¶ The goodli history of the most noble and beautiful Lady Lucres of Scene in Tuskane, and of her lover Euryalus very pleasant and delectable unto the reder   

THe Emperor Sigismond entering into the town of Scene in Tuskane, what honours he received: is all ready every where published His palace was prepared at saint Martha's chapel, in the street that leadeth unto the postern, called Tophore. After the ceremonis finished, when Sigismond was come thither, four ladies in nobleness, fashion, age and apparel semblable, did meet him not like mortal women: but as gods, to every man's judgement and if they had been but three they had been to be reckoned them that Paris saw in his dream. Sigismond (though he were aged) was prone unto lust, and delighted much in desiring with ladies, and rejoiced in blandisments of women nor nothing was to him more pleasant, then to be hold goodly women. Then in advising them (unlike to the rest) he was received from his horse among them and turning to his familiars said, saw ye ever any like to these women? I am in doubt whether these faces be mankind, or angels, but surely they are heavenly. They casting their eine to the ground in blushing became fairer, and the ruddy flushing in their cheeks gave such a colour to their countenance, as hath the yud ivory stoined with the scarlet, or the whit lilies among the purple roses: But among all: Lucres the young Lady, not yet of twenty years, shone in great brightness young married in the family of the Camilles, unto a very rich man, named Menelaus, unworthy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such. beauty should serve at home: but well worthy of his wife to be deceived. The stature of the Lady Lucres was more higher than the other. Her he are plenteous and like unto the gold wire, which hanged not down behind her, after the manner and custom of maidens: but in gold and stone she had enclosed it, her forehead high of seemly space, without wrynkell, her brows bent, facyoned wythfe we he ears, by due space divided, her eyen shining with such brightness that like as the son, they overcame the beholders looking: with those she might whom she would, flee (and slain) when she would revive. Straight as thriede was her noose, and by even division parted, her fair cheeks, nothing was more amiable, than these cheeks nor nothing more delectable to behold, wherein (when she did laugh) appeared two proper pyties, why●●●… no man did see, that wished not to have kissed. Her mouth small and comely, her lips of coral colour, handsome to hyte on her small tethe, well set in order, seemed Crystal through which the quivering tongue did send forth (not words) but most pleasant armony. What shall I she we the beauty of her chin, or the whiteness of her neck? Nothing was in that body not too be praised as the outward aparaunces showed token of that that was inward, no man beheld her that did not envy her husband, she was in speech as the fame is, that the mother of Graccus was, or the daughter of Hortentius. Nothing was more sweeter, nor soberer than her talk. She pretended not (as doth many) honesty by heavy countenance: but with merry visage, showed her soberness, not fearful, nor over he ardye: but under d●ed 〈…〉, she cared in a woman's heart Her apparel was divers, she wanted neither broochs, borders, girdles, nor rings. The habiliments of her head, was sumptuous, many pearls, many dyamantes, were on her fingers and in her borders. I think the day that the Greek Menelaus feested Paris. Helen was no fairer: Nor Adromaches no more gorgeus when she was married unto Hector. And among those, was Katherine of Perusia, that shortly after died, in whose funerals the Emperor was prefounte (and though he were but a child) made her Son knight, at her sepulchre, and of her the beauty was all so marvelous: but nothing so great, as of Lucres.  
Her did the Emperor Sigismonde, and all other, praise and behold, but one among them, more than enough was set upon here. ¶ Euryalus of the country of Francony, whom neither shap nor richesse caused to be unmere to love, he was of the age of two and thirty years, not very high of stature, but of gladsome and pleasant fashion, with noble eyen, his cheeks ruddy and fair, as the white lilies among the purple roses, his other members (as who sayeth) with a statelynes of shape correspondent to his stature. The other courtiers by long w●●●●, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poor. He besides his own substance, by famylyarytie with the Emperor, received daily rewards. He was more and more gorgeous in sight of men, and lead a great train of servants after him, and he had such a horse (as the tale reporteth) as Mennon had, when he came to Troy. Nothing he wanted to provoke the same heat of the mind, called love, but only idleness Yet, youth lust, and the glad goods of fortune, with which things he was well 〈…〉 overcame him out of his own power. Euryalus, as soon as he had seen Lucres, he brent in the love of the Lady, and fyxing his eyen in her face, never thought he to have seen enough, yet loved he not in vain, it is a wounderouse thing, there were many goodly young men but Lucres had only chosen this, there were many goodly women: but Euryalus had chosen her only. Nevertheless, not at that time knew Lucres the fame of Curialus toward her, nor he hers, but each one of them thought to have loved in vain.  
THe ceremonies unto the Emperor finished, she returned whom, hole vowed unto Euryalus, and Euryalus clean given unto Lucres, remaineth. Who now should marvel of the rail of Piramies and Thysbe? betwixt whom, both acquaintance and neyghbourhode might be entre of their love, and 〈◊〉 time grew their love. These lovers Euryalus and Lucres, never saw nor heard afore either of other, he a Franconyen, and she a Tuscan, nor in these busenes they occupied not their tongues: but it was all done with eye ne, sithence that the one so pleased thee other. Lucre's then wounded with grievous care, and taken with thee blind fire, forgetting all ready that she is married, hateth her husband, and with wounds nourishing the wound, holdeth fixed in her breast the countenance and face of Euryalus, nor giveth no manner rest unto her limbs, and with herself saith, I wot not what letteth me that I can no more company with my husband, nothing delighteth 〈◊〉 his 〈…〉 hang pleaseth me his kisses his words annoy me so standeth always afore mine eyen the image of the stranger that to day was next unto the Emperor. Cast halas, oh unhappy, out of my chaste breast that conceived stames if thou may, if I might, halas, I should not be as I am, evil at ease. A new kind of strength against my will draweth me, my desire and my reason moveth me diversly, I know the best, and the worst I follow. Oh Noble citizen, what hast thou to do with an unknown man? why brennest thou in a strangers love? why seekest thou thy lust in a strange country? if thy husband loveth the thine own country may give the that thou lovest. Oh, but what a manner of face hath he? what woman would not be meaved with his beauty, youth nobleness, and virtue? surely I a●, and without his help I despair, God grant us better. Shall I betray halas, the chaste spousels. and betake me too a stranger, I wot not whence? which when he hath abused me, shall depart, and shall be an others, and so leave me be hind, but by his countenance, it is not like to be so, and the nobleness of his mind seemeth not to be such, nor so pretendeth not the grace of his beauty that I should fere deceit or his forgetting of love. And he shall promise aforehand assured, why do I dread? I shall apply it without further abroad, pard, I am so fair that he will no less desire me, than I him, he shall be mine for ever, if once I may receive him to my kisses. How many do woe me where so ever I go? how many ryvals do watch afore my door? I shall intend to love, either he shall tarry here, or at his departing carry me with him. Shall I than forsake my more thee, my husband, and my countr●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 ward and always against mine appetites my husband I had rather want, than have, my country is there as I delight to dwell, but shall I so lease my fame? why not? what have I to do with men's words which I shall not here? Nothing shall he dare, that feareth the threatening of fame, many other have done the same. Helena would be ravished. Paris carried he not away against her will. What shall I tell of Diana or Medea? no man blameth the fauter that fauteth with many. Thus said Lucres nor within his breasted nourished Euryalus no less flames.  
IN the mid way, betwixt the emperors court, and Euryalus loging was Lucreses house, & Euryalus might not go unto the palace, but showing herself out of the high windows, was in his ein but always Lucre's blushed, when she saw Euryalus, which thing gave unto the Emperor knowledge of the love. For as by custom he used to ride here & there, passing often that way, he saw the woman change countenance by Euryalus coming, which was as next unto him as Mecena to Detavian to whom the Emperor, looking aside, said dost thou burn women on this fashion Euryalus? that woman surely loveth thee, and ones in manner as though he had envied his love, when he came before Lucre's house, he put Euryalus cap over his eyen, thou shalt not see quoth he that that thou lovest, I will myself use that sight. Euryalus answered, sir what meaneth 〈◊〉? I 〈…〉 to do with her, but take heed what ye do, least ye bring suspect in them that be here about us. Euryalus was mounted upon an high rained courier, with a small head, whose short belly and fair hear caused him to show goodly, well breasted, lusty, and courageous so that hearing the trumpet he could no where rest. he received the fury of the noise, his fair mane hung upon the right side, and the ground resowned, beaten with his foot, and not much unlike him was his master, when he had espied Lucres who being alone, as soon as she had seen him, could neither temper the flame, nor herself so the un happy Lucres did burn. In mean houses dwelleth chastity, and only poverty useth good affection, and chastity that haunteth small cottages, knoweth not the policies, for rich men, who that aboundeth in prosperity lightly desireth unaccustomed things, fires lust, companion to fortune hath chosen delicate houses and stately mansions. Lucres, that oftentimes beholding Euryalus passing by, might not assuage her ardaunte desire, busily thinking to whom she might herself discover, for who that secretly brenneth, more grievously suffereth. There was among the servants of her husband, one zosias an Almaigne old and faithful to his master: whom he had long served, very honestly, him doth she go unto, trusting more to the nation than to the man.  
THe Emperor accompanied with many Noble men, went solacinge through the town, and even now did he pass by the house of Lucres whom when she knew that Euryalus was there: Come hither quoth she zosias I would speak with thee, look hear out of the window, where in the world is there any youth like this, seest thou how upright and fair spread shoulders they have? behold their bushes and well kempte hears. Oh what faces, what fair necks.  
What noble hearts their countenances doth pretend this is an other kind of people than our Country doth breed, they seem Gods or of heavenly kind. O that fortune had given me an husband of one of these, if mine eyen had not seen them, I would never have believed thee; if thou had could me of them. Yet the fame is that the Almains excelleth all other people, and surely I believe that the cold giveth to them great whiteness, the countries so drawing toward the north. But doest thou know any of them. Yea many quod zosias. Than quoth Lucres, Euryalus the Franconien. dost thou know him? Ye as mine own self saith zosias, but why dost thou ask? I shall tell the quoth she. I know it shall not be disclosed, this hoop hath thy goodness given me.  
Among all them that are about the Emperor, none pleaseth me like him. In him my mind is meaned. I wot not with what flames I burn, I can neither forget him, nor yet myself appease, except that I may make myself acquainted with him. Go therefore I beseech the zosias, seek Euryalus, tell him I love him, nothing else I desire of thee, and yet this shalt thou not do in vain. What is this quod zosias? shall I either do such outrage, or ones think it Madam? shall I betray my Master? shall I now old begin too deceive, which I have hated in my youth? Rather most Noble Lady of this town cast fourth the wicked furor out of thy chaste breast follow not thy cruel hoop, but quench the fire. He doth not paynfullye put back love, that resisteth the first assaults, but he that the sweet ill flattering doth nourish, giveth him to the bondage of a right hard and cruel master nor when he would, may not forsake the yoke, which if thy husband should know, halas under what fashion would he torments thee? no love can long lie hyddene. Hold thy peace quoth Lucres, there is no fear at all, nothing he feareth that feareth not death. I am content to suffer it what soever happeneth, what opinion dost thou hold? Oh unhappy quod zosias, thou shalt shame thy house, and only of all thy kin thou shalt be adulteress, thinkest, thinkest thou the dead can be secret. A thousand eyen are about thee. Thy mother, if she do according, shall not suffer thy outrage to be privy, not thy husband, not thy Cousyns, not thy maidens, ye, and though thy servants would hold their peace, the beasts would speak it, the dogs the poostes, and the marble stones, and though thou hide all, thou can not hide it from God, that seeth all. Understand that pain is present unto a guilty thought, and the mind, filled with offence, feareth himself. Faith is denied in great crimes. Assuage I beseech thee, the flames of wicked love, fear too mengle strange makes in thy husbands bed, I know quod she it is according as thou saist, but the rage maketh me follow the worse. My mind knoweth how I fall headlong, but furor hath overcome, and reigneth and over all my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ruleth love. I am determined to follow the commandment of love, overmuch much alas have I wreflied in vain: if thou have pity on me, carry my message. Full he avy was zosias with this word, and said to her thus, for these hoore hears on my head, by age, and for the faithful service that I have done unto thy kin, humbly I besche the leave this furor and help thyself, a great part of health, is to will to be healed. To whom saith Lucres all shame hath not forsaken my mind, I will obey the zosia, in the love that can not be hid, only the exchuing of this ill is by death to prevent the offence. zosias affeared with this saying moderate quoth he my Lady, the rage of thy unbridled mind, temper thy thought, now art thou worthy life, when thou judgest thyself worthy of death I am determined quod Lucres to die. Collatinus wife the fault committed, venged with aswearde. I more honestly shall prevent it, I study but the kind of my death, a cord, sword, fall, or poison, shall revenge chastity, one of the ease. I shall assay, I will not suffer the quod zosias, quod Lucres, who that determineth to die, can not be let. Perria, at the death of Brutus, when weapon was taken from her, did eat hot coals. If the furor be so froward in thy mind quod zosias, thy life is rather to be succoured, than thy fame, deceitful is fame that to the ill, better and to the good worser, is often given. Let us assay this Euryalus, and let us intend to love, the labour shall be mine, and as I think, I shall bring it to effect.  
WIth these words the kindled thought he inflamed, and gave hoop to the doubtful mind, but his mind was not to dye as he said, he sought to defer the mind of the woman, to assuage the desire, as oftentimes time quencheth flames and sufferannce healeth diseases. zosias went with false trust to drive her forth till the Emperor should depart, or she should change her mind, lest if he had denied it, another messenger should have been found, or else the woman should have slain herself, oftentimes therefore he feigned himself to go and come, and that he rejoiced in her love, and sought a convenient time that they might talk together, sometime that he could not speak with him, some time he sought to be sent out of the town, and till his return deferred her glad days, so, many days he did feed the sick mind, and because he should not lie in all things, once only he broke unto Euryalus, saying. O how thou art here beloved, yet when he asked what that mente, he answered not. But Euryalus, stricken with the secret dart of Cupid, gave no rest nor sleep to his limbs, the fire so crept in his veins and utterly wasted his mary: yet knew he not zosia, nor thought him to be the messenger of Lucres, so have we all less hope than desire. He when he saw himself burn, a great while with this wisdom wondered, and under this fashion oftentimes blamed himself. Lo Euryalus, thou knowest what the rage of love is, long plaints, and short laughters, few joys, and many dreads, always he dieth, and is never dead that loveth. What dost thou meddle in vain: at last quoth he, all for nought. O wretch, why strive I against love? May not I do that julius that Alexander, that Hanybal did? and these were worthy warryoures. Look desydes upon Pocies, Vngyll drawn up by a rope, hung in the midway to the window, trusting to have embraced his love. If any man will excuse the Poet, as a follower of a more dissolute life, what shall we say of Philosophers, masters of learning, and rulers of good living. A woman did ride Aristotle like a horse, and ruled him with a bridle and spurred him. It is not true that is said commonly honour and love accord not together. The Emperors power is equal with the goods, and who is a greater lover than he? They say that Hercules that was strongest of all men, and of the race of Gods the disroyle of the lion and his quyvere laid a part, took in hand a rock, and trimmed rings for his fingers, and set in order his rudde bush, and with his hand, wherewith he wonted too carry a mace, by tyrling of a spyndell he drew a thread, it is a natural passion. Birds are brent with this fire. The turtull and the dove doth love. What shall I say of beasts? The horse moveth battle forlove. The fearful heart seeketh to fight, and by believing showeth his furor The fires Tegre, and the cruel Boor, whefting his teeth, doth use it. And the Lions of Libya set up their rough manes, when love moveth. The monsters of the sea do feel this heat, nothing is free, ne nothing unto love denied. Hate giveth place unto it. If stirred the fierce flames of youth, and unto weryage itrevoketh the dead heat, and striketh the breasts of maidens with a brenning fire. Why then do I strive against the laws of love? Love overcometh all thing, and let us give place unto him: ¶ When these things were concluded, he seeketh a 〈◊〉 too whom he might take her letters to carry to her. Nisus was his faithful fellow, and understood much in such matters. He taketh the business in hand, and hireth a woman to whom the letters were taken, written as followeth.  
¶ Euryalus unto Lucres.  
I Would send the greating and health with my letters if I had any myself, but surely, both of my health and life, the hope hangeth in my hands. More than myself I love thee, and I ween it is not unknown unto thee, my face oft moisted with tears, may show token of my wounded breast, and the sights which in thy presence I have cast fourth. Take it well I beseech the that I discover me unto thee, thy beauty hath taken me and the grace of godly heed, wherein thou passest all other, holdeth me, what love mente unto now I never knew, but thou haste subdued me too thy power of thy desire, long died I strive (I confess) to escape so violente a master, but thy brightness hath overcome mine endeavour, the beamies of thine eyen passing the son, hath over come me. I am taken and am no more mine own, the use of meat and drink thou takest fro me, continually I the love, the I desire, the I call, thee I await, thee I think on, the I trust in, and with thee I delight me, thine is my mind, and with the it is hole. Thou only mayst save me, thou only mayst lose me, the one of these choose, and what thou intendest, write it unto me. Be no more hard in thy words in answering me, than thou was with thine eyen in byneding me. It is no great thing that I ask. To speak conveniently with the I ask, this only desireth my letters. That that I write, I may say afore thee, this if thou grant me, I live, and well hap I live, if not thou sseest my heart that the more than me loveth. I recommend me unto thy good grace, and to the trust that I have in the. And thus far well the delight and residue of my life.  
These letters sealed, when the woman had received, hastily she went unto Lucres, and fine ding her alone, said unto her thus. The most Noble of the Emperors Court, thy lover sendeth the these letters, and prayeth the instantly to take him unto thy grace. This woman was noted for a bawd, and that knew Lucres and took it very displeasauntlye to have a naughty woman sent unto her, and to her she said, what madness hath moved the to come to my presence? art thou so bold to enter the houses of noble men? darest thou provoke great ladies to violate sacred marriage? scant can I hold my hands from thy ear? bryngest thou letters unto me? speakest thou unto me? darest thou look me in mi face? If I regarded not more what becometh me, than what thou deservest, I should so order the that thou shouldest after this day never carry more letters of love, entre out of my sight abominable quean, and take thy letters with thee, yea rather give them me, that I may cast them in the fire and snatching the paper from her, tore it in pieces and trod under her feet, spitting at it, cast it in the ashes so should thyself be punished, bawd quoth she more worthy the fire, than thy life pick the hence shortly least that my husband, fineding the hear give the that that I remit unto thee, and while thou livest, never come in my sight. Another would have been afraid, but she well acquainted with the manners of women, thought to herself, now wouldst thou most, when thou showest most the contrary, and said unto her forgive me madame, I thought I had not done a miss, and that it should have stand with thy pleasure, if it be otherwise, pardon mine ignorance, if thou wilt not that I return unto thee, I shall obey thy commandment, but take thou heed what a lover thou forsakest, and with these words departed from her, and when she had found Euryalus: be of good comfort quoth she thou lover, the woman loveth more thee, than she is loved, but now it is was no time to write unto thee, I found her sad, but when I named thee, and gave her thy letters, she made good countenance, and kissed the paper a thousand times doubt not, thou shalt shortly have an answer, and thus the old woman departing, she was well ware no more to be found least she had suffered for her lying. ☞ truly Lucres, after the woman was departed sought up the pieces of the letter, and set each in their place, and joined so the torn words, that she made it legeable which when she had red it a thousand times, a thousand times she kissed it, and at the last wrapped it in a fair napkin, and put it among her jewels, and remembering now this word, now that word, continually she soaked in more love, and determined too write to Euryalus, and sent her lettere on this fashyonen, dyted.  
¶ Lucres to Euriales.  
O Euryalus leave to hope, after that thou canst not attain, leave to bear me with thy letters and messengers, think not that I am of that sort that sell them selves, I am not she that thou takest me for nor unto whom thou shouldest send a bawd, seek for thy lust another. No affeccione but chastity shall follow, with other do as the liketh, but of me ask nothing, for be thou sure I am unmeet for the. Farewell. This letter (though it seemed unto Euryalus very hard, and contrary to the woman's words) yet did show him the ready way how too send his letters, for he doubted not to trust, whom she trusted, but the ignorance of the Italien tongue cumbered him, therefore with busy study he learned it and because love made him diligent, he was in short while cunning, and himself alone indited his letters, which afore he was wont to borrow, when he should write any thing in Italien. He answered than to Lucres, that she should not be disposed with him, because he sent an unhonest woman to her, sithen he as a stranger knew it not, and could use none other messangere. The cause of his sending was his love, desiring no dishonesty, he believed her very honest and chaste, and so much more to be beloved, and that unhonest women, and over liberal of their honour he did not only not love: but also greatly hate, for chastity, lost, nothing is in a woman to be praised, for beauty is a delectable pleasure, and a frail, and nought to be esteemed without honesty, and that she that honesty winneth with beauty, passeth in both gifts, and that therefore he did honour her, and only he desired to speak with her, that he might by his words declare his mind, that he could not by his letters. With such manner of letters he sent her a token, not only rich in value, but excellent in the workmanship.  
¶ To these letters Lucres thus answered.  
I Have received thy letters, nor it is not the woman now I blame the for. That thou lovest me I esteem not greatly, for thou art neither alone, nor the first whom they say my beauty hath deceived. Many have loved me, and do love me, but thy labour as well as theirs shallbe in vain. I neither can nor will talk with the and except thou were a swallow thou canst not find me alone. The houses be byghe, and the gates be kept. I have takene thy token for that the facione pleaseth me, but because I will nothing of thine for nought, and that it shall not be as a token of love, I send the ring, which my husband gave my mother, that it may be to the as price of thy jewels for it is of no less value than thy gift. Farewell.  
TO these letters Euryalus replied. Great comfort were thy letters unto me that thou complainest no more of the woman. But that thou settest thy love so light, grieveth me sore for though many do love thee, none of their love is so fervent as mine, but thou believest it not, for that I may not speak with thee, but if I might, thou shouldest not weigh it so light. Would to God as thou sayest, that I might be a swallow, ye, or a less thing, that thou might not shit thy window against me, but my most grief is not that thou can not, but that thou wilt not. Ah my Lucres, what meaneth that thou wilt not, if thou might wouldest thou not speak with me that am a●l thine? and that nought desireth so much as to please the. If thou bid me go into the fire, I shall sooner obey than thou shalt command. Send me word I beseech thee, that if thou might thy will were good. give me not death with thy words, that mayst give life unto me with thine eyen. If thou wilt not speak with me because thou mayst not, I am content, but change that word I pray the that sayest my labour shall be in vain, God forbid in the such cruelty. Be I beseech the more genteller to thy very lover, if thou continue so, thou shalt s●ee me, and be thou sure, sooner thou with a word, than another with asworde. I ask, thou hast none excuse, no man can forbid the that, say thou lovest me, and I am happy that my token remaineth with thee, how soever it be I am glad of it, it shall sometime remember the of my love, but it was to simple, and that that I send the now is less, but refuse not thou that thy lover sendeth thee, I shall have out of my country daily better when they come, thou shalt not lack them. Thy ring shall never part from my finger, and in stead of the I shall moist it with continual kisses. Farewell my health, and in that thou may help me.  
¶ At the last after many writings and answers Lucres sent him such a letter.  
¶ Lucres to Euryalus.  
I Would fain Euryalus do the pleasure, and as thou desirest, reward the with my love, for that asketh thy Nobleness, and thy conditions deserveth it, that thou shouldest not love in vain, besides thy beauty and goodly face but it is not for me to love the. I know myself, if I begin to love I shall neither keep measure nor rule. Thou canst not long be hear, and if I fall unto thee, I can not lack thee, thou wouldst not take me with thee and I surely would not long tarry behind the. Many examples do move to refuse a strangers love. jason that wan the golden fleece by Mede as council, forsook her. These us had been cast to the Minaturs had not the council of Adriana helped him, yet did he leave her behind him in an Island. What became on the unhappy Dido. that received the wandering Even as Was not her love her death? I know what pearyll it is to receive a strangers love, nor I will not put me into such hazards. You men are of more stronger mind, and sooner can quench the fire. A woman when she beginneth to love, only by death maketh an end. Women rage, they do not love, and except they be answered with love, nothing is more terrible, after the fire be kindled, we neither regard fame nor life. The only remedy is the obtaining of the lover, for that that we most lack, we most desire Nor we fear no danger for our appetites. I than since am married, and unto a noble rich man, am determined too exclude all loves, and specially thine, which can not be continual lest I be noted as Philis or Sappho. Therefore I desire the no more to ask my love, and little by little to assuage and quench thine, for it is more easy to men then to women, nor thou if thou love me, as thou sayest, wouldest not desire that that should be my destruction. For thy token I send the a cross of gold, set with pearls, which though it be little, is of some value. Farewell.  
¶ Euryalus to this letter held not his peace, but as he was with the new writing kindled, so took he the pen in hand, and under this form following endited a letter.  
¶ Euryalus unto Lucres.  
HOnour and health be unto my dear heart Lucres she that giveth me health with her letters, though they be meddled somewhat with gall, yet I trust when thou hast heard mine thou shalt withdraw it. Thy letters are come to my hands sealed, which I have red oftentimes and kissed as oft. But it seemeth to me one another thing than thy mind would. Thou desirest me to leave to love, because it is not meet for the to follow a strangers love, bringing examples of such that hath been so deceived (so eloquently) that I must rather wonder of thee, then forget the. Who would then leave to love, when he seeth such wit and learning in his master? If thou wouldest have suaged my love thou shouldest not have showed thine eloquence, for that it is not too quench the fire, but too make it rather flame, the more I read it, the more I burned, seeing thy beauty and honesty so joined, with learning but it is in vain to desire me to leave to love the. Desire the hills too be come plain, and the rivers to return into the springs. For aswell may I leave to love, as the son his course. If the high mountains may want snows, or the sea fishes, if the forests may want deer, then may Euryalus forget the. Men are not so prone as thou weenest Lucres, to quench their desires, for that that thou givest unto our kind, men do ascribe it unto yours, but I will not undertake that to debate, to that must I answer which toucheth me near, for the deceits of other, thou bringest in examples whereby thou wilt not reward me with thy love. But more are too be brought my Lucres, whom women hath deceived Troilus by Cresyde. Deiphus by Helena. And Circe's by her enchauncementes deceived her lovers, But it were not according, by the deeds of a few, to judge all the rest. shouldest thou for a certain ill man abhor and accuse all men? Or I for many ill women, hate all the rest? nay, rather let us take other examples, as was of Antonius and Cleopatra, and of other whom the shortness of my letters letteth to rehearse, but it is red that the Greeks, returning from Troy, have been holden by strangers loves, nor never have come to their countries, but tarried with their loves, content rather too want their friends, their houses, their reigns, and other dear things of their country, than to forsake their Ladies. This I beseech the my Lucres, remember and note those few things that be against our love. So do I love thee, to love the always, and ever to be thine. Nor call me no stranger, I pray thee, for I am rather of this country, than he that is borne hear, sithence he is but by chance and I by mine own choice, no country is mine, but where thou art. And though I depart at any time, my return shall be short, nor I shall not return at all into my country, but too set order in my businesses, that I may dwell long with thee, wherefore, occasion may be found soon enough. The Emperor hath much to do in these parties the charge whereof I will sue to have, sometime as ambassatoure, sometime as commissioner, and he must have a lieutenant in Strucia, and that will I obtain. Doubt not my delight, my heart, and my only trust. If I may live yet pity thy lover that melteth like snow afore the. son consider my travails, and now at last set an end to my torments, why punishest thou me so long I wonder of myself, how I have suffered so many evils, how I have waked so many nights, how I have forborn my mefe and my drink so long behold how leanly I am, and how pale, a small thing is it that holdeth the life within my body, if I had slain thy Parents or thy children, thou couldst punish me no sorer, if thou so handle me for that I love thee, what shalt thou do to them that have offended the Ah my Lucres, my Lady, my health, and my succour take me unto thy grace, and at last write unto me that I am thy beloved, nothing I would else, but that I might say I am thy Servant. pardy both Kings and Emperors love their faithful servants, nor the Gods disdain not to know them that loveth them. Farewell my trust and my dread.  
¶ Like as a tower craked within, sounding outward imprevyble, if a piece of ordinance be shot against it, forthwith it rent in pieces: So was Lucres overcome with Euryalus words, for after she had perceived the diligence of the lover, her dissembled love she declared with such letters.  
¶ Lucres to Euryalus.  
I May no more Euryalus resist thy requests, nor longer wythhold my love from the. I am overcome, unhappy woman, by thy letters, which if thou observest not, according to thy writing, thou shalt be of all perjured traitors, the worst. It is easy to deceive a woman, but so much, is it the more shameful, now that I am come into thy love, and as a woman, can consider but little, thou that art a man, take charge both of thyself and of me. Thine I am, and thy faith I follow, and thine would I not be, except it were for ever. Far well the stay and leader of my life. ¶ After this were many letters written on both parties, and Euryalus wrote not so vehemently, as Lucres did answer fervently, and that had both one desire of their meeting, but it seamed heard, and almost impossible, sithence the eyen of every body did behold Lucres, which never went forth alone, nor wanted a keeper, Nor Argus never kept junos' Cow so diligently as Menelaus caused Lucres to be kept This vice is of property to the Italyens, too shut up their wives as their treasure and on my faith (to my judgement) too little purpose, for the most part of women be of this sort, that most they desire, that most to them is denied, and when thou wouldst, they will not, and when thou wouldst not, they would, and if they have the bridle at liberty, less they offend so that it is as easy to keep a woman against her will as a stock of flies in the heat of the son, except she be of herself chaste. In vain doth the husband set keepers over her, for who shall keep those keepers. She is crafty, and at them lightly she beginneth and when she taketh a fantasy, she is unreasonable, and like an unbridled mule, ¶ Lucres hath a brother in law he carried her letters, and was of Council in her love with him she had appointed to shut prevelye Euryalus in his house, and he dwelled within his stepmother, that was Lucre's mother, whom Lucres did oftentimes visit, and was also of her of ten-times visited, for they dwelt not far a sunder. Now this was the order of it, Euryalus should be shut in the parlere, and after the mother was gone to the church, Lucres should come as it were to speak with her, and not fineding her, should tarry for her return, in the mean time she should be with Euryalus, this should be within two days, but these two days were two years to the lovers for too them that hope well, the hours be long, and too them that trust little, they be as short, but fortune followed not their desires. The mother mistrusted, and at that day when she went forth, shut her son in law out, which brought to Euryalus the heavy news, to whom the displeasoure was no less, than too Lucres, which when he saw her craft perceived, let us go quod she another way to work, yet shall not my mother let my appetite. One Pandalus was her husbands consyn, whom she had also made privy of her secrets, for the flaming mind might no where rest. She advertised Euryalus to speak with him, for he was trusty, and could find well a mean for their meeting but Euryalus thought it not sure to trust him, whom he saw always with him. Menelaus fearing thereby deceit. In taking deliberatyon, he was sent by the Emperor to Rome, to determine with the Pope for his coronation, which was both unto him and her grievous, but it must be obeyed, so was his journey two months long. In the mean time Lucres kept here house, shut up her windows, put on sad apparel, and no where went she fourth, every body marveled, and knew not the cause, sithen the windows of the town showed themself, and they of the house thought themself in darkness, as though they had wanted the son, saying her often on her bed, and never merry, thought it sickness, and sought all remedies that might be, but she never neither laughed nor came out of her chamber, till time she knew that Euryalus was come to the presence of the Emperor, for than, as waked out of a steape, she laid apart her sad clothes, and dressed with her former gorge ousnes, opened her windows gladly looking for him, whom when the Emperor saw, deny no more quoth he Euryalus, the matter is per ceived, never man in thy absence might see Lucres now that thou art come, we may see the bright morning, what measure is in love? it can not be cloaked nor hidden with hems. ¶ Ye mock sir quod Euryalus, and find your laughter at me, I know not what it meaneth, the nayhing of your horses hath peradventure wakened her, and when he had said, privily he beheld Lucres and fixed fast his eyen in heres, and that was their first salutation after his return. Shortly after Nisus Euryalus trusty friend diligently pursuing his friends cause, found a Tavern, which behind Menelaus' house had a window toward Lucre's chamber. He maketh the taverner his friend, and when he had void the place bringeth thither Euryalus, saying; out of this window mayst thou speak with Lucres, betwixt booth houses was a dark canel, which no man came to dividing Lucre's window from the chamber, by the space of three else. Here sat the lover awaiting if by, chance he might see her and he was not deceived, for at last she came to the window, and looking hers and there, what dost thou quoth Euryalus, the nouryse of my life, whether turnest thou thine eyen, my dear heart? hither turn them I pray thee, soak hither my health, behold thine Euryalus is here, I myself am here. Art thou there quoth Lucres? Oh my Euryalus, now may I speak with thee, and would god I might embrace the. It shall not need no great business quod Euryalus, I shall set to a ladder, open thy chamber, to long have we differred the injoining of our love Beware of that quoth she my Euryalus if thou love, mi life, he are is a window on the right hand, and a very ill neighbour, and the taverner is not too be trusted, that for a little money would peradventure betray both the and me, but let us work otherwise it is enough if hear we may talk together. But this is death to me saith Euryalus, without I might in mine arms embrace the. In this place did they task long, and at the last reached each to other tokens upon a read, and Euryalus was no more liberal in his gifts, than Lucres was. zosias perceived the craft, and said to himself. In vain do I resist the mind of the lovers, and except I provide wisely, my master is undone, and the house shamed for ever of both these ills, it is best too withstand the one, my master loveth, if it be secret, it maketh no matter, she is blind for love and seeth not well what she doth. If chastity can not be kept, it is enough to hide the noise, least the hole house be slandered, or least there be any murdre done, surely I will go to her, and help her, while I might I did withstand that no offence should be done, and because I might not, it is now my part too hide that that needs will be, least it be known. Love is an universal rayngning mischief, nor none there is not enfected with this sickness, and he is judged most chaste that is most secret. And thus thinking with himself, Lucres came out of her chamber, and zosias meating her, said thus. What meaneth it that thou devisest with me no more of thy love? and nevertheless Euryalus is beloved of thee, take heed whom thou trustest. The first point of wisdom is, not to love at al. The next that at the least it be secret, and thou alone without a messenger, canst not do it. In what trust thou mayst put me in, by long time thou haste learned, if thou wilt trust me, tell me, for all my most care is lest this love, if it be known, thou shalt suffer, and thy husband most of all. To this answered Lucres, it is as thou sayest zosias, and I trust the much, but me thought I wot not how negligent, and against my desire. Now that thou offerest thyself, I will use thy diligence, and I fear not too be deceived of the. Thou knowest how I burn, and long I may not endure this flame, help me that we may be together, Euryalus for love languyssheth, and I die. Nothing is to us worse, than to let our appetites, if we may once meet together, our love shall be more temperate, and it shall well be hid. God than and show Euryalus the only way too come to me, if he will within these four days when the villains bring in wheat disguise him like a portour, and cloth himself in sackcloth, and carry the corn in too the garner. Thou knowest my chamber hath a back door by the lader, tell all unto Euryalus, and I shall wait for him and when time is, I shall be alone in my chamber, and when he is alone, let him put open the door and come into me. zosias though it were a high matter fearing a worse, taketh in hand the business, and finding Euryalus, appointeth with him the order of every thing, which he as light things gladly acepteth, and maketh him ready to this messege, and nought plaineth but of long abode. O insensible breast of a lover. O blind thought. O hardy mind and unfearful heart. What is so unaccessible that thou thinkest not open enough? what way so sharp that the seemeth not plain? what is so close that is not too be unclosed? thou settest light all dangers, thou findest nothing to hard, vain is the jealousy of husbands against thee, neither law nor fear doth hold thee, to no shame art thou subject, to the all labours is but play. Oh love, subduer of all thing, a noble man, dearly beloved with the Emperor, rich, of good age, well learned and of great wit, thou bringest in that case, that purple laid a part, he clothes himself in sack cloth, he dissembleth his own face, and of a master, he is becomen a servant and he that deliciously hath been nourished, now dresseth his shoulders for the burden, and letteth himself to hire for a common portour Oh marvelous thing and almost uncredible, to see a man, in other things a grave counsellor, among the company of boisterous portoures, pressing himself among such rascal people, who will seek a greater charge? This same it is that ovid meaneth in his transformations, when he telleth how women became beasts, stones, or trees. That same is it that the noble Poet Virgyll meaneth when he telleth how Circe's enchanted her lovers into beasts, for so fareth it by love, so is the mind of man thereby changed, that little he differreth from a be hast.  
THe morning forsaking the golden bed of Titan, reduced the disired day, and shortly the son declaring the colour of each thing rejoiced the waiter Euryalus, that thought him then happy and fortunate, when he saw himself among the vile portours, so goeth he forth into the house of Lucres, charged himself with wheat and setting it in the garner, descended last of the company, and as he was taught, the door of the chamber than was put too, he thrust open, and went in, and shutting the door after him, he found Lucres about sylkworcke and coming toward her, god speed quoth he my dear heart and the only help and hoop of my life, Lucres, though she had appointed this matter, at the first sight, was somewhat abashed, and thought it had been rather a spirit, than her lover Euryalus for she could not well believe that such a man as he would venture such bills but afterward in kissing, and embracing she knew well Euryalus, and said. Art thou here quoth she poor portoure, art thou here mine own Euryalus and than she straining him straiter. looking in his face, began her words again thus Alas quoth she my dear heart Euryalus, what danger hast thou adventured, what shall I say now, I perceive I am most dear unto thee, I have made proof of thy love, and thou shalt never find me noon otherewyse unto the. God send us only good luck, in our love, and while the spirit shall rule my limbs, noon shall be before thee with Lucres, no. Not my husband if I call him right: My husband that was given me against my will, whereto my mind never consented. But now I beseech the my Euryalus, cast away this sack cloth, and show thee unto me as thou art put away this porters garment and lay away these ropes. Let me see my Euryalus, than he cast of the filthy apparel, and shone all in gold and purple, and began to intend busily to the office of love, when zosias scraping at thee door, said take heed ye lovers, Menelaus seeking I wot not what, cometh hither hide all thing privily for out, ye can not scape. Than quoth Lucres there is by the bed a dark closet where be jewels, thou wottest what I wrote unto thee, if my husband came in, while thou were with me, go thou thythere, there thou mayst be sure in the dark, and neither stir nor spit, Euryalus being in doubt what he should do, followed the woman's bidding she set open the door and went to her work. Then came Menelaus, and one Bertus a scrivener with him, to seek things that belonged to the common weal, which when they were not in divers boxes found, they are peradventure quod Menelaus in the closet. Go Lucres, and fetch a light for to seek here. With this word, Euryalus was sore afraid and began straight to hate Lucres, and to himself said. Ah fool that I am. Who caused me too come hither, but mine own lightness. I am taken, I am ashamed, I shall lease the Emperors favour, what for favour? I would God my life were safe. How shall I scape a live? I am sure too die. Oh vain, and of all fools most foolish, I am fallen into these briars wilfully, to what purpose is thee enjoying of love, if it be bought so dear? the pleasures be short and the dolors infinite. Oh if we would endure, these things for heaven, it is a marvelous foolishness of men that forsaketh light labours, for long joys and for love, whose joys be comparable to smoke, we put ourselves into extreme dangers, Loo, myself now shall I be a tale and example too every body, and know not what end shall become of it, if any good saint would help me hence, never again shall such labour deceive. O good Lord help me hence, and pardon my youth. Remember not mine ignorances, but save me to repent me of this fault. She hath not loved me, but as a dear hath takene me in the net, my day is come, no man may help me, but thou good Lord. Oft have I heard the deceits of women, and I could not eschew it if I escape now there shall never no craft of women deceive me. But Lucres was all ill cumbered, that feared as much his health as her own, and as women's wits is more ready than man's, in sudden perils, had found a remedy. Come hither quoth she husband, here is a casket in this window, wherein I have seen you put divers things of charge let us see if the writing be thee and running as it were to open it, overthrew it into the street, and as it had been bechance, alas quod she, come hither, husband least we lose any thing the casket is fallen out of the window, go quickly, lest any jewels or writings fall out, go go for god's sake, why tarry ye? I will look out that no man take nothing. See the deceit of the woman now trust them hardly, no man is so circumspect, that can not be deceived, he was never kindly deceived whom his wife never assayed to deceive, we are oft more fortunate than wise. Menelaus and Bertus abashed with this same ran both hastily into the street, the house was high after the Italian fashion and many steps down. Whereby Euryalus had space to change and put himself by her council in to another dark corner. They when they had gathered the writings and the jewels, because they found not that that they sought, went into the closet, where they found it, and so bidding her farewell, departed, and she barred the door. Come forth quoth she Euryalus come forth my dear heart, and the sum of my joys, come the well of my delights, and spring of my gladness, all thing is sure, we may talk at liberty and now is the place sure for our enbracynges, fortune would have letted our kissings, but God hath favoured our love, and hath not forsaken so faithful lovers, why ●aryest thou? here is thy Lucres, why lettest thou to embrace her? Euryalus at the last forsakig high fear, clapseth her with his arms. I in my life quoth he, was I never so feared, but thou art well worthy for whom such things should be suffered. These kissings and sweet enbracynges quoth he, no man should have for nought, nor I (too say truth) have not bought dear enough so great a pleasure. If after my death I might live, using thy company, a thousand times would I die to buy thy enbracinges so often. O how happy and how blessed, is it a vision or is it in deed? do I hold the in mine arms? or do I dream? surely it is thyself, and the I have. Lucre's was in a light garment, that without plight or wrynkell showed her body as it was, a fair neck, and the light of her eyen like the bright son, gladsome countenance and a merry face, her cheeks like lilies, medeled with roses, sweet and sober was her laughing, her breast large, and the two paps seeming apples, gathered in Venus gardayne moved the courage of the toucher. Euryalus could no longer suffer the spur, but forgetting all fear, and soberness laid a part, said unto the woman: Let us now taste of the fruit of love, he pressed her sore, and she too the contrary resisted, showing how she cared for her honesty, and that her love desired nothing but only words and kisses: Unto which Euryalus smiling did answer. It is known quoth he that I am here, or it is not known, if it be known there is no man that will not judge the rest, if it be not known, no more shall this be, it is thee reward of love, and let me die rather than want that O but is offence quod Lucres. It is offence quod Euryalus not to use pleasure when thou mayst, should I forsake such occasion granted and desired so greatly? and taking her garment. The striving woman that would not be overcomen, he overcame Yet did he not quench thee desire of Venus: but rather provoked a greater thirst, but Euryalus fearing a further danger, after he had a little banqueted, departed, something against her will and mind, and no man suspected, because he was as one of thee portoures. As he went through the street, Euryalus won dering on himself, said. Oh if the Emperor should now meet with me, and know me. What suspect would this garment bring him in? how would he mock me. I should be a tale for every body, and ever a laughter for him. Never would he leave me, till time that he knew all, and needs tell him I must what this apparel meaneth, but I would say that it were for another woman than this, for peradventure he loveth her, and also it were not meet too declare him my love, for I would never so betray Lucres, that hath both received and saved me and thus as he thought he saw Nisus, Achates, and Plinius, and goeth afore and was not known of them till he came home, whereas changing his clothes, under colour of other names, he telleth the chance of the matter, and as he remembreth the fear and the joy so did he in telling fear and rejoice, and in the mids of his fear, ah ●ole that I was quod he, I trusted a woman with my head: so was I not counseled of my father, when he taught me to trust the faith of no woman, for that they wax cruel, deceitful, changeable, and full of divers passions, and I ill remembering the lesson, put my life in a woman's hands, what if any man had known me, when I was charged with wheat? what shame what slander had both I and mine had for ever? The Emperor would have refused me, and as light and mad brained, might have esteemed me, what if her husband had found me in the closet? The civil law is cruel to adulterers, but the furor of the husband would have had greater pain, the tone had been but short death: the other, death with cruel torments but set case that he hath favoured my life, at the least he would have bound me, and sent me shamed unto the Emperor. Ye, though I had escaped his hands because he had no weapon, and I had a sword by my side, yet had he a man with him, and weapons hung at hand upon the wall, and there was many servants in the house, the noise should have risen and the doors shut and I should have been handled according. Alas mad that I was, no wisdom, but chance hath delivered me from this danger sorrow for chance, and it was the ready wit of her. O trusty woman. O wise lover. O noble and excellent love, why should I not trust unto thee? why should I not trust thy faith, if I had a thousand lives, I durst trust the with them all, thou art faithful and wise, and wisely thou can love, and help thy lover, who could so soon have the way to avoid them that sought me, as thou had? than hast saved my life, and I vow it unto thee, the life that I live, is not mine, but thine, and it shall not be grievous unto me, for the to lease that by the I have, thou haste the right of my life, and commandment on my death. O fair breast. O pleasant tongue. O sweet eyen O fresh wit, O goodly limbs and well furnished, when shall I see you again? when shall I bite that same coral lip, and here the speak within my mouth? shall I never handle again those round breasts? O Achates, it is but little that thou haste seen in any woman in comparison to this, the more nearer she is, the more fairer she is. Lydia, thee fair wife of Candalus, the King was no fairer: I wonder not if he would show her naked unto Satius for to do him the greater pleasure for on my faith, if I mights, so would I show thee this Lady, for else may I not declare unto the her beauty nor thou perceive what joy I had, but rejoice with me, I beseech thee: that my pleasure was greater than can be expressed with words. Thus talked Euryalus with Achates, and Lucres with herself said as much, but so much less was her gladness that she might trust none to show it unto, and unto zosias the durst not for shame tel al.  
IN the mean time a knight called Pacorus, of a noble house foloing the Emperor, began to love Lucres, and because he was fair and goodly, thought to be beloved and only reckoned the chastity of the woman to let him. She (as the custom of Italy is) beheld every body with a louring countenance, whether it were by deceit or craft, lest the true love should appear. Pacorus rageth and can not be in rest till he have felt her mind. The matrons of Scene went oft to visit the chapel of our Lady of Bethlee in. Hither was Lucres come with two maidens and an old wife. Pacorus followed her with a violet with golden leaves in his hand. in the stalk whereof, he had hid a letter of love, written in fine letters, and have no marvel thereof. For Cicero sayeth there was showed him the hole history of Troy, so finely written, that it might all have been closed in a nut shell. Pacorus offereth the violet too Lucres, recommending him unto her, and she refuseth it. He desireth her instantly to take it. Take the flower madame quod the old wife, what fear you? there is no pearell, it is but a small thing: wherein peradventure ye may do the gentleman pleasure. She followed her counsel, and took the flower, and when she had gone a little way, she took it unto the toone of her maidens, and shortly after they met with two scholars, which I wots not how lightly obtained the flower of the maid, and opening the stalk, found the pleasant letter. Now after the matronnes of Scene, had found the lovers, that the Emperor brought, and after the Court was come thither, these folk were mocked and deceived, and little esteemed, for the clattering of harness delighted more these women than eloquence of learning Here upon grew great envy, and the long gowns sought always how to let the courtiers. Than when the craft of the violet was known, straight was Menelaus gone unto, and desired to read the letter he being very angry, goeth home, blameth his wife, and filleth all the house with noise. And she to the contrary denieth that there is one fault in her and telling the hole tale, bringeth the old wife for witness. The Emperor is gone to, complaint is made, Pacorus is called for, and he confesseth the fault asketh forgiveness and sweareth never more to vex Lucres but right well knew he that jupiter rather laugheth, then taketh angrily the periuring of lovers and so the more that he was let, the more he followeth the vain flame.  
THe winter is come, & the North-winds had brought down snows the town falleth on playing that wives cast snow balls into the streets, and the young men out of the streets into their windows. He are had Pacorus gotten occasion, and had enclosed in wax an other letter, and putteth it in a snow ball, and casting it unto Lucre's window who will not say that fortune ruleth all thing? one happy hour is more worth to thee, than if Mars should recommend the in his letter too Venus Some say that fortune hath no power in wysemennes, I grant it too such wise men that only delight in virtue: and suffering poverty sickness, and person can think themself blessed, which one yet I never saw, nor never think there was. The common life of men needeth fortunes favour. She, whom she will she advanceth, and whom she lysteth, overthroweth who hindered Pacorus, but fortune, was it not wisely handled, in a violets stalk too hide his letters and now again to send his letter closed in snow would any man say it myghteeb craftyer, so that if fortune had holp he had be judged crafty, and excellently wise, but contrary chance brought the ball that fell out of her hand too the fire, so that the snow once wasted, and the wax melted, the letters appeared, which both an old woman that warmed her, and Menelaus being by, did read, and there began a new noise, which Pacorus did not tarry too excuse, but went his way. This noise helped Euryalus, so that it is true that hath been said: it is hard defending that is dyverssy assaulted. The lovers awaited for the second marriage, and there was a little straight lane betwixt Lucre's house and her neighbours, by the which setting his feet upon each wall, he had not over hard climbing to Lucre's window, but this might only he by night. Now must Menelaus go into the country and there must he lie all night, which day was waited for of those two lovers, as it had been a jubilee. The good man is gone, and Euryalus, changing his clothes, is come into the lane, there had Menelaus a stable, wherein by the teaching of zosias, all the evening he lay hid in the hay, and loo where Dromo came, that was a servant of Menelaus, and had rule of his horses, to fill the racks, and hard by Euriolus side did pull out hay, and had taken more, and stricken in him with the fork, had not zosias he alped, who when he saw thee daungere, brother quoth he give me this work. I shall give hay to the horses, thou in the mean time, look that our supper be ready, we must be merry while our masters is forth, our master is better fellow, she is merry and liberal, he is angry, full of noise, covetous, and hard, we are never well when he is at home, se I pray the what lank belies we have, he is hungry himself to starve us for hunger, he will not suffer one moist piece of brown bread to be lost, but the fragments of one day, he keepeth five days after, and the gobbets of salt fish and salt eyes of one supper, he keepeth unto an other, and marketh the cut cheese, lest any of it should be stolen. The fool that by such wretchedness seeketh his riches, for nothing is more foolish than to live poor, for too die rich, how much are we better with our master? that feedeth us not only with veal and kid, but with hens and birds, and plenty of wine. Go Dromo and make the kitchen smoke, Marry quod Dromo, that shall be my charge, and sooner shall I lay the tables, than rub the horse, I brought my master into the country to day that thee devil break his neck, and never spoke he word unto me, but bad me when I brought home my horses, to tell my master that he would not come home to night but by God quoth he, I praise the zosias that at the last hast found fault at my masters conditions. I had forsaken my master, if my master had not given me my morrow meals as she hath, let us not steape to night zosia, but let us eat and drink till it be day, my master shall not win so much this month, as we shall waste at one supper. gladly did Euryalus here this, and marked the manners of servants, and thought he was served a like, and when Dromo was gone, Euryalus arose, and said, O happy night that through thy help zosia, I shall have that haste brought me hither, and wisely taken heed that I was not discovered, and thou shalt not see that I shall be unkind. The hour was come, and the glad Euryalus, that had passed two dangers claim up that wall, and at the window went in where all thing was ready, and Lucres by the fire. She when she saw her lover, clapsed him in her arms, there was embracing and kissing, and with full sail they follow their lusts and wearied Venus, now with Ceres, and now with Bacchus was refreshed. Alas, how long business and how short be the pleasures scant had Euryalus one glad hour and lo where zosias brought word that Menelaus was come, and marred all the play: Euryalus maketh him ready too depart, ¶ Lucres when she had hidden the banquet, meeteth her husband welcomming him home. Welcome quoth she my husband, by my truth quoth she I weaned that thou hadst been lost in husbandry what haste thou done in the country thus long? why tarriest thou not at home thou makest me sad with thine absence, I fear least thou have some other that thou lovest, these husbands be so false to their wives, if thou wilt that I shall not mistrust thee, never sleep out of my company, For I can sleep no night without thee, but let us sup here and go to bed, they were than in the hall, where they used to dine, and she sought for too have kept him there till Euryalus had space for to go his way, for it required some leisure, but Menelaus had supped forth, and hasted toward his chamber. Now on my faith and truth quoth Lucres, thou art unkind, why didst thou not rather sup with me, because thou was from hence. I have eaten no meat to day, and there were here men of the country that brought in marvelous good wine, as they said and yet I tasted not of it, but now that thou art come let us go into the cellar I beseech the and taste if the wine be, as they say, and so having the lantern in her one hand, pulling her husband with the other hand went into the cellar, and so long pierced this vessel and that, and supped with her husband, till she thought that Euryalus was gone, and so at the last went with her husband to the evil pleasant bed.  
¶ Euryalus in the still of the night, went home. And on the morrow, either for that it were necessary to take heed or for some ill suspect: Menelaus walled up the window: I think as our citizens be suspectuous and full of conjectures: so did he fear thee commodity of the place, and would eschew the occasion, for though he knew nought, yet wist he well that she was much desired, and daily provoked by great requests, and judged a woman's thought unstable, which hath as many minds, as trees hath leaves, and that their kind always is desirous of new things, and seldom love they their husbands whom they have obtained. Therefore did he follow thee: common opinion of married men: to avoid mysshap. though it come with good luck. So was their meeting let, and their sending of letters also stopped, for the taverner that dwelt behind Lucre's house, where as Euryalus was wont to speak with her, and give her letters: at Menelaus' persuasion was put out by the Aldermen, and only remained the beholding of their eyen, and with becks the lovers saluted each other, and scant might they use this uttermoeste point of love, their sorrows were great, and their formentes like the death, for they could neither forget, nor use their love. While Euryalus doth study diligently what advice he might take in this matter, he remembered Lucre's council which she wrote unto him of Menelaus cousin Pandalus, and did as these cunning Physicians, whose manners is, in dangerous sickness to give indifferent medecins and in extreme to use the last medicines, rather than leave the disease incurable, He determined to go unto Pandalus, and follow that way that afore he had forsaken, and when he had sent for him, called him into a secret place. Sit down quoth he my friend, I must tell the a great thing that requireth such things as be in thee, that is diligence, faith, and secretness. I would err now have showed it thee, but I knew the not, now I do know thee, and because thou art an honest faithful man, I love the and entreat thee, so that I knew nothing else, it is enough that thy neygheboures praise thee, and my fellows too, with whom thou haste entered friendship, and who and of what sort thou art, they have told me, of whom I have learned that thou desirest my friendship, which I promise now unto thee, for thou art as well worthy mine, as I am thine. Now for because among friends a thing is done in few words, what I would, I will show the. Thou knowest how the kind of man is prone unto love, whether it be virtue or vice, it reigneth every where, nor no heart there is of flesh that sometime hath not felt the pricks of love. Thou knowest that neither the wise Salomone, nor the strong Samson hath escaped from this passion. Furthermore the nature of a kindled heart and of a foolish love is this the more it is let, the more I bourn, with nothing sooner is this disease healed, than with the obtaining of the loved. Many there hath been, both in our time and in our elder to whom their let hath been cause of cruel death, and again many after the thing obtained, have left too rage, nothing is better when love is crept into the bones than too give place to thee rage, for who so striveth against the tempest, oft times suffereth wrack and who driveth with the storm escapeth. This I tell the for that thou shalt know me love, and what for my sake thou must do, and then what profit thou shalt have thereby, I will show the all, for now I reaken the as one part of my heart. I love Lucres, and truly Pandalus it is not by my fault, but by the governance of fortune: in whose hands is the hole world that we inhabit. The customs of the country were unknown to me, I thought your women had felt in their hearts that they showed with their eyen, and that hath deceived me, for I thought Lucres had loved me, because she beheld me pleasantly and I again began to love her, for I thought such a lady was not unmeet to be beloved for love, and yet did I not know thee, nor none of thy kin. I loved, and weaned to have been loved, who is so stony hard (being loved) that do the not love (But after I saw I was deceived (least my love should be vain) with all manner of ways I assayed too kindle her with like and like fire, for I bourned, and piteously wasted and shame and trouble of my mind day and night, did marueloussye torment me, and I was so tangled, that with no ways I could escape, and at the last I continued so long, that the love of us both was like she is kindled, and I burn, and we both perish, nor we see no remedy to our lives, but only thy help, her husband keepeth her in his chamber. The waker dragon did never keep so well the golden steece: nor Cerberus the entry of hell, as Lucres is kept I know your kindred, and also I know that ye are noble and rich, and among the best of this town be loved but who can withstand destiny? halas Pandalus it was not by my choice, but by chance, and thus standeth this matter, it is as yet secret but without it be well guided, it is like, as God forbid, to breed a great mischief. I peradventure might appease myself, if I went from hence, which though it were grievous unto me, I would do for your families, if I thought that should help, but well I know her rage, either she would follow me, or else if she were constrained to tarry, would kill herself, which would be unto your house a perpetual dishonour. That I sent for you, is for your cause to withstand these mischiefs, nor there is none other way but that thou wilt be governor of our love, that the dissembled fire may be secret. I recommend, I give, and I dough me holy unto thee, be diligent in this furor, least while it be let, it flame the more, do so much that we may meet together, and so shall the heat be aslaked, and made more sufferable, thou knowest the ways of the house, thou knowest when the good man is absent, thou knowest how too bring me in, but Menelaus brother must be had out of the way, which waiteth ever diligently for these inatters, and keepeth Lucres in stead of her brother, and marketh diligently her words, her looks, her countenance, her spittings her coughs, her laughs, and each thing hre considereth, him must I deceive, and it cannot be without the. He alpe therefore I beseech thee, and when her husband Menelaus is from home, advertise me, and his brothers that tarrieth, bring them out of the way that he neither take heed to her, nor set none other keepers, over her, which if thou wilt undertake, and help me as my trust is in thee, all is safe, for thou mayst privily, while the other be fast in sleep, let me in, and ease our fur your love, what profit shall ensue of this, I think thou understandest by the discretion.  
For first thou shalt save the honour of the house, and hide the love that in no wise can be published without your shame. secondly thou shalt save thy cozen in laws life, and also too Menelaus save a wife, too whom it shall not be so hurtful that she were mine for one night (no man knowing of it) as if he should lose her, all the world wondering, when she should follow me. divers women have followed their lovers, what if she determined to follow me? what dishonour should it be to your kin? what mock among people? what shame as well to all the town as to you? some would peradventure say, put her to death rather than she should do thus, but woe be unto him that fileth him with bludshedding, and reme dieth one fault by a greater. mischievousness be not to be increased but to be lessed, of two good things, we know the best is to be chosen, and of a good and of an ill, thee good, and of two ills, the least. Every way is dangerous, but this that I show thee, is least perilous, by which thou shalt not only help thine own blood, but also me that am almost out of my wit to see Lucres suffer as she doth for me: who I would rather did hate me, than I would entreat the but thus it is and at this point, and without thy craft, thy wit and thy diligence the ship be guided there, remaineth no hope of health. Help therefore both her and me, and save thy house from shame, and think not that I will be unkind, thou knowest what I may do with the Emperor, and what thou wilt, I will get the granted, and this I promise thee on my faith thou shalt be an Earl by patent, and all thy posterity shall enjoy that same title, I commit unto the both Lucres we, our love and fame, and the honour of thy kin, I trust unto thy faith, thou art the arbyte, and all these be in thine hands: Take heed now what thou dost, for like as thou mayst save, so mayst thou spill.  
☞ Pandalus when he heard this, smiled and after a little pause, said (All this have I known quoth he Euri alus, and would God it had not happened, but now as thou sayest: it is at that point that I must needs do as thou biddest me: except I would shame all our kin and raise a great slander: The woman in deed brenneth, and hath no power over herself, and without I help, she will slay herself with some knife, or break her neck out of some window, neither careth she for her honour, nor for her life, she hath told me her desire, I have blamed her, I have busied me to quench the flame, and all in vain, she careth for nought but for thee, thou art always in her mind, the she wisheth, the she desireth, and the only she thinketh upon, often times calling me by thy name, so is the woman changed by love, that she seemeth not the same. Halas what pity and what sorrow, there was none in all the town more chaste or more wyfer than Lucres. It is a marvelous thing if nature have given love such law over the minds of men. This disease must be helped, and with none other cure, than thou haste showed, I will go about this business, and when time is, I shall warn thee, nor I seek no reward of thee, it is not the office of an honest man too ask thank where none is deserved. I do it to avoid thee same of our house, and if thou take any benefit thereby I am not therefore to be rewarded. Yet quoth Euryalus for all that I thank thee, and as I said, I promise the to cause the to be made Earl, and refuse not hardly this honour. I refuse it not quod Pandalus, but I would not it should come by this means, if it come let it come, I will nothing do by covenant, if I might have done it by unknown too the, that thou might have been with Lucres, I will de gladly have done it. Farewell, and thou also quoth Euryalus, now that thou hast given me comfort, make fain, find, or do by some means, that we may be together.  
Thou shalt praise me quod Pandalus, and he departed full glad that he had entered in Euryalus grace. Hoping to be an Earl, where of he was more desirous, in as much as he showed least, for there be many men, so women like, that when they say most nay, they would fayneste, he hath gotten by furtherance of love the name of an Earl, and his posteriars shall show for their nobleness a gilted bull.  
NOt long after there was afray in the country among Menelaus husbandmen, and divers of them that had drank over much, were slain, wherefore Menelaus must go forth to set good order in these matters, to whom Lucres said, husband thou art heavy and weak, and thy horse goeth hard, borrow therefore some ambeling horse. And when he asked where he might borrow any Mary quod Pandalus Euryalus had a very good one, and sure he will gladly lend him thee, if thou wilt I shall ask him. Do quod Menelaus, and Euryalus assoon granted as he was desired, taking it for a good token, and to himself said, if thou leap upon my horse, I shall do the same unto thy wife. Now the covenant was that at five of the clock Euryalus should wait in the street, and should hoop well-yf he hard Pandalus sing: Menelaus was gone, and the cloudy night had covered the heaven, Lucres tarried her time in her chamber, and Euryalus was afore the door, and tarried the token, but he neither heard him sing nor spit, the hour was past, Achates moved him too depart. It was hard to depart, and imagined now one cause now another. Pandalus sang not be cause Menelaus brother was left there, that sought each corns for fear of deceits, and waked all the while. To whom Pandalus said, shall we not go to bed this night, and I am wondrous sleepy, I wonder of the that art a young man, and like an old man, too whom dryness taketh away sleep, thou never dooste sleep, but before day when other men do rise. Let us go to bed to what purpose do we watch: Let us go quod Agemennon, if thou wilt, but let us look first to the doors, if they be well shut for doubt of thieves. And when he was come to the door, he put to it, now one lock, now another, and bolted it. There was a great bar of iron that scant two could lift wherewith the door was never shut, which when Agamennon could not put to desired help. Thou shuttest the door quod Pandalaus as if the house should be besieged, are we not in a sure city? we are at liberty in this town, and quietness is come to us all. The florentines our enemies with whom we have war be far hence. If thou dread enemies, this house can not help us. I will this night lift no burdons, my shoulders ache, and I am sore bruised within, I am not meet for the burden, therefore lift thou thyself, or let it alone. Well then quoth Agamennon it is enough, and went to bed. Then quoth Euryalus, I will tarry here this hour to see peradventure if any body do appear. Achates that was with Euryalus was weary of so long tarrying, and privily cursed Euryalus, which had kept him so long from sleep. Yet they carried not long after, but they saw Lucres through a creves, carrying a light in her hand. Toward whom Euryalus went, and said, god speed quoth he my dear heart Lucres and she being a feared, would have gone her way, but than remembering herself what man art thou quoth she that callest me? I thine Euryalus am here quoth he, open the door my delight, I have tarried here half this night. Lucre's at the last knew his voice, but because she feared deceit, she durst not open till she knew some token that it was he, and so with great labour she removed the locks, but because there were many fasteninges to the door that a woman's strength could not undo, she opened it but half a foot wide. Good enough quoth Euryalus, and stretching himself at last got in and taketh her in his arms. Achates watched without. Lucres, either for fear or for joy swowmed in Euryalus arms, and her strength failing with pale face seemed all ready dead, but that her pulse and heat remained. Euryalus with the sudden chance affeared, wist not what to ●o, if I go hence thought he, the fault of her death shall be in me to leave a woman in such danger, if I tarry, Agamennon or some of the house shall come, and than I am undone. Alas unhappy love that hast in the more gall, than honey the bitter wormewod is no more sour than thou art What dangers hast thou already put me in? with how manidethes hast thou threatened mi head? and hast thou left me now too have a woman die in mine arms? why hast thou not rather slain me? why hast thou not torn me with lions. Alas how much had it been that I had died in her lap, than she in my bosom? Love had overcome the man, and regarding not his own health, tarried with the woman, and lifting up her body all be moisted with tears kissed her. Alas Lucres quoth he, where art thou become? where be thine ears? why answerest thou not? why hearest thou not? open thine eyes. I beseech the look upon me, smile on me as thou art wont, thy Euryalus is hear, he doth embrace thee, why dost thou thus trouble me? I wonder, art thou gone, or dost thou sleep? where shall I seek thee? if thou wouldest die, why didst thou not warn me that I might have died with thee? if thou wilt not hear me, my sword shall straight open my side, and we shall both die at ones. Ah my life, my darling, my delight, my only hope, and my hole health, shall I thus lose thee? open thine eyen, life up thy head, thou art not yet dead, If eel thou art warm, and thy breath is yet in thee, why dost thou not speak to me? dooste thou receive me of this sort? dost thou call me to such pastime? dooste thou gy●e me such a night? Rise I beseech the mydewhart, look on thy Euryalus, I am here and with that word the flood of his tears flushed so upon her face, that as with drops of water the woman awaked out of her sleep, and saying her lover. Alas quoth she Euryalus, where have I been? why didst thou not suffer me to die? happily had I died in thy arms, and would God I might so die? ear thou should depart the town. Thus talcking together, they went into the chamber, where they had such a night, as we judge the two lovers Paris and Helena had after he had taken her away, and it was unto them so pleasanut, that they thought Mars and Venus had never none such, thou art quod Lucres my Canimedes, my Ypolitus, my Diomedes. Thou art quod Euryalus my Polexena, my emly, ye, and Venus herself, and her mouth and now her eyen, and now her cheeks he kisseth, and some time casting down the clothes, he saw such beauty as he never afore saw. I have found more quod he than I weaned, such a one saw Actaeon of Diane's, when she bathed her in the fountain what is more pleasant or more fairer than these limbs, now have I bought them with pearyl, but what thing should I not have suffered for thee? O fair neck, and pleasant breasts, is it you that I touch? is it you that I have? are ye in my hands? O round limbs, O sweet body, have I thee in my arms? Now where doth pleasant in the freshness of my joy, that no displeasure might here after hurt it. Do I hold the or do I dream? O pleasant kisses, Oh dear enbracynges, O sweet bitings, no man living is more happy than I, or more blessed.  
But alas how swift be these hours? Thou spiteful night, why goest thou away? abide Apollo and tarry under the earth, why dost thou so soon put thy horse in to the chair? let them repast, give me this night as thou didst to Alemena, why dost thou Aurora leave so soon the bed of Titan, if thou were as pleasant unto him as Lucres is to me, he would not suffer thee to arise so early. Never saw I so short a night, yet have. I been in Britain and in Denmark, thus said Euryalus, and Lucres said no less, nor suffered not one kiss nor one word to pass unrecompensed. He strained, and she strained, and when they had done they were not weary, but as Athens, rose from thee ground stronger, so after battle were they more desirous of war. The night ended when aurora took from the Ocean her dew here, he departed, and long after might not return, by the daily watch that was put unto her, but love overcame all thing, and at last they found way for their meeting, which long while they used.  
IN the mean time the Emperor that already was reconciled to Eugenius, determined to go to Rome. This did Lucres perceive, for what is that the love knoweth not? or who can deceive a lover & therefore  
Lucres wrote thus unto Euryalus.  
IF mi mind could be wroth toward thee, I would now be angry with thee, for that thou haste dissembled thy departing but it loveth the better than me, and may for no cause be moved against the. Alas my heart, why hast thou not told me of the emperors departure he maketh him ready toward his journey and I know well thou shalt not tarry behind, alas what shall become of me, what shall I do poor woman, where shall I rest, if thou do forsake me, my life lasteth not two days. For these letters therefore moisted with my tears, and for thy right-hand, and thy promised faith if ever I have deserved any thing of thee, or if ever thou hast had any de light by me, have pity on thy unhappy lover. My desire is not that thou shouldest tarry but that thou shouldest take me with thee, I will make as I would go in the evening to Bethlem, and take but one old woman with me. Let two or three of thy servants be there, and by force take me away. It is no great pain too take one away that would be gone, nor think it no shame, for Paris the son of a King did likewise, and thou shalt do no wrong unto my husband, for he shall algates lease me, for if it be not by thy taking, it shall be by death, but I am sure thou wilt not be so cruel to leave me behind too die, that ever hath made more of the than of myself. Farewell my only trust. To whom Euryalus answered after this fashion.  
Hitherto have I hid fro the my Lucres my departing, because thou shouldest not torment thee overmuch afore the time, I know thy conditions, and under what manner thou soroweste, but the Emperor departeth not so that he shall not return, and when we shall return from Rome, this is in our way to our country, and if so be the Emperor will go any other way, if I live thou shalt see me return let God never suffer me to come into my country, but make me wander like Vlyxes, if I come not hither, comfort thyself therefore my dear heart and be of good cheer, be not sad, but rather live merely. Thou sayest thy taking away should be the greatest pleasure that could be to me, it is truth, and greater delight I could not have, than the always at my desire: But I must rather take heed too thy honour than to my lust, for the faith that thou be rest unto me, bindeth me to give the such faithful counsel as should be meet for the. Thou knowest thou art married into a noble family, and haste the name of a right beautiful and chaste Lady, and it is not only in italy, but aswell in Teutonia, Panonia, Bohemia, and all the worthy parties, so that if I take the away (beside my shame that for thy sake I set little by (what dishonour shouldest thou do to all thy friends? what sorrow should thy mother take? what should be then spoken of thee? what rumour should all the world hear of thee? Lo, Lucres that was called more chaste than the wife of Brutus, and better than Penelope, followeth an adulterer, not remembering neither her parents, nor country, it is not Lucres, but Ippia, or Medea that followed jason. Halas what grief should it be to me to here such things of thee? Our love is yet secret, there is no man that dispraiseth the. Thy taking away should mar all, nor thou were not so praised as thou shouldest then be blamed. But besides our honour, how were it possible that we should use our love? I serve the Emperor, he hath made me rich and of great power, and I cannot depart from him without the loss of my state, so that if I should leave him, I could not conveniently entertain thee, if I should continually follow the court, we have no rest, every day we change places. The Emperor hath tarried no where so long as he hath done here, and that because of war, so that if I should carry the about with me, and have the in my Tent as a follower of the field, what reproof and shame should it be both too the and me? For these causes I beseache the my Lucres put away this mind and remember thy honour, and flattter not rather thy rage than thyself: Another lover peradventure would otherwise counsel thee, and desire the to run thy way, that he might abuse the as long as he might, nothing regarding what should befall of it, while he might satifye his appetite, but he were no true lover that would regard rather his own lust, than thy fame. I council the my Lucres for the best, tarry hear I beseech the and doubt not in myretourne: what soever the Emperor hath to do hear, I will sue to have it committed unto me, that I may accompany with the without danger. Farewell live and love me, and think my fire no less than thyns own, and most contrary to my mind I depart. Farewell again the delight and food of my life.  
¶ With these letters the woman somewhat had appeased herself, and answered that she would follow his council.  
shortly after, Euryalus went to Rome with the Emperor, where he had not been long, but he was sick of an hot ague. The poor unhappy man when he was burning in love, began also to burn in sickness, and when love had wasted his strength by dolour of the disease, little remaineth of his life, & that spirit was rather entertaygned with Physicians, than tarried of itself. The Emperor visited him daily, comforting him as his son, and commanded that he should have all cure of medicines that might be, but none was of more effect for his remedy, than a letter from Lucres, whereby he understood her health, which somewhat mynysheth his sickness, and made him recover his feet, so that he was at the coronation of the Emperor, and there was made knight. After this when the Emperor went to Perusia, he tarried at Rome, and from thence went too Scene, all though he were but yet week and very green of his sickness but he might only behold Lucres, and not speak to her. Many letters went betwixt them, and again there was practicing for her going away, three days; did Euryalus tarry there, and when he saw no manner of ways too come to her, that as then was taken from him, he did advertise his Lady of his departing but never had they such pleasure in their conversation as they had displeasure in their departing. Lucre's was in her window when Euryalus rid through the street, and with their moist eyen the one beheld the other, he wept and she wept, and both were distrained with grievous dolors, as they that felt their hearts turn of their places. If any man doth not know the dolour of death, let him consider the departing of two lovers, which hath more heaviness and more painful torment. The soul suffereth in death, for that it part from the beloved body, and the body (the soul ones departed) suffereth not, but when two minds, be joined together so much is the division more pain full, in so much as the delight of either of them is more sensible, and surely hear was not two minds, but surely as weeneth Aristophanes' one soul in two bodies so departed not one mind from another, but one love and one mind was in two divided, and the heart suffered partition. part of the mind went and part remained and all the senses were dispurpled and plained too depart from their own self. Nor one drop of blood remained in thee lovers faces, but only tears and bewailings, and very death apced in their visages who may write or declare, to think the griefs of those minds, but he that hath once in his life been like wise mad. Laodomia, when Protesilaos' went to the siege of Troi snowned, and when she knew of his death, died. Dido, after the predestinate departing of Aeneas, slew herself. And Percia would not live after Brutus' death. But this our Lucres, after Euryalus was out of her sight, falling to the earth, was taken up by her maid as, and laid in her bed and when she came too herself, all purple and golden clothes, and glad apparel she laid a part, and ware displeasant tawny and never after was hard sing or seen laugh, nor by no sports, no joy, nor mirth, might ever be reconforted, in which condition when she had a little while continued, she fell into sickness and because her heart was absent, the mind would receive no consolation, and at the last betwixt the arms of her much weeping mother (using vain comfortable words) she gave up the wearied ghost, dysdayninge the sorrowful life.  
EVrialus after he had passed the sight of those ein that should never again see him: never spoke to any body in his journey, but carried only Lucres in his mind, and thought busily if he might return, and at last came unto the Emperor at Perusia, & went with him to Ferrar, to Mantua, to trident, to Constantia, and to Basile, and so into Hungry, and to Bohemy. But like as he followed the Emperor so did Lucres follow him in his sleep & suffered him no nights rest, whom when he knew his true lover to be deed moved by extreme dolour, clothed him in mourning apparel, and utterly excluded all comfort, and yet though the Emperor gave him in marriage a right noble and excellent Lady, yet he never enjoyed after, but inconclusion pitifulli wasted his pain full life.   

¶ Le. A. to the Reder.  

BY this little book thou mayst perceive mi friend  
The end of love not feigned nor fortunable  
By which right plainly thou mayst intend  
That love is no pleasure, but a pain perdurable  
And the end is death which is most lamentable  
Therefore ere thou be chained with such care  
By others perils, take heed and beware.   

¶ first by Euryalus, by whom perceive thou mayst  
The best it is, to eschew shortly  
To drink of the cup, or of it to taste  
That savoured more of gall than of honey  
Also I could show the histories of many  
That if they by time had made resistance  
They might have eschewed all such inconvenience.   

¶ There was also the noble Troilus  
Which all his life, abode in mortal pain  
Delayed by Cresyde whose history is piteous  
Till at the last Achilles had him slain  
Yet other there be, which in this careful chain  
Of love have continued; all their life days  
Death was their end, there was none other ways.   

¶ We read also of pyramis and Thisbe  
Which slew themself by their servant love  
Of Hercules, and of the fair joyle  
With many other, which I could not attain  
And of Dido, which with herself strove  
For love of Aeneas, when she could not attain  
Till at the last she had herself slain