought thee hither, I am glad it was my good fortune to be the safeguard of thy life, take heart, man: for now thou art delivered of all thy danger. Tell me what news at the Court, and how doth my dearest Modesta? if thou hast any tidings from her, deliver thy message quickly, that I may know the charge of her doom. Perio seeing himself in his presence that he came in quest of, and how he was delivered of so great a danger, wept for joy, and could speak never a word, but delivered Modestas letter unto him, the which he perceiving unripped the seal, and read the contents, which was to this effect.  GEntle Knight, 
I know not whether I rejoiced so much in mine own delivery, being in so great a danger, as I bewailed and lamented thy absence, having preserved my life and credit: the one exonerating my posterity from perpetual infamy by thy Knightly prowess and valour: the other arguing in thee a dislike of some thing, by reason of thy sudden departure. But nevertheless, even as the one proceeded of thy resolute and bountiful disposition, without any entreaty of mine: so the other followed of a peremptory resolution, without my privity or consent. And if thou hast hazarded thy life in defence of mine honour, I will not stick to grant thee any reasonable request to recompense the same. Knowest thou not that the Merlion soareth after the Lark, but never seizeth upon the wren: the Falcon footeth the partridge, but never flieth after the puttock: the Eagle beholdeth the Sun in the top of the heavens, but never looketh down towards the bottom of the Seas: and Princes bear princelike dispositions to reward bountifully, and not base peasant-like minds, to recompense their champions slenderly: wherefore dost thou then despair? if my beauty hath captivated thy sight, thy virtue hath imprisoned my heart: bashful fear hindereth thee to seek, shamefast modesty forbiddeth me to offer: and yet I had rather pass the limits of modesty (which is so great an ornament to our sex) and confess and acknowledge mine own infirmity, than so valiant and worthy a Knight should miscarry. Wherefore I charge thee upon pain of my displeasure, to return with this messenger to my Fathers-Court again: welcome thou shalt be unto him, and princely rewarded, but more welcome to Modesta, and lovingly entertained, who longeth for thy presence. Thus resting not well pleased with myself, till I be able to pleasure thee, I wish and expect thy short return.  
Thine always unfeigned Modesta.  
WHen the black Knight had perused over this letter, and had read it again and again, he could scant withdraw his eyes from the same, so unspeakable were the joys he conceived therein: but in the end, seeking to defer the time in reading her skrowle, (being in good hope not only to behold, but also to embrace her own person) was with the idle housewife to be catching of fleas, when her business should be in doing. Therefore he plucked up his spirits, and rewarding well the messenger, he resolved to leave his first determination to visit the good old hermit, (till that he had first returned to Modesta) faithfully determining nevertheless, when opportunity would give him leave, to repair unto him again, to hear his British discourse, and to bring him news of Modestas enlargement according to promise. And now being pricked forwards with the sting of a more longing desire then before, he returned with Perio back again, & such haste they made, that within few days they were come to a village very near to the king's Court, where they lodged all night. The black knight being (after his manner) very inquisitive of news: his host told him of a great triumph of Just and Tournament, which was holden at the king's court, and the occasion thereof had grown in this sort. First the King, after the delivery of his daughter, caused a proclamation to be made, that whosoever could bring notice of him, that had by his valour preserved her honour and life, he should be very highly rewarded for the same, & when no news could be heard of him, he caused another proclamation to be made, that a solemn feast should be kept in his Court for one whole month, during which time, he granted a safe-conduct to all foreign Princes, and Knights of what country soever, to pass & repass: and that during the time appointed, all comers, aswell within his own principality and dominions, as strangers, should try their martial prowess, and Knightly activity at just and Tournament, and he which should obtain the honour of that Feast with martial manhood, should have for his reward his only daughter Modesta in marriage, with this condition that he would defend her beauty for one whole month at Florence, which now flourished again, being but lately by Carolus Magnus recovered from the possession of the Goths, and the worthy Perduratus the valiant Governor thereof, who (at the time when the Goths sacked the same, having narrowly escaped the fury of their blood-thirsting blades) had ever lived in exile in the deserts of Liguria, and now was called back again, and restored to his former possessions and livings, where he not only erected stately and sumptuous Temples, to worship and deify the Gods, magnificent and gorgeous buildings to harbour his people: but also prescribed and established Laws to keep his subjects in good order of living: these were the reasons which moved the King to make choice of Florence, knowing that greater company would assemble there, in respect that the fame thereof so lately began to flourish. And the reason (as it is reported) quoth Calimacko, (for so the host of the house was called) which moved the King to take this course, was to find again that Knight, which victoriousty had vanquished Modestas false accuser. These triumphs have continued these three weeks and more, and now they draw towards an end: many worthy Knights and valiant Champions came there out of all Countries, and amongst the rest, one came, which is rather a devil or a monster, than a man, a Giant he is, which came (upon report of this triumph) from the deserts of the mountain Taurus, and as yet sithence he came none ran with him twice, for that he unhorsed every one at the first encounter: and this is like to carry her away, much against her father's will, and now the King is sorry to have granted any such conditions to the victor: but sith there is no remedy, he caused to be made a triumphant chariot to carry them to Florence, being out of all hope to be rid of this perilous and terrible monster, without that the fresh fame of that new erected City, together with the hope of so precious a reward, should make the number of worthy Martialistes to be greater, and their resolution to be more peremptory, whereby some one might (by good hap) in the end weary that devilish fiend, thereby once again to recover his Modesta from captivity. When Calimacko had thus discoursed, the black Knight was the gladdest man in the world, both because he heard of his Father's happy return to Florence again, with the great fame and renown thereof, and also to be offered so good an opportunity, once again to combat for his Lady: and withal, that before his Father in Florence he should advance himself to show his skill in arms. Well; after that he had discoursed a while with Calimacko upon these news, he caused his Page to light him to his chamber, where being come, he began to commune with him thus. Now Perio, how likest thou these tidings of thy Mistress, and of that handsome groom that must have her? very ill, my Lord, quoth he, and worse will my Lady and Mistress far, if she hear not shortly from you. Nay Perio, quoth the black Knight, thou mistakest the matter: for women be wily cattle, they can counterfeit sorrow when they are nothing sad, and lower when they have list to laugh, and smile when they feel most smart: dissimulation is a common practice amongst them, yea and though they should love entirely, yet are they like the timely blossoms that are nipped with every frost, they change their hue with the Chameleon, and alter their shapes with Proteus, so voluble is the wheel of their unsettled resolution. Quoth Perio, you may assure you, my Lord, Modesta is none of those that is won with a Nut, and lost with the shell: for as without great desert she will not affect, so without a manifest occasion she will not dislike: and for you, my Lord, you may be well assured, she will never be false unto you, and if you find it otherwise, never believe Perio again. Well, quoth the black Knight, I will try if it be so, let us take our rest this night, and in the morning you shall know more of my mind. Little sleep satisfied the black Knight, devising with himself in what sort he might attempt this enterprise, unknown of any: in the end he concluded with himself, to send Perio the next morning to the kings Court, to learn what time, and which way Modesta should be carried towards Florence, and gave him great charge not to show himself unto her, before such time as he should put in practice what he had determined, for the enlarging of her from the custody of that great Giant. Perio very readily and closely conveyed himself to Court, and he stayed not long, but he came to the knowledge of all: the time of the Tournament being now expired, and Bergamo (for so the Giant was called) ready within those two days to set forwards with Modesta towards Florence: whereby (according to the king's Proclamation) to finish his begun enterprise. When Perio had heard this, and had learned which way they would go, without any carrying he returned to his Master again: and when he had declared the whole circumstance unto him, the black Knight was very glad, that they did so quickly set forwards with Modesta, and that Bergamo was to pass with her through the Forest of Mountalto, wherein was a very narrow passage at the issuing out thereof, and adjoining thereunto a very sine and plain green, furnished with two rows of Poplars, (which were sometimes the sisters of proud Phaeton, so transformed, because they sorrowed for their brother's fall) along the same standing in such order, as though they had taken their places there, to behold the rare and strange sight which shortly was to pass that way. Then he caused to be made a Cassock, and Bases of red Satin to cover his black armour, lest he should be descried before he had brought his purpose to some end: and caused also a strange attire to be made for his Page, and when he had given order how things should be done, he betook him to his rest. The next day, when Aurora began to cloth herself with her grey gown, and to blush for shame that Phoebus should be seen to dislodge himself from her bower, and that Titan had no sooner set foot in his chariot, and his trampling steeds with foaming mouths began to ascend, and with their lights to discover such things that were in the inferior regions, obscured with the vale of darkness, but the black Knight armed at all assays, and covered with that red vesture, his Crest plumed with a great bunch of white feathers, mounted upon his stately white courser. Thus Perio carrying his Target, and riding upon a fine jennet which he had bought for him, traveled a round pace towards the Forest of Mountalto, and before Phoebus had passed in his course the meridional line, they had recovered the same, and drawing nearer the plain, to the which the narrow Angle was adjoining, the black Knight lighted off his horse, gave it unto Perio, and took Modestas picture (that he had procured to be made for that purpose) and hanged it on a mighty Poplar, which stood in the very nook between the plain and the Forest, where no body could pass but must needs see it: underneath this picture he caused to be engraven in golden letters this sentence.  
No Knight may pass this way, but must needs either confess, that she whom this picture representeth is the fairest Lady living, and yield up his Target in honour of her name: or combat for his passage with the Knight of the Forest, who watcheth here for that purpose.  
And when he had placed the same to his liking, he walked aside to watch the coming of Bergamo, who within three hours after, was come within ken of the black knight, who termeth himself the Knight of the Forest: then presently he called to his Page for his horse, and mounting to his saddle with a trice, did ride a soft pace till he came to the entrance of the plain, and there he stayed still, till the chariot came right against him, and then stepped foth, and wished the chariot man to stay, who marveling to see one alone man so boldly will him to stay, thought scorn thereof and held on his course. The knight of the Forest full of choler to see the scornful demeanour of that proud cartesman, spurred his horse till he came within reach of him, & then with his armed fist he lent him such a blow upon his face, that he crushed his skull in pieces, at the noise of whose fall those which were already past turned back again, & those which followed, hastened forwards. Bergamo being within glutting himself with the view of the fair Modesta, hard all this bustling, & because the chariot stood, he stepped out, & seeing the knight all armed before him, & his chariot man slain, asked the knight of the forest why he had done so, and reviled him with great insolency, assuring him if he did not answer him to his liking, he should taste the weight of his mighty falchion. The knight of the forest smiling answered, I have vowed to keep this passage, & here thou mayst see the cause (pointing to the picture) and I wished thy man to stay that I might speak with thee, who would not, and this is the cause: now read this inscription, and answer my demand. Bergamo kindled with wrath, was ready to run upon him with his Falchion, but remembering himself better, he looked towards the picture, yet took small heed thereunto, but read over the skrowle which was underwritten, & then foaming at his mouth like a Boar, and fretting with a deadly fury, that any should presume to brave him in such order, he thundered out with his hollow and bellowing voice, (his eyes burning like a flashing torch) as followeth.  
Proud stripling and foolish younker, how darest thou presume to challenge me the combat, that have terrified so many brave and resolute Knights with the majesty of my stern countenance, and thou saucy Princkockes, art so arrogant to set up skrowles of challenge to me, or arrogate to any woman living the beauty incomparable of my Lady, yea and though the truth were of thy side, yet would I not confess the same, being so peremptorily required thereunto: for resolute men at arms are sooner won with entreaty, then overcome with force. But I pray thee, whose picture dost thou carry abroad, thus to her defame and thy dishonour. Quoth the Knight of the Forest, care thou not, arrogant Monster, whose it is, only know she is the Lady of my love, and Mistress of my thoughts, in defending of whose right, I hope to disinherit thee of thy rest, and therefore make thee ready to the combat: if I overcome thee, I must be master of thy prize, more fit for a man then a monster: if thou dost overcome me, I will be thy prisoner, and confess (that which I can not deny) that she, for whom thou dost undertake this enterprise, is the very pride of beauty, and flower of all the world. Although Bergamo might well have understood by his words, that his pretence was to win his pray, yet he neither took any heed to what he said: only thus much he replied unto him.  
Thou unfortunate wretch, I will not stick to grant thee the honour of a combat, because I would be thoroughly revenged on thee, and then mayest thou think thyself happy, to have so honourable an end, as to perish by my weapons: but tell who thou art, that I may know the spoil of whose honour I shall gain by the conquest. I am the Knight of the Forest, quoth he, that will shortly qualify those insolent brags of thine: but as the Beetle nestleth herself in the Sun all day, and descending thence with a murmuring noise, is contented with a Cowshard for shelter in the night: so thy proud and mighty threats, which now is stretched above Ela, will ere long be contented to decline, and to descant upon Solfa.  
Hereupon Bergamo called for his horse and armour, and while two of his squires made him ready, the Knight of the Forest turned his horse round, and managed him with very good grace, and the rest of the company which gave their attendance on the chariot did set themselves in order in two rows, the followers of Bergamo on the one side, and those which were Modestas servants on the other side: they all mused upon the success of this stratagem. All Modestas followers hearty wishing the Knight of the Forest to prevail, that their dear Lady and Mistress should not be cumbered with such a devilish Hellhound, the sight of whom tormented her more than Hell itself. Thus all being attentive and standing in good order, Bergamo having armed himself, and being mounted upon a huge and mighty courser, carrying a spear in his hand as big in a manner as a Pine tree, and stretching his unwieldy limbs in his saddle, that one would have thought it had been a mountain that miraculously moved towards him: but nevertheless it daunted nothing of the courage of that good Knight, but rather increased his force and doubled his desire to be dealing with him. And thus both parties being ready to the battle, the angry sounding trumpets summoned them to that bloody conflict, the which no sooner being heard, than these two champions turned about their neighing horses, and pacing them till they were a competent distance one from another, then giving them the liberty of the reins, spurred them on to run like the whirlwind, and meeting in the midst of the race, they shivered both their spears so that the encounter was very dangerous, for the Knight of the Forest was so shaken therewith, that he was glad to embrace his horse neck to save himself from falling: and Bergamo with the force of his enemy's lance was pushed upon his horse crupper, so that he had much a do to recover his saddle again. And both of them having well settled themselves, drew out their sword, and then the battle began to be bloody on both sides: but to be short, long and perilous was the fight between them, yet in the end, the Knight of the Forest with great loss of his blood, and danger of his life, was Master of the field: for no human power could endure the terrible and deadly strokes of that good Knight, so that being now in the presence of Modesta, whole legions of monsters could not have vanquished his invincible mind. Bergamo now left groaning his last breath, and blaspheming against Gods and men, renting the bowels of the air with his clamorous and hollow bellowing, his own servants flocked about him to lend him such succour as they could, all the rest ran to the Knight of the Forest, and submitted themselves unto him, who having dismounted from his horse, entertained them all very lovingly, and wished one of them (which seemed unto him to be chief of all the rest) to conduct him to their Lady and Mistress: for that now it stood him upon, to perform the enterprise begun by Bergamo: the Gentleman very willingly did lead him towards the chariot. Modesta all this while stood viewing of this stratagem, and was very glad to be rid of that devilish monster, although she knew not who it was that had ventured so far, to gain an interest in her, and to whom she must yield a possession in herself: but whosoever he was, she liked well the change, and therefore stood ready with a cheerful countenance to entertain him who having ascended to the chariot, lifted up the beaver of his helmet, and humbly prayed her hands to kiss. Whereupon Modesta narrowly beholding her Champion, partly guessing he should be the black Knight by the complexion of his face, and by the valorous disposition of his mind, embraced him with great kindness, and wished him to tell her presently, if it was not he that had vanquished County Delamure, in defence of her life and honour. Moderatus desiring nothing so much, as to satisfy any request that Modesta should make, and specially to discover himself, where he above all others was the welcomest man in the world: wherefore he made no bone of the matter, but thus framed his salutation unto her.   

The black knights salutation to Modesta. Her courteous reply, and joining in true league of amity. Their going forwards towards Florence, and their embassage sent to PERDURATAS Governor thereof. Their abode in a village called Albavilla. The great Giant Albanus outrages there. CORNELIUS and others of Duke DEVASCOS' Court repairing to Florence to this triumph.  
Chap. 14.  
O Most noble Princess, the flower of all beauty, and whilom the pride of Nature triumphing in her own excellency, having framed so noble a Creature, in whose life and conversation both rare constancy, and the fruit of virtuous chastity have shined more bright than the Carbuncle in the darkest dungeon, or Phoebus ascending to his highest sphere, displaying his glorious and golden beams, after a dark and misty morning, I say, Modesta well deserving thy name, and not improper to thy heroical qualities, the very Map of unfeigned modesty, the card of singular and care courtesy, the flower of ever-flourishing fancy, the mirror of maidenlike humility, the glass of never-ending glory, and the lively lantern of true and perfect nobility. All hail noble virgin, the wonder of the world, and the matchless Paragon amongst all human creatures, thy twice captivate champion, Moderatus son to the renowned (and sometimes infortunate) but now happy Florentine Perduratus, Lord and Prince of that re-edified and late recovered Florence, humbly submitteth himself to thy person, and craveth pardon, if ever he hath wronged thy sight with any rude fantasy of overwilling desire, to excuse myself, whereof I can say nothing, but that in so doing, I fulfilled the commandment of the peremptory & uncontrolled Deity of that blind Cyprian boy, whose shafts pierced deadly, & fire burned vehemently, so that not able to resist the alarms of his fresh batteries, I committed my passions to that tell-tale paper, which trusly Perio delivered to mine only harts-hope Modesta. My lives preserver Modesta vouchsafed to compound a medicine with her own hands to salve my grief, although by distance of place it lately came to my hands: wherefore I want not the marks of a long languishing patient, with his pale and lean cheeks, & hanging & heavy countenance. The medicine I received by the hands of truehearted Perio, hath something revived me again, and both the messenger & the potion I do here present unto Modesta, as the infallible tokens of your truehearted knight, that vanquished both Delamure & mighty Bergamo to advance thy honour and dignity. And if you suppose that I received no damage in performing these dangerous conflicts, behold the scars (and therewith unlacing his Armour) of late healed wounds, and the fresh bleeding hurts, with bloody tears craving for pity at your hands, besides a most dangerous wound which palpably tormenteth my soul, without that you with tender regard of his life, (that willingly will offer the same in defence of your honour and fame) will vouchsafe to salve his sore already like to fester, if without delay it be not looked unto. Here Moderatus with volleys of sighs, and the tears trickling down his two Crystal cheeks, made a full period, resting in a Dilemma between fear and hope, and driven to such an ecstasy with fervency of new increasing desire, that he could not speak one word, till his Saint, his Sun, his joy, his jewel, I mean his Modesta, accompanied him with tears that trilled like drops of silver dew, over the Carnation tincture of her milk-white face, began thus to reply unto him.  
Noble Heroyes, and the flower of all Chivalry, I hold it not necessary to mourn when the danger is past, but rather to rejoice in that it is so happily passed: but yet to recount of our expired labours, can be no less than pleasing unto us, for that valiant Trojan Aeneas used to comfort his distressed mates in their greatest extremities, saying unto them, Olim haec meminisse iwabit: so have you repeated unto me the danger you sustained in working my delivery: and surely thus much I must needs say, that as your valour hath purchased my freedom, so hath it also eternised your fame with perpetual renown and highest title of honour. I confess my liberty consisted in your bounty, and sith the same relies upon my beauty, even the very same which you have freed from perpetual infamy, shall in like sort gratify you with unfeigned loyalty, which is the only reward it can afford for all your sustained travails. It is an ill Gardener that toileth in his garden all day, and can not have a few roots for salads at night: and a sorry husband, that laboureth in his vineyard all the year, and hath not a cluster of grapes instore to coal his thirst: and so that Lover is unhappy, that in twice hazarding his life for his Mistress, can not obtain one reasonable wish. Nay rather that garden were unfertill, that vineyard unfruitful, and that Mistress too too cruel, that would not yield better fruit to such diligent servants. Wherefore sweet friend, I protest unto thee, that as my liberty recovered by the force of thy strong arm, hath unchayned me from the bonds of shame and dishonour: so thy skrowle sent by Perio, (which thou dost pretend to wrong my sight) hath very much cherished my late-recovered perishing body, because it was from the black Knight presented unto me: but Moderatus presence now the second time purchasing my liberty with the price of his dearest blood, hath not only revived me from death to life again, but also thereby purchased the fee-simple thereof unto himself, if Modesta hath any interest in herself. Here both burst forth again into floods of tears, and tears choking up their ripe and mellowed speeches, left scant any vent to the breathing air to have access unto their panting hearts, to ease the ponderous burden thereof with volleys of farre-fetched and scalding sighs. Thus as it were transported into anew world, so closely embracing, that as it may be philosophically disputed, that lovers and friends have distinct bodies, but one mind: so it might be now palpably proved, that these two lovers were but one entire body, with such exceeding vehemency they clipped that which either of them so long expected and earnestly desired: thus ravished with an extraordinary joy of this happy meeting, they continued a long time in this sort, not much unlike to the picture of Mars and Venus, set forth in that manner they were taken by Vulcan: they had commanded all to stand apart upon their first salutation, and happy it was that all discovered not so great a secrecy. In the end something awaking out of this sweet slumber, Modesta led him in by the hand, and called for Perio to unarm him, assuring the Page he should be well rewarded for the pains and travel he had sustained. And Moderatus being unarmed, Modesta very tenderly searched his wounds, cherished and bound them up with great care, and then causing the chariot to proceed forwards, leaving Bergamo neither alive, nor yet altogether dead. Moderatus albeit he confessed to Modesta his birth and Parentage, would not have any other privy thereunto, till such time, as unexpected in his Father's presence, he might discover himself, if his fortunes in his enterprise would prove happy, otherwise he meant not to make himself known at all. Modesta at the first seemed very unwilling to hold on this journey to Florence, lest her champion in performing so many exploits should at last miscarry, and so verify the old saw: So often goeth the pot to the water, that at last it cometh broken home, or half crazed, but in the end overcome with his earnest perperswasion, she yielded herself to his will, and then they traveled on merrily, till they came within a days journey of Florence, in all which time no adventure worth the reciting happened: and being come so near their journeys end, they thought it convenient to send a messenger before, to give notice of their coming, and to rest and repair themselves in a fine village that was in the way called Albania, which took the name of one Albanus a monstrous great Giant, which had built part of the Town, and a great castle which stood in the frontier or entrance of the same, wherein he lodged a crew of thievish monsters like himself, that spoiled and rob all the country about, till such time as the noble Florentine Perduratus, who was now restored to his former place and living again, having knowledge of the great villainies of this Albanus, came to apprehend him with a great number of valiant men at arms, the which was not so closely determined, but this fowl beast had knowledge thereof, and fled to the wilderness of Apenninus that joined hard upon this village, where together with the rest of his companions, he remained robbing and spoiling all the country about.  
This village of Albania was about twenty leagues distant from Florence, where they continued four or five days, and there we will leave them, till other occasions do concur to bring them forwards to the proof of this adventure.  
The report of this solemn triumph already finished in the Court of Lothus King of Aemulia, and now to be performed at Florence, was so spread abroad in all countries, that it came to Devalco his Court, and having tickled the minds of the lu●te gallants, (that had any confidence in their skill in martial discipline and dexterity at arms) with emulation and desire of honour, so that Cornelius the Duke his son accompanied with his cousin Devaloyes, and diverse other noble and valiant Knights, prepared themselves for Florence, both to try their manhoodes in this honourable assembly, where triumphing with victory they were to enjoy so rich a booty. And also to visit Perduratus, whose kindness (they were assured) would afford unto them many thousand welcomes, with the best manner of entertainment the time and place would yield. And amongst the rest, young Cornelius was more forward than any other herein, because since Perduratus departure from his Father's Court, he had received no tidings from the virtuous Verosa, who was the only Mistress of his thoughts, and the Saint, at whose shrine he offered the sacrifice of his fancy: and therefore was in a very longing desire to visit her at her father's Court, being now in good hope, sith her father was so fortunately restored to his former dignities again, that with the consent of both their Parents, he should now at length finish his long prolonged suit, with the consummation of a marriage between him and his dearest Verosa.   

Priscus love with Florida: her inconstancy and change: of his departure from Albigena in quest of his friend. His travel in the wilderness of Apenninus, and his great extremity for food: his discovering of Poems engraved in the bark of trees, and comfort thereby. His parley with an aged Father, and the old man's report of a fair shepherdess, which the silly swains courted with those Pastoral, exercises. His discovery of the fair shepherdess MERSA. Her song. His salutation unto her, and her reply. The Swains songs. ALBANUS his interrupting of their Rural pastime. PRISCUS combat with him, and victory. PRISCUS search for CALFURNIO the giants son. His aiding of the black Knight, who fought with CALEURNIO and all his crew. Their victory, knowledge one of another, and joy. The black Knight declared of his love to his sister MODESTA, and the triumph he was to perform for her in his own Father's presence, though unknown of any there.  
Chap. 15.  
Leave we them ready in their way towards Florence, and let us not altogether forget Priscus, whom we have not remembered all this while: who, after his friend Moderatus departure from Albigena, vowing Pilgrimage to effect his friends desired purpose, which (indeed) procured him the friendly countenance of fair Florida, for whose sake he long languished in extreme misery, so that now Moderatus being gone, love quickly increased between Priscus and Florida to his full ripeness, and continued not long in that estate: for women's minds will wax with the Moon, and ebb with the Sea, not unlike to the flower in Summer, that to day is glorious in the pride of his blossoms, and to morrow withereth with the least blast of Boreas' nipping breath. These coy Minions be such libidinous libertines, that they are both hot and cold, and all in a moment, and will both rashly choose and still cover to change: with this blemish Florida was foully attainted, for not long after this firm league of ever promised friendship, had passed between her and Priscus, it was not thoroughly warm, before Florida (as women are ever desirous of novelties) had pitched her fancy upon the young Lord Devaloyes, who omitted no aglets, bracelets, ouches, browches, Gems, jewels, Feathers nor fangles to feed her proud humour and lofty mind, and also wanted no Panders that for coin painted him in his colours, and that did set him forth with their flatteries in his best habit, who derogated Priscus praiseworthy deserts, and arrogated the same wholly to Devaloyes, as alone worthy of such a Paragon as she was, there needed but small battery when the Captain was ready to yield: for these pestilent and devouring Harpies, were not driven to spend any long time in persuading of Florida, to neglect Priscus and affect Devaloyes, the which when Priscus understood, (what think you) was he sorry for her fickleness? no surely, but having a little exclaimed against her inconstancy, he rejoiced rather, that he might so quickly be rid from the infectious breath of such a painted Panther: sorrowing in nothing so much as in the loss of his dear friend Moderatus, in quest of whom he determined to travel. And so consequently when opportunity gave him leave, and that he had furnished himself with all things for his purpose, he departed from the Duke's Court, acquainting only Verosa with his determination, praying her not to discover either his departure, or the cause thereof to any, who at parting shed a number of kind tears, for that she loved him entirely, both for her brother's sake, & also for his own courtesy and gentle disposition. Priscus having now taken his leave of Albigena, being well armed and mounted, went forwards which way fortune directed him, not regarding any course in his travel (because uncertain in what climate Moderatus sojourned) till in the end he happened at unawares to range in the wilderness of Apenninus, where he traveled many days in great danger of his life, continually pinched with hunger, and very often put to his shifts by wild beasts, whereof there was great plenty in this Forest, so long he continued in this penury, that he was almost in despair of himself, and alighting from his horse led him in his hand, and so entering to a green land that was very near the edge of the Forest, he espied certain characters engraved in the bark of a tall Beech tree, whereat he was very glad, thinking that to be a Ralender that people were not far off, and therefore he drew near that inscription and read it over, which was as followeth, or to like effect.  

Have heavens conspired my baleful destiny?  
Have fates decreed my thraldom to prolong?  
Will Mersa at all rue on my misery?  
Or shall I ever continue in this wrong?  
Woe worth the hour, wherein thou hast been borne:  
Despairing thus like to a man forlorn.   

Forlorn: for that thou darest not sue for grace  
Of her, who sits like juno in her throne,  
Driving the lookers on into a maze,  
To whom in vain I daily make my moan.  
Yet at her hands no hope of grace I find,  
That still torments my poor perplexed my mind.   

Live long thou tree, wherein these lines I grave,  
And witness bear of this my loyalty,  
And how I seek of her some favour t'have,  
Whose heart is framed in forge of cruelty:  
Then shall I live though dead I be in grave,  
With lovers true, and challenge place to have.   
After he had read over this fancy, he went a little further, and found written on a Poplar these ensuing lines.  

WHat rare desert hath moved my mind  
to follow fond desire?  
What fate to fell hath framed my fall?  
What fortune did conspire?   

What platt was laid? what time doth work  
to aggravate the same?  
What danger thereof doth ensue,  
I attribute to fame.   

For had not fame a blab been found,  
for to extol her praise,  
That is the causer of my pain,  
then Mersas oft delays   

Had never disturbed my quiet rest,  
for I my flock had fed,  
When I for ease, and they for food  
had better far been sped.   
PRiscus having read these two inscriptions, and two or three more to this effect, recounting with himself the great miseries of unfortunate lovers, and how happy they lived which were not scorched with the fiery brands of that peevish god, and seeing now he aimed aswell at a rag as at a rob, and could as well take a nights lodging in the poor cottages of homely Swains, as a months respite in Kings princely bowers, he greatly pitied the hard fortunes of the poor shepherds, who were thus tormented with the unkindness of some coy minion, that frequented the downs hard adjoining upon this Forest: and therefore desirous to understand further of this matter, what manner of one she was, that had infected these hapless Swains with her beauty, he held on a good pace till he had recovered the plain, where upon his first entrance he had espied a fatherly old man, with whom he questioned about this fair and far renowmes shepherdess, who told him, how two of the quaintest and bountest Swains that frequented those downs, were in great despair for the love of her: this old Father told him also that she used to rest herself in the day time, in a little fine thicket adjoining thereunto. Priscus immediately espying the same fair grove, from whence a fine little current issued out, stealing through a pleasant vale, which made him think that there should be a spring: wherefore being thirsty after his travail, and also desirous to take some rest, (if haply he could not meet with the fair Mersa, to satisfy himself in beholding so fair a creature, as report seemed to make her) made as much haste as he could towards the foresaid grove, and now being come even to the entrance of the same, he might hear a voice very sweetly and melodiously singing, whereupon he stayed, and withdrew himself to the skirt of this thicket, and there hiding himself, (lest his presence should interrupt this music) he gave attentive ear, whereupon he might hear warbled out with a sweet note, this Cansong following.  

BY Vesta's tapers, and her holy fire,  
By all her troop of sacred Virgin's kind,  
Which vowed are to pure and chaste desire,  
By Cybll's wise and sage presaging wind,  
Which turn her ordered leaves (as is decreed  
By heavenly powers) to good or bad with speed.   

By Siluan Nymphs, oft troubled with great fear  
In shunning of Silvanus' raging lust,  
Who still their flaring hairs with grief do tear,  
Lest rapes they be unto this god unjust,  
Whose horned shape their damage will procure,  
If he them win to cease upon his lure.   

By the great care of Daphne, flying fast  
From the pursuit of Bacchus' hot desire,  
Whose burning flames hath made the Nymph aghast:  
To turn whose shape the gods did then conspire,  
To a bay tree, which lasteth to her fame,  
And ever groweth green in honour of her name.   

By Procris rage and biting jealousy,  
When by the same her death she did sustain,  
By all the rites of pure virginity,  
And by Diana's chaste and holy train  
I swear, (and that unuiolate shall rest,  
What ever mishap or fortune me molest)   

That first from Pontus' waves, where Ister's fall  
In branches seven is to the raging sea,  
Each one of these return their courses shall,  
And backwardly shape the same without delay  
(Against the course and force of Nature's seed)  
To seek the spring from whence they did proceed.   

Before that Mersa moved with fancy's form,  
Shall make a shipwreck of her honesty,  
I rather leave the sicker Swains to storm,  
Then I should feel of love the tyranny.  
I know not what it is, nor dare not prove,  
Who tried may say: no heat to heat of love.   

Although that Nictinen in raging wise,  
Pierced with the shaft of the blind wanton boy,  
Paid for her lust after too dear a price:  
Yet mean I not so wanton to toy.  
I love no Owls, nor yet their Music hoarse:  
From such fond loves, I mean to make divorce.   

I like not Venus wanton toying tricks,  
With Adonis sweet her loving heart and joy:  
I love not them whom fond desire still pricks,  
Nor yet these simpering Dames that be so coy.  
I hate their lust, I banish their desire,  
I will not warm by their fond fancy's fire.   

No shapes transformed to gold, to Swan, or Bull,  
Shall pierce the fort of Mersas constant thought,  
Nor ever my mind in follies cradle lull  
Such vain delights, I count them all for nought.  
If ever I love, I will not love in haste,  
Who seeks me so, in vain his toil doth waste   

If aught may move my mind to stoop to love,  
Virtue thereof shall sure the conquest make:  
No light desire venerial acts to prove,  
Ne any thing my settled mind shall shake.  
But tract of time by due desert me lead,  
For more than this it booteth not to plead.   
PRiscus, all being hushed and silent, espied narrowly through those hanging boughs, to see if he might take a view of this fine shepherdess: for now he perceived that it was she for whom the shepherds had made all that moan, and had printed so many Poems in the barks of trees, to be the eye witnesses of their griefs: and presently he espied this his handsome Pastora sitting by a fair spring in a cold shade, attired in Sable, and covered with a purple mantle, her temples bound with a garland of Bays, her nutbrown hair hanging about her shoulders made her beautiful visage (in the sight of these shepherd Swains) far more amiable: for a blemish in all perfect shapes, bringeth rather a liking to the eyes, than a loathing to the mind: else had not Paris called the scar which Helen had in her chin, and Mars the mole which Venus had in her cheek, Cos amoris. These jolly shepherds had sitting about her a great company of shepherd swains, all doing her obeisance and reverence, as their Patroness, and admiring at her beauty. Hereupon Priscus showed himself, and began to salute her and the rest of the company thus.  
All hail happy Swains, who cannot choose but be fortunate, while they enjoy such favour, as to possess the presence of so goodly a Nymph, not omitting my duty to the fair Mersa, as the chief Patroness of so goodly a company. I came not here of purpose like a straggling runaway to rob you of your goods, but by chance guided by good hap, and being come, willing both to satisfy my longing desire, in viewing so fair a goddess, (Fame menacing revenge to all that time afforded knowledge of, and did not fill her shrine with plenty of offerings in honour of her Deity) and also being wearied with long wandering of these harbourless plains, and desirous to take the benefit of a cool shade, to ease my weariness, and the commodity of this murmuring spring to quench my thirst, if fair Nymph (addressing then his speech to Mersa alone) by your courtesy and favour, I may obtain the same. Report hath filled mine ears with your praise, and mine eyes dazzled with your beauty, doth warrant your commendation to be but deserved: and fame to be rather a niggard then prodigal in deciphering of your good gifts. Wherefore I do hope that you will not blemish that visage adorned with all beauty, with a mind furnished with coy disdain: and therefore I being a stranger do desire, (although upon a sudden I can not deserve) that measuring my actions by the courtesy of a bountiful mind, and leveling at my desires after the necessity of the present time, you will afford me that favour, which the weariness of my feeble body doth require.  
Mersa hearing the solemn protestation of the gentleman, though marveling whence he came upon such a sudden, or the cause of his speeches being a stranger, replied thus.  
Gentleman, sith your fortune was so hard to light upon so barren a harbour, you are hearty welcome to such as it is: and though the Crabtree beareth no sweet fruit, to make Sydar for the dainty tooth, yet it bringeth forth sour crabs, whereof verjuice may be made, which will yield good relyce in the taste: and in like manner homely swains, though they have no sumptuous fare that is sweet in the mouth, yet they have homely cates that is wholesome in the maw: no cheer to feed the eye of the curious, but the belly of the hungry, respecting more the sauce which is a good appetite, than the meat which is always but gross. And with that Mersa reached unto her a white linen bag, intending to make him such a homely banquet, as the present time and place could afford, but Priscus presently perceiving her pretence, refused not her offered courtesy: but after repast was ended, (which was well to his contentation, hunger had so tempered his stomach to have appetite to meat, were it never so gross) he desired the two loving swains that contended for Mersa, that he might hear some of their Poems, which willingly they granted unto him, and then Hymon, for so one of them was called, began thus.  

HYMONS Song.  

THou Hebe sweet which in the heavens dost stay,  
And to the gods dost heavenly Manna bring,  
Fly from the skies, pack hence with speed away:  
In earth below there is a fairer thing,  
A Nymph it is, the fairest of all fair,  
Who (thou being gone) must where thou art repair.   

For jupiter being moved with her good grace,  
Will thee despise, and her in stead prefer:  
With envy burst to be in such disgrace,  
And die for grief. The gods sometimes do err,  
Sith they so fickle seem, and choose to change,  
When fancy stirs their wavering minds to range.   

Depatt not yet, from heaven thou shalt not wend,  
Use diligence the gods again to please.  
Let Mersa rest: sweet Mersa on earth attend,  
My troubled thoughts and pensive cares to ease.  
Without whose grace nothing can pleasant be,  
Nor ought remain a hearts rest unto me.   

How oft tucked up like Amazonian Dame,  
With bow and quiver tracing these groves among,  
Following the Dear, or else some other game,  
And killing oft the fairest in the throng.  
The gods themselves being moved with her love,  
To win the same in vain full oft did prove,   

They proffer kisses sweet and gifts in vain,  
They garlands make of choice and finest flowers,  
They bring her fruit, but nought of her they gain,  
They smile and sing, she looketh coy and lowers.  
Full of disdain her trammels she doth shake,  
Which makes the stoutest of us all to quake.   

O would she were not so hard to be pleased,  
O would she showed more gentle favour to me.  
Happier than I, could nothing then be praised,  
But she reiect'th my loving lass to be.  
She doth despise my prayers, and griefs disdains,  
She flies from me, which still my poor heart pains.   

O Mersa stay, fly not so fast from me,  
Fair Mersa stay, no Lestrigonian bruit,  
Doth make pursuit to feed his lust on thee:  
But one, if thou him knew, whose honest suit,  
Is worthy of the same he doth desire,  
And burns for thee with chaste and holy fire.   

And though my corpse doth savage seem with hair,  
And beard unkempt an ugly thing to see:  
Yet am not I deformed, for beard is fair,  
And hairs decent for such as valiant be.  
When strong men fight nice meacocks they do fear,  
And Schools to dance, and not to fence they rear.   

If aught for wealth thou likest, a shepherds stock  
I have, and few doth more than I possess:  
For herds I keep, and eke full many a flock,  
A thousand kine do feed on finest grass,  
Of swine great store, and cattle fat withal,  
And goats in rocks their bleating kids to call.   

Store of throme milk in season still I have,  
My chest is full of cheeses new and old,  
Take what thou wilt, thou needest not aught to crave,  
For all I have is thine, whereof be bold.  
Myself also (though thou the same refuse)  
Is at thy beck, thereof to take the use.   

If thou wouldst deign to walk sometimes with me,  
Gather I would the Apples mellow fine,  
And clustering grapes with full ripe figs for thee,  
And filberts kernels eke if thou were mine:  
With these I would thee eramme my pretty peat,  
For whom great store of bloody drops I sweat.   

How oft would I thy tender corpses then clip,  
And eke the same in folded arms combine,  
With thousand kisses would I press thy lip:  
Doubt not of these: to pity eke incline,  
And come with me (lest that my pain increase)  
To cure my care, and thraldom to release.   

By pleasant springs our ease than we will take,  
Embracing there sweet sleep will us deprive  
Of wanton sport: when semblance we do make,  
Not how with gain and lucre for to thrive,  
(In silent shades) but of mean mirth and joy,  
When greatest mind we have to wanton toy.   

The hanging boughs and murmuring stream will strive,  
Who best may please and work our sweet content,  
While raging force of Summer's heat doth drive,  
How dear to me would be thy sweet consent?  
Alas thou nought dost weigh my gifts, nor love,  
Whose heart fair speech, nor weeping tears may move.   

More cruel than the Hircan Tiger fierce,  
More deaf than th'Images of Marble made,  
More hard than stones that engines none can pierce,  
Art thou: in fine whose beauty sure will fade.  
Though nature did the same to thee ordain,  
But not true lovers suit for to disdain.   

So under freshest flowers the Adder lay,  
So Hyble hath honey commixed with gall:  
Trust not to form, which with ripe flowers decay,  
Forsake thy pride, for pride will have a fall.  
And while the same in prime doth flourish most,  
Lose not the time in vain, thou crav'st being lost.   

Use thy good gifts while thou hast time (each thing  
By reason of his use commended is)  
For withered age deformity will bring,  
Too late thou wailest when thou dost find the mis  
Of thy fair face, to wrinkled furrows turned,  
And thy bright hue with Phoebus' beams being burnt.   

How oft in glass wilt thou behold the same,  
And then condemn the folly of thy youth:  
That would not hunt, while time afforded game,  
Then shalt thou find the proverb old a truth,  
Which ever was, is, and so will be always,  
That time and tide for no man's pleasure stays.   

But why pour I my plaints unto the wind?  
Why do I throw my seed to barren sand?  
I strive in vain, of fate some favour to find,  
That cruel is my hap for to withstand  
Fate, more than gold or gentry doth love hail,  
This scorns the Prince, when subjects do prevail.   

And though more fyence than serpent thou be set,  
Me to annoy that am thy careful thrall:  
For with thy frowns my inward soul doth fret,  
Yet will I wait, and eke attend thy call,  
And love thee still, which in my heart shalt rest,  
For Mersa alone in mind and mouth is priest.    
Hymon having thus ended his song, wrapped in a mind full of impatient thoughts, was ready with the Swan to forsake his life, for very fear of the future judgements, which immediately he was to receive. And Phyletas pricked forwards with no mean desire of putting in his plea, and in some good hope of a favourable sentence, for that he was a bonnier swain, and more acquaint than all the rest, & therefore was more in countenance favoured of Mersa. Having deliberated a pretty while in tuning his instrument, he fell to his music, thus.  

PHILETAS song.  

MErsa, more white than flower, or new burnt lime,  
Or raging salt-sea foam, or milk reboylde:  
More red than Cherries, ripe by force of time,  
Or Berries yet with taint of black not soiled:  
More fair than flowering trees in spring of year,  
More sweet than figs, that new and ripe appear.   

Such paps had Venus none, such rolling eyes,  
Such cherry lips, both sweet and fine in touch:  
Why should I praise her soft and well made thighs,  
For better were to feel than talk of such.  
Both Gods and men therewith enamoured be,  
For with mine eyes a Satire I did see,   

Pursuing her, whom ta'en, he forced to yield,  
She clamour made, than aid I would have brought,  
But to defend myself I had no shield,  
Against his force, that with his horns me sought,  
Of such a Rival fierce I durst not prove,  
The mighty force, though pining for her love.   

Oh then how oft with signs she becked at me,  
And when I came me clipped in tender sort,  
Even as the vine or ivy clasps the tree,  
And wantonlike did bite my lip in sport,  
And flapt me on the mouth with decent grace,  
Firm vowing then none other to embrace.   

But what alas all this is now forgot,  
And she again recovered liberty,  
I seemed then sine, but now a foolish sot:  
For that she weighs none of my misery.  
To serve her turn my service could her please,  
But nought at all my bondage to release.    
PHiletas had yet scant made an end of his song, when as they might hear a great rushing amongst the bushes, and presently there appeared unto them, a great Giant of a marvelous huge stature, carrying in his hand a mighty mace of iron knotted, to the which was made fast two or three chains with great Iron balls in the end thereof: this huge monster so terrified the poor swains, that they made great haste to run away, and he with a roaring and hollow voice more liker a devil then a man, called on Mersa to stay, saying that no defence were it ever so strong, could shroud her from him: whereupon the valiant Priscus (nothing dismayed at the matter) stepped unto this ugly fiend, and having his fine Morglay ready drawn, he quickly sheathed in the giants belly, who was unarmed, whereupon he gave such a horrible groan, as though heaven and earth had met together, and therewithal with his mighty Club began to lay about him, but Priscus being light and nimble did easily avoid his blows, and again lent him such another wound with his cutting sword, that he severed life from his unwieldy limbs. Whereupon he called again the shepherds, which were not far off and saw all which happened, whereof they were very glad, and told Priscus how he had slain the great Albanus, who continually many years before, together with a multitude of thievish companions, and a son which he had much like himself, or rather more monstrous, rob and spoiled all the inhabitants thereabout, and travelers that passed that way: wherefore they advised him to get away with speed, lest he should be overtaken by the cruel Calfurnio Albanus son, and his lewd and thievish complices, so haply he might be driven to stay when he would willingly be gone. Priscus smiling at their servile fear, and aiming at nothing but honour, armed himself with the resolution of an invincible mind, and so taking a fine ivory borne that hanged about Albanus neck, he bade the shepherds adieu, and thanked them very often for their kindness, and then mounted again upon his horse, and road away very swiftly towards the Forest, to the end to find out Calfurnio and the rest of his crew, and the rather to meet with them, he winded the horn which he had taken from Albanus, thinking that they would quickly repair to the sound thereof, which was wont very often to be the call of their leader, thus hallowing and shouting like a huntsman, in the end he recovered the Forest again, where entering to a fair green chase, he might espy a great number of men, and amongst the rest one great deformed Giant, which presently he perceived to be the son of Albanus and his company: all which were gathered together in a flock about one alone Knight, who dealt amongst them many deadly blows, and sent their groaning spirits to keep holiday to the damned and infernal ghosts, yet Calfurnio was so sturdy, that he lent the Knight many a dangerous buffet, with a big stiff club which he had. Priscus stood a long while wondering at the great courage of the strange Knight, that so manfully behaved himself amongst so great a company of barbarous and rude people. And then made haste to assist him, lest upon a sudden he should receive any damage amongst those uncivil monsters. And thus inflamed with a desire to make a quick dispatch of them all, he out with his sword and alighted from his horse, and then quickly made a way through the thickest of them, till he came side by side with the strange Knight, where he lent such a friendly assistance unto him, that they were quickly rid of their enemies: for the most part they slew, and the rest fled away. The strange Knight which thus was in combat with Calfurnio and his company, was Moderatus, who (while he took his rest in Albania, staying his messengers return from Florence with answer from prince Perduratus, concerning the triumph which he was to perform there) hearing report of Albanus and Calfurnios' great outrage, and mischiefs committed against the inhabitants thereabouts, was come there secretly all alone to seek out those helhounds, which he dealt withal, when Priscus came to assist him. Moderatus seeing no more to be done, and that he had vanquished his enemies, he turned unto Priscus, with an intent to give him thanks for his kind succour offered unto him, in time of so great need: but looking upon him, he presently knew him by a devise which he had in his armour, whereupon he was stricken into a great admiration of his bounty, & joy of his presence, which brought him almost besides himself for pure joy: And presently taking away his own helmet, he discovered himself to Priscus, by this each of them knew another: weep and embrace they did, and what more (Gentlemen) I leave to your imaginations, that observe and keep sacred, a faithful and unspotted league of true and perfect friendship: for truly better may a man conceive in his mind, than set forth with his pen, the unspeakable kind salutations, friendly greetings, gentle embracings, reciting of sorrowful adventures, in each others absence, and rejoicing now at last in their so happy meeting. All which was so perfect a map of pure and unspotted loyalty, that assuredly it was no less than admirable, to behold the motions of their rare and fervent dispositions. And after they had thoroughly rejoiced, in each others presence, they began to reckon up of either side the adventures happened unto them since their parting.  
And first, Moderatus showed all the course of his pilgrimage, his coming to Aemulia, Priscus father's court, how he had defended his sister Modesta from death and infamy, discovering withal his affection towards her, his departure again from Lothus court, his travel in the Forest Esina, Modestas letter sent unto him by Perio, his return towards Aemulia again, the report of the great triumph concerning Modesta, the which was also to be performed at Florence, in his own father's court, who was now restored to his ancient honour and living again: Bergamos possessing of Modesta, his proceeding forwards with her towards Florence, to finish the enterprise: and how himself met with him, and entering the combat, bereaved him of his life, and thereby got the custody and protection of his sister Modesta, and how he was now to perform that begun enterprise: and by king Lothus proclamation, if he finished the same, he was to have his fair sister Modesta for his wife, who now together with the rest of his company, he had left at a village called Albania, that was hard adjoining to that Forest. And when Moderatus had from point to point thus discoursed at large of all matters unto his friend, Priscus was more joyful than before, first in that his sister was delivered from the false and treacherous accusations of Delamure, and also because he was like to have Moderatus for his brother in law, that he loved above all men in the world, and therefore Priscus returned him this salutation.  
Happy be this day wherein such number of joys do concur together: for believe me Moderatus, if the monarchy of the whole world had been granted unto me, I would not have been so glad, as of these tidings you do bring me, with yourself, the which alone had been sufficient to yield me more contentment, than I am able to utter, much sorrow have I sustained by reason of thy absence, and more was the sorrow I conceaned, when dissembling Florida upon receipt of thy letter, & knowledge of thy departure, giving me a friendly countenance accepted of my service, and being thoroughly entered into acquaintance with her, showed me the same letter sent unto her in my behalf, assuredly if all the furies together had conferred to devise the greatest torture that could be found, all that inflicted upon me at once, could not have plagued me more: But yet all did not grieve me so much then, as it joyeth my heart now that it was so, because I am in good hope that it was a heavenly decree, to unite our loves with more ample scope of friendship, for besides the likelihood you are into wed Modesta, (as no doubt the Fates cannot be so injurious to prevent it) I do greatly honour and love Verosa your sister, who was the only comfort I had, whilst I remained in Albigena. And now sith your father and my honourable good Lord Perduratus is so happily restored to his living and honour again, and that you are here, which I know will assist me in any honest action, I make no doubt to obtain her love, if it be not that Cornelius Duke Devascos' son is Lord of her heart already: some liking was between them, but how it proved after my departure I know not.   

Priscus departure towards Florence. Answer from Perduratus to the black Knight his message. His arrival to Florence. Likewise the arrival of CORNELIUS and diverse others of Duke DEVASCOS' Court there. PRISCUS presented ALBANUS head to the Governor. The black Knights first days triumph.  
Chap. 16.  
WHen they had thus debated between themselves, of all the accidents happened unto them, after their parting they determined that Priscus should carry the head of great Albanus unto Florence, and present it unto Perduratus, making himself known unto him, and no dobut he should be very welcome. And Moderatus wished him not to make any show of acquaintance with him before this triumph should be finished, at what time he meant to discover himself, and not before: whereupon the day being far spent, Priscus returned to the place where he had left Albanus dead, and there striking off his head, he took his readiest way to Florence. And Moderatus, making no semblance of any travel, taken in subduing those barbarous people, came again to Albania, by what time his messenger was returned from Florence, with this answer from Perduratus, that the daughter of mighty Lothus King of Aemulia, and her Champion was very welcome to his Court, giving them great thanks, that they did honour him so much, as to make choice of his Palace, for the performing of so honourable an enterprise.  
When Moderatus had received this answer from the noble Perduratus, he presently set forward towards Florence, where being come, he found lodging taken up for him by his messenger, very near adjoining to the lords palace, where he alighted. And his intent being adreadie published, there was preparation made for standings, to view the sequel of this Tournament, and all things else that were necessary and belonged thereunto: company continually repaired thither from all places: and amongst others, Cornelius, Devaloyes, and the rest of their company from Devascos' Court, came thither and were exceedingly well entertained. And Priscus a little while after them came thither also, and presented Perduratus with Albanus head, who gave him most hearty welcome, and rejoiced much in his coming, marveling not a little at his great bounty, and valour, in performing so notable an exploit, all seemed greatly to admire at the hugeness of the head, by that one part guessing at the proportion of the rest, which they judged to be very monstrous, and almost unpossible to be subdued by any human power. And when they had a while busied their brains on this matter, more Lords and knights of great account repaired there: for that the very next day this triumph of justing and tournament did begin. When Phoebus had bathed his angry steeds in the wide Ocean, and that Hesperus appeared in the West, than time of rest approached, and all ceased from their day labours, till that Titan starting from under the clouds, discovered Thetis escape with Neptune, them every body prepared themselves to be diligent in his function, & Perduratus sent for the black Knight (for so Moderatus would have himself called) and his Lady to come to the lists, who were very ready, and the Knight armed and mounted, gave direction for the conducting of Modesta there, who being placed in a seat appointed for her to behold 〈◊〉 which should happen, her guard standing in order about her seat, the black Knight called for a spear to his page, which being had, he managed his horse up and down the lists, expecting a champion, that in regard of his mistress favour, would maintain her beauty against him. And not long after Perduratus and his Nobles placed themselves right against Modesta, of the other side of the lists, and Flaminea, and all the troop of her Ladies, her daughter Verosa, with her cousin Bysancia, who far stained all the rest in beauty, came in and severed themselves into parts, Flaminea and the ancient matrons of the one side of Modestas seat, And Verosa with the rest of the young Ladies on her left side. Here you might behold love and beauty, peace and war, yea Mars and Venus triumphing in a sympathy of decent and rare perfections, so glorious was the sight, so singular was the modesty, so resolute was the magnanimity, that here was to be found at this instant, that it might be doubted whether Venus with all her wantoness, Diana with all her train, and Mars with all his Martialists were there present: but howsoever, they being all thus seated, there came forth the Duke's son of Panonie, in green armour, and the picture of Hope engraven in his crest, and underneath written in letters of gold, Solumiolamen Spes, he was mounted upon a milk-white horse, his saddle was green, & foreplate of beaten gold, his capparisons correspondent to the same, very richly powdered with Oriental pearls and precious stones that were much worth, and of great estimation, two pages appareled all in red, the one bore his spear on the one side of him, and on the other side, the other carried his Target. And before him did ride upon a fine jennet, a marvelous beautiful and fine child, appareled all in white, and carrying in his hands the picture of fair Helena, Queen of Corinth, and underneath the same written in fair capital letters, this posy, Negat quis meam Helenam esse pulcherrimam? cum gladio hoc dubium resoluam. And when he had gone in this order twice about the court, Tersimano (for so the young Lord of Pannonie was called) took the picture in his own hands, and hanged it upon a pillar that was set up for that purpose, right opposite against Modesta, & having so done, he drew near to the black Knight, who seeing him coming did salute him thus. Noble Hero●es, & worthy knight, being unknown unto me, so I dare call thee, for more thou canst not be, & thy countenance and demanour doth warrant thee so much, I had rather our salutation should be words than blows, & friendship than contention, but sith I have undertaken to maintain Modesta, the daughter of mighty Lothus king of Emulia, to be the fairest of all fair, and to be the only flower of beauty this day living, whose presence here before you is an eye witness, to warrant my resolution to be lawful, I must needs to maintain mine honour, which is my greatest patrimony, combat with all that will say the contrary. Tersimano noting the bounty of the black Knight, with his goodly parsonage and gentle disposition, returned him this short answer. Worthy Knight, sith to persuade you to leave this intolerable error you are in, is too great a charge for me, I cannot choose but be sorry, and to witness the right to be on my side, behold the picture of the second Helena, but far excelling in bounty the Queen of Greece, and the causer of the Troyans' wrack, unto whom if you will not yield her due, let us no longer stay, but try the quarrel by Arms: whereupon they parted one from another, and then the Trumpets sounded, the neighing horses mad with anger, besprinkled their riders with the foaming froth of their boiling stomachs, and both these resolute and valiant Champions couching their spears in their rests, spurred their angry Coursers to gallop as swift as the wind, who meeting in the midst of their course, shivered their mighty spears, the splinters whereof flying in the air, into many pieces no bigger than the smallest chips notwithstanding they made no more motions in their seats, than if man, saddle, horse and all had been one solid and entire body. And to speak the substance of the whole in a word long and perilous was this combat, for it lasted all the morning, till it drew towards high noon, at what time the black Knight doubled his blows with great dexterity, his strength nothing abated, but of the other side Tersimano had his armour crazed and broken in divers places, and therefore received greater damage than the black Knight, whose armour was so good, that no weapon could pierce, and in the end lent Tersimano such a blow upon his helm, that he brought him quite out of his remembrance, whereupon he fastened hold in the rains of his bridle, & unlaced his helmet, & plucked it off, and seeing the good knight to avoid a great deal of blood at his mouth, he sorrowed very much, fearing lest his life should be in some danger, and therefore called for help unto him, & shortly recovered him again, who seeing himself in his enemy's hands, & overcome in that honourable assembly, had much ado to save himself from sounding again: but yet like a wise man, seeing it was not boot to kick against the sharp, he yielded unto Fortune, & thanked the black Knight for his gentleness, confessing himself to be overcome both by his bounty & valour, and also by his singular and rare courtesy: whereupon all the company dissolved the black Knight and his Lady to their lodging, their attendants following them. And the Lord Perduratus, & all the rest of the company as well strange and foreign princes and knights there assembled, as also his own Nobles & countrymen, went to his palace invited of him there to remain continually, during the time of this justing and tournament, where they were royally feasted. All this morning Cornelius, Devaloys & Priscus kept company with Perduratus (to view this brave combat) who had so effectually dealt with them (because his dear friends) that he won them not to adventure themselves against Modestas champion, before the time limited should be near expired, & therefore they had now good opportunity to glut their eyes with the glorious hue of most rare beauties, which was the only object of their delights: whereupon Cornelius glancing towards Verosa (with whom he had but little conference after his coming to Florence) happened to espy fair Bysantia, who sitting next to her cousin Verosa, stained both her, & all the rest of the company in beauty, as much as Phoebus in brightness doth excel the least star in the firmament. Herewith Cornelius having handled the pitch, was defiled therewith, for he that is subject to change will soon find a choice, whose amours are always like the Chameleon, that is of every colour, and so they, subject to the dart of of every beauty which they behold.   

Cornelius' love to Bysantia, and Priscus affection to Verosa, CORNELIUS and DEVALOYES conference with BYSANTIA and VEROSA: the complaint of VEROSA for CORNELIUS inconstancy, and dissuading of her cousin BYSANTIA from his love: PRISCUS conference with VEROSA, and opening of his fancy unto her, the uniting of their loves, agreeing in sympathy of their desires.  
Chap. 17  
THis fickle Changeling thus moved with the star-bright beauty of Bysantia, longed very much to assay if his train would take fire, doubting lest his friendship with Verosa would be a great let unto him in this enterprise. And therefore to keep her occupied, he wished his cousin Devaloyes to be doing with her, who yielded unto his request, & concluded to put this in practice of either side when opportunity would give them leave. Priscus was not idle all this while, for he did also cast in his mind how to compass the favour of Verosa, greatly doubting thereof, because Cornelius was present, yet much animated, knowing his stay in Florence to be short, after whose departure, he was in some better hope to recover his desire. These new entertained servants of Venus, more busied themselves with such frivolous cogitations, than in noting this brave and resolute combat between the black Knight and Tersimano, but being thus finished, Priscus was very glad that his friend had so happily performed this days work, although (for fear to discover his friend) he kept his joy secret to himself.  
Repast being taken, and dinner ended, Cornelius and Devaloyes (although before this time they never separated company with Priscus since their coming to Florence for old acquaintance sake) singled themselves, and went about with their cunning slatteries to entrap the silly and innocent Ladies, whom happily, according to their expectation they met within a place convenient, to impart their minds unto. Cornelius taking Bysantia by the arm, and Devaloyes Verosa, they spent great part of this afternoon thus together, walking in the privy garden, where by chance they had overtaken the two Ladies, taking the benefit of the fresh air. Verosa seeing her lover Cornelius to court another, making no semblance of friendship or dalliance with her, albeit at the first she was pleasant to Devaloyes, contented to take the air of the fire to drive away infectious humours, although she meant not to burn before she would be reclaimed from that error, seeing Cornelius to be such a changeling, and that she found herself wronged by him, she determined not lightly to believe any Ligurian Courtier for his sake again. And now repenting to have built upon so slender a foundation, very wisely and discreetly she sorrowed not so much, because she could not better hold a sliding shadow, or to speak more truly, fickle and unstaid substance: and therefore resolved not to wade further than she knew how to return, nor to trust before she had good trial, in the end cloyed with his flattery, and not well pleased with Cornelius presence, whose light and wattering disposition she now far more abhorred, than ever she was in love with his person, she did shake up Devaloyes with such short and quipping answers, that now he found he had met with his match: and thereupon Verosa with a Flea in her ear, parted company with them upon a sudden, whereby she interrupted the contented delight of Cornelius and Bysantia, who did well agree together: for Bysantia was ignorant of any friendship between her cousin Verosa and Cornelius, and knowing him to be descended of so noble a progeny, measured his secret and private intentions, by his outward apparition, and being something credulous, she gave him friendly entertainment who being in the depth of their conference, were forced to part with a short vale: for Bysantia would not stay after her cousin there. But Verosa in this choler made such haste, that she recovered her chamber, before Bysantia was out of the garden, who mended her pace to overtake her cousin, yet came short, but being at the entrance of her chamber, she could hear Verosa warbling with her lute this ensuing fancy.  

WHat fancies foul doth silly maids entice,  
To like and love the false and flattering wight,  
What Viper would the self same thing despise,  
Which erst he sought with all his force and might:  
But fond I was, and fickle his desire,  
Like bavens' blaze, that soon was set on fire.   

Such fire it was that wrought my deep annoy,  
Such fool I was, that credulous would prove:  
And trust repose, in him that did but toy,  
And full of lust would counterfeit some love.  
Lo to my care with grief of heart I find,  
His flattering words, which were but blasts of wind.   

What Cockatrice, so pleasant once could smile,  
And cover fraud with such a glorious bait:  
Who would have thought such beauty covered guile,  
But Fowlers still their snares being laid, do wait,  
And counterfeit, the silly birds to trap,  
So did this wretch, the more is my ill hap.   
BYsantia entered the chamber (before Verosa scant had breathed some few sighs after this sorrowful ditty) & asked her cousin why she started away upon the sudden, having understood somewhat by her song, which she overheard, she charged her with jealousy, adding further that if she did bear any mind to Cornelius, herself would repulse him in his suit, & give him no more hope of obtaining her good wil Then quoth Verosa, I pray God you be not more jealous than I am, when you shall find Cornelius but a flatterer: for surely he hath promised as much or more unto me (I am persuaded) than ever he will perform with any: wherefore take heed, for you may well know, the Rose hath his prick, the Lawn his brack, the deadliest Adder lurketh in the finest grass, & the greatest deceir is always covered with the fairest speeches: trust not afore you try, for fear thy repentance should come too late: and as for me I am indifferent, for I had rather want than be cumbered with such a fickle friend, whose fancies be more in number than his years, & his years over many to be thus nussed in the sued of wind-wavering inconstancy: wherefore Bysantia, thou art old enough to warm by the fire and not burn, to look upon the Adder with her pied skin, and not to handle her sting, to make a difference between a flattering parasit, & a faithful & indissembling mind. And having a while debated upon this matter, Verosa perceiving by this little discourse (that had in this behalf passed between Bysantia and herself) that she had rather look upon the Panther, than come within his breath, gave her the scope of advising herself, and so leaving the chamber of Verosa, they went forth to see what stirring there was abroad, and at their first flight, they met with Priscus walking alone in an outer gallery, not far from Verosas chamber, who came there of purpose to espy opportunity to discover his affections unto her: who at their first meeting gave him very friendly entertainment, and desirous to confer with him singly, desired her cousin Bysantia to spare them a little time, who presently left them together to determine of new salves for their old sores: for Verosa knew well of the love he had borne to Florida, and her disdainful unkindness unto him. And finding herself in like sort aggrieved with the wavering and fickle disposition of Cornelius, she disclosed the whole event of the matter unto him, as being both assured of his fidelity, unto whom she discovered herself, and also knowing that Priscus woulde-joine with her in complaint, being in like sort deluded by Florida, as she had been with the dissimulation of Cornelius, burst forth with great vehemency to exclaim against his wavering inconstancy. Priscus giving attentive ear hereunto, was the gladdest man in the world, to find Veroso in this predicament. And where before he doubted but Cornelius his presence, now he found that let removed, and therefore was boide to open his griefs unto her, which he discoursed with her in this sort.  
My dear Verosa, and only dear unto me, because Verosa, is it possible that the vine should bear the fruit of a bramble? the pear three a crab? & that virtuous Devasco should have such vicious chickens as Cornelius and Florida, nay rather I think they be changed & none of his blood, or else they were borne under some malignant Planet, whose aspects predominate over their nativities, were contrary to all humanity, nusling them up in the bower of inconstacie. Wherefore (my sweet Verosa) let us rather rejoice than be sorry, to be rid of such wavering Kites, and fickle changelings, whose voices enchant like Sirens, and sigh prejudice like the Basilisk, alluring with their melody, and enchanting with their sorcery, that sooner may one surfeit of their cankered spices, than ever have any just cause to triumph with true delights. And lest we should so far wade in their inconstancy, that we might be in danger of losing ourselves therein, and withal should so long parley of the dissimulations of flattering lovers, till we should savour of their hypocrisy, and so transnature ourselves with custom, to execute a vile and base office, let us therefore leave them to their fancies, which is as hot as wild fire in show, and as cold as Ice in operation.  
Priscus made here an unperfect period, throbbing out many sighs, to ease his wearied and panting heart, and having perfectly taken breath, that he was able do speak, he glanced to Verosa some part of his affection, assuring her that his love was in no fleshly fantasy, but a mere choice of chastity, founded upon the rock of faith, and builded with constancy, only led thereunto by the singular virtue, which so shined in all her actions (like the glowing worm in the night) that it lighted him out of the bottomless dungeon of dark despair: he showed also unto her how the great and loyal amity, between him and her brother Moderatus, was a spur which still pricked him forwards, to compass a mean to be tied with perpetual union to him and his for ever.  
Here Priscus paused again, and Verosa noting his sudden sighs, his solemn protestations, and strange passions, well knowing the man to be of a virtuous and rare disposition, whom she always affected for the same, and her brother Moderatus great friend, and therefore must the rather be favoured of her (making no doubt of his constancy, whose faith already had obtained credit sufficient to discharge the same) after some few protestations, to ground in him a good opinion towards her (which was needless, being already so peremptory in that point, that he judged Verosa only beautiful, only wise, and only virtuous) she made it not coy to confess unto him, that she would requite his love with the like, so far as with modesty and her parents consent she might, to whom she was in duty and obedience bound.  
Priscus was so well pleased with this answer, that he would suffer her to proceed no further, but ravished with joy of this happy meeting, disclosed how that in defence of his sister's beauty, her brother Moderatus was the Champion to perform that honourable triumph: leaving unrecited no act or circumstance either of his friend (and her brother) after their departure from Albigena, conjuring her not to disclose any of these secrets, till the substance of the whole being ripe, she meght behold the conclusion of a most excellent and rare exigent: and so sealing his bargain with a secret kiss on her sweet lips, he took his leave for that time, both of her and Bysantia, and so rested to expect further adventures the next morning.   

Perduratus, the Governor of Florence his proclamation, that none should enter the combat, but just only: the black Knights famous victories and his deeds at arms increasing to the end, PERDURATUS his remembrance of his son MODERATUS, in beholding the bounty of the black Knight. The black Knight's conference with his friend PRISCUS and MODESTA his sister, how to discover himself to his father: MODE●TAS oration to PERDURATUS, wherein she discovereth the love between PRISCUS and VEROSA, and also giveth the Governor of FLORENCE to understand, that the black Knight was MODERATUS, his son, the joy thereof, and the celebration of both marriages.  
Chap. 18.  
THe noble Perduratus, foreseing (very wisely) by admitting all to the combat of the sword, there might grow great inconuience, wherein so many worthy and valorous Knights should be brought into such an extreme peril, and unpossible but that some of them should miscarry, did therefore make a solemn proclamation to be made, that no man either foreigners or countrymen, should presume afterward to enter the combat with the sword, without his special licence, but to try their knightly prowess by justing only, and no otherwise, after which commandment was published abroad, all determined to obey the same, and the black Knight being ready in the field, expecting a Competitor, there repaired divers, as well princes of great renown, as worthy knights of peremptory resolutions, trying their marshal skill with that invincible champion, who daily got the honour of the field, and so well behaved himself in that honourable exercise, that very few scaped unhorsed the first encounter, so that after two or three days were expired, he had very little to do, for that the few remaining unfoyled by him were afraid to adventure themselves, lest they should be discredited thereby. In this mean time Cornelius and Devaloyes had good opportunity to court their Mistresses, which they did with great diligence, but notwithstanding all their dissembling flatteries could not prevail: for that Verosa being once burned, would not handle the fire again, and she had schooled her cousin Bysantia for being too credulous, so that these sickle changelings were descried, and their welcome was thereafter: who perceiving their sophistry would take no effect, they grew not only melancholy, but also (as it were) desperate, and therefore the time of the triumph being expired, only one day remaining to make a final conclusion of all, they prepared themselves to hazard their credits, being in such fury, that they supposed no humane power could withstand them, with this resolution having prepared Tawny armours for themselves (the badge and token of despised lovers) after part of the day was spent, they came both to the field, and advancing themselves to the place of lists, the black Knight was ready to receive them: and so Cornelius ran first, and broke his staff upon Modestas Champion very gallantly, but never shaked him in his seat: And the black Knight knowing Cornelius (for that he had some speeches with him before the Trumpets sounded) when they came to the encounter turned away the end of his staff from him, whereat Cornelius was very wrath thinking he had so done in disdain of him, & fetching his course the second time charged his staff upon him with a double force, but the good black Knight slenderly regarded his fury, passed by him in like sort as before, not offering any manner of encounter unto him, nor yet receiving any damage by the strong encounter of Cornelius, whereupon Devaloyes started to his cousin, and persuaded him to leave, and that he might try himself with the black Knight, who as it seemed favoured him, by reason of some old acquaintance, or else was afraid to deal with him, and therefore would offer him that occasion of kindness, whereby to avoid further trial of his strength, with these persuasions Cornelius restested satisfied, and Devaloyes prepared himself to take his fortune, to finish and conclude this whole triumph: for the last hour thereof was now at hand, and therewithal turning his horse about, spurred him to run with great swiftness, and the black Knight perceiving his purpose, gave him the meeting, and the encounter was so rough, that Devaloyes measured his length upon the ground: whereat he was greatly offended and would have drawn his sword, but that he was commanded by the judges to stay, both for that the time appointed was now finished, and also because it was against the king's commandment, and then (patience perforce) Devaloys was feign to stay his hand, notwithstanding that he had rather have lost his life outright, than be so discredited in such an honourable assembly.  
The valour of the black Knight did put Perduratus in remembrance of his son Moderatus (whom in marshal activity (as he supposed) he did much resemble) and that rack-master Remembrance torturing with great extremity his mind in thinking thereof, but nevertheless (like a wise man) dissembling his grief, lest thereby his guests would not think themselves welcome, when they should see him melancholy, he took all things patiently, and sent a messenger to desire the black Knight and his Lady Modesta to supper, whereby they might see if his skill in carpet trade were equivalent with his marshal discipline, the black Knight accepted of his bidding, and promised to satisfy his expectation, who after the messenger's departure was at great wars in his mind, how he might discover himself to his Parents: in the end Priscus being then present with him, they determined that Modesta should be first conducted to the Prince, who following certain instructions they gave her, should open all the matter unto them, which she assented unto, and then being conducted by Priscus to Perduratus presence, after that she had demanded licence to speak, she framed her speech unto him in this manner.  
Worthy and renowned Uiceroy, the mirror of true nobility, and the lantern of perfect virtue to all Christian Princes, I have by the direction of King Lothus my father, arrived here to your court, where I came under the conduct of a worthy knight, who by mine own consent, and his great merit, hath won me to be his for ever: from him, and in mine own name also do I salute you, and your Lady Flaminea, wishing you both long life, health, and happiness, to father these new erected buildings, and their possessors, and to eternize your own worthiness in the Annals of perpetual honour: I bring tidings (O victorious Prince) which I know will be no less welcome unto your Highness, than they are profitable and pleasing to your subjects, yea such tidings as I doubt not the child unborn shall have just cause to rejoice therein, but before I discover so great a secrecy, I am to crave a gift of your royal Majesty, in granting whereof you shall augment your own fame, increase your own power, and enlarge the territories of your dominions, where of the other side in denying my request, you should not only do injustice, but also reap dishonour, in doing less than honour and virtue commandeth.  
I am to make this request for one that nature bindeth you not to deny, and for one that honour and policy commandeth you to yield unto his desire, whose good will being obtained, Perduratus may brag of happiness with the mightiest Prince in Europe.  
Then know noble Heroyes, that here I present you and the Lady Flaminea, with noble and victorious Lothus his son and heir, Moderatus his dearest friend living, I say, I present your excellency with Priscus my brother, who hath vowed to be a husband to Verosa, or never to be any: who deserveth Verosa, for that he loveth Verosa so well, who is not hated of Verosa, because Verosa knoweth already so much, and willingly accepted thereof. Now you know him, I leave for you to judge whether he deserveth Verosa. And yet famous Prince, I bring better news, for that I present Priscus unto you from the thrice worthy Knight, whose valiant deeds at arms, hath made his name famous in the world, in vanquishing proud and arrogant Delamure, (whose very name was a terror to all Aemulia) who falsely accused me of fornication, being innocent therein: in destroying the monstrous Giant Bergamo, that got such honour in my father's court in performing the first part of this triumph which now is happily achieved by him, in utterly rooting out mischievous crew of devilish Albanus: Priscus my brother and his friend by good fortune conducted to the place where those barbarous people charged him with a number of uncutteous blows: yea from him I come to make this request, that desireth rather to gain virtuous honour secretly, than to make any ambitious ostentation thereof publicly. And therefore, lest I should hold you longer from your deserved joy, and desired expectation than stood with reason, know (victorious Prince) that I come from my Champion, my hearts joy, and your right renowned son Moderatus, from him I come who in my Father's presence (as you all will witness) hath gained to himself perpetual honour: All these things considered, I expect Verosas acceptance, and your royal consents, and then all is perfected to make happy two kingdoms.  
I leave to your judgements (Gentlemen) whether Perduratus and Flaminea had not just cause to rejoice in these so grateful and prosperous news, not only in finding their lost son again, but also in so honourable and worthy a match, both to Moderatus and Verosa: so that all these joys concurring together in one, stirred in them such over-ardent delight, that the vehemency thereof bereaved them from the use of their speech for a long time: In the end, the tidings being very welcome unto them, all the whole court there assembled, rejoicing likewise at these prosperous news. Perduratus first commanded his son to be sent for, who being come, fell upon his knees to his father, craving pardon for his sudden departure, his so long absence, and the concealing of himself so long from his Father's court, who (carrying with him sufficient reasons, to excuse himself, though no more than his own presence, which very often (with bitter tears of his Parents) was desired) was kindly embraced, and lovingly entertained of his noble Parents, who never sufficiently satisfied in beholding of him, watered their checks with abundance of salt tears, for joy thereof. And in the end recovering their speech again, they returned unto Modesta many kind thanks, with very friendly and gracious acceptance of 〈◊〉 frank and gentle offer. Whereupon order was taken, to make and things in a readiness, for the solemnizing of the Nuptials, aswell 〈◊〉 Moderatus and Modesta, as of Priscus and Verosa, to the great contentment of all Florence, and to the prosperous and happy state thereof.  
Cornelius and Devaloyes beholding all which happened, albeit at first they could not be persuaded, but that they were in a dream, yet calling themselves to better remembrance, they were so disquieted in mind to behold this sudden accident, that all the entreaty that Perduratus could make, was scant able to persuade them to stay the consummation of the marriages: which being finished, they presently departed towards Albigena, leaving the Florentines to triumph in the multitude of their new joys.   
FINIS. R. P. Gent.   

Imprinted at London by Richard Ihones, at the sign of the Rose and Crown, near to S. Andrew's Church in Holborn. 1595.