THE HISTOR OF EURYALUS AND LUCRETIA.  
Written in Latin by AENEAS SILVIUS; And translated into English by Charles Allen, Gent.  
Printed at London by Tho. Cotes, for William Cook, and are to be sold at his shop near Furnivalls Inn Gate in Holborn. 1639.   

EN EAS SILVIUS To Marianu's Sozinus, Health.  
SIR,  
YOur suit is unproper for my age, but to your own repugnant. For in an argument of love, what can I who am almost forty write, or you who are fifty with convenience hear? It is a thing which delights young spirits, and tires upon tender breasts; but old men are as unfit auditors of Loves, as young men are of Morals. Nor is there any thing more ugly than age, which shall serve Venus with an impotent devotion. Yet shall you find some of these old ones in love, but not reloved, for they are equally contemptible both to maid and matron, nor was Woman ever taken but by the flourish of our years. If you shall be taught otherwise, it is but a covert illusion. But I know that an amorous tractate doth extremely misbecome me, who having passed the Meridian of my time do now post to my evening; yet is it not a greater indecency for me to write than for you to solicit me. It is my duty to obey, let it be your care to see what you impose; for as there is the greater ripeness of years in you, so it will be the great requitie in me to subscribe to the Laws of friendship: which if your justice fears not to violate by an injunction, my folly shall not doubt to transgress by an obedience. Your good graces to me have been so many, that I cannot dare to deny you, although some loser wantonness were employed in the request, I shall therefore condescend to your petition so often reiterated, nor any longer oppose that which hath been solicited with so much vehemency. Yet shall I not, as your desire was feign any thing, nor will I there be a Poet where I may be an Historian. For who is so mad as to make use of a lie, who hath a truth can justify him? Because yourself have been amorous, and have not yet that fire extinct, it is your pleasure I should compose the History of two Lovers. 
This game someness doth hold  
You from being reckoned old.  I shall submit myself to your desires, but will not present you with fiction in so great a variety of truths. For what hath the World so universally common? What City, Hamlet or Family is barren of examples? What man arrived to thirty hath not exploited something for love? I ground this conjecture in myself, whom love hath a thousand times engaged, and Heaven hath disengaged a thousand times; in that happier than Mars whom Vulcan captivated in an Iron Net, & exposed a scorned spectacle to the Gods; but I shall rather touch at others loves than mine own, lest while I stir up the Embers of my ancient fire, I discover a spark still living. Yet will I give you the relation of a strange and almost incredible love, with which a noble pair were mutually inflamed, nor will I make use of old, and obsolete examples, but discourse of the wanton fires of our own age, which I will demonstrate to you in our own City, not Babylon or Troy, although one of the lovers was borne in a Northern Climate. And perchance the story may furnish us with this benefit. For sithence the Lady which is our Theme, when she had lost her love, breathed out her soul in a mixed passion of sadness and indignation, and the Knight was never after the master of any true contentment, it may be a fair advertisement to youth to desist from such vanities. And the tender virgin may be informed by this accident not to lose herself in the pursuit of another. The narration may tutor young Gallants, that they address not themselves to this kind of war, where the Gall is so much predominant over the Honey, but that renouncing lasciviousness which doth infatuate them, they would rather make virtue their design, which is the only possession that can make its possessor happy. If any man be a stranger to that infinity of miseries which lie concealed in love, let him from hence correct his ignorance. Farewell Sr, and with attention hear that story which I by compulsion write.   

THE HISTORY OF Euryalus and Lucretia.  
WHen Sigismond kept his Court at Sienna, it fortuned that upon the way to his Palace, which was adjoining to S. Martha's Chapel, he encountered four Ladies whom feature and nobility, age and habit had almost made equals, and in the general repute not mortals but Goddesses: Had there been but three of them it had been a pardonable error to judge them for those, whom fame hath made Paris see in a vision. Sigismond, although old in years, yet young in desires was much addicted to the courting of Ladies, nor did any object beget in him a delight equal to that of an elegant beauty. At this sight alighting from his Horse he was entertained in their arms, and turning to his Courtiers asked if they had ever beheld such delicate pieces: professing that it was his doubt whether they were humane faces, for that their looks were heavenly if not Angelical. The Ladies fixing their eyes upon the ground by their modesty gave an addition to their beauty. For the red diffused in their Cheeks rendered such a colour, as the Ivory of India distained with Vermilion, or the snow of Lily married to the purple of a Rose. But among these Lucretia sparkled with greatest lustre, a Lady not yet twenty married in the family of the Camilli to Menelaus a rich Lord, unworthy to be the Gaoler of such preciousness, yet worthy to be deceived by his wife, and to be taught the note of April; her stature taller than the rest, her hair thick, which she had not cast back like a Virgin, but bound up in the rich imprisonment of Gold and Pearl, her forehead high, and of a comely largeness, nor drawn through with a wrinkle, her brows daintily arched with black, and few hairs distracted from themselves with a just distance. Her eyes lightning with such a splendour that they put out the beholders; with these she slew and made alive: her strait nose made an equal division between her checks; nothing more amiable than these cheeks, nothing more delicious, which with her smile were dimpled: Her mouth small, her lips Coral, her teeth Crystal, and when she talked, it was not so much speech as harmony. What should I speak of her chin or neck, seeing that in the whole frame there was nothing but excellency. Her exterior parts did speak her inward beauty, and so oft as she was seen, so oft was her husband envied; beside she was very facetious, and spoke like the mother of the Gracchis, or the daughter of Hortensius, and in her discourses modesty and sweetness stood competitors, she made not a show of honesty with a severe brow, but of modesty with a cheerful one; nor bold, nor timorous, but attempted with a civil bashfulness; she carried a masculine spirit in a feminine breast. Lucretia was the Theme of every discourse, and the Argument upon which Caeaesar and the whole Court employed their Oratory. When she turned, the eyes of the spectators turned, as if they had no motion but what they borrowed from her: for her looks were as attractive as the ftraines of the Thracian Lyre, and led all in triumph after them. But Euryalus a Lord of Frankenland was transported with a desire more violently than any other a man most fit for love, whether you looked upon his face, or fortunen. His age two and thirty, and his stature rather comely than tall, his eyes shining and full, and his other parts graced with a kind of majesty, answered each other with a most exquisite symmetry. The other Courtiers were all impoverished by the war: but Euryalus, who was rich both in his own revenue, and his Prince's favour, saluted every day with a new bravery: his train of followers great, richly apparelled and gallantly mounted, so that he wanted nothing but leisure to awaken that gentle heat of the soul, which men call love. Let posterity cease now to admire the tale of Thisbe & Pyramus.  

For they were neighbours and th' adjoining wall,  
Might easily be their loves original.   
Euryalus is now no more his own Master; he no sooner saw, but he was set on more with what he saw, and his thoughts dwell no where but in Lucretia. But he meta reciprocal love; and this is the wonder, that in so great a rarity of perfections and choice of beauties, Euryalus should pitch upon none but Lucretia, and Lucretia fasten upon none but Euryalus: yet at the first either of them being ignorant of the others flame, either of them thought they were in vain inflamed.  
But neither of these had any knowledge of the other, either by the eye or care: He was of Germany, the Lady of Thuscanie, and wanting the commerce of Language, they discoursed only with their eyes: Lucretia therefore wounded with heavy pain and fed upon with hidden fires, forgetting now that she is a wife: and the memory of husband lives only in her hate; Thus cherishing her wound, and carrying the figure of Euryalus deeply imprinted in her breast she enters into this soliloquy with herself;  
How is it that I now nauseate at my former diet: The embraces of my husband are but hated confinements, and his kisses as the arrests of death: the Idea of that stranger who stood next Caesar doth ever present itself to my imagination, yet if thou canst (poor Lucretia) 
Out of thy breast which is yet chaste,  
Let such notions be effaced.  O happy I if could, but a sweet violence leads me captive; judgement prompts one thing, but desire countermands it with another suggestion: I see what is best by the light of my reason, but pursue the contrary by the instigation of my passion. But what? nothing but a stranger relish my palate? must another world be the boundure of my exorbitancy? But alas, whom doth not that form take, certainly it doth me: and I cannot, will not live if mercy be not the chicfe ingredient in his constitution, but shall I conform myself to the appetite of a Travelour, who when he hath plentifully feasted shall rise and go away without giving thanks: 
But now his worth nor sweetness of aspect  
Do threaten or oblivion or neglect.  Let me therefore dispel these mists of doubts and fears, and confident in the powerful assistance of my own beauty, presume him to be my prisoner, as I am his.  
But shall I forsake mother, husband, & country? why not? she is cruel, and he unworthy, and that is my country where I delight to live: but my reputation will suffer. But why should the buzz of fameawe me, since I shall not hear it: they dare do nothing who are so anxiously studious of their credit: nor am I alone in this kind of love; Helen, Medea, and Ariadne are my precedents, and crimes pass unnoted in the universality of the offenders. Thus disputed the Lady with herself, and poor Euryalus is melted with an equal fire.  
Lucretia had a house adjoining to the Court, so that Euryalus could not come to the Palace, but he received a gentle influence shot by Lucretia from out some window: but so oft as she saw him, so oft did she blush, so that the Emperor read her love in those red letters, and passing by her house, he would sometimes pull down Euryalus his hat in his eyes, as if he envied him the fruition of so dainty a spectacle.  
Lucretia being alone by herself would resolve to extinguish this new flame, yet his presence ever rekindled it, for his sight was both the fire and fuel. 
As a dry field, once set on fire,  
If the winds blow it, flameth higher.  So did Lucretia burn. True is that opinion of the wise, that chastity is most religiously enshrined in a humble cottage; and lust the inscparable associate of great fortune inhabiteth the stateliest buildings. Lucretia having now often observed Euryalus, and unable to give her passion the check, she sat in counsel with her own thoughts, what Cabinet to choose where she might safely lay them up: For 
He doth most torture feel,  
That doth his flame conceal.  She had an old servant, by his name Sosias, by his country a high Germane; him she intendeth to assault, not so much trusting the man as his nation. Cesar was then going through the City with a great train, and when she knew Euryalus was near the house, she called Sosias, and commanding him to look down, asked if the world would not be posed to produce such another troop of young gallants, their compositions so strong, and yet so lovely, somewhat troubled her faith to believe, if they were men of that kind, which her native Thuscanie bred. 
They are of immortal birth  
And sent from heaven to earth.  Had fortune drawn me a husband out of this Lottery of men, although blind, yet could she not have erred; should you have told me thus much of your countrymen, I had given no credit to your relation, but now my eyes come in and confute my unbelief; I suppose that lying Northerly they are beholden to the cold for much of their fairness. But know you any of them said the Lady, he told her many; but Lucretia not willing to be long at Rovers, but to come more speedily to her mark, asked if he knew Euryalus of Frankenland, as myself said Sosias; but why make you that question? I shall tell thee said Lucretia, and I know my secret will be under seal, for thy goodness bespeaks my confidence. It is he in whom my soul moveth, nor will my thoughts give any truce to my sufferings, until I be made known to him, let it be your errand to tell him I languish for him; I ask you but this, and for this ask you what you please; what is this said Sosias that I hear? can I act, nay can I think such a villainy? shall I betray my master, and be a knave now I am old, a name I trembled at when I was young; rather dispossess your breast of so unclean a spirit, and follow not the counsels of your deluding hope: Love hath easily the repulse, if you make head against his first sallies: but who by flattering themselves shall give ground to this sweet mischief, they sell their liberty to a most insolent master, and bind themselves to one who will never give them back their Indentures: your fire cannot be hid with so much secrecy, but my master will smell the smoke, and then the greatness of the fault may give your expectation assurance what your punishment will be. Peace fool said Lucretia, in a heart prepossessed with love there is no room for terror: she fears nothing, who fears not death, and is resolved to stand the malice of the extremest event. But (replied Sosias) will you sully the splendour of your family, or do you think it an honour to be the first adultress of your house? nor must you imagine you can sin, and securely sin. You have the guard of a thousand eyes about you, besides your husbands two, which have a faculty to discover secrets above that thousand; Your servants are but so many spies, and if you bribe them into a silence, yet may your little dog bark, and reveal the fact with his inarticulate Dialects: The bed, which was oppressed with your lascivious weight shall be a plaintive against you, and the curtains will disclose that lust which they did once conceal so closely. For it is a curse attending high crimes, not to find where they may put affiance. But admit you deceive the diligent observation of Espials, yet you cannot be masked from the vindictive eye of Heaven, which will penetrate into the most abstruse recesses. In your own bosom shall you carry your own tormenter, & the light of your conscience will ever wait upon the darkness of your sin. I confess these truths said Luerelia, but by the furious concitation of my spirits I am hurried to their contrary: I see the precipice, yet wittingly do I precipitate. Love and fury have usurped upon me, and will not suffer reason to be interressed in their possession: Oft have I wrestled but in vain, and therefore conclude to execute loves Imperious mandates: by these white hairs (said groaning Sosias) by this loyal breast, by my faithful services I conjure you to curb this passion, and in that be yourself your self's best Physician: for the first degree of cure consisteth in your willingness to be cured. Well Sosias (said Libcretia) modesty commands me to embrace your counsel: I have but one refuge left, by death to prevent this mischief. Collatine's wife with her dagger vindicated the fact committed, but by a nobler course of justice I will anticipate the commission. I shall never permit that, replied Sosias. But who (said Lucretia) can hinder a mind resolved to dye? The noble Portia, deprived of all instruments of death, swallowed down burning coals, and by fire made a way to follow the ghost of her beloved Brutus. Nay (said Sosias) if you are possessed with so resolute a fury, my studies shall be rather to provide for your life than your reputation; for this fame is but a counterfeit gloss: the worst man may have a very fair one, and the best be published with a harsh comment. I shall therefore assay Euryalus, and express all diligence in the service: with these words her flame advanced, and her wavering mind anchor upon stronger hopes: but his purpose went not with his tongne; for he only intended to extenuate her heat by delays, and put her off with false loves, until either the Emperor should leave the City, or she her resolution: Lest upon her refusal, she might get her death, or a new agent, he often feigned to have been with Euryalus, and that he thought himself infinitely happy in her love, and laid wait for all occasion to have some conference with her: sometime he told her he could have no access to him: sometime upon pretence of business, he absented himself from home, and so frustrated her ficke soul with dilatory evasions. But that he might have one truth among so many lies, he once gave Euryalus a light intimation; O said he, how extremely are you beloved? Then suddenly withdrew himself, and left the poor Gentleman unsatisfied: but certainly Euryalus could give himself no rest, a stealthy fire consuming his veins, which did incinerate his marrow; yet little did he know Sosias, and less did he think that he came from Lucretia. So incident is it to man never to have his hopes planted in so high a mounture as his desires: but at last seeing himself to be indeed in love, he severely began thus to call his judgement into question. Thou knowest Euryalus how Tyrannical the Sceptre of love is; a fit of laughter, with the penance of many a tear, a minute of joy bought at the dear expense of a month's fear, and a continual dying without a death; but at last instructed with many a trial, how vain it was to struggle with his passion, he cried for quarter and yielded; comsorting himself with the consideration of the company, who before him had sought under the banner of Love. He remembers some of the great Masters in Philosophy admitted in his School, and Princes made subject to his Empire, denying that assertion which denies, 
That Majesty and Love,  
In the same sphere can move.  Hercules (said he) the indubiate seed of the Gods, disarmed himself at the command of his Mistress, and changing his Club for a Distaff, drew a thread with the same hand with which he drew blood: for it is a passion naturally implanted in all; the airy regiments are galled with this arrow, 
For the Turtle's loved, they say,  
Of the green Poppinjay.  And the cold inhabitants of the water have this high, Boars by whetting their teeth, Lions by shaking their manes, and the Hearts by their bellow give signals of this fury: nothing is love-proofe, nothing impregnable to love. Why then should I rebelliously oppose a prescript of nature? No, since love is so universal a Conqueror, I am content to be his spoil; being now confirmed, his Quaere is for some good old woman, that might carry a paper to the Lady, one at last by the assistance of Nisas (an excellent professor in that Science) was procured to convey his Letter, which spoke thus.  

Euryalus to Lucretia.   
Lady, these lines should bring you health, if the Writer had any, but his health, and the hope of it, have a necessary dependence upon your goodness. Above life I love you, nor can I think you a stranger to this truth, for you might see my love in my tears, and hear it in my sighs. Take it graciously if I give you the Table of my thoughts: That beauty which hath seated you above comparison, hath surprised me, and the Venus of your face hath brought me into captivity. I have been ever ignorant of this same love, until you taught me the lesson, and although I long contended to defend myself from this servitude, yet were my attempts ever subdued by your splendour, and the beams of your eyes more powerful than those of the Sun, mollified me to an obedience. I am therefore your Captive, and follow the triumphant Chariot of your excellencies: you have taken from me the use of repose, and repast; nay myself from myself: you are the subject of my meditations and the centre of all my passions, it is you whom I fear and love, hope, and weep for: you have all that I am, so that whilst I am divided from myself, I am undivided in you; you sit upon my life and death; let not your sentence be more cruel, than your eyes seem merciful: my letters beg only this favour to have the honour to speak with you: the grant will be my happiness, but the denial my ruin; farewell, Soul of my being.  
These Letters, when his seal had enjoined them secrecy, were by this woman dispatched with all speed to Lucretia, whom she sound without any company, but that of her thoughts; Lady (said she) this missive comes to kiss your hands at the directions of the noblest love in Caesar's Court, who humbly begs that you would be but as merciful as you are fair. Lucretia knowing her to be a noted quean, was highly offended, not so much at the message, as the messenger. Thou filthy bawd (said she) what boldness, or madness rather could counsel you to profane the threshold of a Magnifico's Palace, and bring with you a little silent bawd, (a letter forsooth) to scale the chaste breast of a matron, and negotiate the violation of religious wedlock. Were it not that I had my own honour, in a higher esteem than your desert, you should bid farewell to all Letters, and be no longer the devil's footpost. Be gone therefore with your packet: but no matter give me the Letters, and by their entertainment let your hot gallant be instructed how coldly his suit advanceth. The paper she presently tore in pieces, and spitting upon it (for her teeth watered) threw it upon the ground, where she kicked it up and down, as if the very conceit would not let her hold her heels still. and thus (said she) lewd woman shouldst thou be used: but be gone, and show thy love to thyself, in thy care not to meet my husband, who will pay thee my debt with interest. The Bawd might have feared to have miscarried in the action, had not her experience taught her, that the strong desires of women were inseparable from their strong denials. For the present she asked the Lady mercy, and if she had offended, begged a pardon for her sin of ignorance, but withal advising her not to commit the greater sin of contempt, she took her leave. So returning to Euryalus, Happy lover said she, take up your Passion, and give your sorrow leave to breath. Time would not give her leave to vie Letters with you, but she outvies you with her love. I found her in a great fit of melancholy, but the powerful name of Euryalus conjured her up, and the sovereign receipt of your letters, which she often kissed, miraculously restored her to herself. With that she departed, and conscious of the foul play she had shown him resolved to come no more upon that stage. Soon as the old Hag was gone, Lucretia finding the fragments of the Letter, set the dislocated parts, and with much questing retrived the lost words: so that she made a legible copy which a thousand times she read, and kissed a thousand times; then wrapping it up in a fine cloth, she laid it up with her jewels, but prized it above them: and repeating now one word, now another, she drunk love in deeply, and determined to write to him: the mind of her letter was this:  
Euryalus, Teach your hopes a lower ambition than to fly at a game which is not feasible: trouble not yourself to trouble me, but save the charge both of Letters, and messengers, which imply that you conceit me to be of their trade, who sell themselves, and are both their own shops, and wares. Be disdeceived Sir, I am not she for whom your error mistook me, nor a woman to be sued to by the mediation of a Bawd. Seek to prostitute some other, I will be the mistress only of an honourable love, do with others as your pleasure shall counsel you. Farewell Sr. and let your requests to me be both advised, and noble.  
Although this Epistle seemed harsh to him, and of a strain different from the Bawds relation, yet it opened a way to their mutual commerce of Letters, for he could not but trust her, who had adventured to trust him: his ignorance of the Italian was a principal impediment, but love made him so ingenious, and so industrious, that in a short time he arrived to a competency in the Language, so that enabled to be his own Secretary he answered to this purpose;  
Lady; It is an act of injustice to be so highly offended with me for that my Letters were presented to you by a hand so infamous: for seeing I was a stranger and knew it not, by the law my fact may be excused by my ignorance. That I did send to you let, it be an imputation upon my love, and such a love, as harbours nothing but honourable intentions. Let my confidence of your chastity beget in you an assurance of my love: for I detest a woman that is prodigal of her honour, of which being once despoiled, she is not the subject of any thing which can be the subject of a commendation. Beauty is a good, no less corruptible than lovely, and if it wants modesty, it wants too many grains to be current. But she who hath joined chastity to her form, hath enrolled herself in the list of the Gods. In you fair Lady is met this admirable union, the sole cause which hath Sainted you in his devotion, who would solicit nothing that might prejudice your fame. Deign me only the liberty to speak with you, that my words may give you a full display of that affection, which cannot be bounded in the narrow limits of my Letter. This Epistle was accompanied with a present, rich for the materials, and curious for the work, and thus replied upon by Lucretia.  
Sr. I received your Letters, and admit of your Apology. That you love me is none of my wonders, for you are neither the first, nor the only man that hath homaged to my beauty. Many have, and yet do court me, but their travails were frustrated, and do not promise to yourself any better event. To speak with you I neither can, nor will: to find me alone is impossible unless you could assume the shape of a Bird, which is no less impossible; for my lodgings are high, and a guard hath made all the entries inaccessible. I accept your token, and am won to that only by the elegancy of the workmanship. But to let you know I will neither be in your debt, nor take it as a pledge of your love, I return you a Ring with a stone in it of such a value, that what you sent me was rather sold than given. Farewell.  
Euryalus returned this answer.  
Excellent Lady, Your mercy hath set a Period to your complaints against the Bawd: and in that is my joy: but you will not give entertainment to my disesteemed love, and in that is my torment. For although you are beleaguered with a multiplicity of loves, yet none of them dare stand forth to parallel mine. Yet will not you believe this, which infidelity ariseth from your severe refusal of conference; but were that permitted, it would beget faith in you and rectify your opinion of my worth I could wish to be unmanned into a bird, or rather (if wishes were effectual) to be transformed into a Flea, and so not to be excluded by the narrowest crevice. But (dear Lucretia) Why say you, you will not speak with him, whose All is yours, and whose profession it is to be such a servant as shall anticipate your injunctions by his obedience? O forget that same word I will not: and carry not death in your mouth, and life in your looks. Let not that sentence be irrevocable, which pronounced that to love you was but to abuse myself and my time. Abandon this cruelty, and turn your style, or conclude to be my murderer: for be confident that to me your breath is more inevitably mortal, than another's weapon. Love is the total of my desires; but say, you love, and make me really happy. How that mean present stands in your esteem, I dispute not, seeing your acceptance hath set a price upon it above its first value. Your Ring shall never from my finger, which supplies the place of your lips, and is kissed for them. Farewell my delight, and do not envy me those joys, which you may confer upon me with such facility:  
Having thus often bandied one to another, at last Lucretia took a paper, in which she drew the counterfeit of her mind with these lines.  
Euryalus, I could willingly entitle you to what I am, for your worth doth challenge love, and your gallant qualities command it. I speak not how I am surprised with your beauty, and ecstasied with your face so full of Loves, and Cupids: Yet I dare not love, for were I once entered into those amorous lists I should observe neither measure nor mean: you cannot be here long, and I, if I once come into play, must always be in action. The examples of those so many, forsaken by foreign loves, are my so many advertisements not to prosecute your love. jason treacherously cozened Medea, by whose alone assistance he finished the adventure of the golden Fleece: And Theseus whom Ariadne did extricate out of the fatal Labyrinth, ignobly left that distressed Lady in an habited Island, the worse Labyrinth of the two. I know what an inconveniency it is to embrace a stranger's love, and until I shall be of the forlorn hope will not engage myself in so certain a danger: you men are of a spirit more confirmed, and have a greater command over your passions: but poor impotent women! if they once take this fit of raging, nothing but death can be Physic to their frenzy: They are rather out of themselves than in love, and if they meet not a correspondent return of affection, nothing so dreadful as a woman in that fury: when this fire hath once insinuated, we respect neither fame, nor fate, and must either enjoy our love, or not live. The greatness of the want of what we would have, adds degrees to the greatness of our desires: and we expose our breasts to the menaces of destruction, so we may sat the impatient longings of our appetites. But I, who am as nobly married, as I was nobly descended, have decreed with myself to barricado all passages, and make good the place against the forcible entry of love: and of yours in chief, who being a stranger may give me as unworthy a farewell, as Demophoon did to the unfortunate Phyllis. Be therefore over entreated not to solicit my love, and to cancel your own, and if you do love, make demonstration of that truth in desisting from a suit which infers my ruin, as it's necessary consequent. Farewell.  
Euryalus not cooled but heat with these Letters called for a Pen, and contrived this answer. All happiness to my life Lucretia; you have restored me to Health with the Dose of your Letter; yet was it not all Cordial, but blended with some gall, which I hope shall be no ingredient in the next. I read it often, and kissed it oftener: but it seems to intimate something contrary to your former overtures. It counsaime not to love, because it is not expedient for you to do so, and this you would evince by the instances of some Ladies who have been betrayed by strangers; which you have done with such Rhetoric that you rather teach me to admire than to forget you; whilst you command me not to love you with eloquence, which commands me to love you. The more I read the more my flames advanced to see that delicate conjunction of wit, and beauty. To bid me not love is to bid a stream recoil into its first head, and to command a mountain to humble itself to a valley. If Scythia can be without Snow, or Heaven without motion; then can Euryalus be, and his love not be. It is not so easy for men to rake up their flames as you imagine, for what you ascribe to our sex, many have imputed to yours. But I shall not reply upon you, rather answer to your induction, which from the treachery of some few strangers would definitively conclude me false. You have mustered up some few authorities, but I could give you a Catalogue of more forlorn souls, who have been deserted and ruined by Ladies. Trotlus deluded by Chryseis, Deiphobus undone by Hetena.  

Ana Circe with her charms, her lover's suits,  
In skins of Swine, and hides of other bruits.   
But it is bad Logic to conclude universally from particular premises: and if for the falsehood of two or three men you shall unjustly quarrel all mankind, by as good a consequence, for the perjuries of as few women, may I bid defiance to the whole sex. Some others love may supply us with a better copy after which to write our own: That of Antony and Cleopatra was a love contracted between strangers, and yet inviolable.  
How many of the Grecians at Troy were taken by those Ladies whom they had taken, and so powerfully detained by those foreign loves, that by a miraculous kind of oblivion, they did forget their country, before they could forget their Mistresses. Dear Lucretia let these be your precedents, seeing he that now sueth for you will ever love, and ever be yours. Nor call me a stranger, for I am Citizen of this place, by a better title than a Native: for he was made one by his fortune, but I by my choice. No country shall be mine, but where you are, for your presence can make me a free Denizen of any place. When I go from hence, my return shall be speedy, for my journey into Germany is but to settle my estate that my stay with you may be the longer. I shall easily find pretences to reside here, for Caesar hath many affairs of state in these parts, and I shall so prevail with him, that their dispatch may be commended to my care: sometimes I will be here in some Embassage, sometimes upon some other employment: besides he must have a deputy in Thuscanie, and I dare give myself the promise of that charge. Therefore doubt not sweet Lucretia, the rather because you and my heart are convertible, and if I can be without one, I can be without the other. At last therefore extend your pity to one, 
Who like Snow dissolves away  
Exposed to the sunny ray.   
Take my languishment into your noble consideration, and at last set a happy period to my misery. Look upon my pale and extenuated body, and wonder that my soul remooves not out of so ruinous a habitation. Had I killed your father, your ingenious cruelty could not invent more exquisite torments. Ah my Lucretia, how severe would you be against the profane contemners of your beauty, who thus trample upon your prostrate votaries. No longer continue my sufferings, but receive me into your grace, that I may be, and in that happy, the servant of Lucretia. Farewell.  
As a Tower which broken within seemeth outwardly impregnable, suddenly falleth with the battery of the Ram, so did Lucretia fall at this assault. And confident of his loyal integrity, she revealed her dissembled love, and unmasked herself in this Letter.  
Euryalus, I can no longer make good the place against you, nor any longer deny you a place in the breast of Lucretia. You have won the field, and I am yours. I have made myself obnoxious to too many dangers, if I be not secured by your providence, and fidelity. Faithfully observe what you have written, for I come now to give you livery, and seisin of my love, and if you shall ever surrender this possession you are a villain, and a Traitor. It is an easy thing to overreach a poor Gentlewoman, but the facility of the fact adds to the foulness of it. As yet there is no hurt, and if you think me worthy of a desertion let me know so much before my flame be enraged by the addition of a new violence: and let us not at all begin that which must be concluded with repentance. In all actions the end is principally attended by the agent: I have but little foresight the true character of my sex: but you are a man, and assuming to yourself a double charge, must be a guardian to us both. I present you with the dedication of myself, and honour your faith, to whose bosom I have let my love for term of life, and not as tenant at will. Farewell guide of my life, and star of my course.  
After this, many ejaculations passed between them, and never did Euryalus write so ardently, but Lucretia answered with an ardency as equal. There was nothing wanting now but conveniency of meeting, which seemed to be joined with a kind of impossibility, the Lady being guarded with the observation of so many eyes. Argus kept not a stricter watch over the Heifer at the command of the jealous gods, than Menelaus had set over Lucretia. It is the national sin of Italy to immure and lock up their wives as they do their money, which wife men have thought to be none of the best policies. For women do most violently long after forbidden fruits: what you will, they reject, and your severest prohibitions are their hottest pursuits: had they but the reins in their neck, they would not trip so often: If a woman be not chaste out of her own free and noble inclination, bolts, and keepers are but impertinent vanities.  

For who is't, can those keepers keep, for them  
Finely to win, is her first stratagem.   
Lucretia had a brother, who was of her counsel, and the faithful Mercury between herself and Euryalus. He is entrusted with all privacy to receive Euryalus into the house, which he might do, for he lived with Lucretia's mother, whom Lucretia did often visit. The plot was this; That, Euryalus being shut up in some closet, after the old Lady was gone to her devotions, Lucretia should come in to Euryalus, colouring her love with the pretext of a dutiful visit. The term of two days was the time prefixed for this amorous design, which were as so many years to the longing couple: for although to men in fear time hath a winged heel; yet to men in hope it walks with leaden socks. But fortune shined not upon the desires of the Lovers, for Lucretia's mother had smelled out the conspiracy, and upon the day assigned, she went from home, but locked out her son in law, who presently carried the sad news to Euryalus, which was no less grievous to Lucretia: who seeing that the plot was detected, well said she, since I cannot arrive at my wished Port by this passage, I will attempt a new one, nor shall my mother glory, that she could stop the eddy of my impetuous affections. There was one Pandalus, a Gentleman allied to her husband, him she called to the Table, and made of her counsel, for her mind once enfired was uncapable of rest. She signified to Euryalus by letter that he might confidently impart his counsels to him, as a man of experienced fidelity, and the fittest instrument to contrive their meetings. But Euryalus, who had observed this Pandalus never to be from Menelaus his side, doubted his honesty, and suspected some treason. While he is in this demur, he is dispatched away to Rome to treat with his Holiness about the Coronation of Sigismond: which cast both the lovers into an Agony, but Caesar's authority must be obeyed. For the space of two months (for so long he was absent) Lucretia confined herself to her Chamber, and put on mourning weeds, as if he had been departed the world, who was but departed Thuscanie. All wondered, but none knew the cause of it, which indeed was the reason why they wondered, for ignorance is the cause of admiration. The whole family thought itself in darkness as if the Sun had been eclipsed, for the light of her beauty was commonly overcast with her curtains, and the light of her smiles was never seen. In this state she continued, till she heard news of Euryalus his return, and that Caesar was gone to meet him. Then as if awaked out of sleep, she stripped off her mourning apparel, and resuming her former dress she, opened the window, and joyously expected him. So soon as Caesar saw her, O (said he) Euryalus no longer deny a truth so evident; this Sun was set, while you were gone, but you have brought us the morning, and the Sun is again risen. Love hath no boundures, and it can be concealed no morethan the Cough. It is your pleasure Sr. (said Euryalus) to be merry, and to amaze me with riddles. Perchance the noise, and neighing of the Horses brought her to the window: with that he stole a look, and constellated his eyes with hers: and this was their first parley, but a silent one. Not many days were passed, before Nisus (a trusty servant to Euryalus, and a great favourer of the cause) had spied out a Victuling house, which being situated on the back side of Menelaus his Palace, had the prospect of Lucretia's Chamber. He quickly had won the Victuler to secrecy, and then brought his master thither, where he sat privately expecting when fortune would present herself to his sight, nor was his expectation deceived: for at last she appeared; and Euryalus no sooner saw her, but (said he) how fairs the governess of my life, turn thy aspect hither, and make me happy with its influence. Art thou there my dear Euryalus (said Lucretia) I have now the happiness to hear thee speak, but this accursed distance envieth me the happiness of thy embraces. A Ladder (said Euryalus) shall remove that difficulty, do you but make fast your Chamber door, for we have too long procrastinated our joys. O my Euryalus said she, if you tender my safety be more circumspect; here is a very suspicious window, and a worse neighbour; as for that Victuler, a little money will purchase him to betray us both: we will walk in a securer tract, and for the present acquit ourselves, that we have had this liberty of conference. After they had drawn out their discourse to some length, and by a reed mutually interchanged favours, they sadly took their leaves, Sosias having now sounded their purposes, in vain (said he to himself) do I oppose their attempts; if I do not intervene with some devise, my Lady will be ruined, and my Mistress defamed. Of these mischiefs it shall be my province to avert one. Let my Mistress love; if her love be secret it cannot but be secure. But her passion hath blinded her, and put out her providence. If therefore we cannot bridle that, we will labour to muzzle report, and keep the house inviolate from the aspersions ofinfamie. I have hitherto resisted the commission of this unlawful act, but since I can make head no longer, it shall now be my last care, that, that be secretly done, which I see will be done. For it little differs, either not to do, or so to do, that no man knows the doing. Sensuality is generally implanted in all, nor is he a man whom this fury doth not haunt, and he is most chaste, that is most cautious. Whilst he thus reasons with himself, Lucretia came out of her chamber, to whom having addressed himself, he humbly demanded the reason, why she thought his bosom a casket too unworthy for her secrets of love? I know said he you love Euryalus, and without my privity would love him, but be circumspect whom you make a sharer in your counsels, for you are a servant to him, who is the master of your secret. The first degree of wisdom is not at all to love: The second to love closely, and to blind the world, as your passion hath blinded you. This you cannot do alone without the assistance of a third: my heart hath been proved true to you by the Test of time, and the Index of a long experience. If you shall please to encharge me with any thing, command with all assurance: it shall be my study that your love be not unmasked, and yourself exposed to punishment, and your husband to obloquy, and scorn. Honest Sosias (replied Lucretia) I confess this truth, and confidently repose my trust in you, presuming that my affiance will oblige your fidelity, but you were me thought, somewhat cold in seconding my desires, or rather hot in opposing them, yet since I see you undertake my cause as a voluntary, I shall entertain your service, nor suspect any treachery, an improvident act of many who have taught others to deceive them by seeming fearful to be deceived. You know, that I burn extremely, and therefore cannot burn long, for the violence of a motion is an enemy to its continuance. Euryalus languisheth for love, and I dye: and to oppose our Passions is to advance them. One meeting would rebate our edge, and rectify our loves to a moderation. Go therefore to Euryalus and inform him that the poverty of our fortune will afford us but one way of access, if four days hence, when our Peasants bring the Corn home, he will humble himself into the habit of a Porter: the gods are his precedents who have masked under more inglorious disguises. Thus dissembling his person, and our purpose under a Frock let him carry Wheat into the Granary. Give him a punctual situation of my Chamber, where I shall attend him at the day prefixed: and when courteous opportunity shall leave him alone, let him enter my lodging, where I will be found with no more company than himself brings with him: Sosias although sensible of the danger, yet apprehensive of a greater imbarkes for the action: and finding Euryalus, he delivers him those instructions he had in commission from his Lady, which although in themselves very weighty, yet they seemed light in the seal of his estimation: he hugs the attempt, and addresses himself to the adventure, and complains of nothing but those same four ages, which Sosias had called by the name of four days.  
So insensate is the breast of an Inamorato, and so desperately is the eye of his judgement ceil up, that his heart takes no impression from the justest cause of terror, and the apprehension of a danger was never there. His Optickes are so irregular, that all objects lose the truth of what they are, their Ideas being defaced by his abused imagination. What is most inaccessible presenteth a smooth surface in a lover's Glass, and the greatness of any undertaking is lessened in his perspective. The anxious watches of a jealous husband, are in his valuation as vain as his dreams, which proceeds from the want of fear, which was never one of Cupid's retinue, and contempt of love, which in his judgement is but a Goblin to awe simplicity. Such an invincible Rascal is that same blind Lad, that he can Cow the bravest spirit beneath the lowest servitude. Euryalus high in the favour of his Prince, and Fortune, but so high in the impregnable tower of his own judgement, that it is not imaginable that he should finke to an humility so base: yet this Euryalus exchanged Scarlet with Sackcloth, and he that grew up in the delicacy of all softness, did now harden his shoulders to the patience of a burden. Since our ownen age hath enabled us to give evidence of a transformation so prodigious, we will not dispute the reality of those famous metamorphoses, which were transmitted to posterity by the most delicate of the Roman wits: for although those changes were not natural by the assumption of shapes, yet they were moral by the harmony of Conditions: so that where the nobler operations of the discursive parts are drowned in a Lethargy of sensualtie, you must look for such a creature in the History of Beasts; for the inquiry would be ridiculous, should you search in the definition of man. The morning did now leave old Tithonus' bed, to do a courtesy to a younger lover: and the Sun rendering all things in their colours, could not but give Euryalus a fresh one; who by his own sentence then pronounced himself happy (such corrupt judges are we of felicity) when a child new come from the Arch of his Cradle, would have doomed him miserable: when he was mingled with the contemptible crowd of Porters: where he accounted that his glory, which is the opposite to glory, to lie obscured and unknown. Thus our gallant Porter jogges on to the house, where he learnedly filleth his sack, and having emptied it in the Granary, as being puney in this fraternity, came last down. In his way (as his instructions taught him) he gently opened her chamber door, of which, by the description of Sosias, he had a Mathematical knowledge: which he as suddenly shut, as he had entered privily; there he finds Lucretia alone busy with a needle, in expectation of other employment. Advancing near: Thou great Treasurer of my spirits, said he, which art precedent of my life, and hopes; I have now found thee aloncout of the danger of any House informers, and shall be initiated in thy chaste embraces, which hath been the summary of my desires. No interposed wall can now eclipse thy beauties, nor the tyranny of distance any longer usurp upon my eyes. Lucretia, although herself the Protectress was astonished at the first encounter, imagining that she saw some spirit, and not Euralius, and thinking it incredible, that so great a man should run so great an hazard, she stood amazed at her own workmanship, and her invention almost put her out of her wits. But Euryalus was a very good woman's Doctor, and with some kisses well applied restored her to her senses, and self. Poor heart, said she, art thou he? Art thou my Euralius? And having her cheeks double died (for the tincture of a blush was added to their Roses) she gave him such an embrace, as if she intended an union of souls. His forehead she sweetly pressed with her lips, and intermingling words with kisses; ah, said she, upon what a doubtful cast hast thou played: it shall be to me an indubiat argument of thy loyalty, and I were Infidel, should I require a second demonstration. Thou hast made an undeceiveable experiment of thy love, and my faith, shall be found a prize worthy the adventure, 
Fate prosper what we have designed,  
And fan us with auspicious wind.  While I live, not any man but thyself, shall by the least colour entitle himself to me: no, not my husband, if he may boast that name, who never had my heart, and my hand only which was forced, and therefore not obligatory. Come on thou extract of my delight, and pleasures, cast off this Frock, and let me see thee as thou art, not personating another in a disguise. Put off the Porter, and put on Euryalus. Then uncasing himself of those fordid weeds, he appeared in the lustre of an unclouded Sun, and by the forwardness of his desires, as well as the bravery of his apparel, he spoke himself to be what she expected. But now Sosias who stood sentre knocked at the door, and warned the gentle lovers to provide for their safety; for Menelaus, in great haste was coming for something in that Chamber. You must said he play the juggler to cast a mist before his eyes, and gull him with some fallacy. Said Lucretia suddenly, by that bed there is a blind Closet, in which are all my lewells of price, of which I value you to be the richest, and will put you up in the same Cabinet. You may remember what I have writ to you, if we should be at any time fair to be taken by my husband, Damage faisant, Go in boldly, the darkness will be your security: so that you neither move, nor spit. Euryalus was in some doubt what to do, but finding that time could spare no place for consultation, he resolved upon execution, and concluded to take her advise: with that she opened the door, and returned to her needle. Menelaus and Betus with him are now entered to search for some records appertaining to the State: but not finding them in any of the Desks, they are without question said Menelaus in that Closet, and command Lucretia to bring a light to look there. Euryalus terrified at the word, his blood discomfited in his face made a retreat to his heart. And now beginning to hate Lucretia, he severely declaimed against his own lightness, the alone cause of his present captivity. I shall now, said he, be publicly traduced: the loss of my Prince's favour is inevitable, and that of my life is too fair a possibility. What power created, or can safety herself rescue me from destruction? O the simplest of what ever was called man, who have made my own ruin my Option. At what intolerable rates are these pleasures of love sold, for the buyer is often the price of his own ware? Yet for love's cause, which like smoke, then vanisheth when it is at the highest, we will screw ourselves into the most inextricable straits. I am myself an example of this sad Truth, for humane reason cannot furnish me with so much thread, as will clear me of this Labyrinth. If pitying fate would send me a gracious Liberate, love should never make me another Mittimus. Kind Heavens redeem me hence, and dispense with this youthful error: do not severely measure my ignorances in all their dimensions, but reserve me till repentance hath made an atonement for my delinquencies; for it will be your greater glory that I live a monument of your mercy, than die a sacrifice to your justice. It was Lucretia's purpose not to love, but to betray, and to bring me like a poor Hart into the Toil. This day is the period of my life if the date be not extended by the power of an omnipotent hand. I have often heard of the impostures of women, & never had the wit to decline them, but if I come off now, I will bid defiance to all their future stratagems.  
Lucretia herself was in as great an agony, distracted with a double fear, both for her lover's safety, and her own. But as it happens in unexpected occurrences, the conceit of a woman, is more present than that of a man (the suddenness of the danger setting an edge upon her wit) she had instantly contrived a remedy. Husband, said she, there is a box in the window, where I remember you used to put some of your records, let us see if these you now look for be not there: and with that running hastily to the Box with a pretence to open it, she thrust it out at the window with such art, that they supposed, it had been by chance, and not her intention. O husband, said she, haste that we suffer not: the Box is fallen down, make all speed lest either jewels, or writings be lost: for Heaven's sake get you down, and in the interim I shall watch that nothing be stolen. See the boldness of the woman; the best eye hath been deluded by their false apparitions. He only was never deceived, whom his wife never attempted to deceive: but he that hath escaped, and yet hath been laid at, let him ascribe his felicity to his Stars, and not to his Providence. Menelaus and Betus moved with this accident so much concerning them, run speedily down into the street. The house being built high after the Tuscan manner had many stairs to be descended, which favoured Euryalus with time to provide for his better security: who by the counsel of Lucretia took a new covert. Having now gathered up the jewels and writings but not finding those they came for, they returned to search those Boxes, which were in the Closet, where Euryalus first took sanctuary. There they met with the papers, and having taken leave of Lucretia they departed. Then did she open the door to her sweet prisoner, and invite him forth with the delicate compellations of, Thou living source of my delights, and summarie wherein all my joys, are abbreviated, and yet not lessened by the contraction: we have now liberty to discharge our minds by conference, and to let ourselves loose to the freedom of uncontroled embraces. Our pleasure will be more endear, and fined by this difficulty of the beginning, which though the perverseness of fortune would have nipped, and blasted, yet some favourable power, unwilling to see so loyal a pair abandoned to destruction, kept life in our love by a gentler Influence. Here is now neither place nor cause for fear, let me therefore embrace thee, thou armful of Roses, and Lilies: why dost thoustand? Why dost thou doubt? I am thy Lucretia, dost thou abhor her touch? (Euryalus his shaking sit having scarce left him) mustered up his spirits, and in his arms closely entwined his Mistress: never, said he, was I arrested with so terrible an expectation of death. But the greatness of worth makes the sufferings, and deservings of thy servants inferior to the acquist: and if things beratable to their value, than it is a breach of commutative justice, that such kisses, and embraces should be banished away Gratis. And myself (for ingenuity will speak truth) have bought this good at an under rate, having paid nothing for it but the fear of danger. Could I so dye, as to live again, and enjoy thee: a thousand times would I dye, to revive and enjoy thee a thousand times. O the felicity that I am estated in! Do I see a vision, or is my joy a real one? Do I indeed embrace thee, or am I deluded with a phantasm? No surely, here is no apparition, for this is flesh, not spirit. Lucretia was arrayed in a ucty thin Pall, which did fticke to her so close, and without wrinkle, that it rendered her breasts, and hips in their true figure, and dissembled not her most private motions. Her neck was purely white; and her eyes did flame strongly: but to say white like the snow, or flaming like the funne, were to dishonour her with the beggarliness of the similitude. A cheerful look, a lively face: the Lily, and Rose are but the obscure types and shadows of those delicate tinctures laid on her cheek by the pencil of Nature. Her laughter was free, but modest, her breast full, and her paps like two Pomegranates, did rise up on either fide with a gentle, and tempting swelling: which as they did beat, gave both a signal, and a challenge to the encounter, Euryalus his continency was too weak, any longer to abide the Trial: and the poor Gentleman was not mortified enough to combat so violent a temptation: but having already left his fear, he resolved to leave his modesty too, and so boarding the Lady, Now, said he, let us make ourselves one, in each others reciprocal fruition, she (resisted, it seems it is an old fashion) telling him a tale of the great care forsooth she had of her reputation, & that she imagined that his love would be limited within the boundures of kisses, and pretty talking. At that Euryalus smiling assaulted her with this Dilemma. Either it is known, said he, that I am here, or not: ifit be known, who will not suspect the rest? and it will be a simple thing in you to undergo such an imputation, and do nothing for it: but if it be unknown, than this likewise shall no man know: it is the earnest of my Love, and to want it, is to dye. It is a sin, said Lucretia, Nay, said Euryalus, it is a sin not to make use of a good thing, when you may. To refuse this occasion so freely vouchsafed by yourself, and so diligently laboured for by me, were to slight your noble favour, and to give the lie to my own endeavours. And with that taking hold of her wrist, he easily overcame her, who did but prevacilate in her resistance, and fight with a purpose to be overthrown. Nor did the fruition of her bring any satiety to his appetite, although usually such desires are emptied, and evaporated in the enjoying; it did rather add a thirst to his dropsy. But Euryalus having an eye upon his danger, after he had refreshed himself with a banquet took leave of the most unwilling Lucretia: from whom he went, unsuspected, and unobserved, being only taken for what he was not, a Porter, walking homeward, he begins to wonder at himself, being by himself almost put out of his own knowledge: and pensively considers, what the event might be, if Caesar should meet, and know him. Into what a jealousy (said he to himself) would this confused habit put him: I should be the common Tabletalk, and the best help to discourse; I should never be at quiet, till he had extorted from me the mystery of this clownish disguise. But I should be bold to acquaint his Highness with a very little of the Truth: he should not know that Menelaus his house was the scene, and that I personated the Porter upon that stage: for Caesar is privately my Rival, and it would prove a matter of dangerous consequence, were there but the least whisper abroad, that the man had been in the saddle, before the Master could put his foot in the stirrup. Lucretia must not be discovered, she entertained me, she saved me: and my silence is the least reward I can pay her, for her fidelity. While he thus talked with himself, he espied Palinurus, and his trusty Achates; but was at home before they could discover him: then having doffed his frock, he told them all the passages of his adventure. His passions had so strongly continued their impressions in him; that in the relation of his fear, and joy, he seemed to the spectators really still to fear, and really still to joy. Fool, said I to myself, to consign my safety, to the faith of a woman, and adventure my life in so weak a vessel, whose contrary hath been so often commanded by my Father, that to have perished in the fact, had been the merit of my disobedience. He would discourse to me of their inclinations, and manners, in so hated a language, that he offered violence to my ears: for not any name which employed vice, but with him was an Epithet, worthy that sex. I was thus taught, but I forgot my lesson. If I had been known by any man, sweeting under my burden, the dishonour would have been traduced to my posterity; and it would seem an abatement in my Coat, when my Heir should be told that his Father bore a sack in his Arms. I had been lost to Caesar, who would have thought my Levity fitter for a Bedlam, than a Court. But to interpret favourably for myself, admit my Master had passed it for a jest; what if her husband when he was hunting for his papers, had started me? The Law of Italy is severe enough against the violaters of the marriage bed, but the grief of a wronged husband enlargeth itself to a vengeance, that will not be limited, nor mitigated by Law.  

One Husband whips th' Adultrer dead,  
Another stabs him in his bed.   
But suppose he had spared my life, he would send me to the Gaol, or which is worse, to Caesar: And grant that I had delivered myself from him, he being disarmed, and I having an approved sword secretly by my side, yet there were others with him, and the room had weapons to furnish them. Besides in the house were many tall fellows, who would presently have shut the doors, and then tortured me with such an extremity, as would have extinguished the memory of the persecutions. But chance, not cunning, redeemed me from this slaughter-house. Yet why should I call that chance which was the dexterity of Lucretia's wit, and so unjustly rob her the honour of my delivery. Singular is this love, and this Lady goes alone. Dear Lucretia, thyself art Argument enough to confute my Father's invectives, and to vindicate thy whole kind from the imputation of an in constancy. Why should I doubt then to lay my life in thy fair hands, and dedicate it to the protection of so pure a faith. Had I a thousand necks, I would render them all to thy custody: for thy virtues are fidelity and circumspection, from whence a prudence is derived, by which thou knowst how to love, and how to save thy Lover. Invention itself could not have contrived a neater trick to divert those importunate searchers: whom thou didst delude with so much Art, as if thou hadst been born for this end alone to be recorded the Author of so memorable an escape. Thou wert the preserver of my life, be pleased to be the disposer of it; and what it was first thy favour to save, be it now thy Grace to accept. I am thy creature, and my breath is from thy benevolence, which in thy service I shall be as ready to lose, as thou wert ready to save; for both my life and death are thy Prerogative. I am ravished with the speculation of the peculiar rarities of thy wit and beauty, and shall myself be sick, unless I give them another visit. When shall I make the second impression of my love, upon thy yielding lips, and with my fingers make so many dimples upon thy tender paps? That which thou hast seen Achates, is not enough to make thee truly say, thou sawest her. There be degrees of activity in her looks, for at a distance they wound, and at hand they murder. Hadst thou been with me, thou hadst been struck with a more confounding sight, than Tantalus his friend, when that Lydian King, in a pretty frolic, showed him his wife naked: And had I power, my faithful Achates, I would present thee with the like spectacle: for neither can I with all the flourish of Rhetoric give you the description of her features: nor canst thou by all the vigour of meditation comprehend the plenitude of my joys. Congratulate therefore with me, and content thyself with this small portion of knowledge, seeing that words are too narrow interpreters to express her many graces, and that my pleasure had something in it more copious, and significant than language. Thus Euryalus talked with Achates, and Lucretia talked as much with herself. Yet was her joy less for want of a partner. Grief, indeed a passion contracting the heart, is lessoned by communication, because it is a motion opposite to that contraction: But joy, a Passion distending the heart, is augmented by communication, because it is a motion concurring with that distension. But Euryalus must not love alone; for to love Lucretia, and to love without a Rival, is in the number of impossibles: it being a fortune attending great beauties, to have a multitude of flies to court their flames.  
Baccarus a Knight of Hungary, a man both noble by his birth, and by his nearness to Caesar's person, fell extremely in love with her: his hope persuaded that she loved him by an argument drawn from his face, which he knew lovely: but his fear dissuaded the contrary, by an argument drawn from her breast, which he thought chaste.  
Lucretia, after the manner of the Tuscan Ladies, dispensed the smiles of her brows upon the Courtiers, with so fine an impartiality, that while none of them saw others preferred, every one by a flattering application made himself the man. It is an Art, or rather a trick which our Ladies practise whereby to dissemble their love. Baccarus is in a manner dispossessed of the state of his Reason, and no counsel can re-establish him in it, until he hath some acquaintance with Lucretia's mind, which was thus attempted. The Gentlewomen of Sienna, have a custom to visit our Lady's Chapel, about a mile from the City. Thither went Lucretia attended with two Maids, and an old Woman, Baccarus followed, with a posee of Violets in his hand, very delicately guilded, in whose leaves there was a Letter of love, with fine subtlety enclosed. And let us stay our wonder at this, since the Orator hath avouched that himself saw the Iliads of Homer comprehended in the narrow capacity of a nutshell. After some humble recommendations, he tendered both himself, and Violet to Lucretia, and she rejects both: But at the importunity of the Hungarian, and by the assistance of the old woman, she was wrought to accept it: for why, Madam (said she) should you feign to yourself a fear, and frame a danger in your imagination to tremble at. But Lucretia had not long kept it, before she gave it one of her Maids, who soon after encountering two Students was easily over-entreated to part with it, who being naturally inquisitive, had suddenly unutiled the Mystery, and discovered the Paper. Men of this profession, have been heretofore principally in the grace of our women: but since Caesar's Court came hit her, they are but their sport, and contempt; for instructed by so fair a precedent as that of Venus and Mars, they prefer arms to arts, and hold, that a pen is not so substantial a weapon as a Lance. The scholars proud of an opportunity to vindicate themselves of the swordmen, deliver the letter to Menelaus, and wish him to peruse the tenor of his injuries. Presently the good man was filled with indignation, and the house with noise. Lucretia's innocence plead her not guilty, and the narration of the fact, & the old woman's evidence, did undeniably confirm the plea. Complaint is made to Caesar, and Bacarus convented: who ingeniously confessed a truth so apparent, and gave his majesty an oath never to make new attempts upon his virtue. But he had too much of that heresy, that jupiter frowns not, but smiles upon the perjuries of lovers. This animates him to reinforce his determination, and the rather because it was forbidden: it being a humour originally traduced, most irregularly to prosecute that, which is provided against with the greatest caution, and commination. It was now winter, and Zephir resigned to a ruder breath, now the women threw Snowballs into the streets, and from thence the youth of the City bandied them as fast into their windows. Baccarus will now take an occasion from the winter, as before from the spring: then a violet was his messenger, and now a ball of Snow, in which with much cunning he had enclosed a letter, and with no less dexterity directed it into Lucretia's window. Who will not then confess (before the rack be presented him) that there is no bearing of sail which is not of fortunes trimming, and that she is Lady Regent of all sublunaries.  

One hour of gentle fate's more prevalent  
Than thy commands to Mars from Venus sent.   
There is a wild kind of sect, which hath forced this principle, Fortune hath no interest in wise men. A sort of Stoical wits, who if they were put in Phalaris his Bull, would not roar but sing. Yet certainly in the managing of the common affair she hath a double stroke, uphill and down hill; to advance a hope, and ruin it. She overwhelmed this poor Gentleman even when his hopes did almost touch upon the cape of happiness. He was not well advised to enclose his love-letter in a posy of violets, nor at this time to the same purpose to choose no surer convey then a Snowball. But had Fortune crowned this devise of his with wished success, than had his subtlety and wisdom been extolled by all men above the skies. But see the ill chance, the Snowball falling out of Lucretia's hand, ran toward the fire, and itself and the Seal being dissolved by the heat, the letter lay open to view; which Menelaus then in presence presently snatched up, & as greedily perused. The contents occasioned a great combustion, but Baccazus thought it his safer course to trust to a fair pair of heels then to apologies in a fact so evident.  
This love of his stood Euryalus in good stead, for the jealous husband taken up in watching Baccarus steps and actions, gave Euryalus fair advantage to put his plots in execution.  

To keep to ones proper use asks much pain,  
What many seek by love or force to gain.   
Between Lucretia's and the adjacent house went a narrow alley, the near posture of the walls afforded an easy ascent into Lucretia's Chamber; but this was to be attempted by night only. Menelaus was to go into the country, and to lodge from home. The lovers thought this joyful day long a coming. He takes his journey, Euryalus changing his habit hies him to the alley. There Menelaus had a stable whereinto Euryalus got by Socias directions, and there under the Hay took up his lodging. Dromo that was Menelaus groom in the morning came to the Hayloft with his Pitchfork, which he struck well nigh into Euryalus sides, and had certainly murdered him had not Sosias by good fortune come that way: who knowing the danger Euryalus was in, called to Dromo: Prithee brother let me alone to give the Horse's meat, and in the mean while see what good cheer is providing for dinner. Let us be frolic while our Lord is away. We live a better life with my Lady in his absence: she is merry and freehanded: he peevish, unquiet, convetous, and never pleased. Seest thou not what a miserable house he keeps, how he lockesup the victuals from day to day wretched caitiff! that seeks by this sordid penury to heap up riches; for is it not the height of foolery to live poor all a man's life time, to die rich. What a good Lady have we that imagining beef and mutton not sufficient, feasts us with hollow foul, and denies us not plenty of the rarest wines. Prithee Dromo provide good junkets. Let me alone for that quoth Dromo, I have more mind to be in the Kitchen than the Stable. I brought my Master out of town, he gave me not one word all the livelong day, but at evening he bade me tell my Lady he should lie abroad all night. I commend thee Sosia that abhorrest our Master's conditions, and I had long ere now given him the bag if my Ladies hadnot retained me by her liberal breakfasts. If you'll agree to it we'll not sleep a wink to night, we'll eat and drink till day appear, and waste more in one mcale, than our Master shall have in a whole month.  
Euryalus was glad to hear them thus in discourse, yet observed the conditions of servants, and imagined that his own in his absence served him with the same sauce. So when Dromo was gone Euryalus rising up: what a happy night (quoth he) Sosia shall I enjoy by thy courtesy that hast directed me hither, and by an excellent wile kept me from being disclosed. Thou art an honest man, and thy deserts challenge my affection, nor will I prove ungrateful, this good turn shall not go unrewarded.  
The appointed hour drew onjoyfull Euryalus, although he had twice escaped narrowly with life, climbs the wall, and the window being open, finds Lucretia by the fire with her junkets about her, expecting his coming. She knowing him to be her sweet heart arose and embraced him. They kiss, and after salutation, with wine and dainties refresh their tired spirits. How momentany are our joys! how durable our grief! Euryalus had not had one hours' fruition of content when Sosia brought the sad tidings of Menelaus return and blasted all their joy. Euryalus is frighted and bethinks himself how to make escape. Lucretia having hid the junkets goes to welcome her husband home. husband (quoth she) thou art welcome: but prithee why staydst thou so long in the country? take heed I smell out no piece of waggery: why dost thou not reside at home? why dost thou excruciate me by thy absence? but prithee le's sup here, and then we'll go to bed. They were then in the Hall where the household used to sit at meals, there she endeavoured to stay her husband that Euryalus might more opportunely make escape. But Menelaus had supped abroad and made haste to his bed chamber. Then said Lucretia I am no body in your regard: why chose you not rather to sup at home with me; I because you were absent have neither eat nor drunk all this day. Some country men brought me wine affirming it most neat and terse, my grief would not permit me to taste one drop. Now you be come home please you let us go into the Cellar, and let us experiment if the wine be suitable to their report. Having thus said, with her right hand she snatched a light and took her husband by the left and so descended the Cellar and spun the time out until she thought Euryalus had shifted for himself, and then against her will she went to bed with her husband; Euryalus in the dead of the night returned into the house again.  
Next morning Menelaus (whether through provident care or jealousy I wot not) commanded the window to be made up: I verily believe (for our country men are shrewd conjecturists and wondrously jealous) that Menelaus suspected the fitting situation of the place, and having none of the best conceits of his wife, was willing to remove the occasion, for though he could nottax her with false play, yet he saw her followed by many suitors, and knew a woman's mind was sickle, having as many changes as a tree, leaves: the feminine sex being great lovers of novelty and sated with the fruition, set naught by their own husbands. He therefore tracked the path that all jealous husbands go, who strongly conceit that watchful observation may keep their wives from treading awry. By this means their meeting was debarred, & their intercourse by letters was likewise stopped, for by Menelaus persuasions the governor put down the Vintner, out of whose rooms (situated on the back side of Lucretia's house) Euryalus was wont to talk unto Lucretia, and by a Reed reach letters to her. They had nothing left them but an interview only, and unspeakable was their grief that were unable to desist, yet knew not how to make progression in their amorous negotiation.  
Euryalus thus musing what way to take, he remembered Lucretia's counsel concerning Pandalus a Gentleman allied to her husband: and in imitation of learned Physicians that in dangerous diseases rather experiment some doubtful dose & perilous potion then desert their patient for incurable: he resolves to assay Pandalus & make trial of a remedy which he had formerly refused. Having called him and being withdrawn into a private room, he thus bespoke him:  
Friend, I desire you to sit, I have a weighty business to disclose to you. It requires diligence, trust and secrecy with all which I acknowledge you are endued: I would long since have intimated the same unto you, had not the tender growth of your acquaintance retarded me; I now both know you, and for your approved fidelity love and honour you: but if you were a mere stranger to me, your country men's general good report were sufficient; and those friends of mine with whom you be familiar, have let me know your rare qualities, and what great esteem you merit; by whose insinuations I am informed that you are desirous of my favour whereof I now deliver you seison, your merits as much as mine claiming an interchange of our mutual affections. But to the point. There shall not need many words between friends, you are not ignorant what imperious sway love, either virtuous or sensual, bears in the hearts of mortal men; no heart that is not made of Adamant, but hath felt the force thereof. From this passion I have not read of any man could claim immunity. This frenzy can be no otherwise cured but by the fruition of the party beloved, our times and former ages afford plentiful examples of both sexes, who prising love at as high rate as life itself, denied the one, have disdained to retain the other. My drift in this relation is to acquaint you with my love and what I would request at your hands. I will not conceal from you what profit will redound hence; because I esteem you as my most intrinsical friend. I love Lucretia; nor am I (my Pandalus) to be blamed, but Fortune the Lady Regent of this lower world we all adore. I knew not the customs of this City, your women dissemble with their looks what their hearts mean not. Hence grew my error Lucretia's smiles made me think myself beloved, and can any accuse me for setting my affection on so worthy an object. But finding my hopes beguiled, I not being able to retreat, I left no means unassayed till I won Lucretia to my love: now our flames have equal vigour, and without your assistance we are both of us undone. Her husband and brother watch her narrowly: the golden Fleece was not so attended by the restless Dragon, or Hell gates by Cerberus as she is. I know your lineage: your nobleness, riches, power, would I had never known this woman. But who can stand against destiny. Fortune, not my election made her my mistress. In this posture matters now stand. Our love is concealed as yet, but once brought to light will produce some hideous mischief, which I pray heaven avert. Haply I could master my desires by departing this City, which I would doethough to my great grief for your house sake, if I thought it would do any good: But I know the height of her passion is such she would either follow me or forced to stay, by her own hands rid her loathed life, which would be an everlasting stain to your family. For the removal of these evils I desired this meeting. To your care I commend the management of this important affair. It lies in you by procuring our congress to assuage our mutual flames, you know the several accesses of the house, what time her husband is away, and know how to introduce me. Your help is needful to beguile her husband's brother that keeps so strict a watch over her. Be diligent and give me inkling at what time her husband is absent. Use some sleight to remove the brother, and that he may surrender that charge to yourself alone, which I pray Heaven may so fall out, then by your admission of me by night while all are in a deep slumber all things will sort to a happy conclusion. It cannot be unknown to your wisdom what sundry commodities will hence ensue. The honour of your house will be kept untainted: our love concealed which if it should be known would be an infamy to your family, you shall preserve your kinswomans' life. Menelaus shall be obliged to you for his wife's safety; of two evils the lesse is to be chosen. What course soever be taken there will be danger in it: but this expedient hath the least. Nor would I have you think your pains shall go unrequited, you know my favour with Caesar; you shall obtain whatsoever you will ask. And this I will promise you, you shall be made a Count Palatin to you and your heirs for ever. Then bestir yourself. I commend to your care and fidelity Lucretia: myself, our love, our reputation, the honour of your family; they are all in your power; it lies in your hands to ruin all or to preserve all.  
Having heard all this, Pandalus smiled, and pausing a while. O Euralius, said he; All this I knew and wish things had been otherwise, but you have said no more than truth, things are now at that pass that I must of necessity help, or great infamy will light upon our family. Lucretia is so far engaged in love, that if I secure not, she will either stab herself, or throw herself headlong out at windows: she regards neither her life nor honour. Herself hath disclosed her love to me. I dehorted her, chid her, sought to extinguish the flame, but could not prevail; she regards nothing but you, she thinks on nothing else but you. Calling often to me she says, dost hear Euryalus. Love has so changed her that she is not like herself. The whole City had not a chaster, a wiser dame. What a wonderful thing it is that love should bear such rule in humane minds. You have hit on the right way of cure. I will about this business, nor will I exact any reward at your hands, knowing it is not the part of an honest man to ask any boon where no recompense is deserved. What I do is to remove the scandal threatened our family. But quoth Euryalus, if you do not disdain it I will procure you the style and dignity of a Count Palatine. I scorn it not (quoth Pandalus) but I would not have it by way of bargain, but would have it conferred on me freely and unconditionally. It would have more sorted to my desires to have promoved your wishes, and brought you into Lucretia's presence, and you not to have known the author of so good a turn. Farewell. And fare you well quoth Euryalus: set all your wits a work to bring us together.  
Away goes Pandalus rejoicing with acquisition of so great a man's favour, and with the hopes of being made a Count; which dignity the less he seemed to desire, the more he coveted; many men in this being like women who the more they say nay, the more intensely desire what seemingly they refuse. This man by playing the Pander is honoured with an Earldom and his posterity ennobled for ever after.  
O Marianus there are many degrees in nobleness, and if you search the original thereof, in my opinion you will find very few that can rightly boast a lawful propagation. The rich they commonly are ennobled; but riches & virtue seldom move in one sphere; therefore such nobleness flows from an impure fountain. It is a wonder to see a man grow rich by honest courses. All approve that verse, 
None ask how wealth's attained but it must be had;  After the bags are well lined, than nobleness is the thing next sought after; I say, 
Virtue alone does make a noble man.  Not many days after, there grew a broil amongst Menelaus tenants, many whereof being much gone in drink lost their lives. For composing whereof Menelaus presence was held requisite.  
Upon this occasion it was concluded that Euryalus about the hour of five in the evening should draw towards the house, and if he heard Pandalus sing should hope the best. Euryalus came at the hour prefixed, and listened attentively for the watchword, but he could hear no music, nor so much as any whispering noise at all.  
Achates as soon as the appointed hour was passed counselled Euryalus to depart, telling him that they meant nothing else but to gull and delude him. It liked not Euryalus to remove, alleging many reasons one after another for a longer stay. The brother of Menelaus was left behind, whose vigilancy and suspicious scrutiny up and down in every corner hindered Pandalus singing. Quoth Pandalus shall we not go to bed to night, I can no longer hold open my eyes. I wonder that being in your tender years you should so sympathize with the nature of old men, that deprived of their youthful moisture feldome fall asleep till morning, when it is time for others to rise. It's high time, pray le's go to rest. I marvel you sit up so late; Le's go then quoth Agamemnon if you'll needs have it so; yet first le's see that all be sure, so going to the gate he double locked and bolted it very strong. A huge bar of Iron there was which two men were not able to lift, which Agamemnon finding himself unable to wield, Pandalus (quotlhee) le's make fast the door with this bar, and then we'll go to bed. Euryalus heard these words and whispered with a soft voice: If they had done with this bar once then all were done. Come, come (quoth Pandalus) what a quoil keep you? if it be thiefs only you fear, all is cocksure; if enemies, all the ammunition in this house is not able to keep them out. He lift no bar to night, or do it yourself, or it shall be undone for me. Well it matters not greatly quoth Agamemnon, and so went to rest. Then said Euryalus He watch here for an hour to see if any will open. Achates was so tired that in his heart he cursed Euryalus for keeping him out of his bed so late. They had not stayed long but at a chink they might perceive Lucretia with a small Taper in her hands. Euryalus pressing as near as he could possibly: Sweet heart Lucretia (quoth he) all health to you. At first she began to fly, but presently better bethinking herself, she asks who's there? Quoth Euryalus, I thy Euralius am here. Open the door my joy; I have watched here till midnight for thy coming. She knew the voice, yet for more sureness and prevention of any false dissimulation she forbore to open till she heard the byword which they two privily gave each other. Then with much ado she opened the door a little way, and Euryalus made as hard shift to creep in at so strait a passage, and embraced her in his arms. Achates he stood sentinel without doors.  
I am not able to say whether it were fear or excess of joy that was the cause, but Lucretia falling into a pale swoon in Euryalus his arms seemed like a liveless creature; her speech failing, and her eye lids being closed up, some warmth remained, and her pulses beat faintly. Euryalus knew not which way to turn him; if I leave her I am accessary to her death that left her in so dangerous extremity: if I stay Agamemnon or one or other of the house will find us, and I shall be sure to die. Oh unfortunate love, more bitter than gall! for thee to how many dangers have I been obnoxious? How many deaths have awaited me for thy sake. Was this a cross that thou keptst for me in store to extinguish my dearest love, within my own embraces? But, love overswayed all other respects, and nought regarding his own safety he abode with his dear, and being dissolved into tears, oft kissing her speechless corpse: he cried out: Woe's me Lucretia where art thou? Why dost not hear? Why makest thou no answer? open thy eyes and behold me, and smile on me as thou wast wont. I thy Euryalus am here. O my Dear, it is thy Euryalus that embraces thee. O why dost not return me one, for so many hundred kisses? Is this thy entertainment? Are these the joys thou invitest me to? I conjure thee arise, look on thy Euryalus, it is I thy Euryalus that am here.  
Having ended these exclamations, a cataract of scalding tears, he let fall upon her face and temples, whereby as one by strong waters help resuscitated, seeming like one raised out of a dead Lethargy of sleep, and beholding her Beloved: Ah me, Euryalus, said she, where have I been? Why didst thou not rather suffer me to expire it as a happy death, to dye in thy arms. Would heaven I had departed so before thou depart this City. Conferring after this manner, they set forward towards her chamber, where bathing themselves in Venerean delights: Now quoth Euryalus, my toil and danger are changed into joys beyond expression. O Summary of all beauty, am I now possessed of thee? It were best dying now whilst this bliss endures, least intervenient misery, again blast our contentments. My Happiness is incomparable. But alas, how swiftly do the hours fly away? O malignant night, what makes thee make such haste. This verily is the shortest night in all the year. This spoke Euryalus nor was Lucretia behind, they vied kisses, and for amorous phrases were neither in others debt. At the peep of day our Lovers depart asunder.  
Caesar having now wrought his peace with Pope Eugenius, hastens his journey towards Rome. Lucretia was not without some inkling hereof, for what is it that Love perceives not? Thus therefore upon this ground wrote Lucretia to Euryalus.  

Lucretia to Euryalus.  
Had I power to be angry with thee, it should be now, that being ready to depart canst so cunningly dissemble with me. But my heart is more affectionate to thee then itself, and can by no cause be drawn to conceive displeasure against thee. My dear heart why didst thou not acquaint me that Caesar will shortly be gone? He prepares for his journey, and I know thou wilt not stay behind. What I prithee will become of me? Wretch that I am, what shall I do? Where can I enjoy tranquillity? If thou forsake me I shall not live two days. I conjure thee by these lines moistened with my tears, by thy hand and faith given unto me if ever I have deserved aught at thy hands, or if ever my acquaintance won thy acceptation, take pity on a forlorn Lover. I make no boon that you would still reside here, but that you would make me the companion of your travel. I will some evening give it out that I desire to walk to Bethlehem, attended by one old woman, there let two or three of your train lie in wait that may receive me; It is no hard task to carry one away that is willing to go. Nor think not the attempt will prove your disparagement, for King Priam's son accounted it no disgrace to wed a stolen Lady. My husband shall hereby suffer no wrong, for however things go, he shall be sure to lose me; for if you carry me not away, death shall separate me from him. But by your cruelty leave me not to die, who have ever prized you dearer than my own heart.   

Eurilus Answer.  
I kept it from thee till this hour my Lucretia, that thou mightest not torment thyself before the time were come. I know thy nature, and that every light occasion causes thee to fret too too bad. Nor is Caesar to depart hence for ever; when we return from Rome our way lies through this City into our native Country; should Caesar make choice of another way, if I do not return to thee, may I never see my own home again, but like Ulysses spend the remnant of my days in foreign peregrination. Give not thyself over to Melancholy, my dearest, but cheer up thyself. For the rape you speak of, all the world affords not such a content as that would be to me, but I more value thy honour then my own delight. The confidence you have reposed in me awakens a provident care of your well-doing. You are deseended of a right noble house, and your reputation is extolled not at home only but in far remote regions. Should I commit this act: I speak not of mine own, what disgrace would it be to your Family? What a heartbreak to your mother, what a scandalous rumour throughout all the City. Behold will they say, Lncretia that was imputed so chaste a Dame is turned a whore, and run away from her husband. Hitherto you have conserved your credit unstained, this rape would sully your reputation with an indelible disgrace. But to let pass fame, though she worthily deserve our regard, this way we can never attain the fruition of our love. I depend on Caesar; if I forsake him, my means are too short to maintain thee after thy degree: if on the otherside I follow the Court, there's no repose, we daily remove from place to place, Caesar never made so long abode any where as he has now at Sienna, enforced through necessity of War. What infamy were it to us both, should I use thee in the Camp as a common prostitute? I conjure thee my Lucretia upon these grounds alter thy determination, take my advice in good part, and regard not thy passion above thy welfare. Haply another lover would have persuaded thee otherwise, and been the first that would have counselled thee to make escape, to the end he might abuse thee at his pleasure, never forecasting for the future, but greedy to satisfy his present Just; but such a one deserves not the style of a true lover, that prefers the fulfilling of his lust before a care of reputation; I (my dear Lucretia advise thee for the best, I prithee abide here, and diffide not my return; I will so contrive it that Caesar shall send me agent into these parts, and free of all discommodity will compass our mutual fruition. Farewell; live happy, and love thy Euryalus, and wrong me not by thinking my love less servant than thine own, or that I am willing to depart: O no more my sweet adieu.  
Lucretia acquieted by these persuasions writ him back word that she would follow his counsel.  
Few days after Euryalus set forward with Caesar toward Rome, and shortly after his arrival fell into a Fever. Unfortunate man that burning in love was never the less seized by aguish inflammations. Love had brought his body low, and his disease brought him even to death's door; in so much that he was more beholden for life to Physicians than nature. Caesar visited him day by day, and was as tender over him as he had been his own child, and commanded to send for all the prime Physicians. But a Letter sent him from Lucretia, whereby he understood that she was both living and in good health, did him more good than all the Doctor's Receipts. It drove away his Ague, and made him strong enough to walk abroad, in so much as he was present at Caesar's coronation, and honoured with the addition of knighthood.  
When Caesar went to Perusium he stayed behind at Rome, as not yet perfectly recovered. From thence he came to Sienna, very feeble and macilent: he might see his Lucretia, but might not confer with her. Letters passed mutually, and the business about her rape is again had in agitation.  
Here Euryalus stayed three days, but finding it impossible to gain access unto her, he intimated unto her his departure. Their grief at their separation exceeded their joy in their mutual society.  
Lucretia stood at the window when Euryalus road through the street, they cast their blubbered eyes on one another, and were so oppressed with sorrow, as they that felt their hearts even violently rend out of their bosoms; who but a lover like themselves is able to draw the portraiture of their resentments. Laodemia when her husband Protesilaos' went to the Trojan Wars fell into an ecstasy and died at report of her husband's slaughter. Queen Dido slew herself after Aeneas stole away, and Portia would live no longer her Brutus being dead. Our Lucretia when Euryalus was out of her sight fell down in a swoone, and was by the servants got up and had to bed till she came to herself. But after, suiting herself in mean habit, she was never heard sing, never seen to laugh, nor could never be made merry by all the means that ever could be used.  
Thus persevering for some space of time, and living heartless and insusceptible of comfort, in the arms of her weeping mother that in vain sought her consolation, she expired her latest gasp.  
Euryalus having lost the sight of Lucretia spoke not one word as he traveled, had Lucretia only in his heart, and his thoughts were whether he should ever be able to return unto her.  
At last he came to Caesar keeping his Court at Perusium, whom he attended into diverse countries: but as he followed Caesar, so Lucretia's ghost pursued him, and suffered him not to take any quiet repose.  
This faithful lover understanding that she was dead, struck to the heart with sorrow he put himself in mourning. At last Caesar made up a match for him, and he espoused a beauteous, chaste, and prudent Virgin of Princely lineage.  
Dear Marianus you have heard a true narration of the sad Catastrophe of a pair of unfortunate lovers; let the reader hereof by others harms learn to beware, and not be inebriated with the potions of love which have ever a greater mixture of Gall then Hony.  
Farewell. From Vienna the fifth of the Nones of july, 1444.   
FINIS.